October 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aries

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Aries.

The October 2022 full moon falls in the sign of Aries. The Aries archetype is known for its bold – often rash – action, for going where angels fear to tread. As the first sign of the zodiac, it represents the active core of our spiritual journey on earth, and teaches us to act in accordance with our ideals. The Aries archetype teaches us to be unafraid to march to our own drumbeat, to assert our willpower towards the attainment of our desires, and to embrace beginner’s mind and the innate trust and explosive power {conviction + action} that is needed to start something new.

Spiritually, the Aries archetype teaches us about action. And as most of us know, it’s easier to talk about the things we want to do than to put in the work and actually do the thing! Aries teaches us that courage is the key to unlocking the full potential of this spiritual principle. And that comes from connecting your head to your heart, focusing your will, and taking consistent action towards your dreams.

This is the last full moon before eclipse season begins, and it carries with it a rather volatile energy. There is a strong healing energy to this Aries full moon, but it isn’t going to be easy — it will demand our surrender, a recognition that we simply cannot continue to maintain the status quo. Surrender can feel tricky, almost like we are giving up. But that is far from the truth. It isn’t entirely passive. Surrender means acceptance of a situation, a willingness to let go and to forgive, and to be open to exploring the possibilities that can arise from that place of ceding control.

Astro-Tarot influences for the October 2022 full moon

To throw some more light on the April new moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Aries full moon falls in Decan 2, which is ruled by the 3 of Wands. This is to be seen in conjunction with The Emperor, which is associated with Aries.

Almost every journey includes an element of surrender. You can plan and schedule things in advance — book hotels, decide on itineraries, reserve a table for a special dinner, buy entry tickets to tourist spots, but there’s always the possibility of things going wrong. The weather may turn, tickets may be misplaced, vehicles may break down, flights may be missed or cancelled, or your health may take a turn for the worse. You just have to roll with what comes up and make the best of things, anyway.

That’s much the energy of surrender, and of what this Aries full moon holds.

Identities, plans, goals, dreams, circumstances, our very lives can sometimes change at the drop of a hat. Sometimes the seeds of that change may have been germinating slowly, deep in our subconscious. At other times, the change seems almost abrupt. Something we read or hear may shake loose a truth we’ve been unwilling to hear. Sometimes a perspective may make us question everything we held to be true. And all our best laid plans can evaporate, right before our eyes.

This is shaky ground to be on — facing a yawning unknown, often with no clear answers in sight. Often, in such moments of uncertainty, we tend to want to exert control over almost everything. But the true power of surrender lies in the ability to renounce control (The Emperor).

As Jessica Dore writes in Tarot for Change, “True authority is marked by a degree of behavioral sovereignty — the ability to choose actions with intention and care, even when we feel scared and powerless.” She goes on to suggest, “the next time you feel overwhelmed with a feeling or thought pattern that’s telling you to do something that will betray your own interests, you can be still. Even if it’s just for five minutes.” That’s how you practice the art of surrender.

Not by trying to control the outcome or take a decision, but by being willing to sit with the mystery of the great unknown and trust that the answer will, eventually, come.

Sabian Symbol for the October 2022 full moon

The Sabian Symbol for Aries 16 degrees is Two Prim Spinsters Sitting Together In Silence.

This symbol points to the desirability for quiet withdrawal and the company of people who understand you well. It can also, however, point to isolation, restriction, and withdrawal.

The key, as Lynda Hill writes in 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, is to “Look for any opportunities to open you up to deeper and further levels of communication. Be wary that a false sense of security doesn’t isolate you from change and growth.”

Unresolved issues can lead to emotional insulation, stunted emotional responses, and a refusal of entering into or working on relationships. There is a need, at this time, to be more open and honest with significant others and with ourselves.

Tarot spread for the October 2022 full moon in Aries

Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this Aries full moon.

1. What do I need to surrender
2. What do I need to open up to
3. What will support me in this liminal space
4. Mamma moon says: This is always an encouraging message

If you share your spreads on Instagram, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories or tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.

Journaling questions for the October 2022 full moon

Not a cardslinger? No problem! Here are some questions to consider instead:

1. What feels heavy? What baggage are you carrying?
2. What do you need to release?
3. What needs to change?
4. Why do you hesitate to surrender control?