Category Archives: General Musing

New Moon in Virgo, August 30, 2008

down on the farmThe New Moon this Saturday, August 30, is the first following the pair of eclipses earlier this month. The Sun and Moon at 7°48′ Virgo, conjunct Saturn, emphasize responsible manifestation of our goals.

Saturn is the taskmaster, but at least we find that what he asks of us is easy to understand – not necessarily pleasant, but understandable. Saturn reminds us of the need to behave in a responsible manner. When he’s in Virgo, being of service to others is high on his priorities list. We are being asked to eat our vegetables first, then dessert!

One of the best things about this New Moon is the lovely supporting trine from Jupiter in Capricorn. Virgo and Capricorn are not flashy signs, but they are both excellent for getting down to work in a quiet, straightforward manner. After the drama of the eclipses in Leo-Aquarius, most of us are more than ready for a break. If your experiences this month have been remotely like mine, there is a backlog of things to catch up on!

The Jupiter-Saturn trine will be in effect until early December, giving us time to take care of business. Trines do not require a lot of effort, just awareness to seize the opportunities that present themselves. However, it would be a shame to waste any moment of this very productive aspect between practical Saturn and visionary Jupiter. Those of you who have planets and chart angles at the mid-degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) will notice this aspect the most, especially if Saturn will conjoin those points in your chart.

My Libra self is extremely happy to see the nice stellium in Libra occurring at this New Moon, with Venus, Mercury, and Mars all in the sign of balance. If you have need of charm and diplomacy to make a move at this time, this stellium has those qualities in spades. The trine from Pallas in Gemini provides further support for making accurate assessments of any situation. Pallas is the asteroid specializing in clear, concise thought and organizational skills, and Mercury ruled Gemini is associated with communications in general.

Because neither Neptune in Aquarius nor Uranus in Pisces are aspected in this chart, we are going to catch a breather from dealing with the issues those two outer planets have been pummeling us with over the past few months. Pluto in Sagittarius is also out of orb with the inner planets at this time. It is much easier for us to recognize and deal with matters related to Jupiter and Saturn than the archetypes of the three outermost planets. A practical, mundane focus is in order for now.

The Sabian symbol for 8 Virgo is, A girl takes her first dancing lesson, and the keyword is ASSISTANCE. As usual the Sabian symbol strikes right to the heart of the matter and, in this case, it is the New Moon conjunction with Saturn. We learn many things by practicing with focus and diligence, and this is a great time for practicing discipline, self-control, and concentration. Saturn always blesses our efforts to manage our lives by taking small steps instead of taking giant leaps in mid-air.

All in all, this New Moon is going to be good for us, a time to pick up the loose ends and deal with them in an orderly fashion. Virgo and Libra both remind us of the value of treating others with politeness and consideration – a great time to practice “paying it forward” with random acts of kindness. We need to take advantage of this opportunity, because the Full Moon in Pisces next month will conjoin Uranus, not Saturn, and life will get “interesting” once more.

Libra, an Air signposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Saturday Extra: Madonna turns 50, Lunar Eclipse

madonna.jpgMadonna turns 50 today, with a lunar eclipse on her Sun as a little gift from the Cosmos.

We don’t have an exact birth time for Madonna, so it’s hard to write about her chart with any degree of certainty. But the chart most commonly used gives her a 7:05 a.m. birth time, making her a Leo with Virgo on the Ascendant. Considering that one of her first big hits was “Like a Virgin,” this fits.

It also fits that she’d have a twelfth-house Sun, which would account for her interest in religious themes and immersion in Kabbalah studies.

Normally I don’t work with uncertain birth times, but since I’m just musing here anyway, let’s suppose this is an accurate chart. If it is, then the Material Girl turned Mom is getting hammered big time, not just by the eclipse in Leo, her sign, but by Saturn’s transit over her Ascendant. Heavy responsibilities come with this aspect, and life feels burdensome. In addition, Saturn shortly will conjoin her Moon at 11 degrees Virgo, a 29-year transit that brings a sense of loneliness and isolation.

