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Aries Full Moon: Who’s the Fairest of All?

By Simone Butler

In the Greek myth of Eris, this warrior goddess was not invited to a wedding on Mt. Olympus, due to her reputation as a troublemaker. But she turned up anyway – bearing a golden apple inscribed, “To the Fairest One.” Hera, Athena and Aphrodite began quarreling about which one of them deserved it. It fell to Paris, Prince of Troy, to select the fairest. He awarded the apple to Aphrodite, who’d tempted him with the beautiful (and married) Helen as his reward. And in the end, his beloved city was destroyed in the war that ensued.

The dwarf planet Eris embodies the fierce feminine – she signifies bravery and fury, and is known for exposing falseness and protecting the weak and vulnerable. Eris is quite relevant to our times, because she was discovered in 2005. When a new planet comes onto the scene, people start waking up to its energies. Women (as well as men) have certainly been inspired like never before to rise up into our feminine strength and fight for justice.

We’re about to experience a profound activation of Eris at the Aries Full Moon (Oct. 20, 7:56 a.m. PDT). Themes of chaos and discord (paving the way for new birth) are bound to be in the news, due to Eris’s square to underworld god Pluto (which has been happening since 2020 and will be closely activated at this lunation). As the Moon joins Eris in Aries, it will oppose the Sun and Mars in Libra. This pits the feminine warrior (Eris) against the masculine warrior (Mars), with both of them square do-or-die Pluto. It’s an intense Full Moon, full of volatility and momentum for change! The old must be sacrificed to make way for the new.

The Full Moon’s sextile to Jupiter in Aquarius reminds us that we have options, and that deliverance and solidarity come from aligning with a group or a cause. With Jupiter and Mercury both turning direct two days before the Full Moon, the fires of renewed action and energy are being lit – helping us break through blockades, within and without. However, this energy can also stoke the flames of anger or even war (especially since Mars makes its exact square to Pluto the next day).

I can’t help but think of Kamala Harris, who was born at an Aries Full Moon. In fact, her birthday is October 20, so the upcoming lunation falls exactly on her natal Sun-Moon opposition at 27 Libra/Aries! She’s been striving to balance her quick, demanding instincts (Aries Moon) with the needs of others (Libra Sun) all her life. Setting aside the question of how well she’s doing as Vice President, we can see this will be an extremely activating time (and personal new year) for her. Even more than usual, she’ll be challenged to foster peace and justice (Libra) by using a skillful, take-charge approach (Aries). Can she display strong leadership while also bringing out the best in others? And rectify injustices without sacrificing her principles or giving in to the powers that be? We shall see.

At this feisty Aries Full Moon, let’s not succumb to bickering, vanity or greed like those goddesses on Olympus did. Instead, we can rise to a higher level. Let’s make sure our fighting spirits serve the good of all – while also staying true to ourselves. No more apologies for who you are. No more artifice or acting as if everything is fine when it isn’t. No more reluctance to reach out to others for support, or to be there for them. As Eris stirs things up, she’s trying to remind us that we are all the fairest one – so let’s make her proud!

Filed under: Home Full Moon Featured Article, Uncategorized

About Simone Butler

Simone Butler is the author of Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess. She's been a professional astrologer for 30 years. In addition to a worldwide consulting practice on astrology and Astro Feng Shui, Simone offers New Moon collage classes, and writes for The Mountain Astrologer. She also wrote for and edited the Starscroll for many years. Simone’s book Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life fuses Western astrology and Western feng shui into one unique, transformative system. Sign up to receive her entertaining, informative bi-monthly blogs and learn about her monthly rituals and tips.

Comments

  1. Inge says

    Oct 23, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    Thank you for clearly stating Eris’ nature. She is so often simply portrayed as ‘Goddess of strife’ which doesn’t do her justice! have her conjuct mars in Aries and she was discovered when my daughter was born so she is quite familiar to me. This full moon fell right on my ascendant at 27 libra. It was a day on which I received much clarity ao on the nature of victim perpetrator dynamics

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 24, 2021 at 7:42 am

      Wow Inge, that Full Moon really lit up your chart! How wonderful that you were aware of the dynamics and what was being set off, so that you were open to receiving clarity on exactly what Eris and Aries/Libra wanted to reveal! Many blessings…

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    Oct 20, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    I met an astrologer, Thomas Canfield who authored a book on Eris, at the Seacoast Astrological Society, in New Hampshire. There was a quiz or a way to learn about your own Eris. Apparently I have the Potential to become a “megalomaniacal mastermind.” Cool! 😀

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 21, 2021 at 8:05 am

      Ha ha! That sounds promising! Everyone alive today has Eris in Aries since it moves so slowly, but perhaps he was looking at the aspects it makes to your other planets or the house it’s in. Hope the Full Moon is treating you well!

      Reply
  3. Jen says

    Oct 20, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    Simone, thank you for bringing the macro to my micro. This felt like a significant day. Husband at first day of job in ~15 years. Windows of house washed first time in ~11 years. A half day at work, allowing me to pick up my daughter from school, and then dinner and drinks outside with 6 ladies, since who knows when. I had to smirk at myself in the mirror tonight because all felt right in the world. Eris must be on my side!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 21, 2021 at 8:31 pm

      Certainly sounds that way, Jen! Here’s to a continued unfolding for you. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Edye says

    Oct 20, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Beautiful, Simone! Thank you!
    Edye

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 20, 2021 at 12:36 pm

      My pleasure, Edye – thanks for reading and have a great Full Moon!

      Reply
  5. Maria says

    Oct 19, 2021 at 4:59 am

    Lovely thank you. : )

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 19, 2021 at 10:30 am

      You’re so welcome, Maria!

      Reply
  6. Ruth says

    Oct 18, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    As a 21 Aries exactly conjunct Saturn, your words ring true

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 19, 2021 at 10:31 am

      So glad, Ruth! Hope your Aries planets get fired up at this Full Moon!

      Reply
  7. M says

    Oct 18, 2021 at 5:32 pm

    Beautifully said, Simone. Thank you for sharing your inspiring gifts with the world.

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Oct 19, 2021 at 10:32 am

      So glad to be of service, M! Blessings to you…

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Mars, 5:13pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 6:42pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 9:57pm  Mar 23 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Taurus


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

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.