We open this week with a powerful full moon in Scorpio on Sunday. If there was ever a lunar event to create a ritual for, it would be this one, for a few reasons. One is that this particular full moon is also known as the Wesak Moon, or the Buddha Moon. In the parts of the world that observe Buddhism, this lunar event celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. One way of looking at it is to celebrate the divinity of all things, the light and the dark, life and death. Not surprisingly, this event lines up with the sign of Taurus: the sign of spring, when the physical realm is bursting with colour, abundance and life. It also activates Taurus' opposite sign, Scorpio: the sign of death, the occult and mysteries that lie beyond the veil of reality. There is divinity in this balance — Scorp and Taurus are two parts of a whole that cannot exist without the other.
Enhancing the powerful Buddha Moon are the nodes of fate, which are related to the lunar and solar eclipses. You’ve probably been hearing all about eclipses since last summer, and the most recent ones have been exceptionally dramatic. Occurring in the signs of Leo and Aquarius, they've called on us to decide what takes priority — our own wishes or those of the collective? In any event, the full moon is tightly aspected to the nodes, signifying that there’s a karmic choice that needs to be made in your life. Perhaps something needs to come to an end so that a new beginning can come about for you. This is an up or down, right or left moment for all of us, when the universe points out our current trajectory and asks if we want to continue in this direction — or if we would like to shift gears.
Like all full moons, this is a moment when events and energy come to a head, so keep an eye out for any “Aha!” or “Oh, no!” moments. Consider this a warm-up for the actual eclipses that will come our way in July and August. Like everything else in astrology, eclipses run in cycles. We can look back in time to get an idea of what the overarching story could be by looking back 18 years, nine years and four-and-a-half years to when the nodes of fate rotated through the fixed signs of Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius and Leo. Readers with fixed sun, rising, and planetary signs tend to feel this energy the most, but we’re all in this together, so everyone's about to feel the pulse of change around them. Let’s get to it!
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
I’m excited for you, Taurus. The month of May is going to rock your world and this Sunday's full moon is just the pregame. But before the fireworks start to go off in your life, focus on you and your one-on-one relationships. You’ve already been working to shape a new worldview that feels authentic while looking to see if your partnerships support the change in your perspective. You’re the conductor of your life and you get to decide who gets to make music with you. Remember that it’s not about everyone singing in the same key, but there needs to be harmony to an extent. Know that the people you choose to go forward with or those who appear before you now could have significant influence on your career, status and home life.
This is part of a longer story in your life, so if you need to spend extra time hunting for clues as to what needs tweaking in your relationships, do so. Mercury in Aries is still running through your house of dreams and the unconscious for a few more weeks, so take advantage of his insight. Know that it’s safe for you to release people from your life, Taurus. The space they leave will be filled with other characters who want to create a new (and possibly better) song with you.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
What are you creating, Gemini? Venus is in your sign, so you’re chatting and flirting with the world while maybe getting into a bit of trouble along the way. That’s your thing and it can be awesome or terrible — it all depends on how you use your conversational gifts. The full moon arriving in your house of routines and health this Sunday will remind you that you actually do well with commitment in your life. You need a plan. Otherwise, you'll end up flitting about from interest to interest, getting into unnecessary predicaments without any thought paid to how certain habits may catch up with you in the future. This is about responsibility and accountability for your values, actions and the words you say.
Remember: Words and thoughts have weight, so what are you speaking into existence? You can use that brilliant mind of yours to reflect on what you want, talk to people you admire, read about the subjects you’re passionate about, then formulate a loose idea of what you intend to manifest. This can be fun, Gemini, so think of all the interesting stuff you’ll discover about yourself and the world along the way. Let those possibilities guide you.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Lucky you, Cancer, you have the moon (your magnificent ruler) landing in your house of creativity, romance and children, so playtime is part of your homework for this lunar event. However, as this is also a moment of endings and beginnings, take note of who is leaving, what is coming to a close, and what is being created. Perhaps after weeks of tussling it out with a partner, you decide to let the relationship go. Or maybe it's time to wrap up that creative project you’ve been forcing yourself to complete.
