The Solar Eclipse took place in the Western hemisphere at 10:35pm EDT on July 21, and will take place in the Eastern hemisphere on July 22. It lasted for 6 minutes and 39 seconds.  The eclipse, at 29 degrees of Cancer, is the longest total solar eclipse so far in this century and will be until 2032.

The good news may be that it  gave a constructive nod (it made a trine, for you astrologers) to Uranus, the planet of freedom and surprises.  This new moon eclipse may help many of us free ourselves up from emotionally stifling situations that in some cases, will have to do with family and relationships.  Uranus represents freedom from the rules of family (represented by the sign of Cancer) and society and gives us an absolute determination to strive to realize our soul’s purpose.  It is the planet the represents our mid life crisis, when many throw off the chains of society and family to do what they feel they must to help their spirit to grow.

The revolutions going on throughout the world, some obvious and some not as obvious, may find that they get an assist from the planets toward their purpose of freedom from old traditions that are stifling their ability to join the current modern world.  The young people may be demanding to bring their country up to date.

On a personal note, it will manifest in the nature of the planets it aspects in our chart, so some of us may have good fortune and some of us may have a greater challenge. Eclipses often take something out of our lives or bring something back from the past.  It can also bring something into our lives that is entirely new. Some astrologers believe that if your sun is after the ascendant, you will receive the effects of the eclipse after the actual event, and if your sun is earlier than your ascendant, you will be effected by the eclipse before it happens.  Most agree that the transit of Mars over the eclipse degree will trigger the eclipse activity once again, and possibly it will be the most intense expression of the eclipse.

The U.S. chart is usually considered to be on July 4, 1776 at 5:12 LMT (Local Mean Time) in Philadelphia, PA.  It has a Sag rising with Cancer in the eighth house of funding, taxes, and death.   Pluto at 27 degrees of Capricorn, is in the second house, or the money sector, so this will present a challenge to the country in the area where it exists.  Since there is a lot of confusion about where the rising sign of the chart is, it may be in different places, but it is most likely to challenge the finances of the U.S., already under siege.

It could also bring a natural event along the West Coast or in Japan and that area.  It may bring military or political unrest where it can be seen, in India, Burma, Nepal, China, a small area of Australia, and Hawaii.  Ancient astrologers said the armies march in the path of the eclipse.

A relationship that started about six weeks ago may finally become what you’ve wanted.

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is to put together the romantic relationship of your dreams in the next two days.  You’ve got one shot so take your best.  Now that Venus is back in a forward motion, you may get a second chance to make something work.  The romantic mood is at its strongest with these three planets in Pisces so do your best to put the relationship you want together and try to remember no one is perfect.

You’ll have another chance when Venus and Mars move into Aries, but there is no comparison between a Pisces romantic mood and an Aries romantic mood.  Now Venus and the Moon are the most compassionate and romantic in Pisces.  Soon Mars will be strongest, and the Aries romantic mood will be more like “let’s go as fast as we can as see how much of an adventure we can make it.”

Now you’ve got the velvet touch of romance, sensual and deep.  So don’t let the grass grow under your feet and get going with a plan to put the relationship you want together in the next day or two, if you can.

When the Moon opposes Saturn this morning and parallels Uranus, you could see someone’s temper take off like a heat-seeking missile and it may even be yours. Remember the old Irish joke, “Is this a personal fight or can anybody jump in?”  That may be what the whole day is like.

Keep your bright ideas and your thoughts (should you decide to let someone know “what I really think”) to yourself just now and don’t take it personally.  All the cliches may apply so just stay out of conversations of any kind that could involve you in a confrontation.  Also when it comes to your relationship you may just want to go into your bedroom and pull the covers up over your head until this weekend, and that may not be long enough.  But if someone wants to argue have the presence of mind to suggest a time next week when it would be better.

Issues that have been coming to a head over the last few months or weeks will pop like a helium balloon stuck by a hat pin.

The time for major psyche explosions will continue at least until the Moon joins Uranus shortly after midnight tonight.  After that things may settle down but caution for a day or two is still advised.

There may also be an aftershock or some significant earthquake activity, in the world as well as in relationships.

The good news is that you get to watch the planets do their shaker – boomer thing.  Its sort of like thunder and lightning only in your life instead of the sky.  The good news, (and that may be optimistic), is that  if you’re lucky, it may actually help you reactivate a project that was stuck and get it going again.   But you will have cleared the deadwood out of your life – and then some.

