“It’s too bad if a heart lacks fire, and is deprived of the light of a heart ablaze.
― Omar Khayyam
The day on which you are without passionate love is the most wasted day of your life.”
The Ongoing Tower Moment
Coming up on April 6th is the SEVENTH Full Moon in a series of seven that fall at around 16 degrees of their sign. In the Tarot, card number 16 is that of The Tower, energy which is sometimes necessary to destroy the narrative you have built your life around, often a challenging and disorienting experience. The stories and beliefs we hold about ourselves, our experiences, and our future aspirations provide a sense of coherence and continuity to our lives, help us make sense of the world around us, and when events occur that challenge or contradict our narratives, such as the loss of a loved one, a significant setback in our career, or a sudden change in our life circumstances, it can be difficult to reconcile our expectations and beliefs with the new reality we are faced with. It can feel like the foundation of our lives has been shaken, and we may struggle to find meaning or purpose in the aftermath.
The next Full Moon illuminates the combustion of Jupiter, a yearly event where Jupiter is renewed in the heart of the Sun. This year this is happening in the fire sign of Aries, so I would be expecting fiery events to be happening around this time. The combination of Martial and Jupitarian energy is explosive, and global themes that underscore this energy have been emerging on the world stage. There seem to have been an increasing number of protests, many focusing on Jupitarian themes such as justice, governmental reform and also inflation. In a broad swathe running from Dublin through London, Paris and Tripoli and also affecting Lebanon, Kenya and other neighbouring countries, the Jupiter combustion theme is strong.
Some of the strong Jupitarian themes currently in the news are Closure of Churches in Ukraine, The Illness of the Pope and my favourite this week , Escaped Hippos Previously Owned by a Drug Lord Have Taken Over an Entire River Basin. In this item, Hippo’s, Lords, Drugs and River Basins would all come under the rulership of Jupiter!!!
The Moon itself will be in the sign of Libra, with ruler Venus in the sign of Taurus and close to the fixed star Algol, the head of the Medusa. Traditionally a malefic fixed star, I see it more as divine feminine rage that has become rightly pissed off; the Chinese name for this star translates as “piled up corpses”…. this gives you an idea of its veracity.
I love using the Sabian Symbols as a focus for the lunar cycle. The wide variety of images seems to marry extraordinarily well with the shifting cycles of the Moon as it weaves itself through the zodiac signs, fulfilling its phases of fertilisation, growth, blossoming, death and decay. Because the Sun and Moon are in opposition at the Full Moon, there are two symbols; this month and we are looking at the following pair:
LIBRA 17°: A RETIRED SEA CAPTAIN WATCHES SHIPS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HARBOR- The capacity to gain an objective and calm understanding of human experiences in which one was once deeply involved.
and
ARIES 17°: TWO DIGNIFIED SPINSTERS SITTING IN SILENCE- The ability to transform a natural lack of potency into poise and inner serenity.
In the first image, we consider how we can gain objectivity and understanding through reviewing our lives and remembering how we have overcome conflict in the past. This process of contemplation helps us to move forward into the new and previously uncharted waters through which we must now travel.
As we reflect on these past experiences in a detached and rational manner, we have the opportunity to process what is behind us in a constructive way and to gain insight into our own perspectives, as well as those of any others that were involved. By achieving this deeper understanding, we gain the wisdom required to make clear decisions regarding the future whilst also allowing any forgiveness of self or others that may be required.
In the second image, we are challenged to transform any feelings of weakness or inadequacy into a state of calmness and confidence, a skill which will help us to develop the inner strength required to meet difficult situations with equanimity and composure. By turning our attention inwards, away from the external world of distractions, we can experience an increased sense of being and are better placed to bridge the divide between the incarnate and the transcendent. The tranquillity that lies beyond the struggles and victories of the ego or personality is where we can connect more fully with the wisdom and guidance of the soul, helping us cope with the stress of our daily lives and respond to change a positive and constructive way.
Full Moons are the perfect time to shed light on what has been hidden, and this particular lunation calls us to let go of the need to please others and to be unafraid to stand in our own power whilst, at the same time, honouring and respecting the needs of those whose lives we touch. We may need to ask the question, “Where are my relationships unequal?” “Am I maintaining this relationship out of a selfish need for survival?” or “Why am I afraid to leave?”. Maintaining any kind of relationship that is no longer in our best interests can suffer a hiatus under this Full Moon, so be prepared!
There may well be a sense of sorrow at this Full Moon, but it is also an opportunity to let go of the opportunities that have passed us by, for none of us can accept every offer that dances before our eyes. Through cleansing our perception of lost chances, we open the door wider for further growth, to take advantage of the seeds that travel in the wind. Considering the past with an eye to the future enables us to build new visions in the manner we desire, less beholden to the outdated moulds in which we were cast.
