One of the most powerful aspects about catharsis and release occurs just before the Virgo Full Moon as Mars makes a conjunction to the karmic South Node at 10 Aries.
Before there was Pluto (only discovered in the 1930s!) there was Mars. Some of the qualities now associated with Pluto – like destruction – were originally associated with Mars.
The South Node is connected to the past, to things that might be difficult or draining. This can be a dark combination that highlights the underworld, or brings to light taboo topics that we might rather pretend weren’t there, or wish we didn’t have to deal with.
As I contemplate this aspect further, and connect it to global events, I can’t help but think of the 2 Australians (young men – so Mars!) awaiting execution in Indonesia right now. While I don’t condone their actions, it’s my personal belief that the death penalty is inhumane. I realise that itself may spark debate and I understand others may think differently. To my mind this is a horrible waste, of both life and resources.
Now, I am not saying that executions are all the rage under this aspect, this just happens to be one current symbol. Bushfires are another that come to mind. And certainly the idea of fire – that it both cleanses and destroys.
Bushfire is an essential part of regeneration in many natural environments, but it still has challenging consequences. Given this aspect involves a fire planet (Mars) and occurs in a fire sign you might notice fire symbolism is abundant.
Thematically this aspect is about clearing the slate. It can bring to consciousness something that’s dysfunctional or that needs to die so it can be reborn, or recreated. It has a masculine tone, given it’s Mars – which is male, and younger men specifically – and is in Aries, a yang or masculine sign.
I often describe the South Node as a drain or emptying out point. Personally and with conscious awareness you might be able to create a cathartic release around something that no longer serves you, or that takes more from you than it gives in return.
I wrote a little more about this in my March Astro Insider Report, an extract from which appears below.
But I am curious, are you noticing this aspect? Do you see it playing out perhaps via topics associated with the house in your chart that holds the aspect degree, 10 Aries? If you have been following the Bali Nine story out of Australia what are your thoughts?
“Confident Mars on the South Node can bring a chance to make peace with projects that haven’t worked out. Issues to do with men or acts of bravery that haven’t turned out as you hoped may need to be let go.
Since the South Node is about release, it’s time to off load projects or people that aren’t supporting you. This is a great energy for a de-clutter, especially if you have more tasks on your to do list than is reasonable.
Mars only touches the South Node once every two years so this can be an intense or cathartic time of release. An old issue may resurface, not to cause more pain but to allow deeper healing.”