This July, we move into Eclipse Season. The last eclipses we had were in January-February. We’ve got 2 solar eclipses (7/12, 8/11) this summer, and one lunar eclipse (7/27). The lunar eclipse will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the century.
Eclipses are generally associated with beginnings and endings, and always herald a change. Skeptics will argue that that’s a lot of change, to which I counter that the only constant is, in fact, change. Solar eclipses tend to be about surprise beginnings, and are usually more global than personal. Lunar eclipses are more internal and introspective, and are more about endings.
Astrostyle says
“During Solar Eclipses the Moon is directly between the Earth and Sun (known as a conjunction between the Sun and the Moon). During this brief time the Moon can “block out” the Sun, temporarily turning off the lights, if you will. We have a finite focus as human beings, and it’s natural to concentrate on what’s in front of us. At times, this can limit our perspectives on the world, and even cause us to miss out on opportunities. Solar Eclipses might snatch away the familiar temporarily, forcing us to consider options we would never otherwise explore. Although this can cause temporary upheaval, eclipses are “cruel to be kind.” Major growth can happen during these cosmic power outages. This is when we should leap into new (and generally improved) terrain, even if we feel forced there by circumstance.
“During a Lunar Eclipse, the Earth is exactly between the Sun and the Moon (known as an opposition between the Sun and the Moon). For a brief spell, we can see the Earth’s shadow turning the luminous Full Moon intense shades of reds, browns and grays. According to astrology, Lunar Eclipses give us a glimpse into what Carl Jung referred to as the “shadow self.” We all want to think of ourselves as good, kind people, but c’mon—we’re also human! What we discover about ourselves and others during Lunar Eclipses can be tough to swallow, even shocking. Still, this gives us the opportunity to embrace our wholeness, and see where we have room to grow in new directions. Owning the fact that we have emotions like fear, anger, jealousy and rage is the way to get a handle on them. Trying to pretend we’re Polly Pure or Sam Straightlaced? That’s when our feelings creep up and overwhelm us. If we’re willing to accept the good along with the bad, Lunar Eclipses can be magical moments of discovery.”
So we’re looking at a lot of change – some big, sudden external ones, and some changes of self-discovery. My recommendation to you during this eclipse season is to practice self care and rest in the arms of your community as much as possible. That means
- getting enough deep sleep
- eating things fairly close to nature
- remembering to breathe
- giving yourself space to process
- spending time outside if you can
- telling people you care about them
- grounding (grounding grounding grounding)
- utilizing your daily practice
- and breaking bread with people you love.
Also…
Turn off the electronics and be face-to-face with people so you can remember their (and your) humanity.
May you be the Light of the World!
Ayamanatara
– Eclipse Season originally appeared in the July 2018 Newsletter