Lynn’s Skywatch for July, and the July 1 solar eclipse

Lynn's Skywatch for JulyI’ve posted the Planetary Illuminations for July, and you can read the entire article here.  You can also read the abridged English translation here, and if you would like Skywatch delivered each month in your email box just sign up in the sidebar.

Meanwhile, the last of the eclipse series occurs July 1st so here’s the information on that and the introduction to July:

July begins with the Cancer New Moon and a partial Solar Eclipse.  This is the third of an eclipse series that began on June 1st and you can read more about this eclipse here.  Although this is a partial eclipse and therefore weak astronomically, it packs a more powerful punch than it normally would because the conjunction of the Sun and Moon that forms the New Moon alignment engaged Saturn, Uranus and Pluto in a Grand Cross formation.  The Grand Cross locks the three planets and the luminaries (Sun and Moon) in battle that will result in a climax of some kind in order to release the energy buildup that occurs through the square.  The presence of Saturn in the Grand Cross in a nearly exact square to the New Moon ensures that there will be a lesson of some kind to learn; Uranus will inspire that a change be made.  The presence of Pluto empowers us to leave behind anything that no longer serves us.  Resistance to these transformative forces will not only slow down the process of change, but also create unnecessary bumps in the road.

The Cancer New Moon offers us an opportunity to begin anew from a place of deep feeling and emotional sensitivity.  This is easier for some of us than others, but the Cancerian influence provides us with a nurturing well of emotional resources from which to drink. Fortunately there are a number of harmonious aspects that will help us to integrate these energies more easily.  A nice trine from Pluto to Jupiter encourages success and facilitate the larger actions that can help us to make real change.  A trine from Saturn to Mars helps to provide us with the discipline we need to inspire and energize ourselves and others.

Eclipses often serve to unmask behavior patterns that need alteration, and that will be especially true here especially where emotional patterns are concerned.  There is also likely to be an escalation of intense energy due to the challenging alignments that include the electrical Uranus.

Where a few months ago we were in an overabundance of fire energy, we now have a lack of fire represented in the sky.  Fire provides us with the inspiration to act, and without it we may find ourselves left without direction with Mars, the fire planet, still in Gemini where it generates lots of enthusiasm but with no real focus.  This lack of fire will be resolved on July 2nd when Mercury enters the fire sign of Leo and our thoughts and mental processes (Mercury) take on a more energetic means of expression for a few weeks.

 

Share

Summer eclipse season is coming

Solar eclipse 2011, lunar eclipse 2011

Image from NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, 2003. Solar and lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is either full (opposite the Sun) or “new” (conjunct the Sun), and one of the lunar nodes is located within 15 degrees of a conjunction to the Moon.  As you’ve probably heard me say before, the astrological impact of an eclipse comes from the presence of the lunar nodes.

The nodes of the Moon are points in the sky where the Moon crosses the path of the Sun as it is observed from Earth.  They are not actual astronomical bodies, but instead serve as signposts to show us where we have come from and what we need to leave behind (South, or descending Node) and the direction in which our soul is taking us (North, or ascending Node).  The Nodes represent the crossroads between the Soul (Moon) and the Spirit (Sun) with the physical incarnation (Earth).  Powerful stuff!

Typically there are two pairs of eclipses in a year, with two eclipses in each pair.  This summer brings three separate eclipses:

  • Solar eclipse June 1st at 11 Gemini
  • Lunar eclipse June 15th at 24 Sagittarius
  • Solar eclipse July 1st at 9 Cancer

The last time there were three eclipses in the summer was 2009 and you can read more about that here.

Although eclipses have been feared for thousands of years, unless you follow Vedic principles there is no need to fear an eclipse period.  Eclipses tend to reveal and expose aspects of our lives which are hidden and which need to be brought into the conscious realm in order for us to develop and progress.  This isn’t always fun, but the end result is worth any momentary discomfort we may experience.

The solar eclipse on June 1st is a partial eclipse (with the nodes 12 degrees from the Moon), and not very powerful.  In addition, the Moon makes no direct aspect to any other planet other than a nice trine to Saturn.

