by Robert Wilkinson
This New Moon Solar Eclipse will show us how to consolidate power and resources. It continues to stabilize everything that’s been building since April 2009 that offered us a material promise in late 2011 and first half of 2012. This shows us the way to a greater dedication, and we can find efficiency in controlling events through “transient crises.” Follow “the God Within,” and get it in gear!! Because it's so strongly action oriented, be patient as you push the rapidly ending past into a rapidly developing future.
As noted in an earlier article in this series, this Solar Eclipse Lunation occurred at 5:28 pm PDT on May 9, which is 1:28 am Greenwich May 10. Because this Lunation falls at 20 Taurus, it jumpstarts Taurus energy wherever it falls in our chart.
This New Moon Eclipse has a social-emotional focus. Because it happens in Taurus, Venus and TransPluto rule the Lunation. Open to new discoveries, take a look at what’s below the surface of things, and share what needs to be shared with an open heart and spirit of generosity.
So this Solar Eclipse is ruled by Venus (the worldly ruler of Taurus) and in the spiritual dimension by TransPluto. That means it’s noteworthy that Venus is in Gemini and Mercury is in Taurus, since it puts these planets in Mutual reception, a very powerful closed energy exchange loop. (I’ll be posting an update to that article soon, since the positions mentioned as examples happened a while ago.)
The stellium in Taurus consists of Mars, South Node, Mercury, and the Sun and Moon. If you’re wondering why things may seem so singularly focused and moving in one great big direction, that’s a natural expression of so many planets in Taurus.
These planets rule half the signs, and adding Venus and Jupiter in Gemini ruled by Mercury in Taurus, that includes 4 more, then it’s no wonder there’s such an air of things moving in a groove, or perhaps a sense of inertia or momentum that is leading us to new discoveries, new ideas, and new understanding. Be flexible, and foster communications however you can. If we can adapt how we communicate, we can come to blessings.
Even though it’s separating, we still are within a larger stabilizing and productive field symbolized by Saturn sextile Pluto. With Saturn trine Neptune, we can also find stability and understanding of how to flow within the larger feeling-field. While this Lunation does not trigger the Grand Irrationality, as I mentioned in earlier articles Venus septile Uranus with both triseptile Saturn shows this Eclipse will bring all of us major forks in the road of our lives wherever we have these planets transiting in our natal chart, as well as the houses these planets rule and the planets they disposit. (You can find more about dispositors in the article on Mutual Reception linked above.)
Neptune and Chiron at the Cusp of the Age:
I’ve given you this information in previous New Moon articles, but I figure it’s so important for all of us that it bears repeating once a month. Taking the long view, we stand on the threshold of an entirely new era that will not resemble the old Age in any way within just a few decades. In fact, we’re already solidly in the Dreamscape, and are already seeing long wave manifestations of the ending of the old and the emerging field we’re all learning how to maneuver through.
Other than the brief look we had in mid-2011, this is only the sixteenth New Moon with Neptune in Pisces for the next 150 years. We had Neptune in Pisces for the 3 New Moons for May, June, and July 2011 which gave us a front end look at how Neptune will function through 2025.
Between August 2011, when Neptune retrograded back into late Aquarius, and the January 2012 New Moon, we were given one last look back at a greater ideal, and the changes of the last half of 2011 helped many to break out of our "chrysalis" and transform how we live and all our relationships. That is now established in the collective consciousness, as well as a growing sense of the larger light field in which all sentient Beings live and love.
If you want to know what's coming for many years to come, take a look back at the intuitions and sense of belonging to a vaster interrelated whole you were shown in May, June, and July 2011. It may help to give a sense of our collective lesson in dissolving our separateness as we finish this transition through "the Winter of the 21st Century" on our way to Spring, beginning in 2025!
During those months that both Neptune and Chiron were in early Pisces, we were offered chances to learn about bargaining and trade-offs, with the ultimate payoff a deeper and larger feeling of being connected to others. During the last half of 2011, Neptune retrograded back to 29 Aquarius, the degree where humanity was forced to emerge from its "chrysalis" as a new world is being born.
Chiron retrograded back to 1 Pisces. So those two dancing together kept us attuned to elements of this transitional span of experience for all of 2011 as we prepared to cut loose into the Neptune in Pisces era for many years to come. During 2011 both Neptune and Chiron revealed our unique part to play within a larger light/life field.
