From Astrology.com:

The eclipse of the Moon has traditionally been viewed as a bad omen, for it can awaken irrational responses. Since the Moon governs domestic matters, the public and the emotional personality, rather than leadership, it tends to have a more personal effect than the solar eclipse, which plays a more outward, even political, role.

Irrational responses?  Yay. 

I will go a hint further by illustrating just how scary a lunar eclipse was to our ancestors and why, even up until now, they can be a little scary or challenging for us, bringing about those irrational responses. 

                                         Troll Hollow


Imagine sitting on a miniature Hoboken beach on a summer evening.  Perhaps you've got a bonfire going, and you're roasting marshmallows. 

Yes, I know that we're not allowed to do that.  But play along, please.

Anyway, so you're sitting there.  Beneath a dark, dark sky.  Trying to find a star.  Because, in Hoboken, one usually can't find more than a couple of stars without a telescope.  So you happily settle for the two you do see.  One of 'em is very likely the planet Venus.  But that's OK. 

Tally: one star, one planet.

Not bad.  At least you've got a nice fire going.  And that full moon...

Um, that full moon...?

                       


Where the hell is the full moon going?  Why, it was just up there.  Now there's a big ol' shadow on it that appears to be...  blanketing it?  What is that? 

Oh, my God.  It's getting darker out here.  No-o-o-o!

I know what you're thinking: this is just a lunar eclipse and you still have a fire, street lamps and the glow of lights from your neighbors' condos to brighten your evening. 

But what if we weren't so lucky?  What if we lived in a time period prior to one which has thrived on industry and electricity, even from the use of a calendar?  We wouldn't have a lunar eclipse schedule handy, that's for sure.  And when one did come along, it would probably scare the shit out of many.  Imagine if we were in a forest on the night of a total lunar eclipse.  We'd piss our pants, especially after a few creepy night creature sounds.

Last Wednesday, August 5th, bestowed us with a full moon lunar eclipse in Aquarius.  The eleventh sign of the zodiac, masculine Aquarius is often known as a rebel but moreso in thought and expression versus action.  His element air, Aquarius represents higher education, psychology, humanitarianism, logic and reasoning, enlightenment, inner self-reinvention, science, technology, common sense, outer space, weather, friendships/relationships and independence.  It thrives on mental stimulation as well as hands-on experience.  Through balanced usage of intuition, instinct and reason/logic, Aquarius can obtain the attention of the masses if he ever so chooses.  No, really.  Aquarius is magnetic and popular.  He should  learn to go with the flow as boredom and failed plans put this sign in a deep, WTF world?! funk.  Aquarius is here to take the stupid out of humanity.  But if he's angry, watch out, for his anger can wind up being biased and everyone's fault or, at the very least, that of an undeserving person.  Not his.   It would behoove Aquarius to take a sheet out of the book of Leo (his opposite) and learn to adapt and ACT like he's happy and/or relaxed, sometimes, if only for the sake of understanding from others and/or companionship.  No man is an island, and Aquarius might need, say, a doctor or dentist, someday.  Maybe even-- gasp-- a good friend.  Deep-breathing, meditation, shutting off the television or computer for a while and taking a nice walk also helps this sign.

                                        


There's never a dull moment with a full moon lunar eclipse in Aquarius.  The third eclipse in just under a month, the charmer, its effects, like those of the full moon in Capricorn, will last until December.  This duo will assist us in getting to the bottom of matters, obtaining answers and cooperation, hitting the ground running and weeding out the bullsh*t without becoming too emotionally attached or dramatic throughout. Those of us who have been cooped up with work will enjoy a richer social life.  And those of us who've partied too hard or relaxed too much will get down to business very soon. 

Without balance in our lives, we're destined to suffer in some way.  And, to me, the combination of these lunar eclipses, Capricorn plus Aquarius, will awaken us to everything we can control versus everything we cannot control.  By the time their influence is over in December, we will have learned the difference between the two.  As an example, we can always take measures to help prevent a tragedy but, ultimately, we cannot prevent it.  That is why it is so important to live each day fully, doing at least one thing we love that we might go-- when we go-- in peace, with the knowledge that we've done our best.

The phrase "as above, so below" comes to mind. 

