SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Creature comforts are the norm for the annual Full Moon in Taurus…

But not this year…

“This is a Full Moon that has the potential to deeply affect relationships or how we relate. It’s charged with highly strung emotions. It brings the need for freedom and for expression of our individuality. And it brings sudden events that challenge what was up to now familiar, highlighting the need for re-establishing emotional security in our love lives.”

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology

Let’s see what astrologers around the Internet have to say about this Full Moon in Taurus.

Full Moon in Taurus

A Full Moon occurs every month when the Moon opposes the Sun. The standoff escalates situations and emotions to a point of culmination or harvest.

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, explains the workings of a Full Moon:

“It usually marks a time when processes or events that have begun two weeks before with the previous New Moon are now reaching their climax.”

In Farmers’ Almanac lore, the October Full Moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon, because it falls at the start of the game-hunting season.

Taurus, the first earth sign of the Zodiac prefers an uncomplicated, practical and above all physical approach to existence. And that is where the skies are directing attention. When conditions feel good, Taurus holds tight. And even when they don’t, Taurus is prone to hanging on.

With the Moon in Taurus, we’re not just hunting; we’re also looking at what is already on hand. My forecast elaborates:

“The Taurus Moon wants proof, pretty please, physical evidence it can experience with the senses. And not just proof but reassurance, and the more the better.”

The Way We Were

The Taurus Moon’s ruler is Venus, goddess of love, money, creativity, and beauty. She’s currently retrograde, turning our sights backward and within.

My forecast looks at the impact of her retrograde and this Full Moon.

“We’re just past the halfway point in Venus’ retrograde and receiving a status report.

“Since she turned retrograde Oct. 5, Venus has been rooting around in our desires, their fulfillment and their continued meaning (or lack of it). Memories, messages, and people have surfaced involving lovers past, once dear friendships (raise your hand if you’ve been invited to a class reunion), forms of creativity we once pursued, financial issues, secrets, power games and primal urges that override any semblance of reason.

“How have the visitations made you feel? Haven’t you been re-evaluating – discovering relevance in some, marking some for further investigation, accepting that some connections are in fact history, and recognizing the worth of what is presently in your life?

“The answers are intensely personal and are informing, even updating your sense of self.”

Presto Change-O

Venus is not merely the Full Moon party’s hostess, but smack in the middle, directly opposite both the Moon and that most unpredictable of guests, cosmic-change artist Uranus.

With this standoff, anything could happen. One thing’s for certain: it threatens Taurus’ fabled, tenacious grip.

Says Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology:

“It is either more freedom that which we need, or we are filled with excitement for fresh perspectives regarding our love life, or even it may be that a surprising new romance appears.

“Whatever the case, the disruption is there and our love life is likely to be affected.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, sees change or tension in love and/or finances.

“If single, a new romance would be exciting, surprising, unusual or kinky. But it could also be risky, unstable and brief. Internet dating suits this aspect and you could find someone from a very different background or culture than your own. If you have a partner, an unexpected event, flirting, an affair or sexual experimentation may lead to drama or separation.

“Whatever your situation, if love is not an option then change and excitement can manifest in another area of life. Financial windfalls are possible, but you should be extra careful with money. Avoid a tendency to gamble or invest in get rich quick schemes. Find stimulation some other way through entertainment, especially on the Internet.”

Elsa Elsa sounds warnings:

“This is likely to disrupt relationships and financial markets.

“It’s one of those situations where there may be winners and losers, but the winners lose something and losers win something. It’s unnerving! And fast. And unpredictable. And probably vicious.”

What happens isn’t entirely unexpected. Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology says we’ve had clues:

“Uranus always brings a surprise or liberation, although it may be less so with a Full Moon because this is a result – it’s not coming out of nowhere. … The surprise will involve relationships, money or values with an emphasis on what’s best for you – what contributes to or undermines your security.

“Venus in Scorpio has already opposed Uranus once this year (Sept. 12) and now she’s Rx and doing it again. (although technically her second opposition won’t be exact until Oct. 31). So this really is a repeat – you’ve been here before. You’ve heard the call to liberation before.

“It could be a disruptive ending or an unexpected (and beneficial) gift. You never know with Uranus, although the hints have been laid out since Sept. 12.”

Reach Out and Touch Someone

Wherever the chips may fall, there is still a stabilizing force. Order, responsible action and even commitment are available via Venus’ sextile to Saturn in Capricorn.

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, explains:

“Venus sextile Saturn increases your need for companionship. If single, it increases the likelihood of finding true love with someone who is also interested in long-term commitment. A teacher-student type relationship is possible, or there may be a marked age difference. If you have a partner, any unexpected change or kinkiness in the bedroom is now less likely to cause tension or separation.

“Being dutiful about making your lover happy and content will bring reassurance and commitment. A practical and common-sense approach will help fix any recent difficulties. There should be a mutual understanding and acknowledgment if a relationship has run its course. This aspect helps you save money and be more conservative with investments. It favors long-term investments in blue-chip stocks, real estate or works of art.”

Opportunities have staying power, says my forecast:

“The Taurus Full Moon’s changes are ones you can bank on. Relationship developments are solid and dependable. Shifts in desires, values or creativity are for the long term.”

