In the Pacific Time Zone, the Moon will be full at 8:31 p.m. on Monday, April 26. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Taurus will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Scorpio. To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 8° of Taurus and 8° of Scorpio in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence.
Full Moons ask us to evaluate if we need to make any adjustments to the balance between the qualities of the two signs that are involved. This Scorpio Full Moon involves the signs of Taurus and Scorpio:
- The archetype for Taurus is the bull, which I believe is the perfect symbol for this sign. The qualities of Taurus include being down-to-earth, responsible, resourceful, reliable, patient, and loyal. The bull is happy in its pasture, and it enjoys using its senses to experience the world (e.g., seeing and smelling the grass and flowers). However, as is true of bulls, it would prefer to not move out of its chosen space. When asked to change (especially quickly), the bull can become stubborn and resistant.
- The most recognized archetype for Scorpio is, of course, the scorpion. However, as we have discussed before in other Moon Updates, Scorpio is known by several different symbols. The scorpion is the part of this sign that loves being underground. It represents our need to dig deep to find the answers, which can include uncovering secrets. However, other symbols for Scorpio are the horse, the eagle, and the dove. These symbols represent the process of bringing that deep information to the surface (horse) that was discovered by the scorpion. If we use the information to heal, then we can gain a bigger perspective (eagle) and possibly even help others heal (dove). And then we start the whole process over again, which is represented by yet another symbol for Scorpio: the phoenix. The higher expression of Scorpio includes being determined, passionate, transformative, and healing. However, it can also be over-bearing, intolerant, and even jealous.
In the last Moon Update, we talked about the fact that the majority of the signs were in the elements of fire and air. Consequently, I encouraged everyone to courageously take some actions that hopefully resulted in feeling more freedom and independence. With this Moon Update, our focus shifts to earth and water signs, which is a very different energy. Instead of action and mental energy (fire/air), we are now dealing with energy that is determined and emotional (earth/water).
The Scorpio Full Moon is actually part of a very powerful t-square configuration, which means that 3 or more planets are forming a right triangle in the sky above us. With this t-square, the Sun in Taurus and the Moon in Scorpio are in opposition (180°) to each other, but both of them are squaring (90°) Saturn in Aquarius. However, the Sun is not alone; it is conjunct (0°) Mercury, Venus, and Uranus. All 4 of these planets in Taurus are tightly grouped together in Taurus, forming another planetary configuration called a stellium.
Having 6 planets involved in the t-square, including a stellium, makes this a mighty powerful planetary formation. There are a large number of individual aspects that could be analyzed given 6 planets are involved, but I will do my best to provide a summary of possible ways that the t-square and stellium may influence us around the time of the Scorpio Full Moon.
- All 3 corners of the right triangle are in fixed signs (i.e., Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius), which means our energy will likely be expressed in ways that are slow and deliberate. If that bull wants to go after something, it tends to move slowly. It will also be extremely determined and persistent. However, as mentioned before, it can also become resistant to change, especially if change is being forced on it or change is occurring too quickly. With this fixed t-square, we may feel inclined to dig in our heels and resist change, even when this isn’t the best course of action.
- The Moon in the water sign of Scorpio. The Moon and all water signs are associated with our emotions. In general, Full Moons tend to be an emotional time, but having this Moon/water emphasis may make it even more so. Luckily, the presence of some water can help us be more open to change, if change is needed. Water flows, and we need to be willing to flow with the current. This is especially true if the indicated change will allow us to achieve something concrete and practical, which would make all the Taurean earth energy very happy. Also, the new direction may involve creating new habits, which is also associated with the Moon.
- Another “support” for being able to make necessary changes is the presence of Uranus as one of the planets in the Taurus stellium. Given Uranus is the planet of change, it may help soften any felt need to resist to change. It could also provide flashes of intuitive insight. However, Uranus does bring with it an unpredictable energy that may even veer into rebelliousness.
- Venus is also one of the planets in the stellium. Venus is the ruler of Taurus, so this means Venus is extra powerful. On the positive side, Venus in Taurus means we enjoy sensual and pleasurable experiences. We also prefer that love be expressed through physical acts or material items. Venus also has to do with finances; but when in Taurus, it wants to pursue long-term, high quality financial investments. However, when Venus is in Taurus, it can have a tendency to possessively hold onto someone or something a little too tightly out of a fear of losing it.
- Having Mercury in the Taurus mix means that we may be able to think through issues in a rational, down-to-earth way. It does mean that we may be a little rigid or “stuck in our ways” when it comes to the mental approach we take. However, it does mean we will have the mental focus to push through any obstacles, if we can be open to blending our “tried and true” approaches and incorporate some new ways of thinking.
- In any t-square, the planet being squared (90°) is called the “focal planet.” This time it’s Saturn. The focal planet is what helps us find a better balance between the planets that are in opposition (i.e., the Moon in opposition [180°] to Sun/Mercury/Venus/Uranus). How can it help at the time of this Scorpio Full Moon? Saturn can bring leadership, structure, and discipline. Given the emotional energy and the presence of unpredictable Uranus, this could provide the leadership that we need (internally and/or externally). Also, Saturn can provide wisdom that helps us understand the best approach to take. But Saturn will also be asking us to “step up” and take responsibility, which may require that we realistically sort through options to find a viable solution (and identify what won’t work).
