What to do with the Libra Moon
a quick missive about an airy woman in the sky.
Today’s letter is largely about astrology, so I’m using this space up here to say thank you to those of you who have responded so kindly to the Mary in astrology: star of the sea and cause of our joy zine. It’s really been a joy to hear your thoughts and discuss and feel connected with people all over the country. If you didn’t get to order a printed copy and want a PDF version, just respond to this email and I’ll send you one <3
Libra’s Full Moon has caught my attention…
It’s been a long time since I’ve just ambled around an astrological arrangement for y’all. I’ve been drawn so strongly to spend my time in explicitly religious mental terrain, maybe a reflection of Neptune’s slide into my Aries First House. My reading list lately could have been written by Neptune herself: I’ve been plodding through The Book of Margery Kemp, just picked up Spirituality and the Gentle Life, and am being rocked by new medical herbalism hyperfixation. Neptune likes these things.
I guess I'll never completely stop being Catholic
About a year ago I wrote a little about being Catholic, about the movement of Neptune through the signs, and how that movement maps to changes in especially America's religious culture.
But, for some reason, I’m not feeling like talking about Neptune or those Neptune things right now (mostly). I want to talk about the Libra Full Moon that we’ll see in the sky this Saturday night.
Libra isn’t exactly a wonderful place for the Moon. It’s a diurnal sign, though paradoxically it is also where the Sun is in exile, so arguably it isn’t a place where either of the luminaries are especially empowered. Considering the Libra stereotype, the out of the spotlight mediator, that makes some sense. But, of course, there’s a place for all things and plenty of people and times make good use of a Libra Moon, make good use of the blend of social and harmonizing impulses of Libra and the nurturing and emotionally full impulses of the Moon. Especially in the case of a Full Moon in Libra, the first Full Moon of Spring, of the new astrological year, I think there’s something powerful. Especially when the season’s still feeling wintery, windy, and a little slow to start, the bright night will be a welcome event.
This Saturday would be a good time to connect with your close people. I think part of where the more negative aspects of the Libra stereotype come from the idea that the sign suggests performativity, perhaps a little superficial deference or sensitivity to others. If you or your chart carry more intense and brash signatures it’s likely that this reads as fake. But we have to remember that Libra is the Scales. Libra balances, adjusts and mirrors. Given the opportunity, there’s plenty of room for Libra to stand up taller and take up more space. It takes effort on Libra’s part, sure, but it can’t hurt to give some encouragement.
Libra’s ruler is Venus, the bright star of love and connection that is just about to begin marching back toward the Sun, retracing the steps she’s been taking through her Retrograde. At the moment, she’s still bright in Pisces, her place of exaltation, but she’ll be in hot, dry Aries before long. While she’s got her challenges at the moment due to her status as a morning star and the influence of Saturn sitting heavy on her shoulders, it’s still not a bad time to attend to the Venus things in your life. Share a glass of Lambrusco or some herbal tea with friends, buy or make something beautiful, just because it’s beautiful, or kiss someone. Do all of the above.
Finally, give this wonderful song by Sophie a listen. It evokes something for me about the overlap of Neptune’s drama, a Libra Moon, and Venus in Pisces.
This week’s note is shorter, because I’ve been working on some longer pieces that’ll come up in the next few weeks. Still trying to figure out how to plan ahead and give this work the time it needs to germinate…
Some things to read:
I had the pleasure of hearing Kayla E. speak at Partners and Son book store in Philly the other day and read her new graphic novel called Precious Rubbish. If you are in the city I believe you can still buy copies at Partners and Son, or, order here. I’ll give a content warning that it’s a heavy story of childhood abuse, but so gorgeous and Kayla spoke beautifully.
Also, if you live in Philly you should learn about how much we have to lose in our public transit system and register your frustration. I’ll be calling city hall, contacting city counsel, and going to the public hearings in May. Join me!
Always a lot of credit goes to the people who have been my teachers, both directly and through their freely shared knowledge, and so many books.