With Saturn now changed sign to the watery sign of Pisces and Pluto now in Aquarius, there are big changes of energy in the skies.
So….For that all important question!!
“How will this Full Moon affect me?”
Read for your Sun, Moon and Rising Sign.
Aries-Adjustment
This month finds you looking at matters through the lens of your relationships and perhaps receiving some home truths from that person in your life. No stranger to accusations of selfish behaviour, this Full Moon may see you making new resolutions to be more considerate…. of yourself! Financial matters will likely come to a head, and a domestic over shared resources could erupt, taking you by surprise. The message from the cards is to be still and consider what has changed; in truth, you have changed, and perhaps your external circumstances need to reflect that. A spell away may be what you desire most, but focusing on better communication with your partner might give longer-term results. Any changes you try to make may be difficult to manage, for they show the world you have moved on, something you may not be ready to accept. Focussing on developing inner calm will help you to facilitate the necessary moves and to accept that some decisions are out of your hands.
Taurus-Air 6
For Taurus, this month’s focus is on all those tasks that you have been putting off because you just can’t face them. Now things are at a crunch point, you are likely to feel a bit stressed and perhaps a bit ill, too; it is definitely time for some housekeeping on a personal level. Your card invites you to take stock of where you are and consider the past patterns you carry with you. What is being repeated here? Is this beneficial for you? Is change required? The way is open to making changes and moving ahead to calmer times, although you may need to navigate uncharted waters. Take the opportunity to do this when it presents itself; the decision should not be too difficult; just follow where the winds take you. With your ruler Venus conjunct the fixed star Algol at this Full Moon, watch out for rising indignation and fury; it could be tempting to destroy all who oppose you, but a more tactful road could lead to better placeswith less fuss and bother.
Gemini-Earth 10
Balancing children, creativity, having fun, seeing friends and considering where you are off to next is where it is at this Full Moon Gemini… but hidden away, where you might rather forget there could well be a storm brewing! Grievances from the distant past could erupt at this Full Moon, perhaps connected to some disillusionment about your career or how you never get the time to do what you actually want. In many ways, you could feel a sense of relief now Mars has moved out of your sign, and this could be the ideal time to kick back and get focused on some creative expression to soothe your soul. Your card Earth 10, holds the honour of being the ‘last card travelled’ and indicates a culmination, an ending, or a completion. It is often connected with a ‘coming together’ of a project, a planned event, or even a family, signifying a desire to leave something to the world that lives after you, whether that is a child, a book, a painting, or the stories of your clan. Take in the view from the top, and you can be certain that the climb was worth it.
Cancer-Air Prince
This month you are focused on home versus your work in the world, and you could find yourself dealing with issues around your roots, your parents and the place where you come from. Energy is high this month, although you could find that it gets all used up on emotional issues, leaving you feeling somewhat depleted and ineffective. Your card, The Air Prince, is often associated with cutting loose, and he indicates that it may well be time to make some harsh decisions. However, this is not a time for sentiment or emotional persuasion but rather to look at something in the cold light of day and realise that it is time to move on unencumbered. Leaving the past behind can be painful, especially for anyone with a Canceriam emphasis in their chart. Still, the game of life continues regardless, and it may well be essential to remember that this month.
Leo-Earth 5
The focus is on community, communications, siblings, study, and travel this month, Leo and any of these areas could be taking up maybe more of your attention than you would like. Difficulties around mothers or employers could also be a thing this month, and it is likely that you will experience some difficult emotions concerning justice and your place in the world. Your card, Earth 5, suggests that although dark feelings of being overwhelmed may harry you, that much of this may be based on outdated fears for your physical survival. Take an inventory, see whether you are currently in danger of starvation or homelessness, and if you are not, you are lucky. Physical and material changes are here, and you need to make new patterns of activity that are more suited to the present time. You can swim through these waters, really; it will just take trust in your ability to get through it. Remember to keep breathing!
Virgo-Air 8
Virgo, this month you are confronted with finding a balance between what is yours and what belongs to others. Keen on working things out, you could be accused of nitpicking, but you are determined to get to the bottom of who owes what. Clearing the air regarding shared finances could be the best way forward and help you finally find some understanding or resolution in matters connected to how you operate in the world. Your card Air 8, shows that you are probably weighed down with too many options, opinions, agendas and plans, and it has become tough to make a clear decision; you may even fear moving forward. Discarding what is no longer relevant to the current storyline will help you to focus on the heart of the matter. You may need to ask yourself if you are declining an opportunity to move on; if so, what are you clinging to?
