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Sagittarius Full Moon Eclipse: Keep Your Eye on the Prize

By Simone Butler

The 1896 Quadricycle was Henry Ford’s first attempt to build a gasoline-powered automobile. He patched together an iron frame, a leather belt, a chain drive, a buggy seat and a primitive ignition system. The result was sketchy, but it ran! Ford sold the Quadricycle for $200, then used the money to build his second car – which evolved, by 1908, into the best-selling Model T. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Commercially, the Quadricycle may have been a failure, but to Ford it was an invaluable learning experience. It helped him get closer to his vision of an affordable, reliable vehicle. He didn’t allow himself to get sidetracked by doubts or naysayers.  He just regrouped and tried again.

Unlike Ford, most of us do not welcome failure or celebrate our mistakes. We prefer to hide them or despair about what went wrong – whether relationships that tanked or career and financial disappointments.  Yet it’s possible to change our thinking about this. Sweden has an actual Museum of Failure, which celebrates over 100 unsuccessful products from the Sony Betamax to the 1957 Ford Edsel. And I remember reading a while back about a Hollywood restaurant where each time a server makes a mistake – delivers the wrong food, breaks a glass – they immediately shout it out, and everyone claps and cheers. Imagine how different life would be if we honored the things that didn’t work out. Without them, we could never have progressed to where we are today, or deepened into who we’ve become.

As we enter the potent field of the Sagittarius Full Moon total eclipse (May 26, 4:13 a.m. PDT), it’s good to keep an open mind to whatever may transpire. Not that failures are necessarily on the horizon, but as April Elliott Kent wisely put it in her recent webinar on the topic, eclipses are all about crisis. Especially when they trigger a planet or an angle in your natal chart, she said, they’re meant to startle you into deeper awareness – whether through happy or sad events that act as turning points in your life.  (To learn how the upcoming eclipses are likely to affect you, order April’s terrific report, Followed by a Moonshadow).

The upcoming eclipse happens at 5 degrees  Sagittarius, so anyone with important points from one to nine degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces will be affected. It’s a South Node eclipse, which is about release and letting go. And since it falls in Sagittarius, the sign of doctrines, judgments, faith and vision, it may call you to part ways with old beliefs and ways of life that are no longer serving you. But as April noted, since the Full Moon squares optimistic Jupiter, this eclipse brings reason for faith in the future. Bear in mind, however, that there are still more to come. The June 10 Gemini solar eclipse is part of this eclipse family (which runs from June 2020 to Dec. 2021), and the full story may not be told until later this year.

Meanwhile, we’re itching to be on the move. Yet strict Saturn will have just turned retrograde on May 23 (through Oct. 10), which can feel restrictive or insist that we obey the rules. The upcoming lunar eclipse also occurs just prior to Mercury’s backward turn on May 29 (through June 22). We’ll all be feeling a strong freedom urge over the coming weeks, but may be stymied in our attempts to move ahead quickly. Mercury is retrograde in intelligent Gemini, one of the signs that it rules, which makes this a good time to think carefully about where we’re going and how best to get there.

The total lunar eclipse, though not visible in the U.S., will closely trigger our natal Uranus (rebellion and change) and our Ascendant-Descendant axis (us vs. them). Since the Nodes are involved at an eclipse, fateful or unexpected events are possible.  For example, May 25, the day before the eclipse, is the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. This could act as a lightning rod for expressions of freedom, justice and rebellion. It is a Full Moon in extroverted, fiery Sagittarius, after all! The U.S. may also experience some intense interactions with other countries around this time.

In your personal life, take time to review the past over the next few weeks. Look for the learning in your “failures” and uncover any hidden prejudices that you’re ready to shed. Unshackle yourself from old ways of perceiving yourself and the world. Keep your eye on the prize. And if, God forbid, you should fail or make a mistake, just raise a toast to the pragmatic Mr. Ford – and give yourself a round of applause for not giving up!

Filed under: Home Full Moon Featured Article

About Simone Butler

Simone Butler is the author of Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess. She's been a professional astrologer for 30 years. In addition to a worldwide consulting practice on astrology and Astro Feng Shui, Simone offers New Moon collage classes, and writes for The Mountain Astrologer. She also wrote for and edited the Starscroll for many years. Simone’s book Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life fuses Western astrology and Western feng shui into one unique, transformative system. Sign up to receive her entertaining, informative bi-monthly blogs and learn about her monthly rituals and tips.

Comments

  1. Diana Milan says

    May 26, 2021 at 8:26 am

    You wrote “The total lunar eclipse, though not visible in the U.S., will closely trigger our natal Uranus (rebellion and change) and our Ascendant-Descendant axis (us vs. them).”

    Could you please explain in what way the lunar eclipse will trigger our natal Uranus. I seen to be missing the connection.

    Many Thanks!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 26, 2021 at 12:17 pm

      Hi Diana, when I said “our” natal Uranus, I was referring to the placement of Uranus in the U.S. chart – which is at 8 degrees Gemini. Hope that clarifies!

      Reply
      • Diana Milan says

        May 27, 2021 at 5:25 am

        Thank you so much! That helps tremendously. I absolutely love your work and learn so much from it!

        Reply
  2. Carol says

    May 26, 2021 at 7:13 am

    Thanks for the reminder to appreciate and celebrate our “failures” and disappointed dreams. This one an exceptional post.

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 26, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      Thank you so much, Carol! I did work extra hard on this one. 🙂 Happy eclipse!

      Reply
  3. Kimberly says

    May 25, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    “Unshackle yourself…” This one sentence resonates so beautifully with what I’ve been feeling and working on (my sun is at 5 Sag in the 1st H). Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 26, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      And what a perfect term for what’s happening to you as this eclipse hits your Sagittarius Sun! You gotta love astrology, eh? Many blessings…

      Reply
  4. Ellen McPherson says

    May 25, 2021 at 8:33 am

    this post is very helpful and resonates powerfully for me at this time, thank you

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 25, 2021 at 8:54 am

      You’re so welcome, Ellen! Blessings to you…

      Reply
  5. Linda says

    May 24, 2021 at 8:36 pm

    Yes! Thank you Simone, for just the right advice for this period… I’m going to calendar it daily for eclipse season this year!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 25, 2021 at 7:31 am

      So glad it was helpful, Linda! Happy Full Moon eclipse…

      Reply
  6. Magdalena V says

    May 24, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Very enlightening post, thank you.

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 25, 2021 at 8:56 am

      Glad it was helpful, Magdalena! Happy Full Moon…

      Reply
  7. Grace A Blair says

    May 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    There was an estate sale across the street. Today was the “final” sale. I bought a Cherry Oak upright piano for $150. Next door my neighbor was moving so I hired her movers to bring it to my house. Within an hour I had a gift from the universe.

    I called a piano tuner who said he could come by sometime next week.

    I am taking piano lessons and have an electric Yamaha piano. Look forward to playing with gusto my new music box.

    This lunar eclipse is on my ascendant and descendant of 8 Gemini square my Jupiter at 6 degrees Pisces.

    What more could happen?

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      May 25, 2021 at 8:57 am

      Love this story, Grace! The Universe is indeed blessing you at this eclipse!

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Sagittarius


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon trine Venus, 2:48am  May 14 2025
  • Moon trine Mars, 8:27am  May 14 2025

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.