JULY 2019 – ECLIPSE SEASON + MERCURY RETRO

“Ancestors or Poem”
Remedios Varo

July will see 3 major astrological happenings mainly: Mercury retrograde in Leo/Cancer and, two eclipses in Cancer/Capricorn.

Art by Tomislav Jagnjic

MERCURY RETROGRADE 

Mercury will station retrograde in Leo on July 7th and move back into the sign of Cancer on July 19th. Mercury stations direct on July 31st. This means that we have to contend with Mercury retrograde for the whole month of July.

Simply knowing this will make it a lot easier already. Rule of thumbs during Mercury retrogrades are: No major purchases, commitments and signing contracts if possible, but if you have to, don’t sweat it, it’s meant to be that way. Lay low if you can, and wait until August for major decisions or commitments. On a mundane level, the news will probably be far more fear-inducing than usual so if you can unplug for the month, do it!

THE NEW AND FULL MOON IN JULY WILL BE ECLIPSES

The New Moon in Cancer on July 2nd is a total solar eclipse and the Full Moon in Capricorn on July 19th is a partial lunar eclipse.

Eclipse season is a time of change and movement which often contains unforeseen elements. It’s not necessarily negative or positive but eclipses are associated with new elements being introduced in the picture while other ones are being removed. These can range from small to major occurrences. Not everyone will be affected the same way, and it really depends on your birth chart. Look at where Cancer and Capricorn sits in your chart.

People who have the Sun/Moon or their Ascendant(rising sign) in Cancer or Capricorn will be the ones handling this astrological weather the most in July.

The time between eclipses, is considered a liminal space. If you add the Mercury retrograde to the mix, July and especially mid-July is not a super good time to make major decisions as it will be more of a transitional space with some back and forth re-visiting/re-shaping/re-questioning and all the *re* associated with Mercury retrograde.

All this heavy lifting happening on the Cancer-Capricorn axis (this year) and in July is bringing some understanding in regards to the structures in our lives and how they sustain us, or fail to do so. There is a lot of anxiety and fears associated with security, nourishment, the ecological crisis (our mother Gaia who sustains us (Cancer), and how the system (Capricorn) is failing us. On a personal level, people are working on healing themselves through understanding generational trauma, doing ancestral work and getting at the roots of some of their emotions.

Time and time management is also on the radar and we are super aware of where and who is waisting our time. We are de-constructing the structures that are not sustaining/nourishing/supportive. Before we are able to build stronger foundations, we have to deal with a lot of garbage and darkness personally but also on a societal level. Ultimately, I think this process also brings genuine healing and connections to our roots, our deep past but also closer to our tribe within and without.

Brian Kershisnik Angels

 

NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS: Revolving Doors

“Do what he will, he [the profane man] is an inheritor. He cannot utterly abolish his past, since he himself is a product of his past. He forms himself by a series of denials and refusals, but he continues to be haunted by the realities that he has refused and denied. 
― Mircea Eliade

The second of two eclipses this month comes with the New Moon in Aquarius on February 15 at 4:05pm ET.

It takes place at 27º of Aquarius, only a few days before the Sun’s ingress into the Water sign of Pisces. This partial eclipse is near the Dragon’s Tail aka the South Node of the Moon which is in part connected to a dissolution process.

In the last few weeks, Venus, Mercury and the Sun all met with the South Node of the Moon. This had the effect of dredging up all sorts of gunk from the bottom of our psyche which is ready to be cleansed and expelled back into the void.

“There is a face beneath this mask, but it isn’t me.
I’m no more that face than I am the muscles beneath it, or the bones beneath that.”
― Steve Moore, V for Vendetta

Aquarius is a Fixed Air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn. The purifying Waters of the water bearer cleanse the heart and clarifies the mind. Since the beginning of February, residues from past emotional burdens have been floating around on the surface of our awareness like dead skin on the surface of water. The dim light of the Sun in the sign of Aquarius allowed for a sort of detachment in regards to these afflictions, and perhaps the ability to find rational solutions for twisted emotional conundrums. The rays of the Sun are pale in the midst of Winter, and illumination comes from within.


The Full Moon in Leo on January 31st, served to highlight what weighs heavy on our heart but also connected us to our heart’s longing. The New Moon in Aquarius on February 15, stirs in us the potentialities of ideas born from these longings which in turn conjures new creative impulses deep inside of us. We can imagine a new trajectory for ourselves; will we have the courage to follow through?

Although still in their abstract forms, we can intuit the shape of things to come. New seeds are now being planted in foreign soil as we gaze on the vast territories of future promises. We must accept estrangement and embrace this liminal space for the time being as we fuel on the creative fires. The eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis ask that we have the courage of our ideals and the willingness to break our own rules in order to reach them. Nothing new is born in conformity and we must depart from the known if we are to realize what our heart longs for. We must also be willing to walk away from our love of approval and this is perhaps the most difficult task.

