“War is what happens when language fails.”
― Margaret Atwood
On December 12th, arrives The Full Moon in Gemini, the culmination of a six month period that originated on June 3rd 2019.
As I wrote, back in June, this decan is associated with the tarot card of The Nine of Swords, and talks of the inner torment of duality, and the stress that is experienced when we are of “two minds” about something, and a card which I often connect with “Cognitive Dissonance”.
This term refers to a situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors which produce a feeling of mental discomfort, challenging the subject to alter either the attitudes, beliefs or behaviors in order to that discomfort may be reduced, and balance restored. So very often, our actions go against what our inner self strives to do, and many of our habitual responses to life can often be more closely associated with “pain relief” or “self medication” than what we, as a human being, actually “want” to do.
Gemini is a sign that is strongly connected to relationship… symbolised by “The Twins” and ruled by Mercury the God of communication, Gemini energy is light, mobile and ephemeral, concerned with connections, the dissemination of information and the collection and distribution of knowledge.
Gemini’s deeper and less known story, is the profound yearning for connection with self, which Gemini strives for, a yearning which is often expressed in the multitudinous relationships that he or she develops with people, which never “feel” exactly right.
The picture that I chose for this post, by Belarusian artist Mai Dantsig, expresses clearly to me the conflict and desire for peace that lies at the heart of this decan… the joy of reunification and combined with the tragedy of separation, and pictured in a highly conflicting image of a woman nursing a grown man. Both have witnessed the full horror of war; killed, maimed and been maimed, for both carry weapons, and yet they are connected by a primeval force that speaks of all that it is to be human.
The cards that are connected with this particular Full Moon, are The Lovers, The Nine of Swords and Art (Temperance)… all shown here from The Thoth Deck.
They provide a sweet and succinct reminder that in our desire for relationship and wholeness, that we can only find short term relief if we seek to complete ourselves with the help of another… and that the inner union of self, to reconcile our inner differences within is the key to the harmonious relationships that we ultimately seek.
Another title for the “Art” card, is “Daughter of The Reconcilers” “The Bringer Forth of Life”…. I love this, for it speaks of the reconciliation of the disparate elements of self.
Around the outside of the same card is a Latin inscription: “Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem Veram Medicinam” sometimes shortened to the acronym V.I.T.R.I.O.L.U.M., used in alchemical literature, and meaning:
“Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying you will find the hidden stone which is the true medicine”
Carl Gustav Jung said: ” He who looks in the mirror of the water, first sees his own image. He who looks at himself, risks to meet himself. The mirror does not flatter, it shows accurately what is reflected in it, namely that face that we never show the world because we hide it by the persona, the mask of the actor. This is the first test of courage on the inner path, a test, which is enough to frighten most people, because the encounter with oneself belongs to those unpleasant things, one avoids as long as one can project the negative onto the environment.”
Through embracing all aspects of self, rather than polarising within relationships, then the secret power of this decan can be found
The Astrologers Diary
The Full Moon every month offers an opportunity to release old cycles, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular Full Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This particular Full Moon highlights the following cycle:
New Moon in the 13th Degree of Gemini: June 3rd 2019: A FAMOUS PIANIST GIVING A CONCERT PERFORMANCE: Individual fulfillment in the performing of a social function to which some prestige is attached.
Full Moon in the 20th degree Gemini: A MODERN CAFETERIA DISPLAYS AN ABUNDANCE OF FOOD, THE PRODUCTS OF VARIOUS REGIONS: The assimilation of multifarious knowledge through the synthesizing power of the mind.
This particular cycle for me, as would be expected in Gemini has been one of “communication”, of experimenting with ideas, and making connections with my local community. As Gemini is on my 12th house, the “hidden house” this has been a challenge, but one which I have enjoyed, more than I thought I would!!. Through the 6th house energy of service, I have been happy to teach those willing to know more about how they got to where they are, and where they might steer themselves in the near future.
This kind of “house-keeping” engendered by the Moon’s cycle can be invaluable in keeping “on track” with life, rising to the inner rhythms, and flowing with the lunar tides. 
Knowing which houses the Full Moon falls in, and whether it is in close aspect with any planets in your chart can be an invaluable tool, along with the wider cycle of the Progressed Moon, for discovering the secret rhythms of your daily life.
A free natal chart wheel can be set up at www.astro.com
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives for now 
in the South West of Ireland. Throughout my life, I have watched as the planets have woven their stories into my life; as Jupiter has brought me the desires of my deepest longings and as Pluto has torn my life into shreds, and eaten the remains. I have answered the clarion calls of Saturn, as he has brought me to new lands, to hardship, and also to deep learning, and have also witnessed that he has never left my side. Uranus has ensured that I have not stayed in any one location for very long, whilst Mars & Venus have led me by the nose on far more occasions than I care to recall, but who have also brought their passionate 
creative spirit to the fore in my life. Neptune has beguiled and confused me, but also entranced and inspired, whilst Mercury has made certain that I have studied the reasons “why” for everything to the “nth” degree. The Moon, my eternal guide on this journey and the lady of my own chart, has given me my deep love of The Stars, steering me ever onwards along the path to seek The Sun.
At this stage in my life, it is time to give back….. and my long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice in offering guidance and empowerment, helping others to lead a more authentic, productive and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 