by Robert Wilkinson
Yesterday we explored some basics of the coming Lunar Eclipse. So what else can we expect from this August partial Lunar Eclipse? Enhanced collective awareness and/or intuition, self-sufficiency, resolving difficult past karmas, learning new skills, and striving for balance as we outdo ourselves in some way.
So that you may prepare, in North America the Lunar Eclipse will have 6 Scorpio rising in Maui, 4 Sagittarius rising in LA at 2:16 pm PDT, 22 Scorpio in Vancouver, and 7 Capricorn rising in Washington DC at 5:16 pm EDT. We find London will have 3 Taurus rising at 10:16 pm GDT, Amsterdam has 14 Taurus rising at 11:16 pm CEDT, and Tallinn has 27 Gemini rising. Obviously places with late Taurus rising will have difficulties, while those with mid or late Gemini rising should do well, despite the challenges.
Moving through the late night and very early morning, Johannesburg has 8 Taurus rising, Istanbul has 6 Gemini rising, and Baghdad has 17 Gemini rising. Moving east, India gets this eclipse in the middle of the night. New Delhi has 14 Cancer rising while Trivandrum has 5 Cancer rising. In Australia, it happens in the early morning, and in Perth we find 25 Cancer rising at the eclipse moment while 2 time zones later in Melbourne we find 28 Leo rising.
As has frequently happened the past few years, this Eclipse features a dramatic See Saw pattern, with 5 planets in Leo and Virgo in opposition to 3 planets in Aquarius and Pisces. The Moon is conjunct Neptune opposed the Sun, with Jupiter and Pluto hanging outside the main opposition at 14 Capricorn and 29 Sag respectively.
The See Saw cautions us not to get marginalized or out on the periphery of things, and find a whole view to any opposition that can include both views and more. It gives an excellent ability to learn how to triangulate, as well as find ways to "draw a bigger circle" around any opposing forces that encompases both phases of the polarization.
The Sun and Saturn are rulers of this eclipse, and are in no aspect. Mercury, ruling Saturn, Venus and Mars, is in the sign it rules at a degree of unveiling. This will help us penetrate into hidden realms of nature so we may come to a greater appreciation of life and natural processes as we learn individual forms of discrimination.
Here I'll note that the Sun and Mercury are the final dispositors of the entire map. They are in an obscure aspect called the vigintile, an 18 degree aspect that is said to be specializing in a minor way as a half of a decile.
The Moon and Neptune opposition the Sun is cut into a favorable sextile-trine configuration by Pluto at 29 Sag, finishing up a long period of "getting in shape." Thus in this eclipse the Moon actually offers us a not-so-irrational Neptunian energy, modifying the influence of The Grand Irrationality. More on that years-long ongoing configuration in the article Spiritual Astrology in July-August 2008 Pt. 2 - The Grand Irrationality Hot Zones and when they will be triggered.
The building energies in the opposition-sextile-trine in the Eclipse offers favorable opportunities to prune some things back through active care in managing what we value and wish to show others. There will be creative integrations that will help us take "collective material" and weave it together to express our virtuosity, wherever late Gemini falls in our charts.
The outstanding quality of this Eclipse is that despite Pluto cutting the See Saw polarizing views and lives through a favorable configuration, it forms a very powerful square with Mars at 29 Virgo, which stimulates past eclipse effects as noted in previous paragraphs.
This will provide powerful releases for Plutonic energies, and guarantees to put anyone with planets in late Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, or Sagittarius through major changes. Expect these to show themselves as Mercury, Venus, and Sun move through late Virgo, and again when they move through late Sag later this year.
The Sun leads the occupied pattern. This shows we must demonstrate nobility and integrity as we shine the light of self-reliant self-sufficiency as we cross our metaphoric desert arising over the next 3 months as indicated by the eclipse duration.
Jupiter is a harmonizing force in this eclipse, so follow your yearning for larger things in an organized manner. It shows that with a "valid historical perspective" we can leave behind the superficialities of our past and see our greatness in a different way. Free up your images of the past so you may see the artistry of your life!
In a very favorable trine to Mercury, Venus, and Saturn, we should find solid understandings in all things related to Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces sectors and planets. This will help us become more sure of ourselves as we adapt to new conditions, and all should find a form of "live and let live" as we contact our unconscious factors, or the collective unconscious, whether in another or in a greater field.