There have been rumors in the media of a divorce from her current husband, Guy Ritchie, which both of them have denied. However, Saturn’s transit of the first house often does coincide with breakups of key relationships, as do challenging Saturn-Moon transits. And this week’s Saturn-Venus conjunction on Madonna’s Ascendant does suggest that something is up with her marriage. If it’s basically sound, however, this transit can offer an opportunity to confront the issues and get closer.

I do hope that Madonna at some point will give up the sexy rocker thing and “act her age.” She could do so much to help women over 50 address issues of body image, sexuality, relationships, parenthood, spirituality, and much more.

We all have it in us to be as vital and confident as she is, regardless of our age.

Personally, I’ve been hit hard by this eclipse, too, so I won’t wish you calm and peaceful waters. I’ll simply say that I hope you weather the storm and come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and happier.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Is My Daughter Going Through Hell?

This week’s question comes from Marilyn in Sacramento.

Real is 37, a gifted Pisces. The last two years she has found herself without a home, a full time job, her children cannot be with her right now. She is living in a garage and developed Meniers disease in her one ear. She is having a terrible time of depression, anxiety, and a huge weight gain. My heart is breaking for my beautiful, talented Real.

Thank you for any answers you might be able to furnish. It’s been a hard time of testing.

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Marilyn, your daughter has undergone some pretty tough transits over the past couple of years so it is not surprising she has been feeling depressed and discouraged. For starters, a couple of years ago Saturn in Leo was squaring her natal Saturn in her seventh house putting her in a tough position with her career and relationship demands.

At the same time Pluto was conjunct her Mars in Sagittarius in her second house. Because she has Scorpio rising, Mars is her chart ruler, and transits to Mars will be especially powerful. Real also has a natal Mars-Pluto square, so this Pluto transit undoubtedly increased the obsessive side of her nature. Pluto transits to the second house can cause major changes to one’s value system and personal income.

Along with Saturn and Pluto transits, she was experiencing Uranus conjunct her Sun. Uranus transits in general push us to recognize unmet needs and often precipitate dramatic changes. Real’s Sun in Pisces is part of a Yod, with Uranus at the apex and her Sun sextile Saturn as the base. This makes any transits to her Sun more strongly felt because they trigger her natal Sun-Uranus inconjunct, throwing her off-balance. Simply put, Real is at heart a dependable person with moments of rebellion and Uranus came along and tweaked her rebellious side with a vengeance.

Over the next couple of months Saturn will be opposing her Sun and trine her natal Saturn, helping her find her feet again. Uranus is a year or so away from squaring her natal Moon in Gemini, and Pluto finished opposing her Moon last year, so hopefully she will be able to take advantage of the Saturn transits to address her situation and begin to improve it.

Please accept my best wishes for both you and your daughter seeing happier times very soon. I can recommend an excellent book by Donna Cunningham, Healing Pluto Problems, to help Real understand what it means to have Pluto dominant in one’s chart, as he is in hers.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s answer:

Marilyn, I don’t have children of my own but can only imagine how your heart must be breaking to see your beautiful daughter going through such hell. All I can tell you is that I have been in such a place a couple of times in my life, and it is possible to survive and come out stronger.

And I do believe that she will. I have been writing a lot on the Real Astrologers blog as well as on my personal blog, The Pisces Chronicles, about an unusual set of planetary transits that are happening simultaneous with the current series of eclipses in Aquarius and Leo. Real’s lunar North Node is at 23 degrees Aquarius, which not only is being activated by the eclipses (this Saturday’s eclipse is at 24 degrees, very close to her North Node), but by transiting Neptune and Chiron.

As I’ve written elsewhere, a window has opened for deep healing, especially of old wounds from childhood or even that we brought into this life with us. Real is being directly affected by this healing energy. But, as I’ve also pointed out, healing can be painful, because it means reopening the old wound, which can hurt as much or more than the original injury.

