Tag: Libra

Ask Ash: The Libra Full Moon & Finding Balance

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third padding=”0% 0 0 0″][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”0% 0 0 0″]Astrologist Ash Bonelli brings her intuitive connection to the stars as she guides us through our yearly Libra full moon’s balancing act between attending to our personal desires and the needs of others. At the end, Ash gives advice about this lunation to one lucky reader.

Dear Muses,

During the Libra full moon the sun and the moon are gazing deeply into one another’s eyes. They are relaying a story to each other that will show up in our lives in a variety of ways depending upon the cosmic makeup of our charts. If you have any planets or important points (Ex: MC, IC, Descendant, Ascendant) at or within a few degrees of 21 in Cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) you are likely to feel this lunar event more deeply.

Let’s begin with the Sun’s role in this configuration. The sign that the Sun is currently in each month gives a feel for the energy found within the collective. Right now the Sun is residing with passionate pioneer, Aries. It makes sense that Aries, the Ram, would lead the charge of Spring to kick start the zodiacal year. We are in the midst of newness and charging ahead with the plans that will grow and evolve over the next year. There is a strong need for independence right now. [/two_third_last]

[full_width]Your autonomy in a particular area of your life is probably quite palpable, but as much as we need to be able to stand on our own two feet we also need others in this intense journey called life. This Sun/Moon opposition is all about being able to find,feed,and nurture ourselves without compromising our precious relationships. The urge to be free is even more amplified at this time due to the fact it’s sharing close quarters with Uranus, our planetary rebel. With Uranus adding some peer pressure to the sun you may feel more restless than usual this month.[/full_width]

[one_half]Across the heavens we find lady luna nestled in Libra’s harmonious embrace creating an emotional need to keep the peace with others. She vibes sweetness and serenity. The moon is a swift figure within the transiting bodies that affect us. She only stays in a sign for about 2 ½ days, so her emotional state is always changing. With that said she is in Libra every month for a couple of days—except this time in particular she is sitting right next to Jupiter, the planet of expansion. He is often associated with happily increasing good cheer and positivity yet the dark side to this is that he isn’t really concerned about what exactly he expands in our lives. He can amp up the joy just as quickly as any drama. We always forget to choose wisely with Jupiter. He goes big and isn’t concerned with the details so we need to be! Jupiter will be expanding upon any emotions you may have about pleasing those near and dear to you. This could throw a wrench in all of that Aries, my way or the highway attitude. You may find yourself juggling your needs versus your desire to make other people happy.

Another element of this lunar spectacle is that the sun and moon will both be squaring Pluto, Mr. Underworld himself. That means that whatever comes up at this time for you won’t go away unless you deal with it. Avoidance, denial, and resistance will only make you sink further into Pluto’s depths. To win with Pluto is to let go. Stop clinging on to the issue. The negativity will only disappear when you recognize its hold on you. No use fighting the tide when you can simply float, my friends.[/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[full_width]Lastly, (like there isn’t enough already going on!) is the fact that Mercury (our communication planet) and Venus (our values & love planet) are both retrograde. This could add in discussions/episodes that you thought were over. People from your past could start cropping up. Some of these people may be a welcome surprise while others you wish would just stay in the shadows of the past. Either way be on watch for review sessions regarding your thought patterns, the way you engage, your values, self-esteem and how your heart deals with love & loss. [/full_width]

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”6% 0 0 0″]All of these topics could show up in your friendships, partnerships, jobs, children, etc so be mindful of your inner state vs. outer state.

Think on these questions….

Is there an area of your life where you restrict yourself for fear of being judged by others?

Do you give yourself enough alone time?

Are you addicted to pleasing others? If so, what area of your life do you focus that energy and why?

Do your thoughts align with your words?

xx,
Ash[/one_half_last]

[full_width]THE READER QUESTION (Email [email protected] for a chance to get your question answered at next month’s Scorpio full moon).

Dear Ash,
How does this upcoming full moon play out in my chart?