Unbelonging looms large in the uncharted Aquarian world, and seeking ”likes” and acknowledgment will only lead to disappointment. The resolute heart must find support within himself.

At the time of the New Moon, Saturn, the traditional ruler of Aquarius sextiles Venus in Pisces. This aspect speaks of calibrating our desires in a realistic framework, finding the sweet spot within our limitations and perhaps, the right measure of inspiration and work. Saturn in its home sign of Capricorn and Venus in the sign of her exaltation, dispense the proper tools for those who know how to utilize them. This aspect is also about maturity within our relationship and the realistic appraisal of our desire nature.

At the time of the New Moon, Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius sextiles Mercury in Aquarius.  This aspect speaks of an urge to break away from limiting through patterns and complicated situations/emotions that limits our vision. Mercury in Aquarius still squaring Jupiter in Scorpio is all about the honest appraisal of these complicated situations/emotions and perhaps unacknowledged desires that could be holding us back from truly breaking free from restrictions.

We must first clean out our basement before we can totally move out. Mars in Sagittarius applying to square Neptune in Pisces at the time of the New Moon, promises to blur and confuse this process. Ensuring that we are aiming at the proper target requires an honest assessment of the motivations hiding behind our arrows. Clarifying our intent is half the battle and our ability to differentiate the ideal from the real will take us a bit closer to the realization of our vision for the future.

Hula Hoop Light Painting Photography by Grant Mallory

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!
-Bob Marley

 

 

This week in Astrology: Sorting out the essential from your heart

Monday opens with the Moon in the last degrees of Taurus on the Fixed star Algol or the Head of Medusa; don’t lose your mind. We are building towards the Jupiter/Uranus opposition that will be exact on the 27/28 of September. This is a revolutionary aspect which is excellent for visionaries and artists and for people who have the ability to see the silver lining in chaotic  circumstances but also have the guts to do things differently. On a mundane level it can feel destabilizing if you are holding to the status quo at all cost or need predictable outcomes. Small and large shifts are happening in our awareness and in the world at large and intuition is at an all time high. Flashes of insights and new bold ideas are available if you adjust your vision. With Uranus in Aries closing in on its opposition to Jupiter in Libra there is an urge to liberate ourselves while also searching for ”the other” to reflect us. It can feel polarizing to oscillate between our need for freedom and liberation versus our need for feedback, fairness and equilibrium.

The Moon enters Gemini at 15:30 EDT on Monday which will accentuate the current Mercury/Mars conjunction building up in Virgo. The next 2 days are excellent for analyzing, editing, and cutting through the superfluous. The mind can have a tendency to race and anxiety will be higher than usual. Finding the right measure of applied diligence and focus is possible as long as we don’t scatter ourselves. Mindfulness and disconnecting from the media, the internet and the constant chatter is one of the best remedies for this kind of astrological weather. Difficulties with communication, getting our message across, misunderstandings and harsh words are possible with the Mercury/Mars conjunction building up and, so are fried phones and electronics.

With the last quarter Moon in Gemini we can feel stimulated, talkative, and curious but there is also the tendency to get lost in chatter instead of being productive. Basically, don’t fry your brain with coffee and stress and find the right balance of intellectual work and simple manual or physical work. We could have the urge to communicate in many directions at once but essentially we can only do one thing at a time. Give your brain the right intellectual food and remember that words and symbols can be very powerful in shaping our experience of reality; use them wisely.

The last quarter Moon in Gemini supports finalizing the details of a project or idea that began at the New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 21st.

Venus in Leo trine Saturn in Sagittarius on Tuesday and this is a supportive but also sobering aspect in regards to relationship. We could feel serious and more realistic about our desires. Long-term commitments and maturity could feel more important at the moment and feelings could be reserved and controlled. Venus trine Saturn is beneficial for artist and creators who are looking to structure and give shape to their muse. This can be a productive time for creative work, social engagements, and public relations.

On Wednesday night the Moon enters her own sign of Cancer and this should help ease the mental tension creating a fluid and intuitive rhythm until Friday night.

Even though we are in the darkest of the Moon (before the New Moon in Virgo on September 20th) the weekend will feel quite dynamic with the Moon entering the Fire sign of Leo late on Friday night and Mercury and Mars perfecting their conjunction in Virgo on Saturday, September 16. Conversation around pride, identity, the need for acknowledgement and having  the courage to express oneself truthfully and courageously will all be aroused.

