Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Libra
The April 2023 full moon falls in the sign of Libra. The Libra archetype is closely associated with justice and maintaining balance in social interactions and within the self. They are the true diplomats among the zodiac archetypes, and focus on fair dealings in all their relationships.
Spiritually, the Libra archetype teaches the principle of intimate balance, of the ability to remain centered and true to yourself no matter what may be going on around you. This is a skill that can be particularly helpful for those of us who turn up our noses at societal expectations as we dance to the tune of our own drum beat. Being able to remain centered is also an important skill to have if you’re surrounded by toxic people – and in these times, even toxic politics! One of the easiest ways to remain centered is through the breath, and by being able to distinguish between the things that are in your control, and those that aren’t.
The April 2023 full moon also highlights our creativity and creative expression. It brings our personal pleasure and self-satisfaction to the forefront, highlighting all the little moments and things that bring us beauty and joy. This is a wonderful time to focus in on creative pursuits and hobbies, as well as on the ways in which we can take better care of our physical, metal, and spiritual health.
Astro-tarot influences for the April 2023 full moon in Libra
To throw some more light on the astrology of the full moon in Libra, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Libra full moon falls in decan 2, which is represented by the 3 of Swords. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with Justice, which is associated with Libra.
The Daily Pause Oracle Deck
I designed this beautiful, 40-card oracle deck to bring in some stillness, to give us a word or an idea to reflect on as we go about our day.
Supported by the four elements – earth, air, fire, water – and a carefully thought-out structure that connects the cards, The Daily Pause oracle will help you to listen to and trust your own inner knowing.
There’s no learning curve involved with using this deck. Just get quiet, shuffle the cards, pull one out, and reflect on the word you’re presented with.
When we look at the Three of Swords, our first instinct is perhaps to think of fresh heartbreak…an unexpected grief or sadness. But often, our hearts are pierced by old wounds, patterns, and belief systems that we have inherited from our environment and culture that are no longer true for us.
These wounds often scab over with time, but can easily be scratched open. Harsh self-talk, falling into old, harmful behavior patterns, strangling our dreams or desires before even trying to make them work can all re-open old wounds. Then there are external triggers, which can be hurtful and harmful in the moment. ButAndAlso, if we pay attention to these triggers, they can point the way to deeper healing.
At the same time, I think it is important to understand that some wounds may be too deep to ever be ‘fixed’. Instead, this full moon can help us to observe the ways in which our wounds hold us back, keep us small, contracted with fear. One of the ‘easiest’ ways to see our wounds is through our relationships and how they influence us, showing us what needs to be healed. Which relationships bring out the best in you? Which ones bring out your inner monster? Which beliefs lead to contraction, to making you feel ‘less than’? The light of this Libra full moon can help illuminate the answers to these questions.
This full moon can also help us understand some of our core wounds — the wounds that are too deep to ever fully heal. And if you’re willing to step in and do the work, this Libra full moon can help you recognize your wholeness despite your wounding through acceptance, love, and understanding {and perhaps even some therapy}. Don’t forget to make a note of any sudden perspective shifts that come into your awareness at this time.
Sabian symbol for the April 2023 full moon
The Sabian Symbol for Libra 16 degrees is A Retired Sea Captain Watches Ships Entering And Leaving The Harbor.
Sign up for the Numinous Stardust!
Get the astro-tarot forecast for each new and full moon delivered straight to your mailbox!
Expect two to three emails per month, with a link to the post containing the forecast, a beautifully designed tarot spread, and journaling questions.
This symbol speaks to me of quiet contemplation. Of reflection of all that you have done and experienced and seen. Though the harbor can be a busy, bustling place, simply watching the ships entering and leaving the harbor also is a commentary on the basics of mindfulness — of simply breathing in and breathing out through all the ups and downs of life. Of accepting what is and figuring out the best way to tackle what life has put before you.
It also marks a period of rest, of a time to nourish body and soul before heading out again on new adventures.
In 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, Linda Hill writes, “be wary of merely looking out at the world from a confined perspective and feeling like you’ve got no choice but to sit, observe and reflect…Reflecting on the past shouldn’t dominate your possibilities, opportunities or desires for new experiences. Rather, this is a time to sit and contemplate and to make plans for what is yet to come. A whole new arena of activity is quite likely to open up after a period of recharging your batteries.”
Tarot spread for the full moon in Libra
Here’s a tarot spread to harness the energy of this full moon.
1. Heart of the matter: This card represents a core wound
2. Healing ritual: This card represents a healing energy. You can use this card to devise a healing ritual for yourself.
3. Perspective shift: This card offers a shift in perspective around this wounding
4. Mama moon says: This is always a positive message
Journaling questions for the April 2023 full moon
Not a cardslinger? No problem! Here are some questions to reflect on instead:
What is a common thought pattern that often keeps you stuck? How can you reframe it?
In which situations do you feel a sense of contraction?
Which situations and/or relationships bring out the best in you?
Join us for a year of working with the cycles of the moon
Are you interested in spending an entire year cycling with the moon, creating art, journaling, and deepening your connection with mama moon? Would you like to learn art witchery, establish your own art witch practice, and use mixed media art as a spiritual tool? Join me on Moonshine 2023 – a year-long journey into the realm of moon-based art witchery in all its glorious forms, hosted by Effy Wild!
You will join a coven of the most fabulous moon-loving art witches, some of whom have been in the program since its inception in this format six years ago!
Here’s what you get:
- Membership in this year’s Moonshine Coven + Lifetime membership in Moonshine Cafe (both on Facebook).
- Lifetime access to the course materials.
- A monthly PDF of written musings, including an art witch primer with suggested activities and resources that, when collected over the course of the year, forms a complete training system in art witchery. Included within the course materials are art witch tips, new essential oil blends, astro-tarot forecasts, oracle reading layouts, herbal lore and crystal lore.
- A full-length monthly painting tutorial (downloadable video + PDF walkthrough).
- Documentation for each full and new moon, both of which include astro-tarot forecasts and oracle reading layouts.
- A new painting demonstration for the new moon (filmed live on Zoom so we can paint together + offered as a downloadable replay for those who can’t attend live).
- A new painting demonstration for the full moon (offered as a downloadable pre-recorded speed painting) with notes on how I’m engaging the current energies.
- A live activation gathering on Zoom in the first week of the month (also offered as a downloadable replay). In these gatherings, we read the content together, do Q&A, check-ins and draw a tarot card to establish our ‘coven work’ (optional) for the month.
- A coupon code for $90 off for Moonshine 2024.
This experience is meant to give you deep training in art witchery AND mixed media art as a spiritual tool with an emphasis on establishing your own art witch practice based on thorough, scaffolded guidance that will get you sound, self-possessed, and in pursuit of your most deeply held desired outcomes.
Sounds interesting? Click the button for more details + to sign up!
True to its word, the April 2023 full moon has helped me focus on my creativity and do what brings me joy: Participating in the April A to Z and working on varied forms of flash fiction, the kind I enjoy!
Thank you for this post, Shinjini! 🙂
That’s awesome, Shilpa!! I’ve really enjoyed the fiction pieces I’ve read so far.
Thank you, Shinjini!