How The New Moon In Libra Brings Harmony, Love — And A Jolt Of Beauty

On Friday, October 16, 2020 (at 3:31 p.m. EDT), the year's only new moon in graceful, commitment-focused Libra marks one of the most promising days for harmonizing your relationships.

As the star sign ruling commitment and partnership, lovely Libra is gentle, harmonious, and diplomatic. When the dark moon slips into this alluring domain, enjoy an extra helping of harmony and increased understanding in your most cherished relationships—including those that may have fallen out of balance.

While the new moon marks one of the most promising days for harmonizing relationships every year, 2020's comes with some extra challenges since the new moon is forming tense angles to a pack of planets. An opposition to feisty Mars retrograde in Aries churns up discord. Righteous anger may interfere with compromise, so plan to take plenty of cooldown breaks if you're trying to sort through a struggle.

Then, luna's stubborn square to Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn can cause everyone to dig their heels in during peace talks. Power struggles are likely to erupt, even if people come to the table willingly to seek unity.

In less dramatic scenarios, Libra's amicable moonbeams hold the promise of pleasant negotiations, sweet heart-to-hearts, and even surprising new partnerships. Strive for greater mutuality with the people in your life (think interdependence, not codependence). Whether it's business, creative coupling, or a heart-palpitating romantic affair, let the negotiations begin!

Just remember that new moons are starting blocks, so there's no need to rush to the signing table or straight to the altar. Take time to choose your other half wisely. The seeds you plant this week will be harvested six months from now, when the full moon shines in Libra.

Is it any surprise that this lunation also marks the halfway point of the annual horoscope cycle? That's because Libra, the star sign of beauty and balance, is also the zodiac's midpoint sign. Use this soft, dark night for reflecting on the recent past but also to look ahead. The seventh sign is symbolized by the Scales, so you now have extra support to measure your progress using the Libran gift of judgment to craft a thoughtful, balanced plan for your future.

Feel pressured to make a decision? Refuse to cave. At the 2020 Libra new moon, it's OK to wait and see. And if you're applying the heat to someone else? Take a nice, deep breath and give things a rest.

Style can be stressful when you're busy, and dressing up can feel like another part-time job. That extra hour of matching, accessorizing, makeup application, and blow-drying can be a real weight on an already overloaded schedule—especially if you're doing all this primping for a meeting on Zoom.

Fortunately, Libra is ruled by Venus. Under its influence, art, beauty, and sensuality are as natural to drink in as the air you breathe. At the 2020 Libra new moon, taking time to adorn yourself can be a pleasurable, ritual escape from the intense, achievement-focused energy of your day.

As ruler of the zodiac's seventh house of committed partnerships, Libra is all about perfecting the balance between "me" and "we" and finding terms that work for everyone.

This doesn't just apply to individuals. Many important international agreements (including the treaty between Britain and the U.S. that ended the Revolutionary War, and the treaty that restored Japan's independence after WWII) were signed in September and came into effect during Libra new moons.

The 2020 Libra new moon offers a cosmic reboot to your relationships. Even single-and-loving-it types may feel a sudden urge to merge—or at least find a little more companionship in their lives. Couples: Lay down your swords and set lovers' quarrels aside for now. This new moon will support you any time you compromise, cooperate, and co-create. This may require some outside support like a mediator, coach, or couples' therapist, but finding that middle ground is the name of the game.

Also helpful: Read up on attachment theory and discover your attachment style. Do you tend to be anxious, secure, or avoidant? How about the people you gravitate toward?

Is your mind all over the map? Why not use your body to bring back the balance? Mindfulness practices can really hit the spot anytime you're seeking a healthy dose of that trademark Libran calm.