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Become more aware of Moon in the sky—and feel her flow!
Seek guidance from Goddess in her changing face.
Experience the magic of Moon within!
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Our new lunar cycle begins with another New Moon in Cancer.
This one is a Total Solar Eclipse!
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A Solar Eclipse at this New Moon in the very last degree of Cancer may be very significant for many of us, especially if we have personal planets or angles near that 29th degree. As you may imagine, it is likely to relate to emotional issues involving home and family, since this is the realm of Cancer and Moon. If you've been avoiding such matters that need to be resolved in your life, this is a time when you may need to face them head-on and resolve them.
I see in the eclipse tables included in the Appendix of my book, Moon Tides, Soul Passages, that this eclipse is a 19-year Metonic Cycle repeat of
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one that occured July 22, 1990, and also prior to that on July 22, 1971. So, it may be well to reflect on what was going on in your life back then, because whatever it was, it most likely relates to what you are experiencing now. I'm glad that I thought to take a look at that table while writing this, because I hadn't really thought much about it until then—I've been far too busy these days to look at my chart. When I did look, it kind of hit me in the pit of the stomach, remembering what major life changes I was dealing with each of those times, how closely they related to matters of the home, and also the complex emotions that accompanied each change. Each time was different of course, as is what's going on in my life at present, and of course this is bound to the case when when one is nearly 20 years older at each Metonic repeat. But it is striking, when I think about it now, how the core themes are the same each time.
So, especially if any of what I've said "rings a bell" for you, recognize your responsiblity to handle whatever changes are going on now well, and for emotional assistance, open yourself to the flow of Spirit.
Solar Eclipse, 29 Cancer 26, July 21 at 10:34 pm, EDT
New Moon & , 29 Cancer 27, July 21 at 10:35 pm, EDT
Ritual for the Solar Eclipse
This, I have read, is to be the longest total solar eclipse to occur within the 21st century. Although not visible where I live, so late in the evening, I still intend to go outdoors at that time, if at all possible, the more fully to be in tune with the energy of Nature. I will use the solar eclipse ritual that I wrote for Moon Tides, Soul Passages, with variations for each element. What I suggest below is a paraphrased version of what I wrote in the book for a water sign Solar Eclipse:
First, in preparation, reflect on what happened in the past that relates to events and feelings in your life now. Look back over old photographs and memorablia, if that helps. Prepare two candles for your ritual, one for Sun (gold or yellow) and one for Moon (silver or ivory). Prepare also a bowl of water, small enough to easily carry, and a small container of salt.
As the time of eclipse approaches, place the candles in the center of where you will work, along with matches or fire wand to light them. Center yourself in meditation, then face West, the direction of Water. Mix salt into the water, visualizing as you do that you are creating the oceanic womb of Mother Earth. Carry your bowl of water clockwise, encircling your ritual area, visualizing the cleansing and charging of sacred space around you to contain and preserve the energy that you will raise. Say:
Oh power of Water, I seek to see
Beyond your depths of mystery
From past to future help me know
The wisdom that will help me grow.
I wait in calm for what will be
And call your tides of change to me.
Go to center now and light the Moon candle, saying:
Oh Moon of deepest memory
Reveal to me your mystery
Let thoughts about my past return
Bring insights that will help me learn
What I shoud know, what I must see
For future grown, serenity.
Light the Sun candle, saying:
Sun of power and strongest light
Shine on this, my sacred rite
Energize my will to know
Guide my pat toward what will be
For highest good, so shall it be!
Meditate on your memories. Open your mind to deeper insights into what was happening in the past. If there are painful memories, what was your part in them? Could you have handled things better? What did you do well? What did you do badly? If so, how might you have done it better? What have you learned? Can you relate any issues from the past to what is happening currently? If so, how will you apply what you have learned to the present and the future. Write notes, if you wish. When you feel that meditation has brought you to the insight that will help you move forward well, then offer your to Moon and Sun, and close your circle.
Crescent Moon, 17 Virgo 32, July 25 at 4:16 am EDT
Monday, the 27th has the potential of an especially good day to get things done. Take advantage of it. The rest of the week, beginning with First Quarter may test our stress level...
First Quarter Moon, 5 Scorpio 57, July 28 at 6:00 pm EDT
The "crisis of action" Moon in Scorpio challenges us to get things done—now! The end of the month approaches which, for some, may mean extra pressure. Intense Scorpio feelings (Moon) square Sun (and Mercury of communication) in proud Leo suggests the wisdom of thinking things through before speaking out.
Gibbous Moon, 24 Sagittarius 45, August 1 at 5:32 pm EDT
The Gibbous theme is a waxing phase of striving forward. A goal is in sight but not quite reached. So, in that, it is time to take stock and plan what else needs to be done in order to achieve what has been projected for the Full Moon period soon to come.
Moon in Sag takes us into the first weekend in August, which is often the traditional celebration of Lammas, the early harvest of the corn and grain. Lammas (also often called Lughnasad) is one of the "spokes" on the 8-spoked Wheel of the Year that begins with the rebirth of Sun each year at Winter Solstice, Yule. The theme of early harvest fits well the Disseminating Phase of the solar year, a time for sharing. Astrologically, it occurs when the Sun comes to the 15th degreee of Leo, which this year actually occurs during Full Moon phase, on August 7.
Because we follow the astrological cycles, my Circle of the Cosmic Muse, will hold Lammas on the closest weekend, which this year will be Saturday, August 8. Links for Lammas ritual and lore appear below Full Moon, at the astrological time for Lammas.