Dear Maiysha,

As with everything in astrology there are layers, cycles and an evolving story at play. How this full moon in Libra will unfold for you is no exception. Full moons are a time of release and awareness. They have a tendency to illuminate important areas of our lives especially if the degrees of the full moon happen to be close to natal points or planets in our charts. In your case this is occurring near a few areas of interest. First off, you are coming up on your solar return, Happy Birthday! Since this full moon is happening so closely to your birthday I feel like its themes tie into your year ahead. Keep that idea in mind when thinking about the energy of the rest of 2017.

During a full moon the sun and moon are in an exact opposition so we want to look at the dialogue between those two first. The transiting Sun is in fiery Aries making a conjunction (close together) with your natal (birth) Chiron, Mercury and natal Sun. This represents the external/yang portion. With so much energy close to home for you I would expect this to be a more intense lunar experience. Since you were born with Chiron, the symbol of our personal achilles heel being right next to your Mercury, our communication planet you may naturally be sharp witted and quick to state your opinion but this could be a gift that gets you in trouble with others from time to time. Having this conjunction so close to your Sun suggests that this is a big part of your life path. The full moon may light up this dynamic in a surprising way thanks to Uranus also being in the mix. Uranus is our rebellious planet that likes to be foot loose and fancy free. His presence could throw you some curve balls. The issues/experiences that come up will likely be linked to your daily routines, how you go about your life, your health or how you feel you are giving back to the world. This may be a good time to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself unless it’s a battle you know you will win. [/full_width]

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last]Across the chart we see the more internal/yin side of the story. The moon is in diplomatic Libra being extra close with Jupiter, the planet of expansion. The moon in Libra is concerned about the other, whether that be romantic or platonic, she needs to know she is being harmonious. Jupiter who livens up everything he touches in size and attitude will be amplifying this need to please. This will be the emotional side for you. You are an Aries so you won’t be placating nonsense but when you care for someone you are willing to at least hear them out. This could be a theme that pulses strongly during this moon cycle as well as the year. Finding a balance between the head and the heart is this years mantra.

Also in this cosmic soup the sun and moon will be square to Pluto. The deal with Pluto is to let go of the things that seemingly control us. If there is a thought pattern, attitude, experience that is nagging you from within that you are happy to ignore then you’ve found your Pluto. This could be a time when that drum starts banging away again. [/one_half_last]

[full_width]Be mindful of your internal landscape and see what happens if you face the issue head on by giving into it instead of hoping it will dip back into the recesses of your mind.

During this full moon Mercury will be retrograde in your house of love and partnerships while Venus will be retrograde in your house of creativity, romance, and personal expression. This would point towards the idea that this push/pull dynamic of aligning what you say and what you think especially in intimate relationships will be up for review. When Mercury is retrograde we get to reflect on our verbal interactions, things we’ve written and the many ideas that come up again and again in our heads. During a Venus retrograde we reflect on our current relationship status, our exes, our values and our self esteem in response to those subjects. You may find yourself running into people that once meant so much but somehow got lost in the shuffle of life and time. You may re-evaluate what you find meaning in. This is an excellent full moon to let go of ideas, feelings or experiences that are limiting you from moving forward in all of your relationships. Just know some old ghosts may arise, surprises are not out of the questions and get ready for a year ahead that focuses on love, relationships, and potential business partnerships!

xx,
Ash

Find a list of Ash’s astrological services on her site, HERE.[/full_width]

Balancing Libra: How to Cultivate More Beauty

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]Finding Beauty through Balance, Equality, & Elegance by Ann Whittaker

This is me–my sun sign is Libra. You would think this would be a breeze to explore and write about, right? I thought so, too. And, boy, was I dead wrong. Why? But, really, why?

Maybe because the first thing you read about your own damn sun sign is that it’s the sign that rules relationships, marriage, and weddings–turns out I went through a divorce over a year ago. How’s that Libra working out for me now? Marriage? Not so much. Relationships? My familial relationships with my mom and siblings are enviable. My women friends are my secret coven who take great care of my heart. I buy it. I know it. Libras lean heavily on relationships.
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[full_width]Perhaps that’s why my divorce was so devastating. The balance shifted. But I eventually found the balance again in all the other remarkable people in my life–because give and take is the rhythm I seek and cultivate. And, truly, I still love going to weddings. I admit it, I’m your typical Libra: Hopeless Romantic in Chief. Thank you, Venus.

