The new moon in Libra on October 21, 2025, has me reflecting on the relationships in my life and how I show up for them. John Lennon’s Strawberry Fields Forever has been playing in my head since I woke up this morning. When he sings, “No one I think is in my tree,” it paints a picture of feeling like an outsider. I’ve often felt this way within my family, except for my brother Karl and his wife Tanya.

That’s why my chosen family, my two dearest friends and my extended circle of creative, soulful kindreds, means the world to me. These are the people who see me, get me, and walk beside me with mutual care and joy.

Libra’s hallmark trait is her focus on connection and cultivating harmony in relationships. This new moon invites us to reflect on this vital aspect of being human. After all, we are wired for connection.

Join me in exploring the qualities of good, healthy friendships and how we can bring greater balance and awareness into our own. A delightful mandala activity follows.

Qualities of a Good Friend

A good friend has qualities that make you feel supported, respected, and genuinely cared for. Here are some of the most important ones:

Core Emotional Qualities

• Trustworthy – You can confide in them knowing your secrets and feelings are safe.
• Loyal – They stand by you in good times and bad, even when things get tough.
• Honest – They tell you the truth kindly, not just what you want to hear.
• Empathetic – They try to understand how you feel and show compassion.
• Supportive – They celebrate your wins and encourage you when you struggle.

Relational Qualities

• Good listener – They listen without interrupting or turning the conversation back to themselves.
• Respectful – They respect your boundaries, opinions, and time.
• Nonjudgmental – You feel comfortable being yourself without fear of criticism.
• Communicative – They express their feelings and check in, rather than disappearing or assuming.

Positive Energy

• Kind and caring – They show small acts of kindness and genuine concern.
• Fun and uplifting – They bring joy, laughter, and ease to your life.
• Dependable – You can count on them to follow through on what they say.

Balanced and Mature

• Mutual effort – They give as much as they take; the friendship feels balanced.
• Forgiving – They can talk through misunderstandings and move forward.
• Self-aware – They take responsibility for their actions and apologize when needed.

Friendship Check-In

As I reflect on the kind of friend I am, I’m also noticing how others show up in my life. The following prompts are designed to help you check in with your own friendships and inspire your new moon intentions for this next lunar cycle.

1. Consistency

Friends show up — not perfectly, but reliably. They keep in touch, follow through on plans, and make you feel that the friendship matters to them too.
→ If their effort disappears unless you reach out, that imbalance can wear you down.
→ Who can I reach out to and make plans with this week?

---

2. Mutual Respect

Friends respect boundaries, time, opinions, and values, even when they differ.
→ You don’t feel small, dismissed, or like you’re walking on eggshells around them.
→ When I set boundaries, are they respected?

---

3. Emotional Safety

Friends can be open about how you feel without fear of being mocked, guilted, or criticized.
→ If you often leave interactions feeling drained, anxious, or defensive, that’s a red flag.
→ How might I be a safe harbor for my friends?

---

4. Reciprocity

There’s give and take, emotionally, practically, and in effort.
→ Both of you check in, offer support, and make plans, not just one person doing all the work.
→ When was the last time I reached out, just to say, “hi.”

---

5. Positivity and Encouragement

Friends want good things for you and are genuinely happy about your growth or success.
→ A good friend doesn’t compete or subtly undermine you.
→ How can I celebrate a dear friend right now?

---

6. Honest Communication

Friends can talk through tension or misunderstandings instead of ignoring or escalating them.
→ Healthy friendships allow for uncomfortable but respectful conversations.
→ Do I actively listen, especially when emotions run high?

---

7. Low Drama

They handle stress and conflict with maturity.
→ You shouldn’t constantly feel like you’re in damage control or emotional chaos.
→ Do I center conversations around myself, or make space for others?

---

8. Kindness and Empathy

They notice when something’s off and care enough to check in.
→ They make space for your feelings, not just their own.
→ Who in my life could use a caring check-in this week?

---

9. Self-Awareness

They can take responsibility for their actions and apologize sincerely when they’ve hurt you.
→ No friendship lasts if one person refuses to look inward.
→ Do I have the courage to admit when I’ve hurt someone?

---

10. You Feel Better After Seeing Them

The simplest test: Do you feel lighter, calmer, or understood after spending time together?
→ If you often feel tense, defensive, or small, that’s your body telling you something.
→ How do my friends feel after time with me?

