Duality is Done
Venus/Mars Dueling + the Holidaze's Gemini Full Moon
“Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes.” - Walt Whitman
Duality’s presence in Astrology, the Axis element particularly, is vital to the cosmic archetypes. Arguably, Gemini is the strongest representation of duality yet its biggest challenger. Where Gemini seemingly represents Two, the suggestion of a split or opposite also persists in its lore. Gemini is a mirror reflecting the “dual nature” of the Self… and then some. Symbolized by The Twins in Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were “contradictory but also adaptable with the capability to view life from different angles.” And there will always be those different angles because absolutes do not exist.
Gemini suffers due to openness towards multitudes, an aspect that we all inevitably hold whether we embrace or it not. Ranging from two-faced to devil’s advocates to supreme social butterflies, Gemini’s pop-cult reputation as flippant or to-and-fro, no matter how positive or negative the implication, seems to have more to do with society’s sick need for everyone to fit neatly and cleanly into their roles. Suffocating in little assigned boxes is not possible for Gemini who cannot be contained in cliches. Everyday I learn so much from my Gemini Sun and Moon friends about the endless possibilities of thought. How what we think and how we process data can completely revolutionize our own perspectives, if not push against the bounds of the macro of government or the micro of relationships.
Gemini breaks the rules just to do it.
Relishing in freedom of thought requires an ability to fall in love with the idea that everything can grow past the limits “given”. Gemini gives us permission to break the rules. Ultimately, as an ideological pair presenting the optimum goal of Life ~to hold multitudes AND compassion for them~ Gemini is usually hated for being contradictory or complicated. But what should truly be the source of scrutiny are the major ills of societal and religious expectations, especially the shaping of the less privileged to fit perfectly into a role and stay consistent in it. Not only do these spaces perpetuate the strict need to adhere to “black-and-white thinking”, they consistently lean on “good and bad” and scold those who are simply human for going thru human motions.
The Gemini-Sagittarius Axis is one of the most lively and yet misunderstood for their gifts and grievances.
Social Butterfly Gemini loves to talk shop and share information and it’s easy to consider Cosmic Centaur Sagittarius the most chatty yet curious of Fire Signs. Gemini-Sagittarius marks a deep desire for knowledge and learning after all; yet they are both highly conversational with a side of party animal when the mood strikes. Despite the Axis’s ability to show up to everything that piques their interests, both Signs also tend to “overdo”. Right now, humans in general are no stranger to this subject as festivities and family gatherings draw nearer, the warning of burn-out loud and clear with the Sagittarius New Moon on December 1st. Yet the expectations weigh down on us with a guilt that feels gory and grotesque, worse if linked to entities that do not appreciate us or use us for their own gain.
Sometimes the Holidaze tend to push an expectation to placate.
There are projections from family members (big love to any queers reading this!), pressuring us to be someone we are not out of fear of what other people will think about us. Sometimes we put this pressure on ourselves, because we have been told we are not “good” enough i.e. successful, put-together, charismatic, neuro-typical or whatever bullshit that people value over being genuinely happy and well. The December balance between social life and private life is precarious and there always seem to be a lot of pressure to put on a happy face. To hide chronic pain and fatigue while doing more than we can, to swallow anxieties and “act normal” in situations that make you want to scream. To tuck away any responses that will paint you as “bad”.
As we’re programmed to be in the habit of mentally producing a mighty end-of-year review of accomplishments, the Gemini Full Moon challenges our outdated perspectives of achievement. Where we “are at” in life is not solely dependent on just us, no matter what the “good vibes only” gurus try to guilt us into believing. A Gemini Moon is too smart for victim-blaming and considers all the cards stacked against us. The Gemini Moon would rather say… “HEY! you are still here, I am proud of you for making it through, boo”… not compile a capitalist-encrusted scroll of numbers to use against others. Tho Gemini LOVES information and may dabble in a bit of calculations, its annual Full Moon is matched with earnest heartfelt intelligence, bolstered by the Astrology of the Week thru another Axis between Venus and Mars.
