Let’s look at the moon this month, and what it could mean for us all and for you….
The Moon and Astrology
The moon is the closest celestial body to Earth. It exerts a physical gravitational effect on the tides and on every living thing, and we are no exception. Our bodies are largely water, subject to that powerful pull of the tides. We may notice cyclical changes in moods, for instance. We may notice regular variations in water retention, bloating, or in our skin or joints, men and women alike, though the effects are more easily observable in women, in connection with their menstrual cycles.
Astrology is about the search for human meaning in the sky; seeking to understand human behavior through the influence of planets and other celestial objects, our Moon being the nearest. Symbolically, because it has no light of its own, the Moon represents our ‘shadowy’ side, our secrets, moods and dreams, and the thoughts and feelings we’re not consciously aware of, although we may feel them.
Humans have been studying the Moon since at least 25 000 years ago, connecting moon cycles with the tides and seasons, which in time led to the development of the first calendars and agriculture.
The Lunar Headlines in April
There is a lot of lunar drama going on this month, just as there is down here right now during this Coronavirus pandemic, and it is set to continue for at least a few more weeks.
This month’s Full Moon is:
- A Super-moon
- A Pink Moon, and
- A Paschal (Easter) Moon
The Full Moon this month will be in the sign of Libra.
The New Moon this month will be in the sign of Taurus.
Key Moon phases
1 April First Quarter Moon (waxing moon)
7 April Full Moon (in Libra)
13 April Last Quarter (waning moon)
23 April New Moon (in Taurus)
29 April First Quarter Moon (waxing moon)
OK. What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is a full moon or a new moon that nearly coincides with perigee—the closest that the Moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit—resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size as viewed from Earth.
What Is A Paschal Moon?
Easter is observed on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full Moon that occurs on or after the March equinox.
This year, the March equinox occurs on Thursday, March 19. The first full Moon to occur after that date is 7 April UK time.
Easter this year is the first Sunday after 7 April: Sunday, making it 12 April.
What is a Pink Moon?
Historically, full Moon nicknames were used to track the seasons and relate to nature.
April’s full Moon coincides with the first appearance of the “moss pink,” or ground creeping phlox …early spring flowers.
Public Domain
Moon-lore: Working with the Moon
In general terms, the New Moon and waxing Moon phase building up to the next Full Moon is the optimum time to make a new plan, to start or apply for something, or to grow, make or get something, as farming almanacs explain.
A Full Moon is, in general, the optimum time to take stock and evaluate, or to gather, collect, harvest or cash in on something.
A Waning Moon is, in general, the optimum time for ending something, releasing something, or clearing out what’s no longer wanted or needed.
April 7: Full Moon in Libra
The Justice card: Rider- Waite Tarot
The Full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is on the opposite of the Earth from the Sun and we are able to see the entire illuminated portion of the Moon.
During April, the Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Aries forms an opposition to the Moon in Libra.
This full Moon shines a spotlight on the rule of reason, law and order, fair play, give and take, courtesy and diplomacy.
It can suggest romance in personal relationships or repairing a disagreement. The zodiac sign of cool but charming Libra, ruled by the planet Venus, is all about creating balance, harmony, and keeping the peace.
Libra is associated with The Justice Card in Tarot, which is about respect and fair play, keeping calm, following procedure, and suggests logic and reason.
The Justice card says, above all do not panic during this Coronavirus pandemic.
Yes, it is serious. But this is not the Plague. This is not the Black Death which wiped out 30-60 % of Europe in the fourteenth century.
Most people who develop it will have a short illness, maybe as short as 48-72 hours, and for many, the symptoms will be mild-moderate.
The advice of the Justice card is to keep calm and follow whatever are the recommended steps to limit the risks and disruption for everyone.
Disruption and uncertainty make us anxious, and this is natural, but the only real illusion is a certainty. Nothing is certain but change.
Simply being thoughtful and careful in the very best sense of the word, to take care and show care, is the way to go during this challenging time ahead.
This is the message of this Full Moon in Libra.
April 23: New Moon in Taurus
The Hierophant: Rider-Waite Tarot
The New Moon is the first/last lunar phase. The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the moon is almost invisible, hidden in the sun’s glare.
The Hierophant card is associated with Taurus, a warm, earthy but creative, artistic and highly instinctive sign.
Taurus is about tradition. Taurus reminds us of our roots. This present public health emergency is a good time to review a few habits and expectations and perhaps create new habits that may also help the environment.
Spring is here. Taurus is the sign of spring in full flow, of everything alive and green. This seasonal change alone may help to ease the situation in the northern hemisphere. Taurus is the ultimate zodiac sign of food and agriculture, matched only by the harvest time of Virgo.
Why not buy a packet of seeds, have fun experimenting with a few herbs or cress, or how about a tomato plant on a windowsill? Follow the instructions and watch for little miracles.
People are worried. This is natural. People have been panicking. This is not helpful. Supermarkets have been selling out of many goods, but it’s not due to actual shortages. It is hoarding, which is creating difficulties, but this is a temporary issue. Soon there will be limits on this, and things should start to calm down again.
Buy small, buy local, buy fresh. ‘Eat your greens.’
This is the message of the New Moon in Taurus.
Join us again next month for the low-down on the May Moon and what it could mean for you….
