Full Moon in Ardra: Persist in Spite of

Ardra is a sign of persistence and determination, and brings storms to weather. The Full Moon at 7:33pm on Dec 26, 2023 in this intense degree of sidereal Gemini, whose name means “green” or “the moist one” in Sanskrit, which connects to the fertility, growth, and shining brilliance that comes with courage and hard work required to face challenges.

Ardra’s ruling deity is Rurdra, the “roaring” god of storms, whose eradicates problems at their root and clears the path of obstacles. Its symbol is the teardrop and a drop of perspiration, alerting us to the effort needed to overcome the difficulties this sign and Full Moon can present. It also signals the emotional sensitivity this sign and Full Moon bring. Another is the human head, symbolizing the mental brilliance Ardra embodies, but also the potential overthinking and disconnection from the body this sign can easily fall into. The diamond is yet another symbol, a gem that undergoes extreme pressure to become what it is. Even Betelgeuse, the Orion red supergiant star connected to Ardra (which nearly disappeared from view earlier this month because of a passing asteroid and still isn’t as bright as usual), will one day shine in the daytime and be almost as bright the Moon — but it has to undergo the arduous supernova process first to be even more luminous than it currently is.

There’s a theme here: one of perseverance and persistence in spite of the pressures and discomforts we may face. This final Full Moon of 2023 (which has been and continues to be a very hard year for many) assures us that the effort we put in will alleviate the pressure we feel. The results may take time, and we will have moments of extreme frustration and upset, but the growth and brilliance we gain within will eventually be seen.

The symbols of this Full Moon remind us that we may get caught up in our minds, which can create added upset and be draining to the body and soul. Mars’ connection tells us to keep taking action towards our visions, no matter how small and in spite of the hardships we face. “The best way out is always through.” -Robert Frost

This Moon is connecting to Mercury (still retrograde and in sensitive Gandanta “tied spiritual knot” degrees) and to Mars (also in the emotionally charged Gandanta degrees and soon shifting back into Scorpio). This Moon’s ruling planets are Mercury and Rahu, the karmic North Node of the Moon, who is also still in tricky Gandanta degrees for a few more months. And Jupiter is still retrograde for a few more days (Mercury and Rahu are both in its signs). These are not easy energies for the planets (and us) to be dealing with - even tormenting at times. The Full Moon (heart/mind) is being affected by it all. Areas of life are likely to feel stuck and difficult, knotted up and looking for release yet to come.

Questions to ponder:

💧Where are you feeling mentally and emotionally overloaded?

💧Are you suffering in any way? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually?

💧Can you identify the root of this in order to help clear it?

💧Where are you being drawn to act upon?

💧What steps will help alleviate stress?

💧What will help create fertility for future growth?

✨Since so many planets are retrograde / Gandanta, both of which can cause frustration but also opportunity for revision and release: can you spend time journaling (to help get it out of your head), and then creating a plan of action?