Libra New Moon: Peace and Justice

I love the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize winners are announced when the Sun is in Libra, sign of peace, justice and balance. And this year’s unexpected winner, rather than a prominent world leader, is Marina Corina Machado – a pro-democracy Venezuelan activist who was born under the sign of Libra.

Machado has been in hiding with her eldest daughter since shortly after Venezuela’s presidential election in July 2024, when authorities loyal to Nicolas Maduro, the country’s autocratic leader, declared he had won a third term. Machado refused to accept these fraudulent results, which did not reflect the wishes of the Venezuelan people. She led a protest for a fair vote count a month later, for which she was physically attacked and accused of treason.

Earlier, Machado had made an attempt to run for president, and her campaign drew widespread support among Venezuelans eager for political change. She won the primary by more than 90 percent, but authorities barred her from appearing on the ballot. Still, she continued to press for free elections and institutional reform. She could have fled Venezuela, but she loves her country too much for that. So, for her own protection she went underground – never dreaming what awaited her.

On October 10, Machado awoke to find she’d been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to defend democratic principles. Announcing the award, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes called her “a brave and committed champion of peace…a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness.”

The award came just three days after Machado’s solar return (Oct. 7, 1967 in Caracas, time unknown). She was in the spotlight at this, her 58^th birthday, thanks to the Oct. 6 Aries Full Moon, which lit up her peace-and-justice-oriented Libra Sun opposite determined Saturn in Aries, while trining her spirited Sagittarius Moon and Mars. By next spring, when she has her second Saturn return, even more recognition may be at hand for Machado, often called the Iron Lady due to her resilience, discipline and unwavering resolve.

Soon we’ll all experience the Libra New Moon (Oct. 21, 5:25 a.m. PT.) This lunation falls at the end of the sign (at 28 degrees), giving it a decisive quality, and emphasizing the air sign abilities of decision-making and brokering agreements. This is impacted by an exact conjunction of Mercury and Mars at 20 Scorpio at the New Moon – a potentially quarrelsome aspect, but also one of intense scrutiny and the ability to solve problems. This conjunction is not a one-time thing; it returns on Nov. 12 due to Mercury’s retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio through most of November. On the world stage and in your personal life, expect heated, passionate thoughts and exchanges that take time to unfold or reach a conclusion. It will be interesting to witness the ripple effect of Machado’s Nobel recognition, both in her country and abroad.

Venus, which rules this New Moon, just migrated into its own sign of Libra on Oct. 13. This amplifies the themes of fairness, balance and justice through early November. Venus in Libra is often a good time for relationships, creativity and important connections. Venus in its home sign particularly seeks justice and fair dealings. It’s time to hold yourself and others accountable for doing what’s right. Pluto in Aquarius also stationed direct on Oct. 13, reminding us of our collective power and urging us to tap into it.

As tensions increase here in the U.S. over assaults on democratic principles, over 2500 peaceful, non-violent No Kings rallies are planned for Oct. 18. These public events will happen at the potent dark of the Moon, just three days before the Mercury-Mars conjunction and the Libra New Moon. It’s a flashpoint time, so keep your eyes open if you attend one, or otherwise take a stand for peace, freedom and justice.

In the press release announcing Maria Corina Machado as the 2025 winner, the Nobel committee reminded us, “When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist. Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent, who dare to step forward despite grave risk, and who remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted, but must always be defended – with words, with courage and with determination.”