The lunar eclipse on June 15th is another story.  This is a total eclipse, and the T-square with Saturn, Uranus and Pluto is lining up and will form a Grand Cross with the Summer Solstice Sun at 0 degrees Cancer.  (Geeky astrological detail: Uranus will be at 4 Aries, Pluto at 6 Cap, Saturn at 10 Libra.) The planetary energy is intensifying at this time and we may encounter some energy shifts that will affect us personally as well.

The chart for the Solstices and Equinoxes often reflects weather patterns for that season, and no wonder we’ve been having such severe weather over the past year: Each Solstice and Equinox, at 0 degrees of a cardinal sign, has been in a stressful alignment with Saturn, Uranus or Pluto.  The trend will continue over the summer and into the fall of 2011.

The final eclipse of the season will occur July 1st at the New Moon.  With the Sun and Moon at 9 degrees Cancer, this eclipse is firmly locked into the Cardinal Grand Cross.  If you have planets in your own chart between 3 and 12 degrees of one of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) this eclipse could have a dramatic effect on your emotions, your psyche, your relationships with others (which is usually the domain through which our emotions are expressed).

Planetary cycles only wreak havoc with our lives where change is needed.  In an ideal world, learning about astrology will help us to embrace change with trust and an open heart, providing us with a greater understanding that the patterns of the Universe unfold with meaning and compassion.

For daily planetary news, visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

Share

The easy way to navigate the lunar nodes: Rahu-Ketu puja

The nodes of the moon are like signposts that point the way to our destiny, with the South Node describing the influences of the past, and the North Node pointing towards our future.  The Vedic scholars call these points Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node) and while western astrology tends to look at these points as being relatively benign, in Vedic astrology both Rahu and Ketu are considered somewhat malefic.  This is likely partly due to the role that the Nodes play in eclipses (a lunar event is considered an eclipse if it occurs within 15 degrees of one of the Nodes).

Because of the relationship of the Nodes to an eclipse, Vedic astrologers consider both Rahu and Ketu to be malefic (ruled by Mars and Saturn) since they are seen to have swallowed the Sun and Moon during an eclipse.  But hope is on the horizon:

Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and his friend Sunanda Pushkar, are the latest celeb couple to visit Srikalahasti temple and perform the famous rahu-ketu puja, that is believed to negate the ill effects in a relationship that is facing obstacles and friction.

Their visit on Saturday injected some much-needed enthusiasm to the temple, which had been in the media limelight for all the wrong reasons since the collapse of the Rajagopuram on May 26.

Also known as Dakshin Kailash, the temple has attracted a host of celebrities over the last decade who have performed the rahu-ketu puja here. Astrologer and palmist Palakkad Narayan Iyer says: “One of the main reasons why couples are advised to visit Srikalahasti is because this temple is a rahu-ketu kshetram. Rahu and ketu are the reasons why couples face a lot of friction in their relationships. Basically, rahu and ketu signify the two nodes of the moon and a serpent represents these. The two grahas are said to symbolise the dark sides of our personalities and that’s why it’s important to perform shanti pujas to appease them. Rahu causes mental problems, anxiety, misfortune, loss of wealth, etc. while ketu is responsible for causing misunderstandings in relationships.

Another reason why people visit this temple is to negate the ill effects of sarpa dosha. According to Indian astrology, any person who suffers from this undergoes a lot of problems in their relationship with their spouse and women who have this dosha are said to face difficulties in conceiving. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why childless couples are advised to visit Srikalahasti. And unmarried girls, whose kundali shows they have a sarpa dosha, will find it difficult to get married.

read more here, and thanks to Astrococktail for the link.

You don’t have to go to India, anyone can perform this puja!  Instructions can be found at this helpful website.  This sure is a lot easier than the hard work of personal evolution!
Share

10 reasons not to worry about the July 11 eclipse

July 11 eclipse

Path of the July 11 eclipse

Bad news sells, and this is true for astrology websites as well as any other news media.  Eclipses are not so mysterious today, but “astrologic dangers [are] portended” on many sites, including this one:

Next week, on July 11th, we have a total Solar eclipse coming up. The New Moon and the total Solar eclipse will create some disturbing Cosmic energies and will affect many countries around the world.

