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Venus Is Slowing Down – A Subtle Change Of Heart

Venus Is Slowing Down

On August 17th, 2018 Venus is at the greatest elongation from the Sun. If you look in the evening sky, Venus will rise as far away from the Sun as she can get.

This means Venus starts slowing down as compared to the Sun.

Venus is still moving direct, but because she now moves at a slower speed than the Sun, the distance between her and the Sun starts to decrease.

![WARNING: Venus goes retrograde in October]!

Venus slowing

On August 17th, 2018 Venus is as far east of the Sun as she can go. There’s no more place to go. She has reached her limits. At least the evening sky limits. This is her greatest elongation. 

Venus is still rising as an evening star. She started her night walk in early January 2018. This is also (no coincidence!) when Oprah gave her women empowerment acceptance speech.

She will end her night journey on October 27, 2018, when Venus (by then retrograde) will move on the other side of the sky, only to re-emerge, a few days later, as a morning star. 

But let’s go back to the greatest elongation. Venus at the greatest elongation is as far as she can go. This phase is like the Full Moon phase of Venus and will bring a culmination of her journey as a night star.

Topics related to Venus will come to a conclusion, to a culmination.

Something you started early this year can come to fruition, especially if it’s related to ‘Venus’: women and feminine archetypes, beauty, love, money and things you value or feel strongly about.

But just after Venus reaches her greatest elongation, she starts slowing down. She doesn’t want to travel any further.

She got what she wanted – all by herself. Now what?

The irony of this position is that Venus is now as free as she can possibly be. She has never been more independent, more on her own. She can do whatever she wants, away from the binding rules of the Sun.

The Sun is the Self. Your Sun sign is so important for a reason. This is your mission in this lifetime, this is the divine script your soul wrote. The Sun is the reason you are here.

Venus And The Sun – Never Tear Us Apart

But living only from the Sun is pretty boring. That’s why we have all these wonderful planets to go along with, Venus included.

Each planet represents a particular archetype of your psyche. Each planet will show you how to grow in a particular area of your life. Mercury is the mind, Venus is love, Mars is action and so on.

Venus and Mercury have the most important relationship with the Sun, because both Mercury and Venus travel along with the Sun. Mercury never travels more than one sign away from the Sun, and Venus never travels more than two signs away.

So Mercury, Venus and the Sun have a special relationship. Sometimes, Mercury and Venus travel a little faster than the Sun. This is when they are more independent and explore the world on their terms.

And sometimes they travel slower than the Sun. Whenever they do that, they get closer to the Sun. They align what they have learned in their solo journeys, with the individual purpose your soul has chosen to manifest in this lifetime (the Sun).

And this is exactly what Venus will do, now that she starts to slow down and catch up with the Sun.

She has everything. Yet she doesn’t want it anymore. She feels alienated with all her riches.

Venus will move closer to the Sun (to the Self) to integrate what she has learned in her 9-month journey as an evening star.

As Venus begins to move slower than the Sun, your inner Sun takes over.

You will experience this role reversal in your inner sky as well. You can have an internal shift, an ‘aha’ moment. “This is why I wanted to do that”. “This is what that thing really means”. “It’s not what I expected but it makes sense now”. “And this is how that thing fits into my story”.

“La donna e mobile / Qual piuma al vento”  

This is the famous line from Verdi’s Rigoletto which translates to:

“The Woman is fickle / Like a feather in the wind”

In astrology, Venus is associated with women, or with the feminine, ‘Yin’ part of the self.

There are endless poems and songs about women’s apparent frivolity and indecisiveness. If you are not that familiar with how Venus ‘works’ – yes, women can seem like that. Maybe you feel like that too sometimes, and you don’t like it. 

A Subtle Change Of Heart

But what’s really going on? What happens is not really a change of heart. Women are not fickle – and that’s because Venus always knows what she wants!

What happens is that she takes different approaches to get what she wants. When she moves away from the Sun, she wants to explore, when she moves toward the Sun, she wants to re-align with the Self. Explore and adjust.  

You can like the dress in the window, but this doesn’t mean it fits YOU and your character. But at least now you know what it’s ‘out there’. And you got inspired.

Venus rules what we like and what we don’t like. When Venus is direct and has speed, what we like and what we don’t are more important than who we are. We are in the exploration phase. 

When Venus is slower than the Sun, the expression of the Self becomes more important. The Self starts to integrate what Venus has learned and use it to fulfill its individual mission. This is also when we become more disciplined, more focused and more aligned with our mission.

EXAMPLE: lately you felt drawn to women who always seem to look good on camera. Their hair always looks amazing, and their clothes always fit. You start following them on Social Media. This is Venus’ exploratory phase. You notice the world around you and get inspired.

Around August 17, when Venus slows down, you have an ‘aha’ moment. The grass always seems greener on the other side but is it really?

What did that appeal to women-who-look-good-on-camera means to you and to your journey? Maybe you liked they always seem to have the time to take care of themselves. And maybe this is exactly what you need too – more ‘me’ time. Why do you need it? And how can you get it?

Think about it.

This is a subtle, but powerful shift that can give a new meaning to your inner struggle.

On August 17 (plus minus two days) you can experience too an internal shift. What subtle change of heart are you experiencing? And what is really going on? 

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Solar Eclipse In Leo – What You Need To Know

The Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 11 is the last eclipse of the season. The eclipse is visible from Canada, North Europe, and North East Asia. During the eclipse, the disk of the Moon will partially cover the disk of the Sun.

Solar Eclipse Leo

The eclipse takes place at 18° Leo and is particularly important because is the last Solar Eclipse in Leo, concluding a two-year eclipse cycle in Leo/Aquarius. This last eclipse will culminate with answers to what was stirred in your life in the past two years.

What happened over the past two years? What changes have occurred in your life?

The eclipse is linked to the solar eclipse on July 31, 2000, and to the solar eclipse on July 20, 1982.

What happened in your life back then? Can you find any common themes?

There is one more eclipse at 0° Leo on January 21, 2019, but that one will be a lunar eclipse and by then the Nodes of the Moon will be already in Cancer and Capricorn.

So this eclipse on August 11 is really your last chance to fulfill your Leo mission. When I say the last chance I mean for the next 18 years. In 2036 we will have similar eclipses… but I bet you don’t want to wait until then to do what you know you need to do.

Six Planets Retrograde

And there is one more reason why this eclipse is significant. At the time of the eclipse, there is a record of 6 planets retrograde.

It’s like the whole sky slows down to make sure you pay attention. You may have noticed in the last couple of weeks repeated messages keep coming your way. The sky is calling you out!

With so much retrograde energy, expect to encounter some slowness and resistance. But if you stay there, if you break through the resistance, you’ll be able to see – maybe for the first time – a tiny speck of light.

Just like the Moon casts a shadow over the Sun, that initial discomfort will show you where your light shines from.

Last Leo Eclipse – Last Chance to Embrace Your Heart’s Longing

The Sun is eclipsed by the Moon, signifying that your inner word (the Moon) takes over the outer world. An eclipse is a recalibration. You can only live in purpose when both your internal world (the Moon) and the external world (the Sun) get in sync. And that’s what eclipses are for!

The Solar Eclipse in Leo is a North Node eclipse. The North Node of the Moon is connected to our life’s purpose.

There is a Leo-related purpose in your life you need to fulfill right now.

And no matter what your sign is, you have Leo somewhere in your natal chart. This is where you need to pay attention to.

Leo, ruled by the Sun itself is the core of who you are. Leo rules your heart, your center, what makes you feel alive.

Because all planets revolve around the Sun, and because Sun rules Leo, Leos are unjustly called selfish or attention seekers.

But isn’t it the Sun that gives us energy and makes possible life as we know it? Sun is the most generous ‘planet’ in our solar system. The Sun is the ‘engine’ of our solar system, without it, we wouldn’t be here.

