window.addEventListener(‘LPLeadboxesReady’,function(){LPLeadboxes.setExitIntent(‘14269aff3f72a2:9447e3ade’,{dontShowFor:’0d’,domain:’results.lpages.co’});});Libra is all social niceties, grace in words, art and music – except when it isn’t…

Such is the case under this month’s Libra Full Moon. Don’t be surprised if you witness, experience and express more forcefulness than you normally associate with this harmony-loving sign.

My forecast sums up why:

“Slow but unstoppable forces are bearing down on relationships, agreements, structures and foundations plenty… Libran qualities are giving way to a firm and stern directness under this Moon. It’s guiding emotions to a crescendo and demanding not merely a response, but concrete movement.”

Let’s see what astrologers around the Web are saying about this Full Moon.

March 2018 Full Moon in Libra

Relationships are central to this Libra Full Moon. And a Full Moon brings culmination, harvest and release.

My forecast sums it up:

“The Full Moon is lighting up the Aries/Libra axis, which seesaws between the individual and the Other. We’re receiving an emotional report status report about the role of specific people in our lives, as well as the dynamics, agreements and rule books under which our relationships operate. Continuing as is is not an option. The report is coming with a shove to do something about all of this.”

You may find it’s time to move on:

“Full Moons tend to make us purge and release things from our lives, so we need to make sure that we are in control of this and no one is forcing our hand! Sometimes we can let go of things that we regret later, due to heightened emotions and the Full Moon’s perchance for saying ‘F*** You!’

“The bright light of the sun throws a spotlight on our subconscious and our shadow. This can feel uncomfortable as the Sun literally blasts out the demons who have nowhere to hide. Often the Full Moon is a time when we reap what we sowed at the New Moon… for good or for ill.”

– Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

This is the first Full Moon of the spring.  It is also March’s second Full Moon, which is colloquially referred to as a “blue moon.”

Creature Comforts

The Libra Moon’s ruler is Venus, goddess of love and beauty. She is comfortable indeed at present, for two reasons…

Reason one — she moves into her other home of Taurus the same day as the Moon she rules.

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, considers the interplay of her home signs.

“This Fixed, earthy sign is deliberate, and this transit will be about the slow but sure growth of Venus themes. Nothing is happening quickly, but that’s good – what grows in Taurus takes time. So despite this Moon’s frustrations, you’ll immediately be looking at how you can stabilize and secure yourself when it comes to love or self-worth.

“Venus rules Taurus and Libra, but they are about very different things. Libra is concerned with others – compare, reflect, harmonize. Make someone else happy. Taurus is self-focused and all about survival – make yourself happy. Consider how these themes play out during this Full Moon.”

Reason two — the love goddess is sharing the good vibrations with Mars, her cosmic consort and ruler of our drive. I explain the influence of their trine:

“Your heart is on board. It knows what it wants. It’s sending clear signals, too. Venus… is in a distant but easy flow with Mars. She’s telling him what she wants, and he’s delivering the goods, slowly but tangibly. That’s exactly how Venus in Taurus likes her desires fulfilled: physically, palpably, so she can be sure of and savor them.”

Push Comes to Shove

Don’t expect to lounge in Venusian comfort, though. Cosmic hands are pushing and shoving, trying to find a way through…

Thank the complex T-square locking FIVE planets – Sun, Moon, Mercruy, Mars and Saturn — in fractious debate. The Sun and Mercury (retrograde!) chomp-at-the-bit in Aries, Mars and Saturn in Capricorn crave some kind of measurable progress, while Moon in Libra isn’t keen on rocking the boat.

My forecast projects the long-term potential in the T-square:

“Stasis is not possible, because the Mars and Saturn are receiving an equal push from emotions and intellect, and the upshot is something’s gotta give.”

“Whatever comes up for you now, incentive will abound to take next steps. Or tectonic shifts could occur before your eyes. You could experience – or witness – anger, a rise in gumption and determination. Responsibility, commitment and accountability could play a role.  There may also be a sense of a long time coming.”

With so many planets in aspect a meaning can be hard to untangle. Some astrologers break the T-square down into its component squares to make it easier.

Mars Attacks

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, looks at the force of the Moon squaring Mars:

“Moon square Mars brings simmering anger to the surface so care is needed to avoid being hurt or causing harm. Yet again, this signals danger when taking risks or acting impulsively. However, holding onto anger and frustration is not advised. Some degree of emotional discomfort is to be expected in close relationships, especially with women. They key is to release your frustrations in a controlled way. Courage is needed to face what is making you feel threatened.”

Its motivational potential catches the eye of Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology:

“Moon square Mars delivers a huge drive to succeed and the tendency to be competitive. The sexuality is a force to be reckoned and thrusts like a rocket past all rivals. This aspect is fiercely protective. Blood ties are extremely important and another spur to succeed.”

