Now that Mars is in Virgo it is moving into strategic alliance with Pluto and Jupiter – a Grand Trine. This is a dynamic setup where inspiration and drive abounds. This aspect lasts from October 2011 to April 2012. If you have a project you want to get off the ground then use this time frame to get it happening. Presently, the Moon sits on the midpoint of Saturn-Neptune. This may slow you down today but it will not last for long so reflect on any negativity to create a counter strategy that will serve you over the next 6 months.

A rare and ‘beautiful’ thing occurred on Friday 1 July 2011 – the start of a new Saros series of eclipses: 13 New South (Jansky) or Saros Series 156 (van den Bergh). This new series will run for over 1200 years and end in 3237. It begins on Friday near the South Pole and winds it way North recurring every 18 years (plus a week or so), with around 72 eclipses in the series.

While an eclipse always occurs close to the Nodes of the Moon this new (and very partial) eclipse is a wide 16° away. Each eclipse moves closer to the Nodes until a total eclipse occurs on the Nodes and at the equator. Subsequent eclipses progressively move away from the Nodes until the last (partial) eclipse of the series.

The eclipse itself occurs at 10° Cancer, and the Sabian symbol is “A large diamond in the first stages of the cutting process”. It deals with the evolution of consciousness at a preliminary stage. There is potential but first the conscious mind must become solid in order to be honed by mentors and teachers. This development is slow and often painful but like the diamond, the finished product is not only beautiful but enduring and valuable. This is the stage of training towards craftsmanship and perfection.

The chart for the birth of this eclipse series features a Grand Cross involving the New Moon in Cancer, Saturn in Libra, Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries. The Moon square Saturn creates a melancholic mood where emotional responses are depressed and a general feeling of lack prevails. At least the Moon is in rulership and Saturn is exalted but the two are incompatible and struggle to interact well. Moon in Cancer is emotional, inclusive, security driven and needy – Saturn in Libra remains at a safe distance by objectifying every interaction and staying impartial. Then there is the square of the Moon and Uranus – this is a highly neurotic, erratic and abrupt aspect that inspires knee jerk reactions with little logic and plenty of fire. And to top it off, Pluto opposes the Moon causing mistrust and power struggles, manipulation and control. In all, a difficult Grand Cross, a sign of challenging times ahead, especially for countries highlighting 10° cardinal, such as Algeria (Sun), Canada (Sun-Uranus), England (Sun), Germany (NNode), Indonesia (NNode), Italy (Sun-Jupiter), Kenya (NNode), Netherlands (NNode), Spain (Moon), Turkey (Asc-Pluto), and USA (Sun-Jupiter-Venus).

The closest midpoints in the chart are Jupiter on the midpoint of Sun|Neptune, Mars on the midpoint of Sun|Jupiter and Pluto on the midpoint of Mars|Jupiter. First of all we have optimism and success with little effort, followed by the urge to succeed, with the ability to tackle large projects. Despite the Grand Cross, these midpoints change the playing field making this eclipse series highly dynamic and capable of achieving great things, both in a positive, creative way and also in an undermining and destructive way. As always it depends on how the people involved choose to express the energies unleashed. Be creative, inventive, think outside the square – draw on skills and talents while trying new methods.

References:
Predictive Astrology – the Eagle and the Lark by Bernadette Brady
www.zyntara.com/VisualAstrologyNewsletters/van_June2011/van_june2011.html
www.astrologyweekly.com/countries/

Botany Bay
26 January 1788
5.23am
The rowboat reaches the shore and hoists the flag as the Aquarian Sun rises on the eastern horizon…

Australia
26 January 2011
8:32am
People wake to the peace that descends on a Nation having a day off…

Take a moment to stop and think. This was the day England claimed land that already had “owners”. The native people mourn this day while the invaders celebrate. It is indeed bittersweet and cause for reflection…

In 2011 focus on treating each other with mutual respect and remember that we are caretakers of the planet. We’re here for a short time and Earth graciously offers us respite, resources and recreation (amongst other things) during our stay. Reciprocate the gesture by giving back – offer respite, share resources, be playful with each other, and tend the land as your own body. The recent floods remind us the mother nature really is in charge here.

