The Third Quarter Square unfolds December 16th at 12:56 am PT, with the Sun at 24° Sagittarius and the Moon at 24° Virgo. Looking at the chart pattern to help describe the overall interpretation, we see the Third Quarter Square chart is a bucket pattern with the Moon as the handle. To visualize this concept, imagine all but one of the planets aligned in half of ecliptic. This creates a bowl shape that archetypally accumulates energy and experience to send to the lone planet acting as the handle. Much like a satellite, the dish collects the data and transmits it through a focalizing instrument. Similarly, the Moon will filter and disseminate valuable information coming from the collective planetary energy it “speaks” for.
The Moon represents femininity, sensitivity, gentleness, and a nurturing nature. With the Moon in Virgo, we may focus on the polarity between our overly critical, judgmental impulses and our pure, genuine motivation to be there for others and offer practical assistance. Making an effort to evolve beyond its lower manifestiation of incessant analysis and evaluation allows Virgo to experience greater inclusiveness, compassion, and an ability to recognize each person’s unique role in the bigger picture. As Virgo’s heart opens, its little picture criticalness decreases and it becomes more accepting of others. During this time, we can all learn from the Virgo archetype by finding the magic in the mundane and serving life’s needs with gratitude and openness.
During the Third Quarter Square, the Moon closely opposes Neptune at 22° Pisces, amplifying our sensitivity in all experiences. Neptune adds a layer of depth by asking us to dissolve our ego and accept that we are all interconnected. Egos are psychological constructs that attempt to control life out of fear, doubt, and anxiety concerning their very survival. Attempts to exert force to gain control can result in confusion, disillusionment and fearfulness. In this state, we feel separate from each other, which runs counter to our inner knowing that we are all connected. Our resistance to the flow of life creates negative feelings, although this process is necessary for ego dissolving. Embracing self-awareness can lead to a paradigm shift in how we love, from a transactional, give/take, egotistic way of connecting to an unconditional, impersonal experience of total connectedness. Although incomprehensible to the mind, the Neptunian process reveals this state is the root of who we are, our true nature. Through Neptune, we move towards Unity with everything around us.
Joining the mutable T-square between the Sun, Moon and Neptune is Jupiter, which is conjunct Neptune in Pisces. Now in the powerful 29th degree of the sign it ruled before Neptune was discovered, Jupiter’s year-long stay in Pisces ends when it enters Aries on December 20. Pisces represents consciousness and what some refer to as The Mystery, the unifying force netting all existence, which when experienced gives us the knowingness of being connected with the cosmos. Jupiter in last degree of the last sign of the Zodiac correlates to an intensified feeling of completing the lessons of this compassionate sign. Pisces teaches us to simply show up to whatever is happening in our lives, to be fully present as we navigate through any situation, no matter how painful or challenging. In essence, it teaches us to have courage to accept the life we are living without checking out by whatever means from that which is most important.
This week we could ask ourselves: How can we move beyond being self-involved to becoming Self-aware? How can we shift from fear to Love?
Leave a Reply