1, 2, 3, Red Light

The T-square’s Moon/Saturn square puts a damper on emotional satisfaction and comfort. Says Jamie Partridge, Astrology King:

“Moon square Saturn makes it harder for you to connect to other people in any meaningful way. Sadness, loneliness, guilt and shame are possible as you are reminded of past relationship failures, loss and grief. [This lunation] asks you to take responsibility for your own emotional reactions. Blaming others for your bad mood will only make matters worse. Unhealthy relationships may end. Even good relationships may suffer from emotional coldness, nagging or bullying.”

Neediness may be an issue, notes Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology:

“Moon square Saturn means we have to grow up quickly, but deep inside Saturn’s armour is a very soft-centered, needy child. Those touched by this Full Moon will hide the very fragile side of their character, so appearing very strong, capable and most of all independent on the outside. The suppressed needs will very often come out as incapacitating illness or depression around the time of this Full Moon, a way to get perhaps, the care they can’t ask for.”

Crossed Wires

Further slowing (and complicating) the action is the Moon’s opposition to retrograde Mercury in Aries.

“Moon opposite Mercury Retrograde muddles your thoughts and feelings making it hard to know what you are feeling let alone what others are feeling. You may have difficulty making sense of everyday problems. This Full Moon may result in arguments caused by emotional bias or simple lack of understanding. Try to spend some quiet time in reflection, or chat with a mentor about your feelings.”

– Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

“Moon opposite Mercury creates a synergy or conflict between the rational mind and gut instincts. The restlessness creates a very driven energy which is constantly in a state of flux like the tides washing in and out. This can make for very creative, self-purifying actions with a huge need to communicate our fluctuating moods to a wider audience.”

– Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

My forecast warns:

“Quick responses may be acting on incomplete information, or misunderstandings, or outright lies. Then again, since retrograde Mercury is also part of the intellect end of the T-square to Mars/Saturn, impulsive thoughts and words might shove the pair into action. There’s a certain honesty to what is blurted out now, and impolitic or cringe-worthy statements may turn out to trigger movement that’s been long in coming.”

More Mercury Retro Blues

Hot, hasty words are possible, with the tension between retrograde Mercury and Mars. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, warns:

“Mercury square Mars leads to rushed thinking which can make you short-tempered and aggressive. You may jump to conclusions, rush your decision-making or say the wrong thing. Disagreements, arguments and hostility are possible. Listen carefully and think twice before speaking. There are constructive things you can do to safely express this nervous energy like hobbies, creative projects and exercise.”

Further complicating communication is the cosmic messenger’s quarrel with Saturn. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, has a warning for this as well:

“Mercury square Saturn makes communicating your plans and ideas even more difficult because of negative thinking and misunderstandings. Don’t rely on the words of others, and be careful with your own. You are likely to say the wrong thing and dig a bigger hole for yourself. Full Moon March 2018 may cause some distance or separation in close relationships. This, together with gloomy thoughts, bad news or loneliness, can have a negative effect on your mental well-being.”

Always Look On the Bright Side

This Moon does have a silver lining, the ongoing sextile between uplifting Jupiter and Pluto, lord of regeneration.

“Jupiter sextile Pluto is the one good aspect and lasts until the end of April 2018. It brings success through positive change. You don’t have to force change or react to unexpected change. This is a natural development associated with increased power and influence, spiritual and personal growth. Use this powerful force for good to transform the negative energy of the Full Moon into positive outcomes. Face your worries and fears head on and your life will be transformed.”

– Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

Other considerations

The sky is vast, and so are the number of ways astrologers have found meaning in the heavens above. Let’s look at how some of these add meaning, nuance and depth to the Libra Full Moon.

Fixed Stars

The Moon has just passed over two stars in Virgo, Porrima and Vindemiatrix.

Porrima has her eye on the future…

“Porrima gives a courteous, refined and lovable character with prophetic instincts. Moon conjunct Porrima: Popular, business worries, domestic disharmony and divorce, poor health.”

– Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

“Porrima is named after an ancient goddess of prophecy. She was the assistant of Carmentis the Roman goddess of childbirth. Stars in the girdle of Virgo are said to exert a Mercurial and to a lesser extent Venusian influence.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

Vindemiatrix, on the other hand, is ominously known as the “widowmaker.” Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology, expands on the properties of both fixed stars:

“Vindemiatrix gives falsity, disgrace, stealing and often causes its natives to become widows. Moon conjunct Vindemiatrix: Worry, many disappointments, loss through law or writings and theft, bad health, failure in business. The Moon in particular with this star causes a fear of losing your partner. Through your own fear you could project the loss.”

Together, she explains, Porrima and Vindematrix pack a punch.

“Because these two stars are so close together and only half a degree from the Full Moon, the prophetic instincts of Porrima combine with the fear of death from Vindemiatrix…. If you find yourself having morbid fears about the death of a loved one, it is critically important that you do all you can to put these thoughts out of your mind. This can be difficult with the Moon at this position because any such thoughts, feelings or imaginations will be subconscious.

“Thoughts are things and they have energy and can manifest in the material world. The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another. Therefore, as soon as you gain conscious awareness of bad thoughts you must replace them with happy thoughts, or anything else for that matter. Remind yourself that your intuition, visions or dreams are corrupted by irrational fears.”

