A Solar Eclipse, the last of three eclipses, falls on the New Moon on August 11. Eclipses and New Moons are about new beginnings and endings. We enter a void, and, then life expands as the New Moon moves into fullness. The void will feel more intense because the moon is particularly close to earth, which is known as a Super New Moon. At the same, we’re moving through the Lion’s Gate, the annual influx of solar light, during August 8-12.

This eclipse is not about transformation into higher realms. The aspects ask us to see the bigger truths beneath the surface. The New Moon/Eclipse chart focuses on the practical aspects of life – the art of staying centered in the heart space when life is chaotic, difficult, or stressful. (The heart and inner self can always find the right action; the challenge is dealing with the personality’s habitual reactions to life.)

With five planets in fire–Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, and Chiron–there is much passion and heat. Appropriately, Sun (outer self), Moon (inner self), and Mercury (mind) are conjunct in Leo, inciting courage, loyalty, and a desire to follow the heart.

Three strong squares appear between Sun (life), Moon (emotions), Mercury (mind), and Jupiter (good fortune, expansion). According to texts, Jupiter knows the right path for our illumination, blessings, and inner growth. Jupiter is placed in Scorpio, and its skill lies seeing the truth beneath the surface – and applying it to transmute our lives into a higher form.

These three squares create tension between the inner self and the part of the self that lacks alignment with our soul, particularly on the level of life (Sun), emotions (Moon), and Mercury (thought/communication). All of the planets fall in fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio), indicating the importance of seeing life from a different, broader perspective and an open mind. (Moving into love requires seeing where we are distanced from it such as  through people, places, and perception. The challenge is recognizing the truth and making appropriate changes.)

Mars (energy, assertion, male) squares Uranus (awakening, sudden change). Uranus loves change, and Mars interprets this as reaction on the physical and emotional level. With seven planets in retrograde, the Mars/Uranus square is like a subterranean channel with energy flowing beneath the surface that can explode when brought to the surface unless it is wisely directed.

Venus (feminine, love, relationships) is beautifully placed in Libra, accentuating our ability to perceive beauty, balance, and fairness. Venus trines (harmonious) Mars in Aquarius, bringing harmony between the male/female sides of the self – as well as partnerships and relationships. Venus squares Saturn in Capricorn, bringing tension based on the past (and karma) to the surface for clearing. (Again, it’s another opportunity to see how beliefs and experience cloud perceptions.)

  Jupiter

Jupiter (good fortune, expansion) trines Neptune (illusion, mysticism), imbuing the forecast with positive energy and hopefulness. Jupiter sextiles Pluto (subconscious, transmutation), helping with the right use of power and strength. Saturn (time, limitation) trines Uranus (sudden change, awakening), creating a harmonious background for overcoming karma and moving into the beauty and transcendence of awakening.

Uranus moved into Taurus (earth) in May, and volcanoes erupt in Hawaii while fires rage in California, Greece, and England. On another level, a prolific number of  hatchlings (in my lifetime) of birds and reptiles (snakes, lizards, frogs) appeared in late May. For those of us who spend hours in nature, the Earth feels wonderfully alive.

Notes:

• Fortunately, we’ll receive light from the Lion’s Gate while passing through the darkness of the New Moon, and trines with Venus/Mars, Jupiter/Neptune, and Saturn/Uranus mitigate the intense energy of squares with Sun/Moon/Mercury and Jupiter.
• The challenge lies in remaining neutral when previously “unseen” causes of frustration and unhappiness become appear. By returning to the heart, we can find our way and gently navigate through obstacles through visualization, careful conversations, and a focus on love. It’s part of living on a higher level, but it’s never easy.
• Mars (assertion, male) squares Uranus (sudden change, awakening), creating tension and upset. This aspect encourages quick action and retort and can create upsetting emotions. It’s about reaction as opposed to response. When a change or conversation is needed, wait and meditate on it for several days. (Emotions translate poorly while this aspect is active. Aspect continues through September 18.)
• Venus encourages us to find love in balance, harmony, and beauty. Part of the vision of the inner self comes from contemplation of beauty and how it relates to the heart. Take time to reflect on the beauty of the people, landscape, and simple pleasures like the sun and moon.
• Much of the chart is about moving through our fixed ideas about life, people, and the way in which live. In the big picture, it’s marvelous to let go of the small aspects of life and embrace the larger possibilities.

Sabian Symbols, based on the work of Lynda Hill

Sabian Symbols provide an interpretation of the placement of the planet in a particular sign. Every sign (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc) has thirty degrees. Each degree has a specific meaning.

Sun and Moon are placed on Leo 19, “A Houseboat Party Crowded with Revelers; The Water Reflects Its Lights.” The symbol feels appropriate for the eclipse. Many of us are gathered together on a vessel amidst the water, which represents emotion. Sometimes, it may seem like a party as we move together in the New Age. Other times, we’re confined within the group energy of the people around us, and their energy is amplified and reflected by the pond, lake, or sea.

Mercury is on Leo 15, “A Street Pageant Moving Along a Street Packed with People.” The imagery of an exciting group event repeats with Mercury, which rules mind and communications. We can observe or participate in the pageant, find unity or feel pressed by the crowd, or celebrate or withdraw.

Venus sits on Libra 5, “A Man Teaching The True Inner Knowledge Of The New World To His Students”. This symbol seems self-evident. As we awaken, it is love that leads us to true inner knowledge, teachers, and the perception of the New World.  (Stay aligned with the heart.)

Mars is on Aquarius 1, “A Woman Reading Tea Leaves.” Mars is all about action; it loves reaction, arguments, and movement into the next brawl. This symbol encourages focusing on the direction of the intuitive self by deciphering messages that may not always make sense in the outer world. Intuitive messages are often confusing on the surface but offer true guidance through hints and feelings.

Jupiter sits on Scorpio 15, “Children Playing Around Five Mounds of Sand.” The five mounds of sand represent the 5 elements, which is sometimes referred to as the pentacle. In short, the children do not understand the power of symbols or their inherent ability to create change in the physical world through occult work. (This symbol may refer to us because Jupiter squares the Sun, Moon, and Mercury in this chart.  Perhaps, part of our spiritual maturity comes through the perception of our abilities.)

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path.

If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.