In our modern world, life is always busy and there is always a lot happening. In the metaphysical community, many believe that what happens in our lives mirrors what is happening in the heavens — as above, so below. Just like our lives, there is always something happening in astrology. Right now, there are four planets and one asteroid in retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron, respectively. There is also an asteroid orbiting in the Earth right now, caught in our planet’s gravitational pull.
Although it’s being called a “mini moon,” it’s actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5. The asteroid, which will remain in Earth’s orbit from now until November 25th, is rather small, about the size of a bus. Because it is so small, it can only be seen by the largest telescopes. Our planet’s gravitational pull attracts asteroids like this every so often, according to astronomers.
This “mini moon” has been dubbed Odin’s Eye. In Norse mythology, Odin craved knowledge so much that he was willing to sacrifice one of his eyes to obtain it. Odin made a deal with the giant who protected the well of knowledge. The giant guarding the well was enviously protective of the knowledge that the well gave, and knew that letting someone drink from it could be dangerous since knowledge can be a dangerous thing to have. The giant finally made an offer that he thought Odin would refuse. He asked that Odin cut out one of his eyes and leave it in the well in exchange for one drink of water. Odin took him up on that offer. After his one drink, Odin became the wisest of the gods and the second wisest being alive.
Although in Norse mythology Odin’s eye remains at the bottom of the well, having this “mini moon” has given us the chance to embrace the trending Norse culture and assign this asteroid a cool name.
Asteroid 2024 PT5 has captured the hearts of the mainstream. For some, it is a unique event that might not happen again in their lifetimes. “What’s interesting about the mini moon is that it arrived smack-dab in our current eclipse cycle,” says astrologer Stevie Goldstein. “We had a whopper of a full moon eclipse in Pisces on September 17th and another one on October 2nd just days after the mini moon’s arrival.”
While Earth has had plenty of mini moons before — there are a lot of asteroids in space — this one is special because it’s sandwiched between several powerful celestial events. And according to Goldstein, that’s why it contains a hefty amount of starry symbolism. “It’s almost like a planetary nod from above to take this eclipse cycle and the themes that come up during it seriously,” she said in an interview with Bustle magazine.
Traditionally, new moons are a time for manifesting and goal setting, full moons are all about endings and letting things go, and chaotic eclipses are for lying low and letting the universe sort itself out. The fact that this second moon has arrived in the middle of it all could be a reminder to truly let go.
With two moons in our sphere, it could also mean that two complex feelings will ring true simultaneously, says Goldstein. “Having a pop-in from a moon-like planet feels like a ripe moment to consider that this time in your life might contain lots of complexities and multiple truths all at once.”
When planets are in retrograde, the world around us continues to move forward, but we are invited to bring space into our days wherever possible. We are asked to clear away the unnecessary, the noise, the extra, and instead create space for inner journeys. Add in the “mini moon” and the rest of this year seems to be a time of releasing, clearing out, and listening to yourself. For the next two months, think about how things might not be as black and white as they seem, and how your life’s biggest questions might not have clear-cut yes or no answers.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.