Solar eclipse in Virgo: Magic, mayhem and dissolution

As I watched the news about the 6.2 earthquake that devastated Amatrice, Italy the evening of August 23, I was reminded that we are now in the eclipse season, and this energy will continue to amp up until the solar eclipse occurs on September 1 (and after). 

Between now and then we will see significant events in the world occur, and this is a very powerful eclipse.

Mars conjunct Saturn played a role in Italy's earthquake, and has been associated earthquakes, as are eclipses in earth signs and with t-squares involving Uranus and Neptune. Astrology has been long used to predict earthquakes and Meteorological astrology is the branch of astrology that predicts earthquakes and weather related conditions.

Italy experienced another earthquake the last time this pair of eclipses occurred in Virgo-Pisces, September of 1997.

The solar eclipse occurs at 9 degrees of Virgo and peaks at 5:03 AM, EST, September 1. Eclipses are the universes  signposts, lighting the path into the future. Eclipses come in pairs and the companion lunar eclipse will occur on September 16, at 24 degrees of Pisces at 3:05 PM, EST.

We last experienced a solar eclipse at the same degree on September 1, 1997, and we experienced a lunar eclipse in Pisces at the same degree September 16, 1997. If you are old enough to remember, go back to these dates and think about significant events on and around this period and you may have a clue as to what these eclipses may bring for you personally.

Eclipses are like wildcards, and one of the ways we learn how and what we need to change and evolve. An eclipse can seem good or bad, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart, and often an eclipse is dramatic, or reveals important information if it aspects a significant point in your own chart/life.  An eclipse often brings news pertaining to life's biggest events. The energy of an eclipse can go for months and in some cases years.

With an eclipse we have both endings and beginnings. A solar eclipse is more like a new beginning, and it is always a new moon. 

A lunar eclipse can being more news of endings and it is associated with a full moon.

Almost always unexpected information comes to light and at this time something may be eclipsed completely out of your life, or into your life.

The solar eclipse in Virgo is in the sign associated with health, work and service to others. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication.  As Mercury is retrograde, events connected to this eclipse may be delayed by days or in some cases even weeks. So, it may take some time for events to unfold.

This eclipse will set off the powerful Saturn-Neptune square that has dominated our world since last fall. This powerful square has, and will continue to change the world bringing endings and change from what we have known before. Many things have faded, and other things remain unclear as Neptune clouds the picture and is associated with illusion, delusion and confusion. Saturn on the other hand, is the planet of reality and structure and herein lies the clash between these two powerful planets.

This eclipse creates a t-square which means it aspects both Saturn and Neptune and this 'sets off,' the energy. We will see major events in the world, and if you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) at 8-13 degrees you will see major events occur in your life at this time.

As this is a mutable t-square change will occur rapidly. Both the Moon and Sun oppose Neptune, and this is cloudy and confusing if not deceptive energy. Alternatively,  this can be creative or spiritual energy of the highest order, depending on how it is directed and this energy will play out as well.

As the Sun and Moon square Saturn and Mars we will be dealing with responsibilities and Mars energy is typically prone to arguments, accidents and agitating times. Some may be energized.

On a personal level we will be experiencing change in many forms and juggling many hats at this time.

As Saturn is involved, you can always expect a dose of reality to be present or come to the forefront. The Saturn-Neptune square has created many situations that are unclear or people are prone not to see reality for what it really is. This can involve relationships, and other situations where clarity is much needed.

This eclipse will be significant for everyone born late 1959-62, as it aspects their Pluto in Virgo, the planet of ultimate transformation. It hits Uranus in the charts of those born in 1963-64, bringing unexpected situations, and it aspects Saturn (reality/responsibilities and endings) for many of those born late 1978-79.

We can expect to see major world events occur and typically, when the Saturn-Neptune square is set off we see unrest, scandals, and the potential for violence. It can also relate to other situations such as water/earth related emergencies such as we have recently seen in Louisiana and Italy, and the dissolution of old structures and ways of life such as we have seen with the US's withdrawal from the European Union. Fact will likely be unclear, so be careful about what you chose to believe.

