A new moon is when there appears to be no moon in the sky. This (literally) dark time is full of potential and can promote introspection.
The full moon, on the other hand, is when we are gifted with a big, beautiful, illuminated globe in the sky. It is a time of a culmination and of celebration — of breathing a sign of relief. Depending on what is being completed, it can also be a time of endings and letting go.
A practical example of the difference between these two monthly periods might be having an idea for a party during the new moon. Then, on a first-quarter moon, you start to plan the event — you order decorations, create a food menu, maybe make a guest list. At the half moon, you send the invitations to your aforementioned guest list and start putting up your streamers (or balloons, or whatever your style of decor is). Finally, on the full moon, the party happens and you have a fantastic time. And then…it is over. All that buildup paid off, but much like the full moon’s energy, this excitement is fleeting and can therefore feel bittersweet.
By the Way, the Full Moon Coincides With Mars Retrograde
The full moon arrives right on top of Mars retrograde. What’s that mean for you? If things seem off lately, it could be because Mars is retrograde and, once again, the universe is asking to slow down and rework our Martian desire to push forward. Mars takes roughly two Earth years to make its way around the sun and therefore goes retrograde every two years, as well.
As a reminder (as if any of us really needs one), when Mercury is retrograde, we notice electronics breaking, delayed planes, and canceled plans. It can seem like everything in the outside world goes haywire at once, causing us to slow down and (hopefully) gain some new realization or insight about ourselves or our problems
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Mars retrograde, on the other hand, can feel more like something internally is…amiss. We find ourselves less able to assert our will; with a list of things to do, maybe only half of them get done. Mars is also associated with our anger, our sexual desire, and our instinct to fight. Now, imagine when this energy is trying to go backward. It can bring up frustration, angry outbursts, and sexual tension. Mars retrograde in Gemini, in particular, may lead to harsh words, reactiveness toward others, a propensity for gossiping, and generally scattered energy. Fight the urge to not do too many things at once during this time; the planets are not on your side when it comes to multitasking right now.
Mars and the Moon May Fight, But Mercury Can Temper Them
As mentioned above, the tension-inducing energy of Mars retrograde in oft-superficial Gemini, all conjunct to a full moon, can lead to gossiping and fighting. This time period can feel intense, even out of control. So, how can we work with this energy instead of against it?