This sentiment is reflected in the Solar Return chart.
- the Moon sits high on the Midheaven in Libra: an easy-going, laid-back attitude
- Mars in Aquarius on the Ascendant: being independent and detached from what’s going on around us
- Solar Return Sun in the 11th: group activities (conj Mars) eg. a military BBQ with fireworks (Aquarius)
- Jupiter/Uranus in 1st: unexpected events, exciting new possibilites, a revolutionary stance

Please feel free to add your comments and observations

Greatest eclipse occurs at 08:50:35 UT in northern Sweden

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun blocking its light. In this case, the eclipse only partially obscures Earth’s view of the Sun. Nonetheless it will be powerful. If you have planets from 2 – 14 degrees cardinal then you will be affected by the energy of this eclipse. Countries affected by these degrees include (in no particular order): China; Iceland; USA; Italy; Spain; Azerbaijan … and they all fall in the eclipse zone. (image courtesy NASA – Espenak & Meeus)

The eclipse’s shadow starts in northern Algeria at 06:40:11 UT and travels east such that western Europe will be treated to a partial eclipse at sunrise. The eclipse continues on to Scandinavia and reaches its maximum at 08:50:35 UT in northern Sweden. A sunset eclipse will be visible from central Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northwest China and ends at 11:00:54 UT.

With the eclipse occurring on the ascending Node, it’s energy is future-focused and brings with it new and challenging influences. Every eclipse is challenging but this one occurs with Pluto and Mars on either side creating a formidable stellium. There is nothing lightweight or cursory about it. Structural change will occur and it could get ugly. Pluto encourages profound change that can transform one’s fate. Throw Mars into the mix and it becomes explosive. Saturn is squaring this stellium so resistance, coldness, and formality will slow each step and enhance the seriousness of it’s effects. This is a major turning point on a global scale. The countries who miss it’s effects will feel the backlash proving we live in a global economy. Venus in Scorpio squaring Neptune is the blind spot where fantasy and passion override common sense.

The eclipse itself occurs at 13CAP38. The Sabian symbol for 14 Capricorn is “An ancient bas-relief carved in granite”. These images have their foundation in the ancient past, and they say that every picture tells a story and is worth a thousand words. Messages, knowledge and ideas from the past beckon and call us to attention. Sometimes the message is let go of the outmoded and no longer useful. That which is solid and reliable can in fact retard growth and progress. Therefore we must learn from the past and only use what is appropriate for today.

ARIES loves anything fast, red and hot, especially fast sports cars. Try sporty fragrances, a trip to the hair salon, skin care products, tickets to the races, a cactus plant, a dart game or rollerblades. Surprise them with a ride on a Harley Davidson motorbike.

TAURUS wants objects of value that stimulate their senses. A Lalique vase, diamond earrings, a gold chain, French perfume, silk lingerie, Beluga caviar, Moet champagne, silver goblets………the list goes on. Just empty out your wallet and they’ll be happy.

GEMINI needs mental stimulation – tickets to the movies, the latest bestselling novel, a mobile phone, fax machine, monogrammed stationery, a silver letter opener, headphones, a magazine subscription, gloves, or anything in pairs.

CANCER will appreciate anything you give them as long as its from the heart. These soft-hearted beings prefer the company of their loved ones so a ‘family’ dinner where they don’t have to cook would truly touch them. Kitchen utensils, silverware and pearls will definitely appeal.

LEO loves to receive gifts as long as they reflect their own personality. They love drama, music and all things creative. Tickets to the theatre, a play, a band, or to the latest art exhibition will bring them pleasure. A surprise party in their honour would have to top their list.

VIRGO loves to solve problems and work things more efficiently. Practical gifts such as a solar-powered calculator with their name engraved on it, a tool kit, or monogrammed, recycled stationery is sure to please. For something really different, offer to spring-clean their house.

LIBRANS delight in gifts that reflect artistic refinement. Consider an original pastel painting, silk lingerie, a hand-painted card with words of love, candles, mirrors, dinner for two or designer clothing. They prefer elegant fragrances with a subtle note.

SCORPIO loves intrigue and erotic undertones. Anything black of quality will please -a LBD, a leather wallet, or black lace underwear. They would also appreciate an insurance policy, a good detective story, and perfume with intense musk or spicy floral notes.

SAGITTARIANS love an adventure so send them on an outback safari or buy them hi-tech sport shoes. A suitcase, Swiss army knife, pushbike, or gym membership is also to their liking. They love animals so a new puppy would really make them smile.

CAPRICORNS want gifts that are traditional or represent status – real estate, antiques, classic fragrances, vintage wines, stocks and bonds, a leather briefcase, a ticket to the Museum. Family heirlooms such as jewellery and furniture are particularly appealing to them.

AQUARIUS rules all things unusual, unique and futuristic. Try giving them a reading by an Astrologer, crystals, a friendship ring, a laptop computer, a personalised mouse pad, a pyramid to meditate under, or membership at the planetarium.

PISCEANS are dreamers and romantics. Fine bed linen and herbal sleep pillows are a good choice, as are CDs, tickets to a concert or the ballet; write some poetry or create a tape for them to use in meditation.