AUGUST 2017 HARVEST LUNAR ECLIPSE IN AQUARIUS

07 August 2017, 19h10 BST

MAJOR THEMES

This eclipse occurs at the time of the Sturgeon Moon, which is associated with the abundance of the harvest – and of the waters. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this Moon was called the “Moon When All Things Ripen” by some Native American tribes.

Astrologically, this is a time when the Sun in the northern hemisphere is at its strongest. Although not as high in the sky, it is at its peak in terms of heat – one of the reasons why it rules the fire sign of Leo. Lunar eclipses always occur when the Sun and Moon oppose each other from their zodiacal positions on either side of the earth, so it seems obvious that this type of eclipse can only occur in Aquarius around about this point in the solar cycle.

Unlike the February eclipses, which had a strong Venusian flavour, the August eclipse series will see Mars and Jupiter both figure quite strongly. The planets of action and expansion have both been fairly active – and in constant interaction with each other – since the beginning of 2017. Each has also been taking it in turns to tango with Pluto – a dance that has led to a great deal of pain, on one hand, and deep structural reform/catharsis and healing, on the other.

Given that the Moon is in Aquarius, this eclipse is also likely to carry themes about the ending of a collective cycle of some kind – a social contract or group arrangement that is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be updated so that it remains relevant and humanitarian. Coming off the back of the Jupiter-Pluto square on August the 4th, this eclipse is likely to occur against an increase in calls for more equality in society and a desire to remodel institutions along more ethical lines.

I suspect the public will no longer have any appetite for elitist or plutocratic agendas and signal their displeasure (Moon-Mars) with the ruling classes (Sun). The message is likely to be one tinged with anger and a sense of injustice and go something along the lines of ‘the era of greed and exploitation that has characterised capitalism for much of the 20th and 21st centuries has to end’.

On a personal level, this eclipse series is likely to precipitate a time when many of us will feel an urgent call need to push ahead with plans or decisions and break new ground. However, this may be borne out of a much-needed desire to rebalance a situation or set of circumstances that may have become fairly unequal or unfair in some way.

Although you or other people may become more forceful (Mars) about asserting their (Moon) needs or getting their point across (Mercury conjunct North Node) than usual now, you/they will not be unreasonable in terms of your/their demands, thanks to the influence of tolerant and fair Jupiter in Libra.

Sabian Symbol

This eclipse occurs at 15 degrees and 25 minutes of Aquarius-Leo, which is, essentially the 16th degree of Aquarius (the first degree beginning at 0).

The Sabian Symbol for this degree is:

A BIG BUSINESSMAN SITTING AT HIS DESK.

As with the last eclipse in the polar opposite sign of Leo, this degree symbol seems to be underlining themes around leadership, responsibility and, in many ways, a sense of curatorship – looking after a precious resource for the next generation.

The Sabian Oracle offers some other keywords to consider here which may pertain to your personal experience of this event:

Commentary: ‘A Big Businessman at His Desk’ reflects the need for organization, power and leadership. As the ‘Businessman’ is seen as being ‘Big’, he probably has much to look after; details, finances, paperwork, possibly for a large business or group. He can’t truly be successful if he doesn’t have control over the various aspects of his work life. ‘His Desk’ must be in order and he needs a healthy command of his sphere of operations..

Saros Series

This eclipse forms part of the van den Berg series no. 119 – Brady does not cover Saros series information for lunar eclipses.

According to NASA:

Lunar eclipses of Saros 119 all occur at the Moon’s descending node and the Moon moves northward with each eclipse. The series began with a penumbral eclipse near the southern edge of the penumbra on 0935 Oct 14. The series will end with a penumbral eclipse near the northern edge of the penumbra on 2396 Mar 25. The total duration of Saros series 119 is 1460.44 years.

Astrological chart

Key Aspects

This particular eclipse occurs at a time when the planet Mars is hovering close to the Sun, which could heighten passions and increase the likelihood of of both arguments and a rather overt desire to push forward and make progress.

Expect people to feel quite strongly about their point of view and to defend it vigorously! But a little friction is not always a bad thing – at least it shows there is some spark and spunk still there and reminds people of what moves and motivates  them.

Although the Moon will naturally be in opposition to Mars (= increased selfishness, impatience and a tendency to act on impulse and only think things through later), it will also be trine to lucky Jupiter.

The latter aspect should add a degree of measured thinking and a more balanced approach to matters. It should also make people more tolerant than they might be otherwise, given the prominence of Mars – good news because it should help to offset any thoughtless, overly forceful or headstrong energies being encouraged by the red planet in concert with the Leo Sun at this time.

In fact, the Sun and Jupiter will sextile each other a few days later – on August the 10th, completing the circle between the luminaries and the planet of expansion. By this time, heart and head should be more in sync, enabling clearer decision-making and reducing the likelihood of mistakes bourne from rashness.

Parts and Lots

This eclipse could potentially come with a bit of a sting in its tail, especially for world leaders and those in prominent positions: Mars will be conjunct several Arabic Parts, including:

• The Part of Death
• The Part of Faith
• The Part of Sudden Advancement

I suspect that any desire to forcefully break with protocol or tradition and head off in a new direction, although seemingly irrational or hasty, comes from an instinctive place that has seen the writing on the wall and knows that inaction is not an option. Although pushing through boundaries and barriers into new territory requires a modicum of blind faith, that, thanks to Jupiter, is actually well-placed.

The upshot? Going out on a limb or acting from a place of strong desire or passion is likely  to pay off, even if it does come with a high level of risk.

Simultaneously, the Sun will conjunct the Part of Treachery, while the Moon will be within close orb of the Part of the Honourable Acquaintance.

My take on this?Act from your heart and not your head right now. It is possible that your logical mind will let you down now, so instead act from a place of emotional authenticity and integrity – you are unlikely to go far wrong.

On a mundane level, this combination could indicate that male bosses and/or authority figures are not as trustworthy as female advisors – something to bear in mind if you are involved in politics or high level business dealings.

It is also possible that some governments may undergo a very quick succession or change in leadership, possibly due to in-fighting, a damaging leak or a deed that might be construed as an act of betrayal. However, for the populace or political party in question(Moon in Aquarius), the feeling is likely to be one of needing to take action in order to ensure that faith or trust was maintained in the political process.

Overall, then, expect a few twists and turns in the world of business and politics over the next month or so, thanks to the Aquarius lunar eclipse.

Fixed Stars

At time of the lunar eclipse, the Sun will be conjunct the fixed star, Dubhe.This star sits just above Ursa Major in the constellation of the Great Bear. Bernadette Brady describes the influence of this star as ‘loving but forceful.’

This particular constellation is associated with the planet Mars, which we have already highlighted as being prominent during this soli-lunar event.

Astrology King relates that Ursa Major:

…is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengeful when roused. [1]

Astrologically both Bears were said to presage an evil influence. They are particularly injurious as regards to the affairs of nations and kings.

This seems to fit with the omens we can see in relation to the Sun and Mars and the Arabic Parts, so it seems likely that at least one world leader  or CEO could come unstuck now due to a vengeful and scheming enemy right now.

Geographical position

The Aquarius Full Moon eclipse will be visible in East Africa, Central Asia and most of Australia. The lunar eclipse will begin at around 15:50 UT and last until around 20h50 UT. For more information, and a diagram of its visibility, visit the NASA page.

Past Precedent

This group of eclipses previously occurred in 1855, 1873, 1891, 1909, 1927, 1945, 1963, 1981 and 1999 and will not take place again until 2035.