Aries Full Moon: Need a Kitty Break?

Photo courtesy of Muncie Fine Portraits

Sarah and Dave Herbert are photographers with a studio in Muncie, Indiana that specializes in family portraits. With the help of their beloved cat Rory, they are experts in getting kids to sit still for a portrait. A three-year-old black cat who might be termed a “child whisperer,” Rory has saved many a shoot. For instance, the little girl in this photo was throwing a fit, refusing to pose with her baby brother. “Rory heard her protests and came running into the studio,” said Sarah. “We told her she could get a photo with the kitty and then we would take one with her baby brother.” That did the trick.

Rory had no training for this role; he performs it instinctively – to the great delight of all concerned. “Many children need a kitty break,” Sarah explains. “When all tricks fail and we can’t get a child to look at the camera, we hold Rory up and they always look up at him and smile.” (In case you’re wondering, Rory has a nurturing Cancer Sun with a sweet, stable Taurus Moon). Rory’s talent is somewhat rare; one of the Herbert’s other cats is occasionally helpful at engaging kids, but their other two felines can’t be bothered.

Some believe that animals are far beyond us in terms of wisdom. Shaman Puma Fredy Quispe Singona says that according to his Andean tradition, animals are our older brothers and sisters, having arrived on the planet long before we did. “We are younger and need their support,” he shared in a recent talk. By ourselves, he added, we can’t handle all the heavy energies that life throws at us, so we need backup from the plant and animal kingdom. “Strong alliances make you strong,” he said. “They help deepen your roots so you can withstand the hurricanes of life.”

With all the hurricanes happening lately, both literal and figurative, many of us could use help feeling emotionally stable. This may be especially true at the Aries Full Moon (Oct. 9, 1:54 p.m. PDT) which holds a feisty, childlike energy. And because the Moon joins “wounded healer” Chiron, some of us may feel a bit vulnerable. Conflicts can happen as the relational axis (Aries-Libra) is highlighted. We may all need a “kitty break” to return to harmony. Those with planets around 16 Aries (as well as Libra, Cancer or Capricorn) could be especially prone to getting fired up – but the potential for healing is greater as well.

Mars in Gemini, ruler of this lunation, squares the recently-direct Mercury in Virgo as well as nebulous Neptune, which can make it hard to see what’s real. It might be necessary to stand up for ourselves or for others who aren’t able to do so (such as nature and the animal kingdom). This lunation encourages us to take up (metaphoric) arms against injustice, as well as to accept all our messiness and flaws and shine our love on whatever wounds come up for us or for others.

Thankfully, the Sun joins Venus in Libra at this Full Moon, adding a dose of compassion and a desire for unification. There could be a beautiful, creative or just reward for our efforts. The Sun and Venus trine serious Saturn in Aquarius and hot-to-trot Mars in Gemini. This stimulating Grand Air Trine can be social, communicative and collaborative. As long as you keep a level head, this can be a good time to get out and about. Now that retrograde Mercury has passed, you may also find that any tricky issues or encounters that happened over the last month can be addressed and possibly even resolved, if you’re brave enough to make the first move.

At this Full Moon, as always, go outside, get your bare feet on the ground and give honor to Luna in the heavens. Because this is a fiery moon, be sure to get plenty of exercise to release any pent-up emotions or frustrations. If you have an animal companion, share some extra love with them (or spend time with someone else’s pet). And if all else fails, try calling on Rory the therapy cat through the ethers – he might just come running to save the day!