Shine on Pisces Full Harvest Moon: Gratitude for Blessings

Bleeding Hearts, Sacred Hearts                                                                                                                    Catherine Al-Meten

The Full Moon in Pisces, this year called the Harvest Moon as it occurs nearest the Autumnal Equinox, pours her Light on all the blessings, gifts, and changes that have challenged, changed, and rewarded us this past year. Author, Rebecca Wells,  puts these words into the mouth of one of her characters in the Divine Secret of the Yaya Sisterhood:

“At the beauty of what she had stumbled onto, at the fear that something terrible would happen because she was not vigilant enough. She cried at the fear of something so good that she would not be brave enough to bear it.” 

We often fail to see how some of our experiences contribute in any way to our growth, happiness, or good, or that of anyone else for that matter. At the time of September's Full Moon in Pisces, we might reflect on, celebrate, and express our gratitude for the gifts of the questions raised, the changes made, and the unhealed wounds that we honor at this time of the year.  I dedicate this column to my friends and family who struggle with the unresolved questions in their lives, and express my gratitude for them as they grow, heal, develop, and shine their own light in very special and beautiful ways. 

Full Moon in Pisces peaks this Thursday, at 4:13 AM (PDT);7:13 AM (EDT); 11:13 GMT. The Sun in 26/41 Pisces opposes the Moon at 26/41 Virgo, calling on opposites to resolve or conflict.  The Virgo Sun represents our need to bring order into our day-to-day routines, patterns, and habits. The Virgo Sun reminds us that we need to take care of our physical health in order to maintain harmony in the way we live. The Pisces Full Moon awakens us to our need for spiritual health, and calls us to infuse our physical lives with meaning, purpose, and direction through our spiritual vision and practices. Oppositions provide a call to bring unity into our lives through acknowledging the polarities of our lives and discovering the spectrum o ways that we can experience both order and imagination, clarity of purpose and vision, and dedication and tenacity with intuitive awareness and insight. 

The Pisces Full Moon

Since the Moon is nearly at 26 degrees, the Sabian symbol is used for the Sun at 27* Virgo. Since there are such different interpretations of the Sabina symbols, I thought I would put forward a number of different, yet verdant interpretations for this Full Harvest Moon in Pisces.

Australian Astrologer, Lynda Hill gives the following  Sabian Symbol: “A Table Set For An Evening Meal. The following is from Hill’s  book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees Of Wisdom:

“The ‘Table’ may be set for a celebration, a family, a couple or just for one. It could be that everything is in place other than the substance, which may be still in preparation, and those to sit at the ‘Table’ to appreciate it. If the ‘Table’ is not only ‘Set’, but also the food ready and the people enjoying the ‘Meal’, there’s the need for a calm state of mind and a quiet and receptive heart. Having said that, it’s not always possible to have peace and quiet at the dinner table. Issues of the day may be brought to the ‘Table’ to be discussed, and these may disturb the atmosphere or need resolution. Still, it’s important to have a calm and quiet enjoyment whilst eating, as this ensures a healthy mind and body This Symbol is often an assurance of that. Having worked hard and long, you may need to realize that your needs will be met. You may find that you have prepared the situation well. What you need will come. Those already at home, as well as those returning home, will find comfort, safety and sustenance. Remember to attend to these everyday tasks with a sense of reverence. Try to remember to say Grace in thanks for the good things that you have.”

Other interpretations include: 

“A group of aristocratic ladies meet ceremonially at a court's function.”   

From Cafe Astrology: 

“A Fertile Garden Under The Full Moon Reveals A Variety Of Full-Grown Vegetables”

From AstrologyWeekly.com: “Sabian Symbol: The harvest moon rises superbly in the east. The light of day is shamed by the colors of an autumnal evening.”

Kozminsky Symbol: “A horse running with flames issuing from his nostrils”

The Kozminsky symbols are yet another metaphoric system of interpreting the different degrees of the Sun.

Venus, (9/26) Saturn (8/49), and the North Node  (9/45)are all conjunct in Scorpio.  

The Full Moon in Pisces trines this trifecta this week, as Saturn is moving into an exact conjunction with Venus. Some major lessons and changes around the way we experience, understand, and perceive love are coming to a head right now. Saturn’s transit over the last year, into the deep realms of our unconscious, has broken up whatever has been lodged tight under our awareness. Many of us are aware of major disruptions in our lives, that call us to move into a new direction now. With the close connection of Venus and Saturn, no doubt this is causing some changes and upset around those who want to move ahead, and those who are clinging to the past holding onto what was.  

When Venus and Saturn move through the North Node, as they are getting ready to do, we stand before the gateway to the future, the yet-unopened door, and we wait, trembling at the thought of what it would mean to move forward.  We may find our thoughts are racing ahead of our ability to keep up with the actions that are called for.  Imagine yourself standing in the middle of a bridge, halfway across to the other side. What is holding you in place? What is keeping you from moving on and testing the waters of a new way of thinking, acting, doing, being, and loving? Again, we are living in the questions, and the questions, even those we think we have answered, are not what guides and informs us. The questions come out of our own fear, concern, and uncertainty.  

As I watch a giant ship, loaded high with containers full of freight, heading out the river towards the sea, I notice a tiny pilot boat, dwarfed at the side of the huge container ship it is guiding out to sea.  Does the pilot of the small boat suddenly stop to question whether or not he/she is capable of guiding the large ship to safety? Does the pilot go below deck just at the crucial moment when the ship it is guiding approaches the dangerous bar at the river’s mouth? The answer is “No!” Once the ship has set sail, and the journey has begun, to become sidetracked or distracted because of fear or lack of confidence would be disastrous for all.  

We have what we need. We know who we are and what we want, and now is the time to continue the journey forward without waiting any longer for signs, or  ‘things to fall into place’, or a better time and more this or that.  In some area of your life where Saturn is journeying (and has been for the last year), and now Venus is transiting, we learn what we are made of. We learn our capacity to love and be loved, and our capacity to take all the lessons of love forward with us, despite our inability to satisfy our longing to ‘know it all’, have all the questions answered before we can see we’re already on the right path, and we have everything we need. Look to your chart/life, and notice where Saturn, Venus, the North Node in Scorpio are located, and then notice where the Full Moon in Pisces is. This Full Harvest Moon shines on and favorably benefits that area of your life at this time. 

Mercury in Libra, may cause us to waffle and be wishy washy with our thinking right now. The growing edge for Libra energy is learning to stand in our own truth. While the great need to find balance and harmony is Libra’s style (listening to everyone’s side, seeing everyone’s point-of-view, being the peace maker and neutral eyes and ears), we now need to recognize our own truth, take a stand for what we believe and know, and do something on our own behalf rather than becoming the doormat for others to express their own views. If this sounds harsh, it is, for Libra can go so far with their need to be everyone’s friend that they no longer understand what it is they want and need.  Think about some area in your life where this energy is keeping you from balance as you have given up your own strength, power, and identity. 

On Monday, Mercury in Libra opposed Uranus in Aries, making some sudden event, news, or experience change on a dime. What you thought you knew and understood, or thought you had communicated clearly, may suddenly shift.  It’s not necessarily bad; it simply means that there is communication that is triggered by some kind of major change in some area of your life...look to the houses where Mercury/Libra  and Uranus/Aries are. There was also a semi-square between the Sun and Saturn early in the morning. Whether or not these shifts affected you directly, you may find that some change is indicated as a result or shifts beyond your control or even understanding.

This week began with the waxing Moon in Aquarius, making us feel somewhat removed and distant from our emotional connection with those who are near and dear to us.  On Tuesday,  September 17, the Moon moves into Pisces. The Moon makes a number of aspects to planets throughout the day, ending the day with a quincunx to Jupiter and a semi-square to Pluto just before midnight. 

Early Wednesday morning, Mercury sextiles Mars, so some good news may arrive overnight, or some project may be finished up in the wee small hours of the morning. Also on Wednesday, the Venus-Saturn conjunction occurs in the late afternoon (PDT). Coming as it does before the Full Moon, it picks up on the energy and is infused with the Full Moon energy. We should begin feeling a deeper, more committed and realistic expression of love and partnership. We experience the depth of passion, love, devotion, and commitment as we also recognize more fully what sacrifices, compromises, and changes that may hold for us. 

The Full Harvest Moon in Pisces on Thursday. Also called the Full Corn Moon, the Full Barley Moon, this Full Moon is called the Harvest Moon this year as well. The Harvest Moon can fall in either September or October, depending upon which full moon is nearest the Autumn Equinox. Falling as it does in 26/27 degrees of Pisces, this year’s Full Moon comes just a few days before the Sun moves into Libra, and the Autumn is ushered in  here in the Northern Hemisphere.  Time to get the harvests in, clean up, prepare for the coming of Autumn, and the shift into the darker, deeper days of our seasonal year.

Also occurring on the evening of the Full Moon in Pisces is Mercury’s (Libra) square to Jupiter (Cancer). The Full Moon in Pisces is sure to be auspicious and fortunate for you in whatever area of your life the water signs rule.  Jupiter in Cancer, Venus, Saturn, the North Node in Scorpio, Neptune, Chiron, and the Full Moon in Pisces are sure to shine deeply into the spiritual, imaginative, romantic, creative, and inner areas of your life where they line up for this Harvest of Inspiration and Love.  

Transit of Water Signs Through 1, 5, 9 houses.  If the planets, the Sun, and the Moon line up in water signs in the 1st, 5th, and 9th house.  When water signs fall into the 1st, 5th, and 9th houses, the following areas of your life are influenced. 

First house refers to how you appear to others, the face you present to the world (both how you want to be seen and how others see you).  It can be either a mask or a mirror. A mask if it hides who you really are (you may appear mysterious or secretive) or a mirror reflecting your qualities outward. First house is the natural home of Mars and Aries.  

Fifth house represents creativity, children, pleasure, and enjoyment of life. Its natural rule is the Sun and Leo. 

The Ninth house represents the knowledge and beliefs you have acquired through study, travel, contact others, and foreign cultures. Ninth house ruler is Jupiter and Sagittarius.  When water signs transit through these houses in your life, you find the elements can provide for steamy exchanges, dampened spirits, 

Transits of the Water Signs through 2, 6, 10 houses.

If the planets, the Sun, and the Moon line up in water signs in the 2nd, 6th, and 10th house.

The Second house represents how you value yourself. What do you possess that defines, informs, and gives you identity and meaning? Second house is in the natural sign of Venus and Taurus.  Creative energy combines with water in the 2nd house to add to your sense of meaning and purpose. 

The Sixth house ruler is Mercury in the natural sign of Virgo. The 6th house represents both your physical health and your daily work. How do you spend your time each day, and how does that affect your health? When we are doing what we love, we are healthier and happier. Water signs transiting this house awaken your passions and desire to live more fully in the present where you are. 

The Tenth house ruler Saturn, is in its natural sign of Capricorn. The 10th house represents your soul calling. It is the house most often associated with career and your role in society. Often, however, as we mature, this house calls us to a deeper awareness of how we feel we are called to serve, express, or create. The water signs transiting this house indicate movement, inspiration, and intuitive knowledge needed to forge ahead with your dreams and goals.

Transits of the planets, Sun or Moon in the 3rd, 7th, and 11th house.

The Third house ruler Mercury is in its natural sign of Gemini. The third house represents all forms of communication. It also deals with neighbors, your local community, short trips, and siblings.  When water signs transit the 3rd house, communication increases and inspired ideas are put into motion.

The seventh house ruler Venus is in the natural sign of Libra. The seventh house represents marriage, partnerships, and intimate relationships. When the water signs transit this house, they shine their light onto the relationships that form the strongest part of our connections with others.  Auspicious and promising developments. 

The eleventh house ruler, Uranus is in the natural sign of Aquarius.  Eleventh house matters pertain to our connections in organizations, networks, and communities. Water signs transiting this house affect the creative, imaginative, ideas/beliefs that are somewhat unconventional in nature. The nature of organization messages, perceptions, and goals change to serve more humanitarian and benevolent purposes. Change and sudden discoveries characterize this transit.  

Transits of the 4, 8, and 12 houses. If the planets, the Sun, and the Moon line up in water signs in the 4th, 8th, and 12th house.

The Fourth house is  ruled by Moon. The Moon is in its natural sign in Cancer. The fourth house represents how we create and find our home. How our home influences us, and how we define and discover what makes us feel at home. Sometimes this means the influences of our home need to be faced to heal from past abuses. When the water signs transit the fourth house, they have a profound impact on our sense of what home is.

