Full Moon in Ophiuchus
Death, Rebirth, and Transformation
By Niki Tennessen | niki@siderealinterntional.org
Hierophant vs. Serpent Bearer
As the moon builds its way into its peak fullness, I can’t help but picture the archetype of the spiritual Hierophant in opposition with the transformative Serpent Bearer. My mind is swimming with thoughts of the cosmic priest that is the keeper of all the sacred knowledge and secrets of the Universe facing the master of death, rebirth, and transcendence, like some kind of sci-fi galactic stare off. Oh yes, it also makes me think of the journey Inanna took deep into the underworld, being stripped of all her possessions to face the Queen of the dead, Ereshkigal.
It feels like our inner guru is being called on, so that we may make space for what is to come, embracing change as a way to heal ourselves and others. It does seem a little bit dramatic comparing this Full Moon to one of the epic tales of ancient lore, but when have you known the Taurus-Ophiuchus axis to not be on the intense side?
New Moon and Uranus
The New Moon planted its seed alongside Uranus, the planet of unexpected revelations and freedom. Uranus likes to rebel against the norms and routines we cling so desperately to. He shakes the foundations of our security so that nothing stays stagnant or indolent, so that we have opportunities to choose another path we didn’t know existed.
Opposition with Jupiter
This Ophiuchus Full Moon finds its opposition with Jupiter, bringing to us visions of what we imagine the future could be; pictures in our head that haven’t taken form—things that may never come to be. Jupiter wants us to learn from our mistakes and use our experiences as opportunities to enlighten or shift our own personal philosophy. The peak of this cycle is also “blessed” with a Pluto trine that could have us facing circumstances we wouldn’t normally seek out to confront.
Death, Rebirth, and Transformation
The Hierophant is the essence of faith, and the gnosis guiding you through the epic death and rebirth experience found in the stars of Scorpio and Ophiuchus. Going back to Inanna’s journey to the underworld, she’s stripped of all her possessions, stuck dead, and hung on a meat hook for what I’m sure feels like an eternity. Having faith, she won’t be left to rot there forever, and with some help from her friends, she emerges from the darkness illuminating a different light than before.
In modern terms, we call what she’s endured character building trauma. Change has its consequences, and we always find we can never go back to the old ways after being transformed by the underworld journey. Through confrontation and experiencing death, ultimately letting go, Inanna teaches that inner power isn’t based on what we own or possess; rather that transformation comes from what remains after everything else is lost.
Asking the Difficult Questions
What ideas about yourself and our own personal power have you been clinging to religiously? How have visions of things stubbornly wanted held you in a state of pattern holding? Are you finding yourself wanting to control the outcome of the unpredictable?
Yes, heavy questions to be asking! Let’s not lose sight that this cycle is giving us an opportunity to release what doesn’t serve our highest purpose, to find medicine in shedding away the old skin, and accept the lesson as wisdom, nothing more or less.
About the Author
Niki Tennessen a 13-Sign Constellational Astrologer, and President and co-founder of the International Sidereal Astrology Association (ISAA). A lifelong student of the mystery traditions and dedicated researcher of esoteric wisdom, Niki is passionate about restoring astrology to its true astronomical roots. Her work blends ancient sidereal teachings with a rebellious spirit of truth-seeking, empowering others to reclaim their cosmic sovereignty through soul-aligned insights and real star connections.
Website: RebelutionAstrology.com | Instagram: instagram.com/nikitachik_
Wow Niki, the image of Inanna being “hung on a meat hook” is so visceral! Definitely Scorpionic or should I say Ophiuchionic in nature. I loved how you stated that, “Inanna teaches that inner power isn’t based on what we own or possess; rather, that transformation comes from what remains after everything else is lost.” This is so true and a potent reminder for anyone who has experienced extreme loss of external possessions but now understands a fundamental fact that sometimes the loss is necessary in order to understand where we are on our journey and what truly matters…our true purpose here on this beautiful rock.
Transformation is incredibly beautiful, messy and tragic isn’t it? That underworld journey is cyclical until surrender happens! I’m learning 😅🥰✌🏻