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Libra Lunar Eclipse, March 25, 2024

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Wendy Cicchetti

Libra Lunar Eclipse

The Libra lunar eclipse is penumbral — that is, it occurs when the Moon passes through only the Earth’s outer shadow — so the eclipse might look much like any other Full Moon. Yet, as Full Moons can also present powerful events, we might view this one as “significant plus,” whilst not necessarily shaking us to the core.

The focus on Libra means that relationship connections are to the fore. We may become more keenly aware of the interplay between our actions and their impact on others. Libra is famous for fence-sitting and people-pleasing in a bid to keep everyone happy. It is a near-impossible position to hold, at least long-term, and so the eclipse might hint at where we need to let go and let others do their fair share of the work.

Peace is a relative state, often depending on harmoniously matching needs and their solutions. It can easily go out of balance, as people’s needs alter, perhaps because life throws them new challenges to manage. It is quite possible that we need to go through a stage of conflict — represented by the opposition of Sun and Moon — to find a new peace agreement or equilibrium. The Aries Sun clearly dominates this arrangement, at least to begin with. Maybe once everyone has had a chance to stand back, in Libra air-sign style, and weigh up the position from both sides, it will become clearer how to proceed.

We should have no doubt that some level of accord will be possible, not least because the Moon’s ruler is Venus in compassionate Pisces. Nonetheless, Venus is conjunct Saturn, which points toward a limited arrangement. But Venus’s closest aspect is a sextile separating from Jupiter in Taurus, which appears to have everyone’s interests at heart. Taurus, being an earth sign, adds a grounding quality, indicating something set in place that feels tangible and maybe even relates to solid foundations for the future.

It is possible we will see connections back to whatever was going on around last year’s eclipses, particularly the Libra solar eclipse of October 14 — and possibly even relating to the Blue Moon (the second of two Full Moons in one month) that occurred in Pisces August 30–31. The Piscean theme of dealing with collective issues that both link us and yet sometimes also muddle affairs currently echoes through the Moon’s out-of-sign opposition to Neptune. It appears that, finally, there’s a chance to clear up confusion, misunderstandings, and any related animosity. Despite the challenging opposition, Saturn in Neptune-ruled Pisces insists on order while the Moon is in the ringed planet’s sign of exaltation. The Saturnian ability to note the reality of a matter, highlight limits, and implement a clear plan could help to bring about the clarity that leads to a workable solution. Miraculously, all needs may be met!

The Moon also trines Pluto, signifying the end of a tricky phase, which may have involved matters being brought to a head — not always a comfortable moment, given that Pluto has a reputation for firing off bombs. But we might bear in mind that any apparently violent action or outburst probably has a powerful, emotional force underlying it. It may be rooted in a deep need to communicate a point or the desire to demonstrate a principle. It could also simply signal that we need to start over again with a clean slate, because the old ways led to trouble or difficulty.

Venus happens to sextile Uranus as well as Jupiter, hinting at receiving unexpected bonuses while going through the shallows or depths of Piscean waters. It may be worth remembering that water can bring both clarity and concealment. Once we allow something to surface, we are in touch with known territory and, from here, we can develop a newer, clearer understanding.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Aquarius New Moon, February 9, 2024

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Wendy Cicchetti

Aquarius New Moon

The New Moon in Aquarius connects us with a sense of fairness, especially at the individual level. We tend to want the same deal for everyone, no matter what their starting point. This can seem entirely reasonable, yet life is not always fair, and we may have to work very hard to get anywhere near the equitable arrangement sought.

This is not to say that any such option is impossible, or that the effort would not be ultimately worthwhile. However, there are occasions when it makes sense to acknowledge that the balance is tipped against us, and consider if there is not some more suitable way forward.

Such an indication comes through the Moon’s square to Uranus, which seems to be pointing towards the path less traveled. In other words, any kind of sensible or typically “obvious” solution could be far from our sights — and we will do better to see things through an alternative lens and consider saying yes to novel options.

This can simply come down to doing the exact opposite of what our usual instincts want to tell us! It may seem utterly counterintuitive, and yet could deliver a better result, because with Uranus involved we can seldom predict the outcome. This may be partly due to treading new territory, or being involved in an innovative scheme where there truly is no precedent. It might require a leap of faith, but one that delivers something solid, given Uranus is located in Taurus.