During that time, these planets at the beginning of Pisces and end of Aquarius occupied degrees representing "the Cusp of the Age," the span where the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius meet. From one point of view, where we were collectively between February 2011 and March 2012 revealed what the period of (approximately) 1990-2140 is all about in the broader context of human evolution. I suspect that future generations will look back at 2011 and 2012 as being crucial in showing long range patterns of larger evolutionary necessities.
Neptune and Chiron dancing between signs on "the Cusp of the Age" had the effect of making it seem like we have all been occupying a very weird dreamscape which we'll be navigating for years to come. The trick for us is to apply our new strengths and understanding freed from the ghosts of the past, and by riding the waves of intense (but curiously steady) pulses of spiritual energies shaping our minds, we can find techniques where our efforts will lead us to forms of good fortune.
During the year they danced together in this critical degree span, they provided us a bridge to understanding the global lessons we all must embrace, and helped us graduate into a new view of how we are an essential part of a greater whole. I'll give you links to articles explaining more about "the cusp of the Age" at the end of this article.
As Neptune went stationary direct at 1 Pisces around the time of the last 2012 Solar Eclipse in Scorpio, Neptune was literally at the “Cusp of the Age” between April 2010 and January 2013. It was conjunct Chiron the entire time, showing that this era was about all of learning to heal into our Higher Selves through greater awareness and compassion, as well as feeling our place within the larger collective feeling-field.
In this chart, Chiron is at 14 Pisces, the degree where it will go retrograde this Summer. This will help us heal anew through our positioning within collective consciousness, and show us the “camouflage” we need as we pursue our work of destiny. By our “protective shielding,” we can offer what we have to others, and make our “inner worth” manifest in our world.
This awakened in everyone April 2006 through February 2007. We can now heal wounds from that time, or see how what we’ve awakened to since then has helped us healing into our higher Self.
In this chart Neptune has now moved forward to 6 Pisces, where we get another glimpse through intuition and a greater feeling-connection of our positioning within a vaster field. This is the degree where it will go stationary retrograde in June 2013, and marks a threshold in collective consciousness.
According to the Sabian Symbols, this shows the long term lessons of the collective field concern “Self-exaltation through consecration to the task of defending collective values,” “self-testing,” and “perception of high goals.” I suspect the entire world will begin to be sensitive to collective values they want to defend as they sense there are higher goals to be pursued.
Again, Chiron shows us how we can heal into our Higher Self. During 2012 the focus was on healing into our Higher Selves through seeing what we’re dedicated to, what skills we’ve cultivated, what “call” we’ve heard, and how we’ve quickened our striving. During the next 4 weeks we can heal through bringing our inner worth into the open so that our merit may be “certified.” This is a time to show esteem, and be gracious when others show us esteem.
Between now and the end of the year, we will know we’ve been “introduced to Soul-realms” and awakened to a new dedication while saying goodbye to old inner fears. Our process of review over the next 6 months will lead us to a mastery of some realm that is bringing us new duties and responsibilities.
More About Saturn's Universally Important Influence
Saturn has again come to the fore as an extremely important factor in the chart due to it being the nozzle for the “Bucket” Jones pattern. I’ll explain in more detail in part 4 of this New Moon series.
For now, we’ll turn the spotlight on Saturn in Scorpio as the cosmic timekeeper, since it does symbolize the ongoing lessons and limitations within the larger field of existence. Saturn was in Libra through early October 2012, making this the eighth New Moon of the Saturn in Scorpio era!
What we learned from Saturn in Virgo in 2007-2009, returning briefly in 2010, has been of importance in the Virgo New Moons since then. We learned a lot about how to apply those lessons in forms of practical action when Mars transited Virgo between November 2011 and July 2012, and will get a review and renewal of those lessons when Mars is next in Virgo between mid-October and early November 2013.
We showed our skill in applying Saturn in Libra lessons since then while Mars was in Libra in July and August 2012, and had the light of understanding put on those lessons after the mid-October 2012 Libra New Moon. As a side note, Mars in early Scorpio the last week of August and first week of September 2012 gave us a front end practice related to Saturn being in that span of Scorpio from October 2012 through October 2013, so review what you were doing, since it symbolizes ongoing and coming Saturn lessons.
Saturn was retrograde in late Libra between early February and mid-June 2012. During the first 9 months of 2012, we were reviewing how to repair or reconstruct things from the past to come to a philosophical completion. The year between October 2011 and 2012 was about coming to a holistic philosophical view based in a life renewal, learning to read meanings in symbols and things, and moving beyond knowledge into true balanced understanding.
