The Last Quarter in Aries comes exact on Wednesday, July 8 at 4:24 pm EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Aries.
We now approach the Last Quarter, halfway between full and new, moon squaring Sun at 90˚. (Seen from above, the moon forms a right angle in relation to an invisible line running from the Earth to the Sun, hence “square” as the name for this astrological aspect. Here the moon has completed 3/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in Cancer squares the moon in cardinal fire Aries. The moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet. Staring at the moon during this time will align you so that you are looking right out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^
Squares mean change
The Full Moon in Capricorn ushered in conscious awareness, revelations and illumination of all that was hidden, lurking. Now we decide which information/ideas best serve us. The waning light of the moon represents gradual descent into darkness: a return to the proverbial womb. It is wise to launch new endeavors at a later date so as to better focus on the imminent. The week between the Last Quarter and New Moon (July 8-15) is the ideal time to buckle down and wrap up all that was set in place with the New Moon in Gemini of mid-June.
We have come to a corner and must choose a direction. Any stress or anxiety that surfaces now is there to catalyze decision-making. Gracefully surrender. Release and forgive. Destroy useless internal edifices. The moon is asking you to empty yourself. The entire Cancer cycle thus far has encouraged us to harness the power of divine feminine badassery – let this last week be your best yet, no holds barred, just a mega release of prolific and utterly glorious work. The Last Quarter Moon in Aries of summer 2014 fell on July 18; whatever themes predominated then will now resurface.
Aries the newborn
The Last Quarter Moon in Aries represents a conflict between the Self and Mother. I like to imagine each Moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Cancer cycle is emotional in nature, but the ram is here now to awaken the Earth - kickstart our plans - jump and move. Are you prepared for rebirth, should the Universe come knocking on your door at this very moment? The ram fishes the crab out of the water now as if to say: remember this entire world around you and all that it has to offer! This Last Quarter Moon is a fiery call to action for the passive crab.
Aries attempts now to add some combustible energy to Cancer’s slow feminine essence so that it may spiral into its fullest expression. Without the ram’s impressive drive, the crab remains forever locked within her own vivid dream world. Cancer prefers to keep the waters calm, but Aries cannot tolerate such meekness. Yes, we must be assertive and promote our individuality - but not at the cost of alienating loved ones and support systems. So the challenge is to move forward with our personal agenda while still respecting our roots. At this time our desire to favor the Self will speak to the heart while the pull towards roots/home will feel like a duty.
Climb your mountain
Aries is a cardinal sign, a bright compass in the darkness. The ram is also a creature of fire - reckless and temperamental one moment, spirited and excitable the next. Expect others to be more feisty, animated and vigorous than usual. Use this raw energy to do some exploring, hiking, dancing or fierce cardio. Since Aries is the first sign in the realm, this phase of the Moon represents a return to square one. You may feel the urge to journal, detox or engage in some self-care. The energy of this transit is akin to a ram breaking through a wall – powerful, bold, impulsive.
When I visualize Aries, I see a blood red sun rising over jagged mountains - hot, dry land - a fateful mood soaking the sky. Everything is hard and rough - forceful, physical, divine masculine. Now is the time to do without thinking. Rear your horns and climb the mountain. If you’re feeling imbalanced, treat this for what it is: a phase, nothing more. Energy levels will increase now temporarily. I suggest a bonfire or some Aries Yoga.
Mercury enters Cancer on the same day and Mars, ruler of Aries, will form a harmonious trine to Neptune in Pisces.
If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: I start anew