
Libra is ruled by Venus. Neptune is considered the ‘higher octave’ of Venus. Neptune trines Venus and quincunxes this New Moon. Venus relates to Beauty, Neptune the inspiration that motivates the creation of beautiful things…like art, music, poetry. Perhaps this New Moon you might consider starting a new creative endeavor. The quincunx is a 150° aspect and thus, since it is a multiple of 5, is related to Venus.
The orbit of Neptune is 165 years and it stays in a sign around 14 years. Thus, like Pluto, in EA we speak of there being Neptune generations as well as Pluto generations.
Many of us have Neptune in Libra (1942-1956) and thus share some common issues. We are motivated to find the balance between the sexes and seek fairness in dealings with others. We also share certain past life issues: slavery and exile from homeland which has left a residue of fear making balance and fairness challenging. Some of us will have to ‘give up and give in’ and others will have to become more assertive and ‘demanding’. Both can be unfamiliar and difficult.
I have found it easier to identify and ask for what I want now that I am a senior. I am not willing to be overlooked, nor am I willing for others to make decisions for me. Of course, I wish I could have been like this earlier in life, but better late than never.
Jupiter, now in Libra, is within 4° of this New Moon, expanding the opportunities for new beginnings. Jupiter in Libra relates to our beliefs about relationships. These ‘beliefs’ are initiated by our upbringing and then often reinforced by our experiences since we tend to project, then attract based on our ‘beliefs’ thus strengthening them. Many feel that challenging their upbringing is a type of betrayal of their families, religions, culture….but if no one ever challenged the ‘status quo’ we would still be living in caves and hunting and gathering for our food. Innovation can be risky, but growth means creation of the new.
This New Moon in Libra will occur within orb of my natal Neptune. Since my Moon is in Pisces in the 7th house, and Neptune is currently transiting there, I feel this is a kind of mutual reception.
For me, the ‘new beginning’ has been a return. I joined the Embroiderer’s Guild of America and went to my first event yesterday. As some of you know, I make soutache jewelry www.silkroadsoutache.com and often tell the story of how my first entry into needlework was around 6 years old when one of my auntie’s bought me an embroidery kit.
I always admired the embroidered and crocheted linens I saw in my older aunts’ homes and wanted to learn how to do it. Now over 6 decades later, after many years doing different types of needlework, I make soutache jewelry which uses many of the same skills I have learned over the years.
Yesterday I spent several hours with mostly women, learning a new embroidery technique. It was comforting and grounding being surrounded by these women who have a passion for needlework. I realized women have been getting together like this for centuries. The foundation of culture. Women weaving the web of life and culture together.
But, the downside of this is that women teach culture to their children. Women in traditional China who wanted their daughters to marry, were complicit in the foot-binding process sometimes being the ones to break their daughters’ bones.
The bond with Mother can be stifling and suffocating. This relationship too, needs to learn balance. Mothers need to free their children (boys and girls) while providing care and support – not an easy task.
We are all being given the opportunity to grow in the way we do relationships, no matter who we are.