SOLAR ECLIPSE IN AQUARIUS

We are now at the second eclipse of the year, a partial Solar Eclipse at 27° Aquarius! A Solar Eclipse is a New Moon, meaning the Sun and the Moon are in the same sign, in this case, it is the sign of Aquarius, the next to last sign in the zodiac. This is an interesting set of aspects, different than the Lunar Eclipse we had 2 weeks ago. That eclipse was mild in comparison, though the Sun and Moon were close to the Nodes, there were some relatively smooth aspects. This new one, however, includes Mercury and the South Node in Aquarius, traveling along with the Sun and Moon and all three planets make a challenge to Jupiter, the planet of abundance and expansion. We are being asked to expand, to look outside ourselves, open our minds and be highly aware with our eyes wide open. Since Mercury is right on the eclipse, the theme is about communications, ideas, thinking and our intellect. What new ideas do we have and where can they take us? 

Aquarius is the sign of the unconventional, the innovator, the rebel genius, the revolutionary. It is about freedom and independence. But the North Node of destiny is in the opposite sign of Leo, meaning that we need to take the Aquarian energy and direct it towards the North Node – where our passions can be pursued and realized. This involves some expansive insight from that Jupiter aspect and the use of Leo’s creativity. Think bigger than you have been. How are we unique and free (Aquarius) in the way we express ourselves (Leo)? This is an eclipse at the South Node which is where our old habits lie. We are ready to release old and unnecessary patterns that are standing in the way of our creative goals. 

Looking at the rest of the chart for this eclipse, Mars, the planet of assertion is in a challenging square to Neptune the planet of the visionary or what is seen or unseen. This means that in our efforts to move forward, all may not be visible, and so we must be cautious and tread carefully. It’s trying to move forward into the fog and taking one step at a time without being rash or impulsive. This can be tricky as Mars is in Sagittarius, a brazen fire sign where it tends to act before it thinks. Neptune is the caution here, because not only can we not see what’s right ahead of ourselves, but Neptune and Mars together are a slippery duo. We can be fooled into thinking a certain situation is something that it actually is not. We’re being told to use insight and intuition here and not make rash assumptions. Also, when it is time to assert oneself, it is best if one takes the route that comes through the back door, asserting oneself in the most indirect way. Attacking a situation or problem head on in that brash, fiery manner will not win the day. Pay attention to your intuition and you will know when it is time to take gentle action.

New Moons bring new beginnings and this one is surrounded on one side by Venus and the other by Saturn. Venus and Saturn are in sextile to each other, a smooth aspect that implies there is work to be done, which is our own important work that we love and that fulfills us creatively. Venus and Saturn are acting as supportive influence to this eclipse and encourage the release of obstacles to our creative work while nurturing the new path we are on. 

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, which is making a smooth aspect to the eclipse. This is also a supportive influence to the Sun, Moon and Mercury. It opens the doors to making greater changes in one’s life, as Uranus is an outer planet that creates longer term shifts in consciousness. It is not a stressful aspect, therefore it is easy to manifest one’s desires. A New Moon with Mercury is an excellent time to focus upon our wishes and what we need for our lives now and do a lunar ritual. Light a candle, write down what you wish to manifest in your life now and meditate upon it.

The effects of the eclipse are strongest in the next few days, but continue until the next lunation, which is a Full Moon two weeks from now.  

And as is always the case every year, the first New Moon after the Sun enter Aquarius is the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Earth Dog. This year holds a lot of the same principles as our eclipse: focus on what we have created and now build upon that and improve it.