Full Moon in Aquarius / Partial Lunar Eclipse — August 16, 2008, 21:16 UT

Eclipses come in pairs. Two weeks ago we experienced a solar eclipse, and now it is time for a lunar eclipse in turn. The Sun and Moon are aligning opposite each other, the Earth is between them, and the Moon is passing through the Earth’s shadow. The Full Moon of the month is a partial lunar eclipse in Aquarius. This eclipse occurs on the North node of the Moon. Neptune, Chiron and the node have been in conjunction all summer, and now the eclipsed Moon conjoins them.

Eclipses offer us a chance to create new patterns and take a new approach, but we ourselves need to make the decisions, to choose the direction and to make some effort in order to make it all happen. The Centaur planet Thereus is squaring the Sun and Moon as an indication of the inner resistance we may encounter in this. In mythology, Thereus was a centaur who used to catch bears and carry them into his cave angry and alive.

The Sun-Moon-Neptune combination can be idealistic, intuitive, imaginative, artistic and sensuous, but also unstable and altruistic. Chiron, the wounded healer can make us painfully aware of things that are coming to an end, or require change. On the other hand, Aquarius is an easy-going mental sign, emotionally detached and rational, which ought to give some easement to these planetary energies.

Mars in Virgo is almost exactly square to Pluto in Sagittarius. Mars square Pluto is not usually described as an easy aspect, but no doubt there is drive in it. It can help us to avoid passivity that is possibly ensuing from the Neptune aspects.

Passivity is depicted in the chart also by a Grand trine; a grand trine can be harmonious, flowing and rewarding, but it can create cyclical patterns that are difficult to get out of. The notably accurate Grand trine in this chart beautifully combines the energies of two benefics, Venus and Jupiter, and Vesta, the asteroid of burning fire.

Mercury, Venus and Saturn are in triple conjunction in Virgo. Venus in Virgo helps us to sort out what matters most and what can be thrown overboard. Saturn’s presence adds consideration and practicality to this equation.

The trine between the Leo Sun and Pluto at the Galactic Core shows desire for profound transformation. Asteroid Icarus conjunct the Sun and opposite Neptune advises not to take any irresponsible escape from reality. Icarus can represent a desire to break free, or take a risk, but it can also point to matters where we possibly want to have a broad perspective.

Also in conjunction with the Sun is asteroid Freia as a protective image. This asteroid is named after the Norse goddess of sex, love and divination. Goddess Freya is equivalent for the Roman goddess Venus and the Greek goddess Aphrodite. She was a gentle protectress, “the giver of all joys, delights, and pleasures.” Full Moon is one of her symbols.

References:

Metamorphoses by Ovid

Planet Waves, Astrology Secrets Reveald, On the subject of Pluto and Icarus

Jean Lang, Myths from around the World, Senate Press Limited, 1996

One Response to “Full Moon in Aquarius / Partial Lunar Eclipse — August 16, 2008, 21:16 UT”

  1. Mysti Easterwood Says:

    Kirsti,

    I’ve been reading you for a couple of months now… good work! This eclipse has been something of a puzzle, and curiously, your description of the physical placement of the celestials triggered clarity about how they will work for me and my cohort.

    I have been twitching a bit about that Mars/Pluto square rolling up against this eclipse, but per your insight will simply stand watch for ‘deep energy.’ Another thing that seems like a factor is the extraordinary convergence of Mars/Saturn/Merc/Venus in Virgo – the girl next door. Surely all of this (earthsun)moonlight is going to strum them like a lute.

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