Uranus is extra-pronounced here because it happens to disposit the New Moon, as well as squaring both the Sun and Moon. But it does not do so alone. Saturn is its dispositing sidekick and sits in a friendly stance towards bountiful Jupiter, by sextile. Through Saturn, we appear to have a more straightforward opportunity for progress, or at least one that feels familiar and follows some logical rules.

Saturn is the planetary master when it comes to boundary-setting. And although, being situated in Pisces, it has the potential to be a bit more bendy than usual, it can also work hard to shore up resources and help us hold onto something stable. This might not be huge, but it could nonetheless present enough value or surety to seem like a good bet.

Saturn in Pisces conjures images such as walking along a seashore, spotting the perfect pebble or shell, and possibly even feeling it is reasonable to keep a few to use in special ways. Whether this is a real event or a metaphor, there is value in examining a plethora of options within a setting where definition is hard to determine. We need to make choices while seeking simplicity and clarity, yet ensuring we don’t take or hold onto too much.

It is likely that Saturn requires hard work from us, alongside a degree of restraint. It could help if we’re operating from a compassionate, or at least generous, angle: for instance, decluttering our possessions at home, whilst knowing we can donate those items so that others can benefit. This type of focus can also make it easier to dispel any guilt based on having made purchases that now seem like mistakes.

Despite the blurring of lines that might be attributed to Saturn in Pisces, this is a zodiac sign also associated with polarities. We can see this in Piscean symbolism, where the two fish swim in opposite directions. Rather like with yin and yang, we witness a kind of paradox. In accumulating too much, we may imagine we are foolish, disorganized, or greedy. But being able to share the excess freely with others, we manage to make sensible choices, create greater order, and exhibit magnanimity. There will likely be other, similar opportunities to turn things around.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Taurus Lunar Eclipse, October 28, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Taurus Lunar Eclipse

The Full Moon in Taurus brings practicalities to the fore: We consider what absolutely must be addressed to assist our physical well being and material security. And this is one of those times when emotional considerations must be balanced against basic needs. For some, it may be required, even temporarily, to carry on with or assume extra work that’s less than ideal to be able to pay bills — but, perhaps, a deadline could be set to review or alter the situation. For others, reducing work hours and accepting a slightly lower income might be workable for a while in exchange for gaining extra time to provide for rest, upgrade health, or tackle home improvements, for instance. Ideally, we will manage the best of both worlds. But the Full Moon frequently emphasizes where something needs to give. If we don’t have the balance quite right, life has a way of showing us the problem — then, we can apply ourselves to seek and work on a solution.

Managing what makes us feel secure can seem like an inconvenient chore, yet it brings peace of mind. For example, there may be cause to sift through insurance details so we feel protected against a potentially bad scenario in the future. Or, we may need to allocate time to address repairs to prevent a problem from worsening. The extra time, expense, and upheaval may register as ouch factors in the present, but will likely bring ongoing peace in the long term.

Emotionally, the Moon’s opposition from the Sun in Scorpio suggests a possible need to ensure our safety or to protect ourselves or others against a degree of tyranny — which might be from an unexpected source. Mercury and Mars in Scorpio opposing the Moon and Jupiter in Taurus suggest that we should be ready to stand our ground over anything that feels vital. It’s quite possible that someone’s words will sound menacing; yet, we likely have more support around us than we realize. And we shouldn’t let others dictate all our decisions and actions — Jupiter often brings added blessings, after all. With Mars so intense in Scorpio, we might think twice about taking on any opponents fully. Instead, it’s quite possible to simply sidestep trouble and find a better position.

If conflict cannot be avoided, then our task will be to work on managing our own well being the best we can. It might be pointless, for example, to eat our usual meals if we are in a traumatized state. Instead, we’ll do well to rest and get help for the trauma, and then get back to our nutritional needs when our bodies are ready to digest.

We may well be in a situation where the “fight” is not so much real, but is in our minds — which is not to say it doesn’t exist or isn’t affecting us. It might be perceived as worry and stress, and we’re projecting into the future about what might happen. It is quite possible that there’s a way through this that helps, particularly taking a tip from the Moon’s sextile to Saturn, which indicates sticking to a solid system.

Since Saturn is linked with rock, and the planet is in the subtle sign of Pisces, our help could be as simple as taking a little time each day to meditate with crystals in our hands, or getting to grips with earthing practices, such as walking barefoot in nature for a short while. Some such practices are far from the spiritual mumbo-jumbo that some people may assume; they are based on scientific evidence of chemical exchanges occurring in the human body. And, as our body has a chance to settle and rebalance, so does our mind. It’s a holistic win-win!

