The Purging And The Rebuilding: September’s Full Harvest Moon Partial Lunar Eclipse

A person needs at intervals to separate himself from family and companions and go to new places. He must go without his familiars in order to be open to influences, to change. Katharine Butler Hathaway

O, swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. William Shakespeare

Although the connections are not always obvious, personal change is inseparable from social and political change. Harriet Lerner

Separation secures manifest friendship. Indian proverb

There is a star above us which unites souls of the first order, though worlds and ages separate them. Christina of Sweden

We must change in order to survive. Pearl Bailey

September’s full Moon, occurring on the 17th in the U.S. and the 18th in Australia,  is a Supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse. As such it is another very powerful full Moon. I was somewhat taken aback by the degrees and Symbols of this lunation as it’s quite a culmination of Neptune’s transit through the last decan of Pisces over the last three years. In particular, many things were revealed when Neptune spent several months during 2022, 2023 and into the early part of 2024 on Pisces 25 and Pisces 26 (please remember that one always rounds up one degree from the zodiacal degree to get the Sabian Symbol).

I’d been watching Neptune bringing the message of bringing light to situations of betrayal, lies, misinformation, corruption, etc., through Neptune spending months and months on Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD, and, Pisces 26: A NEW MOON REVEALS THAT IT’S TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR DIFFERENT PROJECTS, which often speaks of letting go of certain people, places and things in order to pursue one’s objectives or projects. I feel it’s important to point out that Pisces 26 doesn’t always mean that one has to move away from others in order to pursue those new things in one’s life, however, it often can and does. Of course, though, in a world of possibilities, one could be pursuing these new fields of opportunity with a friend or a partner.

This partial lunar eclipse is nudging us (directing us some might feel) to get cracking with things we’ve been wanting to do, or, having those sudden realisations that we’ve been directing our energies at those that have not appreciated, respected or been at all fair with us along the way. Of course, this betrayal and subsequent revealing (the need or urge for ‘Purging’) shows how we were perhaps mistaken to give our trust to the wrong people, also, we might have known all along that our faith and trust was being abused but we may have been stuck in a situation that demanded loyalty or obedience. This full Moon is moving that energy out of the way in order for us to see how we need to direct more energies to our own objectives (or own ‘Projects’.)

You’ll no doubt notice that the Sabian Symbol for Pisces 25 (the Karmic Condition of this lunar eclipse) is exactly opposite (all but one degree off) Virgo 26 (the Sabian Symbol of the Sun). Both speak of priests and the priesthood (which is extraordinary given how the Symbols came through). This can, of course, refer to those authorities in religion however it doesn’t always – it can refer to anyone in authority in our lives; directors of corporations, teachers at school, parents or ancestors, whoever and whatever that tends to exert a type of influence or power in society (or, in our lives). 

Adding energy to this feeling of getting going with our ‘projects’ is the transit of the Moon’s south node over the degrees of the Super Galactic Center. The SGC is said to be where we commune with God, where we have a concentration of the ability to create our own reality (I firmly believe that the entire 360 of the zodiac contains this ability but the SGC is an area that is super focused in this regard). This transit of the south node occurs right up to Christmas and into the New Year, so, what an opportunity to let go of some of the old beliefs, conditioning, guilt or hesitation, indeed, whatever or whoever holds us back, in order to gather momentum to do the things we’ve perhaps long wanted to do.

Further to that, the influence of eclipses can last well into the future, with lunar eclipses many believe the influence can be up to six months. My take on it is that if there is a major event, realisation or unfolding happening around any lunation (new or full Moon or eclipse), the effects can stretch right into the future. I mention that because I gather that some people might not know that. I’ve seen that many stop reading or thinking about the new or full Moon, or, about an eclipse, the minute the moment of the lunation has passed. It seems to me that many don’t realise that the planetary energies are setting up to be experienced for some time, perhaps months or years, into the future. 

The Sabian Symbol for September’s full Moon, which is a Supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse, is Pisces 26: A NEW MOON REVEALS THAT IT’S TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR DIFFERENT PROJECTS. (Please note that ‘A NEW MOON’, is a metaphor for the beginning of something). The following is my full interpretation of this Sabian Symbol from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom:-

Commentary: ‘A New Moon Reveals That it’s Time For People to Go Ahead With Their Different Projects’ shows the realization of a new time dawning; there’s a new beginning. Each month, at the ‘New Moon’, there is the necessary energy and impetus to get new things started. It is conventionally a time to put energy into anything new in your life, as it will have forward momentum.