MERCURY RETROGRADE: Ordinary & Extraordinary

Small minds are concerned with the extraordinary, great minds with the ordinary
-Blaise Pascal

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Mercury retrograde always brings some form of revision either willingly or imposed on us by unforeseen circumstances. There is no reason to hop on the Mercury-Retro-Freak-Out-Train as this occurs approximately 3 times a year.

Mercury will be retrograde in the sign of Virgo and then Leo from August 12th to September 5th, 2017.

One of the striking aspect of this particular retrograde is the Mercury/Neptune opposition mere days before the beginning of the retrograde.

This means that the week leading up to the retrograde is somewhat foggy or tinted by wishful thinking and clarity is already lost. There could be confusion between facts and fiction. It could be that a situation is not seen for what it is and we are getting lost in glamorous thinking. Venus is also trine to Neptune and the Sun is in Leo after all!

Mercury/Neptune is not a terrible aspect in itself but decision making might not be anchored in reality. If you know this already, work it to your advantage and take into account that your perception will shift considerably by the time this retrograde is all said and done.

The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 7th was the first of 2 Eclipses happening this month and this also has to be taken into account. The liminal space between Eclipses can be thought of as a transitional period. Often the time surrounding Eclipses bring unforeseen circumstances which shake the foundations in our lives. Events pushes us to take a leap of faith or break with the old ways. Sometimes these events are forced upon us and the path we were until then walking on vanishes aligning us on a totally new and unforeseen trajectory.

Mercury retrogrades are best spent re-evaluating, sorting out, and revising what is already in place. Mercury retrogrades are not so great for launching major new projects and ideas. Since this retrograde begins in the Mercury ruled sign of Virgo, there is no better time to get down to the nitty-gritty details of your life and put them in order. Mercury will retrograde back into the sign of Leo on August 31st. The subject of self-esteem, pride, the desire for recognition, following one’s heart, dreams and passions will all be added to the mix.

*If the eclipses are already bringing major changes in your life, embrace them and apply a good strategy to insure your success.

Here are a few more tips to help you navigate the upcoming retrograde in Virgo & Leo:

☿-Don’t sweat the small stuff: Virgos can be hyper critical and self-loathing since they have such unreachable high standards for themselves. Give yourself a break and pay attention to your internal dialogues; keep it positive and guilt free.

☿-Sweat the small stuff: Mercury retrograde in Virgo is a great time to revise and organize. A great time to tackle all the menial jobs that you have been putting off. Paper work, writing, editing and organizing could really put you ahead of the game. Re-evaluate the processes in your life and find solutions that will help you be more efficient.

☿-Find activities that help alleviate anxiety: Over-thinking and the endless quest for perfection is a modern diseases. Step-away from it all with activities that help you disconnect from the over-achieving mind. Go pet a goat.

☿-Find healing

☿-Be easy on yourself: You are where you are suppose to be. Trust the process.

☿-Get in touch with your procrastination: The more you put things off the tighter the grip will get. Maybe your to-do list is to big? What can you do to alleviate the pressure?

☿-With Mercury going back into the sign of Leo, issues of pride and self-esteem could come up. Following our heart is always a work in progress. Practice asking for what you need directly and without shame. Allow your heart’s desires to express themselves in a healthy way.

☿-Understand that success is a state of mind.

☿-Do not let your pride get in the way of the hard work needed to succeed.

☿-If you know your chart, look at where Virgo and Pisces are located. Do you have important planets or is your Ascendant in Virgo or Pisces? Perhaps some organizing is called for in those areas of your life.

☿-Since this Mercury retrograde is weaved in with the 2 eclipses in August, look at where Leo and Aquarius fall in your chart. Do you have any important planets or is your Ascendant either in Leo or Aquarius? Events surrounding the next two months will bring opportunities to break away from an old way of being. This could be subtle or dramatic depending on your natal dispositons.

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                              Jack Kerouac (Virgo rising and Moon in Virgo) on Self-Loathing
                                                          

“The rucksack sits hopefully in a strewn mess of bottles all empty, empty poorboys of white port, butts, junk, horror … ‘One fast move or I’m gone,’ I realize, gone the way of the last three years of drunken hopelessness which is a physical and spiritual and metaphysical hopelessness you can’t learn in school no matter how many books on existentialism or pessimism you read, or how many jugs of vision-producing Ayahuasca you drink, or Mescaline take, or Peyote goop up with – that feeling when you wake up with the delirium tremens, with the fear of eerie death dripping from your ears like those special heavy cobwebs spiders weave in the hot countries, the feeling of being a bentback mudman monster groaning underground in hot steaming mud pulling a long hot burden nowhere, the feeling of standing ankle deep in hot boiled pork blood, ugh, of being up to your waist in a giant pan of greasy brown dishwater not a trace of suds left in it – the face of yourself you see in the mirror with its expression of unbearable anguish so haggard and awful with sorrow you can’t even cry for a thing so ugly, so lost, no connection whatever with early perfection, and therefore nothing to connect with tears or anything.”

