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Aries Full Moon: Center Your Energy

By Jessica Shepherd

 

The debates have been difficult for everyone to witness. They say this is the darkest, nastiest presidential campaign of our modern history.

As sensitive people invested in keeping our hearts soft, open and aware, how do we stay informed (which in large part includes at least tracking what’s happening) without being pummeled by the negativity we witness? How do we remain open and vulnerable to life, without getting shut down by negativity or burying our head?

In energy work, we have options. Foremost, you can notice how you feel around certain people, topics, discussions. If you feel constricted, tense, hot, unsafe, on guard or physically uncomfortable that’s a sign to relocate your self, or manage your energy.

When faced with energy that doesn’t feel good you can shield your self. Energetic shields remind me of Aries/Mars. It’s a defensive strategy. There are many ways to do this but it’s the energetic equivalent of turning off the phone or television. It works in a pinch, and is very good for when you are depleted.

Of course, separating oneself from the whole too long becomes counterproductive. We are social creatures who need connection. Plus, shielding oneself as a strategy, from the news, politics, social media or a friend who doesn’t share our political views, can generate fear. If I think I need to protect myself it means there’s something or someone out to get me — or at least could get me. Seeing anyone is an enemy is inimical to peace. That’s when our centeredness, our one true resource, goes out the window. Suddenly we’re feeling bereft, out of it, distraught, off-kilter, angry.

The other strategy is to go wide open. This strategy feels Libran. I’m not going to underplay the difficulty of this. It is so, so hard. It’s like walking a tightrope while trying to balance a glass of water in each hand while the wind is blowing. You let discomfort in. You breathe out peace and love, no matter what is coming your way. The minute you feel something negative come into your energy field, you use the positive as an antidote. If it’s “ugly” you start thinking “beauty”. This will challenge you; it does me. But the benefits! You get to stay receptive, remain vulnerable, open and in connection (you also get to draw the line when you need to. And decide to not take things personally, because very few things in life actually are personal).

Life is a balance between between protecting your self from negative energies, standing up for your self, looking after your own needs and interests, and being receptive and peaceful toward others who are very different from you. The self-interested, protective strategies of Aries and the grace and connection of Libra.

This tense Aries-Libra Full Moon holds this tenuous balance between self and other. We’ve reached a polarity point – definitely politically, interpersonally, too, in our relationships. How do we remain connected, open and receptive to others, while honoring our selves? Aries Moon points to the necessity of looking out for number one. Selfish, as in: looking after your own best interests with supreme care. Drawing boundaries on your time. Taking more naps. And managing your mental energy. With Pluto squaring Mercury right now, pushing too hard, with opinions or energies, is unwise. A guitar string that’s pulled too tight will snap; a little give is what creates that nice play of tension. A little give is what makes music lovely.

At this Full Moon, take a moment to ask “What is throwing me off center and why?” A criticism? A viewpoint? Is it a conversation that you don’t agree with, so your ego thinks it has to push back? The ego thinks it needs to fight for or against something, “to win”, but is that really true – or is it just part of a paradigm that just creates more conflict? Notice what takes you away from your rock, solid core –the peace that is yours, eternally. With Uranus’ involvement, this is about noticing the patterns that cause you to spin out, and keep you from feeling centered. Uranus is a notorious pattern-breaker. You could blame others, but they’re just playing their part. They may be the perfect catalyst, tripping the switch for change.

So breathe into your center. Feel the power there. That’s real.

The only answer is love.  Here’s one way to do that:

Hilary, thank you for showing us the importance of honesty. We are so glad you are doing this work, as it allows us to become conscious of the value of honesty. Donald, thank you for showing us the importance of respecting all people, regardless of gender, religion or nationality. Thank you for doing this work on our behalf.

Now is the time to occupy our own inner center, with equal parts persistence and grace. Because if we want to stop living in a world inimical to our peace, we’ve got to stop looking for an enemy. Though your eyes and ears may tell you otherwise, to quote my lady, Beyonce, nothing real can ever be threatened. When we are connected from the inside, no one, nothing, can disturb our true peace.

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About Jessica Shepherd

Jessica Shepherd is a writer, astrologer and health coach who has studied and practiced modern astrology since 1992. She is the author of A Love Alchemist’s Notebook: Magical Secrets For Drawing Your True Love Into Your Life (Llewellyn, 2010) and the books Venus Signs: Discover Your Erotic Gifts and Secret Desires Through Astrology
(Llewellyn, 2015) and Karmic Dates and Momentary Mates: The Astrology of the Fifth House (Moonkissd, 2014). In 2018, after living in California for twenty years, she relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband, dog, and cat. Find out more about Jessica at Moonkissd (www.moonkissd.com).

Comments

  1. Pat E says

    Oct 19, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    I so needed this. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Bettina says

    Oct 14, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    The Beyoncé comment comes from the first line in A Course In Miracles which states: “Nothing REAL can be threatened. Nothing Unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God.”

    So refreshing to read your column. I needed it. Ty

    Reply
    • Jessica Shepherd says

      Oct 14, 2016 at 4:52 pm

      Of course! ACIM has come into my field, lately. Thanks for your comment. xx

      Reply
  3. Danielle says

    Oct 14, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    “nothing real can ever be threatened. When we are connected from the inside, no one, nothing, can disturb our true peace.”

    I needed to hear this!

    Reply
  4. Carole says

    Oct 14, 2016 at 5:43 am

    This is exactly what I needed to read about this morning. Thank you Jessica for putting your thoughts about this balance into just the right words, and reminding me that I too have some tools. I too can find the tremendous strength in gentleness.

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Sagittarius


Today's Lunar Aspects:

  • Moon square Mars, 3:51am  May 18 2022
  • Moon square Neptune, 3:59am  May 18 2022
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 3:59am  May 18 2022
  • Moon square Jupiter, 2:21pm  May 18 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


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m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.