The Capricorn lunar eclipse is the last of the three summer eclipses. As a penumbral eclipse, it is partial, with the Sun appearing to blot out the top third of the Moon. With the underlying Full Moon opposition in mind, we can view this as a sign of needing to purge something from our lives, but only to a certain degree. We do not have to go the whole hog, or completely walk away from a situation, but we may feel happier with at least some amount of it gone from our lives. This could apply as much to something intangible, such as our own or another’s behavior, or to dealing with practical elements, such as physical possessions or the state of a room or outside space.
This eclipse has the strong mantle of family hanging over it, with the opposition in ancestrally and domestically oriented Capricorn and Cancer. Therefore, a scenario could emerge around family or domestic issues, which seems to eclipse other aspects of life for a while. This may be related to a specific journey, discussion, or agreement, since the Sun is close to communicative Mercury — a planet that can act as an agent for change by stimulating new ideas and perspectives that get things moving physically. We just might need to give extra thought to how we want to execute our plans to meet current requirements.
Under eclipse rays, a certain matter may have a “requirement” quality — we must comply with a request or stipulation to move forward. This is likely to be in our best interest given that the asteroid Vesta is closely conjunct the Sun (within two longitudinal minutes of exactitude), adding extra weight to her significance. Mythological Vesta, keeper of the sacred flame, was a protector, maintaining safety in the domestic vicinity of home and family life.
An example might be a situation in which you need to put satisfactory insurance in place to cover practical risks and protect a home or dwelling. Or maybe some of us need to take steps to keep family members protected from a less tangible, but nonetheless imposing threat, such as the influence of a difficult personality. Whatever the case, there are steps that can be taken towards that greater security. It is especially wise to pay attention to small prints and details with Mercury involved!
Mercury also has a natural association with the water-sign Cancer, its fluidity is more pronounced. Mars in Aries squaring Mercury suggests a desire to pin things down, which is unlikely to be easy. Like trying to nail jelly or Jell-O™ to a wall, our actions won’t stick — despite our best efforts — or may be so nebulous as to escape us. This is likely a temporary state of affairs since these are faster-moving planets that are in aspect to one another. Matters will eventually stabilize, although there might not be any clear signs of that happening until early August, when Mercury has moved past its retrograde phase and entered the fixed sign of Leo.
Meanwhile, the eclipsed Moon in Capricorn has the aura of being decidedly challenged. In traditional astrology, particularly considering the planetary classification system of the ancient Greek astrologer, Ptolemy, the Moon in Capricorn is considered “in detriment.” Within that viewpoint, the Moon in this sign might be seen like a vulnerable, impressionable child who has been placed in the care of a rather distant and stern father figure — or someone weighed down with too many duties and responsibilities. It is not in its own sign, where it could be cared for in the soft bosom of a gentle Earth Mother personality, with plenty of love and sustenance to offer. Instead, there is a focus on lack, hardship, or chilliness.
Holding with the maxim that every cloud has a silver lining — and melding ancient technique with modern planetary presence — a blessing is represented in the Moon’s trine to Uranus. This suggests that space and difference can be good things. It may relate to an unexpected turn of events that offers an escape from a sticky situation or an opportunity for a change of scene that turns out to be unexpectedly refreshing or helpful. The wisdom offered here is to remain open to options.
This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.