Although it’s impossible to imagine, for the next several weeks planetary patterns intensify what’s already too intense and regular routines of daily life mirror that intensification. Mercury Retrograde begins Thursday, July 26, at 6:02 AM GMT, 1:02 AM EDT. There’s a super powerful lunar eclipse on Friday, July 27. Uranus Retrograde begins on Tuesday, August 7. And as if all that isn’t enough, there’s another solar eclipse on August 11. It’s quite appropriate to imitate Munch’s Scream, so hold your head in your hands and howl—it’s as good a way as any to express your stress and anxiety, and you won’t be alone.
Mercury Retrograde is always about communication and travel snafus, but this one is a techno-nightmare that’s sure to push some beyond the verge—whatever that verge may be. (It’s a little late to back up your digital world safely, but it’s still worth a try if there’s something you’re terrified of losing.) There are several factors other than just the normal retrograde headaches that make this retrograde so difficult. The chart for the retrograde contains a T-square between the Sun, Mars and Uranus. T-squares always indicate tension and this one is particularly volatile because it’s rebellious. It’s not that I think machines are ready to turn on us—I don’t think Hal has been born yet—but given the stress of this T-square, you’re likely to think that your devices are asserting themselves over you. Don’t trash your phone…just breathe…and keep breathing until your blood pressure returns to normal.
A Moon/Pluto conjunction is also in effect as Mercury Retrograde begins and this difficult combination could turn efforts to recover lost documents obsessive. This conjunction also feeds compulsive behavior, so be careful not to revert to self-destructive default settings—and that includes addictions of all types—for stress management.
The first of the three Munch moments is the July 27 lunar eclipse which is fraught with volatility, and when you add that to the escalating retrograde frustration of Mercury and Mars Retrograde, it’s almost too much to bear. During this lunar eclipse, the Sun, in Leo, opposes the Moon, in Aquarius, and the Moon is conjunct Mars, also in Aquarius, and all these planets form a square to Uranus. Just to be clear…this is nearly the same T-Square signature of Mercury Retrograde only the Moon is conjunct Mars, adding an even deeper level of emotional reactivity to the bundle. One way to handle this epic configuration is to prepare for meltdowns, individual and collective, public and private, political or just purposeless. Keep your head, but also try holding it—that position might mitigate the stress.
The second Munch moment exacerbates the first: Uranus Retrograde begins on August 7, which means that even as you read this we’re already entering its slo-mo rewind. As Uranus Retrograde joins Mercury and Mars, you can be sure that all sorts of retrospectives will be playing on screens near you, be it the multiplex of your mind, heart and soul or the dramas of others, which could all too easily spill out and become yours. Patience. Patience. And just when you think you’ve had enough, more patience.
The third hold-your-head-and-scream moment happens with the second solar eclipse of the summer on August 11. I know that’s two weeks away but eclipses cast large shadows and some of the madness of the moment is related to this next solar event. This eclipse contains two important signatures:
(1) The eclipse occurs in Leo at 18° 42′ which is the same degree (within 12 minutes) of the Moon at the exact moment of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction of January 12, 2020.
(2) During the August 11 solar eclipse, Mars is at 0° Aquarius, which is where Mars moved to early in the morning of November 9, 2016, when the votes were being counted and we were dealing with the shock of Hillary’s losing. Of course, now we know that loss was a premeditated defeat orchestrated by a foreign power and not simply an accident of history.
Expect this solar eclipse to reveal even more information about the forces at work during that election, and because of the Moon’s placement, also anticipate that what comes to light also affects what occurs in 2020.
