Clarity Before Confrontation: Libra Season Forecast
Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac, the place where we officially arrive beyond the development of self ready to attend to others. With its ties to the 7th House Libra is often reduced to its connection to relationships, courtship, and romantic partnership. Ruled by Venus, its associations with love and beauty are certainly compounded. But Libra is an air sign, highly intellectual and conceptually oriented. It’s a study of aesthetics, the ideal of love, with little room for the messy reality. Given the sign’s stellar configuration, though, Libra’s ties to romance feel like another exaggeration of modern astrology. The Sign of the Scales is the sign of Justice.
We enter the Libran courtroom on September 22nd and interrogations are already under way. Mercury in its retrograde shadow sets its sights on Kingpin Pluto, the last of 2020’s Capricorn Cabal standing. In Libra, Mercury remains diplomatic but suffers no lies. The final retrograde of 2020 ended at 25 degrees of Libra, the exact degree at which this season’s begins: this retrograde seeks answers for the last 10 months, and no one is exempt from the process of justice. With Libra’s ruler still in her underworld exile, the shadows aren’t quite as viable a hiding spot as they once were — her opposition to revolutionary Uranus insists on change.
Mercury officially stations retrograde on September 27th, emphasizing conscience and instinct. The 25th Degree of Libra is one of individual development and responsibility, and Mercury’s hesitation on the degree asks us to examine our convictions before we stand before the jury. Just as a case is presented before judgement is declared, we must first examine the evidence before us — as well as within us — before moving forward. During the three weeks of retrograde movement, we are asked to remove emotion and passion in favour of passive observation. This is a time to gain clarity for the path ahead. This does not, however, mean that feelings are invalid: our seasonal ruler aspects both Neptune and Jupiter during this time reminding us that belief is also a basis for value, and zealotry can strike at any time. The ability to distinguish the prophet from the charlatan is not always so simple. Answers may be found in the past: the Sun’s second annual trine to Saturn reminds us that there are still lessons to be learned from history. We must assume responsibility for our actions, but we may find guidance from those who came before.
Mercury squares Pluto for the second time October 1st, presenting a new perspective on themes of power and control. During quick-moving retrogrades like Mercury’s, transits may occur up to three times giving us a chance to dissect and analyze these themes in new ways. This begins our cross-examination, teasing out other sides to the stories. Here we may find shapes in the shadows previously too dark to see. It’s important to remember that retrogrades are not a time for revelation. Information you find now should be kept close to the vest, combed over and analyzed from a place of personal consideration. Depth is key. Fear may prevent you from asking the questions, but the answers you receive are invaluable — ask them often of everyone, including yourself.
As the Sun moves into alignment with Mars it may be difficult to keep this inside. There’s an urgency to confront anger, especially as each planet opposes Chiron, illuminating and inflaming past pain. The New Moon on October 6th returns the focus within: direct Mars’ fire to beliefs and patterns which no longer serve you and allow them to burn away. As the lunar light grows in time with the building trine with Saturn, the ashes of the past become sturdy bricks for new structures. Venus enters Sagittarius the next day, reminding us that truth is the ultimate beauty. This transit is typically a celebration of freedom but we still have to resolve patterns of constriction before we find fun, and Venus doesn’t like conditions. It may be difficult to avoid resentment, especially as Mercury spins back past the Sun and Mars, confusing conversations and illuminating deceptions.
Pluto one again comes under scrutiny later in the month as the Sun throws it into a spotlight, backed by benevolent Jupiter. It may be tempting to turn judgement over others, to abstain in order to let more authoritative voices have their say but remember — Jupiter is also retrograde and while Aquarius is not a classical debility, it’s unable to fully expand within Saturn’s domain. Here, Jupiter looks to the crowd to relieve the pressure of constriction. Jupiter stations direct on October 18th, the same day as Mercury, and begins its journey back towards friendlier Piscean waters. Pay attention to the themes which arise through the rest of the year — these may become the building blocks of your future faith.
Mercury stations direct at 10 Degrees of Libra which speaks directly to empowerment and understanding. The information gathered during this time becomes a key to unlock new doors of potential and possibility within. We may not be able to change the world but we can change ourselves within it. Libra asks us to define our values, to create a life we feel is worth living. We can choose to settle on a life that seems beautiful, curated and arranged perfectly, but life is more than appearances. We must try ourselves often and judge ourselves fairly without hiding from unattractive truths.
This is why the Full Moon in Aries turns the trial back on us: how have we allowed the values of others to shape us? You may be surprised to find the life you live is hardly your own, an amalgamation of aesthetics and values handed down to you and politely accepted. The Aries Moon sets the stage for the season ahead and Mars rushes to lead the charge. The God of War has kept score and is all too happy to begin sentencing. As the season draws to an end Mars closes in on Pluto, a reminder that corruption degrades integrity and applied pressure can bring the whole structure crumbling down.
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Fairlie Theta is a professional astrologer and lifetime student of the esoteric. You can find more of her work and book a personal consultation through her website, ThatAstrologer.com