The Sun and Moon are in charming and diplomatic Libra; the sign that rules beauty, balance, harmony, peace, partnership, and of course, love. A New Moon is always a new beginning; a time to initiate a plan, a project or set an intention. The theme for this New Moon revolves around relationships.

The Sun and Moon may be in loving Libra but it’s not all “sweetness and light.” Chiron, a minor planet (or centaur) known as the “wounded healer” is opposite the Sun and Moon. Old wounds, buried traumas, and grievances may surface now. In mythology, Chiron was a beloved teacher who taught the sons of the great men and gods to be the heroes they were meant to be. Perhaps we are being asked to step up and become the heroes of our own life.

Saturn (in demanding Capricorn) went direct September 18. Transformational Pluto (also in Capricorn) goes direct October 3. Both planets will be pressing forward towards their dramatic rendezvous on January 12, 2020. The rehearsal is over. In a sense we’re all waking up, getting sober, taking inventory. Old structures are collapsing; political, economic, and personal.

Pluto makes a challenging square to both Mercury and Venus in Libra, exposing the old stories and buried fears. Pluto also makes a supportive trine to Mars in Virgo, giving us the courage to do the deep work; to re-frame those old stories and create new structures, attitudes, and beliefs. Saturn makes a tough square to Venus; we may feel alone but look around; support comes from surprising sources.

Change-at-all-cost Uranus in practical Taurus makes an awkward inconjunct to the Sun and Moon, bringing the unexpected, but potentially some powerful insights into our close relationships and even our social interactions.

“Love brings up anything unlike itself for the purpose of healing.” -Sondra Ray

Back in the late 1970’s, there was a wonderful seminar created by Sondra Ray called Loving Relationships Workshop. The tag line was, “Love brings up anything unlike itself for the purpose of healing.” Those painful feelings (anger, jealousy, shame, etc.) don’t come up in a “one-night stand” or a casual encounter. They come up when we become close to people. In fact, this New Moon is a relationship workshop in itself! If you’re alive and on the planet right now, then you’ve already signed up! Take time over the next couple of weeks to examine your relationships; with partners, close friends, family, as well as with yourself.

Get in touch with those buried feelings, take responsibility, and do the necessary work, but don’t forget to acknowledge and honor what is thriving in your life. Venus, ruler if Libra, in its own sign, makes a helpful sextile to expansive Jupiter in Sagittarius also in the sign it rules. These two benevolent and auspicious planets invite us to open our hearts. Communication genius Mercury in Libra is conjunct (close to) caring Venus, inviting us to express that love. Make sure to include yourself. I think we’re all too hard on ourselves. My vow these days is to practice unconditional kindness to myself and others. All is well, you are loved, Virginia

“There are hundreds of paths through the world that would be easier than loving. But who wants easier?” – Mary Oliver