 

 

 

FULL MOON IN AQUARIUS: The Nekyia

”You cannot cross your own shadow however much you haste–it is always exactly ahead of your grasp. Sight cannot approach its objects without the medium of light and atmosphere; fish cannot swim out of water; and no more can embodied beings keep incorporeal company with things ideal. Some corporeal factor will always intrude itself, even if the mind be most fully detached from the visible world and at its most recollected when it attempts to engage with its invisible kin.” – St Gregory the Theologian

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The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius on August 7 is part of a bigger thread weaving itself throughout next year’s Eclipse cycle. Eclipses usually come in sets of two and we will see a New Moon/Solar Eclipse in the sign of Leo on August 21st which will be visible across the United-States. Much ink has been spilt about ”The Great American Eclipse” and I invite you to read a thorough analysis on Skyscript by my colleague Wade Caves.

Eclipses across the Leo-Aquarius axis will continue until August 2018 and this must be taken into consideration when speculating on the outcome of this particular Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius.

TAIL TO HEART & MIND TO MOUTH

”The lunar nodes are the orbital nodes of the Moon, that is, the points where the orbit of the Moon crosses the ecliptic. The ascending or north node is where the moon crosses from south of the ecliptic to north of the ecliptic. The descending or south node is where it crosses from north of the ecliptic to south of the ecliptic. Eclipses occur only near these lunar nodes.”

The Full Moon in Aquarius will take place next to the South Node of the Moon which is why it will be a Lunar Eclipse. The South Node of the Moon is also called the Tail of the Dragon or Ketu in Indian Astrology. It is sometime said that the South Node of the Moon is a point of spiritualization. Circumstances which have reach their fullness in the material world are ready to disintegrate, disappear, and go back into the void. Since the South Node of the Moon is currently traveling in the sign of Aquarius that part of the zodiac is ripped for transformation.

Aquarius is linked to eccentric figures and iconoclast who do not care for social conventions. Aquarius might at some level crave recognition but also seem to be totally self-sufficient in those regards. Being ruled by hard ass Saturn means that Aquarians are somewhat cold and distant even aloof when it comes to the language of the heart.

The sign opposing Aquarius is Leo and it is in the Lion’s den that the North Node of the Moon is currently residing; it is here that the other half of these eclipses will take place. The sign of Leo rules the heart and so Aquarians have much to learn in the next year when it comes to the language of the heart. The series of Eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis will see the Water Bearer connecting to their emotional centre. If this does not happen willingly it will be out of necessity or circumstances which pushes Aquarius folks to open up at the risk of loosing important connections.

The Full Moon on August 7 is at 15º in the middle decan of Aquarius and so the rebels and the misfits could find themselves having to surrender parts of themselves in order to stay afloat. Ancient stories and old ghosts could resurface with an important message before taking a forced offering and vanishing into the void. Exorcising stale assumptions about oneself is never easy especially for this very ”Fixed” part of the Zodiac. A tight grip on independence and individuality could potentially aggravate relationships in the next year. A honest offering of what is contained within the heart will help pay for the crossing to the other shore.

Norval Morisseau
1964
Self-Portrait entitled Devoured by Demons

THE ORACLE

Projections and shadows will combine to create a dim spectacle. The union of heart and mind cannot be solved for the moment. One wishes to have a cold and solid heart, a respite, but the heart is too full. Disengaging from love which controls without logic one craves a solitude which doesn’t come easily. Detaching from the centre that unites while focusing on that same centre, the mind loses clarity. What is perceived as outside the self has a tight hold and is depleting to one’s own conception of reality and what matters. The urge is to dissociate from the mass hysteria while not being able to unplug.  One must courageously stare into the darkness while anticipating what lies ahead. There is an uncontrollable urge to reach the light coming from a distant promise. The scholar holds the book of knowledge and doesn’t want to let it go. The Self must be surrendered one way or another. Recognition will not come forth but once the grasp of individuation slowly releases, information will come rushing in. Trusting the heart is a work in progress. Resistance will only aggravate loneliness.

 

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Who is most likely to be affected by these Eclipses

People born with the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or Nodal Axis in Aquarius or Leo.

People born with important planets (Sun, Moon) or their Ascendant in Scorpio and Taurus.

