The Power-Shift New Moon (October 21st): Reshape Your Balance
- Pamela McDonough
- Oct 20
- 11 min read
In this edition: New Moon Insights & Rising Sign Guide
🔮 New Moon Insights: This new Moon has the potential for an astrological reset flashpoint as it is caught up in the Mars/Mercury planetary war and is under Venus’s thumb in Virgo.
🌟 Rising Sign Guide:How does each rising sign navigate the tension between diplomacy and raw authenticity?
A message from Pamela:
I felt this is the right moment to share something that is deeply personal. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I shared with the Moondance subscriber community about our beloved 11 year old fur-baby Ringo. He underwent a TPLO surgery (think knee replacement but more complicated and an even longer path to healing!) in January. He’s hanging in there...although he is much slower these days, he's still mentally as sharp as ever! We’ve both learned a lot about patience, balance and pacing this past year. Maybe that’s why this Libra New Moon feels especially personal to me.
As we move through the new Moon in Libra, which coincides with Diwali's celebration of light and conquering darkness, I'm reminded that even our most difficult chapters can illuminate something new within us. Ringo's surgery and post-op healing experience helped me understand Libra's balance at a much deeper level than simply weighting the scales evenly. Balance isn't something you achieve; it's a practice that evolves with every breath. Like walking with an aging dog who wants to run, but can’t anymore. We slow down together. We find a new rhythm that works for right now, yet it may not work tomorrow.
If life feels off-balance right now, perhaps that's acceptable. Maybe balance isn’t about perfect symmetry, but about moving gracefully through changes, guided by love that is real, devoted, yet beautifully imperfect. Especially while Venus, the ruler of Libra moves through Virgo this month.
Keep looking up –
Pamela
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Lunar Lowdown: Entering the Celestial Workshop
New Moon Snapshot: Your Lunar Coordinates
Date & Time: October 21, 2025 – 5:24 AM PT
Sign & Degree: 4°08' Libra ♎︎
Nakshatra: Chitra, "The Star of Opportunity”
Nakshatra Deity: Vishvakarma (Tvastar) — the divine artisan who constructs the cosmic order
Ruling Planet: Mars (nakshatra), Venus (sign)
Full Aspect From: Pluto (square from Capricorn), co-present in Libra with Sun, Mercury and Mars
Redefining Fairness and Balance
This is not your typical Libra new Moon diplomatic balancing act.
While Chitra nakshatra encourages us to reconsider and reshape our understanding of diplomacy, fairness, and justice in our partnerships and within the broader collective, this New Moon brings additional and powerful planetary influences into play. These influences require a deeper level of introspection than usual, asking us to look beyond surface-level interactions and question what true balance and equity means.
Pluto’s Square: Revealing Hidden Power Dynamics
Pluto’s square to the new Moon adds a much deeper layer to the usual new Moon energies. Imbalances of power through confrontation or even a loss of control can be exposed by transformative Pluto's placing pressure on the Libran new Moon. What appears harmonious on the surface may conceal deeper power plays, especially as diplomatic Libra becomes an alchemical crucible, demanding that we reconcile appearances with authenticity.
Contemplation: Where are you negotiating peace to avoid the discomfort of transformation?
Planets Under Pressure: Venus's Debilitation and the Mercury-Mars Clash
This new Moon is happening just as the planetary war (graha yuddha) between Mars and Mercury in Libra is wrapping up. This is a major tug-of-war between normally flexible, analytical and communicative Mercury and fiery, action and results oriented Mars. Mercury takes the brunt of the damage from the war, since it is the most easily influenced planet of the traditional seven, especially when in combination with natural malefics like Mars. These two planets are also mutual enemies in the natural planetary relationship scheme.
Simultaneously, Venus, the ruler of Libra, is moving through Virgo, a sign where it is debilitated, which reduces Venus's inherent qualities of harmony and diplomacy.
The Beauty in Discomfort: Mercury and Venus in Exchange
Mercury in Libra is directly linked to Venus in Virgo through a planetary exchange (parivartana yoga). Their connection highlights a distortion in the evaluation of logic versus value. As the ruler of the new Moon in Libra, this exchange underlines the importance of understanding how we navigate tension, encouraging us to move through discomfort without forcing artificial harmony. There is beauty in relearning this process. To embrace the discomfort as an opportunity for growth and authentic connection.
The Divine Forge: Chitra's Call to Recraft Your Path
The core power of Chitra Nakshatra is Punya Chayani Shakti, the ability to accumulate merit or good karma.