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Leo New Moon, August 16, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Leo New Moon

Confidence is high and energy is more creative this month with the New Moon in Leo. We may take steps ahead, perhaps in areas with no experience, and come up smelling of roses, even if things get a little messy along the way!

The potential for disorder or unpredictability is stressed by a square of Uranus in Taurus to the Moon. These planets, both based in fixed signs, suggest we have little choice in what happens, at least initially. Since Uranus is one of the outermost planets, it’s very likely that what we’re involved in is part of a more general, community, or societal situation. The good news is that we are not entirely alone and may be able to find identification or other support through linking with others.

Further good news is likely in that, although Uranian events are often most disruptive, they do sweep off the cobwebs in a positive way, and some things become naturally brighter. Figuratively, if we’ve had an experience that was more like a field razing, clearing out old debris, we can be sure that the burning-off procedure will bring about purification and set the soil right for future fertility.

Despite knowing this, we will still be jolted and inconvenienced from the initial interruption. But overall, what comes is likely to be so much better. Notably, in the tarot, Uranus is associated with The Fool. The card typically bears a zero on its face, and is also associated with the number 22. In numerology, this reduces to 4, a number associated with structures and the act of building. This means that we can move away from the void or emptiness of zero, and the freedom this presents can help us build a safe platform for the future. This can apply in all sorts of situations, such as relationships, or involvements in the material world and less tangible realms.

Another bonus in this lunation is that the Sun is dignified, with great strength in its own sign. We can trust our judgment more — or that of someone around us whom we generally perceive as an upstanding authority or strong, creative leader. Since the New Moon is conjunct Venus, there is a decided sense of kindness and goodness around us — and perhaps a greater chance to connect with people who are on our waveband.

In traditional astrology, the Sun would be viewed as reflecting a more masculine principle and the Moon and Venus a more feminine principle. However we experience these facets — in ourselves or others — we may notice being helped in special ways or by particular qualities in other people.

And if we’re dealing with a healing focus, then the corresponding sides of the body — right for masculine and left for feminine — may be especially relevant and restorative. Troubles afflicting our parents, or even their parents further generations back, may have filtered down the line and be showing up as physical illnesses or pains. Some people could set out to address ancestral issues, or others turn to spiritual practitioners who are inspiring leaders, or we may also experience a dawning of some kind around an area of trauma.

Finally, as Venus has associations with financial matters, we may also see a new chapter opening in monetary affairs, with an emphasis on improvement. Maybe we’re in line for a role that will help ease our fiscal situation, or we’re finally able to take steps forwards with a plan to clear a debt problem, or we’re presented with an option that involves a key investment — any of which could alleviate our future. The message seems to be: Smile and be bold, better things are coming!

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Aquarius Full Moon, August 1, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Aquarius Full Moon

The Aquarius Full Moon presses us to work out where our principles lie and to pledge that we stand by them. In the case of trying to break a habit, we may soon realize how attached we’ve become to certain ways and rituals, and the requirement to adjust our usual behaviors could require us to work through mental or emotional baggage. For this, we should not expect fast results or a quick turnaround: planets in fixed signs show us that time and a persistent approach are needed.

Adding tension to the Full Moon is a set of squares from Sun and Moon to Jupiter in Taurus. Once again, zodiac sign fixity is underscored: we might feel caught between a rock and a hard place! Seeking compromise helps alleviate the intensity. Remember, whilst stress can seem invisible at times, it can also be clearly felt in the body or experienced in the environment, emerging in accidents, illnesses, or flare-ups, for example.

We can do ourselves a favor and avoid chronic stress if we take steps to make life easier and more manageable as we go. How this occurs will differ from person to person, but the Moon’s dispositors offer clues. With Saturn, it’s about knowing our limits and setting fair boundaries. With Uranus, maybe it’s choosing a different course of action or finding the right moment and doing something on another day.

There is also a simple, effective strategy for observing how Jupiter’s abundance can be both a blessing and a problem in our lives! Do you tend to seize too many new opportunities at once? Try using the grounding quality of Jupiter in Taurus as a reminder that there’s a limit to what we can fit in, and strive to take tangible action to assess and manage obligations more realistically, such as consulting your calendar or diary and plotting out specific hours for set tasks.