The most powerful and obvious aspects are the Virgo stellium trine Jupiter and Mars exactly square Pluto. Other notable aspects include a Sun opposition Neptune and triseptile Uranus, Moon and Neptune biquintile Mars and novile Jupiter, and the Virgo stellium opposition Uranus, even if Saturn and Mercury are somewhat wide in orb. Still, the influence of the opposing signs will be very evident.
Of particular note is Mars biseptile Jupiter. Not only does this mark an important fork in the road of that particular cycle and all planets and houses influenced by either of those planets, but it also indicates that Jupiter is biseptile all of the late Virgo points made hot zones in previous eclipses as discussed in yesterday's post. That means Jupiter will precipitate choices and changes these next 90 days directly related to those past eclipses.
So the primary irrational influences stem from the continued Neptune septile Pluto, along with Sun in a waxing triseptile Uranus. Wherever we have Leo and Aquarius active we will find ourselves at a collective "fork in the road of destiny," and will know how we have or have not met the challenge of codifying a new order of life and met the challenge of bringing a new "spiritual law" into our lives. Adjustments in work are required, as is a radical self sufficiency.
Since this eclipse influence only lasts through mid-November, you may expect significant signs and signals related to the eclipse lessons and challenges as Mars squares the Sun-Moon axis and Venus conjuncts Pluto squaring the Mars eclipse point in early November. Again, as any transit to late Sag sextiles and trines the Eclipse axis, expect learning interesting things that demand exteriorization.
I promised yesterday that I'd explain why some signs will benefit more than others. As I noted,
Those with an Ascendant or planets between 8-16 of Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces, and Taurus will benefit greatly over the next 90 days, as will those with occupied points around late Gemini, early and mid Cancer, early and late Scorpio, mid-Sag, and late Pisces. It would seem that late Mutable signs are in dynamic and very favorable change!
It is obvious that those with planets in 8-16 degrees of Earth will profit by the favorable trine, whether through understanding or stabilization of those sectors. As for the other sectors, planets in late Gemini through mid Cancer quintile the planets in Virgo, early Scorpio quintiles Jupiter, mid to late Scorpio quintiles the mid-Virgo planets, mid-Sag quintiles Mars, and late Pisces quintiles Jupiter. People with planets in these zones will find gifts, unique circumstances, and highly specialized conditions where they can discover or apply their unique qualities.
Thus of special note is that planets in late Pisces or Gemini fit into the powerful Mutable square indicated by mars square Pluto, but still have relieving aspects that will help them do well despite the radical conditions indicated by that aspect. I'll discuss more about how to antidote the negative aspects in this eclipse tomorrow.
Here are some technicals for astrologers: This eclipse effect will be given substance each time the Moon moves through late Gemini, Leo, Sag, or Aquarius. Of course, when the Moon moves through mid-Earth and mid-Water, it will stabilize and harmonize the very beneficent Jupiter influence of the eclipse. In this regard September should be most satisfactory for those who get the message and move in that direction before then. Mercury and Venus trine Jupiter in August will show the way.
In Part 3 we'll explore more about the qualities of this total Lunar Eclipse, which indicate that if we can rise to some occasion with faith in ourselves and our abilities, we'll find a triumph that will expand us and lend us a greater stature in our world. Stay tuned!
© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson
I find your columns challenging because I don't have much of an academic astrological background. However, you are so articulate that even the things I don't understand are a pleasure to read.
My birthday is today -- August 13 -- and I was born in 1963, in Waterbury, CT, at 7:45pm.
I've had a wild ride this eclipse season. First the man I loved realized he loved me (Feb eclipse), then I was engaged to him (through the beginning of June), then my fiance turned out to be an alcoholic. I think he only half knew -- I've had no experience at all with addiction. However, he was nasty in his first attempt at withdrawal (so I left). He's an Aries, also 1963.
I feel a little bit like a rag doll being shaken vigorously (although not dropped exactly). I'm not really sure how this all effects me going forward because I have a hard time following your signs in degrees being effected by this or that.
Any insight?
Kind regards,
Annette
Posted by: Annette | August 13, 2008 at 03:55 AM
Hello Robert,
In response to your words...