 

 

NEW MOON IN LEO: REGAL HEARTS

”Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.”
-Carl Jung

Meaning & Spirit

August is not just the eighth month of the year; it also describes something esteemed or regal. Although we are not quite done with July, the spirited Leo New Moon on July 23rd opens up the Fixed summer season with a bold thrust.

The meaning of the word August and the symbolism of Leo are pretty much interchangeable. The word August means something or someone who is marked by majestic dignity or grandeur. Leo being ruled by the Sun which is central to our solar system is the sign most often associated with royalty and lofty dispositions. Nothing exists without the Sun, therefore nothing could possibly exist without the strength and brilliance of the Lion.

Grand ambitious, dignified, elevated, eminent, exalted, fine, glorious, gorgeous, grandiose, great, haughty, illustrious, imposing, impressive, large, lofty, lordly, luxurious, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, opulent, ostentatious, palatial, pompous, pretentious, princely, regal, splendid, splendiferous, stately, striking, sublime, sumptuous, superb, admirable, awesome, divine, excellent, fine, first-class, first-rate, great, pre-eminent, principal, supreme. 

Children of the Sun

To be a child of the Sun means approaching life with a playful bravery and choosing with the heart. To be a child of the Sun means to acknowledge your worth and claim what is yours. To be a child of the Sun is to believe in your worth and let your spirit speak through your actions. There is no place for hypocrisy here as the light brightens even the darkest corners of the soul; one must have the boldness to align with who he is. When the heart and the mind sings in unison all is pure radiance.

Joy & Power

Mythology is full of stories who guard man from the hubris of pitting oneself against the Gods but in the first decan of Leo we are blinded by the Sun or perhaps our own will. To live one’s truth is a birth right and we cannot tolerate anything which threatens to hold us back. A generous amount of power and passion resides here and not much stands in the way of the Lion’s desires.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
– Joseph Campbell

More is more

The New Moon takes place on Sunday July 23rd at 0º Leo as we make way for the royal displays of our hearts longing. The New Moon will also be 1º away from Mars who will land its sparks to the fire and ignite individual will.

Meanwhile, Mercury in Leo will be 2 degrees from the North Node or Head of the Dragon and form a grand fire trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius. Like a hot air balloon we could find ourselves benefiting from a certain amount of heat and pressure to propel us forward. Necessary planning along with audacity and conviction will be required for the journey ahead.

The stage is set and the New Moon in Leo is the opening act to a drama that will take us all the way into the first week of September and beyond. The aspects of the coming weeks are like a fire which has the potential to cleanse our inner and outer landscapes.

28º of Leo: Truth revealed

The Leo season will be marked by a few dynamic aspects including a Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse at 15º of Aquarius on August 7 and a second New Moon at 28º of Leo on August 21 which will also be a total Solar eclipse. Mercury will be @ 28º Leo on July 24 the day after the first New Moon in Leo. Mercury will again be at 28º Leo on September 3rd as part of its retrograde motion and will go direct at that same 28º on September 5.

This particular part of the zodiac will be very active in August. If you have the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in the last decan of Leo or any of the Fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus & Scorpio) the upcoming eclipses will have a stronger impact in your life.

Get your selfie game on and stay bold!

”A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”
-James Monroe

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♡

NEW MOON IN LEO HOROSCOPES

Sun sign horoscopes cannot replace a proper analysis of your birth chart and transits of the moment. They are meant as a broad insight into certain time signatures. If you want a more detailed forecast, you can book a reading with Elodie here. You can also subscribe to the 9th House monthly horoscopes here.

*The rising sign is essential in understanding our personal dispositions, please read your Sun sign and rising sign for extra clarity.

LEO/LEO RISING ♌︎

This is your time of the year Leo. You have equal part guts and stamina backing you up at the moment. The projects you are working on could have a bigger impact in your life then you might realize and you will be forced to plan accordingly. Now is the time to go for it and trust your intuition. More is more.

VIRGO/VIRGO RISING ♍︎

Much of the action in August will happen behind close door for you dear Virgo.There are powerful currents running through your life and you might not be totally aware of the hold they have on you. Now would be an excellent time to connect to the hidden motives that dictates much of your decisions. Open the curtains and let the light in.

LIBRA/LIBRA RISING ♎︎

Growth and expansion are still the name of the game for you in August. You have many irons in the fire at the moment and you should strike while they are hot. It is not everyday that the opportunity to try new things knock at the door. The more you put yourself out there the more things will flow your way. Say yes to life.

SCORPIO/SCORPIO RISING ♏︎

The New Moon in Leo takes place in the part of your chart that deals with your career and vocation. You are being asked to step up to a particular challenge and you can feel that you might have to give it all of your attention. Technically that’s not a big deal for you but there are other things happening on the home front. Trust the process.