---

Mandala Theme:

“Balancing Connection — Friendship Under the Libra New Moon”

This mandala activity creates sacred space to reflect on how you can bring more harmony into your relationships. The rings form a symbolic target, each layer helping you center on your intention to nurture the connections that matter most.

Focus Intention

I bring awareness, balance, and authenticity to my relationships.
I nurture friendships that reflect mutual care, trust, and joy.

---

Step 1: Set Your Space

• Light a candle or place something that symbolizes friendship (a photo, a stone, a note from a friend).
• Play gentle, harmonic music. Select something airy or with soft rhythm, resonating with Libra’s element of Air.
• Take a few deep breaths and bring to mind the feeling of balance, equal giving and receiving.

---

Step 2: Create Your Mandala Base

You’ll divide the mandala into four rings (from center outward), each exploring a different layer of your relationships. The circles can be loosely drawn, or carefully measured. Remember this is your mandala. Think of these steps as suggestions and ideas. Feel free to get creative and change it up.

Here’s how I began this mandala:

1. In selected four soft colors. I love how alcohol markers* create a smooth, even field of color. Without tracing or using any drawing tools, I drew and colored the circles freehand using the chisel tip.
2. Each circle was then outlined with a Uni-Ball Jetstream black fineliner*.
3. Finally, I added a second line around each ring to create a whimsical, playful border.

*Note that I’m an Amazon affiliate so when you click through and purchase, I get a commission. It doesn’t affect the price of your purchase. I only link to products that I’ve used and recommend. I use my Amazon Gift Cards to purchase art supplies. Thank you for your support!

---

Step 3: Build the Mandala in Layers

Center — “My Core Energy in Relationships”

• In the middle, draw or write a few words that represent how you naturally show up:
  Loving, patient, loyal, guarded, nurturing, dependable, etc.
• Use colors that represent your current emotional state in friendships.

Journal Reflections

How do I show up when I feel balanced and at peace?
How do I show up when I feel stressed or unheard?

---

Second Ring — “What I Offer Others”

• In this ring, symbolize your gifts as a friend: listening, honesty, laughter, support, kindness.
• You can write words or use small shapes or symbols (hearts, spirals, open hands) for each quality.

Journal Reflections

What strengths do I bring into my friendships?
How do I nurture others authentically?

---

Third Ring — “What I Need in Return”

• Libra reminds us of reciprocity. Fill this ring with the qualities you need from healthy connections like respect, trust, consistency, understanding.
• Let this be an honest expression of what sustains you.

Journal Reflections

Do I allow myself to receive care and support?
Where might I be over-giving or under-asking?

---

Outer Ring — “What I’m Inviting with the New Moon”

• In the outer layer, draw symbols or write intentions for how you wish to grow in friendship and balance.
  – “I invite mutual effort.”
  – “I release relationships that drain me.”
  – “I open to deeper, calmer connections.”
• Add soft, harmonious pastel colors in blues, greens, and pinks that reflect Libra’s tones of balance and heart-centeredness.

Journal Reflections

What does a balanced friendship feel like in my body?
How can I show up with more awareness, honesty, and grace?

---

Step 4: Reflect and Affirm

After finishing, sit quietly and gaze at your mandala.
Write your Libra new moon intention as an affirmation or use the one below.

“I am cultivating friendships rooted in mutual care, respect, and joy. I show up with authenticity and balance.”

After writing your intention, take a slow gentle breath. As you exhale feel your body soften. Take a second breath, upon exhaling say your intention while gazing upon your mandala.

You might place the mandala somewhere visible during the Libra moon cycle as a reminder of your intention. Creating a friendship altar is another beautiful way of honoring your treasured relationships.

May this post and mandala activity support you in nurturing your relationships, both with others and with your own beautiful heart.

(((soul hugs)))
Kathryn Costa
Instigator of Soulful and Creative Living

Keep Exploring

Dive deep into the Journey of the Four Gates – Download your FREE copy and discover a soulful framework for creative self-reflection.

Love following lunar cycles? – Learn more about the Traveling by Moonlight series and how each moon phase inspires creative ritual and mandala art.

Mark your calendar – Find upcoming New and Full Moon dates here to stay aligned with the rhythm of the moon throughout the year.

Subscribe to newsletter – Stay connected to the night sky, creative prompts, and soulful inspiration—all delivered to your inbox.