As Saturn rules Pluto in this chart in worldly affairs, it shows that when we are confronted with the need to deal with something or someone in an organized, efficient manner, reference Saturn in Scorpio and the lessons of focusing intensity. Feel what needs to be eliminated to achieve emotional stability or movement, and being efficient and truthful in getting to the core of any matter.
Naturally, the usual Saturn keywords will be crucial to effective behavior - patience, discipline, organization, patience, structure, maturity, patience, understanding, wisdom, patience, authority, responsibility, and of course, patience.
So as you open to the fifth New Moon of 2013, take stock of what larger holistic understanding you achieved in 2012. See how you’ve moved from a theoretical ideal to a new way of living your life and relationships into a deeper connection with your ability to regenerate productively over the long haul, or a deeper communion with some inner or outer element of your Being.
In 2011 we learned about karmic consequences from a wider angle of view, while playing by the rules of whatever system we were dealing with, or acting within. We were challenged to show as much balance, grace, and equipoise as we could, given Saturn's penchant for heaviness.
We all learned a lot about how we use Libra energy to fulfill Dharma during Saturn's stay in Libra, as well as what we should not be trying to prop up through a misplaced sense of responsibility or obligation. As with all Saturn lessons, when we ran into roadblocks or delays it was teaching us about patience, as well as what limitations and burdens we could and could not live with.
As noted in previous articles, Saturn ushered in allies, friends, fellow truth-seekers, more balanced views, and corrective actions as techniques for community building or group awareness during the time it was in Libra. Given that Saturn is “exalted” in Libra, meaning that sign is the lens of greatest growth for Saturn, and Saturn is the worldly ruler of Aquarius, the sign of friends and allies, between October 2009 and October 2012 was a time when we learned a LOT about those parts of our lives.
The transfigurations in our actions and relationships we went through between January 2011 and October 2012 led us to do forms of "repair work," where we confronted the consequences of past actions, whether our own or another's. The repair work could as easily been in the realm of our inner self as in outer affairs.
Saturn in this Lunation chart is retrograde at 8 Scorpio. We are now conducting a review of what Saturn has taught us since November 2012, and the current lessons are similar to what we first confronted in December 2012.
2012 finished our understanding in life areas related to Libra, Capricorn, and Aquarius in our charts, and since October we have entered a Scorpio experience of an intensification of magnetics to attract what we need and repel what is not needed. Saturn in Scorpio will be a MUCH different manifestation of Saturn than we were used to between 2010-2012!
This Lunation shows us that we need to calm the mind to sense the reflected light of higher understanding. We may experience “illumination of the Soul by transcendent wisdom,” and a “quiet touch with cosmic strength.” Calm the mind, go deeper into experience, and feel your ability to control the flow using the Saturn virtues mentioned 8 paragraphs up.
This is a review as part of the long wave process of learning how to conduct ourselves at a higher social level of interaction, which will confirm our “social status” and help us be part of a refined display of interactive class, style, and culture. Where Saturn was in the February and March New Moons began the larger Saturn lessons of 2013 which we’ll be learning until October.
Because of Saturn’s influence in Scorpio, we continue to eliminate and regenerate, let go of that which no longer works, and find ways to meet people at the highest levels of interaction. Now that the inner planets are all in Taurus, we’re confronting Saturn lessons and experiences in huge ways. This is the surfacing of how we are expressing Saturn in our lives, and gaining through loss and creating empty space. By what we hold on to, and what we let go of over the next 4 weeks (and 45 months) we will know how to magnetize matter in our lives.
So Saturn continues to help us get focused and clear about what structures are worthwhile and which need eliminating or purifying. Due to the 2012 Scorpio Solar Eclipse, we’ve been looking back to rehearse the future after eliminating elements of the past.
This opened the doors that we walked through in late December that continued through January. Whether we want to or not, we’ve all had to be willing to embrace a purification process, especially purifying the life of stuck feelings and desires, and open to a new game and a new way of playing that game.
As noted in other Lunation articles, with North Node still in late Scorpio, our greatest development is through our ability to eliminate, regenerate, attract, and repel as part of a greater effectiveness. Consider this as a time of learning more from our losses than what we hold on to. How we grow now will pay major dividends once Saturn moves into the second half of Scorpio at the end of 2013.
North Node in Scorpio shows we can grow through understanding magnetism in a more focused, active way. Where it is in this Lunation chart shows we can grow through learning to trust “the God within,” and through self-reliance and getting the right cooperation between the spiritual and material levels of existence, we can find a “pure self-revelation” and know what the Divine holds for you.