SAGITTARIUS/SAGITTARIUS RISING ♐︎

The New Moon in Leo ignites your desires for adventure in a big way. All the work you have been putting in for the last few years is bearing fruit and you are now ready to find new challenges. August will see you assess new territories and make new connections. Explore your options and let Fortuna take care of the rest!

CAPRICORN/CAPRICORN RISING ♑︎

The New Moon in Leo brings with her commitments and contracts. What binds you to others will be important this month and you will need to find the right balance between your personal goals and what is being asked of you. Partnerships remains on the forefront as you learn the art of compromise. Keep the diamond in your mind.

AQUARIUS/AQUARIUS RISING ♒︎

The New Moon in Leo animates the part of your chart that deals with partnerships of all kind. You will find yourself reflecting on your many relationships and the important role others play in your life. You desire for connection will be at an all time high in the next month. Allow yourself plenty of time to reflect on your heart’s desires; no man is an island.

PISCES/PISCES RISING ♓︎

To benefit fully from this upcoming cycle, I would suggest a reset in regards to your routine. Too much rigidity sinks your boat and not enough sees you floating aimlessly. Re-assess the way you have been spending your time and find the right measure of work and play. The wild fires of August will be treacherous for many but you should manage to escape most of the heat; stay cool.

ARIES/ARIES RISING ♈︎

Aries you are on FIRE! There are a lot of good things going on for you at the moment and you should be able to keep the momentum going in August. A dose of discipline coupled with a bit of work and lots of play is all you need. Remember to take a breather between adventures as to not burn the candle by both ends. Set your sight on the many opportunities knocking at your door and go for it.

TAURUS/TAURUS RISING ♉︎

You are one busy bee Taurus and there are still a lot that needs to be done. Somehow, time seems to be escaping you and you could feel like you are running out of breath. Making the best of your current opportunities is great but you cannot be everything for everyone. Summer is here but vacations will have to be postponed. Re-assess your stance and breath.

GEMINI/GEMINI RISING ♊︎

If running errands was an art, you would surely be a master my dear Gemini. There are so many little details that needs your attention at the moment it’s a wonder you can do it all. Just when you think you are done with your to-do list, something else comes along that needs your attention. Don’t ignore the details but leave some room for play and free time.

CANCER/CANCER RISING ♋︎

This New Moon in Leo sees you starting a fresh financial cycle. You have been busy with some new projects and ideas and now is the time to crunch some numbers. Sacrifices will need to be made and you are ready. Delineate an action plan and stick to your goal. Ease and support is coming your way in August if you steer clear of unnecessary indulgence.

 

♕

 

Full Moon in Leo: Hearts Ablaze

”Circe” by Romare Bearden

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Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison.
The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy.
-Paracelsus

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The Opening Act

For a brief moment on Friday evening a shadow will pass over the Moon. This is the first hint of what is to come in a series of eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis. These eclipses will take us all the way to January 21st, 2019 and this particular Full Moon is the opening act. 10 minutes after the Full Moon peaks on Friday evening so will the penumbral lunar eclipse. The Moon will spend more than 4 hours coasting through Earth’s outer shadow and it will appear darker than normal.

”Like other lunar eclipses, penumbral eclipses occur whenever the Earth passes between the Moon and Sun, such that it obscures the Sun’s light and casts a shadow onto the Moon’s surface. But unlike other kinds of eclipses, they are extremely subtle events to observe. In a penumbral eclipse the Moon passes through an outer region of the Earth’s shadow called the penumbra.   The Moon will first enter Earth’s shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST (2232 GMT), and its moonlight will slowly but surely grow dimmer for a little over 2 hours. After the eclipse peaks at 7:43 p.m. EST, the bright glow of the full moon will take about another 2 hours to return to normal.” -Dave Reneke’s World of Space and Astronomy

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The Lunar Nodes

The Moon’s Nodes are actually the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they travel in the celestial sphere. The Moon crosses the ecliptic twice each orbit around the Earth – approximately every 13 days – creating the possibility of an eclipse. However, eclipses can only occur when the Moon is new or full: that is when the Earth, Moon and Sun are in perfect alignment.

In the early European and Oriental astronomical texts these Nodes are referred to as the Head of the Dragon (North Node) and the Tail of the Dragon (South Node). It the same tradition, it is generally believed that Caput Draconis (North Node) is more beneficial than its counter part Cauda Draconis (South Node).

In the Vedic tradition these Nodes are called Rahu and Ketu and are ascribed significance equal to that of a planet or more specifically as a ”shadowy planet”. Their function is one of karmic retribution and together they represent the great cyclic law of manifestation which sustains the universe. In fact, the Nodes are said to be so powerful that even the Sun and the Moon obeys them. Eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon are at one of these Lunar Nodes. In most traditions (if not all of them), a celestial monster – a demon- or a serpent- is depicted eating the luminaries and causing the eclipses.