Achieving objectivity by distancing oneself from any matter and finding a clearer perspective is one of the great Aquarian strengths. In some instances, simply building in breathing space is going to be helpful. Indeed, we might even earmark time for breathing exercises, which help us to regulate energy. Practicing yogic breathwork could be a key to making subtle, regular adjustments in our routine, making each day’s tasks more approachable.

Bear in mind, no matter what strategies we aim to put in place, Jupiter could test our resolve. This is a planet that values freedom and it’s inclined, at times, to take liberties! But, if we seek it, we can find that precious middle ground, particularly by appreciating that a little flexibility, in the right context, could be a good thing. It’s perhaps only a problem if we go “all in,” without stopping to consider whether our choices and actions are wise. For if we pay no heed at all, we could just as easily become entrenched and struggle.

Something else to observe in this lunation is that Saturn opposes Mercury, suggesting arguments over boundaries and limits. Maybe we don’t like being offered fewer options or being told “no” — yet, the minimalist option could well be the right one for us!

A square of Uranus in Taurus to Venus in Leo, lodged in fixed signs, presents us with conflict. Here, we have something of a contradiction, because fixed signs tend to emphasize loyalty, whilst the square between Uranus and Venus is decidedly fidgety! So perhaps we agree to disagree in certain instances, and allow a modicum of choice, despite someone else’s insistence that their opinion reflects the official line. All in all, there’s some jostling, whilst a little give-and-take seems to be the key to managing mixed energies.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Cancer New Moon, July 17th, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Cancer New Moon

The Cancer New Moon introduces a new phase of caring, whether our role is to look after another or pay more attention to our own needs. It may be time to shift focus to who’s last on the list. Perhaps we feel the impetus emotionally before doing so. But, in certain scenarios, it will simply be that the task rolls itself up, like a boulder we just can’t get around. Our job is plain: press on with whatever is required.

This role doesn’t have to be onerous or thankless. Maybe the deeper task is to work out methods that feel positive to give and pleasant to receive. The Cancerian Moon often brings a reminder of the mother archetype, offering unconditional love, which we frequently crave, but find can be in short supply. To receive it, we may first have to give it — or model something of that nature.

The New Moon opposes Pluto, so we could finally put an end to a chapter, relationship, or mode of being. When Pluto hangs over us, we can get fed up with a state of oppression and want out — whatever the cost may be. A resulting state of freedom can be worth so much more. Ensure that whatever is stipulated or agreed to can hold, so the situation is finally declared “over.”

During a Moon–Pluto opposition, matters may not roll out especially simply, which could pit our energies, desires, or needs against someone else’s. A dramatic showdown might be followed by a void or sense of nothingness. We should not worry too much, however, because any alarming drama should end once the energy has been expended. There’s work to do but the new direction that needs to be built will likely be more clear. The ground we thought safe is different, or the resource we relied upon may have run dry. It’s time to set sights elsewhere and ascertain where fertile land exists — it’s surely out there somewhere!

Occasionally, with Pluto transits where we’ve faced some situation, lack, or devastation, there is gold to be panned or a prize to be had. We might just need to dig deeper or try harder to uncover it! This will require extra energy of us, and we’ll have to work out whether we have enough, or if we’re willing to wait until we do.

Since the Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, the really good news is that we can escape from people or situations that are stifling, blocking, or tempestuous. We can sail on calmer seas or find easier-going people to hook up with. A Neptune trine can be a little like receiving salve on a wound: we get the care and healing we need, no matter how deep the injury. And now we sense that things can only get better!

A sextile between the Moon and Uranus indicates an opportunity to leave behind an outdated system or situation, opening the door to a new lease on freedom, a breath of fresh air, and a chance for more individual expression.

The strength of our feelings counts more when the Moon is in its own sign. Tuning in and listening to their messages may move you to tears, intense joy, anger, or delight. But with outer planets involved, feelings can be more subtle, showing up as signals in the body. The chakra energy centers — bands through the body from head to feet — indicate points of healing. If we work out correspondences for where we feel sensations, we can see where healing is possible.

One method is to sample single aromatherapy essences and notice in which part of the body you feel a resonance (e.g., the heart, the stomach). Particularly, if you like the aroma, it’s likely some healing can be achieved in the corresponding body area (if you plan to apply that oil in the same place). This could be part of a plan to help change an emotional pattern or offer a physical boost. (Note: Essential oils should be diluted before use.)

