October 2024: Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Libra

Plus an astro-tarot forecast, journaling questions, resources, and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the new moon and solar eclipse in Libra.

The October 2024 new 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.

This new moon we also have a solar eclipse, which will be visible in the southern part of North America, much of South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Antarctica. Solar eclipses typically lend extra oomph to the new moon, helping us to break habitual patterns, bringing in an awakening of sorts, and offering us a cosmic reboot.

The October 2024 solar eclipse and new moon also brings into focus the ways in which we communicate and the power of owning our voice. This isn’t always an easy thing, and can bring up a lot of anxiety around how we are perceived; how your words translate; and what people may think of us. It can lead to fears of being “found out” or ostracized – neither of which is a rational fear!

You could also find yourself in a reflective mood at this time, teasing over a particular long-held belief or way of showing up in the world. Or perhaps, you may just need some time to rest or introspect. If that is the case, do honor that impulse.

Astro-tarot influences for the October 2024 new moon solar eclipse in Libra

To throw some more light on the astrology of the new 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 word that comes to mind for this lunation is reparation. So let’s unpack that a bit.

The 3 of Swords points to a deep hurt, a wounding. One that guts us. Causes us to fall to our knees and weep. And while a lot of folks look at the card and think imminent heartbreak or betrayal, I believe it also points to trauma. It is in this capacity that reparation comes to mind when paired with the Justice card.

The continued genocide in Gaza, the forced displacement and escalating violence against Palestinians living in the West Bank, and the brazen impunity of Israel as it continues to violate international law is just one recent glaring example of the injustices and inequalities in the world.

While there has been a significant groundswell of support, with people and organizations around the world rallying behind the Palestinian cause, the fact remains that major world leaders can continue to back Israel because brown lives don’t matter, not the way white lives do. Remember the statements made by European leaders when Russia attacked Ukraine? They urged citizens to open their doors to Ukrainian refugees because they “look like us, with their blond hair and blue eyes.” And yet, most world leaders consistently turn a blind eye to Syrian and African refugees, to the Rohingyas, to anyone who isn’t white.

Meanwhile in the US, African-Americans are routinely shot down by the cops, denied justice, and racially profiled as drug dealers or gang members. This inherent racism is evident in the way many white people rally strongly behind anything that impacts “people who look like them”, but claim compassion fatigue when it comes to talking about the injustices meted out to people of color and minority communities.

In fact, if you look at almost any country in the world, you will find, in most instances, that minority communities face a far greater proportion of systemic oppression and inherent racism. This is just a tip of the proverbial iceberg of the global generational trauma that a significant percentage of people globally face.

Then there are the more personal traumas and woundings that we encounter in our own individual lives. A lot of the injustices and violence that we witness in the world also happen in our personal lives as well. The personal is political, as they say. Our hearts are are a patchwork of 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 and micro aggressions, which can be hurtful and harmful in the moment. ButAndAlso, if we pay attention to these triggers, they can point the way to deeper personal healing.

This solar eclipse in Libra asks us to focus on the ways in which the personal, political, and global are intertwined. It links back to the October 2023 eclipse in Libra, the horrific events of October 7 and the devastating consequence: the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the more recent escalation with Lebanon. This Libra solar eclipse asks us to reflect on the unfolding of events since last October, on both a personal and global level, and to examine how we have engaged with the Libran values of justice, equality, and connection, both personally and collectively.

With the moon squaring off with Mars, aggressions and tensions are likely to rise on the global stage and perhaps on the personal stage as well. It is up to each one of us to determine how we will model Libran values and ethics as we navigate through these times.

With the moon forming a conjunction with Mercury, the ways in which we communicate and the messages we send across the ether are likely to be a flashpoint or spark that has the possibility to bring about change. {An example of this on the global/political level would be the way white women, in particular, rallied around Kamala Harris when Joe Biden stepped down and nominated her in his place as the Presidential candidate.}

Vesta is also active during this time, bringing a sense of grounding and nurturing to the tumultuous energies surrounding this Libra new moon and solar eclipse. Spend some time in quiet contemplation and listen deeply to the quiet whispers of your heart. Listen to what arises, tend to what needs healing, and nurture that which you truly value.

Sabian symbol for the October 2024 new moon and solar eclipse

The Sabian Symbol for Libra 10 degrees is A Professor Peering Over His Glasses At His Students.

This symbol reminds me of a jolly old professor encouraging their students to think out of the box — or the book! There are times when we need to interrupt our rational, linear thinking and open up to our intuition as well as to collective wisdom. It also represents the necessity of looking at people as humans, not through the lens of mere bookish knowledge {especially in tune with all that we have been talking about so far}.

In 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, Linda Hill asks, “Is there a projection of something, a thought or an attitude, onto others in this situation that isn’t really appropriate or doesn’t really belong to them?” She goes on to write, “There may be a need to remember that being “clever” or “intellectual” does not mean that someone is better or above everyone else. Although, of course, being in a position of some kind of authority can lend weight when there’s a need for giving kindly advice.”

Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Libra

Here’s a tarot spread to harness the energy of this Libra eclipse.

1. Heart of the matter: This card represents a core wound

2. Healing balm: This card represents a healing energy. You can use this card as a visual prompt for a journaling session.

3. Collective care: This card represents something that you can offer the world. It can be as simple as a poem, story, or piece of art inspired by this card and shared freely, or it can spark an idea for a a bigger offering.

4. Mama moon says: This is always a positive message

If you share your spreads on Instagram, please tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.

Journaling questions for the October 2024 new moon solar eclipse

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?

Which situations and/or relationships bring out the best in you?

What gifts can you offer to the world freely?

How can you advocate for justice — politically, globally, and personally?

Resources to support you during this Libra eclipse

The origin story of the slogan The Personal is Political

Rediscovering the gift economy

Poem: She let go by Safire Rose