Libra Full Moon -- April 2, 2007

Relationships are difficult. It takes an ability to achieve homeostasis for a partnership to thrive. Even when waves rock the corny boat of love, equilibrium is (eventually) maintained in a healthy twosome.

One of the major challenges in a relationship occurs when one individual has a need that upsets the balance of the partnership. Let's say Jack wants to go to a concert on the same night that Jill has her regular girls' night out -- if you'll pardon my heterosexist example. Jack's favorite band only tours every couple of years, but Jill relies on the sustenance derived from her weekly ritual, and they can't afford babysitting nowadays. ("What, you can buy a $60 ticket, but you won't spend the same money on a sitter if we want a night alone together?") It seems that somebody has to give. Jack and Jill cannot both get their needs met simultaneously. A compromise must be made.

This Libra Full Moon illustrates the challenge of negotiating my needs versus our needs, with the Moon in relationship-focused Libra opposing the Sun in self-focused Aries. The light shines on the Libra side of this polarity, emphasing the need to shift a little. Compromise does not entail being a doormat, or surrendering to the other's desires and then feeling resentful. It is about a healthy give-and-take in which two partners sit down and negotiate their needs, both as two individuals and as a couple. Ideally, one partner is willing to forego their own immediate pleasure (Aries) out of love for their partner (Libra). This requires open communication, reflecting Libra's Air nature.

Full Moons are culmination points, and as such, energy comes to a head. In our relationship lives, the balance of "we" has been thrown out of whack by too much "me." How two individuals sort this out will be the dance of this Full Moon.

There's more to the story. Mars (ruler of the Aries Sun) in Aquarius is making stressful eighth harmonic aspects (135 degrees and 45 degrees) to the Sun and Moon, adding an "edge" focused on being independent, acting to detach from intimate partnership. This causes friction, and supports Aries' side of the equation.

Additionally, the Sun and Moon are making soft angles to Jupiter and Saturn. The Aries Sun is in a Grand Fire Trine with the planets of expansion and contraction, drawing on the supportive relationship between these social planets. What does this mean for our partnerships? Our one-on-one concerns take place within a larger framework -- religion, law, corporations. All the elements of culture that have been developed to support (or regulate) relationships are on our side. Although we may sometimes feel restricted (Saturn) or judged (Jupiter) by the powers-that-be, during this Full Moon we may turn to them to help iron out our differences. Use this opportunity to turn to a religious figure or a wise elder for assistance.

The Fine Print: This Full Moon mostly impacts those individuals with personal planets or angles near degree 12 of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn).

Houses: If you are familiar with your natal chart, you will be able to determine which houses (areas of experience) tenant this Full Moon. By noting which houses are involved, you may be able to predict which "actors" you may struggle with during this period.

• 1/7 - your husband or wife, long-term partner, best friend, business partner, client, open enemy.
• 2/8 - psychotherapist, accountant, investment banker.
• 3/9 - siblings, neighbors, teachers, gurus, people from a foreign country, in-laws.
• 4/10 - Mom, Dad, the boss, the realtor, any authority figure, any nurturing figure.
• 5/11 - friends, groups, children, lovers.
• 6/12 - service people, co-workers, prisoners, hospitalized persons, monks, nuns.

Want to Get to Know Your Chart? Jeffrey Kishner is available for astrology readings.