Lunar Living Astrology

This partial solar eclipse is still a relative newbie, having originated in 1917, occurring on the 26th degree of Cancer, ruled by the Moon, sub ruled by Venus and Neptune, the originating eclipse brings the influence of emotionally charged childhood memories along with yearnings for the past traditions that we found endearing. This eclipse belongs to the solar saros series 154, and is associated with the 9th nodal family that originated from the south. Basically, this eclipse can only be viewed from the South Pacific, passing over a few land masses in its path.

Today's eclipse actually started impacting us about two weeks ago, in conjunction with the lunar eclipse, and will continue to influence us for, at least, the next few weeks. Taking a moment to look at all the aspects contained in this chart, we can see that there will be a lot of triggers, phases, and basic tendencies that we will need to work through. For most of us, this solar eclipse will bring some power packed shifts that could easily overwhelm us, knocking us off the trajectories that we thought we had established recently. The combination of the aspects, essentially look like a trash can with a lid surrounding the Kites, the Yods, and the Grand Trines. Generally speaking, life is ready to take us all on an emotional roller coaster. Let's try to break this down a little, to better understand what we are looking at.

The Sun and Moon join up on the 29th degree of Virgo, the second new moon in Virgo in the past four weeks. The characteristics that we were just starting to understand a month ago, are now more established, but with an added intensity because this new moon is occurring in the anarectic degree as the Sun and Moon prepare to move into Libra. We've become more determined and conscientious about life, be it about family, career, or some other factor that feels important. However, Saturn retrograde in Pisces, is challenging us to take control in ways that we are simply not trained or nor comprehend the best methods for taking that control. The nature of the solar eclipse is to find new ways. If you know your own chart, look at the house that this eclipse occurs in for you personally. That will tell you more about where you need to take command of the situation. While the Lunar Eclipse two weeks ago had us exploring new situations, this eclipse has the ability to explode our current situations, forcing us into new, unexpected, territory. This Saturn opposition is the strongest connection within this eclipse chart because the rest of the Kite aspects from the eclipse position are, basically, out of sign aspects. While they are still significant, the weight of the aspects, originating as of the eclipse event are somewhat watered down. It will become heavier once the Sun moves into Libra, during the equinox.

The trines, oppositions, and sextiles creating this Kite are connecting to Uranus retrograde in Gemini, Pluto retrograde in Aquarius (which is also transiting Out of Bounds [OOB] which is a rare occurrence) within the out of sign Grand Trine, as well as opposing peak factor of the Kite, Neptune in Aries, and Saturn in Pisces, both in retrograde motion. The Kite basically gets strength based on the masculine or feminine receptive placements in conjunction to the elements, Earth, Air, Fire or Water. So, in this case, the strength would be masculine, Fire and Air, while Saturn and the Eclipse are occurring in Feminine signs of Water and Earth, causing the influence to be unbalanced and disconnected. As such, we won't receive the “rewards” that typically come with a Kite and Grand Trine aspect patterns.

On either side of the Solar Eclipse/New Moon conjunction, are Venus in Virgo and Mars in Libra, forming inconjunctions (quincunx) to Neptune retrograde in Aries, and Saturn retrograde in Pisces. Now, this looks like a “typical” and potentially powerful Finger of God Yod with a Boomerang opposition, we aren't likely to feel the full impacts because of the “out of sign” facets, once again. In order for the Yod to hit us hard, Mars would need to be in Scorpio. And while, yes, there is an inconjunct aspect between Mars and Saturn retrograde, there is nothing tied back to Venus on this one. So the true peak of this particular Yod is to Neptune retrograde, with the Boomerang opposing, out of sign to the eclipse, and the inconjunct to Mars, in Libra is also out of sign. Confusing us as to how this should, and will, play out. While some will not consider this to be a power packed Yod and Boomerang because the apex (which in this case is Neptune) need to be the fastest moving planet of the bunch. Regardless, the inconjunct aspects, in and of themselves, typically indicate a need for adjustment and realignment. This Solar Eclipse will be full of that, so don't totally count out these aspects in the overall turn of events that we are likely to discover over time.