As per Vedic Astrology, the Sun, Moon, and Ketu are together in Gemini and Rahu opposite them. Mercury is in Cancer, Mars and Venus together in Leo, and Saturn in Vigo casting his glance at Sun, Moon and Ketu. This is not a good situation and could cause dangers all around. The Earth will shake due to strong electromagnetic forces and will cause a lot of disruption on Earth.

Countries and places around water would get most affected. Islands, peninsulas, and gulfs would be most susceptible to major dangers. There could be floods, storms, Tsunamis, and many accidents. I also see areas of green getting affected. Flora, fauna, valleys and lakes could be affected. All these need not happen just on July 11th, but does create energies for these things to come soon.

It does tend to be mostly the Vedic astrologers who are more bold in their predictions of both doom and glory, but I get plenty of emails from clients who want to know what kind of earth-shattering effects to expect.

So here are ten reasons not to worry about Sunday’s eclipse:

  1. Eclipses tend to be most powerful where they are fully visible, and the path of the July 11 eclipse travels primarily across the southern Pacific ocean, so unless you live on Easter Island or at the very tip of South America you will not be heavily affected (here’s a nice set of animations to prove my point.
  2. Even though astronomers are calling this a total solar eclipse, the nodes of the Moon are still eight degrees away from the lunation.  Eclipses are astrologically more powerful when the nodes are closer to the Moon.
  3. Unlike the June 26 eclipse, in which seven planets and luminaries were in alignment, there are no aspects to the Sun and Moon during the July 11 event.
  4. The eclipse occurs at a New Moon in the sign of Cancer, governing feelings and our sensitivity to the world around us.
  5. This will be a great time for getting in touch with our emotions and feelings, and potentially healing challenging relationships with Chiron (wounding and healing) in opposition formation to Venus (relating to others).
  6. The eclipse chart includes a fire trine from Jupiter and Uranus to Mercury which enhances communication and energizes our ability to process new ideas and ways of thinking.
  7. Mars, planet of aggression, is in a nice sextile to the New Moon which further facilitates the smooth processing of the fire trine and helps us to balance the power of the fire energy with the emotional depth of the Cancerian New Moon.
  8. The New Moon is at its best in Cancer, the sign which it rules.  The ebb and flow of emotion at this time can be utilized and channeled without trauma.
  9. We are moving towards the completion of two major planetary cycles: the square of Saturn to Pluto and the opposition from Saturn to Uranus.  While it’s true that there are still some challenging cardinal alignments, as the cycles wind down towards completion there is far less disruption than in the early phases.
  10. The Universe is always moving towards wholeness, and if we can develop trust in the process we will enjoy the flow of our lives so much more.  Change what you can change in your lives, and release the rest.
Share

The Solar Eclipse unmasks the fact that racism is alive and well

The major force of the eclipse is now behind us, although its influence will linger for the next few days.  Eclipses are often associated with the “unmasking” of something that has been hidden – in the solar eclipse, the power of the lunar unconscious force unmasks that which has been hidden from the conscious mind.

So here we have the revelation that Professor Henry Louis Gates, arrested last Thursday (July 16) was arrested for trying to open the front door of his own home in Cambridge Massachusetts after a passer-by called the police to report a break-in. There is some debate over whether Dr. Gates provided identification when asked, but I know from personal experience with friends how sensitive these things can be, and I can just imagine how Dr. Gates would feel, returning from a long trip to China and probably exhausted, being confronted on his own front porch and asked for identification.

The eclipse fell about five degrees from the 8th house Mercury (communication) in the US chart, provoking discussion and inquiry (Mercury) about the hidden motives and power imbalances (8th house)  that are still alive in the US.  I sometimes think that it’s the African Americans who hold the cards now – we have a black president, everyone wants to be hip and talk like black people, and our most powerful cultural leaders are black.  But evidently there are still pockets of prejudice left to be cleansed.