With that out of the way, we can talk about the other things I love about being a Libra, and how all of us can cultivate our Libra side.

Beauty

“When our eyes are graced with wonder, the world reveals its wonders to us. There are people who see only dullness in the world and that is because their eyes have already been dulled. So much depends on how we look at things. The quality of our looking determines what we come to see.”
-John O’Donohue

Beauty is my word of all words. I live by it; I crave it; I seek it. This is no artificial or empty beauty–it’s a beauty that comes deep from the roots. Beauty is the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and savory in a meal; beauty is the sound of aspen trees quaking in the wind; beauty is one line perfectly intersecting another creating a harmonizing composition; beauty is a simple voice singing a simple tune.

Beauty, let it be noted, is not unblemished perfection–that would tip the scales out of balance! Beauty is wholeness–all of it. I often tell my dear friends, “I love you. Every bit.” And I mean it. They are beautiful to me, every bit.

Cultivate Beauty:
1. Send three friends an unsolicited text that says, “I love you. Every bit.”
2. What have you seen today in nature that was so beautiful it resonated to your very core? List five things.
3. Write down the last time something moved you to tears or to laughter it was so beautiful.

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[full_width]Equality & Diplomacy

I was that university student who went to every protest, signed every petition, and lectured my family weekly about how we can’t support unfair labor practices in any way, shape, or form. It broke my heart as I inhaled books and articles about the violence women and children experience on this planet–ecofeminism was a no-brainer for me. Equal opportunity was and is my mantra. If someone isn’t playing by the rules, or they’ve created unfair rules, you better get ready for a storm because I won’t stand for it, and I’ve got karma on my side.

As I’ve aged, thankfully, my diplomatic side has also grown to balance out the scales. I love a good debate about issues surrounding justice and equality. Both sides are fascinating to me, but, of course, equality wins in my heart and mind every time. Keep in mind, equality and justice come at a price, and your Libra side loves a good fight for a good cause.

Cultivate Equality & Diplomacy:

1. Identify an issue where you see an injustice concerning something you care about deeply. How can you participate to encourage more equality in your circles of influence?
2. Figure out a way to approach the topic diplomatically next time you have a discussion. Have fun trying to see it from both sides. Put yourself in the other side’s shoes–at least for a moment.[/full_width]

[one_half]Elegance

I cannot describe how refreshing elegance is for a Libra: an almost bare room with just one blooming flower in its center; an unadorned piece of music; an honest line of poetry. No clutter, no distractions, no overstimulation–just the true essence of a thing or a person.

The best word I’ve come across to define what elegance means to me is the Japanese word “shibui” – an honest, minimal, quiet, unassuming, and unadorned feeling. No wonder I am drawn to poetry. Of course I prefer minimalist classical music or a straightforward bossa nova. Then there’s autumn–season where the leaves begin to fall and everything becomes bare again. And, and, thank the trend gods for making all-white décor a thing again.

Experience Elegance:

1. Listen to Arvo Pärt’s Silentium.
2. Listen to W.S. Merwin, poet, read his “Rain Light” or read it here.
3. Go for a walk in the woods. Take nothing with you. No music, no books, no one. Enjoy just walking–one thing. Notice how elegant walking truly is.
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Yoga Poses to Attract More Harmony & Romance

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]CosmoMuse yogi, Brooke Musat, brings us some Libra Season love with 2 poses that help us balance our yin & yang energy for the current season. Photography by Bus Couch.

When the sun travels through a constellation, it brings vitality to all of us through the traits of the astrological sign that rules that constellation. For most of October, Libra is our reigning queen, gracing all of us with enhanced access to harmony, romance, balance, and diplomacy. Relationships are a focus as is fighting for equality in the things that we care about.

It is no surprise that Libra begins her reign at the autumn equinox (or spring equinox in the southern hemisphere) – the perfect balance between summer and winter, day and night and light and shadow. One of the four cardinal signs of the zodiac, Libra kicks Fall off with grace and style, while charming us all into believing beauty lives around every corner.

With Venus as Libra’s planetary ruler, venturing into design, pleasure and romance, are areas perfectly suited for us to leave indelible marks during this season.  

