The Gibbous phase presents a challenge. We’ve started something new with the New Moon, developed goals and skills in the Crescent and First Quarter. We feel we’re ready.
Maybe not. In Campbell’s Hero Cycle, the Gibbous phase is a challenge from a threshold guardian, who may become a mentor. We’re stopped by a force that says, “not yet, grasshopper.”
Facing a Gibbous Moon in Capricorn could be just such a challenge: Are we really ready? The Moon in the middle of Capricorn has learned to be tough. Saturn-ruled signs are hard on the our emotions and the bodies, both of which the Moon rules.
This Gibbous phase is fraught because we’re between eclipses. The New Moon was a high-octane transformative total solar eclipse in Leo. We’re probably still feeling a bit crispy. Now we’re close to an almost-total lunar eclipse in Pisces. Suddenly, the landscape looks misty.
It could be this hard-nosed Capricorn Moon is exactly the guide we need. She’s got checklists and receipts. She’s not going to accept excuses.
The Moon forms a sesquiquadrate, a square-and-a-half to a Sun whose left Leo’s bright lights behind to step into humble Virgo. The aspect is a challenging one, so it’s good this Sun will be ready to listen quietly.
We will be receiving Virgo-style advice in the next few days. On the 25th, Mercury reaches the South Node at the end of Virgo, letting go of grandiosity. Then, also on the 25th, Mercury steps into Virgo, one of the signs they rule. On the 27th, Mercury reaches their cazimi, the illumination with the Sun. Mercury remains with the Sun for the eclipse.
Picture this Mercury as a counsellor who enters the court a bit flamboyantly. Hey, it’s the royal court! Time to shine! But this counsellor quicks sees that a quiet, measured approach is needed. They drop the fancy outfits, step out of the lights, and stand beside the Sun in humble garb. They remain during the eclipse.
The Moon is the corner of a T-square, as Venus in mid Libra opposes Saturn retrograde in mid Aries. This pattern also tells us something about how to position ourselves.
This Moon stands ready to work hard, with no interest in frivolity.
Saturn, ruling the Moon, is not at his best. Being retrograde in Aries creates a frustrating sense of strong impulses checked hard. We’re not going anywhere until everything checks out.
Venus is strong in Libra, with a particular skill very useful in this contentious situation: She’s an ace negotiator, ready to use her diplomatic skills to help the Moon and Saturn sort things out.
This chart has its challenges. Of course.
The shallow triangle of trines and sextiles keeps the three outer planets, Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, in active contact. The Sun squares Uranus and forms a yod with Pluto and Neptune. Mars, still passive-aggressive in Cancer, squares both Neptune and Saturn. Jupiter trines Saturn, possibly offering advice but also giving an energy boost. The Sun trines Chiron–what in all of this might be healed?
Also, the Moon, Mars, and Pluto are all out of bounds. All three are going rogue. Will the Capricorn Moon make Mars calm down? Will Pluto offer startling insights?
Our best move in all of this is to take the next step, then the next after that. The best path over hard ground is to keep going.
Title image adapted from a photo by Aliaksei Liohenki on Unsplash
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