Wendy Cicchetti

The Capricorn partial lunar eclipse is visible from only some of the world’s regions, as can be seen at: https://www. timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2019-july-16

Capricorn’s nature is dedicated and hardworking. But under a lunar eclipse, even the most loyal and devoted people could question what all their striving is for. This may be especially apt if there is a background issue to deal with, such as ill health or the approach of a significant turning point like marriage, parenthood, or retirement. Powerful lifestyle changes, such as divorce, unemployment, or a relocation, could also hang new questions in the air, encouraging us to rethink our future path.

Since Capricorn is an earth sign, we may be looking at whether we need to uproot ourselves. Pluto and the South Node are firmly sandwiched between the Moon and Saturn, so we are both drawn to the past and in need of detaching from it. Decisions may have to be pragmatic rather than emotional, though, given an obscured Moon. Making a change is hard on the heart, yet we may lack the time to think about it; “needs must,” and we have to favor practical action.

It may be that whatever occurs around this eclipse will seem like a blip on the radar screen — but we later come to view the event as more significant. If we have to say goodbye to something, this could be a wrench at first, but we eventually feel relief around the parting. Occasionally, eclipse activity is more subtle. Something we were quite convinced we would miss — and could not live without — is simply forgotten: the famous “out of sight, out of mind” scenario of a Pluto–Saturn-themed eclipse!

Pluto, the South Node, and Saturn — all effectively under Saturn’s control by dispositorship — are also each in retrograde motion (appearing to travel backwards along the zodiac belt, from our earthly perspective). Saturn is a relatively slow-moving planet, in any case, and retrogradation further underlines that theme. Therefore, a situation may seem to be endlessly dragging its heels under this lunation. There is, however, often an internal logic to slow developments, including highlighting the need to review a situation. Retrogrades can also coincide with disruptions and/or distortions, so that matters do not run smoothly, or all is not as it usually appears. Sometimes retrograde cycles coincide with déjà vu experiences or near-repeat circumstances, with similar dynamics playing out.

Since the Moon is opposed by Mercury, we also have to wonder whether our needs are being accurately heard. If the answer is “no,” then the next question is: Have we stated these needs clearly and loudly enough? If not, the eclipse task is to look at how we can close that gap — how we can finally find that elusive voice and make our points clearer.

Despite Saturn’s obvious strength in his home sign, the planet’s retrograde status, its conjunction with the South Node and Pluto, and the total eclipse all add their various challenges. So, disciplines may be set, but such commitments could also be hard to keep. Perhaps that firm foray into a sugar-free diet could slip unconsciously into a subtle negotiation, with a tempting voice whispering, “But it’s a special occasion, and one chocolate won’t hurt!” Because retrograde planets can bring extra delays, we may think that the time of waiting for something seems intolerable and unreal. Yet it may be the most realistic timescale possible, under this extraordinary planetary pattern.

With Saturn in charge, reality may arrive with a thud, a sinking heart, or a cold, hard slap! But any fresh realization that follows from our changed circumstances also creates a different baseline on which we can build a new future. Saturn currently opposes Venus, so it would be reasonable to expect that some sort of pleasure may be curtailed or limited. Venus in Cancer needs nourishment, though, or finds comfort in giving the same to others — and therein may lie some form of healing. We may not have all we would like, but we can find some kindness to offer another. We might be able to accept a similar offering, if we can lower our Saturnian defenses enough to let it in.

Written by Diana McMahon Collis for the Mountain Astrologer Magazine