This Friday the 13th, the most sacred of Venus-Days, I want to appreciate messy multitudes more and more.
As we gear up to Gemini’s Full Moon, it’s important for me personally to find my own amorous lean into what it is to love in spite of the spiral. And so often the spiral is made of external influences, pressures and behaviors created by institutions I do not even have reverence for nor will ever feel morally aligned with. Wake-up calls may have begun arriving yesterday as the Astrology has peaked for heavy-duty work-through in the battle of the Heart and the Mind. This week’s Astrology has been pretty messy with an very non-Venusian Air Venus facing off with 2 Fire Sign Retrogrades - EEK!
As it goes with Sister Signs, the Axis has been strongly shown with Venus in Aquarius opposing Mars Rx in Leo on 12/12. As one of the stickier, stronger astrological days in December, Aquarius Venus setting the tone of analytical social expansion (or the culling of connections) with TWO VERY FIERY INNER PLANET RETROGRADES, is undoubtedly much to process. There is an intellectual edge paired with a either a hard-line OR playfulness that heats up the dance of dynamics between freaky Venus Aquarius with Mars or Mercury.
Warrior Mars’ backspin in the Sign of the Lion for most of December is not easy to handle. I’ve already seen the ways in which egos have been stoked, like pouring gasoline onto a fire. Claws have come out and will continue to do so all month before Cancer takes over the Mars Retrograde in January and most of February. This Venus-Mars showdown at least showcases the Freedom-Ferocity Axis and can possibly be sexy?! But also a little toxic.
Today, Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius sextiles Venus in Aquarius. This moment adds a cheeriness to our social-ability. This is an injection of much needed sunshine to renew our interests and revive our social networks. Hopefully this week’s Astrology has led you to a really delicious Venus-Day in some way. We all deserve spicy but sweet vibes for the Holidaze and this little Retro-gem of a calendar corner will be honey-ed in hue for the collective and our relationships, only for those who open their hearts and minds to what collectives and relationships can be.
WHAT: Gemini Full Moon
WHEN: Sunday December 15th 4:01 AM
THEME: Self-care is NOT Selfish
Classic to the last Full Moon of any year, we are likely overflowing with to-do’s and other non-stop needs pressing down on us to what seems like no end. The Gemini Full Moon has the same capacity as any other Full Moon: to build up, propel towards release or sometimes be forced to take further action as to not lose our minds in the process. However, it seems this Gemini Moon will not be typical in the usual tension. It is tempered instead with a bright wish for collective camaraderie. Gemini’s creativity is cohesive in the fast-track of Sagittarius Season, but asks us to perhaps really take the pause that we need, and December-time is certainly the month to take a breather!
As the gift of gab lies in Gemini AND Sagittarius’ domain, their social interaction and exploration is also met with a need for retreat and decompression.
As themed for the Sag New Moon and Mercury Rx in Sagittarius, burning the candle at both ends is an inevitable this time of year, stress and grief seeping into our physical wellness. We are merely little animals and should be in rest, hibernating! But there is the PRESSURE, especially for femmes, to do-it-all. I think so much about the unseen labor of the feminine. Mothers who create 95% of “holiday magic” behind the scenes, the dutiful daughters who bend over backwards to work, clean, run errands so the mother can get some sleep, the queers who make themselves quiet or hold their tongues or dress-down to make others comfortable (much more to say for Mars Rx in Cancer and the Cancer Full Moon in January 2025).
This Gemini Full Moon in particular grants us an opportunity to pause, be present and sit with the discomfort surrounding us. I want to say that it’s a time to imagine better possibilities, yada, yada, but I think just the act of considering all aspects of our multifaceted personal and collective makeup with compassion is enough work for the moment. Life’s been heavy for me; maybe the best I can do is grieve. Perhaps Merc Rx in Sag WAS innovative for you, keen to create solutions for some, so grief with a tiny glimmer of hope through the tears would be the preferred. If the Gemini Full Moon does provide a sparkly a-ha moment recognizing the ways in which we need to re-balance, re-new, re-vive our commitment to living more fully and freely and sweetly, that is the biggest bonus of a blessing! I’ll take it.
