Here it is. The final stamp of approval for what we’ve worked on since the new moon. It’s time we pressure test this new identity out in the real world. It’s time to get real about how our identity meshes with the larger world. It’s time to showcase that new project to others. It’s the final go around before we begin a whole new moon cycle (Taurus) and focus on an entirely different theme: earthy security, values, sense of ownership and pleasure.

We started at the new moon, a new journey ensued. We reflected internally at the first quarter moon. We then awakened to a more balanced perspective during the full moon, by understanding how our relationships fit into this powerful new identity. And now, we are pressure testing our identity by letting it bump up against the chaos of this world during the last quarter moon.

Capricorn planets represent traditional structural authority and the work we do in society. It’s the builder of the zodiac that puts the hammer to nail. Aries, on the other hand, represents the beginning of something, our individuality and the creative sparks of passion. One is hot and one is ice cold. You can imagine that these energies don’t mix well. They have very different agendas. But, in order to progress forward, they have to come to terms in some way.

The themes involve working out conflicts of personal power with societal power, and personal desire and will with what our duties in this society are.

The last quarter of the moon always represents a final test to overcome before we “master” or “complete” the lessons we needed to learn during our new moon cycle. When it squares Mercury and Chiron in Aries, there can be some initial worries and anxieties felt. It leads us down a path of “what ifs.” But we have to overcome and persevere.

Moon with South Node Capricorn: Letting Go of Old Psychological Structures

Whenever the ingress moon moves into Capricorn, through Uttara Ashadha and Shravana, we see the soul’s need to have our will frustrated and our vision called into question, even our entire identity questioned by society. This is to the soul’s benefit and evolutionary progress, of course.

Pluto hitting the sun and sitting with the moon can give us the sense of being attacked for who we are. Courage is necessary now more than ever. We also need to really step into the power of authenticity and creativity. Shine the light and cut through the world’s negativity. The criticism that you get can really amp up. It’s done in order to test you.

A sword is honed by being heated, beaten and cooled, over and over again. Do not waiver, but stay with yourself completely. Do not seek to run from yourself. This is where we need to show consistency and commitment to our vision. Obstacles and set-backs are a part of life. They’re no excuse to hiding away from your authenticity. Don’t shy away from being YOU, no matter what others say. They’re likely caught in the old stage of consciousness that will be flushed out for the new world to be birthed.

“Who does he/she think they are! Acting all confident and powerful. You’re just (fill in the blank) and you’ll never be x, y or z!” – random haters of the world.

As frustrating as it all can be, when we’ve worked so hard to develop confidence, put ourselves out there and start up a brand new venture, listening to “reality” or traditional systems of thought can sometimes be helpful. We have to consider the source, however. Who is attacking you and why? If it’s someone who is wiser and has seen more to life, maybe we should listen to them. This is also the time to listen to what the world needs right now. Not everything revolves around our desires. Sun in Aries might feel that way, though. The fact remains — We are all in this karmic soup together.

Cardinal transits are all about action, momentum, power struggles and forward motion. The squares can indicate crisis points in our development. In the first quarter, there was an internal crisis, questioning whether our heart was really in it and if our life’s vision and identity was going to truly nourish us and help us feel fulfilled inside. Now, it’s an external crisis.

This is because the moon is transiting near Pluto, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars in the northern hemisphere of the sky. Things are no longer personal, but collectively oriented.

Moon Conjuncts Pluto and Jupiter Squaring the Sun

Are you open to changing course? You might have to scrap what isn’t working from here on out and rebuilt or restructure parts of your identity or parts of your new venture. That’s okay. You don’t have to go to plutonian extremes and destroy it all. But sometimes plans change and new realities come into being for us. The last quarter moon is all about these themes.

Are we prepared to bring everything into manifested form? Are we prepared to develop emotional courage to stand in our power? These are the questions that hit us during the final quarter phase of the moon.

If you can roll with the punches and let the small things go, you’ll be much closer to realizing your dream/vision for your life and building a stronger sense of identity. Stay the course and build your confidence despite the adversity (Jupiter Square Sun). The scariness of the world can put a damper out on our flame and call us to embrace more personal power and autonomy (Pluto Square Sun).