Fear may be front and center along with paranoia at this time. All is not what it seems, and fear-mongering based on smoke and mirror tactics may well be part of what we see on the news around this time. That doesn't mean we won't see real events happening, but be careful who or what you listen to, and a calm and steady mind is called for. Remember that the Sun/Moon opposing Neptune can be delusions and outright lies and deception.

This eclipse falls within 2 degrees of the fixed star Zosma, which has the influence of Venus and Saturn. It is associated with disgrace, selfishness, egotism, immorality, meanness, melancholy, unhappiness, fear of poison, and has an unreasonable, shameless and egotistical nature. (Robson)

This eclipse is the stuff that both magic and mayhem are made of.

Often it's a little of both. I hope you can go for the magic!

Mars, Saturn and Neptune-blocked action and lack of clarity

Mars conjuncts Saturn at 9 degrees of Sagittarius August 22-24. It then squares Neptune August 26-27 and this transit sets off the Saturn-Neptune square.  

The definition of Mars-Saturn is 'blocked energy.' Mars-Saturn transits are often irritating, frustrating and can lead to arguments, disputes and endings if it affects your personal chart.

More often than not however, this energy leads to feeling restricted in some way. The energy of Mars is stifled by Saturn's boundaries and heaviness.  It can be hard to express yourself or act, which can lead to more frustration.

The other side of this is extreme anger and, or resentment, which can lead to harshness in relationships, even endings.

The combination of Mars and Saturn often has to do with police or other authority figures, guns and accidents so caution is advised.

Pushing against the tide is not the best way to handle this energy as it will lead to more frustration. Pushing difficult things forward can lead to hitting an even bigger brick wall. The best course of action may be to wait a few days, and go with the flow so to speak until this energy passes rather than attempting to mow down obstacles in your path.

One note about this energy is that it can lend itself to extreme willpower. I'm not telling anyone to give up on their goals, but timing is everything, especially in dealing with other people. This energy could be good for solitary work.

By August 25-26, Mars squares Neptune and the energy will change from frustration to low energy, confusion and at times lack of clarity, fear and melancholy, especially if this hits your personal chart.

Egos can be fragile and situations can seem confusing or even weird. You may feel out of step with others of just 'off your game.' You may feel as though you have run out of steam. Communication is important as situations can get mixed up or confused. Secrets can be kept or revealed at this time, and there may be deception, fraud or subconsciously motivated self destructive tendencies that can come into the equation. Those prone to drugs or alcohol may overdo things during this time, or substances can cause issues for some.

Mars-Neptune can also be related to spiritual or religious experiences, compassion and illumination and this is the highest use of this energy.

This is not a good time to confront someone or take on new and difficult challenges. The best advice is to not set your challenges too high for this week, don't confront others if avoidable, and know this energy will soon pass.

As each of the fast moving planets have entered Virgo they set off the Saturn Neptune square. Venus was the last to do this the weekend of August 13-14, and prior to this Mercury set the square off the weekend of August 6. If these transits affected you, it is likely this one will as well.

The Saturn-Neptune square is confused and convoluted energy and many situations are coming to the forefront now that haven't been working out well. Issues may deal with lies and deception, or even self-deception, or lack of clarity in situations and disillusion.

As we reach the end of September and this square begins to separate many situations in our lives and the world will be revealed for what they really are and the rose colored glasses will come off.

This transit will play out in the world. Mars-Saturn transits often involve police or military action, and as the transit occurs in Sagittarius, this can involve ideas, foreign governments and people. Mars-Neptune involves chemicals, gasses, water related weather incidents and situations, scandals and lies.

In the past we have seen violence, terrorist actions, protests and scandals each time this powerful square becomes exact. While Mars will set this transit off, Saturn and Neptune will remain in an exact square through September 21.

Coming soon: retrograde Mercury!

Mercury turns stationary retrograde August 30-31 at 29 degrees of Virgo. This will be a powerful retrograde as Mercury is in one of its own signs of rulership. The shadow period of this retrograde began August 10.

Mercury retrograde is often considered a 'fated period,' and often important changes are made during this time. This is a period to re-access and re-do, rather than create new projects.

