The Harvest Full Moon burns bright in the sign of Aries on September 26, adding fuel to an already volatile sky. This generally volatile atmosphere extends roughly through mid-October thanks to the lovers Venus and Mars gripped by Pluto’s passionate intensity, suggesting encounters with taboo topics and a clash of values. Queen Venus will take us on a longer romp through our desires and value sets, stationing retrograde on October 3 in the emotional depths of Scorpio, then backing into justice-seeking Libra. She’s asking us to feel it to heal it.
Trying to avoid or downplay our emotions during the Venus retrograde will not help us, and it’s crucial to remember that our emotions can tell us about our own values, needs, motivations, but not about other people’s. If we can treat this Venus retrograde as a reconnaissance mission into our own deepest drives, needs and vulnerabilities, we may be able to retrieve keys to the power we’ve unknowingly been giving away.
Full Moon in Aries
Sun Opposite Neptune, Trine Pluto & Trine Uranus
The Harvest Full Moon reaches its exact opposition with the Libra Sun at 9:49 am US/Pacific on September 26, setting off the tight configuration of outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, and stirring up forceful feelings, deep passion and a drive to create. The Aries nature of this Full Moon adds impulsivity to our actions, though we may also encounter fears or misgivings or perhaps wrestle with confusion about our direction. Aries resonates with hotheaded Mars, but Mars’ position in the empathetic sign of Cancer complicates his ability to act in his typical swift and self-directed manner. When Mars changes signs to the bold spirit of Leo on September 27 (until November 25), we may be quite surprised by how our sense of direction ignites. We might also guard against steamrolling over others in our zeal. Power struggles and ego-based clashes with others could drain vital energy from areas of our lives that need real attention.
Venus Retrograde in Scorpio & Libra
Some of us could benefit from the relational intensity described in the sky story of early October through a willingness to confront inconvenient truths and move forward liberated by that truth. Yet it seems that an encounter with our points of vulnerability and a traverse of difficult emotional territory is also inevitable. The relational sphere of Venus will embark on a journey through the underworld when she stations retrograde on October 3 and calls us to emotional courage and careful discernment. Where psychologist Carl Jung wrote, “The soul comes ‘from the stars’ and returns to the stellar regions,” Venus’ descent into the underworld, like that of mythic Inanna’s, is “a descent for the purpose of retrieving values long repressed, and of uniting above and below into a new pattern,” in the words of Jungian psychologist Sylvia Brinton Perera.
The Scorpio portion of Venus’ retrograde motion (from October 3 to 24) emphasizes our relational and financial vulnerabilities, surfacing concerns around who is trustworthy and who or what we are committed to. The Libra portion of Venus’ retrograde motion (from October 25 to November 13) could bring up questions of equality and fairness in relationships of all kinds, including new awareness of unwritten rules of conduct or expectation. While we tend to be more willing to challenge and renegotiate partnerships and friendships during a Venus retrograde, be prepared for surprises concerning what lurks beneath surface appearances.
Venus-Mercury T-Square Mars, Opposite Pluto
A challenging start to Venus’ trek through the underworld of her retrograde period because a highly energetic Mars opposing Pluto (exact October 2) makes a stressful T-square formation with a spicy Venus in Scorpio. Many of us will feel drawn to edgy or risky romantic liaisons, though the negative potentials of this combination cautions us to be wary of predatory behavior in social interactions. On the whole, this is a very confrontational picture that may upset our ideas about love, fidelity, loyalty, and who we thought was safe or at least predictable—including ourselves. The discovery of desires, needs, buried wounds and even buried gifts are all suggested. With messenger Mercury conjoining Venus (exact October 6), we’re sure to hear all about it and be driven to know more and discuss what we find.
Mars Square Mercury
Mars Square Venus
Forceful Mars’ brief but potent square with the principle of communication, Mercury (exact October 2) spans a range of potential expressions from deeply disturbing revelations to unfiltered and badly needed expressions of truth. This is the energy of both breakups and breakthroughs in communication that allow important relationships to evolve. Mars goes on to make a stressful square with retrograde Venus (exact October 10) that coincides with the New Moon in Venus’ sign of Libra. These aspects symbolize a stress test of our relational sphere, which could strengthen bonds and dispel unhealthy illusions but could also bring some relationships to a close, creating space for new life to grow.
Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio
The mind of Mercury is adding to the retrograde action, entering the shadow of their retrograde path on October 4 and stationing retrograde in the middle of secretive Scorpio on October 24. This makes for a very inquisitive few months, with the mental processes symbolized by Mercury tinted by highly intuitive Scorpio for about nine weeks, from September 30 to December 6. We’ll be inspired to dig deeper for truth, restless for what is raw and real, and if we can point our inner private detective in the right direction, we could bring forth much of value to ourselves and our communities.
Just beware of the drama king or queen, who might be titillated by the taboo or obscene but lack depth and emotional maturity to make precise observations and wield the power of words appropriately. Uniting the conscious and the unconscious in a new pattern seems to require a sustained gaze that allows ourselves to also be transformed by what we uncover.
The Moon describes your most profound capacity to connect with others. It also reveals much about the shape of your soul. We’ll be using the symbolic system of tropical astrology to see how the current Full Moon in Aries energizes your own Moon placement. Full Moons amplify energy and emotions. Here’s what might be in store for you this lunation!
♈ Aries Moon
The Harvest Moon is your Full Moon of 2026, Aries Moon! It may be challenging, but this lunation calls you to clarity of mind and taking ownership of your own thoughts. Don’t let regrets or sentimental attachments cloud your vision of the desirable new terrain beckoning you. You’re supported in ending a cycle of fear or inability to commit.
♉ Taurus Moon
Are you the one stirring the pot, or is it someone else, Taurus Moon? Regardless of who started what, the Full Moon in Aries could challenge you to check your ego before a humbling experience comes your way.
♊ Gemini Moon
You or someone close to you could be looking to set the record straight, Gemini Moon. No matter how emotional the situation gets, take the time you need to understand and communicate clearly. Let the Aries Full Moon give you courage rather than blinding rage.
♋ Cancer Moon
This lunation may summon inner resources of strength and perseverance, Cancer Moon, due to others’ trickery, deceit or their decision to change some of the ground rules between you. The Full Moon in Aries suggests setting some strong emotional boundaries between self and other, to protect your tender heart.
♌ Leo Moon
It may feel like the heat is on to get it all done in a short time frame, Leo Moon, but it’s advisable to think more long-term. The Aries Full Moon is anything but moderate, and that is precisely why it’s wise to blend reason with your passion.
♍ Virgo Moon
Your mind is fast on the draw under the influence of the Aries Full Moon, and you’re quite likely to let people know exactly how you feel about them or their ideas. You might try a more creative and less dismissive approach, Virgo Moon, so your momentum isn’t hampered by needless argument.
♎ Libra Moon
Who do you think you are, Libra Moon? That’s the big question enveloped in the Aries Full Moon, and it’s demanding big answers. Fortunately, the dynamic month of October supports your wildly creative responses.
♏ Scorpio Moon
Who are you bound to, Scorpio Moon, and who are you bound to release? The Full Moon in Aries may reveal what you find worth fighting for, and what you’re only fantasizing about, wishing it were true.
♐ Sagittarius Moon
The Aries Full Moon may mark the beginning of a call to overcome fears of ruin or failure in romance or finance, Sagittarius Moon. Releasing yourself from habitual negating thoughts requires you to first notice and take a step back to look skeptically at them; only then can the good you seek come in.
♑ Capricorn Moon
The Full Moon in Aries could be turning the tide in your favor, Capricorn Moon, bringing forth solutions or ideas you hadn’t thought of yet. Generosity and grace are multiplied when you share your true wealth of wisdom with others.
♒ Aquarius Moon
You might get some wild ideas under the influence of this Aries Full Moon, and a little risk is not out of the question. Though you may want to be mindful of your public relations, Aquarius Moon, to ensure the security of the foundation you stand on.
♓ Pisces Moon
The Full Moon in Aries may provide an unexpected insight into traditional or more conventional approaches that could serve you well, Pisces Moon. Be willing to consider all possibilities when it comes to weathering some instability.
This Libra Season, Venus brings her gentle, harmonizing touch to the skies. She governs love in every form, the joy we let ourselves feel, and how freely we give and receive. Whether you’re a Libra or just craving more balance, these Venusian favorites will help guide you to an open-hearted approach to nourishing natural radiance, and coming home to your center.