Just like the Sun is – literally – the center of our solar system, in the same way, Leo rules our heart, the center of the Self. And it’s our heart that spurs with love, generosity, and creativity.

Leo rules creativity and talents in your natal chart – what fuels you and brings you joy, your mojo. Leo is what we generously share with the world, simply because what we share is who we are, and the world needs that special talent that only we have.

Find Your Voice – And Sing It Out

Sharing your talents and gifts with the world is nothing else but an act of love. Problems start to arise only when you care too much about how your talents and gifts are being received. When you care about what the world thinks of you, you disconnect from that engine, from that speck of light in the middle of your chest. At that moment you lose your authenticity.

When you express your true self with candor, without restaining yourself, this is when you truly shine. You don’t do it for the applause, or for the social media likes. You do it because this is who you are, and you don’t need to justify yourself. You’re the queen or the king in the castle.

The Solar Eclipse in Leo will invite you to find your authentic voice so you can share that unique gift that only you have.

As mentioned, this eclipse is a North Node eclipse (not to be confused with a South Node eclipse).

The North Node, also called the Dragon’s Head represents our ‘spiritual compass’, our purpose in life.

At the Solar Eclipse, you will find your voice from a place of truth, naturally activating your evolutionary purpose.

Your unique talents, your individual aspirations, your dreams ARE important. Follow your heart with courage even if this goes against the approval of your friends, community or society as a whole.

Solar Eclipse in Leo

Solar Eclipse in Leo – Beginnings or Endings?

Solar Eclipses are nothing else but New Moons (with a shadow). And you may already know that New Moons are all about new beginnings.

Indeed, a Solar eclipse, being nothing else but a New Moon in disguise (or better said, in the open), brings new beginnings.

You also know this is a North Node eclipse. North Node eclipses are about going into uncharted territories, about going where no one else has gone before.

So we have quite a bit of ‘fresh’ energy associated with this eclipse.

However…

We also have an opposing energy of equal force. We have 6 planets retrograde at the time of the eclipse (that’s a lot, and rather unusual by ‘retrograde’ standards).

Mercury is retrograde AND is conjunct the eclipse. Mars is retrograde AND changes signs, moving back into Capricorn, and dragging the energy of the Eclipse into another area of your chart.

Neptune and Pluto are retrograde and both aspect the eclipse, forming a Yod, also called a ‘finger of God’ aspect.

The eclipse is also square Jupiter in Scorpio and square Juno in Taurus.

So on one hand, we have this new beginning energy… and on the other hand, we have all these retrogrades, which bring stuff from the past.  

The Solar Eclipse in Leo is about new beginnings that are possible by integrating elements of the past.

The Solar Eclipse in Leo is a great time to either restart something, this time by taking a different approach, or to start something completely new, as long as you build it on the foundations of the past. There is an overlooked element associated with this eclipse. This overlooked element will become perfectly clear at the time of the eclipse.

Examples: you can reconnect with a close friend from the past and decide to start a business together. Or you do therapy and you finally understand what was holding you back in your relationships. As a result, you have a completely new outlook on relationships and even start a new relationship.

What is common to the examples above is that this new beginning cannot happen without addressing your past.

Because Jupiter is squaring the eclipse from Scorpio, there is a feeling of ‘I’ve told you so’. The solution that emerges might not be completely foreign to you, but you will finally look at it from a different angle.

And because the eclipse is also square Juno, the planet of commitment, there is some deeper truth to be found.  

The godly couple, Jupiter and Juno, right now oppose each other in Scorpio/Taurus. There seems to be a conflict of interests. Jupiter is the ruler, the teacher, the omnipotent authority figure. Juno is his consort, the feminine side of the coin. Juno rules devotion, sticking to commitments no matter what.  

You may be torn between two commitments you’ve made. One commitment can be more personal in nature (Juno in Taurus), while the other more like an obligation (Jupiter in Scorpio).

The question the eclipse will raise, and the answer it will bring, is: What solution can you find, how can you reconcile this conflict of interests so you can live with integrity? How can you live from your heart, like a lion does?

The Eclipse is also the apex of a yod formed by the Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Leo, Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces. To live from the heart (Leo) you need to tap into your personal power (Pluto in Capricorn) while in the same time, surrender to the unknown (Neptune in Pisces).

Pluto and Neptune are transpersonal, complex planets. Remember when I mentioned this eclipse is your last chance to get your Leo part of the chart right?

Where To Find Answers?

Neptune and Pluto suggest you will find the answers where you least expect. Neptune and Pluto are the farthest planets in our solar system. They come with the last solution.

When all your regular attempts have failed, you have to look for it somewhere else, somewhere deeper.

“It’s me, your heart. Pay attention to me! There is something I really want to tell you. Don’t move on before taking this in, please!”

As with every eclipse, the key is to surrender to the unknown. But this time, the way through is not by letting go of the past. It’s by paying attention to it. It’s by allowing it to become an integral part of who you are.

Whether or not the Solar Eclipse in Leo makes a direct hit on your chart, eclipses are powerful and significant times for every single one of us.

Do you want to know more? All About Eclipses will teach you all you need to know about the different types of eclipses and their astrological meaning. 

  • What are the 12 different types of eclipses and what they mean
  • Why some eclipses are all about karma, while others are all about free will
  • The subtle, but powerful difference between Solar Eclipses and Lunar Eclipses
  • The role of the Lunar Nodes and what the Nodes tell you about the story of your evolving soul
  • Why eclipses come in cycles and what does that mean
  • How eclipses affect your natal chart

You can find more details HERE

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Venus In Libra – Focus On Relationships

Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love, enters Libra, the sign of relationships on August 6th.

This is a happy placement for Venus because Venus rules Libra. If Venus is about ‘give and take’ and the way we relate to others, Libra is all about 1-on-1 relationships. A relationship involves two people, ‘me’ and ‘the other’.

If from Aries to Virgo we learn about ‘me’, with Libra we delve into uncharted territory. Truly knowing ‘the other’ is an art and science very few of us master, but an art and science Venus in Libra is great at.

Knowing ‘The Other’

You know you know the other when you become aware you are not alone in this word. If the opposite sign, Aries, is about the affirmation of the individual, in Libra you learn that you can only go that far if you follow your needs and wants only.

Becoming aware of the other can be one of the greatest psychological breakthroughs in one’s life. If we skip this step when it takes place naturally (between the age of 13-15), we tend to have problems in relationships later on.

Becoming aware of ‘the other’ means much more than simply acknowledging someone. It goes far beyond that. It is a deep understanding that we are different. One of my teachers beautifully put it: “If you really know someone, you cannot hate them. You can only love them”.

The problem is most of the time we think we know someone. Let’s say we notice they like scrambled eggs while we like an omelet. This is a good start, but truly becoming aware of ‘the other’ is much more than that. That deep knowing, that deep understanding is a mind-blowing experience when it happens, and it shifts your perspective about life forever.

You know you know someone not when you feel sorry for them (the psychological mechanism behind ‘feeling sorry’ for someone is self-identification, you are in fact feeling sorry for yourself).

You know someone when you’re able to distance yourself from them and become a witness. Becoming a witness, an observer, a third party, is a state of complete acceptance without personal bias to alter the event, find fault, or judge. A good way to think about a witness is really to envision a third party, a third person if you like, that is not you, nor your partner.

That is ironic because relationships are about two people, right?

A successful relationship involves two people, but also a third entity that can see things for what they truly are.

Libra And Open Enemies

Interestingly enough, Libra also rules our ‘known’ or ‘open’ enemies. In contrast, Pisces, the last zodiac sign, rules the ‘hidden enemies’.

This is an important distinction. Who are your known enemies? People you agree to disagree with. With open enemies you always know where you stand.

