Monthly Archives: July 2009

Ask Real Astrologers: What Determines How an Eclipse Affects Us?

This week’s question comes from a comment posted by Mem to the Weekly Forecast for July 6:

What happens if an eclipse falls in a house in which you don’t have planets? And what if the particular aspect of life that house rules doesn’t apply to you at the moment? For instance, this eclipse falls in my seventh house. I don’t have a relationship and I don’t have a business partner. Now what?


Pat’s response:

Neith is out for the rest of the week, so I’m doing this week’s column solo.

Mem, this is a great question, which is why we saved it for the Q&A instead of posting a response to your comment.

Eclipses affect you whether or not you have planets in the houses in which they fall. In my work with clients, I have noticed a near 100-percent correlation between significant events in an individual’s life and the eclipse cycle, and these events nearly always match up to the houses involved. Eclipses stay in the same sign pair for about 18 months, and that’s typically how long the related events take to play out.

Because eclipses fall in sign pairs, there are two houses influenced and not just one. In your case, this new series of eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer will affect the seventh and the first houses. The first house is the most personal area of your chart, ruling your physical body and the persona you have taken on in this lifetime.

So, one way to answer your question would be that this series of eclipses may not be about partnership for you, but could have something to do with your person. With first-house eclipses, you might end up looking completely different 18 months from now. Or, you could get a new job that completely overhauls your life.

The outgoing series of eclipses is in my first house. I suffered a serious injury that has had a domino effect and brought several other changes in my life. Don’t worry, though, that the same may happen to you. Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune were transiting my first house at the same time. Also, as of the last eclipse in this series, a lunar eclipse on August 5, I’ll be completing a rehabilitation program that should put me on the road to complete recovery. So hopefully there will be a happy ending, and I’ve learned an awful lot in the process.

Now, since this series of eclipses also fell in my seventh house, I had several interesting relationship developments as well, the first of which began just one week after the first eclipse in the series in February 2008. It looks like there will be some resolution or conclusion to these situations in the next few weeks — right on cue!

I do have planets in both my first and seventh houses. But even if I didn’t, the effect likely would have been the same, with the exception of the last eclipse, which falls directly on my first-house Sun in Aquarius. I’ll let you know what happens … if I live.

Just kidding. Back to your chart, Mem, the seventh house rules all close relationships, so the next 18 months could bring a significant person into your life. For some people, this might be a literary agent or investment broker. If you’re looking for a romantic partner, that is also a possibility. There aren’t always developments at the first eclipse in the series, but sometimes the second or third. In my experience, however, the outcome or resolution usually happens within a few months of the last eclipse.

Joe also recently posted an eclipse-related question, which I’ll answer tomorrow in the Saturday Extra! column.

I hope that answers your question, Mem. We’ll all be waiting for news, so please keep us posted!

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Real Astrologer’s Poll: What affect did the eclipse have, if any?

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Me, I’m so lost in the Jupiter-Neptune fogbank I wouldn’t recognize a major shift in my life unless it came up and bit me. However, my Cancer dad had his computer hard drive freeze up on him, lost at least a month’s worth of work and is in the process of buying a new computer with a 10-year guarantee. Fortunately, he has both the time and the money to handle this emergency.

Keep in mind that the lunar eclipse yesterday was the first of three . . . the second one being the solar eclipse in Cancer on July 21-22, followed by the final lunar eclipse in Leo-Aquarius on August 5. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Libra loves balancetposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast July 6: Full Moon Eclipse in Capricorn, Jupiter Conjunct Neptune

Helios and Phaeton with Saturn and the Four Seasons, by Nicolas Poussin, 1635.

Healing at a deep level remains the dominant theme this week as Jupiter makes his second of three conjunctions with Neptune in 2009. Add to the mix a lunar eclipse, and we’re on information overload and stressed to the breaking point.

Neith has posted a complete report on the Full Moon, so I won’t go into much detail, except to remind everyone that this is the first of a new series of eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer, and it’s one of six eclipses this year, which is rare. Although it’s a penumbral eclipse and fairly well-aspected, some of us are going to get a jolt. Whether you feel it or not depends on where in your chart it falls. I have a friend with mid-degree Cancer Rising and a seventh house packed with Capricorn Sun, Moon, and other planets. You can bet that he’s going face a major life decision in the next couple of weeks.

Even though this isn’t the Big One, we are still sensitive to the gravitational pull of the Earth and Moon lining up with the Sun. And after this Full Moon, we’ll be in a prolonged inter-eclipse period. Normally, eclipses come in pairs, one solar and one lunar, with two weeks in between. This year we get a third one, a lunar eclipse in Aquarius on August 6. That means we’ll have an entire month of the turbulence and disorientation that typically happen between eclipses.

