This month’s full moon in Sagittarius reminds us that there is a world out there that is waiting to be explored. Exploration has always been critical to human knowledge and understanding; without pushing the boundaries of human experience, our world would be a much smaller and inward looking place. So, the full moon in Sagittarius may act as a timely reminder of that, as it shines its light – full beam – onto those areas of our lives that could benefit from some further exploration and deeper understanding. And I have to say, how timely is that?
Astrologically, this has been an active year, with many significant events coming down the line. Right now, I suspect many of us feel as if the Universe needs to ‘get on’ with things, as we are impatient for progress. It’s fair to say that some issues seem to be harder to leave behind than we had anticipated, and others seem so close to becoming reality – yet also so far away. What is undeniable, is the sense of change in the air – and that makes this a restless full moon. It’s about having faith that the future is heading in the right direction – and that may be an improvement on where we are now.
Full Moon in Sagittarius: The Essentials
The full moon culminates on May 23rd, at 13:52 (UT) and will be found at 2˚ 54′ Sagittarius. The full moon’s sign is an adventurous and outgoing sign: we associate it with qualities such as spontaneity and versatility, along with a certain amount of idealism and a love of freedom. A full moon culminating in Sagittarius suggests the need to throw off all restraints and expand your life with enthusiasm and optimism. It’s as if nothing can stop you – except your own hubris, the overconfidence you get from not giving any thought about what could possibly go wrong.
It’s at the time of the full moon in Sagittarius, that you may discover exactly what can go wrong. The full moon is a time of exposure – it illuminates the dangers on the road as well as a clear way ahead. And that juxtaposition – of inspiration and foolhardiness – makes fills full moon one with boundless opportunity. It could also bring the highest fliers down to earth. As ever, astrology can go in either direction – even with the full moon in lucky Jupiter’s own sign. Sagittarius has dictatorial tendencies and it’s also the sign of extravagance, lawlessness and greed. And remember: one person’s downfall is often another person’s gain.
With this full moon in Sagittarius, there is everything to gain – and everything to lose. That may happen in your personal life – especially for those of you who have close natal chart connections to the degree of the full moon. If you have the Sun, Moon or an angle close to 2˚ – 3˚ in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces) you may notice this lunation more than most. If the full moon falls on or close to a house cusp (I would suggest a close orb of no more than 2˚). You may feel its effects in the house concerned and its impact will be consistent with the nature of Sagittarius and the full moon’s chart.
Full Moon in Sagittarius: The Chart
The full moon in Sagittarius emphasises the Gemini – Sagittarius opposition, and that’s concerned with knowledge and communication. Thoughts, ideas, information – and what we do with them – are going to be at the forefront of the full moon’s message – and (as ever) the full moon is going to shed its light on knowledge that many people would rather keep hidden. Moonlight exposes – but it also makes things look rather different than they do in the bright light of day. Where your understanding is concerned, what you read or hear may literally make you see things in a different light.
The aspect pattern contained in the full moon chart is also notable, as it forms a cradle pattern, comprising two ‘wedge’ configurations. The Sun – Moon opposition is formed by two ‘easy’ oppositions; both the Sun and Moon make trine and sextile aspects to the other planets ‘caught up in the cradle’. A cradle holds things in place – often gently so. It has other meanings too – and they are generally supportive. Sometimes they need to be – if you ever played ‘Cats Cradle’ as a child, you will recall the objective of the game is to keep the cradle intact – no matter how complex and tangled the strings become.
The cradle configuration has implications for the ways in which the full moon in Sagittarius will manifest – and they are likely to be as follows:
- Opportunities arise through being in the right place at the right time.
- You may find yourself having to balance competing or conflicting interests.
- You may have to choose between different options – though neither one seems better than the other.
- There is the potential to find a creative or collaborative solution to a particular issue.
- Things that appear solid may not be so solid after all – the house of cards may fall.
One issue with the cradle is that when its support is ‘rocked’ or removed, things can break or spill – or a commotion is caused. When you’re trying to keep the peace, you may find yourself going from one side to the other – with no overall resolution. You are simply trying to maintain the status quo – and avoid causing a ‘ruckus’ that no-one will want to deal with. Especially you. Mixed feelings are common when a cradle configuration is present..
Full Moon in Sagittarius: The Aspects
The aspects between the planets in the full moon chart show what issues are likely to be of concern around the time of the full moon in Sagittarius. The planets being contacted include
- Venus – love, money, young women, female sexuality.
- Jupiter – the law, legal argument, broadcasting, travel, truth, wealth, fortune, religion and belief systems.
- Neptune – madness, lies, guilt, illness, deceit, evasion, leaks, gases and pharmaceuticals.
- Pluto – fraud, taxes, criminals, death, destruction, power, explosions and fanaticism. A turning point.
That are just a few things that the planets represent, but any of them may become prominent – or take on extra importance or relevance – thanks the full moon in Sagittarius. And as the Sun – Moon opposition is ‘easy’, it’s unlikely the full moon in Sagittarius will bring revelations of anything new. However, the full moon’s revelations may bring big news that expands your existing knowledge – and that may be even more significant than any new information because it’s likely to provide you with greater understanding about a particular situation – or provide you with a greater appreciation of the context.
Full Moon Opposite Venus – Jupiter Conjunction
The full Moon in Sagittarius is opposed to a stellium of planets that include the Sun (naturally) and Venus and Jupiter in close conjunction in Taurus. That is one expensive combination. It can’t be overlooked that Jupiter is still in orb to Uranus – although the conjunction is now a departing one. That suggests that the full moon in Sagittarius may reveal a financial shock or surprise to some of you – and a pattern of economic or financial shocks or surprises may be seen in the world at large. Don’t be surprised by any headlines involving shockingly large amounts of cash – or shocks to wealthy individuals.
Venus is, however, associated with relationships and romance. The full moon in Sagittarius may reveal the kind of romance that you don’t want to hear about – particularly as Sagittarius is not known for fidelity – and Venus conjunct Jupiter is often associated with those who maintain more than one relationship at a time. However, there may be an opportunity to form a more beneficial relationship – or put your existing relationships on a better level. Jupiter can be advantageous – but there is always the feeling with this combination that you may want more than you can handle.
Full Moon Trine Neptune
Neptune brings the possibility of things not being as they appear to be – and this full moon in Sagittarius will be no exception to that. Sagittarius is hopeless at detail, reading the small print and reading between the lines. If you want to bury information where no-one will see it, place it on an onside page. The trine suggests that whatever has been hidden or avoided, is something that has been known for some time. What you maybe don’t know, is the full extent of the problem – or whatever it is that’s being revealed. The extent to which you were, perhaps, misled may astound you.
Full Moon Sextile Pluto
A sextile aspect opens the door – and Pluto suggests you have an opportunity to draw a line under a particular situation. Now you know what’s been going on, that may be the best course of action – to walk away without so much as a backward glance. You may have the opportunity to break with the past, or break with a situation that is going nowhere. With so much in the Universe pointing towards everything that is new, liberating and progressive, you may have the opportunity to move in a new direction. With the full moon in Sagittarius, that direction is yours to choose – and it’s always better to be in control of the itinerary, than miss your flight.
Further Reading
Aspects | Jupiter Conjunct Uranus: A New Cycle
The Big 2024 Horoscope: The Year Ahead
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© Sara Shipman 2024
Picture Credit: Image by Fabien from Pixabay
