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Full Moon Aries Lunar Eclipse: Warrior Moon

By Jessica Shepherd

Confession time: I’ve always had a fear of not being liked. Caving in to social pressure, via the desire to please another person rather than bare the uncomfortable pain of disappointing them, is probably my biggest and most persistently troubling life lesson to date. For me, this is no small problem, no minor flaw that I can brush under the carpet. I’ve sustained psychological and physical damage to my body from “people-pleasing.”

I have a list of self-abuses. Like the time I jumped off a waterfall in Hawaii with fear beating wildly in my heart, my intuition screaming “Nooooo!”, and a man next to me saying “go on and jump already.” So I jumped and wound up with whiplash, an injury that led to my chronic Fibromyalgia. Or there’s the time I visited a psychic who wanted to do an astrology for psychic reading trade with me, and ten minutes into her dire pronouncements I was so traumatized I wanted to get up and walk out with every cell of my being. Yet I stayed on, enduring the awfulness, even feigning polite niceness, until the moment I could bolt. My “politeness” not only cost me months of damage control for the power her words had on me, but in subsequent exchanges where I still (a Libra Rising, through and through) tried to be excruciatingly diplomatic about our session she went not a little crazy, attacking my business and person. There have been so many others…the time I wanted to walk out during the first five minutes of massage session but didn’t want to be rude, so suffered bruised muscles for weeks. Or the time I had a “healing session “during which my hands became paralyzed for five whole minutes, I started crying… yet didn’t leave because the practitioner was a friend of my husband. For that fiasco, my back sustained several mysterious blistering burns the size of silver dollars (the practitioner justified this as a sign of releasing excess kundalini).

Cataloging these failures of nerve is not my favorite hobby. I want to tell you that I am not afraid of standing up for myself, even if it will make others uncomfortable. I want to tell you that I’m a warrior at heart, and that when crossed I am a formidable opponent. I want to tell you that, in relationship, asking for and acting on what I need comes easy. I also want to say that expressing, and fielding anger from others, is no problem. But I cannot. While I am sure I have successfully stood up for myself many times and avoided disaster, I can count on one hand the numbers of times I’ve truly felt I risked losing another’s approval or love in favor of selfishly honoring my Self. At those times, it didn’t even feel good – I was shaky and felt my heart being torn in two. I didn’t feel the empowerment I imagined I was supposed to feel. Instead, with all the courage and fear it took to stand up for myself, I felt anxious, sick and just awful. Not exactly positive reinforcement my inner warrior needs. Not exactly the strong female power archetype I cheer on in my lady friends, from the sidelines.

I know I’m not alone. While boys are being taught to be little warriors, to compete and play war, for girls, there are no winners in childhood games of “tea party” or “house”. Cooperation, consideration, compromise are drilled into us and it is so ingrained that many strong adult woman still identify “not being liked” as their biggest fear. I get it. My Moon is in Aries, conjunct Chiron, with Aries Mars in a nasty t-square to Pluto and my Sun. I remember trying to stand up for myself as a child and being discouraged: from expressing my needs, desires and wants or anger at being trespassed. For a Libra Rising already inclined toward peace, love and harmony, this was lethal.

At this Full Moon, the Sun is in acquiescing, people-pleasing, polite Libra while the Moon is in hot, fiery, self-oriented Aries. Can you to find the courage to claim your personhood, your rights, even in the face of opposition? Are you ready to claim a “self-ish” need -and- face your fear of disappointing others? The comfort and security-seeking Moon is skittish in Aries, but that hair-shirt discomfort eggs it on toward claiming what’s right for “Me,” which ultimately creates a more honest relationship with both our self and other people. Pluto in Capricorn is square Venus in Libra, while Uranus conjoins the Moon. We are facing core issues that keep us in destructive relational patterns, and that takes audacity. As one brazen Aries Moon client said to me recently, “It’s time to start calling bull*** on people who aren’t being honest with me, or their self.”