Everyone has ‘enemies’. If you are in business, these are your market competitors. Open enemies are crystal clear about their intentions, and they won’t harm you if you play by the rules. Policemen are also open enemies. They become enemies only if you break the rules.

In fact, you can gain power by knowing your enemies. Benchmarking against a competitor can push your own business further, because it shows what your weak points are.

Libra, The Scales And Reason

Libra is the sign of the scales. Libras are being misjudged for being all about fairness and compromise. It’s much more than fairness and compromise about Libras. A scale simply shows how one side of the scale relates to the other. Is it heavier, or lighter?

Venus in Libra Relationships
Heidi Younger

A scale is a measure of objectivity. Libra is, beyond all, the sign of justice and judgment. It shows you where you’re at – really. We all think we are right, we are so convinced we are right, that we do stupid things in the name of what is right from our perspective. But what is right for us may not be right for others. That’s why you need an objective measure of what’s right. That’s what Libra is about.

Libra is the only sign of the zodiac that is not a human or an animal – it’s the only inanimate object of the zodiac. Libra is the sign of reason.

To be good at relationships, you need to have reason. After the Leo romance and the Virgo adjustment, for a relationship to succeed, you need to be able to be rational about it. This is the secret of successful relationships. Only after, the relationship can reach intimacy and depth in the sign of Scorpio.

Libra is about a deep understanding of the other, with their differences, with what makes them special. Libra is a triumph of differences, of what makes us unique. If Aries is ‘take me as I am’, Libra is “I take you as you are because I understand you are unique and because I am able to see you for who you are. Because I see your true colors.”

Venus In Libra

Venus is a feminine planet – in relationships, it shows the feminine dynamics. If Mars is the pursuer, Venus is the one who chooses the right match.

Libra is a cardinal sign. Cardinal sings love to take the initiative, start new things and be in charge. In courtship, it’s Venus the one that chooses and invites, it’s Venus who sends the courtship signals.

Venus in Libra is the iron hand in velvet glove. She knows what she wants, and she goes and gets it! Venus is choosey in Libra, and makes the best relationship decisions.

Libra rules all our 1-on-1 relationships, while Venus is about what we like and dislike.

Venus in Libra shows what we like and what we dislike in relationships.

Sometimes you just ‘like’ someone, as simple as that. You don’t have to like everyone, because not everyone is your match, and it shouldn’t be. Liking the right people and being liked in return is waaay more important than having everyone liking you a little bit.

But to figure out who you like and who you don’t, you need some interaction. You need to have an exchange, a relationship with that person. Liking someone’s photo on Instagram doesn’t necessarily mean you have a relationship with that person. A relationship starts with being open and honest about who you are.

A relationship starts with showing up.

Venus, Libra and Relationships

Both Venus and Libra are concerned with relationships that’s why Venus and Libra are a great astrological match. Venus is in domicile in Libra, and this means that anytime Venus is in Libra we will all get better at what Venus and Libra are good at: relationships.

Being good at relationships means you find the right ‘balance’ (yes, the scales) between what you want and what the other wants. This doesn’t mean equality, and not ever fairness by the standard definition. Life is not ‘fair’. Life is ‘right’. You get what you need, when you need it, even if you think it’s not fair. Life is divine justice.

Sometimes, your needs are more important. Other times, your partner needs are more important. Knowing what, when and how are Venus in Libra’s specialties.

Having good relationships doesn’t mean you have to always compromise. In fact, this is a recipe for disaster. Your partner wants to grow with you. They want to know when they’ve gone too far. They want your feedback, even if that means pointing to what they’ve done wrong.

But ruthless criticism is also a recipe for disaster. And here comes the magic of Venus in Libra.

Venus in Libra knows how to give feedback without sounding like criticism.

I know, from all qualities in the world, this one doesn’t sound particularly sexy. But it is probably the most useful one.

Knowing how to give feedback in the right way is that one skill that can basically guarantee success. Master this and you will master relationships: with your romantic partner, with your colleagues, with your family members, with pretty much everyone.

Venus in Libra is about understanding the other so you can reach a win-win outcome.

The secret of successful relationships is having both parties win. Everything else is either short-term, or it will be taken away from you sooner or later.

Venus In Libra Transit

The upcoming Venus in Libra transit is a great opportunity to improve your relationship skills.

Notice how you react to others, or how others react to you. What is different? What does it work, and what doesn’t?

Venus will leave Libra on September 10th, will turn retrograde on October 4th (in Scorpio), and re-enter Libra on November 1st. Venus will finally leave Libra on December 3rd, this time rising as a morning star.

During its long stay in Libra, Venus will change from an evening star (rising in the evening, after the Sun sets) into a morning star (rising in the morning, before Sun rises).

Venus in Libra is your greatest opportunity to transform the way you do relationships for the better.

The first phase of Venus in Libra is when Venus is in Libra and is an evening star (August 6th – September 10th 2018). This is the best time to examine your current relationship patterns.

The 2nd phase of Venus in Libra is when Venus is in Libra and retrograde (November 1st-November 15th 2018). This is the time to make the necessary relationship adjustments.

The 3rd phase of Venus in Libra is when Venus is in Libra and is a morning star (November 15th  December 3rd 2018). Now is the time for new beginnings in relationships. By now, you know what you want, and you know how to understand and relate to the ‘other’.

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Astrology of August 2018 – Solar Eclipse in Leo and 6 Planets Retrograde

How are you recovering after the intense lunar eclipse on July 27? Things will be a little less intense in August, but not for too long, because on August 11 we have yet another eclipse in the sign of Leo.

We have a record of 6 planets retrograde in August: Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. That’s a lot or retrograde energy! Although retrograde planets slow things down, they also teach us to act more thoughtfully – and be better humans, in general. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Overall, August is a MUCH better month than July. We have less drama, even with 6 retrograde planets, thanks to some positive supporting aspects which I will detail below.

The Full Moon on August 26 is gentle and healing and VERY different from the Full Moon / Total Lunar Eclipse in July. There is hope!

But let’s have a look at the major astrological events of the month:

Astrology forecasts august 2018

On August 1st, 2018 Mars is square Uranus. This is the 2nd Mars-Uranus square in the cycle –  the first one was on May 16, immediately after Uranus entered Taurus. That was an unsettling day for many of us.

This 2nd square won’t be much easier, but because Mars is retrograde and Uranus is stationary (preparing to turn retrograde) the effects will be less “in-your-face”.

In fact, you now can get a completely different perspective on something you started or experienced mid-May. But the final outcome of this aspect will come on September 21st – there is more to come!  

On August 6th, 2018 Venus enters Libra, its rulership sign. That’s great news because Venus loves being in Libra! This is when she gets crystal clear about what she wants, and this is where she can exercise her charm with self-confidence and purpose.

Venus will spend a pretty long time in Libra due to the retrograde. I know, we have Mars retrograde, Mercury retrograde, and now I’m telling you Venus will go retrograde as well? The good news is that Venus will not go retrograde until October 4, so no need to worry too much about it… yet.  

Venus will move back into Libra from November 1st until December 3rd. This means Venus will spend more than 2 months in Libra in total, so if you have personal planets or angles in Libra (especially in the last decan) this transit will be huge for you.

The goddess of love reaches her greatest elongation on the 17th of August. Basically, she will now rise as an evening star farthest away from where the Sun is setting. In this phase, Venus is all by herself, unconcerned with what the Sun wants from her. This won’t last long though. Venus will soon realize that this is as far as she can go.

In the same way, you can experience an “and now, what?” type of feeling. Now that you got what you wanted, you may realize that the price you paid was not really worth it if you have no one to share it with. And because Venus hates being all by herself, she will soon start to slow down and find her way back to the Sun.