This eclipse series began in February and lasts until August of next year, and it falls in Real’s fourth and tenth houses, which pertain to her home, family, and job. I would expect changes to her circumstances in these areas of her life, and since it doesn’t sound like things could get much worse, the changes that take place over the next year should greatly improve her life.

One area that may continue to be troublesome, however, is her situation with her children. Uranus, the planet of sudden change and upset, currently is transiting her fifth house, which rules children, and there will be a tough opposition of Saturn and Uranus starting this November and lasting until September 2009. Real will fare best if she accepts the help and intervention of others rather than taking a rebellious stance.

Much love and courage to both of you.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, August 16, 2008

 Full Moon in Aquarius reflections
The lunar eclipse at the Full Moon this Saturday is the second of the pair of eclipses this month, with the Sun at 24°21′ Leo and the Moon at 24° 21′ Aquarius.

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the Sun and Moon, and the Earth’s shadow falling on the Moon causes the eclipse. The qualities of the Moon are enhanced, and a lunar eclipse can allow us to get in touch with our subtle emotional motivations without the interference of the Sun’s brilliance.

The Full Moon in Aquarius is conjoined with Neptune, further emphasizing empathy and helping us raise our awareness of spiritual matters, if we so choose. Here is an instance when we are better served by courting Neptune’s higher qualities by finding some form of meditative activity to pursue. This can be as simple as walking in as natural a setting as possible. Walking by a stream, lake or the ocean would be especially healing under this Full Moon, because it would bring the mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces (water sign) semi-sextile Neptune in Aquarius (air sign) into play.

At the New Moon on August 1, the Sun in Leo was accompanied by the Moon, Mercury, and Venus all in Leo. Now only the Sun remains there, and Mercury and Venus have joined Mars and Saturn in Virgo. This is a natural progression from the passion and heat of Leo into the more practical, service-oriented sign of Virgo and a strong indication that we need to start devoting more time to taking care of business and less to playing . . . sigh.

Mercury is still within orb of Saturn but is pulling away quickly. From now until Mercury moves into Libra on August 28, we have a great opportunity to deal with all Mercury related matters, because Mercury shines in detail-oriented Virgo. In fact, if you have tasks that take mental acuity and can schedule them before the end of the month, it would be a good idea, since we have a Mercury retrograde coming in September.

Saturn, Venus, and Mercury in Virgo are trine Jupiter in Capricorn and form a grand trine with Vesta in Taurus – all in all presenting an opportunity to manifest tangible results. Both Vesta and Virgo are concerned with healing and recharging our internal batteries, and Jupiter will be happy to provide the means to enable us to do so. The ongoing Chiron-North Node conjunction in Aquarius is part of this healing theme but more on the societal level, unless that conjunction directly aspects your chart. In that case, you are no doubt already aware of where your wounds are.

If you have planets or chart angles close to 28° in the mutable signs, the waxing square between Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Sagittarius will  ignite anger-related issues and make sure you know that it’s past time to let go and move on. Remember, anger is one of the stages of the grieving process. The cycle of death and rebirth is as old as time and still doesn’t get any easier, but Pluto is inexorable in demanding his due, so practice releasing what needs releasing with a modicum of grace.

The Sabian Symbols for the Full Moon add their usual measure of richness to the mix. For the Sun at 25 Leo it is, A large camel crossing a vast and forbidding desert, with the keyword ADEQUACY; and for 25 Aquarius it is, A butterfly with the right wing more perfectly formed. The keyword for 25 Aquarius is UNIQUENESS.

The first symbol suggests we are up to handling the challenges presented by this pair of eclipses, as difficult as they may seem. We have the reserves and the resources inherently, and part of the process is acknowledging that fact. The symbol for the Moon emphasizes the need for transmutation of emotional energies as part of the healing process. It is often our very uniqueness that can be our salvation.

