The Last Quarter Moon in Libra comes exact on January 13, 2015 at 4:46 AM EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Libra.
We are approaching the Last Quarter, halfway between Full and New with the Moon squaring the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the Moon is at a right angle in relation to an invisible line running from the Earth to the Sun. Here the Moon has completed 3/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in cardinal earth Capricorn will square the Moon in cardinal air Libra. One half of the Moon reflects the Sun’s rays while the other remains obscured in darkness. From Earth, we will perceive this brightness on the “left side” of the Moon.
The Moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the Moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet along another invisible line. Staring directly at the Moon during this time will align you so that you are looking out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^
A checkpoint
The Full Moon provides illumination and revelations: total awareness of all that was hidden, lurking in the depths. Now we decide which information and new ideas serve us so that we may toss out the rest in preparation for the New Moon. The waning light of the Moon represents gradual descent into darkness: a return to the womb. It is wise to wait now before chasing new endeavors. Better to prepare yourself for what’s next than take on extra work. The week between the Last Quarter Moon and the New Moon (January 13-20) is when we buckle down and wrap up any loose ends of that which was set in place with the New Moon in Capricorn three weeks ago.
Squares mean change
We have come to a corner and must choose a direction. The stress and anxiety you may feel during this phase is there to encourage decision-making. This is a time of release, forgiveness and destruction of useless internal edifices. The Moon is asking you to empty yourself. This phase falls in cardinal signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that centers you. The entire Capricorn cycle has encouraged us thus far to take initiative and build anew from the ground up. This phase is also connected to the First Quarter Moon in Capricorn way back in October – whatever themes predominated at that time will now resurface.
Last Quarter in Libra: seeking balance. Photo by Ren Tvedten, taken in Idaho, USA
Personal vs. communal success
I will proffer a few different interpretations of the Last Quarter Moon in Libra. It may represent a conflict between desire for personal status and prestige, especially in a professional sense, and desire to see all people succeed as they work together in a harmonious community. It is important that we put in the hours, maintain a healthy work ethic and feel proud of all that we do, but not at the cost of losing appreciation for the beautiful web of people upon which we rely. The battle here is between the success of the individual and the general wellbeing of the people who support the individual. The challenge may, on the other hand, have more to do with overcoming inertia and goading the Self into giving back, sincerely and unquestioningly, to the greater community. Another possibility: Capricorn rules conditional love, fully adorned with caveats, whereas Libra falls somewhere in between this and unconditional love (ruled by Cancer). Libra energy is rational yet compassionate, vigilant yet balanced. Breezy, fair-minded Libra now squares Capricorn, a sign which can be stubborn, authoritarian or self-absorbed when imbalanced. At this time the pull towards our community speaks to the heart while focusing on personal success will feel more like a duty.
When the Moon transits an air sign, we itch to mingle, share and cooperate. This is a mentally and socially stimulating transit. Libra energy will make interpersonal relations smoother and calmer. If balanced, expect to feel quite peaceful. If you are imbalanced, decision-making may be exceptionally difficult now.
If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: my heart is peaceful