The Chiron/Neptune conjunction (together with Jupiter) occurred within a degree from the Moon in the US chart.  The Moon in a national chart represents the heart of the people, and the Chiron/Neptune conjunction is serving to open up old wounds (Chiron) to be healed so that a more soulful experience (Neptune) can be achieved.  This is an essential process and one that should be welcomed so that real healing can occur and the past can once and for all be left to history.

Share

Solar eclipse pits superstition against transformation

An article in Yahoo News yesterday was entitled “Solar eclipse pits superstition against science,” but to me there is no better example of the split between traditional Vedic astrologers and “modern” transformational or evolutionary astrologers.  I welcome my Vedic astrologer readers to chime in on this topic and look forward to an interesting discussion.

From the article:

Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week’s total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.

But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday’s natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.

In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to “swallow” the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.

Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged….

In point of fact, the effects of the eclipse ARE likely to be felt more powerfully across India since that is the path of the total eclipse.  Because astrology is so much more accepted in India, there are many more astrologers and many more of them follow the traditional line of thinking.  In the West, astrology was lost for many hundreds of years and when it was reclaimed over the past few hundred years it was able to grow and evolve along with the consciousness of the masses.  It’s interesting to me that Indian astrologers sometimes use this fact to support their claim that Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, is superior to Western astrology.  But as you’ve heard me say a million times, as the lives of humans evolve it makes sense that astrology does too.

We now have many more choices than our ancestors did.  We are no longer, in the West at least, forced to marry spouses chosen for us by our parents.  We are no longer forced to pursue a career path chosen by the chief of our tribe.  We can make those choices for ourselves, and as the world of choice opens up to us we find there are many more choices to be made that can transform our lives.  Will be choose to face a time of change from a place of fear?  Or will we choose to walk courageously towards that change, eager to learn what lessons await there?  This is the difference between fearing our fate and creating our destiny.

I have to laugh at these predictions of war and violence as a result of the eclipse.  Has anyone read the news lately?  War and violence are sadly nothing new in our world.  Certainly there could be emotional stress for some of us that is heightened as a result of the eclipse, and this kind of stress can manifest as violence.  But the eclipse is a natural phenomenon just like all of the other astrological experiences that we have, and one with the potential to help us to release blocks and uncover the mysteries of who we are at the deepest core of our soul.

Share

Total eclipse of the Sun, July 21-22 2009

The New Moon that occurs at 10:35 pm EDT on July 21 (2 am GMT July 22) is also a total solar eclipse, in which the Moon passes in front of the Sun from our perspective here on Planet Earth, obscuring the light of the Sun for a short time.

Solar eclipses always occur at the time of the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are in the same degree of an astrological sign and said to be conjunct.  Because the conscious intention of the solar principle combines with the instinctive longings and reactions of the lunar principle at the New Moon, these are excellent times for new beginnings.  But in an eclipse, the solar principle is temporarily blocked and the lunar principle prevails.

Eclipses can only occur when the New or Full Moon occurs near the Lunar Nodes, the points at which the Moon crosses the ecliptic of the Sun.  In the astrological language, the Nodes of the Moon represent the evolutionary direction of the soul, with the South Node pointing to the direction from which we have come, and the North Node the direction of our future.  Therefore, the symbolism inherent in the eclipse is a powerful clue to the evolutionary potential in an eclipse event.  This upcoming eclipse is very tightly conjunct the Nodes – within one degree – which portends its importance for planetary evolution.

The ancient Chinese, Incas and Hindus viewed the nodes of the moon as the Dragon’s Head (North Node) and the Dragon’s Tail (South Node), and they perceived an eclipse as the Dragon eating the Sun or the Moon.  From the beginning of the use of astrology, somewhere over 2,000 years, eclipses have been used to time significant events.  In a typical year there are two pairs of eclipses, but this year there are an astonishing six, indicating that this is a significant year for change.

