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.

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.

Eclipse image from Chinese Feng Shui Website

World of Feng Shui with Lillian Too

One piece of eclipse lore that is rarely discussed is that the action of the eclipses can be triggered by transiting planets, especially Mars, up to nine months before the actual eclipse occurs. For a look back at what the eclipses may be doing in your chart, if you can recall what happened around May 25 – 28, when Mars transited the recent solar eclipse degree at 9 Leo, you may get a view of what is unfolding in your life due to the eclipse. If you look back at your journal, or recall what was going on in your life at the time, you will see what influence the recent solar eclipse will have on you. That’s when the eclipse action began. It may be when the most intense action actually took place, or it may have been a prelude to what the eclipse will bring into your life.

Despite being an astrologer and astrology columnist for many years, this eclipse took me by surprise while I was being distracted by my other work. When I experienced a major change with the food and restaurant column I was writing at the request of a local newspaper publisher, I could have kicked myself for not recognizing the writing on the wall. I, after all, am an astrologer with a twenty-year practice, weekly newspaper astrology column, and a newspaper feature writer with articles that appear in city newspapers. Until recently, my weekly astrology columns ran in several newspapers. Had I vigilantly researched my own chart, instead of just focusing on the charts of clients and my columns, I would have known what was going to happen when I tried to initiate the changes I needed in an eclipse cycle.

Instead, when newspapers across the country were to cut back by at least 20 % over the next few weeks, I was taken by surprise so I did not act in my own best interest. I got a negative, if not incredulous response to my request for either more money or less extra work.

My contract ended on May 26, the day that Mars transited the recent solar eclipse. If I had been looking at the eclipse and where it was in my own natal chart, instead of being absorbed in the local restaurant scene and local food issues (although I love to cook), I would have seen that the eclipse was being triggered by the planet Mars on the exact day that I talked to the publisher. Mars’ action would trigger the August 1 solar eclipse on my Saturn Pluto conjunction. Unless you are a master or an adept with great control, that conjunction can be quite destructive.

Instead of my astrology chart, I was enjoying my assignment at the new RIverHouse Inn restaurant. And since the eclipse is in Leo, the sign of pleasure and enjoyment, I was certainly captivated by the elegance and grace of the restaurant. When I should have been looking at my chart, I was instead concentrating on the RiverHouse Inn’s new menu with items like chili-plum chicken satay and smoked salmon tapas, two chops of herb-crusted baked pork ladled with apple juice jalapeno pecan reduction and peppered sirloin with cognac demi, and seafood items, like pan seared salmon and crab cakes. I was daydreaming about the dinners I would have later in the dining room or on the patio overlooking the Red Cedar River.

When I looked up from the view of the river from where I was writing my notes on the fine linen tablecloth, both literally and metaphorically, I had the ultimate astrologer’s “aha” moment.

I recognized what really happened. The arrangement did not suit me and I had intended to make changes anyway, but I hadn’t quite decided what kind of negotiating I wanted to do with the paper. I’m a Libra, and while I take issue with the commonly held belief that Libra’s are indecisive, I do recognize that Libra’s are constantly weighing and balancing and what I prefer to call ‘redeciding’. So while I was considering my best course of action and enjoying the local restaurant scene, life happened, in the action of the planets.

A few weeks later, the major newspapers in the chain that carried several of my astrology columns made significant cut backs, and the first contract was just a foreshadowing of things to come. It reminded me in the most personal way, why people in ancient times were afraid of the eclipses. It is related to the fear people have always had even in the dark of the moon, which is the two days before any new moon. And while I don’t fear the dark of the moon or the eclipses, I feel they take special handling. I usually meditate and release aspects of my life that have to go in the dark of the moon, and in the eclipses I meditate and ask for inner guidance.

In the Goddess time of pre-King Arthur days, people did not go outside around the time of the eclipses or in the two days of the dark of the moon before any new moon. In the dark of the moon, ancient people believed there was no energy in the world and they believed it was dangerous to go out. They also believed eclipses were downright evil.

The coming lunar eclipse on August 16, is going to pack an extra wallop since it will also involve Neptune. The action of this eclipse was triggered when Mars transited the eclipse point on June 22 and again when Venus transited it’s opposition point on July 7 and 8. So if you take a look at events in your life, or events in the world on those days, especially when Mars made the transits, you will see what the action of the eclipse may bring.

In the Lunar eclipse, it is important to remember that the involvement of Neptune, two degrees away from the exact eclipse point, will make this a rather unpredictable eclipse, and we should look for confusion, art, a spiritual influence, a higher octave of love or a spiritual love, film, and on the lower manifestation, fraud, deception, addictions, and situations that appear to be special and then turn to garbage in our hands, going from the highest inspiration for us to the lowest and most disappointing experiences. For that reason, it is important to hold off on major decisions, legal agreements or signing contracts, and, if we can, to avoid making commitments in relationships.

