Lycurgus Consulting the Pythia - Eugène Delacroix
In a few days time, the waxing Moon will reach her maximal illumation with the light of the Sun and become full. When this happens, she will shine her lunar luminescence upon the administrative, orderly sign of Virgo, the sign of Mercury.
The Full Moon signifies the apex of current celestial cycle - terminalizating the energy that has been slowly crescendoing in the aethers since the New Moon. The seedlike potential of the new moon culminates with the full moon. While new moons begin trends, patterns, and cycles, full moons terminalize them.
On earth, we experience a corresponding culmination in response - both at an individual and collective level. The new seeds, patterns, and intentions sown during the new moon two weeks ago will likewise come to fruition.
This energy of culmination can have a charged, even uncontrollable effect on the collective level. Circumstances get a little unhinged, emotions are high, and people are feeling volatile. The unconscious dominates over the conscious. Any doctor or nurse will tell you just how bizarre any hospitals or inpatient facilities can be during full Moons.
For this reason, full moons were considered inauspicious. All the more so now since this full moon is also a lunar eclipse, which can be some of the most intense, destabilizing lunations of the year.
Simply put, eclipses eclipse things - stable states of affairs and circumstances are disappear, sometimes suddenly. The planets and house in a natal chart that are affected by an eclipse will determine which topics and domains of life are most affected. Bear in mind though, that the challenges that crop up don’t normally last a long time - they are just for the period surrounding the eclipse.
The best way to mitigate the negative effects of an eclipse in your life is by avoiding going out of doors during the eclipse itself. Don’t get moonlight on your skin during a lunar eclipse, or sunlight during a solar eclipse. If you do need to get light on your person during this period, wash yourself with holy or blessed water, and take a bath with baking soda.
A lot of people have argued this point with me in the past - accusing me of having a “fear based mentality” around eclipses. I personally choose not to argue with the myriad of traditions and communities around the world that have such strong protective measures around eclispes, sometimes dating back thousands of years. They can’t all be wrong. Better safe than sorry.
This lunar eclipse is occurring in Pisces, which is watery, mutable, and ruled by Jupiter. In contrast to the discursive, pragmatic sign of Virgo where the new moon occurred two weeks ago, the watery nature of Pisces privileges the emotional, non-linear, and unconscious aspects of our lives. People become very preoccupied with their emotional lives, and the inner process can become very prioritized.
On a personal level, the Pisces full moon is a good time for inner reflection and divination. The voice of the gods speaks loudly as the Moon illuminates the watery abode of Jupiter, keeper of spiritual wisdom and insight. Fresh persepctives, guidance, and even visions arise freely during this time. Cultivate your connection to your inner guidance and practice inner listening to the words of the oracle within.
As your inner voice speaks to you, you may uncover toxic emotional patterns and behaviors that must be adjusted. The full moon in Pisces can illuminate delusions and fantasies that we have told ourselves that are utterly ungrounded in reality. As you release that which does not serve you, remember the pragmatic intentions you set during the Virgo new moon - examine those patterns and traits that adversely affect or even actively harm your grounded intentions for your life.
This eclispe occurs in the same sign as Saturn, who is currently retrograding in Pisces. When Saturn gets close to a major lunar alignment like this, a lot of pain, blockages, and obstacles can arise. In Pisces, you can expect a lot of unconscious shadows and repressed elements of your psyche to begin rising to the surface. It is a very uncomfortable experience, so be prepared.
Don’t fight or resist the unconscious patterning that Saturn reveals; accept them for what they are. Becoming aware of them is the only way to heal and integrate - this uncomfortable process is absolutely essential for real growth and emotional alchemy. By engaging in this work, you can bring tremendous emotional growth into your life.
Clear Quartz, a Jupiter stone, can facilitate the reception of messages and guidance while reinforcing clarity and groundedness instead of delusion. Selenite is also helpful for connecting with the inner voice, and may be better suited for someone who has trouble connecting with their intuition.
Surrender to the divine mystery. Allow Saturn to clearly reveal those parts of yourself that sabotage the life that you want to live. In surrendering your ego and attachment to your own emotional processes, you will find the deeper emotional fulfillment and spiritual union that your soul is seeking.