Constant highs and lows are to be expected throughtout this time, especially regarding  finances, technology, friendships, business partnerships, and humanitarian efforts.  The best way to take advantage of it would be to expect nothing, appreciate what we have, and accept whatever comes our way.  Meaning, if money comes along after a financially dry spell, we should embrace it-- not waste it.  When our expenses exceed our income, we get into trouble.  And now is not the time to put out more than we take in.  Particularly for entertainment, knick-knacks or nonsense.  Besides, there are dozens upon dozens of low-cost, even free, ways to enjoy ourselves. 

Money may very well come for many in surprising spurts through new, creative and fun freelance work, self-employment opportunities or anything that engages the minds and inventiveness of the public like publications, lectures, or interactive classes and workshops.  The more creative, the better.  And just in case we forget to enjoy life in its purest forms, to express pure intent, we'll have that solar eclipse in Cancer to set the record straight for a nice, long stretch.  Some astrologers say the effects of the solar eclipse will last for three years.  However, I'm not so sure.  Frankly, I don't want to be sure.  I'd like to think that a year of being a sucker who cries at the end of a really stupid movie or heartwarming article is more than enough.  And fair.

                            


At the risk of sounding like a broken record (and I hate repeating myself more than twice), please, please let's hone our instincts, especially from now until the end of the year... when we'll want to find a reason or logical explanation for everything.  In the good moments, of course.  But also in the bad or questionable moments.  There is a huge difference between something that feels right and something that doesn't feel right. 

To experiment, let's begin by asking ourselves if chipotle-mayo would go nicely on our blueberry pancakes. 

Yeah.  THAT feeling RIGHT there.  That "yuck" followed by a disgusted, heavy feeling in the chest or center.  It means "no".

Next, let's ask ourselves if one of our favorite pancake toppers would go nicely on them.

Ah.  That means "yes".

Got it? 

I say all this because I've a friend who's told me that he doesn't feel "it".  But the truth is that we can all hone our instincts and develop our intuition so long as neither is confused with ego.  Feeling that something is right is not the same as WANTING something to be right.

Story:  I denied something my intuition was trying to tell me a few days ago.  I did the complete opposite of what it "told" me to do.  Because of that, a small feeling of "I really shouldn't do this, today" grew and grew to the size of an overinflated instinct-balloon.  Square in my chest.  That's what "seriously, don't FUCKING do it, idiot" feels like, by the way.  A balloon that expands until it feels as though it is ready to burst and shatter our nipples.  It doesn't hurt.  It's just really annoying and makes one as antsy as several cups of coffee.  Arms cross along the chest.  Surroundings are slowly scanned.   Fingers drum.  Foot taps.  Something ain't right.  The heart thumps harder and harder and louder...

I tried to define the feeling, logically, and it didn't work.  I told myself that I was just being nervous.  But the urgency to continue in an alternate route was persistent.  I tried to fight it, maybe 'cause I wanted proof.  An arrow to point me in a new direction.  I looked up.  I looked down.  I was being warned about something, but what?  Was an air-conditioner about to fall on my head?  A comet?  Whatever the warning was about, my "alarms" were operating, perfectly.  So were my reflexes.  I was grateful for that, somehow maintaining a calm and collected expression, throughout.

I took deep-breaths but the heaviness in my chest only got worse.

                                                     


And then... I saw it.  I won't talk about the thing I saw.  But I will say that the feeling quickly subsided once I saw it.  And seconds later, the entire feeling-- the balloon, the thumping, the nervousness-- went away, completely.  As if it never even happened.

I felt relieved.  A little concerned by what I saw.  But relieved and at peace compared to that warning, WARNING, W A R N I N G episode. 

I turned around, taking a different route towards my destination. 

Later, I defined that episode as an upgraded version of the "animal instinct".  Oh, super.  Just what I needed! 

                        


All sarcasm aside, I believe that I needed to experience that annoyance.  I do need my animal instinct.  Everyone does.  Granted, what I've got is a low-grade version of what drives animals in the wild to hear and see things that most others don't, jump-starting their fucking dashes for the hills at the first hint of disaster.  But still.  Ever hear accounts of this activity on National Geographic and 60 Minutes?  Dogs, cats, cattle feel something from many, many feet below their hooves and paws.  Way underground.  Or they hear a sound or sense something from miles and miles away.  Their eyes pop open, and they all turn to look at each other as if to communicate "dude, what the FUCK was that?  DID YOU hear THAT?"  And then, all of a sudden, they make a run for it, charging away in a single direction while many humans (many, NOT all) are left behind to suffer at the hands of an earthquake or the force of a cyclone. 