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Sagittarius Full Moon, June 3rd, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Sagittarius Full Moon

The Sagittarius Full Moon spotlights the recognition of a wider range of feelings, possibly discovering their greater meaning and rising above them. At times, the very basic but often intense experiences of sadness, anger, and fear, in particular, become tiresome, even exhausting. And we get fed up with living on those planes. Something could occur soon that allows a step up from them, and we start to view matters in a new way.

What was once a source of irritation becomes a casual curiosity; we question why we felt so wound up before, yet not now. Maybe someone lets us down over an arrangement, yet we see that the freed-up time turns out to be of benefit. Or we feel confident that the person had a genuine reason, and that there’ll be another chance to link up. These developments could seem a far cry from the depths of disappointment or secret doubts of self-worth based around another’s choices or actions.

A Full Moon provides counterplay between the Moon and the Sun, the latter of which is in Gemini — a sign linked to toying with ideas and plans. Playing with possibilities and potentials can feel more fun or intriguing than taking a definite action. But failing to launch something clear can frustrate Sagittarius. Hence, tension during this lunation may result because we — or someone around us — can’t make up our mind. But the Moon trines Mars in Leo, so there’s clearly an option for definite, swift action. It will be up to us whether we spot it and act on it, since trines suggest a lack of pressure or motivation. So perhaps we need to feel moved to act or be able to spot the benefit in so doing.

The Moon also squares Saturn in Pisces. The square between two zodiac signs of a similar quality — in this case mutable — can seem puzzling, until we remember that the elements of those signs matter too. Sagittarius fire versus Pisces water explains possible clashes. Maybe Saturn in Pisces wants to take a meandering route towards collecting concrete evidence and pinning down facts, for example, whilst the Sagittarian Moon intuitively senses the answers through flashes of inspiration and wonders why so much time is being wasted!

Squares can indicate inner tension rather than external pressure, so we might be fighting two different internal impulses. Once we recognize the creative potential of meeting on the corner of these, without an aggressive and dangerous collision, we’ll see that each side has something valuable to offer.

The Moon’s dispositor, Jupiter in Taurus, seeks a lasting solution. Fast progress may only seem truly desirable if the pathway includes longevity in the overall impact. Maybe it is worthwhile to check out some Saturn in Pisces-style facts after all! And especially since Jupiter sextiles Saturn, suggesting there’s a benefit in going the extra mile. However, Jupiter squares Pluto, emphasizing conflict. Since Pluto is in Aquarius, we might be stuck on an issue of principle. Yet, difficult Pluto aspects are often an indication that something has passed its most useful point, and it could be time to let go and move on. With release comes sudden progress!

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Scorpio Lunar Eclipse, May 5th, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Scorpio Lunar Eclipse Full Moon

The Scorpio lunation is a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning the Earth blocks out just some of the Sun’s light from the Moon. The penumbra is described as the edge of the Earth’s shadow, and being outermost, it’s actually a lighter part of the shadow. The long and the short of this is that something in our lives might be somewhat obscured but not completely so. Therefore, we likely have some information that’s useful or valuable, and anything that comes to light now might not be such a shock because of it. It might be that we find a few missing puzzle pieces, but still don’t quite have them all — something that time itself could resolve.

Scorpio is a sign associated with a certain amount of secrecy or hidden factors. So maybe we’re trying to keep something covered up — but it’s not that easy! The cloth wants to slip a little. It might be worth double-checking how details are tethered down or simply realize that we don’t have complete control over the matter. Alternatively, maybe we realize that it’s OK to allow just a little bit more information to see the light of day.

This situation can be especially relevant to how we now feel about a set of past actions or decisions which, at the time, we really didn’t feel so great about. Perhaps we were judged harshly, either by ourselves or others. But with hindsight, we can adopt a new understanding and adjust our stance — maybe also finding that others don’t view us quite as severely as we once imagined!

The Scorpio Moon is opposed by retrograde Mercury, indicating a desire to put feelings and needs into words, yet struggling to do so fully at this time. Internally, this could be due to habitually getting caught up in deep feelings, causing distance and making it difficult to describe them. Or externally, because a situation somehow prohibits full expression — maybe we don’t risk saying something to prevent a flare-up, for example. This dynamic could also apply to restricted movement or travel. Remember, Mercury won’t always be retrograde, and our moment for greater flexibility is just ahead.

