© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2017
by Sally Shotwell
It's Eclipse Season which creates a feeling of anticipation as to what is in store for us personally and globally. Fortunately, long ago astrologers identified the astronomical points called the North Node and South Node, whose placement by sign determines where, when and how long the duration of an eclipse will be. We know that Closure and Letting Go are issues we face at this time, they are followed by the possibility of Creative Renewal in our lives. This series of eclipses present this polarity with the South Node in intellectual, airy Aquarius and the North in noble, fiery Leo. Aquarius represents
Detached Humanitarianism which, when carried too far, can cause us to lose sight of value of the individuals we are and our contributions to the greater good. Leo, at his best, reveres the long process we engage in, striving to identify and embrace our unique potential. We see how reconciling these different influences within ourselves is tricky and we need a push to grow beyond influences which restrict us. Change is now the name of the game, prodding us to grow and engage in the excitement!
August 2 Uranus, The Great Awakener, turns retrograde fiery Aries and assists us in turning inward to reflect on the staggering changes we've experienced in recent years associated with his ongoing confrontation with ruthless Pluto. Pluto himself in structure-oriented earthy Capricorn is harassing bountiful Jupiter, in relationship-minded, airy Libra and digging up psychic material which may be painful but necessary for us to acknowledge. Otherwise it continues to fester like a low grade infection. Yuck!
With a revised perspective we are alert to the possibilities the August 7 Full Moon(culmination) Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius, opposite the Sun in Leo, hold for us. The Sabian Symbol is; "A big business man at his desk: the ability to organize the many aspects of an enterprise involving a large group of human beings." As we consider the principles of the Age of Aquarius, let's not minimize our own power and ability to contribute to group cohesion, valuing our unique contributions to a general wellbeing. Total uniformity is really boring!
August 12 Mercury(our thought-processes) turns backward(retrograde) in practical, earthy Virgo and we know the drill. We're reminded to show patience with ourselves and others and not allow ourselves to rush into any decisions. During this period we can address already existing projects and clear the decks for future ventures. August 13 a reassuring connection between the Sun and serious Saturn in belief-oriented, fiery Sagittarius put their heads together and prod us to have fun while remaining aware of our actions. Let's take advantage of this opportunity since August 15 lovely Venus in sensitive, watery Cancer is confronted by Pluto, destabilizing her emotional equilibrium. Let's keep in mind his penchant to dig up long buried material of our own which surprises us.
Are we allowing a space in our schedule during which we can just chill out and let ourselves slowly process what is going on within and around us?
Are we being gentle with ourselves and not judging ourselves harshly?
August 20 Mars(our vitality) in confident Leo touches base with optimistic Jupiter and share their good cheer with us. Their energy, combined with the self-reflection we are practicing, pays off big time when the benevolent Sun and brilliant Uranus also arrive on the scene. They inspire us to release restricting thought patterns which inhibit us from welcoming the unexpected. We're being prepared to really benefit from the astrological highlight of the year!
This, of course, is the August 21 Total Solar New Moon(new beginnings) Eclipse in Leo. Leo rules the heart and heart-centered creativity which transcends our rational minds, bringing to the fore our yearning to become complete beyond the fragmentation our realm of duality imposes upon us. The Symbol presents a hopeful message for us. "A mermaid emerges from the ocean waves ready for rebirth in human form; the stage at which an intense feeling - intuition rising from the unconscious is about to take form as a conscious thought." As we nurture and trust our instincts to venture into the symbolic world of archetypes, new horizons and dimensions await us. Heres where our interest in the symbolic language of astrology can guide us.
For the time being, however, we have the Moon(our emotions) entering Virgo followed August 22 by the Sun. Their "feet on the ground" take on things helps us to not get off track as we approach the demands we face from our every day lives. Mercury is retrograde until September 5 and reminds us that restraint is helpful while we assimilate our altered perceptions which may have surfaced during recent days. Change and growth are related and we're encouraged to honor and not rush the ongoing process.
What impressions do we have of our Eclipse experience?
Are you able to compare notes with others and discuss their observations?
August 25 Teacher Saturn turns direct and guides us to turn our attention from introspection to our outer circumstances. He always demands we be conscious of what we're doing with our time. He is responsible for guiding us to greater maturity and offers great rewards after our struggles.
Where have we refined our perceptions to become more inclusive and tolerant?
Answers may come to us as Mercury returns to Leo August 31 and triggers the point of the Lunar Eclipse. This means that new energy is made available to us and who knows what this means for us? This whole month is jam packed with activity and a sense of mystery. It is so nice we're on this wild ride together!
Blessings and Love!
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality whose focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades. She has entertained and informed our readers with her articles for a few years now.
