At the Quarter Moon phase, the Sun and Moon form a scratchy square (90 degrees) aspect with each other; it’s an uncomfortable aspect, symbolizing the unconscious mind at odds with conscious will. But squares do tend to propel us forward in a way that easy aspects don’t. Conflict with others – as well as unresolved contradictions in our own natures – can be very motivating. When two planets come together in a square aspect, neither one is right. Each has a valid point of view; it’s just that the two are fundamentally at odds.
The Sabian Symbols at this First Quarter Moon (Sep. 25, 9:50 pm PDT) mention communal effort, so we know one thing for sure: The solitary energy of the New Moon in Virgo – the sign of the hermit – has given way to the awareness that sometimes, it’s necessary to join forces with others in order to move ahead. The Sun’s Sabian Symbol at this First Quarter Moon is 4 Libra: A group of young people sit in spiritual communion around a campfire. The symbol for the Moon at 4 Capricorn is: A group of people entering a canoe for a journey by water.
The question at this First Quarter Moon is not whether to seek input from others. The Sun in collaborative Libra would have given us that message, regardless of the Sabian Symbols’ messages. Rather, the question is how it should be done. Is it more productive to sit around the campfire and discuss the philosophical underpinnings of the question at hand, or is it better to follow your gut instincts and leap into action? The answer is – as always when two planets are in square aspect – that you must do both.
At the First Quarter Moon, it’s time to enjoin others in your New Moon quest. What were your New Moon wishes? What energetic seeds did you cast out into the universe? At the First Quarter Moon, you should begin to see a response to those intentions – and while some of the responses may be positive, some may not. In fact, with the Sun and Moon in close aspect to Pluto at this First Quarter, it’s likely you’re feeling pretty wounded at how your tender little New Moon dreams have been received by the cold, hard world. Your initial Plutonian instinct may be to form a posse of your friends and light some torches to avenge yourself.
Sometimes, fighting back is healthy. Sometimes, it’s a sign of looking out for yourself. But sometimes, it’s just a defensive measure to protect you from hurtful truths – and from taking corrective action that can help you later on.
So before you round up your posse, first take it all in, the hurts and worry and grief, and bring the whole package to your community. Sit with it for awhile in front of the campfire; enjoy a restorative beverage, glower at the fire, and solicit the advice and opinions of those you trust. Before you move ahead, you need to formulate a plan. The Moon in Capricorn cherishes plans.
And then, when the campfire has burned down to embers and you finally have a clear picture of what needs to be done to further your cause, grab a couple of pals and a sturdy canoe, and get paddling.