What makes you bold

This first eclipse in the sign of Leo occurs close to the North Node of the Moon, or ”Rahu”.
In the Vedic tradition, Rahu is sometimes compared to a poisonous black serpent. This black serpent is considered both wise as well as deadly and the poison is used for both destructive and regenerative purposes. Rahu is said to bring about opportunities to anchor us deeply into matter so that we can fully take part in the material and physical experience. The Head of the Dragon, with its mouth open, is said to have an insatiable appetite for the things of this world. Symbolically, the changes and opportunities that are brought with eclipses are said to appear and disappear in and out of the void (or darkness) of the eclipse. Eclipses are almost unanimously thought to be linked to changing circumstances. Whether these changes will affect you more directly depends greatly on your natal disposition.

“Anything which you have in profusion is poison”
― Amit Kalantri

Luna

The Moon in astrology holds a passive role as she receives and reflects the light of the Sun; she does not create her own light. Here we enter the realm of projection; what is being reflected under her rays remain elusive. In this world of projections, shadows quickly turn into bizarre creatures as the imagination is given free reign. One must wonder if what he sees is real or if it is a mere trick of the light.

The shadow of the Earth crossing the Moon symbolically represents the regenerative process that occurs in the dark. The many projections accumulated overtime are briefly obscured to enable a new type of awareness. In this darkness a truth is revealed helping us move forward and out of these accumulated projections. A skin is shed, a baggage is dropped, an egg is broken, a face emerges from under the mask for a short moment revealing something that had escaped us until now.

Laughter, poison to fear 

The Full Moon takes place in the flamboyant sign of Leo which is ruled by the Sun. Here we find the dramatic urges of the ego who desires acknowledgement for its sovereignty and royal powers. While the Sun will be illuminating the Moon from the perspective of Aquarius, this brief intermission is brought to us by Kings and Queens. The language of Leo is one that directly links us to the heart, which it rules. The heart’s language is commanding and bold and links us to the creative fires. From this starting point everything is born. The Sun is the central heart of our solar system and Leo is closely linked to this archetypal image. For now though, Leo will have to content itself with a mere reflection of the Sun’s rays and will even find itself briefly eclipsed by a passing shadow. A hint of what is to come in the coming months.

The heart knows what it wants and this Full Moon will briefly illuminate its investments which will be hugely magnified by the sextile from Jupiter in Libra. Should those investments be of a more poisonous nature, the need to undergo a purging process will be necessary and this eclipse could trigger the process. However, if the poison is used as medicine, a courageous disposition will be necessary if one is to seize the opportunities offered at this time. This could be further thought of as having the strength of mind and spirit to face adversity with bravery while remaining true to one’s convictions.

This Full Moon will also be locked for a brief moment in a Grand Fire Trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius. Revolutionary changes are brewing and whether we are able to perceive the sparks or not, the process is underway. Whatever it is, it might not become obvious until August’s Solar Eclipse in Leo but a story is being weaved and this is the starting point.

Take Note

This first eclipse falls at 22º of Leo. If you have important planets or if your Ascendant is between 17º and 27º of a Fixed sign (Leo-Scorpio-Aquarius-Taurus) this Full Moon/eclipse will be felt more directly, especially if they are in Leo or Aquarius. The fundamental changes being birthed at this time are linked to the next eclipse on the 22nd of August and more extensively to the ones in 2018. Be prepared to let go and be willing to receive the unexpected blessings, difficulties and fundamental changes in the coming months.

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware. In this state of god-like awareness one sings; in this realm the world exists as poem.”
Henry Miller

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References

1. Myths & Symbols of Vedic Astrology by Bepin Behari.

2. Avebury Cosmos: The Neolithic World of Avebury henge, Silbury Hill, West Kennet long barrow, the Sanctuary & the Longstones Cove by Nicholas Mann.

3. Star Gods of the Maya: Astronomy in Art, Folklore, and Calendars by Susan Milbrath.

February’s Fire

Hey everyone,

We’re almost done with January which has been a good example of what is to come. We also have entered the Chinese Year of the Fire Rooster. Even if the Chinese Zodiac has nothing to do with the Tropical Zodiac (the one we use) there is one thing in common for 2017 and that is: there is a LOT of planets in FIRE signs all year.

Uranus is in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius plus we have an upcoming Venus retrograde (beginning March 4) in the sign of Aries.

There is also a series of eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis beginning this month with the Full Moon in Leo (a Fire sign) on February 10. Eclipses generally comes in sets of 4 over the course of the year.

