The New Moon appears on Wednesday, October 2 at 2:49 pm, and it’s preceded by a solar eclipse at 11:42 am. This particular New Moon marks the beginning of a period of dramatic astrological change; however, meditation, stillness, and a focus on love and peace always aid in maintaining equilibrium.

The New Moon is a time to go within, release the past, and visualize the future. If possible, it’s helpful to go into the void–the empty space between worlds—or into the secret space behind the heart. From this point of focus, it’s possible to understand the impetus of recreating the self (and life) in a more beautiful form.

Solar Eclipses only appear when they are near one of the nodes of the Moon, known as the north and south nodes. The north node indicates the direction of spiritual growth and accomplishments during a lifetime; the south node symbolizes karma, mistakes, and repetitive patterns that are often subconscious. Sun and Moon conjunct the South Node, placing particular emphasis on releasing past habits, thoughts, and beliefs to create a better future.

Currently, the south node, Sun (life), and Moon (emotion) are conjunct in Libra, which indicates a need to review boundaries, surrender the tendency to please other people, and speak personal truth in a neutral, heart-centered way. Eclipses exert their influence for approximately six months.

Sun (life), Moon (emotion), and Mercury (mind, communication) are placed in the Libra, which emphasizes art, beauty, abundance, balance, and relationships. (Relationships include the self, partners of all kinds, and interactions with outer/inner world.) With the eclipse in mind, it’s wise to focus on changes associated with Libran energy such as beauty, harmony, and balance.

Sun and Moon conjunct Mercury (mind, intellect, communication) enhances thinking, memory, and communication of ideas. Moon (emotion) conjunct Mercury (thought) makes thoughts and emotions more powerful, increasing sensitivity and psychic abilities. Thoughts are more easily communicated with this aspect, and it’s wise to remember that other people can feel—and to some degree–hear our inner dialog.

Sun (life), Moon (emotion), and Mercury (thought) square Mars (assertion, action, male) expands boldness and ambition. It can aid with projects, work, and goals It increases overall energy and gives focus. On the negative, the aspect can cause anger and resentment if the energy is not applied to achievements and growth. Mercury square Mars can create rushed thinking, poor decisions, and aggression, but it is balanced through slow and focused work as well as greater awareness.

Mercury (thought, communications) in Libra gives thoughts of beauty, harmony, and balance—if we pursue it. Mercury trine Jupiter brings optimism and the possibility of good news. It clarifies the mind and brings success with intellectual pursuits.

Venus (love, feminine, beauty) in Scorpio reveals truth about relationships and tends to have possessive or obsessive feelings in love relationships. Venus trine Mars (assertion, male) brings a beautiful balance between the feminine/masculine aspects of self and benefits relationships. Venus trine Saturn (limitation, karma) marks a good time for deeper commitment in relationships and long-term investments. The aspect gives stability, creating an excellent time to discuss and resolve issues in relationships. It’s an invitation to release fear and insecurities to allow in vulnerability and greater depth of feeling in our lives.

Mars (assertion, male energy) in Cancer, a water sign, amplifies emotions and feelings, particularly the need for self-protection. When Mars is in Cancer, it’s easy to become hyper-sensitive and misread information from others, which can cause anger or misunderstanding. (Pausing before you respond is a positive move with this placement.)

Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) in Gemini squares Saturn (limitation, karma), giving an opportunity to overcome the old and unwanted in life—and to create a new reality and life. Jupiter square Neptune (mysticism, illusion) may blur truth and illusion. Weigh impressions and thoughts within the heart.

Saturn (limitation, karma) in Pisces continues to clear and bring karma from the past age into the present. Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) in Taurus speaks of earth changes and the need for greater awareness of the needs of the planet.

Uranus (sudden change, quantum field), Neptune (mysticism, illusion) and Pluto (subconscious, transformation) continue to form aspects that support spiritual transformation and growth.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path. If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.