9 Tips for the Life-Changing Libra Lunar Eclipse

The Libra lunar eclipse—the last of a nearly three-year cycle—falls this March 23. Here’s how it will wake up (and shake up) your closest ties.

Put a little love in your heart? Well, it’s gonna take some effort this week. Peace and harmony may be the Libra way—this sign counts Gandhi, John Lennon and Alfred Nobel (of the Nobel Peace Prize)—among its balanced ranks, after all. So normally, a Libra full moon would be occasion to celebrate our soft spot for all mankind, passing out olive branches and goodwill.

However, the March 23, 2016 Libra full moon poses a challenge to that. It’s particularly potent because it’s a lunar eclipse, which sweeps in and reshuffles life as we know it. Eclipses are known for prompting sudden changes, turning potential energy into kinetic, and revealing our “shadow” natures. (Read all about this spring’s eclipses here.)

The big news? This eclipse is the grand finale in an eclipse series on the Aries/Libra axis which began in October 2013, reshuffling the balance between “me” and “we.” People have dramatically reprioritized in the past two and a half years. Do you need to shift the levels of give-and-take is in your life? This is the last of three Libra full moon eclipses, so page back to April 15, 2014 and April 4, 2015 for clues of what could be coming to a head now.

Here are 9 tips for dealing with whatever the Libra lunar eclipse shakes loose in your life: 

 1. Attract an opposite.

How can you make your duos even more dynamic? While common ground is great, Libra loves the principle of “opposites attract.” Branch out and work the buddy system with someone who knows how to pick up where you leave off. Complementary skill sets make for a total dream team, even if the matchup seems bizarre on paper. In truth, these unlikely pairings can be the greatest win-win combinations. If you’re stuck in a rut, don’t autopilot into dialing a BFF who can commiserate. It would be far more productive to reach out to someone new… someone who has conquered the very dragon you’re trying to slay. Creatives, call upon the gearheads; engineers, reach out to an artiste.

2. Remember that conflict isn’t always the opposite of peace.

As our old-school Aries uncle Sami once said, tapping his fork on the rim of his plate for emphasis, “If you can’t fight with someone, you can’t love him.”

Sometimes, you’ve gotta shout it out to reach compromise. So what’s the difference between hotheaded screaming and productive conflict?

The intention behind it all.

If both parties, in their hearts, truly want to reach a win-win solution, then all the fighting will come out in the wash. But if they’re digging in their heels just to win a power play, then we might as well wave the (Libran) white flag now.

Look into your own life: Where do you have conflict or a disagreement? Can you forge a common agenda? Do a little journaling to see if you can discover what each side wants, and even brainstorm a creative solution. You might even “role play” and write out the other side’s argument, just to gain some of that (Libran) empathy. You can still respect the other person’s right to his principles, even if you disagree with them. Idealistic, we know, but that’s the spirit of Libra. As Gandhi said, “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.” He also said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Remember that this week.

3. Balance your “innerverse.”

As above, so below; as within, so without. Check your habits, your home, your diet. Where has balance gone awry?

At home: has your once-peaceful sanctuary turned into a noisy hub, perhaps filled with children’s toys or unruly clutter? Strike a compromise: maybe you can’t feng shui the whole place or relegate the kids to one room. But you CAN carve out a little sanctuary for yourself, order a few TV-free hours, and go to town cleaning up one particularly egregious zone.

In your diet: have you been going too heavy on the stimulants like caffeine or burning it up with spicy foods? Learn about the pH scale of acid versus alkaline foods, and try to add a few more alkalizing options listed on this food chart (http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkaline-Foods-Chart.htm).

At the office: Most of us function on stress and adrenaline at our jobs. Where can you be more awake, conscious and calm around your finances and work? Libra also rules the lower back, so if you need more spinal support (and many of us do), look into standing desk options, or just make your own.

4. Embrace change as an adventure.

We should never cower like victims when we hear that change is coming. Change is an opportunity for growth, and it’s our duty as human beings to continue evolving. Perhaps something in your life has grown stale and stagnant. Maybe you’re taking your rights and privileges for granted and need a wakeup call.

For a little inspiration, listen to the classic “A Change Gonna Come” by Aquarius singer Sam Cooke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaNzxniXxYE

5. Acknowledge the positive traits in others.

Relationship harmony is a major focus of this Libra full moon. Feeding the “emotional bank account,” as 7 Habits author Stephen Covey calls it, doesn’t require a huge deposit. This week, acknowledging and appreciating the little things that people do can be the glue that seals your bonds. Here are a few magic phrases to try:

  • “I love the way you X (insert action or trait).”
  • “I really appreciate the way you X.”
  • “Thank you for doing X.”

It’s so easy to overlook the wonderful gifts people bring us on a daily basis, but being taken for granted can be a huge buzzkill to romance and friendship. Get the lovefest going by showering people with compliments this week. Do you need to be acknowledged too? There’s nothing wrong with asking for it, but be a giver first. The reciprocal remarks may come “automagically” once you start doling them out to others.

6. Join the Justice League.

The scales of justice are the Libra motif, and this full moon shines a bright beam on bias, discrimination, or anything that’s just plain unfair. Appoint yourself a member of the Justice League, and bring things back to a level playing field. Is someone being bullied in your neighborhood, school, or within your family? Would you like to see your office culture be more inclusive? Are animals being mistreated in your area? Do something to help right the wrong. This is especially potent if you are on the winning team. It’s not really a victory, after all, if someone else has to suffer for your gain. Remember that Libra is the peaceful warrior.

7. Consult a stylist.

Luxe-loving Libra is ruled by Venus, planet of beauty, fashion, and the arts. Personal style is a rich form of self-expression and a powerful way to wear your soul on your sleeve. This full moon helps you identify a signature look; your tribal markings, if you will.  Are you feeling like a fashion victim, riding the roller coaster of trends? A session with a stylist might seem extravagant, but could actually save you big bucks in the long run. Working with a pro can help you develop a customized look, and save you from all those costly wardrobing missteps. Image may not be everything, but Libra knows the powerful impact great style can have. Let this full moon teach you how to speak a strong visual language. Opt for a touch of luxury too and splurge on something that stands the test of time.

8. Regain your balance.

When in balance, we feel surefooted and stable, as if we are standing on solid ground. Libra’s equalizing energy can be incorporated into our physicality this week. One of the simplest exercises for improving balance is to stand with feet hips width apart; bend a knee and alternatively lift one leg off the ground, holding it there for 30 seconds. More advanced balancers could try this on a BOSU ball. Yogis and yoginis, Tree Pose (Vrksasana) is an excellent way to improve stability. Hold your abdominals tight while doing these exercises. This protects and strengthens the lower back, which is the part of the body that Libra rules.

9. Show your sensitive side.

Sometimes, all our grandstanding and well-crafted arguments mask very simple emotions: hurt, fear, shame, guilt. Rather than say “you hurt my feelings” or “I’m sad that we broke up,” it seems easier to stage a tabloid-worthy war, attacking the other person below the belt so they feel the same searing pain we’re too proud to admit that we feel. Recommended viewing, even if you’ve seen it before, is Brene Brown’s TED talk on The Power of Vulnerability.

So to bring it all back to the Libra themes of love, togetherness and connection, we’ll end with a quote from Brene Brown herself. “Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”

BONUS: Free Libra Lunar Eclipse Gift!

Click to snag our free astro-compatiblity guide “How To Get Along With Anyone (Yes, Even THAT Person).”

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.