Relationships Reflection with the New Moon in Libra, October 8, 2018

The New Moon we are graced with today is in Libra, the sign ruled by the planet Venus. If you're into astrology at all, you've probably heard much talk recently about the Venus retrograde cycle that is currently taking place. Starting on October 5th, and lasting for the next 40 days till November 16th, Venus will appear to backtrack across the sky and the zodiac signs of Scorpio into Libra. The retrograde movement of the planets is associated with going within, reflection, and reassessment. These energies are particularly potent within the realm of Libra/Venus which rules relationships, the feminine, balance, love, and values. We will all feel a summons to reexamine our relationships: our romantic relationships, friendships, business partnerships, and most importantly our relationship to ourselves. This is a great time to ask the tarot for some guidance on what intentions can best help us navigate this moon cycle for optimum balance and harmony. Here are some prompts for you to try: ~What intention can I set to help me focus on emotional balance during this moon phase?~What intention can I set to help me create harmony and equality in my relationships?~What intention can I set to help me deal with Venus' call for self reflection and reassessment of the past?

Here is a reading for us all using my favorite fall deck, the Zombie Tarot:

~What intention can I set to help me focus on emotional balance during this moon phase? Five of Cups The V of Cups signifies difficult emotions such as regret, longing, grief, and sadness. It often comes up at a time when it feels like all has been lost. You are faced with crushing disappointment and have no idea what could lift your dark mood. The world looks bleak. There is a tendency now to obsess about what has passed, what has caused you pain, what is gone and can never return. The imbalance in the world is that feelings, emotions, and matters of the heart are not as important and meaningful as power, money, and big business. When people's lived experiences don't matter, especially those of women, what is the point of society? Who does it actually serve?

At this New Moon, set the intention to move away from the darkest depths of grief and despair. In order to bring balance into your life you will need to allow for hope and optimism to be present and acknowledged. There is no need to question the validity of your pain, the horror of your past, the sadness you have felt. That pain is real and that pain is acknowledged. The thing is, you can't stay there and relive it forever. That isn't for your highest good, that isn't going to solve any of your issues, that isn't going to make it better- ever. What will make your situation better, and consequently improve the lives of all those in your life that love and care about you, is to open yourself up to the possibility of future happiness. Appreciating the small moments of your day, practicing gratitude and kindness, and saying yes to what you DO want- this will help you move forward and heal. Set the intention to invite hope and love into your life and leave guilt, doubt, and grief behind.

~What intention can I set to help me create harmony and equality in my relationships? King of Cups The King of Cups is empathetic, diplomatic, generous, and deeply kind. He is compassionate, creative, understanding, and aware. These are all characteristics that we should set our intentions towards being in the month ahead. The King of Cups is the ultimate symbol of harmony and equality embodied in human form that the tarot has to offer us. This card comes as a very good sign that we have the emotional maturity and depth of character to manage and improve our relationships during this moon cycle and continue that through the whole Venus retrograde cycle.

There's a certain amount of restraint to the King of Cups as well, he doesn't overflow with emotion but rather balances emotion with intellect. He knows how to communicate matters of the heart without emotional manipulation, waterfalls of tears, or screaming matches about who cares more. He has control over his emotions, knows how to set boundaries between personal and shared feelings, and can provide stability and support for those around him. Set the intention this month to act as a King of Cups yourself when dealing with issues of balance and harmony in your relationships. How would you like to be treated? How would you like to be spoken to? How can you compromise and negotiate? The King of Cups is here to back you up with quiet, sensitive, and understanding vibrations.

~What intention can I set to help me deal with Venus' call for self reflection and reassessment of the past? Page of Pentacles A Page is always a good sign for new beginnings, just like a New Moon. This Page has a rather responsible and determined youthful energy, bringing fresh opportunity or possibility to your life. His appearance signifies a real exuberance for learning about yourself by diving into the self-reflection and reassessment demanded by this Venus retrograde with an eagerness to learn new things about yourself. Now is the chance to see your past in the bright light and perspective of your present self!  Set the intention to go into this cycle with an open mind and a willingness to learn new things about yourself.

Maybe you're not the type of person who delights in processing the past and rehashing old issues, well- you just might have to do it anyway this season. Don't be afraid to go down this road of analysis. The Page of Pentacles is offering up many learning opportunities in a spirit of wonder, but also practicality. Don't be surprised if your self assessment unearths some old dreams about home, finances, work, or your body that were lost along the way. You could find yourself revved up by a great business idea you had before, a renewal of a project around the house, a job pop up you always wanted, or a refreshed diet and exercise plan. The point is, set the intention to be wide-eyed and open to possibility, the Page of Pentacles isn't adapt at reengaging with the past, but he sure can make the most practical use of what he finds there.

Okay, there you have it, a New Moon Reading for Libra. I hope you found it insightful and useful. If you would like to get a personalized reading, I am available!  I do email readings, online readings (Skype or Google Hangout), and in-person readings in Nashville, TN. Hit me up at thewilllowpath@gmail.com if you would like to set something up!