In two talks last month on climate change, Pope Francis called on us to heed the cry of the earth and pledge meaningful sacrifices for the planet’s sake. “There must be harmony between men and women and the environment,” asserted the pontiff. “We are not enemies; we are not indifferent. We are part of this cosmic harmony.”
Francis is a passionate Sagittarian, but you can hear his diplomatic Mars in Libra coming through in this statement. (By contrast, here’s what activist Greta Thunberg, a tough Capricorn with Mars in hard-hitting Scorpio, said recently on the same topic: “Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah. This is all we hear from our world leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action.’)
As the effects of assaults on our environment reach a flash point, we need calls to action that hit us on every level. But at the upcoming Libra New Moon (Oct. 6, 4:05 a.m. PDT), it may be the diplomatic approach that takes us furthest – both personally and globally. This is because the Sun and Moon will exactly join Mars in Libra – which favors a creative, team-oriented fight for justice and balance. Mars is in detriment in airy Libra, where it can be peevish or passive-aggressive. The warrior is not as comfortable taking tea with the tuffs as he is rough-and-tumbling with his mates. But Mars in Libra can be an effective diplomat, bringing warring sides together and reconciling conflicts.
Now is a good time to practice your diplomatic skills, no matter where your natal Mars is placed. This is especially true regarding Libran matters like relationships and agreements – which may have been feeling rather touchy and conflicted lately. Since the New Moon opposes Chiron in Aries (which wants us to stand up for ourselves and fight for our rights), the challenge is to balance assertiveness with compassion for others – and to look closely at our own, underlying wounds that may be driving whatever is going on.
Mercury is currently retrograde in Libra as well, adding quirkiness to issues with partnerships, fairness and social justice. Also, Pluto stations direct at this New Moon, giving it even more intensity. Soon, Saturn (Oct. 10), Jupiter (Oct. 17) and Mercury (Oct. 18) will station direct as well. With this great blast of forward momentum, a lot of things are about to pop. This is also shown by the New Moon’s ruler, Venus, at the final degree of Scorpio – set to ingress into adventurous Sagittarius the day after the lunation. In the sign of the Archer, Venus spreads her wings to fly. And she’ll encounter the fateful South Node as she skips into Sag, which is likely to trigger karmic connections. So despite the many things to be completed or tricky issues to be navigated in the next week or two, we’re getting primed for decisive action and results – especially on the relationship and social justice front.
In what way are you shoring up your energies to move ahead? Look to the sector of your chart that contains Libra, where you may feel charged up, scattered or confused about matters related to that house. Examine the roots of the issue, and clear your negative thoughts about it based on the past. Whatever you’re facing, remember the words of author Anais Nin (who had both Sun and Mars in Libra): “From the backstabbing co-worker to the meddling sister-in-law, you are in charge of how you react to the people and events in your life. You can either give negativity power over your life or you can choose happiness instead. Take control and choose to focus on what is important in your life.”
Leave a Reply