Focusing on what challenges have helped us see differently, what experiences changed us for the better, what we have learned and will live by forward, is the concentration of this lunation’s cloud-upload. Honesty and gentleness may feel opposite to strict structure, but balancing both is a healthy duality that must be obtained for making an actual change. Combined with the upcoming info-exploratory cheer of Sagittarius Season, Gemini’s gift of compassion and connection, be it to lovers, friends, community or just our own selves, can be a radical act of Love.
However, treating our thoughts like a Butterfly Effect affects our livelihoods like a long-lasting Love Spell, a ritualistic intention for our Future selves. What will we be if we let something go or consequently make the effort to repair? What will happen if we be ourselves? Is the validation we are seeking misdirected? Is FOMO running us right into burnout? In order to have realistic reflections, we absolutely require rest AND kindness. Self-care is not selfish. Though difficult to build breaks into the chaotic schedule during the end of year chaos, the unique astrological elements of December’s Sagittarius Season can assist in at least thinking about how you can be true to you.
Goodies for Gemini Full Moon:
Use Venus in Aquarius’ realism to balance Mars Retrograde in Leo’s aggression. In business and pleasure, this Venus-Mars Axis will create difficulty in staying humble versus getting heated and maybe even a little hateful. Romantically, it’s smart to remind ourselves that “cuffing season” hot-and-heavy hedonism is strong; with it the rose-colored glasses give illusions that keep us feeling toasty and warm, but it could be fleeting. Reserve long-term plans for now. Discernment will arrive with the Full Moon. Remember that Mars Retrograde is a time of slow decisions.
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius ends the DAY OF the Gemini Full Moon. Hallelujah! Mercury has been in Gemini’s Sister Sign, struggling with detail vs. bigger picture dichotomy. Consequently, Gemini is in Jupiter right now (Sag’s Ruler) and with Sag in Mercury (Gemini’s Ruler), there’s a bit of Parent Trap folly in such a switch, though much to learn when sisters visit each other’s planet! Miscommunication has (and continues to be) front and center for Mercury Rx and the shadow period (check our zine DL at the end of the post, available until 12/21).
Furthermore, Gemini’s Full Moon applies Rx lessons with grace. No one better than a Gemini to pull from any Mercury Retrograde and figure out what the most appealing ideas AND options are in the go forth. Especially in its Axis of Sagittarius, direct motion gets a lift as Mercury may have felt tethered if not bogged down in the details. To be able to sit in discomfort comfortably and fully capture the whole picture of what can come, we must be able to find the quiet truth. Musing on shifts, how time and energy is spent, are vital reviews in Retrograde analysis.
Right out of the gate, Gemini’s Full Moon has us asking important questions. Looking deeper, theorizing on mysteries, searching for facts… this Full Moon’s keen curiosity may be very refreshing as we find ourselves becoming more self-confident - a cornerstone of Gemini energy! This is a great Moon to journal, write out ideas, even the fantastical ones, and to additionally think about what roles or connections we feel are holding us back to make space for live more intentionally in the New Year.
We do NOT have to abandon anyone in order to find change; we CAN reorient relationships if both parties are willing to meet in the middle. But there are times where the expectations are too strong or not communicated clearly then reacted to with punishment or power-games. Some situations may need to be stepped away from and Full Moons are supportive of letting go. Taking space now does not have to mean walking away forever. You know what you need right now! Yes, that action can be a risk but it’s important to preserve oneself in the midst of Life’s difficulties. Deciding whether staying in a situation that harms more than helps is in a sense deciding whether you want to abandon yourself. This subject is a huge internal battle but one the Gemini Moon will support in all seriousness. And, yes, you can also make space to wait. Nothing is concentrate except Death. You’re not on anyone’s timeline but your own.