On the 7th or 8th of April, depending on our location, we are having a very strong full super moon in Libra. One that is the closest to the earth this year. It is a full moon, and therefore it is a culmination. It is happening at 18 degrees and 43 minutes of Libra, and it is a full moon of social responsibility. We all understand by now that everything we are going through in our personal life has to do with our place in the world. The natural world. The environment, nature, animals and everything around us is coming alive in April as we are battling through restrictions, contractions and hardships, but also helping out in the community, caring for those more vulnerable, sharing resources and working for a common good.

The full moon in Libra brings all of it into focus as the wheel moves and takes with it the emphasis from the self to the other. But it is not an antagonistic relationship. It’s a reflective one. The others in nature reflect our own condition, our own health, our own well-being. The phrase ‘we are in it together’ has been quoted both mindlessly and mindfully as never before. It’s told everywhere. And for a reason. Earth concerns feature prominently. While the full moon in Libra is in an air sign guiding our thinking and fortified by Mars cruising through Aquarius, a lot of the heavy hitter planets are on earth signs. Jupiter and Pluto are in Capricorn, and Uranus is in Taurus. That most influential energy of asteroid Pallas Athena, that represents strategic thinking in action and the craft of weaving, is also in Capricorn. Venus, however, has already left stable earthly Taurus and moved into communicative Gemini.

And of course we have the Sun with Mercury in Aries firing up our decision making process. So the energy of the self, and often the stress and anxiety that goes with it, as a propelling force for newness and self knowledge, initiation and leadership are as strong as it gets. It is this relationship between the Sun and the Moon – the two illuminaries – that will both protect and shine a light on our every activity and every sense of existence, our emotions and our deepest feelings. It is testing times for relationships and connections.

And so once more St. Francis of Assisi appears to guide and direct us in our journey. He shows us that love for the self is love of animals and nature. We are reminded above all that we have to care for the environment with the same dedication and unreserved commitment that we do for ourselves. Libra brings justice and balance through dealing with others. Ruled by Venus, Libra loves love. Escapism or running away from ourselves will not be possible. Libra energy is discerning, delegating, caring for beauty, and will forever be drawing our attention to the way we belong and the way we partner up in search for harmony. Not forgetting the Sun in ambitious Aries, we have a St. Francis of Assisi giving us confidence that comes from within. St. Francis was a visionary with a strong personality who initiated a massive movement as patron of animals and the environment. He was the founder of the Franciscan Order and one of the most venerated religious figures.

During this full moon everything is about honouring our environment. And, astrologically, it looks like it won’t be an inspired decision but a forced one, either from governments or large organizations. Physical constraints will be imposed, and an aggressive approach or reaction is not to our benefit. We won’t like it but we are going to have to live with it and staying strong by avoiding anger, fear, and resentment. So a loving perspective that acknowledges its true value, a re connection to nature, a caring attitude towards all animals (not just our personal pets) and a rethinking of utilizing natural resources will enrich everyone. Let’s keep to our centre. And let us not loose sight of the wider world. Patterns and connection to the environment, caring for the natural world and others are illuminated and pulling earth events and us. We will all participate for a happier life but the ego must be left behind.

Flavia