Thunderbolts & Lightning

On the other hand, the stability-loving Moon is keeping company with Uranus. That’s hardly comfy.

It’s productive, to Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology.

“Uranus creates emotions highly strung with octanes of nervousness. We need to be free and to express our emotions, out in the open, regardless of norm or convention.”

My forecast elaborates:

“This Full Moon has us ready to let go of whatever isn’t available, reliable, satisfying or nourishing. This is the first Taurus Full Moon since Uranus entered the sign in May, and the changemaker is standing with the Moon.

“An epiphany, a plot twist, a zap from the blue could break an attachment, and waving goodbye might be the only option. (Running after it would be like chasing a balloon that’s drifting into the sky.)

“Sudden, unexpected forces could also deliver a vehicle for love and comfort you hadn’t considered or that hasn’t previously been within reach.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, sees change, excitement and unpredictability.

“Moon conjunct Uranus brings impulsive reactions. Sudden events may result in relationship upsets, family disputes, or a major change in an intimate relationship. Some eccentric or weird actions may not turn out so well, but one or two may prove extremely valuable. At times you may feel isolated or detached from your loved ones.”

Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology, continues:

“Moon conjunct Uranus brings out the crazed lunatics, unconventional rebels and quiet outsiders. At this time there is a pathological need to shock and outrage. This aspect can be branded as an attention seeker when all it is doing is being itself. This Full Moon is exciting, electric and quite chaotic.

“Both the Moon and Uranus are fluctuating and changeable, so emotions often change in a flash. Uranus stands for the truth and revelation, so those touched by this Full Moon could risk exile by speaking truth that the many find hard to accept. We might find it hard to feel at home in the present moment and there is a great focus on future plans.”

Grounding Cords

Amid change and unpredictability, though, stability is possible. The trine from the Moon and Uranus to Saturn underscores the potential of the taskmaster’s sextile to Venus.

“These aspects somehow ground the disruptive energy and work beneficially for relations that otherwise could very easily break under the stress of this Full Moon.”

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology

“[The trine] moderates the erratic and impulsive nature of Uranus. It turns unexpected changes into opportunities and relationship uncertainty into reassurance and commitment…Saturn bridges the polarizing oppositions to bring more stability and makes the changes less disruptive. It means the unexpected events associated with love and money can be turned to into opportunities with practical, enduring results….

“Moon trine Saturn gives the patience and emotional strength to handle sensitive or difficult relationship issues. Others may come to you for advice on a personal issue or just for a shoulder to cry on. Traditional values and old habits can bring solutions to new problems. You can rely on strong instincts and common sense to make important decisions about your home, family and relationships.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

“You can integrate these changes if you follow the rules or apply the focus. Uranus and Saturn means new rules but the trine delivers them in a natural manner. The key is focus, focus, focus – you must apply some sort of discipline to what’s happening. Do your work.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

Other considerations

The heavens are vast, and so are the techniques astrologers have used to explore them. Let’s look at how some of these add meaning, nuance and depth to the Full Moon in Taurus.

Fixed Stars

The Moon is conjunct the fixed star Mirach in the girdle of the constellation Andromeda.

Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology, catalogues commentary on this star:

“It is an extremely fortunate star ‘portending renown and good luck in matrimony.’ [Richard Hinckley Allen] Andromeda had to pay for her mother Cassiopeia’s boastful tongue by being chained to a rock as a sacrifice. This was to appease Neptune offense at Cassiopeia’s claim her daughter was more beautiful than any of Neptune’s sea nymphs. It all ends well as Andromeda is rescued by brave Perseus whom she marries. This is probably why there is fortune here, due to Andromeda’s lucky escape and the fact she wins a courageous, alpha-male husband.

“Robson echoes the myth saying Mirach ‘gives personal beauty, a brilliant mind, a love of home, great devotion, beneficence, forgiveness, love, overcoming by kindness, renown, and good fortune in marriage.’ The Ebertins emphasize a creative side saying Mirach endows ‘many interests, a tendency to inspiration and mediumship as a base for artistic creations, altruism, cheerfulness, happiness, love of company. These people have a stimulating effect on others, they make friends easily and are helped on in life by others. [Elsbeth Ebertin]

“Mirach with the Moon might also suggest ‘trouble with opposite sex owing to indiscretions, bad for domestic affairs, honor through martial matters.’ [Vivian E. Robson]”ƒ

She adds her commentary:

“In my research, I certainly found some indications of Moon/Mirach’s ‘sexual indiscretions.’ The following natives all had Moon in Taurus decan 1. Hugh Grant was caught having oral sex with prostitute Divine Brown in a public place, Annie Sprinkle made a career out of it, Prince Charles was ridiculed over ‘Tampon-gate’ with Camila, and Monica Lewinsky, need I say more… Belt up Andromeda’s chastity girdle I say!”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, adds:

“Uranus conjunct Mirach: Unbalanced mind, may commit crime in insanity, occult interests, continual disappointments, bad for domestic affairs, peculiar or violent death.”

