The arrival of July sees the commencement of a new eclipse season. A Total Solar Eclipse takes place on July 2nd, 8.16 pm BST at 10 degrees 37 Cancer.
The Solar Eclipse will be followed by a partial lunar eclipse on July 16th at 24 Capricorn.
This is the third eclipse of 2019, which sees five eclipses taking place in total. Two occurred in January, a partial solar eclipse on January 6th at 15 Capricorn and a total lunar eclipse on January 21st at 1 Leo, and on December 26th we will have an annual solar eclipse at 4 Capricorn.
The Meaning of a Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs on what would already be a new Moon, the difference is the presence of the Moon’s nodes. The Moon’s nodes are the point where the motion of the Moon intersects the ecliptic – the apparent path of the Sun.
Once the Sun is within 18 degrees of the nodes, which happens every six months, an eclipse can occur, this is because the Sun and Moon will be aligned not only by longitude, the east/west measurement along the ecliptic shown by zodiac sign and degree, but also by declination which measures the distance north/south from the celestial equator.
At a new Moon, the Moon is positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, and astrologically conjunct, however it is only when they are also simultaneously at the same declination, the point up/down, known as a parallel, and the Earth, Sun and Moon are all level in the heavens, that they line up and it is possible for the Moon to obscure part or all of the Sun – and an eclipse results!
A solar eclipse is an enhanced, souped up new Moon. A new Moon is the start of a new cycle, this means we could be initiating, starting something brand new or refreshing, spicing up a habitual routine. It’s a time to sow seeds – new ideas, goals or approaches in life.
At a solar eclipse, the Moon dims and blocks the Sun, the lunar interrupts and suspends the solar, our inner world, our unconscious – instincts and intuition takes precedence over our external world, our conscious thoughts and actions.
A solar eclipse is the darkness within which something is brewing, concocting before emerging into the light. Whatever has been camourflaged, concealed or kept secret will surface into conscious realisation, be exposed and acknowledged. Eclipses are catalysts, they shake things up, instigating unpredictable outcomes. Eclipses can reveal what is over, what we need to move on from, to make room for new possibilities and choices to arise, that ultimately lead us to personally develop and evolve.
Saros Series
This solar eclipse is total, meaning it has enhanced oomph, and will be visible in the South Pacific, Chile and Argentina. Eclipses all belong to specific groups that repeat every 18 years and 9 – 11 days, this was discovered thousands of years ago by the Babylonians and is known as the Saros cycle or series.
Eclipse expert Bernadette Brady informs us that eclipses from the same Saros cycle share similar themes and expression. This eclipse is from Saros Series 3 North, in The Eagle and the Lark she says that it’s main theme is news involving young people or that transforms a situation. It could also influence individuals to undertake large plans or activities, which can be positive, as long as they don’t get carried away.
The last eclipse from this cycle was on June 21st 2001 at 0 degrees Cancer. Eclipses also repeat on the same degree every 19 years due to the Metonic cycle, the last one at 10 degrees Cancer was on July 1st 2000. Recalling what was going on in your life around either of these dates may help decipher your personal message from this eclipse, especially if 0 or 10 degrees Cancer are close to a natal planet or point in your chart.
Eclipse aspects
The eclipse takes place in Cancer, making the Moon strong in her own sign. In fact the lunation, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Uranus are all ruled by the Moon. Emotions could be freely flowing, pure and unrestrained, instinctive and possibly a touch sensitive and delicate.
Cancer is concerned with family, children, nurture, memories, our early years, how we feel safe and secure. This eclipse is on the north node, so it is future orientated, emphasising how we look after and care for ourselves and others, who are we united to come what may, whether this is family – or friends we count as family, our most precious relationships, how we feel protected and fortified.
Opposite the eclipse, and conjunct the south node is Saturn, this conjunction becomes exact on 4th July. The South node takes note of the past, and Saturn is known as the Lord of Karma. So rules, responsibilities, restrictions, ambitions, career or livelihood matters that are interwoven with the past, that need to be overcome or faced are part of the possible scenarios for this eclipse. Just before the eclipse the Moon squares Chiron, providing further illustration of an inner vulnerability coming to the surface, perhaps a part of ourselves we feel fragile or awkward about that we need to come to terms or make peace with.
The eclipse takes place in exact parallel to Venus. This brings a favourable influence, some positive energy, Venus likes peace and harmony in relationships, and appreciates art, beautiful things and creativity. Venus enters Cancer July 3rd at 4.18pm GMT, and will help ease and soothe the ambiance. A beneficial time to get together with family or friends, prepare a sumptuous feast for those we love, tackle a project in the home or garden that leads to a visually pleasurable, welcoming space – assisting us to enrich our way forward, our north node. Venus reaches the eclipse degree on July 12th, so that date may prove significant.
On a personal level, the influence of this eclipse will be more prominent and striking if the eclipse degree touches on a natal planet or point, especially in one of the Cardinal signs of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra.
Tarot ~ The Three of Cups
The eclipse takes place in the second decan or face of Cancer, ruled by Mercury, the corresponding tarot card is the three of cups.
In the Rider Waite Smith deck, the three of cups pictures three women dancing, surrounded by an abundance of fruit and vegetables – a successful harvest with plenty to last through the winter, raising their cups in a toast.
This card is about celebration, merriment and pleasure. Honouring and showing gratitude for success and prosperity. Along with uniting, gathering together with friends or family to share the good fortune and reward all the effort and toil to attain it.
The Moon’s influence, ruler of Cancer, is shown by the three women who are linked to the triple goddess – maiden, mother, crone, who are reflected in the phases of the Moon and the cycles of life.
Cancer is a sign concerned with family life and home comforts, and accordingly possesses a need to feel secure and protected – a bountiful harvest with ample for the winter months provides reassurance and comfort. Mercury who rules Gemini and Virgo, can be seen in the party and celebration aspect of the card, but also through his role as god of commerce and trade – his business expertise, the exchange of ideas and goods, contributing to a successful venture.
“ I am the ritual of celebration. I remind you of things that have worked out well and life’s problems that have been solved by joining forces with family and friends.
Take time now to recognize your accomplishments and honour the people who have helped you along the way. Cherish your associations. Good results are seldom achieved alone.” ~ Spiritual Tarot, by Echols, Mueller and Thomson, page 178
Images
Top Image ~ Unsplash
3 of Cups from The Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schroter