On August 7th, 2018 Venus in Libra is trine Mars in Aquarius. In the same day, Uranus goes retrograde. Venus, Mars and Uranus will have a very interesting ‘triangle’ relationship in the 2nd half of the year. Venus will square Mars twice, and then trine it twice, and will oppose Uranus three times!

These transits will initially bring disruptions, and later freedom and authenticity in relationships.

On August 9th, 2018  Sun is conjunct Mercury retrograde, marking a new Mercury synodic cycle. Even if Mercury is retrograde, contrary to the beliefs, today is a good day to start a new Mercury-related project.

The only condition is to start by planting the intention (don’t bring your project to the world yet). So you can think about it, go to the drawing board and plan it. But don’t make official announcements, or launch it on social media. Wait until Mercury becomes visible 10 days later to do that.

In the same day, Venus in Libra is square Saturn in Capricorn. This is normally a gloomy transit, but because now both Venus and Saturn are in the signs of their rulership, they both act from their ‘higher planetary selves’. They can basically agree to disagree.

Libra and Capricorn are cardinal signs so they will push you to take action. You know what you want, now it’s time to go and get it!

On August 11th, 2018 we have a New Moon and Solar Eclipse at 18° Leo. The eclipse is conjunct Mercury retrograde and quincunx Pluto. Long forgotten memories can come to the surface and find a new meaning. Solar eclipses are about starting afresh from the dust of the past.

This is a partial solar eclipse linked to the solar eclipse of July 2000. What was going on in your life back then? Similar themes may resurface, but now you have an opportunity to see things in a new light.

Needless to say, you will be affected if you are a Leo, if you have Leo ascendant, or if you have other personal planets or angles in Leo.

On August 12th, 2018 Mars retrograde moves back into Capricorn. If your life has been turned upside down at the eclipses, now the universe is giving you a second chance to make things right.

That’s right! A solar eclipse leveraging Mars, the planet of action means you CAN start again. You CAN turn things around.

The 2nd half of August is better than the first half, and definitely much better than July. Phew!

August 19th is a wonderful day. Mercury finally goes direct and life starts to flow a little bit smoother.

On the same day, we have the last Jupiter-Neptune trine. This is one of the most positive aspects of the year bringing beauty and healing in our lives.

Jupiter, and Neptune especially are slow moving planets and although they won’t affect us on an individual level, they set the overall trends, thus shaping the future of our everyday lives. Jupiter and Neptune are in sensitive, feminine water sings so they are all about emotions, depth, beauty, and feminine expression.

Just look at the trends! When it comes to the catwalk, for example, I’ve never seen so many fluid, floral, colorful, feminine designs in years. And apparently liquid clothes (Jupiter and Neptune are in water signs) are the newest trend for this summer!

Should I mention the best selling artist of the year is Ed Sheeran? Ed is notoriously famous for his rich vocals and romantic, lyrical songs. I personally love his music. Thank you, Jupiter and Neptune!

When we are bombarded on a daily basis with fake or fear-inducing media, don’t forget that underneath it all, the world is a beautiful place.

On August 23rd, 2018 Sun moves into Virgo. Happy birthday to all the Virgos out there! As the Sun is approaching the equinox, it’s time to reflect on what we have done so far this year. There is still time to adjust and improve.

Virgo is an earth mutable sign, that’s why is associated with analysis, productivity, and adjustment. In nature, now is time to water, prune and improve the outcome of the harvest.

On August 25th, 2018 we have a grand Earth trine between Sun, Uranus and Saturn. When I said the 2nd half of August will be much better, I meant it!

Grand trines are the most positive aspects in astrology, bringing joy, harmony, and balance. Unless you thrive on struggle, you are going to love this sense of flow and ‘rightness’.

Saturn represents structure while Uranus represents freedom. The Sun is You. The grand trine will bring you the opportunity to strike the right balance between structure and discipline, and freedom and authenticity. You will benefit from this transit if you have planets around 2° in feminine signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.

On August 26th, 2018  we have a Full Moon in Pisces. I absolutely love this Full Moon which comes as a well-deserved relief after the intense eclipse season!

The Full Moon forms a beautiful kite aspect, engaging with the Sun-Saturn-Uranus grand trine. Kites are dynamic aspects which bring opportunities. If you have planets around 2° in feminine signs, you will be offered an opportunity. Make sure you don’t miss it!

On August 27th – Mars goes direct! It’s been a long two months, so pat yourself on the shoulder. You made it! You survived a challenging, eclipse-infused Mars retrograde. Mars retrograde tested your inner strength, but as a result, you’ve become more resilient and powerful than ever.  

 

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Total Lunar Eclipse In Aquarius – Fire In The Sky

Eclipses are as old as the Sun and the Moon. The earliest records of eclipses come from the Babylonians, who noticed that eclipses preceded important events such as the death of the king, the birth of a future king or unusual weather patterns.

Some eclipses were bad omens, others were good omens. Babylonians discovered thousands of years ago that while solar eclipses seemed to be connected to kings and queens, lunar eclipses affected everyone.

This makes sense when we know that Solar Eclipses have a path of totality, and are visible only from a narrow part of the Earth, while lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere in the world where it is nighttime.

The total eclipse on Friday, July 27 is a lunar eclipse, meaning it will affect everyone, common people, like you and me. You may feel already the heat.

Mars is closer to the Earth than ever and people all over the world feel the heat, literally. Many parts of the globe experience heat waves, and if you wondered why it’s so hot – it’s because Mars, the planet of fire and heat is close to the Earth. Sometimes astrology is that literal!

If you haven’t seen Mars in the sky, I highly recommend you go and look for it. If you see how bright and red Mars is in the sky these days and you’ll know what I mean! It’s easy to find it – no other star is as bright and red as he is right now.

fire in the sky

The intensity will give you an idea about what to expect from this lunar eclipse. You can also spot Mars by looking for the Moon. The Moon is getting closer and closer to Mars and will be right next to the Moon on the night of the Eclipse.

I’m not going to lie to you, this is a challenging eclipse. The eclipse is engaged in a T-square in fixed signs: we have the Moon, Mars and South Node in Aquarius, Sun and North Node in Leo, and Uranus, the ruler of the eclipse, squaring it from Taurus, adding unpredictability in the mix. Mercury also goes retrograde one day before. As if we didn’t have enough tension, right?  

T-squares in fixed signs are tough because fixed signs are stubborn, and squares are all about change and push, so they don’t go well together. The only fixed sign that is not engaged in this T-square is Scorpio.

Thankfully, it’s not all grim. Venus in Virgo is trine Pluto in Capricorn, while Sun in Leo is trine Chiron in Aries. These are favorable aspects which will channel the intense energy of the eclipse into healing.

This is your chance to confront an issue that has been bothering you for a long time (South Node) and get rid of it for good.  

Chiron, Mars and Pluto, and the Nodes will make you feel like a sacred warrior who finally breaks through the chains of illusion.

If you choose to face your fears, you will finally release the warrior inside you. Now it’s time to cut off the cord of emotional attachments that no longer serve you.

You can absolutely make it right this time, with one condition: to be brutally honest with yourself! Your vulnerability is where your deepest strength lies.

Aquarius is an air sign, while Mars is a fire planet. When you put fire and air together you get an implosion,  a spontaneous combustion. Mars is retrograde so he won’t spit out the flames, but burn you from the inside out.

The flames of Mars will only burn what is no longer necessary, releasing outdated (South Node) perceptions and beliefs (Aquarius).

The eclipse is in Aquarius, and Aquarius is the sign of humanity, and the groups to which we belong to (political, national, spiritual, interest based, friendships).

The South Node in Aquarius means we need to let go of whatever is outdated about these groups, or let go of our beliefs about what belonging to a group is supposed to mean.

