In about two days a full lunar eclipse appears, establishing celestial wonder for the world. In case you are in North America and visibly blocked from viewing the shadowing event, no doubt there will be streaming options available and gazillions of eclipse selfies to follow (The Sun is in Leo, after all. Of course, it is always possible to “tune in” to the energy of the eclipse through intention, meditation, or simply taking a break from the real world when the eclipse is at totality (8:22 PM GMT).
Here are some dots to connect regarding this upcoming and especially curious eclipse alignment:
The Moon turns a Martian red during the eclipse, as if there is a rivalry with Mars as to whom can outdo the other for maximum rubicund luminescence. Since the Moon dims during the eclipse and since given Mars’ proximity to Earth, he now outshines Sirius. Mars takes double winner.
Seemingly in honor of Saturn, who moves most slowly while transiting his own sign of Capricorn, the duration of this alignment will be the longest lasting lunar eclipse in a century.
Mars and the Moon are conjunct during the eclipse, separated by a mere degree, which also means that Mars stands in opposition with the Sun.
Mars is as close to Earth as he’s been in 15 years, to restate his proximity and influence upon us through the shortest distance - as if in honor of Mercury retrograde.
It has been announced today that astronomers, courtesy of radar and the patience is takes to do research, discovered a large body of salt water beneath the southern pole of Mars. Astronomers describe it as “liquid water,” as to avoid confusion with the other kinds of water. Good thing Mars is in Aquarius, the sign of the water bearer and the shock of liquid water lake can more easily be assimilated. This announcement rekindles scientific optimism for discovering life on Mars and if all goes well a couple of new Mars-themed movies to scare us out of senses. Percival Lowell and H. G. Wells, wherever you are, feel free to rejoice.
Whether or not you see the shadowing of the Moon during the eclipse, you will be feeling it. As noted above, the eclipse is supercharged by Mars in conjunction with the Moon, opposing the Sun in Leo. Also, as noted, this eclipse lasts longer allowing a lingering look at lunar matters.
To make this more personal, remember that during the lunar eclipse the light of our emotional barometer, the Moon, is blocked out by the Earth, representing matters mundane. Emphasis and clarity on concerns of, from and about the real world, temporarily create a blind spot for fulfillment of emotional requirements and needs. The need to be supported, nurtured and coddled takes a back seat to the fact that stuff must be acquired and money must be spent and despite agendas and goals and such, the real world demands its due.
With Mars to the Moon, expect emotional charge and impulsiveness not only during the eclipse time, but strongly until the next eclipse - the solar eclipse of August 11th, when a bit of a reset organically occurs.
Mars and Moon in Aquarius might seek to engage the ultimate in altruism and humanitarian matters, but dang it, both oppose the Sun in Leo. Bottom line: it’s easy to be generous (and Leo can be very magnanimous) and engaging if things are moving along well. However, if obstacles pot hole the road of life and petty tyrants or major life antagonists abound, not so much.
Mars rises at sunset or thereabout during the opposition and he stays up all night long. When matters contain emotional triggers, expect immediate reaction. However, remember that the duration of the darkening of the lunar disk actually is notably longer. When processing reactions, step back, take your time. Even take a time out if you need to do so. Sit with yourself and look to the Sun in Leo: what do you need and how are you going to get it in a manner that is win-win for all? No zero sum games need apply with movements in Aquarius.
Keep in mind that though the Moon darkens, the visibility of the other planets and stars improves. Yes, of course, you want it and want it now in a Moon-Mars mechanist mood. But can you employ the lessons of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn? Duration and true value require taking the time to drill down and go deep. Can you reach to Venus and Ceres in Virgo and restore a clear sense of all your gifts, skills and talents and refresh absolute authenticity? Can you deal with Jupiter in Scorpio and acknowledge and honor what you really want, delve into all aspects of your psyche, and claim originality in the life experiences through which you travel based upon the deepest richness of your soul?
Can you propitiate to all the planets - those that can be seen, those that cannot - those of whom we have known for ages - those yet to be discovered - those that are fast or small - those that are large and thin?
While in this lunar eclipse shadow zone is there any place you’d rather be than in the thick of clear, conscious propitiation of the celestial influences above?