A First Quarter Moon of Depth and Trust

This First Quarter Moon, at 25º plus of Scorpio, taking place on August 18th at 12:48 am PST, follows the New Moon eclipse that we experienced on August 11th. This is the phase of the lunar cycle when the seeds of intention we planted on the New Moon begin to symbolically ‘sprout.’ Because the Moon is making a square aspect to the Sun during this First Quarter, there can tend to be an element of challenge, where effort is required to further the process of bringing our intentions into fruition. Because this lunar cycle began with the potency of an eclipse, this opening square lunar phase also has a strong message to convey as the sense of that earlier dynamic becomes heightened.

Because the Moon is now in the sign of Scorpio, we are being asked to look beneath the surface of awareness and into the depths of our primal nature. Whereas at the recent New Moon eclipse, seeds of our desire and creation were planted in the bold and vibrant soil of Leo, this First Quarter Moon is asking us to explore more deeply what that urge is truly about, and from where in our being it stems. With all of the continued retrograde energies (Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto, and Eris) the invitation is to tune in deeply to our innermost selves, and simply be curious, present, and loving with what we find there – warts and all. Mercury is standing quite still in the sky, and it stations direct just hours after the quarter moon, indicating one peak of the retrograde period. Our mental energies will begin to shift over the following two weeks, as Mercury regains its lost Zodiacal territory, and during this crucial moment of its turning the quicksilver planet’s greatly diminished pace indicates that we may need to take a long introspective pause to meditate on where we have been and are now heading. This lunation is therefore somewhat antithetical, because the First Quarter Moon on the one hand asks us to apply effort in the pursuit of our goals, yet the astrological energies of this moment in time are not particularly supportive of direct action or outward doing. Our efforts are best applied not so much in doing as in really being present with ourselves and our process, perhaps even in just those places to which we usually have a strong aversion.

There is beautiful spiritual dimension to this lunation as well, since we find Jupiter in Scorpio forming a near exact trine with Neptune in Pisces. This could be interpreted in a number of different ways, but what I wish to convey is mainly this: The Universe has got your back. When we can surrender into the greater flow of how life wishes to move with and through us, there is infinite loving support available to us. And while I believe this is always true, sometimes this feeling is more difficult to get in touch with than others. This weekend is a beautiful opportunity to drop into loving presence and in whatever way is real for you and truly receive and soak up the goodness. Feel the warmth of the Sun on your skin. Feel the support of the Earth beneath you. Take a hot bath with your favorite essential oils. Imagine the Moon and all the planets and stars conspiring in your favor. Expand your awareness into a Trust of something greater than yourself. And while this all sounds like rainbows and roses, it doesn’t let any of us off the hook from doing our inner work in terms of growth and healing. Rather, leaning into this feeling of being loved and held by something greater than ourselves creates a foundation and abundance of good energy to help us be better equipped to face our challenges and hardships.

Along with Jupiter and Neptune, also emphasized in this First Quarter Moon configuration is Eris, the new planet beyond Pluto, symbolizing a Feminine Warrior energy in support of soul intention. We are thus enjoined to take the high road in our approach to sussing out what truly drives us. Only when we can approach our life goals with our deepest values in mind, and a determination to act upon these, can we truly feel satisfied in what we are attempting.

The Sabian Symbols are, as usual, illuminating. For the Moon, in the 26th degree of Scorpio, it is “Indians making camp,” and according to Marc Edmund Jones signifies “unusual resourcefulness and a gift for finding real opportunity in the least promising of situations,” re-emphasizing the importance of looking for what does feel good and what is working for you, as a support, and as a thread to weave into the places in life that are challenging or painful. For the Sun, in the same degree of Leo, the symbol is “A rainbow.” Jones refers to, “assurance of divine participation in the most unpromising of human relationships… a sense of very real spiritual power and presence in all personal effort and desire.” When our desires are in alignment with the highest good of ourselves, and for all beings, the whole universe conspires to come to our aid. We gain immensely when we can each remember that while our world can look grim, divinity is inherent in ourselves and our existence. May that trust and knowing support us as we endeavor to grow and heal personally and collectively.