Mars in Libra
and words on Holy Constraint
Hello dear reader,
A few days ago, while taking a break from paddling, Don and I watched a young couple take photos of their toddler on a grassy patch near the lake. Their child must have recently started walking because their joy at watching their beautiful baby take those small and tentative steps was palpable.
It brought back memories of watching our sons take their first steps and how I had to stop myself from scooping them up in my arms every time they fell. Life offers us many opportunities to interrupt our children’s learning and growth, and it takes immense willpower not to intervene.
We’re called to practice constraint or impose limitations in other scenarios as well, like at work with colleagues or with friends who would rather we catch the fish than learn to fish.
I think of this need to hold back as Holy Constraint.
Mars is in Libra from today (4:30 pm PDT) until September 22nd. Venus rules Libra, and Venus is sailing through Cancer at this time. Mars is said to be in detriment in Libra because Libra is the sign opposite the sign of his rulership, Aries. Mars is not assertive or aggressive in Libra.
The essence of this transit always reminds me of Parsifal, the “innocent fool enlightened by compassion” who must face many temptations before becoming the guardian of the Holy Grail. In the above painting by Rochegrosse, we see Parsifal in a garden of flower maidens who are attempting to seduce him.
Perhaps, like Parsifal, you feel compelled to defend yourself against the world's seductions at this time and are spending more time meditating or reflecting on your healing.
You will want to look at your Libra house for more clues as to where you must practice holy constraint before taking careful and measured action. It’s worth noting that Saturn is travelling through Mars-ruled Aries and that Saturn exalts in Libra. These two may be in opposition in the sky, but there is mutual respect here.
Don’t know what I mean by “houses” or aspects? Grab free astro cheats here.
Mars will trine Uranus in Gemini on Friday and then oppose Saturn and Neptune in Aries. Then Mars will trine Pluto in Aquarius. This means Mars will create a Kite Pattern in Fire and Air, culminating on the Full Moon on the 9th. Fire brings a burst of enthusiasm and motivation, while Air brings fresh inspiration and learning. There is a blend of visionary action and imaginative adaptability.
Here is a breakdown of the astrological aspects:
8 August
Mars trine Uranus
Mars opposite Saturn
9 August
Full Moon at 16º Aquarius (12:54am PDT)
Mars opposite Neptune
10 August
Mars trine Pluto
So how do you access this Kite energy? And how is this energy likely to manifest in your life?
Mars and Saturn form the spine of this kite (red line in the above chart), so the tension lies in your Aries and Libra houses. Tension is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s invaluable for creative work and collaboration because it improves problem-solving skills. The “arms” of this kite pattern reveal how you can access this energy. Uranus in Gemini is visionary, intuitive and technologically savvy, and Pluto in Aquarius brings transformative experiences to the areas associated with your Aquarius house.
Simply put, you get this kite to fly by trusting your intuition and committing to a plan of action that will ultimately transform your life and sense of self. People who will benefit most from this transit are those with planets or points in the early degrees (1-5º) of the Cardinal signs.
xo
Yolanda
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