So what does it mean? Well, If you have important planets in the late degrees of the Fixed signs (Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius, Leo) this year eclipses will highlight that part of your chart.
Eclipses in astrology are considered triggers that brings fundamental changes. These changes can be sudden or they can be more of a gradual shift towards something completely new over a period of time. Of course it’s easier to pinpoint the area affected by studying the natal chart.

The New Moon in Pisces at the end of February is also a Solar eclipse and it is the last one in the Pisces/Virgo series that has happened over the course of the last 2 years. There was a lot of changes for these guys (Virgo and Pisces) and an evolution towards something that is either being born now or on the last stretch of its journey.

The Sun is in Aquarius and will move into the water sign of Pisces on February 18.

Saturn in Sagittarius (a fire sign) continues to fuel dogmatic beliefs and wars on ideologies and Jupiter goes retrograde later this month which will bring the second Jupiter/Uranus opposition.

Mars in Aries (fire sign) all month is excellent for pushing ahead with your own ideas and
projects. If you feel tense, go sweat it out.

Stay noble, stay bold.

 

Full Moon in Pisces: Naked in a dream

On Friday September 16 the Moon in Pisces conjunct Chiron moments before the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse.  This is a slippery spot in the month and I imagine the days leading to the eclipse  (read: this week) will also be like finding ourselves naked in a dream. Our weakness and insecurities could be showing up in unexpected places. Old patterns emerging without rational explanation, feeling defensive and taking things personally. If you are doing good, then you are one of the lucky ones who can be a lighthouse for those who are sailing the storm. Since this Full Moon is on the South Node (which is why it is an eclipse) we can anticipate the days leading up to it to be filled with a sense of déjà vu. It could also be that we go back to old stomping grounds, reconnect with people from our past or that we find ourselves nostalgic over something from days gone by.

”The wound is the place where the light enters you” -Rumi

When you combine the South Node of the Moon and Chiron in Pisces you get salt in your wounds.

Healing can hurt, it gets itchy and we want to pick at the scabs. This Full Moon is a bit like that. It is also like trying to hold on to something that is overripe or almost moldy; it bruises easily and you get your hands dirty, it might even stink a little.  But rotten things make excellent compost. Just don’t handle the rot/manure for too long.

Create space between yourself and your reactions

”Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally…Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. All people live in their own dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one we live in. When we take something personally, we make the assumption that they know what is in our world, and we try to impose our world on their world.” -Miguel Ruiz

What you are letting go now or what has reached a point of saturation is serving as fertiliser for the future. You might feel like simmering in your stew a bit longer. You might think that going back to your old ways would be safer. It could be that an important chapter is closing but you can’t quite see around the corner. Whichever way you decide to navigate this narrow canal, know that there is no turning back.  Tie yourself to the mast of your boat while the Moon passes in the earth’s shadow and looses her light. An era is definitely over and you get the confirmation if you can stand the darkness for a brief moment. If you have personal planets in the last 10 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) this Full Moon will affect you more significantly.

Safe passage
xx

Elodie

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Images:
✵Eddystone Lighthouse, During a Storm by William Daniell (1769–1837)
Plymouth City Council: Museum and Art Gallery.

✵Abraham Mignon – Still-Life with Fruits (1660-1679)

Victims and Survivors

The Aries season is officially on. The return of the light for us here in the northern hemisphere means the return of life. Everything is slowly waking up, including us. The urge is to forge ahead, break new ground and create a new set of circumstances. You could feel like you are full of new ideas/momentum for the future and ready to go! You might also feel like things are not moving fast enough.

Venus is lingering in the sign of Pisces triggering the recent eclipse material and she will conjunct Chiron on Wednesday. There is a need to integrate older material (crap) that surfaced or perhaps completely let it go. Venus in Pisces support us in doing so with full awareness and compassion not only for ourselves but for others. It’s a great week to integrate past hurts without staying stuck in the quagmire.

This is definitely a time of evolution so don’t linger too long in your wounds but move with the awareness of why you are doing what you do and where you are going. Take the time to process your recent realisations or experiences. You can forge ahead towards new territories, but still very much be fueled by the past and by what came before. Remember WHY you are doing what you do and this will help you progress.

The Jupiter/Saturn square is still on – slowing down progress and asking us for a full detailed report. Advancement is possible but it has to be slow and deliberate.

In a broader sense there is a clash between philosophical/political/religious/spiritual ideas and a general cacophony of voices on the public stages. The urge to take a strong stance to defend our beliefs is definitely one signature of this Jupiter/Saturn square.

Whatever transitional space you find yourself in, remember that perspective and flexibility are your best assets and stay cool.
xx