The Moon is approaching the fixed star Mira, in the tail of Cetus the whale. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King looks to the commentary of Elsbeth Eberin:

“If connected well and with a well-placed Saturn, and otherwise well aligned, it means prudence, perseverance, versatility, progressive spirit and endurance in solving difficult problems. But with unhelpful connections will bring as results failures, fiascos and enmity. When linked with the Moon, melancholy will then appear.”

Lunar Nodes

The Moon/Uranus conjunction and Sun/Venus conjunctions are forming a grand cross with the Nodes of the Moon, otherwise known as “sitting at the bendings.” This creates the sensation of being pulled in multiple directions and, as a result, feeling suspended in time.

A sense of destiny is in the air. My forecast explains:

“The grand cross suspends us between the worlds, each of which gets attention from one of the lunation’s companions. Retrograde Venus with the Sun continues the exploration and reconsideration of the past. Uranus by the Moon shatters the old and makes way for the future.”

Which way will we go? Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, considers the question.

“It is as if this Full Moon is a pivotal point, a crossroads where stacked up energy has reached its maximum point and the pressure has to be released.

“The imbalance represented by the Full Moon’s axis, the Sun and Venus opposing Moon and Uranus, is presenting a crisis necessary for our self-development….

“This Grand Cross challenges our very sense of self-worth and emotional security denoted by the Full Moon axis in Taurus/Scorpio.

“What is difficult is to instead turn the picture upside down and use the energy of the Nodal Axis the opposite way. Beginning our approach with the co-operative and dispassionate spirit of Aquarius and moving towards expressing our selves with the warmth, creativity, and love, that Leo displays when in its best.

“This approach will help the integration of the Full Moon opposition constructively, but it is very difficult for us to adopt it, because the Grand Square is in Fixed Signs, denoting stubbornness and difficulty to let go of our pent-up emotions.”

What we’re facing isn’t new, Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology reminds us:

“You’ve been here before and had an opportunity to turn this corner. Venus previously squared the Nodes on Sept. 16, and while her next, exact square won’t be until Oct. 30 the energy is still part of this Full Moon. Something you wanted/loved either kept you from moving forward or you needed to manifest it so you could move forward. Think back to September. How did your values support or block your progress? Can you carry what you want forward, or would it be better to cut that cord? …

“This is a significant crossroads — you’re at the point where you can choose to step into the light (the place where you have pride) or you can stay on the edge and remain detached. North Node in Leo asks you to care about yourself, your talents and your audience. It’s not ‘cool’ or laid back but sometimes you have to step up and put yourself out there.”

Decans

Each astrological sign can be divided into three sections, known as decans (10-degree divisions of the Zodiac). This Moon is in Taurus decan 1, which is ruled by Mercury and Venus.

Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology, says of this decan:

“The Moon is exalted in this decan of Taurus, which sounds good and mostly does promise material abundance. The only problem can be if things come too easily, we can be prone to complacency. In that case, the devil makes work for idle hands and the indulgent and decadent tendencies could start to kick in.”

Sabian Symbols

Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.

The Sabian Symbol for the 2nd degree of Taurus is: An Electrical Storm.

In his commentary on the Symbol, astrologer Dane Rudhyar explained, “Back of every natural self-expression stands the tremendous power of the ‘Soul-field,’ itself but one of the myriad aspects of the Creative Word that is the origin of this universe.  At certain times, this power compels the natural earth-conditioned personality to accept, perhaps in awe, the spiritual potentialities of the ‘higher’ celestial destiny. This experience of power can both illumine and shatter.”

Lunar Mansion

Astrologers are familiar with the seasonal, 12-sign solar Zodiac. But there’s also an older, 28- (or 27-) sign lunar Zodiac. To the Indian astrologers, these are known as nakshatras. To the Arab astrologers, they were called the Lunar Mansions.

The Taurus Full Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 3, which the Arab astrologers called Al Thurayya (Many Little Ones). Donna Woodwell of Donna Philosophica nicknamed it “The Lady.”

“The mansion’s purpose is to “receive blessings, good fortune and support.”

Donna advises: “Ask for favors and assistance and pursue creative and inventive projects. But don’t overindulge yourself. And be cautious around water.”

Summing It Up

The 2018 Full Moon in Taurus promises shakeups and fresh air in relationships, finances and other basic, practical and dear aspects of existence.

The blast may be bracing. It may be disruptive. But it’s pushing our backs toward stability – and the future.

Onward, inward, upward… here we go…

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: October New Moon in Libra
Next Moon Phase: November New Moon in Scorpio 

October 2018 Full Moon in Taurus Times and Dates:

San Francisco: Wednesday, October 24, 9:45 a.m. PDT
New York: Wednesday, October 24, 12:45 p.m.  EDT
São Paulo: Wednesday, October 24, 1:45 p.m. BRST
London: Wednesday, October 24, 5:45 p.m. BST
Istanbul: Wednesday, October 24, 7:45 p.m. TRT
Mumbai: Wednesday, October 24, 10:15 p.m. IST
Tokyo: Thursday,  October 25, 1:45 a.m. JST
Sydney: Thursday,  October 25, 3:45 a.m. AEST

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