Eclipses usually come in pairs. In this eclipse sequence there are three of them, two solar and one lunar. This Full Moon in Aquarius is a total lunar eclipse and the second one in this sequence. Two weeks ago there was a partial solar eclipse in Cancer. Another partial solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 11, 2018, in Leo.

This spectacular lunar eclipse will be visible in many parts of the world, at least partially. This is the longest total lunar eclipse of the century, because the Moon is passing through the center of the Earth’s shadow, and also because the Moon is near its apogee (the point of greatest distance) and thus moves slowly. Totality lasts 1 hour and 43 minutes, and the total duration of the eclipse is 6 hours, 14 minutes. Central lunar eclipses are the darkest ones and they are relatively rare. The previous one occurred seven years ago. During the total phase, the Moon will look reddish. If the sky is clear, the total phase should be visible in its entirety in southern Finland, where I live.

What makes this eclipse astrologically really interesting is that the Moon will be in conjunction with retrograding Mars. At the moment we are in the middle of the retrograde period of Mars (from June 26 to Aug. 27), and Mars reaches its opposition to the Sun on the day of the lunar eclipse. Now Mars is closer to Earth and shines brighter than usually in the sky. Also Mercury turned retrograde the day before the eclipse.

Retrograding planets work a bit differently than planets in direct motion. It is possible that the usual expression of the planet gets inhibited. Normally Mars gives us courage, initiative, desire and other beneficial features, but also anger and aggression. In Aquarius this could come out as collective rage. Turning anger inwards is as undesirable as is uncontrollable rage.

The Full Moon is always an opposition of the Sun and the Moon. All eclipses take place near the lunar nodes. In Leo, opposite the Moon and in conjunction with the Sun and the North node of the Moon is 32532 Thereus, a centaur planet with orbital period of over 34 years. This centaur can help us in dealing with Mars retrograde. In Greek mythology centaur Thereus was a hunter who captured bears and carried them home, alive and struggling. Why would anyone take a raging bear to their home? The myth doesn’t give us the answer, as there is nothing more told about Thereus.

Behind anger there is usually pain, and it takes courage and patience to face old wounds. In “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés there is a chapter in which she talks about rage and how to deal with it. Rage can become a teacher. She tells us a Japanese tale called “The Crescent Moon Bear”. These words of Dr. Pinkola Estés can offer us the missing piece of the Greek myth:

“So rather than trying to ‘behave’ and not feel our rage or rather than using it to burn down every living thing in a hundred-mile radius, it is better to first ask rage to take a seat with us, have some tea, talk a while so we can find out what summoned this visitor.”

Ever since I read the tale of the crescent moon bear, I have in my imagination seen centaur Thereus in his home cave, having tea and a chat with an angry bear. 32532 Thereus, like all other centaur planets, has potential for healing.

The New Moon at 20+ degrees of Cancer is a partial solar eclipse. The Moon covers only part of the Sun, but anyhow, this is an intense eclipse, because it takes place exactly opposite Pluto.

Right after the eclipse, on July 16, 2018, President Trump and President Putin will meet at the Helsinki summit. This is the first official meeting between these two world leaders. The Sabian symbol for the eclipse degree is Cancer 21 “A prima donna singing”. Perhaps we are going to see two of them.

This solar eclipse belongs to the Saros series 2 Old North. In “Predictive astrology: the eagle and the lark”, Bernadette Brady has delineated this eclipse family, based on the initial eclipse in the series, as follows: “This is a difficult eclipse family, as its members bring unfortunate news concerning friendships or relationships. You will be dealing with ideas of separation or the ending of a union. However, although the picture may look glum as the eclipse takes effect, the actual results are quite positive. You will quickly grasp what has to be done and fast action can bring good results. The theme of this eclipse is action concerning personal relationships.”

The planetary ruler of Cancer is the Moon. Sometimes, for a more accurate interpretation, each zodiac sign can be subdivided into three segments called decans. This eclipse falls in the last decan of Cancer, which is ruled by Neptune. In “Eclipse interpretation manual”, Rose Lineman describes this position like this: “Neptune’s [influence] in the third as sub-ruler lends an ethereal quality to Cancerian expression. Domestic priorities become prominent on a universal scale.”

Astrology is dualistic in its nature. Pluto’s polarity was clearly perceived soon after its discovery, long before its double companion Charon was found. Pluto is a planet of power. Along with its purging quality and tremendous ability to propel spiritual growth and renewal, also tendencies for control and manipulation belong in its dominion. The eclipse takes effect opposite Pluto. An opposition aspect can raise awareness or increase the possibility of a conflict.

Pluto is associated with places underground. Among other things, sewers belong to his symbolism. Pluto operates invisibly, and when the time is ripe, he brings the secrets into daylight. I was amused reading that sewer covers are being welded shut in Helsinki for the next week’s summit meeting as a security procedure. I don’t think that it is going to prevent Pluto!

This solar eclipse occurs in conjunction with 52975 Cyllarus, a centaur planet discovered almost 20 years ago by American amateur astronomer Nichole Danzl. The orbital period is over 133 years and the diameter is about 70 kilometers.

52975 Cyllarus was named after a young and beautiful centaur in Greek mythology. Cyllarus and Hylonome were like Romeo and Juliet. Cyllarus was severely wounded in a battle and died in the arms of his beloved. In her despair Hylonome killed herself by throwing herself onto the same javelin that had pierced her partner.

Symbolically the centaurs represent shadow material in our consciousness. A death of a centaur can stand for a crisis in one’s life, which through awareness leads to change and growth. In the case of Cyllarus, what happens afterwards may gain more significance than the initial occurrence. Cyllarus is reminding us to be conscious of the choices we are making in our lives. The decisions we make directly affect not just us but also other people around us.