- Healing is strongly indicated. The Moon in Scorpio always means that deep emotions are involved. Luckily, there is a supportive trine (120°) between the Moon and Mars in Cancer (another water sign). Mars could facilitate accessing the energy we need to courageously face whatever is found during Scorpio’s deep dive into the darkness. Also helping us is the fact that Saturn is in a sweet sextile (60°) to Chiron in Aries. We could be feeling some vulnerability around what is happening around the time of the Full Moon, but Chiron in Aries will provide us with the courage we need to face any deep issues.
In the days around and following the Full Moon, the planets that are currently in Taurus (i.e., Sun, Mercury, Venus, Uranus) will form a series of exact conjunctions to each other and exact squares (90°) to Saturn in Aquarius. The week or so following the Full Moon will be a very astrologically active time. This could be when we are asked to look seriously and realistically at issues that may have been identified around the time of the Full Moon. Given Venus is involved, those issues may involve our relationships or finances. During this time, we do need to be careful about how we use our words. The square (90°) between Mercury and Saturn (exact on Sunday, April 25) could cause us to react rather than listen to what others are saying. If we can’t find the right words in the moment, it may be best to take a break, think things through, and come back when we are ready to act rather than react. All the Taurus energy will support us in not giving up and moving slowly toward resolution. However, we should be willing to temporarily retreat from any situation that is not going well. It may help to remember that the lower expression of the Taurean energy can be “a bull in a China shop.”
Right before the Full Moon (on Friday, April 23), Mars moves into Cancer, where it will remain until June 11. Mars is about taking action, and Cancer is a cardinal sign, which means that it wants to act. However, Mars in Cancer often prefers to take an indirect route as opposed to a straightforward one. Think of the crab that moves side-to-side rather than forward. Additionally, Cancer is a water sign, so for the next 6 weeks, our actions may be based on our emotions or intuition. Additionally, this placement can increase our sense of emotional vulnerability. This may cause us to take actions that protect us and increase our sense of safety or security. Our actions may be seen as defensive by others. We may also have a tendency to withdraw if we are feeling threatened.
Then on Tuesday, April 27, Pluto is the first planet to begin the summertime retrograde season. As usual, this slow-moving planet will be in retrograde for a little over 5 months (until October 5). This annual retrograde phase for Pluto is subtle, deep, and powerful. It is a time when we are more inclined to turn inward and examine our psyche to determine what needs to be healed in order to be reborn into the next phase of our lives, like the phoenix rising from the ashes. This may require the realization that something within us needs to die in order for rebirth to occur. We may also need to internally face where we have been trying to get our innermost needs met by using unhealthy force rather than healthy personal power.
On Monday, May 3, Mercury leaves Taurus and enters Gemini. Normally, Mercury stays in a sign for about 3 weeks. However, Mercury will be going retrograde in Gemini beginning on May 29. This means that it will be spending over 2 months in Gemini (i.e., it won’t move into Cancer until July 12). Between now and the end of May, most of us will enjoy Mercury happily being in its home sign. We will be more interested in communicating with others and being more social. Our curiosity will be activated; but rather than digging deep into one particular subject, we will likely be more interested in learning about a lot of different things. The downside of this placement is that we can be mentally distracted because our minds will be drawn in many different directions.
Venus will join Mercury in Gemini on Saturday, May 8, and it will be there until June 3. Venus represents what we desire. While in Gemini, we may have many different things we are interested in pursuing. Venus is about relationships, finances, and enjoyment. I always think of the saying “variety is the spice of life” when I think about Venus in Gemini. We want to be around different types of people and we enjoy being around people who talk about diverse subjects that are interesting to us. However, while Venus is in the air sign of Gemini, we may want to be social and have fun, but we may prefer to keep a bit more distance emotionally than usual.
Overall, this is a very powerful Full Moon in Scorpio. It’s a time when we look deep into our emotional world. The ultimate goal is healing, but the process may not be easy and it may require that we uncover previously hidden issues, individually and/or collectively. With Uranus in the mix, we do need to be prepared for some surprises and changes that are likely needed. There may be breakdowns that lead to breakthroughs in our relationships or finances due to the strong influence of Venus. With all the Taurean/fixed energy on full display during the time of this Full Moon, we do need to watch for signs that we are digging in our heels and not allowing the Uranean changes to occur. This is a time when it’s likely that something in our life needs to be realistically addressed so that healing can occur. We are well advised to use the trine (120⁰) to Mars to help supply us with the courageous energy we will need to make necessary changes.
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THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY
- Anne Reith, Ph.D. (AnneReith.com)
- For information about Dr. Reith’s downloadable eBooks and meditations, feel free to visit her online Store
SOME INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
- The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
- Various online sources (e.g., www.cafeastrology.com)
REMINDER
- New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
FULL MOON
Full Moon at 8° of Scorpio
- Monday, April 26, 2021, 8:31 p.m. PDT
- Monday, April 26, 2021, 11:31 p.m. EDT
- Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 3:31 a.m. GMT
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By Anne Reith, Ph.D.