As this eclipse cycle draws to a close, please remember a couple of things. First, we can’t start healing until we recognize that the problem exists and, second, please remember that we are all human and have frailties, so forgiving ourselves as well as others is an essential component for healing. Be well, and practice kindness to all.

Libra, an Air signposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast August 11: Full Moon Eclipse in Aquarius

King Neptune, by Walter Crane
We’re still in the period between eclipses, and with Mars just past an opposition to Uranus and coming up on a square with Pluto, this likely will be a tumultuous week.

Let’s look at Mars first. The opposition to Uranus has separated enough that the dust is settling, but the effects lasted right up until yesterday — at least, I found this to be the case. And be forewarned that whatever came up for you last week is likely to be an ongoing issue for the next year, as Saturn is moving toward opposition to Uranus in early November and will make two more passes until finally separating in September 2009. We’ll have more on this, of course, as the dates get closer.

This week, Mars squares Pluto. Whereas Mars-Uranus aspects can indicate explosions, Mars-Pluto combinations suggest implosions or, at the very least, intense discomfort. There is an element of subversion, underhanded manipulation, and struggles for power and control. As always, you’ll feel this aspect the most if either of these planets falls on key planets or angles in your natal chart. The aspect is exact late Saturday on the West Coast of the United States.

Venus, unfortunately, isn’t going to be able to do much to intervene. She’s unhappily placed in Virgo and meets up with Saturn on Wednesday, which puts a chilling effect on her ability to soothe and bring conciliatory love. Those of you who are going through relationship difficulties may find this to be a lonely week. Try not to despair. Even if you’re in a tough situation, the pain will subside in a week or two, and you’ll be able to move forward with a plan.

Talking about the situation may be difficult, too, as Mercury also conjoins Saturn. The aspect is exact on Friday, but we’ll feel it for a couple of days on either side. Resist the temptation to be overly critical and to blame others for the difficulties in your life. At the same time, don’t get stuck in blaming yourself, as this isn’t particularly helpful or productive, either. The best strategy this week, if you can swing it, is to reserve judgment and wait until next week to see the picture more clearly.

The Full Moon lunar eclipse on Saturday brings ongoing issues to a head. There shouldn’t be any surprises to this one. Chances are, you’ve seen the handwriting on the wall in big, bold letters, although perhaps you’ve been wishing that it weren’t true. The eclipse falls at 24°21′ Aquarius, in close conjunction with Neptune, the planet of dreams and delusions. If you can strip away the wishful thinking, you may find that the reality, while stark, is something you can deal with. You just need to confront it, and then deep healing can take place.

As always, Neith will have more on the Full Moon later this week.

I should also mention that Mercury and Venus both trine Jupiter late this week, although I’m not counting on them to be very helpful. Venus and Jupiter both are in their fall, and Jupiter is retrograde. At best, we may get a few moments of relief, and yet even that may come through less-than-ideal methods such as having a beer too many or downing a pint of ice cream. Or maybe you’ll just want to talk someone’s ear off.

Do what you have to do to stay steady.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: King Neptune, by illustrator Walter Crane, born August 15, 1845.

Real Astrologers Weekly Poll: Mars-Uranus Opposition

The opposition between Mars and Uranus is exact today at 22° Virgo-Pisces. When this volatile pair clashes, the results can be explosive, literally or figuratively. Depending on the house they are transiting in your natal chart, you may get an unexpected shock or surprise. This will be all the more true if one or both planets are near a key natal planet or your chart angles.

Online Surveys & Market Research

As always, your answers help us collect empirical evidence that helps us become better astrologers, so please vote. If none of these answers is close, feel free to leave a comment with your experience. Also note, the influence of this aspect may last through the weekend, so it may take another couple of days to shake out. You can wait to vote, or vote now and change it later, if necessary. (For more information on the Mars-Uranus opposition, see Pat’s weekly forecast.)