Lunar Eclipse, 13 Aquarius 35, August 5 at 8:38 pm EDT
Full Moon, 13 Aquarius 43, August 5 at 8:55 pm EDT
This Full Moon could spotlight a "breaking news" item involving deception, illusion or risk-taking (as if "breaking news" is anything new since it happens almost minute by minute these days) Still, it is interesting that some of our current news does relate to people in the spotlight (Leo) needing to swallow their pride in order to defer to a group (Aquarius). The Full Moon aspects end with conjunctions first to Jupiter and then to Neptune. The two planets continue to be in fairly close conjunction, both retrograding.
Whatever this Full Moon may be, it is greatly amplifed because it is also an eclipse. What happens here is that Mother Earth moves into a position that blocks Sun's light from being fully reflected by Full Moon. She casts the shadow. In my Moon Tides, Soul Passages myth of what this might mean, in imagined verbal exchange among the cosmic deities, the prenatal Lunar Eclipse relates to an important lesson that Mother Earth insists the current group of souls about to incarnate must learn while in her realm. (The solar eclipse myth, where Moon casts the shadow, heralds a theme that Moon sets for souls about to incarnate, a theme of purpose based upon abilities and talents well learned that are to be demonstrated during the new life.)
This lunar eclipse is also a Metonic repeat, the last in a series of four. The first eclipse at 13 Aquarius occurred Aug.5, 1952. The second was Aug. 6, 1971. The third was August 6, 1990. The 4th repeat is now! So, think over those times in your life (especially if you're like me and have been around long enough to remember all of them). The theme in focus at those times past, and now, may relate to your finding a point of balance between your personal goals and preferences (Leo) and the goals and purposes of a larger group with which you are involved. (Aquarius).
Ritual for Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius
Assemble candles in white, yellow and blue, holders, lighter, and oil of fire correspondence (such as cinnamon or peppermint) and another oil for air (such as lavender or sage). Light a white candle as you invoke the power of Spirit, in which all Gods and Goddesses are One. Carve the yellow candle to represent the Sun with symbols of your personal, creative goals and purpose, and anoint it with the fire oil as you mediate on what is important to you in achieving your goals. Light the candle from the Spirit candle and place it in a holder about one foot to the right of Spirit. Carve the blue candle to represent the Moon with symbols of your group’s goals and purpose, and anoint it with the air oil as you mediate on the group goals and how you, yourself, contribute to them, and how the group does or does not contribute to your personal goals. Light it from the Spirit candle and place it in a holder about one foot to the left of Spirit. As you gaze at the candles, contemplate the ways in which the two for Sun and Moon are balanced, and if they are not balanced, the areas that you need to work on. As you think about the activities you do for each, move that candle a little closer to Spirit. Which one are you moving the most? Does that work for you? Through this mediation, it will most likely become clearer to you how the activities represented by each candle mesh together in your life. If you feel that one of them is out of balance, draining too much of you from the other, then set boundaries around it. Encircle it with a ring of salt, and resolve where you will “draw the line” in order to reserve more of your time and energy for the activities of the other candle. Here is a chant that can be used as you work, to help set your intent:
By Sun and Moon, balanced be
Time for them and time for me.
This is my quest, by fire and air
To find the path that's right and fair
Lady and Lord, inspire me
For highest good, so mote it be!
Lammas, Sun at 15 Leo 15, August 7 at 5:01 am EDT
Disseminating Moon, 2 Aries 34, August 9 at 9:19 pm EDT
This is the phase for showing, demonstrating and/or sharing of whatever culmination was represented by Full Moon. The aspects are challenging. Monday we're working into a Mars square Saturn that perfects at 8:16 pm EDT. Tuesday looks like smoother sailing, but on Monday it may be best to shelve any Aries "me-first" impulses, and accent listening, observing and relating to others.
Last Quarter Moon, 21 Taurus 09, August 13 at 2:55 pm EDT
The potential of illusion, confusion or unwise risk-taking is again in play today with Moon squaring first Sun, then Jupiter then Neptune. Avoid "bull-headedness." Moon may be in Taurus, but this is the lunar phase when beginning to let go, rather than dig in your heels to hold on, is what is called for.
Balsamic Moon, 9 Cancer 25, August 17 at 12:41 am EDT
It's the end of the cycle, a time to wind down, release what is finished. Still, aspects have nice potential for creative activity. Here's a short ritual for that which you might wish to release.
Choose a natural symbol to represent what you would release—a leaf or a small stone will do fine. Go outdoors at nigh to a body of water—a stream, river, lake or the sea. Name your symbol for what it represents to you, then hold it for a few moments while willing your purpose into the object, releasing it from your inner self. Then cast it into the water as you speak this charm:
Sunlight wanes, and Moonlight, too
Undines of Water, come to me
Carry away what I release
Within your depths, so mote it be!
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PAST COLUMNS
Cycle of New Moon in Capricorn, January 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Aquarius, February 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Pisces, March 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Aries, April 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Taurus, May 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Gemini, June 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Cancer, July 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Leo, August 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Virgo, September 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Libra, October 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Scorpio, November 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Sagittarius, December 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Capricorn, December 26, 2008
Cycle of New Moon in Aquarius, January 24, 2009
Cycle of New Moon in Pisces, February 24, 2009
Cycle of New Moon in Aries, March 26, 2009
Cycle of New Moon in Taurus, April 24, 2009
New Moon in Gemini, May 24, 2009
New Moon in Cancer, June 22, 2009
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