Oh, yes, and that's not all. Now we look to the other Yods in this chart that do meet the criteria of “faster” planet at the apex. The inconjunctions from Neptune retrograde in Aries and Pluto retrograde in Aquarius create an in sign Yod to Venus in Virgo, with Venus being the quicker transiting planet. In this case, Venus gives us focus on what action we may need to take, particularly in Virgo, helping us to be more analytical and deliberate, less impulsive responses, to emergency or fast occurring events. There will be trigger timers that help expose the lessons of this Yod. The subsequent planets that transit over this point during the next year until Venus returns, will keep reminding us that there is a purpose. There will not be any major planets transiting over this point, other than the Moon, at least once per month. The Moon's triggers will bring up small reminders, but unlikely to trigger a lot. The first time the Moon will transit over is October 17. Venus will return to this point on July 12, 2026. That's with the real message will come to light.

Inversely, Mars in Libra is also in two different Yods, simultaneously. One to Saturn retrograde in Pisces along with Neptune retrograde in Aries, connecting back to Uranus retrograde in Gemini. Once again, Mars is the faster transiting planet in the group, and at the apex of the Yods, making it the focal point for reactions. Mars in the final degree of Libra helps us to respond without over reacting. We are likely to quickly assess the situation and rapidly find resources to help negotiate a better outcome. All in all, not the worst Yods to have in a chart. But, that doesn't reduce the amount of stress we are likely to feel and experience with this Solar Eclipse! The Out of sign Yod, however does not hold the same significance as an In sign Yod. The Equinox article on the home page will provide more details for the Yod when Mars moves into Scorpio.

We stepped over Mercury, in Libra, for the moment. Let's go back there quickly. Mercury is involved in a loose Grand Trine with Uranus retrograde in Gemini and Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. All in the signs of Air. These connections bring quick adaptability while assessing and reasoning through situations seems natural. Always looking for an easy escape, which may, or may not exist.

The square from Venus in Virgo to Uranus retrograde in Gemini is a solid challenging component in this chart. With both planets transiting Mutable signs, our mental health is likely to take a hit. Use solid coping skills if that happens. Avoid the typical quick fix outlets of drugs and alcohol, since those are likely to make us more vulnerable, rather than help. The other square, from Mars in Libra to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius in another out of sign aspect. Our temper could get us deep into hot water, or our quick response and instincts could save us from disaster. It will all depend on the situation.

Both Venus and Mars, through the squares, tap into the Grand Trine, and Kite with a Trapezoid that is not all that common. The more common Trapezoid aspect pattern is the Cradle connected by three sextiles, two trines, and one opposition. This one, today, is connected with two squares, two inconjuncts, one trine, and one sextile. This essentially gives the appearance of a trash can. If we add the opposing “lid” of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, it almost gives the appearance of a Pentagon. However, the two squares throw off the symmetry of a true Pentagon. That being said, the fact that we have so many planets connecting in this Solar Eclipse chart, we are being challenged to adapt to the changes that will, undoubtedly, have a huge impact on us.

Overall, the planets are balanced in respect to Receptive placements. There are five placed in Masculine signs and five in Feminine signs. This can help us to adjust quickly to the multiplicity of demands that are likely to manifest from this complex Solar Eclipse. There is only one planet located in the Fire Element sign of Aries (Neptune retrograde) which doesn't give us much assertive resources to tap into. Plus there is only one planet in the Fixed Quality sign of Aquarius (Pluto retrograde) which undercuts our determination to stay the course. As such, we are going to get tested in unexpected ways, and on situations we may have very little understanding to resolve. Our own unique coping skills are likely to take a hit in ways we may find overwhelming. It is not all bad. We will be given the tools and resources to find solutions, but we may need to step outside of our usual methods, in order to make it happen.

Check out the article on the home page about September's Equinox chart, that might give some additional clues for coping and survival on the other side of this Solar Eclipse.