The Full Moon takes place on April 8th at 03.35 am BST, at 18 degrees 43 Libra.
The Moon is quincunx Neptune, and in an applying square to the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, a potent influence whose exact conjunction occurred 3 days before this Full Moon.
The Full Moon follows on the themes of the preceding New Moon on March 24th, and clearly features the ongoing battle against Covid-19. The Sun and Moon are both in wide squares to the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction – a T-Square – emphasising death, grief, endings – the intense pressure and powerlessness we are all feeling. There is no sugar coating here, this is a harsh, challenging Full Moon, that will be influential until the next New Moon on April 23rd.
Moon quincunx Neptune illustrates the reality of illness, the epidemic (Neptune) in the world, and the continuation of the imperative for major adjustments to our way of life, to try and halt the spread. The Moon and Neptune illuminate the fear of Covid-19, the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the future, along with the implication that there will be no return to normal and the way things were in the past.
Everything has changed and will continue to do so, the best way forward for all of us, and for some this could be daunting, is to try and flow with the changes. The world, the external energies we engage with have altered, so we need to review our own outlook and actions, consider how and where we may have to compromise and adapt.
Moon quincunx Neptune highlights the need for sacrifices, as well as perhaps either overwhelming feelings of sensitivity or emotional frustration as a consequence.
At the Full Moon Mars is exactly square Uranus indicating that frustration with the current restrictions and lockdowns, especially if financial or domestic tensions are being experienced, will indeed be high. Mars-Uranus contacts can bring highly charged, volatile energy – encountering reckless or impulsive behaviour by others, or feeling inclined that way ourselves if the square touches our natal chart, is entirely possible. In the current circumstances, go for a long walk or run and burn off some energy rather than do or say something regrettable.
But – Mars is also sextile Chiron, suggesting that any passionate or erratic, out of character behaviour will be met with empathy and understanding rather than disapproval. It also encourages us towards actions that help soothe us, that may prove to be healing.
Chart
Mercury in Pisces is sextile Jupiter-Pluto, and could potentially help to beneficially enhance our insight and understanding into the global picture and our personal tale within it. As well as perhaps bringing the possibility of news that has some tiny signs of hope.
Venus, ruler of the Full Moon is in Gemini, semi-sextile the north node and quincunx the south node of the Moon. We may find ourselves drawn to seeking and gathering information, followed by the questioning and evaluation of it. This could bring adjustments to our view of the past, and reshape our ideas for the future around our relationships and finances.
Enhancing this, Venus enters her pre-retrograde shadow phase on April 9th – she turns retrograde on May 13th – it is also worth noting that Venus is out of bounds from April 3rd to June 3rd. Venus retrograde 2020 is likely to bring a far-reaching re-evaluation of life, love and finances, encouraging us to clarify what is truly precious to us along with decipher our path forwards.
Change is here, a new normal is on the way, our task is to try and find our balance, become acquainted with the lay of the land in these strange, extreme and bewildering times. The Full Moon in Libra encourages us to not only have awareness of our own needs, but alongside how we can harmonise with those of others – being kind, gentle and fair across the board – (karmically) weigh up our actions.
Fixed Stars
The Full Moon is not aligned with any major fixed stars.
TAROT ~ 3 of SWORDS
The Full Moon takes place in the 2nd decan of Libra ruled by Saturn in both planetary rulership schemes. The corresponding tarot card is the 3 of Swords.
LIBRA II ~ “There rises in the second face of Libra a black man, a bridegroom having a joyous journey. This is a face of tranquility, joy, abundance and good living.” ~ Picatrix
“In the second face of Libra ascend two men furious and wrathful and a man in a comely garment, sitting in a chair. And the signification of these is to show indignation against evil, and quietness and security of life with plenty of good things.” ~ Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa
Libra is ruled by Venus and Saturn is exalted here. Saturn excels at securing, binding us to promises, pledges, what we commit ourselves to – who or what we unite ourselves with. Venus in Libra expects harmony, order and honour in our relationships and endeavours.
Saturn is The World in the tarot, and Libra Justice – a card that features the Scales of Justice that measure and balance all actions. Justice is about evaluating, weighing up decisions and actions using integrity and remaining impartial, as well as the consequences of decisions and actions. Saturn expects responsibility and discipline, hence Saturn will impose limits if rules are broken to bring wisdom and maturity.
The 3 of Swords depicts suffering and strife when promises are broken or actions are disruptive.
Book T refers to this card as “Sorrow.”
The Rider Waite Smith card is simply, but eloquently a red heart pierced by three swords under grey clouds pouring out rain. But there is no blood, whilst there is heartbreak, the heart is bright, healthy – and will recover. The turmoil is only temporary, what is more, valuable lessons that lead to inner growth can be attained by experiencing pain and handling feeling wounded.
“One of the things that the Three of Swords represents is coping with sorrow caused by the loss of something in which we have, or had, an emotional investment. Whether it involves a relationship with another person, an attachment to certain possessions, or a betrayal, this is an experience none of us escapes. When it occurs, we feel “stabbed” in the heart, but ultimately our intellect (symbolised by the piercing swords of reason) helps us make sense of the situation and push the clouds of despair into the background.” ~ Spiritual Tarot, Echols, Mueller and Thomson, page 149-150
Image by Melanie Magdalena on Unsplash
3 of Swords from the Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schroter