"Those with an Ascendant or planets between 8-16 of Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces, and Taurus"
this applies to my natal
moon/mars/mercury (Cap-9th H)
uranus/pluto (Vir-5th H)
true node (Can-3rd H)
neptune (Sco-7th H)
chiron (Pis-11th H)
With regard to the eclipses this month my
4th H(Leo) from the eclipse on 8/1
10th H(Aqu) for the upcoming one on 8/16
Saturn is the dispositor of the chart and is natal in Aqu but in the 9th H.
Sun (7th H)- Sag (Jup influence from 8/16 eclipse)
Asc (1st H) - Tau (Earth influence from 8/16 eclipse)
Would you please take a moment to comment on my curiousity about how this might evolve? Despite knowing about the houses and their life references, it seems as if almost every area of my life is about to go off the deep end into uncharted territory.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Irth
Posted by: Irth | August 13, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Correction, so sorry about the confusion...please see the accurate planet house positions below (I was reading the house cusp sign):
moon/mars/mercury (Cap-8th H)
uranus/pluto (Vir-4th H)
true node (Can-2rd H)
neptune (Sco-6th H)
chiron (Pis-11th H)
Irth
Posted by: Irth | August 13, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Hi Robert, you did a reading for me back in January of this year. I've had an ongoing aspect of Pluto that is Squaring both my moon at 28 Virgo and my Saturn at 28 Pisces. The eclipse on Aug 1st hit me exactly on the cusp of my ninth house of Leo, my sun at 25 Leo. Saturn is traversing my ninth house as well. I feel as though I was hit with an ultimatum from the universe of "get it together or else". Since Aug 1st my unconscious has been erupting like a volcano (I did start back into therapy - but switched healers from female to male, brand new guides) and I feel like I am flowing in a river of synchronicities, both awake and asleep, seeing my external reality reflecting the internal like a giant mirror with no turning away allowed (the scene in Clockwork Orange comes to mind). Needless to say , it's been intense, peeling the scab off old, old wounds that I've been living with my entire life. I have been very blessed, however, in the spiritual support I have been receiving while making this passage. I'm just concerned about this weekend coming up - do I need to start looking for the nearest padded cell? With Love and Light, Josie
Posted by: Josie | August 13, 2008 at 05:03 PM
"I'll discuss more about how to antidote the negative aspects in this eclipse tomorrow."
Thank you Robert! While my sun is 6 Capricorn and my Asc is 12 Taurus i do indeed have Mars at 25 Leo and Venus at 22 Scorpio so an antidote my might come in handy!
Posted by: donna | August 13, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Good grief...can I really be this scatter-brained? Chi - Pis/10th H...
Posted by: Irth | August 13, 2008 at 09:51 PM
hi robert i love your articles... hmmm Annette inspired me as I fell in love with a girl i hardly knew with the febuary eclipse. i was born march 19, 1981 in west hills, ca. zero degrees to the the sun and 10 degrees ascendant to the moon. She was born zero degrees to the moon and 10 ascendant to the sun (i wonder if that has anything to do with it?). after a bombshell in the end of may i haven't talked to her since. since then insane spiritual energies way more than usual until it mostly stopped for me at the last solar eclipse august first. josie inspires me as in between that time visions and dreams of painful memories night after night and day after day for months, never happened to me before and crazy synchronicities all over the place. if nothing else i'm letting y'all know your not alone, this has been the strangest year of my life. My question, what is up with this year?
Posted by: george | August 14, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Hi Annette - Glad you find pleasure in what you read here. I do try to make them intelligible for everyone, which is somewhat daunting! Happy Birthday and Solar Return. Glad you found love, though regret that it didn't turn out as you would have liked. Aries can shoot first and aim later, and usually get over things quickly if there's any dream left at all. He's a Water Rabbit in the Chinese system (like you) and you both really love home and family and closeness. I suspect you'll go forward regardless of whether you two get back together or not. For Leo, the show must go on!
You're maturing very quickly due to several astrological factors. With Saturn on your Mercury for the next year, return to the student state. Study, read, write, do mental-verbal self disciplines and train your mind to focus on objective facts, discriminating what fits where and why. Many things will be squeezed out of your life when transiting Saturn makes a Yod, or Finger of God, with your natal Jupiter and Saturn from November through next March. This will help you focus your higher wisdom in a form of your Divine purpose. With Saturn square your Moon, your self knowledge is your strength, even if your feelings get heavy. Use humor and largeness of vision to correct gloomy tendencies.