This year’s Libra Season brings good news and fortune into our lives as Jupiter has just moved in and is planning an extended stay in this sign – until October of 2017! Fluff the pillows, dust under the rug, and do your best to make Jupiter feel welcome, because Jupiter is a lucky planet. Jupiter loves the airy sign of Libra and feels the freedom to expand its infections optimism around all things harmonizing and equalizing over the next 12 months.
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[full_width]Let Jupiter’s luck be a vehicle through which you pursue beautiful endeavors. Avoid allowing the yang energy of the Libra sign to take over when deciding between passions. Procrastination due to heavy deliberation, or relying too much on what others say, could introduce an anxious fog that distorts your desires. Treat your desires like you would a relationship: pay attention, be thoughtful, and maybe even romance them from time to time. After all, Libra is our zodiac’s relationship expert and romantic guru!

Practice the yin and yang poses of Libra Season to find beauty in balance and elegance in embracing luck when it finally comes your way. Whether you are a Libra by birth or at heart, there is Libra energy available to all of us at this time.

Fire Log Pose helps pacify Libra’s airy tendencies in a rooted seat. With a stable base made by stacking the legs on top of one another, you’ll begin to invite yin energy in. Just as shorter trees and low-lying shrubs weather strong winds better than those that are tall, Fire Log Pose will protect you from strong shifts in energetic currents.

Practice Upward Plank Pose to reenergize the entire back body and boost adrenal function in a healthy way. With support originating in the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, you’ll embody balance between floating and grounding sensations.
Read on for how to adopt the yin and yang postures of Libra Season for your sign’s fire, earth, air or water element.[/full_width]

[one_third padding=”18% 0 0 0″]YANG POSE
Upward Plank :: (Purvottanasana)

Pose Benefits:

o Strengthens arms, wrists, and tiny muscles in the hands

o Tones calves, hamstrings, and back

o Stretches fronts of shoulders, chest, and tops of ankles

o Opens heart

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[full_width]Fire Signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius):
Fire signs, be cautious not to enter this pose with too much ego. Instead, ease into it one breath at a time. Resist the tendency to tighten through the chest so the fronts of the shoulders can open. Practicing this pose in the early morning or as a midday pick-me-up is recommended.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
Earth signs try a variation of this pose by alternating bent knees. Draw attention to the areas of your body that are suspended in space (head, back, legs, etc).

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
Air Signs, if you have the option, it is encouraged to strike this pose in a warm humid space. Focus should be on holding this pose for as long as it feels physically appropriate. Tendencies may be to touch the pose and move on, but try to meditate on if your desire to move is a call from the body or the mind.  

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
Water Signs, practice this posture somewhere peaceful, but not void of emotion (corner of your bedroom, home, etc). Be open to hosting whatever emotions come to the surface, but be cautious not to let them take over. Use small movements or adjustments (slightly bend the knees, gently turn the head side to side, wiggle the toes, etc) to move through uncomfortable moments.
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[one_third padding=”10% 0 0 0″]YIN POSE
Fire Log Pose :: (Agnistambhasana)

Pose Benefits:

o Deeply Stretches hips and buttocks

o Opens groin

o Strengthens calves

o Quiets a busy mind

o Can help to reduce anxiety

o Releases built up tension in the lower ½ of the body
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[full_width]Fire Signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius):
Fire Signs, practice this pose to cool off after a morning run, or in the evening after a long day. If the hips allow, invite more calm into the mind by leaning forward and resting on the elbows. Let the head hang passively.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
Earth Signs, invite movement of the torso while in Fire Log Pose. Consider initiating tiny cat and cow movements of the spine with your breath. Inhale for cat and exhale for cow.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
Air Signs, find stillness in this pose and focus on spreading deeper mental roots. A great visualization would be to imagine a gentle pressure on the top of your head pressing your sacrum more firmly into the earth. Between these two points, (the top of your head and the bottom of your sacrum) is a long spine.

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
Water Signs, use this posture as an opportunity to retreat inward. Bring hands to heart center and tuck the chin toward the chest. Lean forward slightly on the inhale, and return to a neutral spine on the exhale. Extend the length of each breath, and match your movements accordingly.

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