Our temporary cat, Milo, runs circles around the house at full speed minutes before my husband and I hear an approaching helicopter.  Milo hates helicopters.

Animals are just doing what they normally do, receiving the fruits of the earth but protecting themselves and their loved ones from disaster.  How do they do it?  Well, for starters, they're not tinkering with Blackberries, driving while texting their friends, accumulating credit card debt, gossiping, complaining about trivial matters they can change or rectify at any moment...  Without these and other distractions, they have all the time in the world to become in-tune with earth and obtain a big helpful hint, a warning, of what is to come. 

It is my belief that all humans used to be in-tune with the earth and animals before they became distracted by materials and endless races for power in all their forms-- religion, politics, careers, academics, personal affairs.  Nowadays, however, in-tune folks appear to be members of indeginous tribes or movie characters.  Sad, really. 

From Teosofia.com:

In the... tsunami disaster in India and South-East Asia in which thousands perished, most of the animals escaped. Elephants in forests, domestic animals and birds, sensed in advance the coming disaster and moved away to safer places, whereas man, with his superior faculty of reason, was taken unawares.

                                                            


But if we recall, tribes of the Andaman islands also  headed for the hills. 

Indeginous peoples of Mexico taught a local friend of mine how to cook from the ground up (literally) as well. 

As climate change affects indigenous folks around the world by limiting their resources, it might behoove those in power to initiate/continue efforts to help them.  I don't think that we can go on without the existence and earthly knowledge/connection of the indeginous.  Remember, they've been here through it all while many of us have been sheltered, even spoiled, for the most part.  We live for the fun benefits of electricity such as television, computers and so forth.  The indeginous don't.  They are true survivors who have adapted to numerous conditions and environmental changes, all without really asking for much. 

The Capricorn/Aquarius duo of lunar eclipses should set into motion increased awareness of indigenous peoples and their relevance to society.  On one hand, Capricorn brings us down to earth, to our core values and systems, to history, to our basic needs, to structures, to the skeleton that sustains humanity, to all that is broken and in dire need of fixing or elimination.  On the other, Aquarius reminds us that we should embrace and appreciate all which unites humanity, from people to technology to science to art to communications/media to spirituality, even food, the constant gift of nature.  Aquarius looks ahead as well.  But he knows that nothing lasts forever so it's best not to look too far ahead (like Sagittarius).

Together, these eclipses unite our past with our future almost effortlessly.  In order to continue living, we must have access to our past for lessons.  And in order to ensure a decent near-future, we must live our present, accordingly. 

In order to move forward, we have to know where we came from.

              


And I know.  I know that some of you wise-asses and religious radicals want to tell me EXACTLY where our world is headed.  



                            


However, even if your beliefs and theories are to come true, do we really need to speed up the process?  I know that this is a difficult concept to grasp, but we CAN try to waste and damage less and make repairs as necessary in the meantime, no?  Also, when the damage stares us right in the face, it is usually-- USUALLY-- an indication that something has to give. 

Uh-Duh.

We have to give a sh*t about what matters, now.

We have to pay attention.

We have to stop living out the roles that others wish upon us.  (That, like February's infamous lunar eclipse in Leo, is old news.)

We have to kill off debilitating illusions, traditions and expectations, not innocents.

                                              



The recent lunar eclipse in Aquarius, by itself, is an interesting one.  It was subtle in the skies.  Astronomy sites didn't care much about it.  But Aquarius' ruler is still Uranus, the planet of rebellion which happens to be in retrograde motion until December 1st.  This retrograde planet spices up our next six months with enhanced "Hey, stupid.  Wake up!" intuition and instinct (explaining my experience of a couple of days ago).  And, believe me, we're gonna need both to balance the gifts of detachment, maturity and enlightenment from Aquarius. 

What else can we expect, Deb? 