Hi Irth - What you want far exceeds a comment stream. Jupiter and Saturn will assist positive growth in your Earth and Water planets, the houses they're in, and the houses they rule. The eclipses will affect the houses they fall in by ending some things. You should get some relief through the transfigurations. We're ALL moving into uncharted territory as a result of past eclipse effects freeing us from a "narrow destiny" and the Grand Irrationality creating a very weird collective field.
Hi Josie - Wondered what happened and if you made the move you intended. Pluto is still squaring your Moon, showing impending final decisions building since 2006. I would think the past Solar eclipse is showing you a greater truth and future that will provide relief. Glad you're releasing so much subconscious material, since you don't want to carry that forward one moment longer than you need to. No turning away because consciousness is a one way street. We only become more aware, even if only that which we are unaware of. Glad you're healing old wounds, since that provides strength born of direct experience. This weekend will help you continue over the next several months to build a bigger, altruistic, dispassionate view while continuing to make your life freer and happier. Dispassion leads to compassion, always a good view to cultivate. And Saturn continues at the top of your chart, showing long term flowers coming as a result of cultivating your inner garden.
Hi Donna - Your Mars will be empowered, your Venus will learn to like more than it dislikes, Jupiter and Saturn continue to stabilize your self image, and the Grand Irrationality approaches your Sun. And I trust that yesterday's article gave you food for thought and tools to use. Transiting Saturn will help your Venus for many months to come, so make it your friend and use its energies wisely!
Hi George - Sun at 1 degree Aries shows Pluto purifications front and center helping you transform into a "more perfect" form. If you're saying her Moon was on your Sun and her Sun on your Asc, then that's an extremely strong attraction. But this is a situation where chemistry may not be enough if one of the two is on a different spiritual path or on some sort of different wave of how the planets are functioning properly or not. I have many articles in the archives where I speak about what's going on this year as a whole, this year as part of the march toward 2012 and beyond, and this part of the year as it relates to a bigger picture, including the Grand Irrationality which is providing constant pressure on us all and has for quite some time.
Posted by: Robert | August 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Robert - with the Grand Irrationality approaching my sun how do i guard against poor decisions and bad behavior? I really do not want to be weird! Hell I'm just starting to reap the rewards for working my ass off for the past two years.
Posted by: donna | August 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Hello Robert,
I understand the magnitude of a full chart commentary so I fully appreciate this guidance you have provided regarding the eclipses.
Many blessings upon you and yours.
Sincerely,
Irth
Posted by: Irth | August 15, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Robert, Thank you for your interpretation of what's going on in my life. Not sure if you mean that Aries are pretty unreliable in their feeling states or whether just this one is in his. I hope it's not a general statement, ultimately for their sakes more than for those with whom they interact.
Thank you to others who responded to me, particularly because your echoes definitely make me feel less alone. It's a weird time.
Robert, your radio program was wonderful. You remind me of things I already know but in ways that feel like the lights are going on in a space that's become a bit dim. It's hard to keep track of the bigger map as one struggles through small tunnels and narrow roads. Lately, the dexterity required to avoid crashing into walls or going off the road entirely has put me in a bad habit of not looking up enough at the sky.
I particularly liked your comment about planets in a chart representing people who come and go as lessons are learned or experiences are completed. Wonderful.
The show will certainly go on -- Leos are not the only ones, I suspect, who know that. But I miss my Aries love. I hope he comes back.
Blessings to you through this rather challenging period.
Posted by: Annette | August 16, 2008 at 05:08 AM
Thank you, Robert, for your comments on my current situation. I'm not sure if you mean Aries who shoot first, think later, and get over things quickly is an unfortunate necessity (for Aries, ultimately I think, more than those with whom they interact) or just in the case of my particular Aries. I know I haven't learned all I can from him, but getting him on the wagon might be all he needed from me. I hope he comes back, but I might just have been (as you say) paying some energy forward. He's welcome to it, of course, whether he comes back or not.
Thank you, too, to those who responded to my post. Definitely feel less alone. Very kind.
Robert, your insights feel like flood lights in a dim room -- you remind me of things I know but somehow forgot while navigating the very narrow alleys and lanes of this last eclipse season. Attempting to avoid crashing into walls or going off the road entirely has put me in the very bad habit of looking at the sky.