And the retrograde Mars in Aquarius will brutally expose where we’ve been hypocritical about our beliefs and expectations. Mars will cut, will actually BURN those perceptions that don’t truly serve humanity as a whole.

There is a bit of cosmic irony in having Mars, the planet of assertive action and individuality, right next to a Full Moon in Aquarius (Aquarius is the planet of the collective). Mars in Aquarius is like a soldier who fights for his motherland. 

The shadow side of Mars in Aquarius is chaotic action, while the evolved Mars will fight for the rights of humanity as a whole.

How many more wars have to start in the name of people’s rights, where in fact, everything is a political agenda in disguise?

You and me – we – can change that. It all starts with us. We can start by being brutally honest about our own ‘political agenda’ (Aquarius, together with Capricorn are the sign of politics).

We can start by asking ourselves: “What’s really behind my motivations?” “Do I genuinely want to make the world a better place, or am I’m hiding behind groupthink?”

The shadow side of Aquarius is false humanitarianism and starting a revolution for egotistical reasons.

The evolved side of Aquarius is about being human, for the love of people (as opposed to Leo, which is concerned with the love for the Self). Is about honoring humanity, not because we can take some advantage out of it, but because we sincerely love our fellow humans.

The Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius is a reminder that we have human rights, but also obligations.  

We’re all in this together, a part of the collective. No individual is more important than another. In the same time, each one of us has a responsibility to speak up and stand for the truth, as long as it serves a greater good. 

Finding the thin line between fighting for your rights and fulfilling your obligations is exactly what the Lunar eclipse is about. We all have layers and layers of outdated beliefs about what we are supposed to do.

What outdated belief will you burn?

The Lunar eclipse on July 27 is a blessing in disguise. If we’re honest with ourselves, this is one of the greatest opportunities to rapidly burn out thousands of years of collective conditioning. 

The portal opens on July 27 and stays open until August 11 when we have the final eclipse of the season.

If you want to get really clear on the transformation the eclipse season brings in your life, sign up for my course “All about eclipses”.

“All about eclipses” is a mini-course where I teach you what I’ve learned in 20 years of studying eclipses. You can get instant access to the course, and if you enroll now, you will also receive forecasts for the upcoming two eclipses.

If you want to understand the language of the eclipses, I strongly encourage you to check out the course. You can find more details HERE.

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The Longest Eclipse Of The Century

The longest eclipse of the century takes place on July 27, 2018, at 4° Aquarius. The total lunar eclipse will shroud the moon in a blood-reddish glow of Friday, so prepare for a spectacular night sky. The eclipse will be total for 1h and 43 minutes and if we count the time when it’s partial we get to a total duration of 3 hours and 55 minutes. That’s a long time!

The eclipse will be visible in large parts of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

As you may know, we have a lunar eclipse only at a Full Moon, when the moon passes directly behind the Earth in Earth’s shadow. We usually have 2 lunar eclipses in a year (sometimes three).

So what exactly makes this particular eclipse the longest eclipse of the century?

The lunar eclipse on July 27 is the longest eclipse of the century because several factors aligned:

The Full Moon is almost exactly conjunct the South Node (just 1° away). The closer to the Node, the longer it lasts, because the Moon passes through the central part of the Earth’s shadow.

On July 27, the Moon will be at its farthest position from the Earth – the so-called lunar apogee. At this time of the year the Earth is farthest away from the sun, at aphelion. According to Greenwich astronomers, July 27 we will see the Moon smaller than usual because it’s further from Earth and it will be traveling slower than usual.

The eclipse is so long in duration because Moon is farther away and it takes longer to pass through the Earth’s shadow, AND because it will pass directly through the center of the shadow.

Basically, the shadow behind the Earth is longer and wider due to the angles between the Sun and the Earth.

And because the whole disk of the Moon will disappear in the shadow, the moon will turn red.

You may wonder why full moons turn blood-red during a total eclipse? Wouldn’t make sense to turn black and disappear completely under the shadow of the Earth, just like the Sun does when it’s eclipsed?

The reason the Moon turns reddish is the Earth’s atmosphere! When the Sun’s light reaches the atmosphere of the Earth, the light gets scattered and gets bend back onto the Moon. And the reason why it’s red is that red light travels faster than other colors and gets less scattered.

The Astrology Of The Longest Eclipse Of The Century

Simple! In astrology, total eclipses are the most powerful. The longer they last, the more powerful they are.

Being the longest eclipse of the century, from an astrological perspective, this eclipse is the most important and most eventful lunar eclipse of the century, too! This is big folks, and I cannot stress it enough. And…

… not only this is a total eclipse, the longest eclipse, but it’s also conjunct Mars in an extremely tight orb. The red planet Mars will basically shine right next to the red-blood Moon on July 27. What a night!

Does it count that Mars is now closer to the Earth than ever, brighter than he has ever been? Yes, it does. When Mars is close to the Earth, it’s even more powerful than usual. And Mars is also retrograde, and on the night of the eclipse is halfway through his cycle, opposing the Sun.

So we have a Sun-Mars opposition (with a very strong Mars), a Full Moon which is also conjunct the very strong Mars, a Full Moon which is also an Eclipse,  aaaand.. this is the longest eclipse of the century.

We have all the elements of an absolutely spectacular eclipse that we will remember for years to come.

Of course, not everyone will be affected, because not everyone has planets or angles around 4° in Aquarius or Leo… but if you do, you will DEFINITELY be affected. Something will happen. Eclipses are famous for bringing major changes and transformation in people’s lives. If you do have planets or angles around 4° in Aquarius or Leo, please leave a comment below with what is going on in your life right now.

Even if you don’t have a planet or an angle at the eclipse degree, you will still feel the energy, because the eclipse will fall somewhere in your chart. Have a look at which house you have Aquarius – themes related to that house will come forward.

What Needs To Happen Will Happen

The lunar eclipse takes place in Aquarius, and this means the Moon is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Leo. Both Aquarius and Leo have to do with the Ego and with the role you choose to play in the world: do you live from your heart, do you stay true to yourself, even if this means you have to be a lone wolf (Leo) or do you use your unique gifts to support a greater goal? (Aquarius).

In both cases, there is some Ego work that needs to be done. To shine your true light, you have to dare to shine it. This is more difficult than you may think. Shining your light comes with responsibility. Some people might not like your light. This means you’ll have to accept that not everyone likes you. That’s what Leo energy is about.

On the other hand, letting go of your expectation to be recognized for your individual contribution, so, in turn, you can achieve something greater than yourself, as part of a team, is the lesson Aquarians need to learn. Aquarius will teach you that it’s ok NOT to have your efforts recognized, even if you worked the hardest. Learning to stay true to yourself, and stay humble at the same time, are EGO challenges Aquarians deal with.

The Full Moon / Eclipse is in Aquarius, meaning that Aquarian themes will come into focus. And because this is a South Node eclipse, you will have an encounter with karma. This encounter will be connected to Aquarian themes in your life. Have a look where you have Aquarius in your life – which ego battles are you fighting there?

A South Node eclipse asks you to deal with something that is already part of your life. It’s payback time, for good or for bad.

And Mars will make sure you will take action this time. Even if you will surprise everyone around you. The Eclipse is also square Uranus, the planet of freedom and unpredictability. Maybe other people’s actions will surprise you. And when I say surprise, I don’t mean come with a shock.

Because this is a South Node eclipse, it’s not like you were not aware of ‘that something’. You were, but maybe you thought ‘that something’ will never change. That you can’t do anything about it. That it will always be part of your life. Or that you can never have it. 

Lunar Eclipses, just like the Full Moons, are times of fruition and harvest. Important things are said and done and big decisions are taken. Outcomes are inevitable. What needs to happen will happen.

