If I were to participate in ‘fake news”, I would begin this week’s column with an ode to the joys of summer and its easy living, but as it’s said in France, pas possible—or as we say in America “no way.” It’s simply not possible to sugarcoat the collective chaos and to do so would actually contribute to the madness. Not only are we still riding the waves of last week’s Mars/Pluto intensity but we are headed straight into an illuminating Full Moon at almost exactly the same spot on the zodiac wheel as that Mars/Pluto opposition. Consider this Full Moon the astral equivalent of that old est question: Got it? So much is occurring within the same field of influence that it is almost impossible (not completely pas possible) to deny “there’s something happening here.”
The activated degrees are all in Cardinal Signs, which are the action heroes of the astrological system because they are all about movement—and they all occur at a change in season: Aries/spring, Cancer/summer, Libra/autumn, and Capricorn/winter. Each occupies a cardinal direction of the compass. Cardinal Signs signify and initiate change. This can be seen through the seven squares of the recent Uranus/Pluto squares, all of which occurred in the Cardinal Signs of Aries and Capricorn. What’s more, what lies ahead in 2020 also occurs in Capricorn when we will experience the next Saturn/Pluto conjunction. More about that later—and I know I keep promising to write about it, but there’s still plenty of time—and I am referring to it now because since December 2016 the degrees within the range of that Saturn/Pluto 2020 conjunction have been repeatedly activated. Last week it was the Mars/Pluto opposition. This week it is the Full Moon on July 8 and 9.
This Full Moon occurs in Capricorn with the Moon conjunct Pluto and both opposite the Sun and Mars in Cancer. Mars is pulling away, but the Moon draws it into this configuration. What’s more, Jupiter squares the Sun, Moon, and Pluto—it’s a little too wide to include Mars, but then again, the Moon has the strength to pull it within reach. The Full Moon in any Sign at any time of the year is an emotionally tumultuous time—some folks have even been known to start howling. But the one on July 9 is particularly potent because it reiterates all the turmoil of the last six months and because the next Full Moon on August 7 is a lunar eclipse and well within the shadow of the solar eclipse on August 21.
Yes…I know this is all a bit technical, so here’s a translation: We’re building to a crescendo in 2020, and the next two months are the end of the first movement of this grand celestial orchestration. Those born in the second half of each of the Cardinal Signs—Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—are feeling the tension quite keenly. Those born in the last third of each of those Signs are likely to be reeling from the intensity. Do your best not to move into action simply for the sake of it. Breathe. Breathe again. And then breathe even more deeply. You will get through this by staying present, being honest with yourself and aligning your intentions with the greater good.
The rest of us should pretend that we also were born in the last third of those Cardinal Signs and follow the same advice. Each of us has these degrees somewhere in our personal chart—astrology is a democracy, which means we each have all the Signs and all the Planets as part of our personal sky map. So take as many deep breaths as necessary to make it through the emotional flux of the week, and if you get caught by your anger, fear, grief, pride, or any other emotional undertow, turn it into your teacher and learn from the intensity of that feeling. We are all in this together and the more we understand the ground we share, the more we will be able to find solutions and create conditions that benefit all of us.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The Full Moon happens in your Solar House of career and recognition, but it shines its light on several familiar areas of conflict: balancing your needs with the needs of others and balancing career ambitions with the desire to create a safe nest. These are not conflicting themes—they are the cornerstones of life. So rather than resent this constant concentration, embrace it knowing that you are near the end of a cycle that will help you create greater contentment.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The Full Moon occurs in your Solar House of both external and internal exploration, illuminating the need to explore your physical world as well as the need to devote more time to the contemplation of significant philosophic themes. Sounds like a big bite, I know, but you’re up to the challenge, especially if you can face your anxieties about trying new things and do them anyway, as well as reframe your spiritual doubts as invitations to strengthen your faith.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The Full Moon takes place on the axis of your Solar House of personal finance as well as the Solar House of the finances of others, and while it’s seldom easy to take an honest financial inventory, this light can generate greater clarity. Use it to confront your fear of ruin, and if you’ve been ruined through bankruptcy or something close to it, allow this Full Moon to illuminate the next steps toward better balance. This examination may not be easy but it will be worthwhile.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The Full Moon happens in your Solar House of relationship, shedding a bright light on what it is about relationship that matters to you. Included in this illumination are all varieties of intimate interactions with significant others—spouses, lovers, friends—everyone you open your heart to deeply. This light will also reveal your anxieties about getting your needs met, which makes it quite important to be clear with yourself about what’s truly essential for love.
Leo July 23-August 22
The Full Moon takes place in your Solar House of service, which means you’re likely to experience its light as a call toward greater self-care as well as a call toward helping others. You could also encounter internal obstacles to your healing, especially if you embrace negative thoughts with the power to keep you imprisoned by old habits. Remember, whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality. Be optimistic and you’ll make progress toward your goals.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The Full Moon occurs in your Solar House of self-expression, illuminating your struggle to stretch your creativity and try something new. As part of this process you may have experienced criticism from others who would prefer that you stay true to your old ways. Rather than reject these opinions as purely negative, notice what really rankles your confidence and use that information as a mirror of your own doubts—then, make the shift anyway.
Libra September 23-October 22
The Full Moon happens in your Solar House of the home, both your external abode as well as your internal center, shining its light brightly on what you might often experience as a conflict between your desire to be out in the world and the need to hunker down at home. As always, the solution to this conundrum is balance–so what else is new? Have the courage to explore the areas of life that are out of balance and you could find a new way to maintain your equilibrium.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The Full Moon occurs in your Solar House of conversation and as its bright light shines on all sorts of dialogue, past, present, and future, you could find yourself ruminating on what was said as well as what to say next. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, try to focus on what it is you would most like to clarify through a heartfelt exchange of ideas with those who matter most. Intimacy may be uncomfortable at first, but eventually it can be quite comforting.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The Full Moon occurs in your Solar House of personal finance, and although Pluto has had quite a time exploring that sector of your life, the bright light of the Moon is able to illuminate certain areas that have escaped your scrutiny. Be willing to look at the patterns in your life simply as patterns—don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. If you stay open to having a new view of old attitudes, you’ll make positive progress toward transforming your finances.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The Full Moon, in your Sign, conjunct Pluto, also in your Sign, happens in your Solar House of individuation—this is directly related to how others perceive you. Work on refining your persona, for while it ain’t easy being you, being true to yourself is all that matters. As the I-Ching advises in Hexagram 15: Only through having the courage to marshal one’s armies against oneself will something forceful really be achieved.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The Full Moon takes place in your Solar House of the unconscious, stimulating dreams, visions, and just a few anxieties about how to handle the practicalities of life, especially details relating to self-care. I know you are a dreamer and that those dreams include caring for others, but it’s important to let this bright light illuminate what you can do for you. Plant your feet firmly on the ground of day-to-day reality so that you are free to dream without concerns for safety.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Full Moon occurs in your Solar House of community, where you share your gifts with the world, and unfortunately sometimes your contribution is obscured by the more dynamic (or should I say dramatic) participation of others. Rather than brood about being invisible, allow this bright light to illuminate your talents by helping you display your many gifts. I’m not advising you to brag, but I am suggesting that you strut your stuff a little.
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