This is a good time to note how you prioritise your own pleasure. Do you make it your business to schedule joy into your life or are you more concerned with giving back to your friends, family or work? You are now ready to see what stays and what goes in the name of fulfilment. Be open to new people coming in who want to encourage childlike, enthusiastic self-expression in you. Let your hair down, Cancer. Don’t worry, everyone else can fend for themselves while you dance the night away.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Let’s find some enlightenment around that elusive work-life balance, Leo. Is it always rise and grind to the detriment of rest and family support? Or do the needs of your home life seem to interfere with your ambitions?
Usually, the answer stems back to what home was like for us when we were kids. Did the adults in your life have enough time and support to take care of their personal needs? Was there enough flexibility to enjoy family get-togethers? Or was it always rushing and running to achieve, make ends meet, and maintain what they had built? There’s no judgement either way, but it may be a good idea to use this full moon to see if your current balance (or lack thereof) is truly serving you. Is this the pace you want to keep? Does it feel comfortable? Are you adulting because that’s just what adults do, no matter the emotional costs? Is there enough time for you to replenish yourself before you go back out to slay most dragons? Choose wisely and honestly, Leo. As these decisions impact you and the people you love, know that it doesn’t have to be an either/or dynamic, but maybe a fluid give-and-take.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
The devil is in the details, Virgo, but luckily you have a knack for those pesky little guys. You’ve been working diligently for weeks to produce creative projects and to put yourself out there. Now the time has come for you to do some clean-up and start organising all that you’ve created thus far.
This might be a period of time when your phone won't stop ringing, the emails keep flying into your inbox and everyone is demanding your attention. You’re simply in high demand. The burden of being talented and awesome is just so hard, I know. Think of it this way — if you handle the administrative tasks, chatting, and social-mixing with the same precision and attention as you do everything else, you’ll be golden. Besides, chances are that these tasks will ultimately help you promote your projects on a larger scale. Don’t be afraid to speak directly about what you want and need. If anything, this could be an opportunity for you to let go of any hang-ups that keep you from broadcasting just how fly you are. You really do got this, Virgo.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
One thing's for sure, Libra, you’re learning about the natural order of giving and taking with others — and those lessons aren't going to let up any time soon. This Sunday's full moon is pushing you to reevaluate your boundaries when it comes to shared resources and intimacy. Everything links together under the heavens, so acknowledge that the heavy lifting you’ve been doing to resolve past relationships and old familial patterns syncs up with this lunar event.
So with that in mind, pay attention to what you’d appreciate seeing more of in your relationships: Maybe you'd like to change how you split finances or how you spend your free time when you're together. Then look at what you’d like to release to make your partnerships feel good to you. You may want to review your therapy or journal notes if you’ve been processing on paper and need more clarity. Know that, ultimately, you can be intimate and close to people in a way that feels fair, reciprocal, and real. But in order to do so, you’ll have to release some baggage that may be getting in the way of them bonding with you in the ways you’ve always wanted but have been too afraid to ask for.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
We all want our needs met, Scorpio. This Sunday's full moon, landing in your house of self, may have you wondering what needs to change between you and your closest partners. We know it’s fairly easy for you to intuit what those around you need to feel secure and supported, but is that something you do for yourself? Drop whatever reservations you have around silencing your desires. This full moon is especially strong for you, since it lands in your sign and it’s all about seeing the duality and oneness of all things. Observe how you treat others (for better or for worse) and ask yourself if that's a reflection of what you expect or don’t expect for yourself. It’s powerful to be in a position to give to others, but it takes a certain amount of trust and vulnerability to be able to receive.
Now is the time to be completely honest about your relationships, Scorp. Is there balance there or can you do some clearing so that you can feel replenished, respected and loved? All you have to do is ask and be willing to receive.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Guess what, Sag? Sometimes the journey to the big vision you have in your head doesn’t go as planned. Hell, sometimes the vision you had gets so altered along the way that when you look back at what you thought you wanted, you’re actually happy that your life took a different (and often much better) route. During this Sunday's full moon, pay attention to how you’ve been structuring your life and how you’ve been flowing within it. Do you trust in your ability to stay optimistic and hopeful while keeping both of your feet on the ground?
