Unmasking People-Pleasing: The Full Moon Eclipse in Libra (March 25, 2024)

Tuesday was the first day of spring, and rather than jumping in with both feet to do wildly crazy and bold things, instead I find myself washed over by waves of vulnerability and tenderness.

The first tender shoots of spring are always the most vulnerable as they make their way out of the earth into the warmth of the sun. They are vulnerable to boots, to opinions, to the weather, and to hungry creatures, all of which are insensitive to the fragility of the tiny sprout.

The first tender shoots of spring are always the most vulnerable.

Like me, you may have spent the last few weeks contemplating death, which is the ultimate reunion with God. Most of the shadows that exist in human societies, such as fear, greed, and war, keep us “separate” from God so that we give up our power in myriad ways. As we start to experience God, we feel less separate and fear our own “death” less.

Of course, feeling connected to God doesn’t negate grief. Grief is a big part of the Pisces energy that we’ve been experiencing since February 20 and especially since the New Moon on March 10. It helps us access the deep inner well of emotion most of us would rather avoid or ignore. Grief appears at the most inconvenient times!

I could spend a lifetime sharing ways to identify our grief, dance with it, transcend it. I know amazing women whose entire businesses revolve around grief, and that’s a beautiful thing! We can’t authentically experience the ecstasy of life without also acknowledging the grief.

Remember, death always gives way to rebirth. I say this as much for myself as I say it for you! To remind ourselves that when something ends, it’s making way for something bigger. We pull up weeds in the yard and garden so that new flowers can grow, both literally and figuratively.

The Full Moon in Libra on Monday, March 25 at 12a PDT/3a EDT is a penumbral eclipse, meaning we’ll feel the intensity but not really see any darkening of the moon. (Depending on where you are in the world, the moon might lose some of her bright and full illumination, but she won’t turn red or dark like she does for a total eclipse.)

We’ll feel the lunar eclipse but not see it.

That’s exactly what happens when we fall into people-pleasing behaviors, which is one of Libra’s shadow sides. We can’t see the impact our actions have on our being, but we can feel them. Once we learn to spot them, we can choose to make more empowering decisions and speak our truth. At first it might feel awkward, or immature people who are accustomed to your people-pleasing might express their displeasure.

What is “people-pleasing”, you might ask? People-pleasing is when we consistently prioritize the wants and expectations of others above our own, often disregarding our well-being and authenticity in the process. It’s taught and modeled to us – especially young girls – from an early age, using guilt and shame as a way to solidify it into our being.

Eventually, once you begin to identify on the regular when and why you’re putting others first in unhealthy ways, people-pleasing becomes unnatural, like wearing the left shoe on the right foot. As a Libra rising and triple Cancer, I’m still a work in progress when it comes to people-pleasing. But after 52 years on this planet, I’m finally learning that the only expectations that matter are my own. The only person I can truly disappoint and let down is myself. And even then, my “expectations” are usually far too much!

I might worry that people are sitting in judgment with their opinions and scowls. My imagination makes up all sorts of stories and criticisms for others to project onto me!

With the Sun in Aries, our ego wants to pretend we’re all samurai and fight everyone and everything. We tend to take things personally and get offended — even if the offender is our own self!

On the other hand, the Full Moon in Libra wants peace, harmony, and beauty. However, that doesn’t mean sacrificing our values, desires, and dreams to do what other people think we “should” do for fear of disappointing them. Let go of those limiting beliefs! We can advocate for love and truth without compromising our authenticity.

This Full Moon, be tender with yourself and the new creations you are birthing this spring. Guard them vigilantly until they are strong enough to withstand the environment around them.

Likewise, recognize that others might also be protecting their own young sprouts. They may also be feeling vulnerable as they embark on something new.

When we choose to release judgment from ourselves and those around us, we create space for growth and understanding. Replacing judgment with acceptance allows room for us to blossom, leading to a greater sense of harmony and peace. We all deserve to thrive as individuals as well as in relationship to others, without sacrificing our own well-being and authenticity in the process.

Ready to tap into the illuminating energy of the Full Moon and claim your free copy of the Full Moon in Libra journal prompts? These prompts are designed to inspire deep reflection and personal growth. Simply enter your email below, and I’ll send you an email with the prompts!

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Unveiling the Aquarian Paradox: A Nurse's Journey Through Shadows and Light (Part 3)