Also noticeable in this lunation is the collection of planets in water signs — Moon at 14° Scorpio, Mars at 21° Cancer, and Saturn at 5° Pisces. As we can see from the range of degrees, the planets are not close enough to be in a degree based trine. If they were, we might be looking at the unique gifts and blessings of a water grand trine. But in late-March 2023, the Mars– Saturn trine offered an opportunity towards harmony and cooperation, and distant echoes of this continue to prompt us to remember past attempts to manage a relationship or situation in a smoother way so everyone could benefit.

As Mars and Saturn are termed the “malefics” in traditional astrology, it’s easy to view or even experience them as cosmic villains when they show up in our lives. Yet, there are times when we need the brusqueness of Mars, alongside the insistence of by-the-book Saturn. And whilst a certain development or initiative may initially seem a bit harsh, perhaps we’ll be glad for such decisiveness and certainty at some level!

What we really can’t ignore, though, is the way that Uranus conjoins the Sun and opposes the Moon at this time, indicating that a breath of fresh air really is needed somewhere in our lives. Uranus has a way of delivering this as a short, sharp shock, like a lightning flash. In that moment, something is irrevocably changed. And once the dust settles and we get a chance to see the change, we may well sense relief as we survey a whole new vista ahead! The Moon’s ruler is the planet Pluto, in a square with Jupiter –– signalling disruption and awkwardness. Sticking to our own truth and integrity may necessitate a messy ending.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis

Aries Solar Eclipse, April 19, 2023

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Wendy Cicchetti

Aries Solar Eclipse New Moon

The Aries solar eclipse is a total eclipse, meaning that the Sun is entirely obscured by the Moon for a while. It’ll be as though someone put the light out in the sky! The eclipse won’t be viewable in all parts of the world, either partially or entirely, due to location or visibility, but eclipse symbolism remains relevant astrologically. Unlike a lunar eclipse when the Sun and Moon oppose one another, during a solar eclipse, the Sun and Moon appear aligned in the same spot. This means there’s a jostling of position in Aries alone, showing a concentration of energy.

What does it mean when the Moon seems to have the upper hand over the Sun for a moment in time? It could be that emotional factors rule the day, with normal logic cast to one side — or just literally, not visible within our consciousness.

Aries is known for immediate and, sometimes, volatile responses, given rulership by fiery Mars. Decisions made from an emotional stance may be particularly extreme under an eclipse. Normally, we tend not to react from this place. But something may be revealed that triggers an intense response. Whether we view it as a “good” or “bad” response may depend on the situation.

For example, when our response is quick and we overreact to a relationship issue, are we in touch with all the information needed to make a wise decision and take the best action? Would it be better to step back for a moment and gather more facts before acting impulsively? Or contrarily, have we steadily waited for certain results, only to find another scenario unfolding and this is now the final straw? Some situations do require decisive action when enough is enough.

A sense of urgency prompted by this eclipse may cause a project to feel deeply important, underlined by the Sun and Moon in the anaretic degree of Aries — like a “last-minute” situation and we feel strongly motivated to get on the boat/plane/waiting list before it’s too late! Forewarned is forearmed during eclipse season. Remember, we do have choices. And if we need an extra push for the chance to make something positive happen, the eclipse energy could support our initiative.

The current lunation doesn’t just show hidden or overlooked factors through the eclipse itself, however. Several important planetary aspects are out-of-sign, making them easily overlooked. For example, Saturn at 4° Pisces sextiles the eclipse, whilst Pluto squares it from 0° Aquarius. It’s easier to notice aspects such as this if we think about what it would be like if the Sun and Moon were just one degree further on, placed at 0° Taurus, instead of 29° Aries. But the dissociate connections cannot be ignored and have their own symbolic significance.

For instance, it may be that someone seems to be presenting themselves one way whilst we saw them behave differently in another light. Perhaps we have to decide which version is genuine — or most meaningful to us. This aspect may also coincide with somebody turning out to be less solid and helpful than we imagined, or more stuck in their ways than we thought could be possible. As such, this appears to be a turning point in time, and we adjust our focus to see things as they really are. Once we do, making choices for the future will almost certainly seem easier!

That said, dealing with the stark reality of things that we imagined to be otherwise, might feel quite painful. The dissociate Moon–Pluto aspect suggests a wrangling process, where we need to handle internal arguments before we reach a point of peace. But it will be worth it, as a much deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the situations we face is likely to emerge.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis