Libra Full Moon: Justice for All

Things can go awry, often when you least expect it. You lose your job or your 401K through no fault of your own. Someone you love gets deported and ends up in a foreign detention center. The politician you voted for, believing that he would make things better for you, ends up doing just the opposite.  

Challenging things are happening lately, many of which are simply unacceptable. One good way to fight back is by joining a peaceful protest march, as I and an estimated five million others did on April 5. From creating a memorable sign to catching a Lyft downtown to join a sea of folks who believe in democracy, the process is enlivening. Even though it meant marching for hours in the hot sun, the rally gave me a feeling of solidarity and camaraderie.  A peaceful protest gives ordinary people like us the opportunity to stand up for what we believe in and be heard. Though I loved seeing all the clever signs and chanting with others, the best part was the spontaneous honking and fist-raising of folks driving by as we marched. Although it may be hard to figure out how it’s going to happen, we are determined to prevail. (The next mass nationwide rally is April 19. Go to www.FiftyFifty.one to find out about events near you.) 

The Sabian Symbol for the Libra Full Moon (April 12, 5:22 p.m. PT) supports this march toward justice. The image is a curious one, though: “A butterfly with a third wing on the left side.” Though it’s a bit lopsided, not necessarily reflecting Libra’s desire for balance, this image suggests the ability to develop fresh, intuitive ways of dealing with off-kilter situations. Three is a symbol of fulfillment, and the butterfly is transformation. At this Full Moon, a new spiritual power is rising up. And since the extra butterfly wing is on the heart’s side, the strength of compassion is emphasized, even if it’s not yet fully realized.

Libra is a sign of the people, especially when the Moon is there. This Full Moon seeks balance, justice and unity for all. It occurs opposite the Sun in Aries as it joins wounded healer Chiron at 23 degrees of the warrior sign. This depicts the pain, injustice and anger experienced by many. And it coincides with Venus, ruler of this Libra lunation, stationing direct and thus extra powerful. This Full Moon, though it may feel prickly and emotional, is already bringing social, personal and legal issues to a head for resolution.

On April 5 at the widespread Hands-Off rallies, the family-oriented Cancer Moon was conjunct go-getter Mars and trine Saturn, Venus and Mercury in compassionate Pisces. How appropriate for people rallying to a cause! At this Full Moon, Mars in Cancer will square both luminaries, creating a bold, decisive T-square that demands justice for the people. Also, relational Venus is near commitment-oriented Saturn and the fateful North Node in sensitive Pisces. Though we may not be privy to all that’s going on behind closed doors, we’re called to put our faith in Spirit and follow our instincts wherever they may lead.

This Full Moon is the outcome of the March 29 Aries solar eclipse, which sparked action, aggression and anger. But that eclipse occurred while Mercury was still retrograde and conjunct Neptune, casting a fog around things. Mercury just turned direct on April 7 (with Venus soon to follow on April 12), and once these inner planets pick up speed in the next few weeks, greater clarity and momentum are likely.

But there’s still the final Mars-Pluto opposition of April 26 to be reckoned with. This tense standoff between two uber-dominant planets is the outcome of events that began in early November (election day) and came back in January. In the week leading up to April 26, the final hurrah of this do-or-die aspect occurs. Meanwhile, this Saturday’s Full Moon coincides with an exact sextile from Saturn in Pisces to Uranus in Taurus. Since Saturn represents the old and Uranus is the new, these energies can now work together to achieve a common goal, hopefully exposing any particularly heinous Mars-Pluto power grabs.

Especially if you have Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn planets around 23 to 27 degrees, this Full Moon should be galvanizing and illuminating. It might also be triggering (but ultimately healing), thanks to Chiron’s conjunction to the Sun. Take good care of yourself and those you love. If you need sustenance, meditate on this image of a three-winged butterfly, and feel that extra wing beginning to sprout in your heart. New powers are being awakened. Let’s band together and work toward justice for all.