The upcoming New Moon is not only an eclipse but also the second New Moon in Cancer (a phenomenon also known as the “Secret Moon.”)   Because Cancer rules the Moon, it is particularly powerful in Cancer and because this is an eclipse of the Sun, the lunar influence is even more powerful.  The Moon presides over all issues of emotion, but also our emotional connections to each other and to our ancestral history.  Cancer is known for its concern with family matters but that sense of family extends beyond the nuclear family, and even the extended family, to the entire tribe of which we are a part.  Some of us have strong family ties; others of us create our own tribes that serve the family role.

Because of the intensity of the triple conjunction of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune which is still tighly in alignment, many of us are more sensitive and more highly reactive than usual. Under the eclipse the influence of the solar conscious mind is diminished, and the emotional power of the Moon stands raw and undiluted.  The Triple Conjunction is already stripping away the veneer that we have built to protect us from ourselves; the eclipse may accelerate the process of unmasking the vulnerability (Moon/Cancer) that reveals our true heart.

The first New Moon in Cancer occurred in June on the day following the Summer Solstice which added its own bit of drama. This New Moon is at the 29th degree of Cancer, within two degrees of the North Node. The 29th degree is sometimes called the “critical degree,” and there is a sense of something coming to a close, of needing completion. The New Moon, when the Sun and Moon conjunct, is typically a time of new beginnings; however, here we have something new beginning and closure occurring at the same time. The Sun is on the cusp of Leo, so the fresh new start is already in place – we have only to turn our view so that we are looking forward again and we will be in motion.

The New Moon is trined by Uranus, the planet of radical change and surprise, suggesting that the new wave of evolution will not be what we are expecting.  Uranus demands that we let go of any rigid ideas that we have and open up to the intuition of the higher mind.  A harmonious sextile of Mercury to Mars is embedded in the New Moon as well, helping to sharpen our focus and provide us with the mental energy we need to get through any difficulty we encounter in our day.

Relationships may be under some pressure with a square of Venus (relating and beauty) to Saturn (disappointment and restriction), and we may find that this is a time that the soul prefers solitude to companionship.  This is a time when we are pulled deep within ourselves and the presence of others in our lives may create pressure with the Saturn/Venus influence.  On the other hand, Saturn inspires us to greater loyalty and commitment so it is possible now through the hard work that is required of a Saturn square, a challenging aspect, to strengthen our relationships based on the Truth that is emerging from within.

The effect of the eclipse will be most powerful for those who are currently undergoing transits to their chart from the Triple Conjunction, or who have planets in the very last degrees of the Cardinal signs (Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and Libra).  The eclipse is also most powerful in the areas where it can be seen, which in this case includes central India including Mumbai and Bhopal; Nepal, Bhutan, Shanghai, and the islands south of Japan.


Share

Planetary news this week!

The next few days bring some powerful influences. A conjunction of the Sun to Jupiter is a beneficial influence that adds confidence to all of our endeavors, and a trine of Mars (energy) to Saturn (discipline) helps to provide the focus to get things done and manifest our desires and wishes. Venus (relating to others) forms a sextile to Mars (aggression) which helps to energize our relationships and aid in collaborative ventures. However, an opposition of Saturn to Venus suggests that there may be tests and challenges in our interpersonal relationships that will require some work to navigate successfully.

All of this leads up to a powerful Solar Eclipse, one of an amazing six eclipses in 2009. The eclipse on January 26 occurs in a New Moon in Aquarius at 2:55 am EST. This New Moon is a potent Aquarian fiesta, with Jupiter conjunct the Sun and Moon, and Chiron and Neptune also in the sign of Aquarius. A New Moon is a time of new beginnings, and in Aquarius we see an emphasis on Justice, innovation, invention, community. Eclipses can be significant harbingers of a shift in awareness or focus, and this one, coming so closely after the inauguration of Barack Obama, is certain to energize the power of that new beginning for the US and the rest of the world as well.

Mercury (the mental function) forms a sextile to Venus on the day of the eclipse, a planetary combination that enhances creativity and facilitates understanding, and is energized by Mars the following day (January 27th). The mind is a crucial player in the Aquarian drama, and the fact that Mercury is so active now suggests that it will be easier to bring our mental processes on board with the consciousness shift occurring now.