My warrior-in-training-wheels admires her chutzpah. Personally, I find having an Aries Moon stressful, but also exciting. I am constantly prodded from within into taking risks, into facing the discomfort I field, yet experience has told me this Moon must have its mettle tested to be happy. The secret to experiencing this Moon as less conflict-ridden and more energising and exciting is to harness it’s edgy energy to face a demon, to courageously attempt to conquer a fear -of not being liked, of disappointing another – one more time. What personal victory are you ready to experience at this Full Moon? Me? Oh, thank you so much for asking. I’d like to finally feel good, empowered and strong when standing up for myself. I’d like to stop caring what other people think. I’d like to deeply know that what I think, how much I like myself, is the only thing that matters. Who knows, it could finally happen. Eclipses can turn us around, upside down, illuminate our awareness around a pattern and suddenly move us ten steps forward in our evolution. Eclipses are known for their magic.

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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. Robin says

    Oct 9, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    Thank you! I thought I was reading about myself …. Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  2. linda c. thomas says

    Oct 8, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    Jessica,
    I want to give you a big cosmic hug. Your honesty is appreciated. I can totally relate. Two months ago when Uranus conjunct my IC, I began to feel freedom like I have never known. The last two months have been incredible. The Eclispse, and grand trine have helped me become the badass, I was meant to be.
    Feeling so good.

    Cheers.
    linda

    Reply
  3. Jessica Shepherd says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    A big THANK YOU to everyone, for your compassionate responses. I feel so supported by the Mooncircles community 🙂 May you all experience a personal victory at this Eclipse.

    Reply
  4. Chris says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Excellent article…thank you so much!!

    Reply
  5. Ro says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 9:54 am

    Thank you for sharing. I now have a better understanding of what has been going on with me. I decided to “put myself first” when I realized I was depleting my own energy and Soul and it resulted in a verbal attack which has been brutal and caused me to question my own self-worth. I have been fighting the feeling that I am worthless because I took care of myself first rather than putting my “attacker” first. Yes I am ready to and planning on claiming my own inner warrior spirit this Full Moon. That for me is a personal victory!

    Reply
  6. Konnie says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 4:28 am

    You are a very brave young lady and stronger than you know.

    Reply
  7. Ana Maria Oliveira says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 2:37 am

    Dear Jessica, you are a true warrior who graduated through the struggles and pain. Your article is so revealing of this whole world of feelings and the healing through pain. I really enjoyed the read.
    And I also want to take the opportunity to tell you how much I liked your e-book “The 5 Secrets of Venus”. I really love it. The other day, trying to (once again!) understand my poor and unlucky Cancer Venus, I discovered it on the Mooncircles site. One of these days, when I can gather enough courage, I will have to ask The Goddess Aphrodite a few things. 🙂 A very good Eclipse to you, Warrior Woman!

    Reply
  8. Sandy says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 1:43 am

    I loved this article and related so much. Thank you.

    Reply
  9. Luna says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 1:34 am

    Yes, thank you for sharing, Jessica, your article has got courage and determination all over it. I can totally relate to what you are saying. And I am empowered by knowing I am not alone… I like what you say about ‘more honest relationship with ourselves’. That’s the key, isn’t it. Let’s give our selves due respect. Good luck for tomorrow!

    Reply
  10. Sean says

    Oct 7, 2014 at 1:06 am

    This was so powerful. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. You don’t know what you have done for me.

    Reply
  11. iris says

    Oct 6, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    Wow…Thank you for sharing all of that with us. So courageous.

    Reply
  12. Michella says

    Oct 6, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    Thank you so much for your article. I am inspired by your courage to stand up for yourself by writing it. May we both experience the magic we both seek.

    Reply
  13. Jet says

    Oct 6, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    You can never be violated.

    link to youtube.com

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Sagittarius


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

  • Moon trine Venus, 2:48am  May 14 2025
  • Moon trine Mars, 8:27am  May 14 2025

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


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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.