The outcome can be positive or negative… depending on your actions, especially those actions connected to the opposite node, the North Node. What goes around comes around. When I say “positive or negative” I mean it from our perspective. From Universe’ perspective, there’s no such thing as positive or negative. Just consequences.

Because of its proximity to Mars and the South Node, this Lunar eclipse will be connected to the events marked by the Mars / South Node conjunctions: the first conjunction took place on June 8th, the 2nd conjunction on July 20th and the third and final conjunction on September 8th, 2018.

And because the eclipse is also square Uranus, you may feel you are forced to do something that you wouldn’t be doing otherwise. Don’t be afraid! Remember that Uranus always brings freedom, Mars always brings courage, and the South Node always brings liberation.

There is so much more to this eclipse and to eclipses in general! That’s why I created a fantastic mini-course called “All about eclipses”. And of course, there is no better time to bring it to you than now, before the eclipse. If you want to understand how this eclipse and how eclipses in general fit in the big picture of your life, I strongly encourage you to have a look  – here’s the link.

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Solar Eclipse In Cancer – Close Your Eyes

The Eclipse Of Darkness

On 12 July 2018 we have a powerful New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer. The New Moon takes place at 20° Cancer and is a partial Solar Eclipse, visible from Southern Australia, including Melbourne and Adelaide.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer should be called the Eclipse of Darkness, but not necessarily because it will get physically dark. Although the Solar Eclipse is partial, it is nevertheless very powerful for the following reasons:

  • It is the first eclipse on the Cancer Capricorn axis.
  • The Eclipse is exactly opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation and the underworld. Pluto is notoriously associated with darkness, and the absence of light. Pluto is the Darth Vader of the zodiac!
  • The eclipse is not only conjunct Pluto, but also conjunct Pluto’s nodes (yes, all planets have nodes, and Pluto’s nodes are at 20° Cancer / Capricorn right now). Talking about transformation!
  • Cancer is the darkest place in the zodiac wheel – it is literally at the bottom of the wheel. That’s why Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which governs over night.

All these alignments make the Solar Eclipse cathartic and fated.

A Solar Eclipse means that the Sun is eclipsed and overshadowed by the Moon. The Sun is taken over. The light disappears. Life is disrupted.

We all know the Sun is the life giver to all creatures on Earth. Without its warmth, there would be no life as we know it. The absence of light can feel scary indeed.

close_your_eyes_and_see

But it’s only from darkness, that we are able to SEE. Paradoxically, it’s only in the space of nothingness that we can see things in a new ‘light’ – our inner light. It’s only from nothing that new beginnings can emerge.

Seeling In The Dark 

Pluto will take you on a trip to the underworld to show you what’s hidden on the other side of light as you know it. We, humans, are hard-wired to be terrified by dark, but ironically, that’s the only possible path to enlightenment. It’s only when we break down our egos and break through the veil of illusion that we can finally SEE. And this is what traveling to the underworld is all about.

“The opposite of light is not darkness, but the potential of light’ – dark because unknown, perhaps, but with the possibility of changing us into that thing we never were before” – Kimberly Grey

Even physiologically, it’s not completely true that we are not able to see in the dark. We just see things differently.

As you may know, there are two types of cells responsible for sight in the human retina – cones and rods.

The cones are active at daylight and help us distinguish shapes and colors. The rods, or the night cells, allow us to see shapes, but not colors. At night, things are less differentiated and less distinct. The color matters less, and is less distracting. It’s more about meaning.

What about when you close your eyes completely? When there is nothing to compare yourself with? When there is no reference point to the past or to the future? What do you see when you close your eyes?

“Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens” – Carl Jung

Water And Cancer – Where Everything Emerges

In astrology, light is associated with the Fire element: the spark of light that emerges from pure consciousness (Aries); the burning fire of self-expression (Leo), and the eternal flame of the Spirit (Sagittarius).

Cancer is a water sign. Water is in a way, the opposite of Fire. Water is cool, fire is hot. Fire is dry, water is wet. Fire transforms, water regenerates. While fire is visually striking, water is invisible. Water doesn’t have a color but reflects the color of the sky, of the soil, or of the living creatures inside it. Fire is the divine masculine, water is the divine feminine.

Cancer is the ultimate archetype of the feminine. Cancer is the nurturing, protective, instinctual energy that gives birth to new life and nurtures it until this new life is able to develop an identity on its own. The 4th house, together with Cancer are the most private places in one’s chart. The most vulnerable. And paradoxically, the strongest.

Think of a pregnant woman (a Cancer / 4th house archetype). She is more vulnerable than ever. She is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the life that is about to emerge. But at the same time, she is stronger than ever. Her vulnerability makes her strong. 

Cancer – or the dark night – is where creation emerges. 

This is the first Eclipse in Cancer since 2009-2010. In fact, on 11 July 2010, we had a Solar Eclipse in Cancer at the same degree as this eclipse. This eclipse will therefore bring to your awareness similar themes. What happened in your life back in July 2010?

Eclipses – Fate Or Free Will? 

Eclipses always happen on a nodal axis, bringing polarities into alignment. So when the North Node of the Moon in one sign, and the South Node of the Moon is in the opposite sign. We have no choice but to reconcile these opposite but complementary energies.

Eclipses are nothing else but times of karmic and cosmic re-adjustment. If the North Node energy points towards the future, the South Node energy is linked to the past. The Nodes of the Moon co-create our destiny.

If life was fate, we would only have the South Node. But life is a miraculous mix of fate and free will. The North Node is in a way our free will. The North Node is our potential, what could exist, the darkness from which life and creation could emerge.

We feel drawn to it, but we have little experience with it. And because we also fear it, we have a natural tendency to revert back to the South Node of the past.

It’s only when you resist your North Node, your true star, that life gets tough. This is when eclipses can bring difficult experiences. But when you embrace it, you dive into a world of pure potential, a world where everything is possible. You can overcome your karma, and co-create your destiny with the universe.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer is a North Node Eclipse, which means it is more concerned with your free will, with the unknown, with creating new possibilities for the future.

The Cancer Solar Eclipse opposite Pluto is an invitation to plunge into the darkness of the unknown. Don’t be afraid! This is where it all begins.

You will be affected especially if you have planets or angles between 19°-21° in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Look to the house where the eclipse falls in your chart for clues to what to expect.

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Chiron Goes Retrograde – Winding The Key

Wind the Key

Chiron’s symbol is the key. As Chiron begins its yearly retrograde journey on July 4th, the image of a key turning in a door lock springs to mind.

When we want to lock a door, we turn the key clockwise, but when we want to unlock a door, we turn the key anti-clockwise. In the same way, when a planet appears to move backward (goes retrograde) in the sky – a secret is being revealed. A door is opened. We get access to something otherwise unseen or unknown.

Do you remember the old music boxes with a winding key? I used to LOVE them when I was little. I always wondered how they worked.

Music boxes produce musical notes by using a set of pins which pluck the tuned teeth of a steel comb. Music boxes are powered by a clockwork – when we wind the key up, the energy is stored in the clockwork mechanism, and when it is released, the music starts playing, until the stored energy is used up.

I dreamt of making music myself, but as you probably know, if you are not a musician, making music is the most difficult thing on Earth. You just don’t know where to start. It is not like you put some notes together and get a song. There is a higher order to music, a secret order that only musicians seem to understand and have access to.

Music is an experience of wholeness, divine alignment, and eternity. For lack of anything better, the little music box was the only way I could ‘make’ music. I would wind the key and then let it go: the music would start.

To make music, you need to let yourself go. But to let yourself go, you first need to wind the key. To put in some effort. To break through the resistance.

When you wind the key you initially feel pressure. You go backward in the story of your song – a song that has already been written, but you have forgotten.

And just when you get to the point of no return, the music starts – enchanting you with its beauty, releasing all the forgotten energy trapped inside, bringing higher order into chaos.