Results of Last Week’s Poll

We asked how you felt about last week’s solar eclipse and here’s the response:

17.2%  They scare the hell out of me.
48.3%  I welcome the changes they bring, even though I know it might be uncomfortable.
00.0%  It’s bad luck, so I stay inside with the shades drawn.
10.3%  Haven’t thought about it.
24.1%  Love watching them unfold even if I have no clue about what they mean.

Many of our readers are stalwart souls and willing to welcome the changes an eclipse brings into their lives even if those are painful. If the eclipse was conjunct or opposing an important personal planet, the mid-heaven, Ascendant or Descendant, this celestial event was a memorable one! And least you forget, the effect an eclipse has is far less confined to a timetable than the usual planetary transit is.

A few of you found them frightening, and I’m sure our ancestors would be in complete agreement – watching the Sun disappear and darkness fall in mid-day. I still vividly recall the one total solar eclipse I experienced, watching the Moon slowly move across the Sun, darkness falling, and all the birds and animals acting like it were true nightfall. It was a very eerie moment.

The next largest group was those who were happy to sit back and watch the show unfold. But I bet they will be noting where the next eclipse is going to fall in their charts. And I bet those who selected “haven’t thought about it” will be joining them, since our readership is comprised by and large of those with a strong interest in astrology.

Libra, Venus ruledposted by Neith . . .

Saturday Archives: Shared Degrees in Synastry

The Lovers Osho Zen tarot deckI got to thinking about why we are drawn to certain people whether we met them face-to-face or online and it has a lot to do with having planets and Angles within a few degrees of each other. As an astrologer I have consistently noted my clients have planets sharing degrees with those in my chart and I just read in John Townley’s book, The Composite Chart, he and other astrologers have a similar experience.

Shared Degrees are one of basic pieces in the puzzle of synastry. The short version is simply when the same degrees show up in both charts or in the charts of several individuals these are “Shared Degrees”. Sun Sign based astrology for the masses often points to a certain segment of the population with say the first 10 degrees of a Sign as a clue to the effect of transits – for my purposes I going to narrow that down to around 6 degrees.

For example, I have Venus in Sagittarius at 2 degrees in my First House. This is a friendly, cheerful placement of Venus . . . ***waves & smiles*** I would not be at all surprised to find planets and major angles from zero to six degrees in the charts of my faithful readers. And when Saturn moved into Virgo at the beginning of September in his usual relentless fashion, he squared my poor little Venus. At the same time all those people out there with planets, Ascendants and Midheavens from zero to six degrees also went “Whoa! Saturn is in the house!!” And we’ve all been paying a lot of attention to various tasks related to where Saturn aspected our charts.

Because we usually share several points of contact between the charts of those we are drawn to, we are often affected at the same time by a transiting planet. If it’s Venus doing the transiting or Jupiter, the effect is often upbeat and positive. Mars can be energizing to the point of igniting yelling matches or, if you are lucky, great sex! Saturn transits often point us in the direction of picking up neglected responsibilities and so on.

My point is this: Because we share degrees with our friends, lovers and associates, we will be affected by transits at the same time. Those shared experiences can either draw us together or drive us apart. Often it’s difficult to assess exactly what the result will be except with good old 20-20 hindsight. That being said, a good astrologer can be very helpful in alerting his or her clients to upcoming transits and what to be aware of . . .

Libra, Venus ruledposted by Neith . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: Will the Leo Eclipse Be Disruptive?

This week’s question comes from Ruth in the UK:

Hello Pat and Neith,

Thank you so much for this wonderful website. I am a student astrologer and am learning so much here!

I’m interested in esoteric astrology and moon cycles, and I’m not sure how much this overlaps with your work, but my question is just how disruptive will this eclipse in the New Moon in Leo be in my life? … I’m really worried. I have a habit of “attacking” those closest to me under stress, and even though I’ve done a lot of personal process work and am fairly “enlightened,” ;0) this one has me a bit worried to say the least! I don’t want to roar and bite people’s heads off, then regret it!

