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Total Solar Eclipse: No Turning Back

By Simone Butler

The 45 revolver was huge – and surprisingly heavy. I struggled to hold it steady. When I pulled the trigger, the noise was deafening. I didn’t want to try again, but Laci insisted. He was determined that I learn how to shoot the gun. He was leaving soon for Budapest to see his family, and since I couldn’t go with him, my fiance wanted me to be able to protect myself in our sketchy East Hollywood neighborhood. So there we were, shooting at trees in a remote part of the Angeles National Forest.

Once Laci was satisfied with my progress, we returned to our courtyard bungalow. After dinner, he cleaned the gun slowly, reverently, then wrapped it up and placed it in its usual spot beside the bed. Tired from the day’s outing, we soon fell asleep. During the night, I heard a noise. Someone was in the house. I froze as I spied a silhouette in the bedroom doorway. The man must have seen me too, because by the time I roused Laci and thrust the gun into his hands, the intruder was long gone. It was the first and only time I’ve ever had a break-in.

We were lucky; nothing was taken and we were unharmed. Yet I still felt violated, and could not stay at home while Laci was gone. I spent the entire five weeks sleeping on friends’ couches. And since that time, I’ve never gone near a gun again. I realize that firearms can be useful, and may even be necessary in the uncertain times ahead. But the experience taught me something I’ll never forget: weapons tend to magnetize exactly what they’re supposed to repel. The incident also shook the foundation of our relationship, revealing some deep cracks. It was the beginning of the end for us.

That was the summer of 1979, when we also had a total solar eclipse at the tail end of Leo. If you’re old enough to remember it, consider what happened for you that summer and fall. If the eclipse hit any natal planets, it probably rocked your world, too. It triggered my fourth house Pluto, manifesting as a potentially life-threatening (Pluto) event at my home (fourth house) that brought up underlying issues related to power and control. This is often the way with major eclipses: Energies get activated that play out over the next few years.

On August 21 (11:30 a.m. PDT) we’re due for another total solar eclipse/New Moon at 29 degrees Leo. The last degrees of a sign greatly intensify things; the lion is roaring loudly. This eclipse, being visible throughout the continental U.S., has more impact than its 1979 predecessor. And, the ramifications are even more profound since the eclipse is only visible in the U.S. – the first time that’s happened since 1776, the turbulent year our country was founded. This time, the situation is complicated by trickster (retrograde) Mercury traveling neck-and-neck with combative Mars. Tempers are fraying, and sabers are rattling. Already we’ve seen the horrific incident in Charlottesville and inflammatory threats from Kim Jong-un – as well as our own president, whose prideful Mars-Ascendant in Leo is being triggered by the eclipse.

The intensity of this eclipse period, which began with the Aug. 7 lunar eclipse, continues through early September, when stationary direct (extra powerful) Mercury makes its final conjunction to militant Mars in Leo. Things may reach a crescendo then, especially on the world scene. But even if nothing significant happens for you personally, you may look back (perhaps at the related eclipse period in late Jan. and mid-Feb. 2018) and realize that changes occurring now set big endings or new beginnings in motion. In the meantime, keep a cool head and stay centered. Lots of folks will be over-reacting to events or perceived threats; don’t be one of them. Try to avoid areas experiencing heat waves (be very cautious, those of you traveling to Oregon to see the first landfall of the eclipse!).

As Anna Celestino and I noted in our Live August Cosmic Download, this eclipse period reveals what’s been hidden in our collective and personal shadows. It’s like lancing a wound that’s been festering for far too long. With an eclipse near volatile Mars in Leo, it’s a time of powerful creation, but also destruction. Don’t forget that chaos always precedes new birth. The old guard is trying desperately to stay in control. But it’s too late for them, and on some level they know it. Listen for divine guidance as to how you might help birth the new. There is no turning back from what’s being activated now – but we can help shape and guide it. As for me, at this New Moon eclipse I’m doing a ritual to my ancestors (fourth house) to ask for renewed energy (Pluto) so I can better serve. No firearms necessary!

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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. Margaret says

    Aug 31, 2017 at 5:02 am

    i was a teenager and living in another part of the world in 1979. When did the total solar eclipse happened? Two years later in 1981, I left my country to study abroad with all intentions of returning home and never did. I would love to see which were the planets that were triggered during the 1979 total eclipse.

    Reply
    • Simone says

      Aug 31, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      The 1979 solar eclipse was on August, 22 at 29 degrees Leo – so the same part of your chart would have been triggered as with the one that just passed. No doubt it’s bringing up echoes of that time…

      Reply
  2. Narda says

    Aug 20, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    Great Article Simone! There has been so much brewing within personally and like the demons coming out of shadows politically and nationally, those all very clarifying. I have felt energy rising all month and more so in the past 72 hours. I am committed to staying grounded as I ride out the transformations, personally, among family members, in my community, the nation and the globe. We are all still in the womb awaiting birth.

    Adding to the need to stay grounded is the imminent birth of my first grandchild, a girl, now ten days past her “due” date and likely to arrive within the next 48 hours as she will not be allowed to take more time than that on her own! What influences might be expected from the eclipse on her chart I wonder.

    Reply
    • Simone says

      Aug 21, 2017 at 9:04 am

      Hi Narda,

      Yes her chart will certainly be interesting…as will her life being born at this eclipse!! Thanks for writing, wishing you the best…

      Cheers,
      Simone

      Reply
  3. Collette says

    Aug 19, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    Thank you Simone. My birthday is on 21st August, I’m wondering too what this solar eclipse will bring. The last solar eclipse did rock my world too but thankfully in a very positive way.

    Reply
    • Simone says

      Aug 20, 2017 at 10:30 am

      It will certainly be a significant new year for you, Collette! Many blessings on your solar return and good wishes for a terrific unfoldment!

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Crescent Phase

in the
Sign of Libra


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

  • Moon opposite Jupiter, 1:13pm  Jul 6 2022
  • Moon square Sun, 2:14am  Jul 7 2022
  • Moon trine Venus, 5:54am  Jul 7 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Gemini


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
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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.