The Balsamic phase is the last one before the New Moon. Here, the Moon loses her light, reaching her fully eclipsed state as we arrive at the New Moon. It’s time to wrap up this lunar cycle and let go of what is complete.
The Moon joins Jupiter and the South Node at the end of Leo. The South Node is a place of letting go. But don’t we need Leo’s fire? Are we meant to let go of all Leo qualities?
I don’t think so. Instead, we ask, where is Leo overdoing it?
In the current news cycle, dramatic responses are easily triggered. There’s plenty going on that calls for outrage. But emotional drama drains our energy. Maybe we make sure we have outlets for intense feelings, then move into effective action.
This Moon is separating from Jupiter, also in late Leo. Jupiter has tremendous stamina here. Yet, being Jupiter, there’s a tendency to overdo it. Where you’re already engaged in action, check you’re not pushing yourself too hard. Rest and replenishing are essential.
Another late Leo quality is resentment of not getting enough attention. Leo loves to be thanked and appreciated. Yet in a time when so much action is needed and resources are thin, it’s easy feel overlooked. The best move here is to look around, find others who need to be appreciated, and direct our good will toward them.
Some of the early October patterns are still present.
Mars moves away from his opposition to Pluto, but remains close enough to count. Look for news stories about escalating conflict, heightened tension, dramatic posturing, and ill-advised decisions.
Venus and Mercury are even more tightly conjunct than before, drawing attention to the Venus retrograde. We might encounter people from the past, reminders or echoes of events from the past, or thoughts and emotions linked to deeper layers of the psyche. The more direct the contacts between Venus and Mercury and your birth chart, the more likely you are to notice their effects, but anyone can participate. Don’t miss opportunities for exploration and understanding.
The Sun has shifted from opposing Neptune to opposing Saturn in Aries. We may learn a plan or project we’ve been working on will not be possible right now, because more work is needed, or the time is not ripe.
In these days before the New Moon, we’re checking in, taking stock, and seeing what we need to let go of, where our time and attention are most needed, and including the self care we need to keep going. We’re not rushing in.
Title adapted from an image by Jonas Von Werne on Unsplash
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