The Moon is also conjunct Glenah in Corvus the crow. Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology, explains its influence through myth:

“All the stars of Corvus fall in Libra decan 2, so the mythology of this constellation is very important here. The sun god Apollo sent the raven with a cup (Constellation Crater) to fetch some water for his feast. On his way, he was distracted by some fine figs on a tree and lost track of time gorging upon them. When the crow suddenly remembered his errand he picked up a passing snake (Constellation Hydra) and used it as his excuse for why he had not filled up the cup as asked.

“Another myth says ‘The Raven, was given a task by Apollo of keeping a watchful eye on Apollo’s pregnant lover Coronis. The raven reported back to Apollo the unwelcome news that she was having an affair with someone else. Apollo in anger cursed the raven, and its colour changed from its former silver hue to the present black.’

“More on the constellation; ‘Corvus is like Mars and Saturn. It is said to give craftiness, greediness, ingenuity, patience, revengefulness, passion, selfishness, lying, aggressiveness, and material instincts, and sometimes causes its natives to become agitators.’ [Vivian E. Robson.] I would add to this that they make great gossips, journalists and paparazzi. They sometimes prey on the misfortune of others.”

Nodes and Apsides

The Libra Full Moon may bring about the resolution of past relatinships; enhancing the retrospective nature of a Full Moon is her trine to her South Node.

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, explains:

“This Moon does make a smooth trine to the … Aquarius South Node (the past) and the Sun trines the Leo North Node (the future) which it rules. So as you’re pausing and questioning, watch for a natural shift from past to future — a chance to develop something more fully… The process of moving from past to future will demand that you work harder (Mars/Saturn), accept certain limits and consider a key piece of information that ‘s being revealed.”

Decans

Each astrological sign can be divided into three sections, known as decans (10 degree divisions of the Zodiac). This Moon is in Libra decan 2, which is ruled by Saturn.

Maria Macario, Darkstar Astrology, describes the decan’s effect on the Moon:

“Moon Libra 2 will bring out the classic narcissists that forever crave adoration. On the positive side, we can use this energy to generate a following that does good works in the collective. At this time we could crave to be loved and approved of so much that we may not be discerning enough when it comes to whom we give our body.

“Though this can also be a time when many lovers get together as Austin Coppock states this Moon position is. ‘won’t to create a lasting and secure union.’ but we will ‘need to be careful about those that they invest themselves in, and under what terms, for they prone to be taken advantage of. The more innocent among us then will need to guard against empathizing with the bad boy/girl around this time. Starry-eyed and romantic we could so easily slip blindly into the underworld.”

Sabian Symbols

Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.

The Sabian Symbol for the 11th degree of Libra  is: “A Professor Peering Over His Glasses At His Students.”

In his commentary on the Symbol, astrologer Dane Rudhyar explained that the symbol, “reveals two aspects of ‘professor-ship’ – that is, of being able to transfer to the young generation the vast sum of knowledge accumulated by the past. The need to absorb this enormous amount of book knowledge affects the mind as well as the eyes; in order to meet the demands of the turbulent youth, the teacher in a sense has to look above this knowledge and to see his students simply as human beings.”

Lunar Mansion

Everyone’s familiar with the 12-sign Solar Zodiac. But the Moon also has her own lunar zodiac – 28  (or 27) “signs” she travels through over the course of the month. Indian Astrologers call these the nakshatras; in Western Astrology they’re known as the lunar mansions.

The Libra Full Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 15, which the Arab astrologers called Al Ghafr (The Covering). Donna Woodwell of Donna Philosophica nicknamed it “The Scribe.”

Donna says the mansion’s purpose is “for trade and communication.”

She counsels: “Pursue business goals. Send and receive correspondence. Schedule business meetings. Research investments. But avoid social engagements or forming partnerships. Travel is not recommended, if you can avoid it.”

Summing It Up

The Libra Full Moon stirs a pot of emotions and pushes us to act on them. Responding may not be easy. It may be stymied, slow or deliberate (thank Saturn). Words may be rash, angry or ill-informed (thank Mercury retrograde).

Libra invites diplomacy and balancing competing interests. Saturn gives time. Retrograde Mercury offers do-overs.

As this Moon’s emotions and events unfold, stop, look and listen. And if you do leap without looking, in words or deed, watch for the silver lining in whatever follows.

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: March New Moon in Pisces
Next Moon Phase: April New Moon in Aries

March Full Moon Times and Dates:

San Francisco: Saturday, Mar. 31, 5:36 a.m. PDT
New York: Saturday, Mar. 31, 8:36 a.m. EST
São Paulo: Saturday, Mar. 31, 9:36 a.m. BRST
London: Saturday, Mar. 31, 12:36 p.m. BST
Istanbul: Saturday, Mar. 31, 3:36 p.m. TRT
Mumbai: Saturday, Mar. 31, 5:41 p.m. IST
Tokyo: Saturday, Mar. 31, 9:36 p.m. JST
Sydney: Saturday, Mar. 31, 11:36 p.m. AEST

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