The New Moon offers us an opportunity to renew our understanding of the sign it falls in, and this month’s New Moon, at 24°59′ Libra, is no exception.

Libra is noted for being fair-minded, well-mannered, and loaded with charm, thanks to Venus, Libra’s ruling planet. In general, those with a strong Libra presence in their charts are better than most at concealing their cardinal natures behind a smokescreen of reasonability and sweetness. Don’t be fooled, because once all the options have been carefully weighed and a decision has been made, these natives can implement their decisions with ruthless dispatch. We’re talking cardinal air here – the intellect rules, not emotions. That said, you will usually get your “medicine” served up with a generous dose of Venusian sugar.

The New Moon in Libra is closely trine Neptune in Aquarius. While issues before the collective could be dealt with fairly, equitably and compassionately, this also could mean that our ability to get caught up with potential rather than actual is ratcheted up.

I know I have a somewhat jaundiced view of Neptune and am very wary of all the high-minded attributes often attributed to the nebulous one. Nonetheless, it never hurts to do a reality check any time he’s in the room. There is a very good reason most cultures and belief systems have stories or sayings meant to teach the importance of being grounded in reality before taking a leap of faith. One such saying that comes immediately to mind is, “Trust in Allah, but tether your camel first.”

The inconjunct, or quincunx, between Uranus in Pisces and the New Moon in Libra offers us opportunities to be of service in unique ways, if we can get anything done. Libra and Pisces have a very different dialogue than Virgo and Aquarius. At the very least, they are both polite and prefer a non-confrontational approach. The trick here is getting them to come to any conclusions! It can end up with Libra saying “you first” and Pisces saying, “no, you first” ad infinitum! Add in the exact semi-sextile between Uranus and Neptune, and we can end up totally sidetracked – not the most favorable atmosphere for launching new projects.

No discussion of a Libra lunation is complete without seeing what her ruling planet, Venus, is up to. Venus is overjoyed to be back in her home sign of Libra and is further comforted by a lovely sextile to Mars in party loving Leo. But, and it’s a big one, Venus is just recovering from an exact square to Pluto on October 15 and a conjunction with Saturn on October 13.

Jealousy and obsessive behaviors can crop up whenever Pluto aspects Venus. What Venus sees as being mildly flirtatious and just her normal charming self, Pluto can see as potentially threatening to their relationship. Honest, open dialogue can help head off problems with an emphasis on honest – Pluto is exceeding good at nuance and detecting lies.

While Saturn is great for being responsible and dependable, he doesn’t do romantic worth a darn. Since Venus is pulling away from the dour one quickly, this will soon feel like a bad dream and she can enjoy life for awhile anyway. When Saturn moves into Libra, everyone is going to be reminded about the importance of responsible, dependable behaviors in their relationships. Pat and I will be writing more about this big change soon.

The waxing trine from Mercury in Libra to Jupiter in Aquarius makes it easy to come up with ideas designed to benefit the collective as well as take an upbeat approach to problem-solving. Between now and October 20 is the best time to take advantage of this energy.

Ceres, mistress of cycles and seasons, is now in Scorpio and sextile Pluto in Capricorn. Add in the Sabian symbol for 25 Libra, “The sight of an autumn leaf brings to a pilgrim the sudden revelation of the mystery of life and death,” and we have a potent reminder to pay attention to endings, beginnings and all cycles of death and rebirth. The leaves fall to the earth, rotting over winter to provide nutrients in the spring, when the sap rises for the tree to bloom anew. In our own lives, we need to pay attention and release what we have outgrown, to make way for something new. If we don’t, we take the risk of having Pluto rip it away . . . and don’t think he won’t.

In honor of Libra season, please take a moment to say “please” and “thank you,” the more heartfelt the better. Expressions of appreciation never go out of style, and seeing another’s face light up when receiving those is a reward in and of itself.

posted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

** Neith is still not accepting new clients and is not sure when she will be able to, thanks to Uranus transits. **

Image: A lovely crescent moon rising behind the trees. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.