At the same time, we’re deeply submerged in the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, which peaks on Friday. The first phase of this three-part aspect took place on May 27, the day before Neptune turned retrograde for several months. The second phase is this Friday (July 10), and then the last one won’t be until December 21.

During the first pass, our awareness was focused on a deep-seated wound that may have been embedded in early childhood or perhaps that was carried over from another lifetime. In the second phase, the wound is being re-opened so that the toxic energy can be released. This is arguably the most painful phase. Mars squares Jupiter and Neptune on Monday, July 6, acting as the surgeon’s knife. On Tuesday, Mars sextiles Uranus, and our heads should be a lot clearer. Some of us (operative word some) even may have an idea of where we’re headed next.

The Full Moon eclipse on Tuesday is in wide aspect to Uranus, which may help with the release of emotional blockages. If you feel like you have to cry or rant, find a safe place to let it all out. You may feel like a used dishrag on Wednesday, but you’ll recover much faster if you stay in the flow of the astrological current and don’t try to fight it.

The Sun sextiles Saturn on Thursday. If you need a backup plan, one may show up on your doorstep. Don’t look the allegorical gift horse in the mouth.

On Friday, Jupiter and Neptune meet, with the Moon in Aquarius amplifying the effect. If you’re out with friends, I strongly suggest foregoing happy hour or at least taking it easy on mind-altering substances. You’re going to want to have your wits about you to deal with whatever comes up.

Mars leaves Taurus on Saturday and joins Venus in speedy, chatty Gemini. Get together with friends and go for a bike ride, a hike, or a weekend getaway. Dance, party, and be happy while you can. There’s a lot more heavy lifting ahead.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Helios and Phaeton with Saturn and the Four Seasons, by Nicolas Poussin, c. 1635. I have no idea what’s going on in this painting or who’s who — which is why it seemed like an appropriate image for this week’s astrological imprint. Helios represents the Sun, and we have an eclipse this week, aspecting Saturn. So far, so good. Phaeton, the son of Helios, is best known for insisting that he get to drive dad’s chariot, only to lose control and crash it into the earth, causing the planet to burn up. Obviously, that hasn’t yet happened in this image. But many of us can’t shake the feeling that the other shoe is about to drop …

Full Moon in Capricorn, Lunar Eclipse, July 7, 2009

Lunar Eclipse over NorwayThe essence of any Full Moon is the opposition – two signs in compatible elements and on opposite sides of the zodiac. On this Full Moon, the Sun is in watery Cancer opposing the Moon in the feminine earth sign of Capricorn, drawing attention to the need to balance what nurtures us with our public life.

For some reason Capricorn has become associated with the need for dominance and competition, especially in the professional arena. But there is another side to this pragmatic sign, much deeper and wilder and intensely creative. There is an earthy, passionate sensuality with the ability to throw aside constraints and abandon oneself to the pursuit of pleasure beneath the conventional, pin-striped suits. If you are familiar with the many faces of David Bowie, he is a great example of this complex sign.

Just as Capricorn is more than a stuffed shirt, so is Cancer more than a moody homebody. Cancer hides many treasures behind its protective shell, often including a sharp sense of humor as well as a sensitive soul. Capricorn is clearly a cardinal sign but so is Cancer. If you have friends and family with a strong Cancer signature, pay attention to how persistent they can be in getting their way.

For those of us like myself who have planets or angles at 14-17° in Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn, the extra punch of the lunar eclipse will zap us awake! Check to see where the Cancer-Capricorn axis falls in your chart and take note of events both leading up to this lunation as well as the weeks following it. Eclipses have a broader impact than most lunations.

Saturn in Virgo plays a supporting role to the Sun and Moon, because it is trine to the Moon and sextile the Sun. We could miss the importance of this support because of the flowing nature of those aspects, so pay attention to any opportunities offering advancement. Saturn is playing nice right now and suggesting rather than demanding. The next Saturn-Uranus opposition on September 15 will be far less kind.

Venus has moved into Gemini and is pulling away from Mars, who is still in Taurus. However, she is not a happy camper, because Pluto in Capricorn is holding her accountable via an inconjunct. This is another lesson in learning what we truly value. Pluto is not about to let up on teaching everyone about living a frugal lifestyle. Think Bernie Madoff settling into his new accommodations for the rest of his life.

But it is Mars in practical, well-grounded Taurus squaring Neptune & Co. that could bring people sharply down to earth once more. There are many folktales teaching the importance of making sure a good, solid foundation is in place before building. If there is a weak point (Chiron) we ignored in the pursuit of our dreams (Jupiter-Neptune), it has either already brought the house of cards down or will soon. Now is a good time to take advantage of the clarity offered by this square and the supportive sextile between Mars and Uranus in Pisces, to repair and rebuild. If the new foundation is done right, there is a much greater chance of achieving your hopes and dreams.