Chitra is presided over by Tvastar (Vishvakarma), the divine craftsman who architects the cosmos. This nakshatra teaches that true beauty isn’t just physical or decorative; it is found in the meticulous process of refinement, artistry, and the deep satisfaction of crafting a vision into reality.
The energy of Chitra is highly supportive of:
Creating harmony from chaos through art, design, or deliberate action.
Rebuilding what has broken into something fundamentally stronger.
Seeing conflict as creative tension rather than personal failure.
Aligning your external creations with your inner truth and vision.
Honoring both the artist and the engineer that reside within you.
The New Moon in Chitra invites us to create beauty with intention—to honor the structure beneath grace and to remember that balance is not a destination; it is a continuously forged state of being.
New Moon in Chitra: Your Rising Sign Guide
To experience the most accurate insights, use your Vedic rising sign rather than your Sun sign.
Haven't discovered your Vedic rising sign yet? Calculate your free Vedic Birth Chart to unlock these powerful New and Full Moon guides.
If you are in the planetary period (Vimshottari Dasha) or sub-periods of Moon or Mars, this New Moon will hold even greater significance for you!
♈ Aries Rising: Recalibrating the Scales of Partnership
This New Moon is all about your most important relationships. You may be overthinking everything right now, trying to fix things that might just need time to resolve on there own or allow someone else to handle the problem. Pluto's dredging up deeper emotional stuff too, whether it's work stress, family pressure, or your role in relationship. This time period may feel uncomfortable, but it's pushing you to grow. Your ruling planet Mars is at odds with Mercury right now (which should settle down about 12 hours after the Moon starts waxing), and may leave you feeling tense and on edge. Recognizing this dynamic allows you to approach conversations with greater patience and self-awareness, helping you maintain your equilibrium until the planetary energies stabilize.
♉ Taurus Rising: Rebuilding Rhythm and Resilience
This is the perfect time to redesign your daily routines and how you manage your energy. You may be feeling the push to do more while at the same time obsessing over every detail. Saturn brings a sense of weight and responsibility, which can be felt both mentally and physically. Pluto's stirring the new Moon pot too, especially around control and how you manage things when day to day life doesn't go exactly according to plan. But Saturn is there to hit the brakes and keep things steady, The real work here is making deliberate choices that bring things back into balance. Remember: refinement, not perfection, is what actually works.
♊ Gemini Rising: Relearning the Art of Joy
You are being invited to create something beautiful from what you already have, or possible start a new creative project, or just find a new way of expressing yourself. While Mercury (your ruler) is doing battle with Mars, expect some friction from their interaction. You could feel torn between planning and presence, between getting the details right and just letting things flow. Behind the curtain, Pluto's asking you to dig deep into anything creative blocks. If you are compelled to analyze, control, or numb your emotions, remember, what you might really need is simplicity. Do what you love without overthinking it. True harmony isn't about perfection, it's about giving yourself permission.
♋ Cancer Rising: Rebuilding Emotional Ground
Home, family, peace of mind and security are being rebuilt from the ground up during this new Moon. But the blueprint is shifting and its possible that nothing feels stable. Be on the lookout for natural empathic radar to be on overdrive, trying to fix the vibe around you instead of taking care of your own emotional needs. Pluto's pressure might be showing up in your closest relationships, revealing where roles might require a balancing act. Your emotional world is transforming, which might feel uncomfortable right now, but once things settle down (near the end of October), peace of mind will be easier to access. Tend to your own feelings first, and everything else will follow.
♌ Leo Rising: Finding Strength in Your Voice
How you communicate and create is under the spotlight with this New Moon. With your chart ruler Sun (weak in Libra) alongside the new Moon, this is a chance to redefine your self-expression and inner courage, but handle with care! Mercury's having it out with Mars, and Venus struggling to find balance in Virgo, conversations can lean toward nitpicky or even defensive. Remember: not every truth needs to be said in the heat of the moment. Pluto's influence can amplify the need to be heard and adds intensity to what you're saying. What emerges at this new Moon sets the stage for many new Moons to come!
♍ Virgo Rising: Transforming Self and Story
Your self-worth, finances, and values are up for remodel with this New Moon. But with your chart ruler Mercury busy in a planetary war with Mars, the ground may feel like its shifting. Saturn reminds us (through early 2028) that rebuilding takes time and patience. What's crumbling now will unearth what's actually worth keeping for the long haul. Pluto's adding intensity to this shift, and it might feel raw, but know that it's ultimately regenerative. You may feel caught between self-reliance and vulnerability, control and surrender. What matters is being honest with yourself first. Let what's ending go to be replaced or rebuilt in something that feels truer than before.
