Insight

August 2009

 

Aquarius Lunar Eclipse

6 August 2009

 

This is the second lunar eclipse to occur in four weeks. At this lunar eclipse the Sun and Moon are closely aligned with a rather decisive point in the zodiac, namely 15 Leo-Aquarius which is the midpoint between the solstice and the equinox points. When the Sun reaches these degrees we are at the height of summer and winter in each hemisphere. These “cross-quarter days” have been celebrated since ancient times.

This eclipse occurs within a degree of mid-summer’s day (northern hemisphere) and is associated with the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh.

  • 5-10 November: Samhain,
    • Middle of autumn

 

  • 2-7 February: Imbolc,
    • Middle of winter

 

  • 4-10 May: Beltane,
    • Middle of spring

 

 

Extreme heat and cold characterise this time of the year. Six months ago on February 7 we experienced the horrendous Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria when temperatures soared to over 46 degrees Celsius. Oddly, a few years ago on 2 Feb 2005 we had a huge downpour in Victoria with the highest ever recorded rainfall in a 24-hour period. Although this occurred at the height of the southern summer, this set a new record for the coldest ever February day.

 

It’s not uncommon for extreme weather events to occur in February and August. The Sun transits Aquarius (in detriment) in February and is in Leo, its sign of rulership, in August. The relative strength of the Sun’s rays during these months is the reason why the Sun is considered to be astrologically weak in Aquarius, and most powerful in Leo.

 

Life seems to be oscillating between extreme personal highs and deep lows; the ether itself seeming to fluctuate wildly from one extreme to another.

 

Eclipses always focus their energy intensely and help us see things in a new light. Personally and collectively, for better or worse, they create portals of energy where the past and the future converge in the present moment.

 

The recent total solar eclipse on 22 July was a powerful one and the longest of any in the 21st Century. Since then the Moon has travelled from the last degree of Cancer to the middle of Aquarius, the Sun having moved 14 degrees. Though this eclipse will not be visible, its power can be felt and experienced with our other senses, such as intuition.

 

We might experience some big weather events, which is not unusual for this time of year. Apart from the Sun, the other planet astrologically related to the weather is Neptune and it continues its stellium alignment with Chiron and Jupiter. This too could manifest as a powerful collective event with wide implications.

 

Saturn and Uranus meanwhile remain in opposition aspect, reaching critical mass next month at their third alignment. Although this polarisation in 2009-2010 continues for some time yet, September is a crucial month when decisions and action will be required on many fronts.

 

This lunar eclipse is a pre-cursor to that event and may bring matters to a head, helping us decide if we stand in the Saturn or the Uranus camp. Do we prefer to stick with the current modus operandi or plan? Or is the familiar now outmoded?

 

So much is changing and so rapidly, but new systems and regulations are needed to take us forward. At the same time there is no point throwing out the old if we are not going to take on the responsibility and work to implement the new.

 

This may feed into the bigger cycles that are playing out, dividing people into two camps, those who are ready to embrace the future, versus those who are guardians of the old standards and traditions.

 

There is a fixed grand cross in the heavens at this eclipse too, involving Venus, Ceres, Juno and Pluto, suggesting some potential for conflict. Issues concerning our relationship to the feminine may erupt as unconscious shadows surface. Episodes of jealousy, envy, greed or the need to control may take hold.

 

Like all Full Moons, but more so, this eclipse signals the possibility of over-reactions and emotional sensitivity. Personally and emotionally, and impersonally and collectively, Pluto’s power as an agent of renewal and rebirth is likely to be keenly felt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leo New Moon

20 August 2009

 

The Sabian Symbol for this new Moon is; many little birds on the limb of a large tree. This New Moon brings a feeling of expansiveness and a plethora of possible options which we might choose to adopt.

 

Numerous possibilities come to consciousness all at once, yet the Leo New Moon asks us to focus our attention on one thing, and to act decisively and with conviction.

 

The Sun and Moon oppose the stellium of outer planets in Aquarius, which are also the focal point of a yod involving Mercury/Saturn and Venus/Vesta. This suggests the possibility of annoying distractions, inner frustrations, external influences and delays which could prevent us from taking firm action.

 

At this New Moon it might be advisable to take a “wait and see” approach and consider the wider implications, rather than acting too soon.

 

The Nodal Axis shifts into Cancer-Capricorn on the 22nd shifting the emphasis towards personal and professional development.  In Cancer the South Node needs emotional comfort, support and personal security. This assured, this enables the North Node to develop its worldly opportunities for professional success and achievement in Capricorn over the longer term.