There is no fire in this chart. The preponderance is strongly in earth and water, with just a small leavening of air. Using confrontational tactics and throwing out demands will not be as effective as spending time listening closely to what others are saying. The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 16 Cancer, A man studying a mandala in front of him, with the help of a very ancient book, with the keyword CONCENTRATION, supports this notion.

For the Moon at 16 Capricorn, the Sabian symbol reminds us to take time to play well with others: School grounds filled with boys and girls in gymnasium suits. The keyword is EXERCISE. Take a walk with friends in the park to regroup before heading back to the drawing board.

If there ever was a time for identifying and clearing out emotional baggage, this lunar eclipse is it. Shine a light into all the hidden corners of your psyche and haul out the garbage to throw away. If you have a favorite cleansing ritual, use it extensively. We are halfway through the period between the first New Moon in Cancer and the second one, a solar eclipse, on July 21-22. Saturn is in a great position now to help with this project, too.

Please remember to be kind to yourself and especially to your nearest and dearest, as those are the folks we most often take out our angst on. These are tough times for many people, and it is by paying kindness ahead that we can all benefit.

Many blessings and good wishes to all.

Libra seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, July 6, for her thoughts this week’s eclipse.

Image: This beautiful photo was taken by Andreas D. Skjervold, Bodø, Norway on Aug. 16, 2008. It is one of several wonderful photos of eclipses at The Eclipse Photo Gallery website.

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Am I So Lazy?

This week’s question comes from Bree in Denver:

I’m confused about my Saturn aspects. According to my natal chart, I have Saturn in Sag in the 6th house, trine my Sun and Mercury. All the cookie cutter descriptions of this say that I’m a hard worker and disciplined (especially with Moon and Mars in Cap). But I’m super lazy most of the time! Where would I see “laziness” in my birth chart, and why do these positive Saturn aspects seem so elusive?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Bree, many of those cookie cutter descriptions fail to take into account the flowing nature of the trine. A trine (a 120° aspect between planets) means the planets are in the same element and are extremely comfortable with one another. By and large, we humans are motivated by discomfort and without the irritation factor to keep us awake, we stay put.

Your Moon in Capricorn is traditionally considered an indicator of an ambitious person and indeed, I’ve known many people with Capricorn Moon who are very driven to succeed. But they often do so out of a need to prove something to themselves or others. In your case, a sextile from Jupiter in Pisces mellows out your Moon considerably. You didn’t say anything about your lifestyle and general living conditions but I’m guessing those, too, are pleasant and accommodating.

Perhaps you just need to find the right motivation to inspire you. Saturn will enter Libra at the end of this October and will square your planets in Cancer and Capricorn during 2010-2012. There is nothing like an irritating square aspect to get us to move! And don’t forget that Pluto in Capricorn will be slowly conjoining all your planets in Capricorn over the course of the next 15 years.

Most of the time the cookie-cutter approach to astrology gives us just enough information to tantalize and confuse us, without providing the threads that pull it all together. My suggestion would be to find an astrologer you resonate with and work with them.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

I had to laugh at your question, Bree. Most people would complain that the books said they were lazy when they weren’t (or didn’t think they were). That’s a tipoff right there that you’re probably not as lazy as you think.

But let’s assume for a moment that you are the laziest person on the planet, a veritable sloth. Where might we find that in your chart? My first stop would be the sixth house. This is where we look for clues about how you approach your day-to-day chores. As you note, you have hardworking Saturn in this area of your chart. You also have Pluto in the sixth house, which is definitely not a signature for laziness, and I’ll bet you delegate tasks very well!

The sign on the cusp of the sixth house can tell us something, along with the placement of the sixth-house ruler. You have Libra on the cusp of the sixth house, and Libra is ruled by Venus. I might be tempted to chalk it up to this, as Libra’s job is primarily to look beautiful and make sure everyone feels good. But Libra’s ruler, Venus, is in Virgo, a service-oriented, down-to-earth sign that doesn’t shy away from hard work.

Your Cancer Sun could perhaps be the culprit, as Cancer does love creature comforts. Still, this wouldn’t make you lazy. Mars, the planet that rules physical energy, is very well-placed in your chart, so we can count that out, too.

Since nothing jumps out at me, I’m going to go with my instinct and say you’re setting the bar too high for yourself, possibly as a result of that sixth-house Saturn. This could be a case of being your own worst critic. I also wonder whether you are challenged enough in your work and daily life. Could it be that your problem is not laziness but boredom?

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Real Astrologer’s Poll: How is it going with Neptune & Co?

We had Mercury square Neptune & Co in April, May, and June; and today Venus is squaring the Aquarius stellium. Mars takes his turn next Monday.

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I know I have felt like my mind has been in a fog bank with occasional moments of clarity and inspiration because the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction is sitting in my third house. What about the rest of you?

Libra loves balancetposted by Neith . . .