The Harvest Moon is the Full Moon closest to the Autumn Equinox (usually in September but occasionally in early October), rising within an hour of sunset in the Northern hemispheres and hanging in the sky like a huge lantern, illuminating farmers as they bring in the harvested crops.

The Full Moon occurs when the Sun is opposite the Moon in the sky and the Moon is in full illumination. Astrologically, the Moon represents our instinctive emotions and security needs and the Sun represents our conscious mind, so during the Full Moons the lunar instincts and emotions, usually kept hidden, take center stage for a brief time. This Full Moon is in Aries on October 6 at 11:13 pm est and the Sun conjuncts Mars, offering a strong fiery energy to the raw lunar power. We are in the shadow of the Full Moon now, and Mars is not only stimulating the Full Moon but also approaching harmonious aspects (trine) to Neptune and to Saturn (sextile), fueling our creativity (Neptune) and applying the discipline (Saturn) that we need to manifest our goals and dreams.

This a powerful time for manifestation. Although we may be feeling a bit destabilized by the Saturn/Neptune energy, we have an opportunity now to bring in a new focus and energy with the Mars interactions. Aries of course is the sign ruled by Mars, and at this Full Moon the Sun in Libra conjuncts Mars as it opposes the Moon in Aries, highlighting the duality between our own individual needs (Mars/Aries) and our relationships with others (Libra). The addition of Mars increases Martian energy of Aries which can be problematic at times, but with the harmonious interactions between Mars and the Saturn/Neptune opposition that fiery energy will be easy to access and focus as we bring our will into alignment with our goals and wishes.