We’re not in the market for a new home, but my husband and I enjoy visiting open houses for sale in our neighborhood. Recently we toured a tiny but charming bungalow a few blocks away. Beautifully presented, it had been updated in a way that respected the vintage of the house. It was inspiring—exactly the kind of home tour I normally adore.
But I couldn’t wait to leave this one… because a trio of scented candles burned in every room of the house. They matched each room’s color scheme perfectly, and the effect of the flickering flames and soothing colors was lovely. But their fragrance was overpowering.
The owners were probably just trying to create a welcoming atmosphere. But I couldn’t help wondering what unpleasant smell might be lurking beneath that cloud of perfume.
A Libra Full Moon highlights our desire to make things lovely, pleasing, and harmonious. It reflects our instinct to present ourselves in ways that others will enjoy. People tend to like us better when they’re not forced to confront our rough edges—our impatience, self-centeredness, or morning breath. Libra describes the social sensitivity and good manners that, like a scented candle (or a good toothpaste), soften some of our less appealing qualities.
Go overboard with this impulse, though, and people get suspicious. No one is that nice. Everyone has a bad day now and then. No one smiles all the time. Others might begin to wonder, “What are you trying to hide?”
Society is more pleasant when good manners and mutual sensitivity guide our interactions. But falseness is off-putting, and others sense it immediately. The real challenge is to strike a balance between being pleasant and being authentic.
Full Moons often bring tension to the surface. We can feel pulled in different directions—between what we want and what others expect, between honesty and harmony. At times like these, it helps to step away from the noise and return to something simple and grounding. Instead of trying to manage every interaction, consider moving toward what feels safe and genuine. Create a small pocket of comfort. Stay home if you need to. Rest. Reconnect with what feels real.
We sometimes imagine that Libra asks us to always make nice and give in to others, but that’s not quite true. Libra asks us to balance our needs with the needs of others. With the Moon in my 7th house, Libra’s natural home, I spent much of my life trying too hard to buy affection through accommodation. The result was bad romances and strained friendships. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how much anger I had stored up beneath that constant effort to please—and how much energy went into hiding it.
I’m a big fan of sensitivity and courtesy. But sometimes, you have to do the thing that feels selfish or impolite. Say no. Skip the party. Ask for what you need. Relationships require that we walk a fine line between honoring ourselves and respecting others, and there are times when the only honest choice is to put yourself first.
What are you hiding? A musty odor concealed by scented candles? A blotchy complexion covered by expensive makeup? Resentment about putting others first too often, masked by a cheerful smile?
I’m not suggesting we throw consideration for others out the window. But under a Libra Full Moon, why not pull in the welcome mat for a few days, light some unscented candles, and offer a little more kindness in your own direction?
Leave a Reply