Posted by: Annette | August 16, 2008 at 05:15 AM
Robert, I forgot to thank you for your insight - Thank you! Very kind of you. And also please disregard my above inquiry about the Grand Irrationality - I'll do my homework and search this site.
Thank you also for the radio link - amazing and helpful insight that I very much appreciate.
Posted by: donna | August 16, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thanks a lot Robert, I may just schedule a reading with you, I'm sure I could learn a lot. next time I'm in Santa Monica!
this has def been a year of growth for me! the equinox's feel like a build up of energy, the solar eclipses like a shut down, but the last lunar eclipse this year brought more energy to me, I wonder about today! oh by the way, the attraction with this girl was unbelievable like nothing I experienced, time changed! If I see her again I'll bring her to! :)
Posted by: george | August 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Hi Robert,
My birth information is 11/19/1970 at 6:04PM in East Ely, NV.
my husband's information is 1/17/1969 at 1:22AM in San Francisco, CA
I am currently involved in divorce mediation meetings with my soon to be ex-husband. We both felt the lunar eclipse in our energy field yesterday, and had to lay down for a nap (very unusual). My main concern is about the equity of our home. He signed the paperwork and the house is in his name, but he remembers that he asked me to sign it. (there was urgency to get the papers faxed quickly, as there were house bidding wars, and my main concern was that we got the first bid.) On a mental, emotional and spiritual level the house has always been half mine. On paper, legally, it is in his name. We only have 2 mediations left (in Mill Valley, CA), August 20th and August 27th, and then we are hoping to have an agreement of divorce settlement. Will the Grand Irrationality help or hinder? I am expecting to move to OK, near family, and I have been advised spiritually that I will have much more success there. What can I do to help ensure a good financial outcome while maintaining the greatest good for all involved in my divorce?
Blessings, Amy
Posted by: Amy | August 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I have a strange feeling like the other shoe is going to drop.
Posted by: Jilly | August 17, 2008 at 04:50 PM
I met my boyfriend on the february 08 eclipse (which fell on my birthday) and six months later he broke up with me on Aug. 1st the second solar eclipse of the year...the day after the lunar eclipse (16th) I discovered he was cheating on me...this astrological stuff is amazing! but it makes me feel sad and like I have no control or free will, since this happened unexpectedly...and it seems unreversible...
Posted by: clara | August 18, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Hi Robert,
First time I've read your column, but it's fascinating and rings true. I have a question for you.
Very simply, my boyfriend (a Leo) and myself, (an Aquarius) broke up in the weeks leading up to the eclipse. We were both desperate for a transformation of ourselves and our relationship, but this is ridiculous! On the night of the eclipse I realized I needed to let him go in order to have any chance of reuniting with him. I would like to know if this is a foolhardy supposition. I am certainly letting go now- with a vow to have zero contact over the next month or so, but in my heart I love him so much. I believe he loves me also, but the situation at present is untenable. Are eclipse break-ups forever? I realize that there are bigger forces at work in my life now, than who I am with, but this is something I can't give up on easily. I'm very stubborn.
Posted by: kelsta | August 19, 2008 at 05:02 AM
Hi Donna - By learning how to maintain balance, common sense, and a sense of humor. Reap the rewards and learn to dance on the beach.
Hi Irth - Well, there are countless variables in any given interpretation.
Hi Annette - It's not that Aries are unreliable, since my tribe is great at keeping its word IF we give it. We are more than our Sun signs. Glad I could remember to remind people that planets are people. Good thing to remember.
Hi George - I'll see you in Santa Monica!
Hi Amy - What you ask is waaaay beyond the scope of a comment stream. The Grand Irrationality could have a thousand manifestations, but you should practice the virtues regardless.
Hi Jilly - Well, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Been there myself.
Hi Clara - Sorry you've been through a bad time, but that creates the space for better things and people to present themselves. And truly, it's ALL free will except the timing.
Hi Kelsta - If he's not your twin flame, then you were bound to break up in this life or another. If he is your twin flame then you'll reunite at the right time in the right way. Keep your heart open to the greater lessons of self-discovery and eventually many of your present concerns will clear up.
Posted by: Robert | August 19, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Thank you Robert. Your kindness truly humbles me.
Posted by: donna | August 20, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Thank you for your response Robert. Your advice is of the best kind.
Posted by: kelsta | August 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM