New Moon in Libra • Walking the Labyrinth

Today at 2:44pm EDT, the Moon reaches the Sun to form the New Moon in Libra. This New Moon at 14 degrees of Libra falls right in the middle of this sign of balance, poised between two Full Moons in Aries. Another indicator of the times of great change we live in, we pause in Cardinal Air, inclining our thoughts to our intentions during this seed time.

Wishes at this New Moon focus on Libran qualities, ideals far deeper than red carpet images of beauty and keeping the peace at all costs. Libran beauty and harmony are soul qualities, speaking to balance within as well as without, invoking the Navajo Beauty Way chant: Beauty before me, beauty behind me, beauty above me, beauty all around me, I walk in beauty.

This New Moon in a special time of new beginnings. Its Sabian symbol is "a circular path," a rich image that conjures up returning, spiraling to new heights, and the mysteries of the labyrinth and the rose. If we stay with the most superficial view of Libra, as a sign focused solely on others and unable to know her own mind, the circular path might become a trap. Now is the time to embrace the understanding that our psyches include many "others" and we deserve the same consideration and compassion we offer to those around us.

The chart for this New Moon is amazing. Each planet paired, and all linked, the aspect patterns resemble a labyrinth at the center of which we find the North Node and Pluto. In the midst of deep insights offered by the powerful outer planets, and by Mars and Venus transiting through Scorpio, our feet are directed to our own karmic path.

Now is the time for intentions to gain clarity on what we are meant to do and be in this lifetime. Now's the time to wish for the courage to take the steps we must take to reach our goals.

The proximity of Saturn and Mercury to the New Moon speak to the need to think and communicate clearly, act with deliberation and responsibility, and take concrete steps to manifest our desires.

Neptune and Uranus in mutual reception 30 degrees apart bring messages from the cosmos, supported by Chiron and Jupiter, angels of the healing journey. These times can feel chaotic, challenging, overwhelming. Many of us face serious challenges at work and at home. And yet in the energies swirling around us, we sense deeper meaning. This New Moon is a time to ask for clear guidance and a strong connection with the still voice within.

This New Moon stirs us to our depths. These last weeks of Mars and Venus in Scorpio have brought us face to face with issues we perhaps would rather avoid. Not long after the New Moon, Venus turns retrograde, offering more time to plumb the Scorpionic depths of our relationships, our creativity and our values. This time brings the insight and energy to transform old patterns, releasing what no longer works and stepping into new ways of being.

The Moon is dark now. We step into her labyrinth, tracing the path of many seekers before us. We feel the energies in the shadows, and know we are supported even as we are tested. The light we need is within us. The only way out is through. We are ready to find the center.