August 13, 2011 is Shravan Poornima, the Full Moon in the Hindu month of Shravan. In India it marks the annual festival of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of sacred bonds between brothers and sisters that also serves as reminder to honor and value peaceful coexistence between neighbors and nations. These sentiments of Brotherhood/Sisterhood aptly reflect the attributes of this full Moon’s sign, Aquarius. In opposition to the Leo Sun’s sign of individual identity, an opportunity is presented for the complementary expression of big hearted, personal magnanimity (Leo) and universal, humanitarian compassion (Aquarius).
A close conjunction to Venus in Leo increases the Sun’s appreciation of beauty and Love, and Mercury in a loose but closing conjunction would probably like to talk about it’s enjoyment of these pleasures but, being retrograde, may be a bit tongue tied. It’s ongoing opposition to Neptune may also be keeping it confused and unfocused. We may find ourselves attempting to rethink, re-evaluate, and refine (Mercury retrograde) … What is it that truly makes us happy? Do we need to expand our sensitivity beyond our own personal pleasures to include a larger perspective? After all, the Aquarius Full Moon closing on conjunction to Neptune is shining it’s emotional Light on an altogether more universal awareness.
Alas, our Utopian dreams are disturbed by Pluto opposing Mars, both squaring Uranus in Aries, a volatile and angry T Square. It’s been a stressful summer astrologically and folks are still encountering plenty to be mad about. Remembering that this configuration of planetary influences is fertile ground for aggressive rebellion, don’t be surprised by unexpected and spontaneous expressions of frustration that could pop up just about anywhere! Mercury remains retrograde until August 26 so conflict resolution may remain illusive, and, with transiting Mars in Cancer, some folks will be actively hearkening back to old dogmas and ways of being and doing things. These outdated modalities have little applicability to the rapidly changing circumstances of current world concerns and may only add fuel to the fire of discontent.
Though the Full Moon often reveals the results of whatever may have been initiated at the previous New Moon, this retrograde Mercury and the disruption of the Pluto/Mars/Uranus T Square may delay our experience of resolution or completion. The New Moon in Virgo on August 28, two days after Mercury goes direct, should bring us new opportunities and a sense of relief.
Meanwhile, it’s Hug a Sibling Day! Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with sweet cakes and promises of mutuality.
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