When a planet goes retrograde, it goes against its natural movement. There is a feeling of implosion, of going inwards, of pressure.

But this looping movement is necessary. Without moving backward, there will be no energy, no music, no life.

Chiron – The Key To Wholeness

Chiron – the wounded healer, the shaman, the alchemist – is the KEY to yourself. Chiron is associated with your deepest pain, but also with your greatest gift. Chiron is about the experience of healing and the experience of wholeness.

Wholeness is nothing else but bringing higher order within chaos, putting puzzles together to unravel the mystery of the Entity – YOU – an entity that is much more than the sum of its parts.

Chiron Retrograde (2)
Christian Schloe – “Unlock”

Chiron retrograde gives you the opportunity to dive into the healing waters of Chiron and clean any wounds that stop you from integrating all of the parts of yourself, to become a whole, and healthy human being.

Chiron retrograde is like a cosmic reshuffling at the core of your being.

There is no wonder Chiron’s symbol is a key. Chiron unlocks the secret doors of our psyche, allowing the divine energy of the outer planets to flow into what we call the reality of our body, symbolized by Saturn.

Chiron orbits between Saturn and Uranus. Saturn is the last planet we can see with the naked eye in the sky, and his beautiful rings are a metaphor for the limitations of our human existence.

The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) represent what is beyond the known, out of what we can grasp with our limited cognitive functions.

Chiron is, therefore, the link between the two worlds. Chiron’s role is to channel the ethereal, intangible energy of the outer planets, into the structures and realities of Saturn.

Unfortunately, we have forgotten how to delve into Chiron’s powers. Our ancestors, especially the hunter-gatherer type societies, were in a way much more connected to nature. In the past, every village had a spiritual doctor or a Shaman.

The initiation into shamanism started after a so-called shamanic illness. That’s why Chiron is called “the wounded healer”. It is only by delving into our wounds, that we can become whole again.

Your Broken Parts

But what is stopping us from accessing all of this divine energy that surrounds us?

The reason we can’t easily access it is that we humans are a sum of conflicting, broken parts.

Think of the engine of a car. If any part of the engine is broken, the car will not operate in the way it’s supposed to. In the same way, we cannot be whole and move forward until we learn how to get all the parts of ourselves fixed and working together.

Just like Chiron was half human, half horse, half mortal, half immortal, we too are a hybrid of matter and spirit. There are parts of us we accept and identify with, parts of us we despise and reject, and parts of us we don’t even acknowledge.

Wounding, shame, guilt, inadequacy – feelings often associated with the Chironic wound – are nothing else but the experience of resisting yourself, of resisting your perfection.

Can you contemplate, just for a moment, that you are not broken?

Can you contemplate that you are not here by mistake?

Chiron Retrograde From Aries to Pisces

Chiron is retrograde from July 4th 2018 until December 9th 2018. Chiron starts its retrograde motion at 2° Aries and moves back into Pisces on September 26, 2018. Chiron goes direct again at 27° Pisces and re-enters Aries on February 18th 2019.

Chiron will travel through the last degrees of Pisces, the last degrees of the zodiac. It’s something you left behind there, something you still need to figure out.

Everytime a planet goes retrograde in the previous sign, it’s giving us a second chance.

If Chiron in Aries is about affirming yourself, about learning to be proud of your existence despite your flaws, Chiron in Pisces is pretty much the opposite. Pisces is the sign of surrender. It’s about being comfortable with being a drop of water in the ocean.

Chiron moving back and forth from the last degrees of the zodiac to the first degrees of the zodiac can help you reveal the mystery of your existence.

Chiron will ask you one more time to face your pain of separation (Pisces) and surrender to the unknown. Only by surrendering to that forgotten part of yourself, you can start again (Aries) with integrity and confidence.

Chiron journey from Aries to Chiron and back to Pisces is a journey from the beginning to the end… and then back to the beginning.

Chiron retrograde in Aries and back to Pisces will show you what you need to let go of vs. what you should take action on.

If you want to start anew, there is still a part of you that you need to embrace. A part of you that you find unacceptable. A part of you that you are ashamed of.

But which wound is truly yours and which wound is existential?

Chiron retrograde back in Pisces will help you to take a closer look at the universal myths you have believed in – maybe for too long. And Chiron in Aries will ask “What if?”. “What if the stories I’ve been told are not real?”. “What if there is nothing inherently wrong with me?”. “What if I am not broken?”. “What if I am fine, just the way I am?”.

What is blocking you? What needs to crack to get the light in? Turn the key and go back into remembering. Remember those places that you may have forgotten, but that your soul is still hooked on. Where love and wholeness are the only things that can possibly be.

Turn the key. And then tet the ancient and nearly forgotten song squeeze your heart.

Your Chiron Retrograde Journey

Chiron retrograde will show you whatever you need to acknowledge so it can be healed.

When you fully accept and integrate all the parts of yourself, then nothing can affect you anymore, there’s nothing left to be ashamed of. You are you, the sum of all your parts.

And when you accept yourself, the magic happens. The divine energy starts flowing effortlessly through you. You are healed, and you become healing.

Chiron retrograde is a great time to tune inside yourself and acknowledge that you are a sum of parts. Without bringing all of your parts together, including those you are ashamed of, you cannot find that kind of inner balance that leads to healing and spiritual growth.

Chiron retrograde will help you unlock any blockage, fix anything that is broken, and heal yourself – with one condition – to take responsibility for your healing. To ask yourself, “Where do I need to unwind the key to make music?”.

If you want to make the best out of the Chiron retrograde, I prepared a “Chiron Retrograde Self-Help KIT”. The kit contains:

1) a self-inquiry exercise to help you work with the energy of Chiron retrograde

2) a Chiron-tailored audio meditation to help you embrace your wound and restore wholeness and

3) an overview of all the aspects Chiron makes with other planets in the upcoming 4-month retrograde period.

Click here for more details.

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Astrology Of July 2018 – Solar Eclipse In Cancer And Lunar Eclipse In Aquarius

July will be a month to remember. No matter what your sign is, you will be affected in some fashion. July comes with two powerful eclipses: a Partial Solar Eclipse in Cancer and a Total Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius.

Three planets change direction in July: firstly, Chiron goes retrograde on the 4th of July, showing you healing is possible, as long as you take responsibility for it.

A few days later, on July 10th Jupiter goes direct, instilling a sense of hope and faith. Last but not least, on July 26th, the day just before the Total Lunar Eclipse, Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Leo, taking you on a 3-week journey of introspection and heart-searching.

Let’s have a look at the major astrological events of the month:

Astrology July 2018

On July 3rd, 2018 Mercury is conjunct the North Node of the Moon, ringing the bell: “The eclipse season is coming!”. Mercury was the messenger of Gods in Greek mythology. With his winged feet and helmet, Mercury was known for carrying important messages from the skies and from the underworld.

This conjunction is at the same degree on the Nodal Axis as the powerful Lunar Eclipse on July 27th, so Mercury will bring you a message straight from the gates of Karma! Pay attention to anything that happens today – as it will likely be connected to the Total Lunar Eclipse on July 27th.

On July 4th, 2018 Chiron goes retrograde. Chiron shows what our deepest wound is. Chiron also shows us what can we do to heal that wound, and turn it into a gift. 

When Chiron goes retrograde, healing goes inward. Right now it’s less about seeking help from the outside. It’s more about how you can connect the dots and heal yourself from the inside. Chiron retrograde will help you wove back together the broken parts of the Self and become whole again.

The first and foremost step in healing is embracing those parts of you that you despise, those parts of you that you are ashamed of. You cannot heal yourself unless you embrace your broken parts.

