Brocken Inaglory, retouched by User:Flamurai / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
New Moon @ 23 Libra 53'
October 16, 2020
12:32 PM PDT
3:32 PM EDT
October's New Moon in tropical Libra represents a personal and collective restart in relational dynamics. Romantic, professional, and platonic relationships are highlighted, but so are activities, situations, or issues that require balance, negotiation, or compromise. Libra represents "the other"--a perspective, opinion, or experience that differs from our own. There can be a need or emphasis on broadening the horizon with this lunation and balancing between self-interest and empathic awareness.
While the Libran desire for equanimity, peace, and a sense of calm can dominate the next few days, there are several challenges inherent to this New Moon that can make that difficult. However, also consider the possibility that those challenges must be overcome or dealt with to attain those loftier Libran ideals and objectives.
This New Moon finds itself at the epicenter of the challenging astrology of October and 2020 overall. While squaring the Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter conjunction, this lunation additionally finds itself in opposition to Mars retrograde in Aries. And at the moment, Mars in Aries (burning brighter than usual in the present sky due to its opposition to the Sun), represents much the antithesis of Libra's "meeting in the middle" strategy.
In Aries, Mars is fierce warrior energy--setting boundaries, severing unwanted connections, claiming territory, and challenging opposing perspectives or desires. And perhaps while desiring to lay low, rest, or take it easy with this lunation, we may have to reconcile dilemmas involving that classic push-pull between personal needs and relational demands.
The t-square with Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter adds an element of seriousness, gravity, and pressure that can hinder rapid progress or catalyze movement where there's been stagnation. To add more complexity, Mercury turns retrograde shortly before this New Moon, highlighting information, news, or a perspective that can lead to a reevaluation and revision.
In pushing forward with current projects or situations, carefully consider these complex dynamics, the need for patience, and the possibility of delays. This doesn't suggest inaction, but it may indicate taking more time to evaluate a strategy or carefully reviewing the fine print before reaching an agreement. Additionally, consider the confluence of inner planetary retrogrades, suggesting the possibility of going back to address chronic, ongoing problems or dilemmas from the past. A change in direction, focus, or tactic here is also a high possibility.
This lunation's core tension: Mars in Aries wants to quickly and rapidly solve a problem in its own way. Yet the Libra New Moon and Mercury retrograde might suggest seeking out another point of view and gathering additional information. Finding a solution somewhere between the two ends of that spectrum will be the most ideal. And with Saturn and Pluto at the apex of the t-square, ignoring or pushing problems aside is not wise.
This lunation may represent a critical point where certain problems have to be addressed, looked at, and evaluated. While the solution (or the process of finding the solution) may not feel so comfortable, the changes it ensues could lead to future improvements. While we shouldn't expect quick and immediate results with intentions, projects, or solutions set forth with this New Moon, those that have solid backing will have a profound and dynamic impact in due time.