Libra-Fire Knight
Like your teammate Aries, the spotlight is on relationships this month, your relationship with yourself and your relationship with others, although often for Libra, they are indistinguishable. Grievances over work, taxation, shared finances and even bereavement could be on the table this month, and although you generally don’t like discussing such matters, it could be a case of being forced to. Your card, the Fire Knight, requires you to quit daydreaming, follow your creative vision, end procrastination, and stop making excuses in the hope that something easier will come along. This journey is not for the faint-hearted but will likely provide an exciting ride if you are willing to take the risk. The gauntlet laid down by this Knight is that of adventure, to move away from the old, to seek out the new, and to bring your dreams with you.
Scorpio-The Tower
Scorpio, subterranean tremors may threaten to rock your world as deep in your awareness, you sense the ending of what had hitherto been relied upon. Your ruler Mars, now in the sign of Cancer after such a long time in Gemini, has brought the chickens home to roost, and grievances of all sorts are likely to manifest on an emotional level. This could feel uncomfortable, and the response may be to try and bottle it up or put it aside, which could well reflect health issues in six months. Your card this month is XVI. The Tower is triggered when the structures of life have outlived their purpose, and yet the past is still clung to fearfully. This card will catapult you painfully into the present, burying you ignominiously in the rubble. Still, it is essential to try and see this event as an opportunity, much like losing a rotten tooth. The relief from the unbearable pressure is usually worth the relatively short-lived pain.
Sagittarius-Fire Queen
This month, Sagittarius might well find themselves struggling with romance or creative issues. Balancing hopes, dreams, and social demands with romantic responsibilities can be a tall order. that requires a delicate balance. Try not to get embroiled in discussions about who does the chores or pays more for the groceries, and try to focus on the joys that can be found around you on a daily basis. Your card, the Fire Queen, reminds you that you need to remember how far you have come and how you have been strengthened by weathering life’s storms. Your strength is that of belief, the belief in your own tenacity to see out a difficult period and the grace to accept the change that is wrought by it. In allowing this transformation, you grow stronger, wiser and more resilient. Be proud of your achievements, and let others honour that wisdom.
Capricorn-Fire 3
Like your teammate Cancer, the emphasis is likely to be on finding a balance between responsibilities at home and at work. Emotional upsets with a significant other could be on the cards, especially if there has been a lack of romantic effort put in lately. It may be worth considering whether your current feelings relate to what is happening or are rooted in the past. Your card, Fire 5, says that your humanity and the daily struggle to move forward are alive and well! This card can signify an ego struggle, the battle between the often “childlike needs” and the realities and hardships of adult life. This can be tough, and although ultimately the battle is within, it may manifest as an external showdown. Fives always indicate a need for growth and the challenge to better understand a situation.
Aquarius-Fire 8
For Aquarius, the spotlight will likely be on travel, study, communications and linking up with others. Emotionally challenging situations regarding illness or endings could emerge, but you should be able to look beyond the everyday occurrences to find the message contained within even uncomfortable events. Your card, Fire 8, brings the challenge to seek deeper meaning, to find the divine in the mundane and in the element of fire; this occurs through the creative process, the will to lead, and to expand your world. Drawing this card suggests a turn for the better, which happens quicker than you might have imagined and with more ease. Communication breakthroughs are likely, and usually welcome; prepare for new insights and a fresh viewpoint from your newly expanded understanding.
Pisces-Earth Queen
For Pisces, the spotlight will be on matters concerning finances, inheritance, taxes, and how you support yourself. Are you trying to carry too many people again, Pisces? With your ruler Jupiter in a state of combustion, it could be time for a well-earned rest before you burn out entirely. Your card, The Earth Queen, reminds you to take care of yourself and attend to your needs before you listen to others. All too often, you give your strength and energy away because you believe that others need your care, forgetting to refill your cup; after a time, you have nothing to give and become ill and tired with the drain on your resources. Honour your needs and take a break; you cannot deliver to others without a full cup first.
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an astrologer of some 30 years and gained my Diploma at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in 2012. Weaving my knowledge of the stars together with intuitive tarot techniques, I craft highly personalised guidance for clients who are often navigating difficult life transitions. Lately, I am very excited to breathe new life into my astrological practice through my study of Horary, which I now consider an essential practice. The traditional techniques of the ancients have helped me to interpret my knowledge in a whole new way and having recently completed the STA Advanced Level Horary Diploma, I feel that in an uncertain world, the integrity of this tradition is an essential tool in giving my clients the guidance they seek.
Contact me at: jograntastrologer@gmail.com
Joanna-Kate Grant 