Chiron, now in Aries, will move back into Pisces for a few months, helping you revisit any unfinished business you may have lying around. Chiron goes direct again on December 8th, 2018 and goes back into Aries on February 18th, 2019.

This Aries-Pisces-Aries retrograde – from the beginning of the zodiac (the first degrees of Aries) to the end of the zodiac (the last degrees of Pisces) – is your great opportunity to make peace with the past and break the cycle of dysfunction.

On July 5th, 2018 the Sun (now at 13° Cancer) trines Jupiter in Scorpio. In the same day Mercury (at 8° Leo) opposes Mars in Aquarius.

On the one hand, you will feel in tune with your emotions (Sun and Jupiter trine in water signs). On the other hand, you will want to fight for your principles (Mercury-Mars opposition in fixed signs).

At worst, you will feel you have the right to be angry and as a result, you may act in ways you later regret. At best, the conflict will help you better understand other people’s deeper motivations – and the result can be a breakthrough. Mars retrograde will help you see a different side of the story.

On July 9th, 2018 Venus enters Virgo. Venus shows how we give and receive love. If Venus in Leo is all showy and demands attention and respect, Venus in Virgo loves to be of help. Venus in Virgo cares about the others.

No matter what your natal Venus placement is, in the coming weeks you will be more willing to be of service. You will pay more attention to other people’s unspoken needs and desires. And the good news is that the others will do that, too. Venus in Virgo may be a bit more clumsy showing love, but her love is real – she really cares! – and in the end, this is what matters.

On July 10th, 2018 Jupiter goes direct! When the planet of luck, growth, and abundance starts moving forward, hope is installed and dreams come true again. Jupiter direct is great news for everyone, even more so if you have planets around 13° Scorpio.

Jupiter in Scorpio brings things into the light – remember the Harvey Weinstein scandal? So you can expect more Scorpionic topics to come to the surface around this date. There will be a feeling of “I can’t keep this to myself, I have to bring it to the surface”. And this is a good thing because what is released loses its power over you.

On July 11th – July 13th Venus makes harmonious trine aspects with Uranus and Saturn. Because these aspects take place at the same time with the Plutonian Solar Eclipse in Cancer, there is a feeling in the air that “I can’t help falling in love”.

You may feel that there are higher forces at play that guide your heart to the unknown. Eclipses always bring a feeling of fatedness. And because Venus is activated at the time of the eclipse, fated love, unexpected encounters, deep tormenting feelings can turn your life upside down.

On July 12th, 2018 we have the first Eclipse of the season: a Solar Eclipse in Cancer. This is going to be a highly intense eclipse because the Sun is not only swallowed by the shadow of the Moon – even if just partially – but is also opposite Pluto!

This is the first eclipse on the Cancer-Capricorn axis (we are still on the Leo-Aquarius eclipse axis, as the Nodes of the Moon are still in Leo-Aquarius). This first Eclipse on the Cancer-Capricorn axis will give you some hints on your karmic dues from November 2018 on, when the Nodes will switch to Cancer and Capricorn.

The week after the eclipse is astrologically uneventful. I guess the reason for that is we WILL need a break after this intense, Plutonian Solar Eclipse.

On July 22nd, 2018 the Sun moves into its favorite sign, Leo. Sun is the planet of energy, vitality, and divine consciousness. Leo is the sign of creativity and lust for life. Leos, of course, will benefit best from this transit. But no matter what your sign is, the Sun will infuse you with passion, creativity, and a zest for life.

On July 26th, 2018 Mars is opposite the Sun, meaning Mars is now halfway through its 2-years cycle.

On the same day Mercury stations retrograde, intensifying the planetary chaos. Moods can go from one extreme to another. When Mercury changes course, it brings a change of mind. Mercury goes retrograde in Leo and will spend quite a lot of time in this sign. Have a look where you have Leo in your chart to see which area of your life is due for a revision.

July 27th, 2018 comes with one of the most important astrological events of the season. Rivers of ink have flowed since the beginning of the year about this Eclipse, and I will write an in-depth report about it, no doubt – but until then, I just want to leave you with the ‘technical details’.

The Total Lunar Eclipse is ‘total’ because it’s very close to the South Node of the Moon. It is, in fact, just 1° apart. The Total Lunar Eclipse is at 4° Aquarius and the South Node is at 5° Aquarius.

If that was not enough, the Lunar Eclipse is exactly conjunct Mars retrograde! In Vedic tradition, the South Node (aka Ketu, the dragon’s tail) is said to have the character of Mars. So this is a double Mars eclipse. AND, Mars is retrograde, which means Mars is stronger and plays by different rules than it usually does.

Important events will take place at a global level, and also at an individual level. That’s especially if you have planets or angles around 5° in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius).

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Full Moon In Capricorn – Commitment Time

Full Moon In Capricorn

The Full Moon in Capricorn takes place on June 27 (if you live in the US, Canada or Latin America) or on June 28 (if you live in Europe, Australia or in the eastern part of the world).

The Full Moon is at 6° Capricorn and is in a tight conjunction to Saturn, now at 5° Capricorn.

This Full Moon brings as much Capricorn energy as you can get. Full Moons are times of culmination, a time when the energy of a particular sign is at its peak. Not only that, but the Full Moon (which is Capricorn energy on steroids) is also conjunct Saturn, which is the ruler of Capricorn. This Full Moon is very Capricornian!

Capricorn is the sign of achievement, success, status, hierarchy, ambition and determination. It is a very patriarchal energy. Capricorns are all about working towards a goal, and most importantly, being recognized for what they’ve achieved.

Full Moon Capricorn
Photo by Michael Chow/The Republic

It’s interesting to notice that while New Moon in Capricorn always happens late-December / January, at the time of the year when we set our goals, the Full Moon in Capricorn always happens mid-year.

And mid-year is the time to check your progress, to see where you stand, to have a look at what you have done so far. To have a reality check.

Where Do You Stand?

The Full Moon in Capricorn will expose you to the reality of where you stand. The Full Moon is conjunct its ruler, Saturn so you will have to be very honest with yourself. You don’t like what you see? That’s ok. The good thing is that you still have time to change, you still have time to adjust.

The Full Moon happens just after Mars, the planet of action, went retrograde on June 26 – this is a double indication that it is now the best time to adjust your strategy. You don’t have to change everything. Mars brings focus. There is something particular you need to focus on – you probably know what that thing is.

If you are not sure, make a list off all the things you work on right now. And then circle only one – the most important. And then put all your focus and energy into it. As difficult as it may be to choose, there is always a number one priority.

Success doesn’t come when you try to do a little bit of everything, it comes when you do more of that one thing that works.

What most successful people have in common is not luck (Jupiter). Is the fact that they never give up (Capricorn). They still show up, every day, no matter how slow their progress is.

You may wonder why I keep on talking about successful people. Capricorn is the sign of success, and a Full Moon is a time of accomplishment. Saturn is the planet of hard work, but also the planet of rewards.

And no matter how unimpressed you are with worldly achievements, there is a part of you (because we all have Capricorn somewhere in our chart) who wants to be respected, appreciated and rewarded. If you haven’t done that in the past, it is time to pay attention and honor that part of you.

Commitment Time

The Full Moon in Capricorn is NOT a time to comfort yourself – not that comforting yourself is a bad thing – but there are other types of astrological influences for that.

The Full Moon in Capricorn is a time to be honest on your progress, and make a commitment that you will try harder, work smarter, and play by the rules, so that you can achieve your number one goal in the 2nd half of the year.

If you haven’t done much in the first half of 2018 – no worries. There are 3 eclipses coming (the first one is on July 12th in Cancer, the 2nd is on July 27th in Aquarius, and the 3rd one is on August 11th in Leo)… so most events in 2018 will take place in the 3rd quarter of the year.

The Full Moon in Capricorn – just before the eclipses –  is the best time to make that commitment.