Important actions or decisions should be avoided for three days before and after the next eclipse, and if possible, two weeks both before and after.

For art. film, or photography, meditation or spiritual activities, it can be a good time but it is still important to be prepared for anything.

The periods of eclipses, from the time the action is triggered by a transiting planet, or until the eclipse itself takes place, are unstable periods when patterns we think are set in our lives may actually shift suddenly out of our lives completely and unexpectedly. It is also the case that people and situations from the past may return to renegotiate a new relationship or just reunite with us, so it is really an example of the saying, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.”

The effect of the recent solar eclipse will last for around 4 and a half years, meaning that it will act as a sensitive point for that long.  Other planets may also trigger its action by transiting a point that aspects it. I’ll have more on the coming lunar eclipse, as we get closer to its date of August 16, 2008.

This morning you could see the solar eclipse (eclipse of the sun) if you lived in Siberia, Helsinki, northern Canada, China, Mongolia, or that general area.  This eclipse is very strong since the Sun is in it’s strongest position in the sign of Leo, since that is the planet that rules Leo.  It was also very close to Mercury.  Ancient and classical astrologers believed that the armies marched in the path of the eclipse, meaning that wars and battles happened in the areas where the eclipses are visible.  We may get a chance to see this play out with the way China handles the Olympics, since the eclipse could be seen in China.

In a personal chart, the action of the eclipse manifests according to the planet that it aspects.  For instance, if the Sun was in Leo when you were born, and the eclipse is on your Sun, it means you may be rather fortunate.  If your Saturn is in Leo, you may have a Saturn experience, which could be frustrations and restrictions.  Although, since the Sun in strong in Leo, it could also improve the outcome.

Since the eclipse is also very close to Mercury, it could have an impact on communications or jobs, since they are also ruled by Mercury.  Relationships may be impacted since the Sun and Moon are the astrological principle of man and woman, husband and wife.

In an eclipse it is best to put off major decisions and legal matters or major moves since the energy of the eclipse creates an atmosphere of emotional instability.  Everyone feels a sense of urgency to act immediately but since the energy is unstable, this is action that often will work against us and that we will regret later.  That is the origin of the use of the word “eclipsed”.  Astrologers usually advise that we make no important decisions or actions from two weeks before to two weeks after an eclipse.  If we can’t observe that, we should wait for three days before or after.

When the auto company Mitsubishi brought out it’s Eclipse model, it was clear that auto company had not consulted an astrologer, since no one would name a car Eclipse if they knew  its historical meaning  The current dictionary definition is “to outshine” but, in fact, it is the opposite. The eclipse brings a momentary darkness, a loss of light. If you consider that the light is the sacred element that makes everything grow either literally (like plants, vegetables. flowers) or spiritually (since the Egyptian Sun god, Ra, all the way to Christ the Son (sun) of God), the loss of the light is not considered positive, which is why ancients were so frightened when the sky darkened.

In some part of China, they still bang pots and pans to chase away the evil spirits.

In the ancient times, everyone remained inside, since they feared the eclipses.  Until modern medicine improved health care, it was believed that more boy babies had difficult births, during the solar eclipses, and girl babies had difficult births during the lunar eclipses.

Since the sign of Leo is associated with power, nobility, gold, and authority, look for activity throughout the year ahead in those areas.  Locations ruled by Leo are France, Italy, Macedonia, Spain, Sicily, Madagascar, Zanzibar so keep your eye on these areas for signs of change, along with the areas in the path of this eclipse.

And this eclipse is just a warm up for the next eclipse (and possibly a more important one), August 16, when it happens near the transiting planet of Neptune.

A Water Baby by Herbert James Draper

This painting is the principle of Cancer; a mother with her child, a protective shell, and the sea.

The New Moon that took place July 2 was in the sign of Cancer which represents emotions, mother, the maternal principle, and family. This New Moon will bring feelings and family matters front and center for this month. Emotions involving the family, and deeply tender and sensitive feelings for those close to us will be part of the theme. It’s an excellent time to schedule a trip for the whole family at a restaurant or a resort where everyone can sit and chat and just enjoy each other’s company. It is a time for renewing the family ties and cleansing emotional wounds. Cancer, the sign ruled by the moon, rules the natural fourth house which includes family of origin, domestic life, residence and possessions. It also rules emotions, women, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and girlfriends. The Moon also rules our subconscious and past lives. It is a cardinal (leadership) water sign (intuitive and emotional) and many who have planets in this sign in their charts are very intuitive and very nurturing. The USA is under the sign of Cancer which may account for these lines of the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty from the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me…:”

In Hindu astrology, wearing a pearl or moonstone strengthens the moon position and brings you good fortune (in the Hindu system, not in the Western system of astrology) if the moon has a strong placement in your chart. The moon is considered fortunate in the signs of Cancer and Taurus. Famous Cancers celebs are Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Nelson Mandela.