Full Moon in Aries Oct. 11-12

On the West Coast of the U.S. (PDT), the Full Moon reaches its peak at 18/24 degrees of Aries at 7:06 PM on Tuesday evening. The Sun is in Libra, 18/24, and is conjunct (within 1 degree in this case) of the transiting Saturn (the Great Teacher). When Moon Aries opposes Sun Libra, it generally calls on us to balance the energies of Aries's need to express ourselves in unique ways with Libra's tendency to keep things in balance by being accommodating. With such close aspect to Saturn and the moon (ruler of tides, emotional temperment, grounding), we have great need of maintaining order, calm, and patience (with ourselves, with others, and with conditions and circumstances). Nothing much is coming easily; alliances are shaky, and compromise and self control are required. Embrace the waves, and find ways to be accountable, responsible, and willing to do your best, regardless of the circumstances.
Two pieces of advice have come to me from different friends these past few days, and they seem appropriate for the energy of the waxing full moon (we feel the energy and influence before and after). One practice associated with the High Holy Days of Judaism is the practice of forgiveness. The wonderful practice of forgiveness, an aspect of most spiritual traditions and religions, releases so much when we can make it part of our intentional experience. The practice she told me about was in a ceremony of letting go, releasing what you want to release from the past year or so...whatever you have carried with you that is not serving you, is the practice of forgiving yourself and releasing yourself from choices and decisions, commitments and promises made under duress. Considering the Full Moon and the current impact of a great many planetary and energetic aspects that are moving, uprooting, and transitioning us into a new way of living, any ideas that help make our journey a bit lighter and more focused will help. If you feel you are hitting a brick wall, see the wall as a signal for a change of direction/perspective. Practice forgiveness for yourself and others, and lighten a burden of energy that is deflecting your from where you need to be focused.

The second piece of advice has to do with a ritual that Astrologer, Dana Gearhardt recommends for this full moon cycle. Dana is big on intention and ritual, and has a strong affinity to the power and energy, the light and healing inspiration of the Moon. Her suggestion is to get out into the moonlight during the full moon, and bathe symbolically bathe in the moonlight. Use the moon's light and beauty, inspiration and poetic symbolism to drink in and bathe in the highest intentions you are setting at this point in your life. Visit Mooncircles to read her description of this lovely ritual along with the articles by the other writers on the Mooncircles blog.

On Tuesday morning, there is an enjoyable, harmonious trine between the Moon in Aries and Mars at 12 degrees of Leo. Use the energy to be creative in some way, and tame it as the full moon peaks so as not to make yourself obnoxious in some way.
A creative idea or a project to create something unusual or in an unusual way, can come to form or structure as the light, the need for cooperation and compromise that is evident at the peak of the full moon. Perhaps just in a more solid, well-rounded idea; perhaps in a beautiful expression of unity rather than discord.

If you know your astrological chart, look to see which areas of your life are receiving these aspects. If you don't know a thing about astrology, just notice which areas of your life seem to be affected more than others. Whatever you do, enjoy the beauty of the Full Moon in Aries, as we begin a new lunar year.