Tara's Solar Eclipse Forecast, August 11, 2018

Solar Eclipse 

Saturday, August 11, 2018

5:46am, Washington, DC

Greeting Sky Watchers,

We are back for the third and final eclipse of summer 2018. This eclipse is the third eclipse in 4 weeks. There are also a total of 5 planets currently in retrograde; two of these, Mercury and Mars, are personal planets, so there is an abundance of cosmic energy floating around. The one thing for certain is that eclipses trigger changes, and retrograde planets will turn the energy within.

Before moving on to what’s in store, let’s review some solar eclipse basics. Solar eclipses like this one are conjunctions of the Sun and Moon, which is the strongest aspect between two planets. Solar eclipses occur at new Moons and add extra energy to the cosmic event. Whenever the nodes of the Moon are close to a lunation; either new or full, there will be an eclipse. The extra energy of the eclipse act as a gateway of energy directed towards planet earth and beyond. Many people believe that these increases in energy also prompt natural events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

Leo will be on the horizon in this eclipse chart, so the Sun is our chart ruler. The eclipse occurs at dawn with the Sun and Moon at 18 Leo. The Sun and Moon are joined with mental Mercury in Leo, forming a stellium by both degree and sign. A stellium creates an abundance of energy in one location of any chart, no matter the sign or house. Having a stellium involving the chart ruler at the ascendant, during a solar eclipse, at Sunrise, is an energy explosion!

In the 1st house, Mercury is oriental to the Sun and Moon at 14 Leo, meaning that Mercury will pass over the horizon before the Sun. Mercury is also conjunct 15 Leo, also known as The Lion’s gate, one of the 4 avatar points in every chart.

Avatar points are the anchors of the zodiac; they occur at 15 degrees of each fixed sign and form the exact mid-point between eclipses and equinoxes. Many astrologers refer to the 15th degrees of each fixed sign as “points of fame” or markers of something for which the world will stop and take note.

With Mercury oriental to the Sun, in Leo, in retrograde, and conjunct the solar eclipse, we can expect an abundance of bold communication. Mercury in Leo loves an audience and the attention it brings, and speaks with passion. During a solar eclipse, our emotions (the Moon) cast their shadow on who we are (the Sun). So don’t be a bit surprised if someone’s dramatic Leo overly emotional responses spill over, demanding your full attention.

Leo represents abundance, children, fun activities like hobbies and sports, romance, the theater, and small groups. With so much Leo energy in this chart, most people will have the urge to splurge and have some self-indulgent FUN. Don’t be surprised if an old flame returns; with the oriental Mercury retrograde, this would be the ideal time to determine if the relationship is serving you or not.

One downside to Leo energy is the pouting and sulking when the Lion doesn’t get their way. As with all things, proceed with caution and optimism, but don’t get caught up in the theatrical, ego-driven response of the Lion wanting more than what he/she can have. So roar all you want; you will make a statement for sure, but think about the long-term impact. Ask yourself if this is really how you want to be remembered.

We also see that the new Moon stellium in the 1st house is the focus of a Yod pattern, “the finger of God”. The two legs in the YOD are Neptune in the 8th house and Pluto in the 6th. Each planet involved in the Yod is retrograde, with the exception of the Sun and Moon. This indicates an internal hurdle to be overcome. Neptune and Pluto suggest a supporting relationship that shifts daily tasks or work in connection to what you share with others, especially finances.

The square between retrograde Mars in the 6th house and Uranus in the 10th house is a powerful source of energy. This could signal a time for change within how you approach work or your work environment.

Lastly with the north node always pointing us in the direction of our future in the 12th house, perhaps it’s time that we dust off some of our old ideas we once buried and give them life or take some time to rest.

Remember the gift of Leo, and that is leisure; lions only hunt when they need to. They apply their energy only when needed; otherwise they save their energy and REST. So set your new Moon intentions but remember self-care is important as well.
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As always, see you in a few weeks, Sky Watchers!

Blessings,

Tara