It’s got to be the morning after… has officially become the brain worm guiding the content of this week’s missive. But while the event may be behind us, the effect is far from over. (And for those who’ve been off-planet, in a coma or in a cult that bans media, the event was the Great American solar eclipse on Monday, August 21.) The effect lingers because that’s what happens with eclipses—they distort time, with an effect that stretches six weeks before and after the actual event, and the magnitude of the August 21 solar eclipse lingers a little longer than most. So if you’re feeling as if nothing has changed—that the tumult and tension of recent weeks hasn’t dispersed, you’re right. This week is as intense as the last several weeks, maybe even more so, if only because the overtones of the eclipse chord are still reverberating through the regular as well as the irregular routines of daily life.
The reason the eclipse effect resonance continues is because of something called the ‘eclipse sensitive point’, which is the degree along the zodiac belt at which the eclipse occurs. The sensitive point for the recent solar eclipse is 28 degrees Leo 58 minutes—or nearly 29 degrees. Every time another planet hits that point, it triggers the eclipse effect, and the list of planets for this eclipse is long.
On September 2, Mercury, which is currently retrograde, crosses that degree of Leo and stays on that degree until it goes direct on September 5. Mercury symbolizes all aspects of communication and travel, and when it “turns around” at a specific degree, it lingers in that spot, which creates an emphasis on what that degree holds. Mercury represents all things related to communication and travel, and given that eclipses are said to reveal previously hidden information, Mercury’s thumb on the eclipse sensitive point is likely to provide all sorts of communiqués that lots of folks would prefer to keep private. Unfortunately, Mercury’s presence on that point is certain to make much of that data public. Mercury Direct begins on September 5, but it’s likely to take more than a moment to gather momentum.
But that’s not all: Mars, the God of war, crosses the eclipse sensitive point on September 3, in a conjunction with Mercury, which amplifies Mercury’s fleet feet—he is the winged messenger—but more importantly, Mars’ militaristic inclinations add a strident force to Mercury’s messages. It will be difficult not to engage in a war of words, so think before you speak, and as I like to say, bite your tongue until it bleeds before you say something you will regret for a very long time.
And, of course, there is more: Uranus, the God of surprising plot twists, trines that Mercury/Mars conjunction as it triggers the eclipse sensitive point, sending impulsive urges through an already tempestuous environment. Remember… Uranus is the God of reversals of fortune and its presence signals the potential for even more surprising developments. (And again: How many more surprises could there be?)
One more bit: Late in the day on September 4 the Moon, in Aquarius, opposes the eclipse sensitive point, adding even more emotional volatility to an already supercharged atmosphere.
I am writing about what will occur next week rather than this week because this is the week when everyone will think that the eclipse is over—and it’s not—which makes this week an important week to prepare for the shudders and shocks that lie ahead.
For the last several weeks this column has focused on how the solar eclipse has affected Mr. Trump’s natal chart because he is the primary symbol for the United States, and according to the astrologers of ancient times, how an eclipse affects the king’s chart determines how the country will be affected. (If you are new to this column and interested in that information, you can find it in the archives.)
Each of us has the Leo/Aquarius axis in our personal charts. The lunar eclipse took place in Aquarius and the solar eclipse, in Leo. This axis symbolizes the connection between individual expression and collective reception to that expression, which then becomes the zeitgeist. To be sure, we are witnessing the strife along that axis through the various movements that are being revived, created and activated. But it would be wise to also try to identify where the strife of that axis is occurring in your personal life. It could be ideological, but it could also be psychological, emotional, financial, locational, or a crisis of faith.
Eclipses signify dimensional shifts. The “regular” order of things is disrupted and for a moment, darkness prevails. But that darkness often allows what’s hidden to be seen, and in the revelation of those shadows, powerful insights can occur. And those penetrating realizations often facilitate a new attitude, one that turns bitterness to gratitude. For some, it is an out-with-the-old—whatever that is—and suddenly closets and cupboards are emptied and cleared of debris that no longer has emotional significance—it’s the realization that what once had tremendous value is no longer important. And for even more, the dimensional shift of an eclipse resembles the clarity of a corrective lens: “I once saw it this way, but now I see so clearly what I was missing.”
Leo signifies the heart and Aquarius symbolizes the altruistic possibility of community, and much has been written about this eclipse and a universal opening of the heart. I hope this is true, but my sense is that this eclipse is more likely to reveal where the heart is closed, individually and collectively—that’s the shadow and it’s only when the shadow is embraced that a true opening can really occur. Predictions, as many know, are projections of the oracle’s point of view, which is why it would be wise to use the next several weeks to witness what has occurred and continues to occur in your life that resembles a dimensional leap into a different consciousness. Soul growth is a personal experience, and the gathering of wisdom requires a strong self-awareness dedicated to applying that wisdom to the rigors of daily life.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
You’re in a starring role this week, but rather than prepare a script or adhere to purely formal procedures, it’s important for you to apply your creativity and be spontaneous. I’m not suggesting you turn each day into a drama. I’m simply advising you to be in the moment and trust yourself to make the right moves.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’re at risk for emotional overwhelm, especially if you’re attempting to do too much for too many. Instead of soldiering on, give yourself permission to feel deeply, without necessarily acting on those emotions. There will be difficult moments, but you’ll make it through. Remember: You gotta feel to heal.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You’re definitely in the mood to take some time for yourself, so go ahead and hibernate and get the quiet time that you need. It’s rare for you to turn the phone off and shut down the computer, TV and radio. But that’s what you need right now to nullify the eclipse effect and restore your center.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It’s all about gathering wisdom and sharing that wisdom with those you love, so don’t be shy about offering advice. Just don’t be disappointed if no one follows that advice. Part of having deep wisdom is knowing that each of us comes to our own conclusions in our own time from our individual perspectives.
Leo July 23-August 22
Continue to hold your heart in your hand and share your deep feelings with the ones you love—they will be grateful for your care and concern. Use these emotional exchanges to clarify what it is you truly value. Money is a marvelous tool and it is great to have, but love is always the answer.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Allow yourself to be passionate about being you! You’re in your element, so let it show—allow this spotlight to illuminate who you truly are. Yes, there are dramas occurring around you that require attention, but they can only interfere with your joy if you let them. Handle the difficulties but don’t let them corrupt your moment.
Libra September 23-October 22
The key to handling the intensity is taking a step back and viewing the situation from as broad a perspective as possible. Once you’ve established that objectivity, make every effort to respond rather than react to what is happening. This isn’t about being passive; it’s about be nonjudgmental.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The universe rearranges itself to accommodate your picture of reality, so continue to gather the pieces of your personal puzzle so that you can create the best possible picture. I am not advising magical thinking; I am suggesting that it’s time to acknowledge as well as own your innate co-creative power.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Make a commitment to finding your equilibrium and maintaining it. I know that’s easier said than done, especially in the current environment of surprising developments. But it’s a worthy endeavor, nevertheless, because the search itself will help you establish a better internal environment.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s always important to know when enough is enough, especially if you want to live according to your means, which is something that matters to you. Stick to your guns about not overspending, even if partners and friends criticize your efforts. Your discipline will pay plenty of benefits in the future.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It might be wise to make your mantra “What’s so funny ‘bout peace, love and understanding?” It will not only help you maintain your strength in a multitude of situations, but it will also remind you that the power of creativity is always accessible, especially if you’re willing to make the effort to activate it.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Protect yourself from the tumult by surrounding yourself with love. It doesn’t matter whether it’s love that manifests as self-care or love that manifests itself as the care of and for others—or both. If you make a commitment to be of service, you will emerge from this period with greater strength.
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