Updated: Jan 29, 2021
The May full moon of 2020 falls across the Vedic star of Vishaka in the sidereal constellation of Libra. 445 5/7 MST* 0645 5/7 EDT 5/7* 2045 7/5 AEST
The moon is located in an isolated position forming a kemadruma yoga, with no planets in adjacent houses, stressing the emotional isolation we continue to struggle with in the world of corona. This full moon in such extreme isolation, intensified by Saturn’s special aspect, is subject to cause emotional distress and is temporarily amplifying feelings of separation anxiety and loneliness. However the Light of an exalted Sun in Aries continues to bathe the Moon in a refined and powerfully clear light.
Libra, symbolized by scales, is a constellation referring to themes of balance and harmony, ruled by the benefic planet of Venus. We are discovering through our experience of isolation and social distancing how we are essentially deeply relational beings, that we cannot survive without each other. Yet the scales of Libra represent more complex transactional themes, where strategizing for recovery, profit, and a return to the market remains perilous, if not impossible for our world. How do we move safely from quarantine into the new world?
The lunar mansion of Vishaka is ruled by the dual deities of Indra and Agni, known here as Indragni. These divine beings emphasize the importance and power of this Vedic star and are available to support our lives, now suspended between the worlds. This is a time to use rituals and prayer for protection and healing. Sunrise and sunset are traditionally considered optimal times for devotional practices and offerings. A beautiful example of this is the Agnihotra fire ceremony. This simple and powerful fire ceremony occurs at the transition periods exactly on the moment of sunrise and sunset, when offerings are made to Surya, the sun, and Agni, the fire.
These two powerful beings are called on to offer us energy and transformation. Similarly, Indragni bestows courage upon us as we move through the threshold into the new world that is being born, emerging from the pandemic.
Sweet astropeeps, these divine beings are celebrated for their strength and power. Agni, the god of fire, rules over the earth, and Indra is a Sun god ruling the heavens. So here on this full moon, their collaboration invokes immense power and unstoppable determination. Vishaka is symbolized by a triumphal archway covered with leaves.
The exalted Light of the Sun fills the May full moon with Light. May we use this Light to source conviction in our courage, rise up, meet the challenges, and choose determination over fear and despair. Indra and Agni in the celestial realms are working to bring victory, light, and transformation to the darkened world.
The Road not taken. Robert Frost. 1916
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.