Themes for each zodiac sign: 4/20 last quarter moon

On balancing it all and not being depleted

In herbalism, there is something called the Doctrine of Signatures, in which the plant’s best uses often show themselves in their appearance or growth patterns. Without words, they invite humans to do the math and come up with the solution to the question “what might you help me with?”. Many plants in a category called Wolf medicine have right angles or circles in their signatures. At first glance, these two geometries seem quite different, yet every circle holds a perfect square, and a perfect square can enclose every circle.

I see a connection between the lunar cycles and the Wolf medicine signature. No, it’s not about werewolves, or maybe it is a little, as they experience a transformation. It is because the four major monthly lunation include two phases when the Sun and Moon are at a right angle to one another (First Quarter and Last Quarter phases) as they each move around their respective circular objects.

These right angles in astrology are called a square aspect. The object moving toward or away from the Sun is the one making the square, which is a challenging aspect. When you have a square aspect between a planet and the Sun (or between any two planets) in your birth chart, you are meant to work at that tension throughout your life. Just when you think you have mastered (or failed) it, it shows up in a slightly different form. In a circular manner, as you transform, the challenge transforms.

We have the opportunity each month to experience small transformations, and there is value in observing them (please do tell us if you transform into a werewolf!). In understanding how we respond to opportunities to change, we can understand our lives, and each other’s, more deeply, because isn’t all of life just a series of opportunities to respond or not?

I heard from several people after I pulled a card for each sign in the days before the Full Moon last weekend that the reflection was helpful (or at least amusing), so I decided I would tap into the upcoming Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius (Sunday, April 20 6:35 PM PT) and see if a prominent theme emerged.

I reviewed the Sabian Symbols for the Sun, Moon, South Lunar Node, and North Lunar Node, and indeed there is a unifying theme. I formulated the following query based upon that theme, and the 12 Tarot cards and accompanying haikus which came forth in response emphasized that theme as well as incorporated the archetypes of Taurus (Sun’s position) and Aquarius (Moon’s position) in a Last Quarter phase, which is often described as a crisis point or last chance for action.

The Query: What is there to know about friction between myself and the larger groups to which I belong when it comes to balancing comfort and beneficial change in a societal context?

Amazingly (I really never cease to be awed by spirit), six of the twelve cards are in the Pentacles suit, which is about resources and security - comfort, one might say. Of the other six cards, three are Major Arcana, and those three form a yod, which is an aspect often called the “finger of God”. The tip of the isosceles triangle is where special attention is warranted. At the tip of the yod is The Chariot card, which is about control, choice, and aligning all parts of oneself with one’s life’s purpose. It is further emphasized because it is associated with the sign of Cancer, which is the sign I pulled this card for.

Cards begin with Aries at the 9:00 position, and go through the zodiac in a counter-clockwise position

In the time leading up to the Last Quarter Moon on Sunday, I invite you to reflect on the below responses to the Query for your Sun and Moon signs, and also consider any special relevance the Chariot card’s themes have for you. I would love to hear from you again!

Aries, VII of Pentacles

Will my work finish?/I am starting to question/the point of it all

Taurus, III of Cups

Dance and be merry/Sometimes I crave solitude/Will I let them down?

Gemini, Ace of Pentacles

I see a new chance/but I have been burned before/I could let it go

Cancer, VII The Chariot

I want what is best/when I love and serve others/It’s not up to me

Leo, III of Wands

Inside I dream big/It feels good simply dreaming/But now I must act

Virgo, II of Pentacles

Life is getting full/Where can I set something down?/How do I decide?

Libra, Page of Pentacles

I long for comfort/I’m not greedy, just refined/I can do rough, too

Scorpio, VI of Pentacles

My heart breaks sometimes/The conditions of our world/But I have to look

Sagittarius, VII Strength

I’ve learned life’s lessons/and I’m called on to be strong/I must hold back now

Capricorn, King of Pentacles

What good is resource/not aligned with my spirit/I’m working on it

Aquarius, XXI The World

Do you taste freedom?/I yearn for it all, for us/One step at a time

Pisces, VII of Wands

I can’t get a break/Too many fires to put out/Must practice breathing