At 12:33am EST, just a short time after the Moon transited Saturn, an earthquake in the Kuril Islands registered 7.0 on the Richter scale, according to the information at the U. S. Geological Survey web site, which records places, times, and magnitudes of earthquakes.   It also corresponded with severe aftershocks at the major quake in Italy.

It is important to remember that when there are earthquakes on earth, there are often earthquakes in people’s lives and dramatic events in the world.   It is best to remain calm and peaceful during this type of aspect and not to contribute to the chaos by getting upset. It is also a time when we may be more likely to get upset and cause ourselves further problems and expand difficulties.  The value of astrology is in knowing that planetary events may be making shifts in our world and to just stay calm and focused and if a situation arises that needs our attention, to handle it calmly or give it a rest until the roller coaster energy clears and then go back and pick up the thread again.

At the end of my previous post on April 4, 2009, I mentioned that the Mars Saturn opposition created conditions that may bring a major earthquake.  Since my post, a major quake rocked Italy at 6.3 magnitude earlier today causing considerable destruction and some loss of life.  It was one of three major quakes that were registered by the U. S. Geological Survey site since my post.   There were two others so far, one in the Philippines at 6.3 and one in Kyushu, Japan, at 6.0 magnitude. There may be more earthquake activity tonight at around 11PM EST as the Moon passes over Saturn and re-stimulates the energy of the opposition, but the climate is not as potent as during the actual opposition.

In my previous blog, I expressed a concern about major earthquakes due to the planetary activity and the position of the Moon.  While there have been four earthquakes of a magnitude of 6.0 or greater, according to the  U.S. Geological Survey, fortunately none of them have been in a populated area.  The two on December 18 were located off the coast of Valparaiso, Chile at magnitude 6.2 and 6.0.  The other two were off the coast of Honshu, Japan, on December 20 at a magnitude 6.5 and on December 21 at a magnitude 6.0.   While the planetary activity that indicates a possible major earthquake (which all of those were) continues, we may see much more of this activity over the next few weeks.  Particularly when Mars joins Pluto in the earth sign Capricorn.  The continuing opposition of Saturn and Uranus creates an ongoing potential for major earthquake activity that can be triggered by other activity of the smaller, faster moving planets.  Hopefully it will continue to remain off shore and away from major populated areas.

Earthquake Planetary Line Up

When Mars moves to oppose the Gemini full Moon over the next three days, it may trigger an earthquake.  This is only one of the factors setting up for a potential quake.  The Saturn Uranus contraparallel, the position of the moon at the time of its fullness, and a few other things that would only interest a hard core astrologer, may all play a role.  But the transit of Mars over the sensitive point, may set off a major earthquake.  In the past similar planetary line ups have resulted in a quake.  Because the Gemini full Moon was the closest to the earth that it has been in 15 years, it may mean a stronger quake.  There have already been three quakes today at greater than 5. on the Richter scale according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but none of them did much damage.  Hopefully it will stop with that, but several others besides myself recognize the possibility of a major quake.  As an astrologer it is all part of years of planetary research.

Earthquakes in the Land Mean Earthquakes in Our Lives

This same planetary line up may also mean we are about to experience a major shift in our lives and our world.  Our individual worlds are changing as many are losing jobs and homes, and families are having to restrict their spending.  Relationships that may lead to marriage may be put on hold, as well as starting a family, due to the financial uncertainties.  The world may be giving birth to a different kind of value system. Our economy is in serious fluctuation and we could soon see another new direction.  Uranus in Pisces is leading us to a new direction and away from the old rules and structures and potentially into a more fluid, creative and inspired time,  but there is a caution not to be taken in with illusions like the financial fraud seen on Wall Street, and other sorts of cons and delusions that may present themselves. 

Venus Reactivates Last Summer’s Solar Eclipse So Watch Out for Relationship Changes

With Venus at 6 degrees of Aquarius, it is moving to the opposition of the solar eclipse point from last summer.  Many may find that major shifts take place in their significant relationships, and whatever houses are ruled from Venus in their chart.  This will happen over the next couple of days, since last August’s Solar Eclipse was at 9 degrees of Leo.   That eclipse was actually triggered May 26, when Mars transited the eclipse point a couple of months before the actual eclipse happened. If you want to see what its going to do in your life now, look back to that time and recall what happened.  This is always the case in astrology.  We can watch a situation develop over a period of time by watching the planetary movements that influence it.

