Some stars burn more brightly than others; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of them. She mightily stoked the fires of justice, leaving a legacy we’d all do well to emulate. In the wake of her recent passing, Marianne Williamson wrote: “As sorry as I am that she’s gone, for all the obvious reasons, I think that all of us need to be glad for her. If anyone deserves a rest, it is she.” The author and activist went on to say that many of her generation, the Baby Boomers (those of us with Pluto in eternally-youthful Leo) have failed to fully grow up – and the world is now dealing with the consequences of our prolonged adolescence. “But you can’t say that about people like RBG,” Williamson added. “She was mature in every possible way. And now it is our turn to show up, to be mature, to serve our country.”
Ginsburg placed a high value on being a professional. To her, this meant doing something outside herself to make life better for those less fortunate. As she put it, “That’s what I think a meaningful life is – living not for oneself, but for one’s community.” With her strong mind and tender heart (Pisces Sun, Scorpio Moon), RBG practiced what she preached. Her exit at this critical time serves to punctuate her unwavering message of justice for all. She was indeed a fighter – but a civil and respectful one.
The same cannot be said for some Americans these days, who are stoking fires of hatred and exclusion. It’s tempting to blame aggressive Mars, now retrograde in Aries (through early Nov.), for sparking the heated mess we’re in. But is it really his fault? The ancients believed that when planets were retrograde or stationary direct, their powers became amplified – for good or ill. With Mars close overhead during his backward journey, we’d be smart to salute his power and let it infuse us with bravery and the will to act if called to do so. Aries energy can now be channeled into activism and energetic pursuits that help us gain traction. Yet there is also cause for caution, especially around Sept. 28-29 when Mars squares Saturn, which is now stationary direct. Choose your battles wisely, as frayed tempers can spark lasting damage if given free rein. On the other hand, now that Mercury is in investigative Scorpio, it’s possible to penetrate to the root of problems both personal and collective, and even shake off some tough old karmic patterns that have plagued us for lifetimes.
On the heels of that comes the Aries Full Moon (Oct. 1, 2:05 p.m. PDT), which puts its own fiery stamp on things. As the Moon in Aries (bravery, independence) opposes the Sun in Libra (justice, community), we’re asked to balance those two ends of the axis. An Aries Full Moon can be feisty and yes, immature – especially as it’s ruled by hot-tempered Mars. But the Moon’s opposition to the Sun in other-oriented Libra reminds us that there’s no need to go it alone. Truly, there is strength in numbers now.
This is the annual Harvest Moon, which falls on the heels of the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. What are you harvesting now? What efforts and intentions that you’ve planted this year are set to bear fruit? Even if the harvest is a little leaner than usual, or feels like it’s been delayed, give thanks. It’s been a tough, unpredictable year for most of us. Perhaps all you can muster is a tip of the hat to what you have learned or been able to bear. Still, be sure to go out on the night of Sept. 30 or Oct. 1 and draw down this fresh, vibrant energy.
Do something playful. Or answer the call to justice in whatever way feels right – perhaps by joining me to contact voters in swing states. Your civic participation (as well as your vote) can make all the difference. RBG’s words about what makes for a meaningful life have never been more relevant. At this Full Moon, raise a glass of bubbly to her shining star. From her place of well-earned repose in the firmament, she cheers us on in the fight for justice and equality for all.
What wonderful words in honor of Great RBG. She was a fighter indeed, and we should can fight the good fight also, especially with Mars giving us a boost. Thank you for your true insight. May your harvest be plentiful! maryb
Thanks Mary, and I’m wishing you a plentiful harvest as well!
Wonderful, mindful, and thoughtful words of encouragement! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it, Edye! Happy Full Moon!