Oracle: There’s an image here of the emergence of new possibilities and new horizons. This Symbol can imply a moving away from or a splitting up of people, however this may not always be the case. There could be a call for a couple to split off from the rest of the family, or somebody might need some space to be alone or get on with something they want or need to do. Hence it doesn’t always mean a split or separation, although it certainly can. People have their own responses to situations, so it is important not to expect everyone to react in the same way when something unexpected, or new, comes up. Periodically, there is a need to let things go from the past. Relationships, jobs, friendships; in fact any situation at all might be coming to completion, or needing a break for a while. There can be the feeling of a dividing wall coming up between you and others. This situation may have been brewing for some time and now the consequences of it are coming to light. However, if people are given their own measure of freedom, they may come back together when the time and the energy is right. Perhaps it’s a good idea to direct some energy into a new project at the time of the next ‘New Moon’. Light a candle and state your intentions with honesty and feel the effects of the rewards that can come flooding in with this new beginning. Remember to honor “the other”, the other person who may have their own ‘Project’ or path to follow.

Keywords: Diversifying. Applying talents in a different direction. People splitting up and splitting off. New opportunities and potentials. The beginning of a new age. Letting go of the old and outworn. Separations. Embracing one’s future without the need for others. Coming to a fork in the road. Divorces. New jobs, directions and destinies. The dawning of a new era.

The Caution: Not giving, or receiving emotional support. Feeling split off and alone, even when one is with others. The fear and loathing of possible separation. Overthrowing the old too quickly. Changing direction unexpectedly. The fear of old age. Relationships that fail again and again.

The Karmic Condition of this partial lunar eclipse is Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to see through those who hold important positions yet abuse trust or those who make great claims but don’t live up to them. At times in your life, you’re likely to find yourself leaving others behind, kicking them out, or someone experiencing falls from grace. Periodically there is a need to examine moral and spiritual sincerity. It is easy to allow those who don’t really belong to stay because of familiarity or habit. We can lose sight of the ideal through our rationalizing intellect, ego and emotive passion. There is a need to cleanse and purify your life, leading to better spiritual values. What side of the “Purging” are you on? Are you the one with the ‘right motives’? Who’s in charge?

Keywords: Revealing the truth of people for who and what they truly are. Cutting people off. Throwing out things that don’t measure up. Forced retirement and redundancies. Payouts at the end of employment. Dismissals. Opting out for moral reasons. Being fired. Holes left where someone took up a lot of space.

The Caution: Stressful battle over who’s in charge. Blackmail. The threat of being thrown out. Something being revealed. Evicting people because they deceive, lie or mislead or just because they’re not liked. Bringing somebody down. Scapegoating others. Corruption and scandal that threaten collapse. Wanting to appear to be doing the right thing. Coverups. The burning of books. Perversion.

The Quest Degree of this partial lunar eclipse is Pisces 27: A HARVEST MOON ILLUMINATES THE SKY. This Symbol is extraordinary in that the Sabian Symbols came through the spiritualist medium Elsie Wheeler in 1925 in a double blind experiment: Elsie did not know what degree or sign she was bringing through. And, this Symbol speaks of the time of the harvest Moon each year. Extraordinary!

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to recognize the riches in one’s life, to see the beauty and wonder of life, to have a sense of achievement and of a job well done. Along with a wonderful ability to be able to see and vision things, this Symbol often brings a satisfying sense of abundance; it’s a time of ‘harvest’, the sky is clear and conditions are perfect. The “Harvest Moon” is a positive sign, with high energy as it’s a time of fertility, abundance and “Illumination”. There will be a time (possibly now)  to reap the benefits of the work that’s been done. It takes a while to bring in the harvest – take some time out to connect with family and loved ones who celebrate the same values. 

Keywords: Situations that are very ripe and full of fruition. Celebrating what you have. Expanded perspective making everything clear. A sense of achievement. Seizing the moment to make the most of what’s possible. Nature’s bounty. The beauty of the moon in the night sky. The harvest Moon.