Venus Begins the Action of the January 26, 2009 Solar Eclipse

Venus may actually trigger the action of the coming solar eclipse on January 26, 2009, which will be at 6 degrees of Aquarius, right where Venus is today.  So if you are aware of where this falls in your chart, observe the reaction you have and notice what relationships seem to be up for review.  This will give you an idea of where its going to impact your life and you should notice the impact starting today.  It may, since Venus is a benific, bring you closer to someone.  Depending on what planet it aspects in your chart, it could also bring a difficult relationship experience, or a decision to rethink or reassess a major relationship.  For instance, if it aspects Saturn in your chart, it may challenge a relationship.  Since transiting Jupiter is also parallel transiting Venus, it may bring a major healing or some exceptional good fortune that may go to the next level of development on the date of the actual eclipse.

The Gemini Full Moon

This is the Full Moon in December and it was known to the Native Americans as the Full Long Night’s Moon and to the Celts as the Elder Moon.  Today’s Long Night’s  Moon, so close to the winter solstice, may deliver the coup de grâce in the major shift that is playing out in the world. It will deliver another fatal blow to the Uranus/Saturn opposition that was exact on November 4 and has laid the groundwork to reshape the world as we’ve known it.

Mercury Joins Pluto in Capricorn

Mercury joins Pluto as it moves into 0 degrees of Capricorn, adds extra punch and makes a potent planetary line up, and Pluto is about pure power.  This degree is much more potent since it is the very beginning of the sign, so the transformation can be quite explosive.  It settles down as the planet goes further into the sign.

Earthquakes are Possible along with Major World Events, and Events in Lives

This line up creates a great potential for earthquakes in the world, in current events, in our own lives and the lives of those around us. With the Full Moon making a difficult aspect to Saturn and Uranus as they oppose each other, (and while they are no longer in an exact opposition, they are still contraparallel, which is simular to an opposition) and Mercury joining Pluto at 0 degree, and the Moon’s position, the likelihood of a major earthquake somewhere in the world is very strong.

We will see it reflected in world events and in our lives, as well.  Whatever aspect of the past is moving out of our lives, it will get another crowning blow and ties may be broken as we leave old situations behind and strike out for a fresher, newer world. The Uranian aspect of this represents revolution pitted against the structure of Saturn in Virgo.

Barack Obama’s Presidency Represents the Saturn Uranus Opposition in the Presidential Election

Barack Obama was the first man of mixed race elected to the presidency on the day that Saturn and Uranus were in exact opposition. This really is the start of a new world, and the economic difficulties are not merely a recession or depression from which the country will recover, it is the beginning of a new society with new values and a new approach to finances. Before this is over, and it will take years to play out, we may find our currency has an entirely different basis.

A Quantum Leap into the Future

Whether we leave behind relationships that have lost their meaning for us, jobs that are empty traps, or outworn approaches that no longer bring us any fulfillment, this aspect will take us, individually and collectively, to the next level in an unfolding karma.

Week of December 1, 2008

Aries - your ruler, Mars, is in free and easy Sag this month which makes you
casual and relaxed.  You may want to travel or look into
more training.  Due to the meaning of the season, you are
also probably giving deeper thought to your purpose and the
meaning of life.  This is the Sag influence, and it is a
perfect time to expand your horizons.  You may be very
fortunate in your career and work sectors now, especially this
month.  Just don’t spend impulsively and you may find your
financial circumstances improve.

Taurus – is serious about stabilizing and
expanding your income, despite the crazy
ups and downs of the economy.  Your
opportunity comes with your ruler,
Venus, charging through the business and
financial sign of Capricorn. Since it is
also the sign of the workaholic,
comfortable Taurus may be working harder
than usual.  This is your fortunate
month, with Jupiter smiling on your
sign, so your work may bring greater
rewards, as long as you don’t overspend
so watch those credit cards and don’t
let family members use them either.

Gemini – is in a travelin’ mood this month but may have to defer
to the wishes of someone in an authority position or a
significant other.  You took a licking and kept on
ticking with true Gemini joi de vivre, but you’ve been under
duress for a while and as far as you’re concerned, it
can stop any time now.  But you are also more
serious than usual and still nursing wounds from early
November.  The times, they are a changin’, to quote
Bob Dylan, and you’ll just have to do the best you can
to weather “the slings and
arrows of outrageous fortune.”