Share

Thoughts on the August 1 Eclipse

August 1 will bring a total solar eclipse, occurring at 6:12 am EDT. The solar eclipse occurs astronomically with an alignment of the Sun, Moon and the Earth so that the Moon blocks the light of the Sun to us here on Earth.

Astrologically, the solar eclipse occurs at the time of a New Moon, with the solar conscious principle conjoining the lunar unconscious principle in close proximity to the nodes of the Moon, or the Dragon’s Head and Tail.

The nodes of the Moon describe our evolutionary journey, with the North Node (also called the Dragon’s head by the Chinese and other ancients) demonstrating the direction in which we are heading and the South Node (the Dragon’s tail) identifying the karmic past and issues best left behind. The involvement in the eclipse phenomenon perhaps gives a clue to the effect of an eclipse, where the Sun and Moon are aligned in tandem with the evolutionary lunar nodes but the earth blocks their light. The symbolism to me is clear: The eclipse marks a turning point, but the significance may not be immediately obvious as both the solar conscious principle and the lunar instincts are obscured and we journey in darkness.

The eclipse on August 1 is at 9 degrees Leo, the sign of creative self-expression and the development of a healthy ego. If you have a copy of your birthchart, look to see where in the chart the eclipse will fall and that will give you a picture of where in your life you are likely to experience a change. Some say that the eclipse is an “unmasking,” revealing something that has been hidden up until this point.

A solar eclipse in Leo is an interesting phenomenon astrologically, because Leo is the sign that is associated with the Sun and the ego is therefore driven underground during the eclipse period. The effect of New and Full Moons is said to be three days before and three days after the event; eclipses can be felt for a longer period of time if you are a particularly lunar person (with planets in Cancer, in the fourth house, or with strong aspects to the Moon).

This eclipse could bring out some interesting facets of the US presidential candidates, since it is exactly square to Uranus in McCain’s chart and very close to a square to Neptune in Obama’s chart. This is interesting because these are the two planets that cause the candidates the most trouble. Uranus (radical behavior) is square to McCain’s Mars, the astrological dynamic that results in McCain’s “maverick” status that he is trying so hard now to keep under wraps. Neptune (redemption and illusion) is square to Obama’s Sun, and this is the chart factor that results in the adoration of Obama that some find so frightening. Perhaps during this eclipse period some of the real substance that underlies these factors may be revealed.

This incredible image is from The Nonist; it’s a composite image of 6 hand drawn images from different astronomers of a total solar eclipse on July 18, 1960.

Share

Revolution and Revelations


digital art from www.paulsquire.com

Mercury turned direct on Saturday after a three-week period of missed appointments, crashed computers, and conversations that began “I thought you said…” For some time Mercury has been marching in lockstep with Uranus, the planet of revolution and radical departures from ordinary thinking, and this combination has brought with it a groundswell of revolutionary activity as well as some surprising revelations. The buildup of energy as we approach the Aries New Moon solar eclipse on Wednesday will likely encourage an increase in aggression (Aries) and bravado resulting in a higher level of violence and action/reaction across the globe. Pent-up emotion erupted in the public arena this weekend:

Demonstrators in Belarus were clubbed and their leader arrested during an increase in violence on Saturday, about a week after a widely-questioned election on March 19 left the current administration in power.

Over half a million protesters in Los Angeles were accompanied by tens of thousands more in other cities such as Denver, Phoenix and Milwaukee in marches and speeches protesting the anti-immigration bill that is before the US Senate this week.

Riots in France over the past week came to a head as students snubbed efforts of the Prime Minister to quell the violence.

And then there were some surprising revelations:

The Pentagon claimed that Russia had provided classified information to Saddam Hussein as the US invasion of Iraq unfolded.

Scientists in Ethiopia found the skull of a new human ancestor that could be the long-sought missing link.

The journal Science published two studies on Friday revealing that global warming is occurring much more quickly than previously thought, resulting in significant earth changes by the year 2100.

You may be experiencing the intensity of the upcoming eclipse on a more personal level as well. Change is difficult, but ultimately propels us towards a more complete experience of life on earth and an increase in wisdom and depth of perception.

Share