July 2010 New Moon Solar Eclipse

New Moons are times of new beginnings, planting new seeds and setting intentions. With the New Moon in Cancer we are preparing to take the plunge in search of an accepting womb. Cancer is after all associated with the mother instinct, nesting, family and security. The sign Cancer, from a more ancient tradition, actually gets much of its meaning from the bear. Directly below the constellation of the Crab (Cancer) is Ursa Major, the Great Bear. When you think about it, don’t the qualities of Cancer align well with the image of a bear? The bear is a very protective animal. It loves to eat, and nesting is vital for its security. The oldest myths in the world come from the animals in the sky. My premise is that many of the qualities of the signs in the zodiac come from smaller star groups that surround the major constellations.

Eclipses in general often act as trickster vibe  bringing to the surface buried issues or hidden problems, and so by their nature they are unpredictable. Solar eclipses are usually marked by external events. Watch the news like a hawk during this eclipse cycle for breaking news regarding those in positions of power and authority, royalty, celebrities and political leaders. It’s prudent to put off major decisions until a week after the eclipse as new information comes to light so we may

make a more conscious choice.

The degree for the New Moon from Zodiacal Symbology reads: A wounded Bedouin on his horse in the desert. Denotes one of unsettled tendencies with a strong desire for freedom and adventure. He is not well fitted for ordinary life. It is a symbol of Liberty. This New Moon Solar eclipse falls in the eighth house at the midpoint between the Sun and Mercury in the U.S. Sibly chart, and in wide opposition to Pluto in the second house. Something will come to light or be exposed surrounding sensitive information with national security issues. Secrets will be revealed or leaked about the billions of US dollars that are unaccountable for by the Afghan government. A financial firm is suspected of helping elite Afghans move vast sums of money to overseas accounts. Today U.S. Lawmakers are withholding 3.9 billion dollars in Afghan aid  over corruption problems.

The watery nightmare continues in the Gulf region as the U.S. Progressed Moon conjuncts Neptune along with transiting Neptune conjunct the U.S. Natal Moon! This is the classic double whammy as feelings of helplessness, uncertainty and confusion abound. What a metaphor as the Moon/Neptune link evokes the image of oil and water. The symbol for the U.S. Progressed Moon from Zodiacal Symbology reads: The Virgin Astrea (goddess of justice) with bandaged eyes, being led away by the angels from the world flooded with misery, blood and injustice.

Uranus turns retrograde on the 5th then drifts back into Pisces for seven months until March 2011. Revelations and liberation come from within. The new seeds planted in Aries are now receiving blessings from the water spirits (Pisces) for a new and courageous voyage ahead. Chiron (the wounded healer) re-enters Aquarius on the 20th then  splashes back into Pisces in February 2011. We all know that the “Chironian wound” is the wound that will not heal, However,  as long as the wound is being cared for, nurtured and administered to, it proves to be a source of renewal. It becomes an opening through which new life enters into and enlarges consciousness. It is the divine wound. Chiron in Pisces reminds me of the adage “It’s your faith that makes you whole”.

Saturn opposes Uranus on the 26th , and this is the last out of five hits between them. This is an especially dynamic contact as the opposition between these two titans takes place at zero degrees of cardinal signs, Aries/Libra respectively. Issues around independence versus dependence come into play with relationships. Things that were once tolerable now feel oppressive and intolerable. This is a favorable time to break old habits and patterns that have been limiting your self-expression. Old structure and foundations that gave you security are no longer viable at this time. You’re in the earthquake zone now! Letting go of the past is essential before it can free you. A new person you meet at this time could change or transform your life direction.

Saturn enters Libra on the 21st and remains there until October 2012. The last time Saturn was in Libra was back in 1980-82. At that time the USSR planned to withdraw from Afghanistan, 280 people died on flight Pan Am 103 over Scotland, Reagan became President, Former aid claimed Nancy Reagan was using astrology to plan her husband’s activities. Now, transiting Saturn squares Venus in the U.S. Sibly chart as the economic recession and cash crunch continues unabated. Republicans continue to block unemployment benefits for the long-termed unemployed. 1.2 million Americans have already missed a check because of the Senate’s inability to pass legislation. It is clear that the economic strategy for the Republicans in congress is to ensure electoral gains in November by undermining any possible economic recovery. Saturn also squares Obama’s natal Venus in early Cancer, I’m certain he’s probably feeling that he’s not getting the “Love” he deserves? With Saturn in Libra or Saturn/Venus contacts we have to work harder in order to earn the love , respect and approval from others. This is the classic signature of “Tough Love”. Often tough love is about letting go of wants that are masquerading as needs, rather than hanging on to them.

References:

Healing and Wholeness-John Stanford

Astro-Myths- Wendy Ashley

Predictive Astrology-Carol Rushman

“ The one guardian of life is love,

but to be loved you must love”.

~Marsilio Ficino