Mercury turns retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned.  To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. It is however part of a natural cycle, and this period is meant to recess, redo and reconsider plans and situations in our lives.

Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.

When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills.

When Mercury retrogrades, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.” Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Sometimes the karma of a relationship will play out as retrograde cycles are karmic in nature. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have situations set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  

Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job.  Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

With this retrograde in Virgo  we need to watch our speech and communication as we may become overly critical or even overly analytical of people and situations, or other people may seem this way to us. Our personal thinking will become more analytical, but we could also become too self-critical.

Virgo rules the 6th house of health and work and it is here we will be focused during this retrograde. Many people may start diets, and re-adjust their lifestyles and exercise as it relates to health and this is a positive use of this energy. Issues at work that weren't dealt with may crop up as well.

While 'stationary retrograde,' or even stationary direct, Mercury is at its most frustrating. this is the point where glitches and changes often occur and it may even be hard to think.

The second most stressful period is when Mercury turns 'stationary direct.' as it prepares to move forward September 23-24. At this point plans may change once again, but after this period things will slowly begin to return to normal.

Saturn turns direct-square Venus

Saturn turns stationary direct Friday August 13, at 5:51 AM, EST. While retrograde, Saturn slows down the normal rate of activity so better methods can be developed and organized. Saturn rules the structures in our lives and allows us to develop our boundaries.

Wherever Saturn is located in your personal chart is where you need more work to avoid feeling limitation in some way.

When transiting Saturn is retrograde, and we experience a Saturn transit in our personal charts, the retrograde of Saturn is typically the most difficult period of the transit. When we experience a harsh Saturn transit, it typically makes three passes over the course of about a year, one of them typically while Saturn is retrograde. Saturn turned retrograde March 25, and retrogrades every year for about four months.

As Saturn turns direct this can be good news for many issues and situations that have been stuck or in some way or unproductive, and this is true for both the individual and the collective.  Saturn can represent a reality check in many areas of our lives and even in the world.

While Saturn was retrograde many problems were internalized that were cloudy and difficult to figure out.

As Saturn is square Neptune, reality has been much less apparent in many different ways. While Neptune is the planet of confusion, delusion and confusion Saturn's forward movement will help clear the fog. As the 'taskmaster' moves forward a clearer approach to many problems will be noted.

But, as Saturn moves forward it squares Venus, which also sets off the Saturn-Neptune square. If this aspects planets in your personal chart, events can be large, and Saturn's direct movement typically coincides with large events in the world. This will be a very powerful transit.

The square is not pleasant or light energy. In some way it can bring a sense of reality to relationships and finances which isn't all bad, either. It may limit our ability to express ourselves well, or feel love. Some may make choices in relationships and some relationships will end at this time.

The next few days may seem melancholy, harsh or even confusing as Venus opposes Neptune on Sunday.  If you were affected by the transit last weekend, this transit will affect you as well. You may do well to cast a critical eye over financial situations. You could have intense/vivid dreams at this time.

Some people might benefit by spending time alone under this transit, but that doesn't mean ignore the affections of others which could cause problems as well. You (and others) will be looking at relationships with critically, which is both good and bad. 

If you aren't getting what you want, you may decide the relationship is not worth the effort. But, as Venus is in Virgo don't over analyze or over criticize a basically sound relationship.  It may be best not to make important decisions until this transit lifts.
Soon, the harsh and difficult Saturn-Neptune energy we have been under for almost a year will begin to pass.  This has been a difficult summer for those with mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Gemini, Pisces) at 8-12 degrees. As this energy passes, many things will become clear, decisions will be made, and the new will replace the old. Many things, situations and even relationships have faded away. While this has been a harsh time for many, we are almost at the end of this cycle, and new things will emerge in the near future.

This transit falls on Uranus in the US natal chart. Uranus is the planet of upheaval, sudden events, explosions, explosive situations, aircraft and unexpected events. So far, we have seen many events when this transit is set off that include scandals and lies, terrorism, and public unrest to name a few. Venus rules women, social situations and money, and expect to see major events as this transit transpires over the next few days. We could also see some type of hacking-theft situation in the news.