♎ Libra Rising: Redefining Balance from the Inside Out
This is a deeply personal new Moon, and the only one in your first house all year. Balance can be re-tooled through your own inner alignment at this time. With Venus exchanging signs with Mercury all month, you may feel pulled between showing up and retreating, speaking and staying silent. There's wisdom in both. The Mars and Mercury clash can heat up conversations and keep your thoughts spinning. But Pluto's slow but transformative influence from your emotional foundation is asking you to rest, recalibrate, and get honest with yourself first. If you've been stretched thin, this is your cue to come home. Connection will feel natural again once you've restored your own center of gravity.
♏ Scorpio Rising: The Alchemy of Honesty
This New Moon is time to go inward, into the not-so-quiet space of your subconscious mind. Something's shifting beneath the surface, even if you can't quite bring it up into consciousness yet. While your chart ruler Mars is doing battle with Mercury, finding some peace of mind right now may feel elusive. Long term, your current challenges can contribute to enduring change as well as significant personal and spiritual evolution. Pluto calls for radical honesty, not just in what you say but in what you allow yourself feel. The urge to protect or retreat makes sense, but transformation happens when you allow and express genuine emotions. Let the vulnerability of the new Moon teach you this month.
♐ Sagittarius Rising: Reimagining the Web of Connection
Your social and professional circles, the networks that expand these communities and shape your dreams are up for a reboot at this new Moon. With Venus and Mercury involved in their exchange while at the same time, Mars is at war with Mercury, group dynamics can feel emotionally charged. It's a good time to step back from taking sides on social media or over-committing to friends. Once Mercury disengages from Mars you have a lot more clarity around these issues. Pluto can add pressure around financial resources, personal values and self-worth, which can force the question– what do you bring to the table vs. what do you expect in return? Power dynamics can surface in relationships or career, but will ultimately help you reclaim your voice. Align your goals with authenticity and your true allies will show up for you.
♑ Capricorn Rising: Reshaping Direction and Purpose
Your public facing role, reputation in your chosen field, and where your ambitions are headed can be re-imagined during this new Moon. With Venus exchanging with Mercury while at the same time warring with Mars, your workday pace may feel unending. Resist controlling outcomes or perfecting every plan; something bigger is reorganizing your efforts behind the scenes. Pluto's pressing from your first house, intensifying self-awareness and evolution. You're being asked to step into power differently and by leading with integrity. Transformation begins when you let go of what no longer fits your evolving purpose.
♒ Aquarius Rising: Rewriting the Story You Believe
This New Moon encourages you to expand your horizons through higher learning, travel, or by transforming the philosophies that guide your most important life choices. However, the interactions between Venus and Mercury, along with Mercury's conflict with Mars, might disrupt your concentration or create some tension between logic and intuition. Allow curiosity to guide you, but avoid drawing conclusions on impulse. Pluto is subtly influencing your spiritual outlook, reshaping your understanding of faith and freedom. This moment isn't about finding answers—it's about trusting in the questions themselves.
♓ Pisces Rising: Honoring Depth and Regeneration
This New Moon lights up shared resources, trust, and emotional transformation. Vulnerability feels risky, especially if you are in or considering a committed relationship. You might want to analyze or protect what might possibly be witnessed and then released before the Moon shifts to waxing. Pluto's steady influence from your social networks and business community reminds you that intimacy and power are linked, and that both take courage. What's ending now makes room for truer bonds built on mutual respect, not rescue.
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– With deep gratitude, Pamela
Learn More About Pamela, Professional Vedic Astrologer
Pamela McDonough combines ancient Vedic wisdom with practical experience from decades in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, offering a unique, grounded approach to astrology.
In addition to her deep roots in Jyotish, Pamela is also highly trained in Western astrology — including advanced techniques like astrocartography, secondary progressions, and solar returns. She often bridges clients’ understanding from the Western tropical to the Vedic sidereal system with clarity and compassion.
Dedicated to empowering individuals with deep insights into their birth charts, her practice fosters personal growth and improved decision-making. Through her consultations, clients gain clarity on career transitions, insight into relationship patterns, guidance on optimal timing for important decisions, and a deeper understanding of their unique life purpose and challenges.
Clients appreciate her blend of practical life experience and astrological knowledge, often describing her intuitive, actionable advice as transformative in both career and personal spheres.
In her book "Vedic Astrology for Beginners", Pamela shares accessible teachings on the ancient art of Jyotish, enabling readers to navigate life's ups and downs with astrological guidance.
Ready for a transformative journey of self-discovery? Schedule a consultation with Pamela today and experience how her grounded, intuitive approach to Vedic astrology can guide you toward greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Visit the reviews page. to read about the transformative experiences of her clients.
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