Welcome to another week of multifaceted change, another week when Earthlings are challenged to skillfully navigate the shifting currents of daily life, currents that unfold in erratic patterns, currents that have the potential to destabilize all those places in life already wobbling with uncertainty. We’re in the thrall of a solar eclipse that occurs on October 23, even as we continue to reel from the lunar eclipse of October 8. But that’s not all. Mercury goes direct on Saturday, October 25, and as it “turns around” many of the regular routines of daily life also slow to a crawl—and the pace tries the patience of everyone, including the dog.
Solar eclipses are believed to reveal the shadows lying beneath our conscious intentions, and because of their revelatory potency, they are often associated with what we fear will come to the surface. During a solar eclipse the Moon overshadows the Sun, cutting off the light that sustains us through the day. And even though they occur at regularly predictable intervals, eclipses still stir a sense that something is out of order. Of course, we don’t need an eclipse to tell us that something is wrong. But this eclipse happens at zero Scorpio, a Sign that can sometimes be more about the fear of what can’t be seen—the monster under the bed—than the fear of what actually is.
To every Scorpio reading this column: I do not think you are fearful. That being said, Scorpio is the Sign—in everyone’s birth chart—where we meet all the things in human experience that we have no control over, starting with death and moving through sex, politics, economics, and the process of transformation, to name but a few. And because Scorpio insists that we ultimately learn to relinquish control, it is also the Sign where we struggle with issues of power, individual as well as collective. Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio is the sector of the zodiac where we experience the constant cycle of death and birth. And grappling with that process can either fuel cynicism or strengthen resolve.
The degree at which an eclipse happens is called the “sensitive point” and astrologers often watch the transit of other planets that conjunct that point. For example, Mercury will transit the sensitive point of tomorrow’s solar eclipse on November 9; if you’re tracking an eclipse effect, this would be a good day to pay close attention to events to see if they are related to what transpires this week.
As I was contemplating this solar eclipse, I couldn’t help but think about Saturn’s entry into Scorpio on November 5, 2012, and wonder if it might be useful to investigate any connective tissue between this eclipse and Saturn’s journey through Scorpio. We’re in the final phase of that journey: Saturn moves into Sagittarius on December 23; it retrogrades back into Scorpio in June 2015; and then Saturn enters Sagittarius again in September 2015. I can’t help but think that much of what we’ve been experiencing regarding Ebola, beheadings, and the seemingly endless violence perpetrated everyday against our fellow humans—women, children, and men—is Saturn underscoring what needs to shift. Venus is part of the eclipse—she’s within moments of exact contact—and Venus, while primarily known as the goddess of love and beauty, is also the goddess of what matters most. And her presence will trigger even more questions of value, particularly the question of just how many more of us have to experience unspeakable harm before we honor the value of life—all life, not just the lives we like.
Be kind to your fellow travelers this week and also be kind to yourself. We live in times of great upheaval and uncertainty, and during such times, even the strongest among us (even those whose worlds wobble least) need a helping hand and a gentle touch. So when possible, try a little tenderness.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The eclipse spotlights money matters in much the same way that Saturn’s journey through Scorpio has placed the emphasis on your finances, specifically, how to create the solid ground of tangible gain. Allow what’s beneath the surface to come to light and you’ll gather information that will help you assess your progress.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The eclipse focuses on relationship issues, particularly undercurrents which, left unexamined, could have the power to undermine your interactions with significant others. Use the power of this moment to be clear about your intentions, and then align word and deed with what matters most to you.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The eclipse reveals previously hidden information about work-related issues. Whether that means co-workers, employers, or your attitude in general isn’t clear. Even though some of these revelations may have already occurred, you can still maintain your authority by being forthright and honest about legitimate concerns.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re likely to feel an inexorable pull to take a romantic risk. Rather than waste precious time and energy on resisting this urge, give yourself permission to live boldly. Take the risk knowing you might fail, but also know that it is better to live life fully than to suffer the boredom and stultification of the mundane.
Leo July 23-August 22
The eclipse brings you back to the main message of Saturn’s journey through Scorpio: How to get your needs met while simultaneously attempting to meet the needs of others. This challenge occurs in the deepest part of your solar chart, where the imprints of childhood anxiety dwell. Be willing to face the shadow and you’ll gain greater self-awareness.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The eclipse emphasizes communication, especially conversations and dialogues with close family members on shared values and/or differences about those values. Try to avoid assuming a rigid stance that doesn’t attempt to understand the other side of the argument—I’m not saying you have to agree; you just have to be willing to consider another opinion.
Libra September 23-October 22
The eclipse focuses on finances, specifically personal money matters, and while some of this information may be startling or upsetting, don’t let that deter you from paying close attention. The data can be used to accurately assess your situation. Don’t be afraid of what you will discover. You may find out that you are better off than you think.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You seldom like being revealed, but this solar eclipse occurs in your Sign, and since there is no denying its presence, you might as well make the most of it. Yes…you may experience dislocation and a sense of being more exposed than you would like to be, especially to those who care the most. But if you put pride aside, you might find these revelations have the potential for beneficial results.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The eclipse stimulates dreams and visions, and while some of them may seem bizarre, don’t dismiss the gist as too fantastic. This is not about taking them literally; it’s about paying attention to the symbolism and allowing the meaning of those symbols to speak to you at a deeper level than your conscious mind.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
It would be interesting to figure out what it is exactly that inhibits your spontaneity in certain settings. I’m not suggesting you suddenly become impulsive—that’s actually not possible. But I would advise you to notice when you feel comfortable in the presence of others and when a sense of vulnerability keeps you from venturing forth.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The eclipse focuses on career issues—something Saturn’s been doing for the last two or more years—and as it does, it brings to the surface undercurrents that may have been impeding your success. Gather this information by noticing where you are resistant to making certain shifts that actually might be beneficial in the long run.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s a crisis of faith, and while the details might not be as clearly defined as you would like, the gestalt is undeniable: You are wrestling with what’s true for you and how to embody those values and integrate them into daily life. Here’s some help: Follow Saturn’s lead, and rather than judge yourself harshly, understand there is always room to grow.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2014 by Ralfee Finn