FULL MOON IN ARIES!
Our next full moon will occur on Thursday October 17th 2024 at 4:27am Pacific Time. The moon will be at 24 degrees of Aries, and the Sun will sit directly opposite the zodiac at 24 degrees of Libra. Remember that a full moon is just an exact opposition between the Sun and Moon, so they’re always about the tense balance of this aspect. With the north lunar node in Aries and the south lunar node in Libra since July 2023, we’ve had plenty of chances to reflect on the balance between the sign of the self and the sign of the other (including a few tumultuous eclipses). This full moon in Aries is a fiery lesson in bravely holding our ground and fighting for what we believe in: our right to survive and thrive in this world!
The Basics
A full moon is the peak of the lunar cycle. This is a time when our hidden hearts are fully illuminated for reflection, just as the Moon reflects the Sun’s light. It’s a moment of heightened emotion (think of a romantic moonlit night, a werewolf shapeshifting under a full moon, or even the clearly moon-related concept of “lunacy”). This is an opportunity to fully feel our feelings and to let things go that no longer serve us. It’s also the perfect time to check in on the seeds we planted during the new moon, to evaluate our progress and course-correct as needed.
The Current Cycle
This lunar cycle began with the new moon at 10 degrees of Libra back on October 2nd - which, as you may remember, was a solar eclipse! So the seed of this cycle was a deeply transformative but powerfully chaotic one. This is not an ideal time for magick or manifesting (I would recommend waiting until the new moon in Scorpio on November 1st, when we’re completely clear of the eclipse energy). But it’s still worthwhile to reflect on the last couple weeks and what has happened so far this month, both in your personal life and in the larger world. Libran topics are of particular interest here: balance & justice, art & creativity, and of course relationships.
Chart for the full moon in Aries
Moon-Chiron conjunction
Grand cross with a Mars-Pluto opposition
Soft aspects to Jupiter
Aspects to Other Planets
This full moon will be conjunct Chiron, the “wounded healer” and the most commonly used centaur in astrology. This is an astronomical as well as a mythical term; these small solar system bodies are asteroid-comet hybrids that orbit between the asteroid and Kuiper belts. Chiron’s namesake was a centaur in Greek mythology, an immortal demigod who was wounded by a poison arrow. He was unable to heal himself but was a proficient healer of others, an herbalist, philosopher and astrologer, as well as a mentor of many famous students such as Achilles. This full moon’s conjunction with Chiron draws our attention to nurturing our deep core wounds: physical, emotional, mental and/or spiritual. In the sign of Aries, these are traumas sustained from conflict - or perhaps hurts to our courage, confidence, and drive to live and take up space in the world.
The opposing Sun and Moon will also be square to Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn. The square is a challenging aspect, producing friction and competition - and these are considered two of the most challenging planets in astrology. Mars is the “god of war,” the ruler of Aries which represents our will, energy, assertion and aggression. Pluto is the “lord of hell,” governing the deep pain and potential within us that can be alchemized into power. This grand cross between the full moon and the Mars-Pluto opposition represents an opportunity for deep transformation, or simply for conflict and chaos, depending on the level of awareness we bring to this moment.
On a lighter note, Jupiter in Gemini will be sextile to the Moon and trine to the Sun during this event. Jupiter is the buoyant planet of expansion and abundance, bringing some much-needed cheer and generosity to this lunation. It can help us to find some lightness and humor as we struggle through the lessons of this full moon. Jupiter’s time in Gemini is all about learning and expanding our minds; perhaps we can use it to improve our conflict resolution skills, both externally with others and inside of ourselves.
Synthesis
This is a fiery, chaotic and sensitive full moon. We’re likely to be easily triggered and defensive during this time, especially around conflict or anything that touches on our deep wounds and insecurities. However, bringing these issues to the surface is the first step to learning from them and healing them, bathed in the full moon’s loving light. Aries, Mars and Pluto all ask us to be brave, so let’s proceed with as much courage as we can muster, holding space for our own feelings and compassion for others.
All astrological events affect everyone differently. They will aspect the planets in your birth chart in certain ways, and fall into particular houses of your natal chart. These houses reveal what areas of your life will be illuminated for reflection during this full moon, and where you may need to recalibrate a balance of your time, energy and attention. Check which pair of opposing houses of your chart contain 24 degrees of Aries and Libra. If you’d like some help unpacking how this full moon is affecting your chart, you can book an astrology reading with me here on my website!
Remember that you matter. You deserve to be here and have your needs met, even if you’re the one meeting them. Reflect on what makes your life meaningful and what’s worth fighting for. Who knows when you’ll need to draw upon that motivation in these wild times we’re living through…