Aquarius expounds . . . Pat’s response:

Ruth, as you no doubt know, today’s eclipse falls at 9 degrees Leo, which is just a few degrees from your natal Moon at 12 degrees Leo. As a Rising Cancer, you have the Moon as your chart ruler, which makes you all the more sensitive to the raw energy of eclipses (and also explains your interest in lunar cycles!).

So yes, you are going to feel it emotionally. And it won’t be just this eclipse that you feel, but the entire series, which began on February 6, 2008, and runs to August 6, 2009 (for more on the eclipses, see my weekly forecast and Neith’s New Moon post). You are being pushed to grow emotionally, and this usually is disruptive in some way. At the very least, it is going to push you out of your comfort zone.

It sounds like you already have some idea, though, of what you need to learn, and that’s a great start. The degree of disruption that planetary aspects trigger depends on how much we are resisting change and how tightly we are trying to hang onto people, things, and situations.

As for your propensity to attack, I think that has more to do with your natal Saturn in the seventh house, which currently is being conjoined by transiting Jupiter. Jupiter’s influence is expansive and growth-oriented, and this is why you are open to the experience of growth via your relationships.

I would strongly encourage you to get a transit reading. I am currently booked and not accepting new clients, but Neith has a bit of room in her schedule.

Good luck with your astrology work, and thank you so much for the kind words!

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

What I would like to add, Ruth, is with a natal Sun-Venus conjunction in Gemini, your nature is gentle and airy making your emotional “roaring” uncomfortable for you. Your sensitive Cancer Ascendant places extra emphasis on the Moon, so it’s easy to understand your concern.

The New Moon Leo stellium conjunct your natal Moon is triggering all the natal aspects to the Moon, including a square to Neptune. Neptune-Moon aspects are notorious for confusing our understanding of what it is we are feeling. How do those you “roar” at respond? Perhaps it bothers them less than it bothers you to do it.

Your natal Saturn in the seventh house is inconjunct your Moon, and that makes me wonder if you received the message that good little girls don’t raise their voices. If you had been born to an Italian family, where raised voices and emoting were the norm, your naturally dramatic Leo Moon may have been right at home.

If I may make a suggestion, on those days when your fiery Moon is feeling volatile, give your friends and family advance notice. I’m sure your charming Gemini self can come with the right words to smooth the way. Good luck!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

New Moon in Leo Solar Eclipse, August 1, 2008

New Moon in Leo, warmth & beautyThe New Moon at 9° Leo 31′ is a force to be reckoned with for several reasons.

It is the first lunation in a pair of eclipses on the Leo-Aquarius axis (the second eclipse is the Full Moon in Aquarius on August 16). Also, it falls on Lammas, when the harvest is celebrated in the Celtic calendar. Lammas marks the point in the year when we become aware of the days growing shorter in the Northern Hemisphere. The primary focus, though, is on Leo, the fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun.

The Sun, Moon, and Mercury are conjoined in Leo, urging us to explore our hearts and bringing warmth and light to encourage us to stand up for what we believe in. As one with natal Saturn in Leo, I know it is possible to grow in confidence and to learn to express the love and joy hidden in a shy heart. In fact, this New Moon Leo stellium falls on my natal Saturn in the ninth house, and here I am writing for readers from around the world. We can all use the tremendous creative power generated by this New Moon to make a long-desired breakthrough on our own personal path to becoming our most authentic selves.

Venus is also in Leo opposing Neptune in Aquarius and forming a waxing trine to Pluto in Sagittarius (exact early next week). This combination suggests that we have a window of opportunity to pursue creative goals with focus and intensity. It is not often we can manifest Neptune’s marvelous inspirations and work with them in a tangible way. Write down ideas and possibilities at this time for future development. Keep in mind that creative seed ideas can grow exponentially.

