“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall
In the summer of 1960, 26-year-old Jane Goodall arrived in what is now Tanzania to study the chimpanzees. At first, they would run whenever she came into sight. But she slowly inched closer, and they began to get used to her. Soon, she started naming the chimps. She wasn’t supposed to do it, as scientists were forbidden from projecting human attributes onto the animals. But Goodall knew that only by looking at the chimps as individuals could she truly understand them. And what she discovered changed how we look at animal intelligence – and proved that we’re not alone in the world.
It took a lot of courage and determination to go up against the scientific community, but Goodall was a force of nature. By following her gut instead of the rules, she prevailed. She observed that chimpanzees make and use tools, hunt cooperatively, and display complex emotions once thought unique to humans. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to promote wildlife conservation, established sanctuaries and reforestation projects in Africa and began campaigning for the ethical treatment of animals.
Though she expressed it in a kind way, Goodall (April 3, 1934, 11:30 p.m., Hampstead, England) was a fighter. Her chart features Sun conjunct Mars in dynamic Aries, and Moon conjunct Ascendant in spirited Sagittarius. When she passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 on Oct. 1, she was on a U.S. tour to promote conservation and climate action. As Jupiter, her chart ruler, crossed her Pluto in the eighth house of transitions and death, she quietly slipped away. Now it’s up to us to carry on her legacy.
At the upcoming Aries Full Moon (Oct. 6, 8:48 pm PDT), a spark of life will be kindled in us all. The Aries Moon opposes the Sun in diplomatic Libra, encouraging mindfulness in all we do. Active Mars, strong in its own sign of Scorpio, rules this Full Moon. And, Mercury will have just slid into Scorpio as well. A passionate water sign, Scorpio is private and intense. So that will add depth and sensitivity. With the Libra Sun highlighting others and the Aries Moon spotlighting you, it’s time to think about whether you’ve been pouring too much time or energy into other people – or conversely, whether you may be overfocused on yourself and should consider giving more to those who desperately need it.
This lunation is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon due to its association with the hunting season in the Northern Hemisphere. But this year it’s also the Harvest Moon because it occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, providing extended light to gather crops. So, will you be hunting or gathering – or both? The questing Hunter’s Moon asks: What are you on the hunt for? What can you no longer live without? And the Harvest Moon helps you bring in the crops of your past efforts and share them with others. This fiery Full Moon might even help you light a match to burn away the past and move on.
At this lunation, try to follow Jane Goodall’s example. Embrace your strength and follow your instincts. Take bold action. Tell people what you really think. This is an active, playful time. Do something sporty! Have some fun! But also remember to be fair and thoughtful. Emotions will be heightened, and risky or impulsive behaviors may be rampant. Yet we’re still called to find the fiery force of nature within ourselves and let it come forth, especially in relation to the houses the Sun and Moon will occupy.
If you’re in need of courage, call on Jane’s spirit for help. I’ve appointed her the Saint of Interspecies Love, but her spirit is vast and encompasses so much. Rather than resting in peace, she’s more likely to be doing what she can from the Other Side to be of service. And that likely means urging us to get off our butts and do something to protect this Earth and all living creatures. Even at 91, Jane Goodall wasn’t resting. To honor her, let’s be proactive – even defiant – to protect whatever means the most to us.
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