Surrender to the inward way. Contact the innermost “God force” and move beyond old forms. If there’s a conflict between the practical and the ideal, go to your “center of reality” and see how Spirit and Soul are dancing with whatever in your personality is conflicted. Go for your highest potential, regardless of what you must let go of and what you must accept.
This is a time of growth in effective orientation so that we can bring Spirit to matter, and the ideal in a grounded form. What we move into now will take shape once Saturn moves into the second half of Scorpio this Autumn.
We only have a few aspects forming in this Lunation, but those few are extraordinarily powerful. I’ll speak about this in the next part of this series. The major influences are Venus, Saturn, and Uranus activating irrational energies, and Mars quintile Neptune, Jupiter quintile Uranus, and the ever-ominous Uranus square Pluto symbolizing the hard edge of our times. It’s still a wild ride, so buckle your seat belts! And show patience.....
In the next part of the series we'll discuss the various aspects at play in the chart, as well as some important degree symbols and other interesting elements affecting all of us for 4 weeks to come.
Here are the previous articles about this Annular Solar Eclipse in Taurus:
Astrology in May 2013 - On The Threshold of an Annular Solar Eclipse at 20 Taurus
The Annular Solar Eclipse at 20 Taurus May 9-10, 2013 Pt. 1 - Who Does It Affect and for How Long?
And as usual for the New Moon articles, here are two that are related to "the cusp of the Age."
Neptune Then, Neptune Now - The Cusp of the Age of Aquarius
Neptune Retrograde Into Aquarius - A New Look At the New Age This one has links to articles related to this theme, so enjoy following the breadcrumbs through the woods of time!
© Copyright 2013 Robert Wilkinson
Excellent one! I follow faithfully your articles, especially about the eclipses.
My natal positions: 9th House in Taurus 19°58'21 and Mercury in Taurus 15°03'43 in house 8.
Curious to discover what this could mean and how the story will actually unfold..Thanks
Posted by: goddess of moon | May 11, 2013 at 02:33 AM
Robert--thanks so much for your deeply insightful posts and the wonderful light you are shining on all of this! I am feeling the eclipse quite intensely. I am curious if it will bring a breakthough in my life path--wondering if this could in part be because the eclipse's North Node is on my Natal Mercury? Birth time 10/16/67, 8:12 a.m., Peru, Illinois. Any insights you have are much appreciated. Namaste!
Posted by: Kristin | May 11, 2013 at 12:35 PM
Thanks for that very insightful article.There is so much in it I had to print it out and underline key points to fully understand it. With Chiron slap bang on my natal Mars and Saturn on my Ascendant I'm fluctuating between riding high and feeling totally overwhelmed. I'd love to know your thoughts on the Chiron/Mars conjunction if possible. Thanks
Posted by: Suzanne | May 12, 2013 at 02:47 AM
Brilliant. There is so much information it can be mind-boggling.
Thanks Robert,
Nic
Posted by: Nic | May 12, 2013 at 05:08 AM
Boy have I been fired up! quite angry in bursts too, not at anyone per say, more their words or actions or at what i will no longer tolerate that as simply unfair and rude, I am quite happy to clear that out of my system at my unsuspecting cushions lol! I think mars conjunct natal venus, transpluto on my nth node,merc squaring natal mars and saturn trine my merc may just have something to do with this, I feel like stamping my foot and saying "Have some manners and reapect people!" regardless of whether its me or some other who deserves better treatment/attitude than they are being given, where did I put the gag I used when pluto opposed and uranus squared my merc....?
Posted by: Debbie | May 12, 2013 at 11:44 PM
Actually I think a lot of my "passion" at the moment is because the building Uranus Pluto square is challenging my Divine mother at 10Leo06 and I have been doing a lot of work with her as she pushes every button to notice atrocity and abuse towards her as represented in my own life, as mentioned before, as she is on my north node sextile my 0cancer sun, just a hindsight comment as I was thinking about the effect this eclipse is having on me. I will leave the wrath to her and hope no one is hurt and be passionate to encourage good changes from what I have learned instead.
Posted by: Debbie | May 13, 2013 at 01:27 AM
Thank you for the great articles. My parked car was crashed into by a driver and totalled in the middle of the night on the 10th. Please tell me this wasn't the eclipse because I've been looking forward to it for months as it lands in my 10th house.
I'm hoping it was a result of the April 25 eclipse as Mars was almost conjunct where Venus was on that day. Also Mars was conjunct my MC IC axis on the April eclipse. I'm still hoping that this eclipse can still produce something career wise. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Steve | May 14, 2013 at 07:43 PM