The Eighth house ruled by Pluto and is in its natural sign of Scorpio. Eighth house issues rule matters of intimacy, sex, death, rebirth, and matters of inheritance. It also deals with matters of your value in community. Eighth house matters deal with matters of intimacy in terms of gains and losses, profit and loss. Eighth house issues deal with fairness and inequality in our intimate relationships.  Water sign transits of the 8th house bring up whatever issues the transiting planet rules. For example, if Saturn is transiting your eighth house, questions of how you deal with power and power struggles may surface or be problematic. Matters of compulsions, addictions, and other growing-edge elements of our personal journey show up in the 8th house transits.

The Twelfth house ruled by Neptune and in its natural sign of Pisces, rules the unconscious, inner life, and that which is mysterious, shrouded, or hidden from view. It’s also the part of our lives where our own self-undoing is reflected. Sacrifice and hidden allies and enemies are 12th house features, and when the transits occur to this area, there are definite inner awakenings, rumblings. Whatever is unfinished from the past, roars up to the surface to be dealt with.  

Another way to look at interpreting transits through the signs is to look to see which houses are receiving the impact of those transits. 

Angular: 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th  Strengths, talents, gifts, enthusiasm, courage

Succedent:2nd 5th, 8th, 11th  Possessions and creative pursuits.

Cadent: 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th  Developing unique talents and aptitudes. 

Those who will feel the Full Moon in Pisces most profoundly will be those born within 4-5 days of March 17.  If you were born within 4-5 degrees of 27 degrees of Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Virgo, Capricorn, or Taurus, you too will feel the full impact of this Full Moon. If your rising sign was in 17 degree of Pisces or Virgo, this could be quite a wild ride, full of inspiration, surprises, and all manner of romance and enchantment.

Jupiter’s transit through Cancer and the traditional ruler of Pisces, awakens feelings of nostalgia, desire for home and security, and need for family and loved ones. Emotions and sensitivity are heightened, and even exaggerated and out-of-proportion. We also remain in waiting for the shifts and changes of season--they grow more imminent as this full moon occurs just a few days before the equinox. Change is upon us, but has yet to arrive. Our need for security and assurance hang in the ballast, blowing in the winds of change. What to do? Take a lot of deep breaths, and prepare to be launched deeper and deeper into the depths that Saturn, Pluto, and the North Node plunge you towards. 

The Outer Planets, Uranus (Aries), Neptune (Pisces), and Pluto (Capricorn) express themselves through our collective consciousness. As is their nature, they dig deeply, uproot, and turn things upside down through their revelations within and around us...all for the purpose of furthering change, growth, and cultural change worldwide. This is the major work that we have been engaged in over the last year or so, and now as we wait in limbo, we can name our good, reap our benefits, and give gratitude for the bounty and harvest of the year.  As we have experienced during the Sun’s Virgo transit, we now can synthesize and integrate the different aspects of who we are, what we have learned, and what we seek to co-create with Spirit. 

From the beloved Irish poet and theologian, John O’Donohue, the Blessing

As we prepare to enter the Libra realm, let us prepare ourselves with a blessing ritual thanking the Divine for our blessings, our lessons, and our gifts.  

For Equilibrium, a Blessing:

Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,

May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.

As the wind loves to call things to dance,

May your gravity by lightened by grace.

Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,

May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.

As water takes whatever shape it is in,

So free may you be about who you become.

As silence smiles on the other side of what's said,

May your sense of irony bring perspective.

As time remains free of all that it frames,

May your mind stay clear of all it names.

May your prayer of listening deepen enough

to hear in the depths the laughter of god.” 

From To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings

Another major event (as if we need more than what is already going on) is the station of Pluto, as it prepares to turn direct at 17 degrees of Capricorn on September 20, the day after the Full Moon. Since April, Pluto has been retrograde, taking us back over old issues, unfinished business, and unresolved and unforseen problems and conflicts.  As Pluto stations to go direct, we begin to feel energy blocks break up. Any draw to reactive patterns of behavior and or negative thinking, now push us further into a state where we have no choice but to walk in expectation of grace. Grace is the Divine intervention into our lives, when we lease expect it and when we most need it.  When we surrender to the will of the Divine and allow ourselves to get out of the way, God's grace flows into our lives and mends the broken hearted, repairs the broken places, opens up new avenues and beckons us to open the doors of our perception so that we can see what is right before us. Walk in the Light and be open and receptive to the Divine gifts that are flowing to you now.