We’ve already been through so many difficult weeks that it’s hard to be prepared for even more…but be prepared for even more. Emotional tides are running high and there are likely to be even higher waves of frustration. The best way to ride these seas safely is to deepen your commitment to compassion, but not in a superficial or trite way. Kindness as a genuine response can shift moods away from hostility and that has the power to make a difference for everyone, including you.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
During this triple retrograde and double eclipse cycle, navigating emotional waters—yours or others’—won’t be easy. Especially if you feel the need to take sides and take a stand. I’m all in for authenticity, but this week it might be wiser to make moderation both your mantra and your message. Avoid going to extremes of any kind and you’ll emerge from this phase stronger in body, mind, heart, and soul.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The retrogrades, as well as the eclipses, present a multitude of oppositional positions, both internal and external, and there are no easy resolutions on the horizon. That being said, the best way through the tension is finding a quiet place within and allowing yourself to observe the stress rather than get swept away by it. I’m not suggesting non-participation, so much as advising thoughtful, mindful engagement.
Gemini May 21-June 21
During the next retro-eclipse weeks, try not to let things said in the heat of the moment turn into scorching wildfires with the capacity to burn down cherished routines. I know that sounds dramatic, but at this moment, your words have the power of a tsunami, which means they don’t just ripple across the waters of ‘normal’ interactions to be forgotten the next day. Their effect lingers, and lingers, and lingers.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The triple retrograde/eclipse cycle invites you to review your finances with an eye towards more than immediate improvements, and this makes it ever so important to embrace the biggest possible picture of what you want to create for the future. There’s no reason to hurry through this process, so take your time and make a list of your responsibilities, as well as all the things you desire.
Leo July 23-August 22
You have complete permission to assume the Munch pose for the next several weeks. After all, there’s a lunar eclipse in your Sign, coupled with Mercury Retrograde, followed by a solar eclipse…in your Sign…and I’m tired just writing about it. Give yourself a break and take a break—not much can be done under this kind of astral pressure, so take a deep breath and focus your efforts on being in your joy, whatever that may be.
Virgo August 23-September 22
While the triple retrograde/eclipse cycle is certain to create obstacles to what you would like to do and/or accomplish, there is still room for magic, especially if you are willing to use your negotiating skills to find a way through the barriers. I’m not guaranteeing all your wishes will come true, but I can assure you that your efforts will reveal several positive results. All you have to do is be true to your vision.
Libra September 23-October 22
The eclipses, coupled with the retrogrades, offer the perfect opportunity for you to find your power from deep within and to express that authority with confidence. Don’t worry that you will be too bossy because even if you are a little dictatorial, others are likely to need strong guidance to make it through. Take a deep breath and step into your depth—just remember to be kind when you are dishing out orders.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The retrogrades coupled with the eclipses, have the power to interfere with straightforward business transactions, but if you are willing to go over the details as often as necessary, those distractions can be handled with grace and skill. I’m not advising you to push too hard. I’m simply suggesting that a strong intention guided by compassion will work wonders, including diffusing any resentment.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Read Gemini, above, and add this: The eclipses are likely to reveal previously hidden information (if they haven’t already) and the retrogrades are making it difficult for you to take affirmative action. Your first defense has always been dialogue, but at the moment your words carry too strong a charge to generate peaceful alliances, so rather than hold forth, hold back. It’s just for now.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The next few weeks of double eclipses and triple retrogrades are enough to drive an organized person mad with worry about handling all the details. Even if you are certain the house will fall down, there’s very little you can do to stop the process. Rather than wasting precious time and energy resisting the inevitable, let the structure collapse. Once the weakness has prevailed, you can concentrate on rebuilding from clarity and strength.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This triple retrograde and double eclipse cycle creates an identity crisis that challenges all your relationships. Mars, the planet of might, is in your Sign, so before you take strong steps you might later regret, take a breath and consider the consequences of your actions. There’s a lot of tension to handle and no clear way other than a forceful attitude, but if you can soften your approach, you’ll find a less-charged way through your situation.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Don’t be surprised if you feel like withdrawing from the world—that might be the perfect solution to the retrograde/eclipse intensity. Just try not to brood about all the things you can’t control, especially in a world that seems completely out of control. Hermitize, but do it in a disciplined fashion—meditate, contemplate, journal, and evaluate the various causes and conditions of your state of mind—but don’t dwell on the negative. Attitude is everything.