Folks who are resistant to change and the concept of co-existing peacefully with one another (as usual).  Folks who just aren't happy for their happier counterparts.  Failed, stolen or destroyed promises.  Disappointments.  The consequences of neglect, delusion, irresponsibility, misused power and repressed anger.  Abandonment. Loneliness.  Folks who will appear to move full-speed ahead without doing much, who will take advantage of our earnings and generosity.

                             



How can we make the most of these lunar eclipses?

By expecting nothing... but the unexpected.  Reading the fine print and expressing caution around commitments.  Being fair.  Keeping out of the affairs of others.  Asking for/accepting help.  Forming a trustworthy and reliable team.  Getting to know people, nature, weather and space better.  Capturing favorite moments with a camera.  Playing nicely.  Caring for animals, children, the environment, the handicapped, the ill, the disadvantaged, the elderly and any beings who are dependant and have no voice or means with which to defend themselves.   Changing our routines and habits.  Cutting back on stimulants.  Battling or ridding ourselves of expensive and/or harmful addictions.  Balancing the online world, even imagination, with the real world.  Knowing that we have a voice and believing that others will listen (if they aren't listening already).  Conserving energy.  Spending conservatively (NOT fearfully, CONSERVATIVELY).  Ensuring that charity begins in the home.  Taking responsibilty for ourselves.  Talking to strangers.  Exposing our work to as many as possible.  If volunteering, signing up for efforts that teach us valuable lessons in exchange for our services.  Capricorn lunar eclipse +  Aquarius lunar eclipse = GIVE AND TAKE.  Habitat for Humanity is a good example.  Taking short trips or breaks.  Saying little and smiling.  Maintaining a light-hearted and/or sarcastic outlook (our situations can be worse, and we are not empty).  Being friendly, approachable and a good listener.  Appreciating our relationships to the maximum.  Getting out of the house.

Stupid will be speaking for itself-- no need for a provocation or push.  Some secrets won't be hidden for much longer. And those who have taken advantage of the kindness, patience, trust, funds and generosity of the public are about to go down.

Remember: if we are in the right, if we are honest, then there is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing/no one to fear and no reason to hide.  Also, let's walk the walk.  If we desire the respect of others, we have to show others that we respect ourselves and, therefore, that we are to be respected.  Viewing others as an equal, not as a superior, helps.  Others have insecurities and problems, too.  This is really a good time to toughen up mentally and spiritually, even physically if we want to. 

What about the bad stuff?

Unfortunately, we'll probably see some more thunderstorms and power outages but also cyclones, tornadoes.  Aquarius' element is air, after all.  Unusual drops and increases in temperatures could affect our crops and, therefore, seasonal output. 

                                                   College Newbie



Grumpy to nasty moods. They come from those who cannot quite deal with reality like big boys and girls, envious types. 

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

Crimes committed by those with personality disorders or those who consume mood-enhancers and/or hormonal meds. 

Prison time or exile for both the famous and infamous.

Criminals with the drug-dealer or gangster mentality.  That is, criminals who harm the loved one(s) of an intended target versus the actual target.

                                           


More computer hacking issues.  Aquarius rules technology.  So we might want to perk-up our systems with added security features, change our passwords or even clean out our computers of overwhelming crap.

More accidents and injuries involving a lack of common sense or the use of electronics.  Technology may have brought the world together, mentally.  However, it is continuing to drive us apart, personally. 

                                                                         

Accidents and injuries caused by those who handle faulty machinery and vehicles, knowing that their machinery/vehicles need fixing!

Accidents and injuries caused by those who operate vehicles while under the influence of prescription medication. 

                                       Textually



Injuries and accidents caused by recklessness and a lack of focus/attention. 

News about allergies, colds, flus (again).  Air-borne illnesses.  Germs.   
 
Humanitarian efforts gone wrong.  Shady charities, religious and political practices.

                                                  Battle Dawn


There are still progressed instincts and intuitive abilities to enjoy and make the most out of, however.  I mean that.  Not being sarcastic.  Combined with reason, they are what will get us ahead in many endeavors and fields, including politics, journalism, publishing, alternative medicine/holistic treatments, healthcare, food and agriculture, spirituality, finances, art, technology, ecology, travel, pets/animals, film/video-- really, anything that brings our world together.