Are you paying so much attention to what the journey looks like that you’re missing out on all the blessings that the bends in the road might offer? Plans are merely rough sketches of how you think you want the experience to go, so try to stay flexible enough to allow for the unseen to work its magic.
Maybe you need to loosen up with the daily grind just a bit (don’t worry, you’re still going to meet your goal in perfect timing) and focus on feeling excited about what you want for yourself instead. Staying true to your values and working toward your dream is supposed to be challenging and fun, right?
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
This Sunday's full moon may have you singing the wise and insightful lyrics from the legendary TLC: "What about your friends, will they stand their ground / Will they let you down again?"
If your current friends are letting you down, Seagoat, it may be time to wish them a fond and blessed sayonara. The same goes for groups or organisations that you joined long ago that no longer fit your ideals. And toss out a few of those future wishes you’ve had on your list that don’t make the cut anymore, either. Good riddance!
You work hard and you’re (hopefully) learning how to play hard. Now all you need to do is have a constellation of friends and dreams that keep you energised and inspired for the future. You have been known to be a solitary figure in your pursuit of success, Capricorn. It’s important to have people in your life to remind you that your way to the top is meant to also have some fun and laughter mixed into it. Release people who aren’t on your wavelength anymore. Instead, welcome people who want to love up on you and celebrate your highs and be there for you during your lows. It’ll feel good to reach the top of your mountain and look down to see your people popping champagne in your honour.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
I hope you’re feeling rested, Water Bearer! This Sunday's full moon in your house of career and reputation is calling you back out into the world. Your first challenge: Prove to yourself that many of your subconscious fears are not true. You’re probably already aware that it’s typically our biggest fears that turn out to be our biggest strengths in disguise, but the idea of such greatness can intimidate us. There’s a Marianne Williamson quote that comes to mind:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”
So imagine what it would be like to not be free of fear and guilt, but to feel them and do the work anyway. Release the blocks that you have from way back when that say you can’t be as great as you desire. When you’re called up to do the thing you fear the most, you’ll say yes, because on the other side is the realisation that you’re a powerful light here to help change the world in your own unique fashion. In other words, you’re great.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
This Sunday's full moon is calling you to reconnect to your sense of faith, Pisces, and with the world being as mad as it’s been lately, that request may feel like a welcome reprieve to you. The thing about faith (and religion, spirituality and higher knowledge, for that matter) is that it's meant to remind us that there’s a bigger picture of which we're all smaller pieces. If looking too closely at the fine details feels like chaos to you, take a step back and look at it from a higher vantage point.
Find the pattern and the method in the madness. Somewhere in there is a thread that you can make sense of like you would the plot of a novel. Know that believing in something greater than yourself doesn’t make you illogical and neither does trusting that everything balances out in the end. Logic and belief are two sides of the same coin — remember this as you release your doubts around believing in the magic and divine order of your life. As Madonna once sang: "Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone. / I hear you call my name / And it feels like home." Step out on faith, Pisces.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
After a minor break, it’s back to the big life questions, Aries. The energy this week is asking you to take a closer look at your values. Allow this full moon to illuminate what’s secretly driving you.
You may want to try a “fill in the blanks” approach, like: "I value ______ because _______." Don’t be superficial about these answers, Aries. After eight years of having your life upended and shook out by Uranus, you’re about to try flying solo without this weird and wonderful planet calling the shots. This is your chance to step out into the world with a soul makeover, so to speak. Don’t worry if you don’t feel prepared just yet (Uranus won't make his exit for a few more weeks). This is why you're examining your values in the first place: Doing so will help direct your next steps.
You may want to go over your current state while you're in this reflective mood. Look at what you own, who you associate with, who you love, what your ambitions are, and sort them into piles. Do they bring you joy and comfort? Yes, no, maybe so? Do they push you to your highest good? Yes, no, maybe so? Do these things align with your heart or someone else's? Toss the "no" pile, keep the "yes" and decide on the "maybe so" pile after some more real time experimenting. Be brave and good luck!
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
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