The Caution: Neglecting the tasks at hand because of a false sense of abundance. Achievements waning because of neglect. Wasting energy on inconsequential activities. “Lunatic” behaviour. Not being able to sleep.

The Sabian Symbol of the Sun is Virgo 26: A BOY WITH A CENSER SERVES NEAR THE PRIEST AT THE ALTAR

It doesn’t matter whether what you are doing is inconsequential, because even the smallest contribution is an important part of the whole. Give reverence and respect to your everyday routines, and find hope renewed through the promise of what’s to come in the future. Your time will come as you grow and mature and you’ll be able to take the higher position in life. However, watch out for any feelings of jealousy that someone is bigger, better, more experienced or more respected than the other. Measuring one’s self by the successes of others can be useful, except when it degrades your belief in yourself, or in others. In your situation who is the ‘Priest’ and who is the ‘Boy’?

Keywords: Youthful attitudes. Doing what’s simple, with silence and devotion. Participating in the toil but not the glory. Altars and shrines. Incense. Burning candles. Passing down wisdom and knowledge. Looking up to those in power. Work experience. Apprenticeships. Feelings of awe and respect. Religious and social ceremonies. Issues of authority and the abuse of it.

The Caution: Being dominated by spiritual hierarchy that is devised by human rationalism. Doing “lesser things” to avoid responsibility. Not taking a place of authority when one could or should. Feeling not good enough because of inexperience. Someone always hanging around. Incompetence. Refusal to take instruction. Sexual abuse. Betrayal of trust or beliefs. The church overpowering one’s life.

The Sabian Symbol of Mercury is Virgo 15: A FINE LACE ORNAMENTAL HANDKERCHIEF

Sometimes the smallest tokens of our past can bring us a sense of security and joy. The scent of the “fabric”, the care and loving that have gone into the crafting of things of beauty give a sense of security and being loved. You may be feeling the desire for love and the need for someone in your life. You need to relax a little in order to invite others in. The feeling of being lost and left behind can be relieved with the touch of fabric, a whiff of perfume, etc., these can be a reminder of people or events past. Warm, sentimental feelings can be expressed, or poured out, showing tenderness and care. Carrying a beautiful lace handkerchief might be a nice way to remind yourself of your true sense of worth and beauty. However, this type of ‘Handkerchief’, being made of ‘Lace’, is not really suited for too many tears, as it can be more of an ornament that a true ‘Handkerchief’.

Keywords: Delicacy of feeling. Attention to detail. Winning awards through valor. Hypersensitivity. Looking but not touching. Overdressing. Appearing too delicate to truly enjoy life. Make-up and accessories. Fragility. Old things of lace and beauty. Refinement. Small gifts given with deep feeling.

The Caution: The artificial sob story. False sympathy. Asking for love when in reality one doesn’t really want it. Impractical belongings. Things that get shunted aside as irrelevant, unworthy or unusable. Things of little use in today’s world. Mass manufacturing. Things made in sweatshops. Lack of empathy.

The Sabian Symbol of Venus is Libra 24: A THIRD WING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF A BUTTERFLY

I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous. Yogi Berra

This Symbol can show imbalances of many kinds, be they physical, mental, spiritual or emotional. Understanding and accepting fragility and differences in ourself and others can give greater empathy for those who have difficulty operating efficiently in the world. When the transformation into full potential occurs, it is a wonderful thing, however, you may feel that you are unnaturally developed or somehow lopsided in the emotive, intuitive realms. Instinct may swamp logic or logic may take from your instinct or intuition. Physically, you could find that one side of your body works more efficiently or smoothly than the other. It helps to try to regain balance and equilibrium in your life. More can be achieved by finding that still space in the middle.

Keywords: Creative overbalance. Bodily impairments and handicaps. Being light, flippant and fluttering from thing to thing. Over-sensitivities. Oddities. Beautiful imperfections. Idiot savants. Imbalances. One side of the body being more perfect than the other. Wings, arms, legs, feet.

The Caution: Unrealistic reliance on being different. Obsession with strange things. Feeling useless and out of place. Flapping around and not getting anywhere. Restlessness and nervousness. Lopsidedness. Impatience.

Mars is on Cancer 8: A GROUP RABBITS DRESSED IN CLOTHES AND ON DIGNIFIED PARADE