Another aspect underlining the cyclical nature of life is Uranus in Pisces exactly trine Ceres in Cancer. Whether you live in the Northern Hemisphere and are moving into the dark cycle or the Southern Hemisphere where the days are getting longer, we are at a point of transition. Uranus is noted for being a harbinger of change, and Ceres reminds us that all things come in cycles. This aspect suggests that if we acknowledge and prepare ourselves for change, we will make the transition smoothly.

Mars in Virgo is moving closer to an exact opposition with Uranus in Pisces. If you have planets or chart angles near 22 degrees, this opposition is making its self felt in your life. Remember the Mars-Saturn conjunction? Well, this opposition will most likely have a completely different effect in our lives, creating disruption and change for the sake of change. It may help to realize that sometimes a good housecleaning is needed to make way for new and better possibilities to enter our lives . . . or not.

Saturn does not play much of a role in the New Moon chart, but be aware he will in the one for the Full Moon on August 16. What is theoretical now may become reality at that time.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is, Early morning dew salutes the sunlight. This is wonderful symbolism for a New Moon in Leo, with all the exhilaration of new possibilities unfolding before us. The caution is to remember to let go of difficult situations and not anticipate trouble that may never happen. Enjoy the moment and breathe in the dawn.

Libra, Venus ruledposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast July 28: New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo

This week brings us one of the most significant astrological aspects of the year, a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo.

If, like me, you have this eclipse in a sensitive area of your chart, you are feeling it already. In fact, you’ve been feeling it since this series began in February, and the story that is unfolding in your life will continue for another year, until we enter a new series of eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer.

Eclipses occur in sign pairs, determined by the position of the lunar nodes. The North Node currently is at 18 degrees Aquarius, with the South Node opposite at 18 degrees Leo. This week’s eclipse, which occurs Friday at 3:12 a.m. on the West Coast of the United States, falls at 9 degrees Leo, making it a South Node eclipse. Anyone with planets or chart angles between 4 and 14 degrees Leo or Aquarius will feel this eclipse the most, but you’ll also feel it if you have planets or chart angles between those degrees of Scorpio and Taurus.

Eclipses tend to bring rapid change into our lives, faster than is comfortable for us. This is especially true for the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). It’s said that the fixed signs fight change, but that’s not entirely true. That would be like saying that a rock fights change. We are so solid that change is extremely difficult for us. Even Aquarius, the air sign ruled by the Uranus, planet of sudden change and revolution, has a hard time getting into a new groove, as much as we usually want to.

New Moon eclipses typically are about new beginnings. In my case, at least, it appears that a relationship that began at the solar eclipse in Aquarius in February has reached a logical conclusion, and it either will begin again under different circumstances, or it will disappear, clearing the way for another that is viable and sustainable. The learning process has been painful but extremely enlightening, and there is a possibility that deep healing will take place.

I’ve written previously on Real Astrologers and on my blog, The Pisces Chronicles, about the healing potential of the triple conjunction of Neptune, Chiron, and the North Node. Since eclipses are tied to the nodes, healing will be a major theme of Friday’s eclipse and even more so with the lunar eclipse on August 16, which will be conjunct Neptune.

Neith will have more on the eclipses in a day or two.

Otherwise, there’s not a lot going on this week. Venus is on the South Node today (Monday), and she’ll oppose Neptune on Thursday. Wounds surrounding love and body image may come to the fore. If so, let them out and take them for what they are.

August 1 also is the Celtic cross quarter day of Lammas, which in many cultures was the first day of fall in the northern hemisphere. I can tell you that it feels like fall already here in the Pacific Northwest, where the angle of the sun is very noticeable.

Please leave comments telling us how you are experiencing this eclipse.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: The Moon, from the Marseille Tarot, c. 1701-1715. The classic interpretation of The Moon involves subconscious fears, hidden motivations, and the inexplicable compulsion for enlightenment.