Libra/Aries Full Moon

October 22, 2010: Libra/Aries Full Moon (exact at 6:37 pm PDT)

We are in such a unique time, with the past month’s astrological alignments really emphasizing a focus on our relationships. This is not only because the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn are in Libra, and Venus is retrograde–and recently made an exact conjunction to Mars–but also because this fall we have had two Libra/Aries Full Moons, with the second one occurring today. What has made this 2-time-per-month celestial event possible—and this occurrence even more pivotal—is that the September 23 Full Moon occurred at the first degree of Aries/Libra and today’s occurs at the last degree.

We had the opportunity on September 23 to evaluate relationships from a perspective of nascency. For many this time period was intense and shocking on some levels. It was if there was a surge of urgency that was almost primal (for more on the September Full Moon, see this article). With four weeks now of the Sun being in Libra, we have gotten our proverbial hands dirty when it comes to evaluating relationship, desires, and what brings up peace (with the additional help of Venus and Mars in Scorpio). And now we meet the Full Moon again, on the very last day of the Libra season, which asks of us to again negotiate our needs versus those of another, to take a critical eye towards assessing how to be in partnership without sacrificing one’s identity, and how all aspects of the I, You, and We that make up relationships can be honored.

As we focus upon this, it is important to stay realistic of our expectations and to watch a desire to forsake ourselves in the name of an ideal cause. The reason here is that today we also are under the energetic spell of Mars square Neptune, which can impart a desire to selflessly act on behalf of another. This is not necessarily a bad thing, mind you, as unconditional love and forgiveness are qualities of the utmost value. It’s just that as we are weighing and measuring how to be while being engaged with another, it’s important to not act in a manner where the inspiration is less about compassion and more about martyrdom, where we give of ourselves in a way where we give our selves away.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 30 degrees (29 degrees 33 minutes to be exact) of Libra (Sun) and Aries (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Libra, Aries, or the other cardinal signs—Capricorn and Cancer—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Libra is associated with the skin, lower back, and blood sugar balance while Aries is associated with the head, muscles, and circulatory system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.

Vetiver: Vetiver essential oil helps to calm pitta, dispelling the excess Aries heat and inflammatory energy associated with this Ayurvedic dosha. In addition to its calming and grounding effects, vetiver is rejuvenating for the Libra-ruled skin. Mix a few drops with some unscented massage oil for an all-over restorative experience. Or, carry a vial of vetiver with you, inhaling its fragrance whenever you need to relax and restore your grounded focus. As with all essential oils, it’s best to purchase vetiver from a high-quality, reputable manufacturer.

Partner Yoga: One example of an exercise ritual that can be shared by two people, partner yoga is a fun and relationship-building way to stay in shape. By relying upon another person to help you achieve greater depth and grace in asanas (poses), partner yoga can help you to strengthen and fortify your body, mind, and relationship. Inquire with your local yoga studios to see