I say this every time that Nancy, our resident Astrologer, sends me an insightful post for this site:  THANK YOU! I am especially grateful for this information, as I feel side-swiped from life’s testing path by a grandfather of an invisible whiplash.  Whew! Survived it…and now on to the wisdom:

This month the New Moon is in the sign of Libra — Libra has rulership over, music, drama, artistic endeavors, and with its ruling planet Venus it also has a lot to do with marriage, courtship, beauty, and therefore, has an influence with beauticians, clothing manufacturers, interior decorators, and flowers.

But Libra is a lot more than the listing above, it is a cardinal sign which makes it very strong and forceful, but subtle; moreover, it is an air sign which brings intelligence and curiosity to the fore.  Never underestimate the Libran, who might appear quiet, shy, and not very opinionated… you will learn how determined and resourceful they are if you take them at face value (which may be a beautiful visage).  The one thing Librans need overall, is a sense of balance (hence — their scales of justice symbol) — it would appear that they can easily be thrown for a loop when unexpected occurrences happen.   But — the intuitive Libran knows their own frailty and is often prepared for just that issue.  I’m not proposing that they cannot be blindsided by a truly devastating event in their life, but needing balance, they will rally with a determined force that might amaze everyone, because in a way they have already prepared mentally for most contingencies.

Even as children, the Libra child needs to know boundaries, and schedules.  They will thrive in loving homes that cater to their need for balance and equanimity.  It is important to give them a heads up when there might be a change in their lives; living conditions, a new baby, or a new school, even a new schedule for pre-schoolers, if their classes switch from morning to afternoon.  Knowing ahead of time what to expect will go a long way in keeping them on track and will allow them to take part in creating a stable and connected way of life.  They are smart and quick-witted, and will pick up on any controversy that is around them — they value being told the truth (age appropriate) and will regain their much needed balance when they are sure of their footing. They need lots of love and reinforcement that they are an integral part of the family group.

This has been an especially active month in the Heavens, there are many changes taking place and all of these changes can affect our senses and ability to maintain our equilibrium.  For instance Jupiter, the “good luck” planet has been in Retrograde motion for many months now (not giving us its best energy) and went direct on the 12th of this month, continuing its transit of the sign Aquarius until it enters Pisces on January 17th.  This will shift the emphasis for all of us depending where these signs reside in your own natal chart. For instance Jupiter in Aquarius has the ability to make us aware of social issues, can be enlightening to us about paranormal ongoings, religion, and might enable us to become better guardians of the environment. It can open our eyes to the true nature of current circumstances and bring us much needed wisdom in handling the situation.  Jupiter can bring too much of anything — and in this age of computers, Blackberries and other electronic devices — perhaps — too much information.  We can be bombarded with so many differing opinions, ideas and thoughts that it can overwhelm us.  It is up to us to sort through the chaff and savor the morsels of truth that are there to be seen — if we will only look. Perhaps this time period will bring us to a better understanding of our planet, and the things we have to do to preserve this world, and we just might be ready for the sacrifices that will entail… When Jupiter reaches Pisces next year — let’s hope we are prepared for what the future holds.

Saturn — the “ teaching planet” — will enter the sign of Libra on the 29th of October.   While it has been in Virgo, it has honed in on health reform, made us more aware of our own abilities in caring for ourselves and others, with better diets and exercise programs and brought to light those areas that need to be attended to — no hiding our heads under the blanket — you know where you must start to take command of a situation… it’s time to fish or cut bait.  Make those tough decisions and be strong in knowing you are on the right track.  Although Saturn might make our lives a tad more difficult, in the long run it will bring us our rewards, especially if we have fought the good fight.  It takes Saturn approximately 30 years to traverse the Zodiac — yes, by the time we are thirty years old we have experienced Saturn in all of the 12 signs — We are slowly and systematically being led into using our common sense, and native intelligence to solve problems.  When we don’t listen to what the Universe is telling us, we are brought abruptly to the ground — in order to shake us up, open our eyes to the reality around us.  Pay attention people!  Life is so much easier when we can work within the harmony and beauty that surrounds us.  Saturn will stay in Libra for approximately 2 1/2 years, Retrograding into Virgo from April 7th to July 21st of 2010.  At this time you may be required to revisit an issue you thought had been permanently shelved.  Let’s not play the ostrich and hide our heads in the sand.  Get your life in order, mentally, spiritually and financially. It is time — face your fears, be strong in your convictions, and get ready to enjoy your life, it will be what you make of it.

With the many financial crises and job losses going on today, you may be feeling out of sorts, vulnerable and very nervous about what the future holds.  Do your homework, make plans, find out all you can about your immediate situation — and save for a rainy day!  Create your foundation firmly so that you can feel a sense of control and well-being.  Even if your situation is precarious, there are steps you can take to ward off a complete collapse.  This is not the time to make quick decisions that you will have to live with for a long time.  Be careful in your business dealings and carefully monitor any contracts you might need to sign.  Be your own best advocate, get professional advice if needed and be sure you fully trust those who are handling your affairs, be it financial, spiritual, or emotional.  This isn’t a time period to be wasteful or careless with your possessions, money, or empathy.

The New Moon gives us a chance to put out our needs, wants and affirmations into the Universal ether.  You can write down your wishes and put into motion just what you want to happen in the future.  Be specific and clear in what you are writing — some things you may want to consider are Libran ruled, such as, getting more harmony and balance in your life, being more diplomatic where you work, bringing more cooperation into your life from family or co-workers.  This might be a good time to reaffirm your wishes for a new home, or perhaps to renovate the bedroom or family room.  Anything that will bring more balance and beauty into your life can be enhanced by writing down your affirmations during the period of the New Moon.

This month’s New Moon is in Libra on the 18th at 12:34 AM (add an hour for DST) — so all day long is just perfect for writing down your own special ideas and wishes — think carefully about exactly what you want to manifest.  The power is yours, the timing is right, and everything is on the table — go for the gusto — go for life.

Tags: age appropriate, Aquarius, blindsided, Cardinal sign, differing opinions, fish or cut bait, Jupiter in Aquarius, love and reinforcement, maintain equilibrium, never underestimate a Libran, new Moon in Libra, October 18, Pisces, Saturn the teaching planet, unemployment, Virgo, whiplash