Cancer – is uncharacteristically eager to travel and find new
horizons.  The new Moon is the traveler’s moon, as
far as you’re concerned.  New options for work call
to you and you’re having quite the holiday good times
with co-workers.  A partnership may surprise
you or you may come together with your partner becoming
surprisingly responsible and perhaps even frugal (who
knew?), of which you wholeheartedly approve.  Maybe time  spent with the family in a cabin in the
woods would work now and it would certainly warm
Cancer’s loving heart.

Leo – is having a
great time with all the fiery types around who want to
drag you off to holiday parties and new travel
vistas.  A festive trip with the family and kids or a
new(or renewed) love interest takes the edge off all those
difficult eclipses in August.  What else could have
brought us Sarah Palin? Enjoy
yourself and let go of those overworking ways you
occasionally get caught up in.  Work now is your
greatest area of success and progress so go for the big
promotion but don’t stretch your credit, no matter how
good an idea you think it may be.

Virgo’s – are in quite the traveling mood and for once, you are
ready to throw caution to the wind and leave the details
undone to experience more of life’s mystery and
variety.  Maybe travelers from far away places are
visiting your home.  You know the old saying about
never turning a stranger from your door because it could
be an unrecognized angel.  Well this is the time
for you to pay heed to that old saw.  You got the
stuffin’s knocked out of you around the election and you
are probably still licking your wounds but quiet Virgo
soldiers on and keeps a stiff upper lip.  The
really big silver (or maybe even gold) lining in that
cloud is the great fortunes coming to you from a child,
or a love interest, or even an independent project or
business.  Jupiter, Venus, and the moon join
together to deliver just what you asked Santa for this
Christmas, so keep your attitude positive and keep your
eyes open for a Christmas miracle.

Libra – is in love with exotic places and mysterious people and
cultures from far over the sea with the new Moon in
questing Sag.  Libra is also quite fortunate this
month- if you can just manage not to spend it all on
beauty or art.  Think twice about those
new furnishings and beautiful clothes and
new jewelry you just have to have.  Your credit
could deliver a lethal blow if you let your pleasure and
beauty loving nature get carried away spending for the
good life.  On the other hand, someone quite
serious and powerful is in your corner and throwing a lot of good
fortune to you and your family.

Scorpio – is due for a financial coup and this month you may get just
that.  Someone in the office is opening doors for
your upgrade.  Or you may have to commute to get
the treasure that has your name on it, but don’t
hesitate to take the trip that may change your
life.  If a sibling says he or she has a great
business deal, ask for more details and if it sounds
feasible, buy it.  You may look askance at the
casual, upbeat and ready to party atmosphere of
colleagues, but you’ll be surprised at how much good
fortune is coming your way so just let go of all that
intensity for a few days, and enjoy yourself.

Sag – is dancing on the rim of the world with the new Moon in
your sign.  It’s time to plan a party, maybe with a
multi cultural and exotic theme.  You are in the
driver’s seat, and we know how you love to travel, so
gas up and hit the trail.  Finances could take a
decided upturn if you let a friend or group of friends
open some doors for you.  Its time to finish that
novel or start your new book, as publishing is very
fortunate now.  Don’t let anyone slow you down,
just start that quest you’ve been putting off and at
least start reading about all the travel writers, gurus,
and Tibetan Lamas you’ve found fascinating for so long.

Cappie – is discreetly cutting major deals behind the
scenes, where no one would look.  You might also be
preparing for a new career coup or a marriage for which you’ve
been hoping.  In any case, your finances and
rep are improving in your understated black tie affair
way.  You may be able to sneak away with friends to
a secluded place and have more fun than you’ve had in
years.  Partly because you’ve found out how much of
a raise you’re getting.  Just don’t overspend or
overdo it.

Aquarius may be smarting from the knowledge that you are the one to deliver the mixed news of big changes in the wind and the world.  But
it had to be done and Aquarius is just individualistic
enough to do it.  Others are still reeling, but you may still
be able to have some fun with friends with the new Moon in
Sag in your friendship and group sector.  Some
major players behind the scenes are bringing you
exceptionally fortunate changes and being alone or alone
with loved ones is heavenly so just do your Aquarian
thing and don’t look back.

Pisces is the bearer of the
really good news this week, and a friendship may bring
you a great cornucopia of blessings in finances and
property – just don’t break the bank when it comes
to those credit cards.  A good friend or love
interest may prove to be more financially savvy than you
thought and their advice or the doors they open for you
may be a pleasant surprise.  Funding may come to you from
somewhere very solid.  Settlements and
inheritances, and even a financial partner may bring
your heart’s desire.