Sometimes the best response is to step outside the fray. Say, for example, now.
That’s the go-to option under this month’s Aquarius Full Moon lunar eclipse. It’s triggering distance from many a drama, changing how we view them and breaking their hold. Permanently.
Let’s check out the advice astrologers from around the web have to offer!
August 2017 Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius
The Aquarius Full Moon is the first of two eclipses this month that are rocking and reshaping our realities. This one clears and primes us. The second, the much ballyhooed solar eclipse of the Leo New Moon on the 21st, skyrockets us along our way.
Don’t let the lack of attention lull you into underestimating the power of this lunation. It’s an eclipse all the same. And it packs a wallop, media darling or not.
The August full Moon is also a lunar eclipse, it will pack a punch!
“An Eclipse is a wildcard – a game changer, which packs a stronger energetic punch compared to an ‘average’ New or Full Moon. It is, indeed, a New or Full Moon on steroids.
“This transformational energy goes hand in hand with Aquarius’ reputation as the social agitator of the Zodiac. The amphora of the restless, forward-looking Water Bearer is a perfect vessel for the powerful metamorphosis induced by this special plenilune; it’s almost as Aquarius is to eclipses what conductors are to electricity (the latter being unsurprisingly ruled by Uranus).”
I, Robot? Not.
A lunar eclipse weights the equation with emotions. Even when the Moon is in Aquarius, the most intellectual, detached of signs.
“The Sun opposite Moon qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a lunar eclipse. This lets you take an objective and balanced look at your close personal relationships. Being in touch with your own needs and intentions, and those of others, you can clearly see any relationship imbalances causing disharmony.”
Jamie Partridge, The Astrology King
“Whatever peaks on this Full Moon/ Eclipse, will be the result of our constant effort to stand apart from everyone else and rebalance the unequal power dynamics that surround us. We’re quite literally taking back the power, and using it to center our own narrative on ourselves; by doing so, we make a difference in our corner of the world. Needless to say, this will be a pivotal conjuncture, one that we have perhaps awaited for a long time, and that we shouldn’t be afraid to face.”
Marina Macario at Darkstar Astrology riffs on the Aquarian potential:
“The Lunar Eclipse August 2017 is a part geek, part charging knight. In modern times this is the archetype the video gamer or cyber warrior. This lunar eclipse brings up themes of being brave, but in hidden or alternative realms. The internet allows people to speak out anonymously, so it gives courage that one may not have in the real world. Feelings are able to be expressed straight away published through this new technology. During this Lunar Eclipse expressing ourselves online becomes a sort of therapy.”
Stuck? What’s That?
Neither observer mode nor anonymity will save you, though, from the usual potent gifts of a lunar eclipse. It’s unleashing an epidemic of revelations, departures and endings, delivered with typical Uranian subtlety – which is to say, twists, surprises and jolts.
The cosmic zaps, shocks and prods are part of an ongoing process of reclaiming our place in the greater scheme. That’s the challenge of the current Leo/Aquarius eclipses, which began with the February Full Moon/lunar eclipse in Leo.
“With a lunar eclipse in particular, the blotting out of the Moon represents a resetting of emotions, clearing away the emotional baggage of the previous six months. The horoscope for a lunar eclipse is like a snapshot in time, but like old style photography, it takes time to develop.”
Jamie Partridge, The Astrology King
The next stage, after this month’s eclipse duo, comes in February 2018. The cycle plays on for another year after that, until January 2019.
Saturn & Uranus: Strange Bedfellows
Already feeling the “detach and free yourself” vibe of this eclipse? Thank the strange teamwork of this Moon’s two rulers: Uranus, in modern astrology, and Saturn, in traditional.
You wouldn’t think the god of disruption would play well with the god of order, but they’ve been in cahoots all year. The odd couple is traveling in a trine, which brings structure to burgeoning growth while exploding the outmoded. (It’ll also lock directly into the July New Moon solar eclipse on Aug. 21, then finalize business in November.)
Self-actualization is the end game. It’s going deeper now, since Uranus’ retrograde four days before the eclipse.
“This suggests intensified, precise liberation – focusing on the one thing that’s holding you back. Deciding that you’ve had enough of certain group dynamics.”
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology
Mars Attacks (Or Defends)
Despite that Aquarian detachment, passions and tempers are running high. Hot head Mars is conjunct the Sun and opposing the August full Moon. The line-up is treating the feminine archetype to a double-whammy of opposition from the masculine.
Watch for a rise in all things Martian. On the baser end, frustration, impatience, arguments, self-aggrandizement and me-first demands. (Finding an objective perch is looking more and more attractive, right?)
An uptick in courage is also likely. So is a drive to get physical.
“Anger and a tendency to act without thinking increase the risk of minor irritations turning into arguments or fights. Relationships with your partner, family and close friends are most likely to suffer from your impulsive actions and aggressive instincts. Channeling your aggressive energy toward hard work and competition will reduce the risk of conflict….
“Physical activity is preferred but the brain can also burn up a lot of energy. Your sex drive could go through the roof. Baby making suits the creative and productive nature of this aspect.”
Jamie Partridge, The Astrology King
A potential for romance under the August full moon.
Marina Macario at Darkstar Astrology points out potential benefits:
“You will want those who plug into this opposition fighting on your side rather than opposing you. At least this Lunar eclipse will facilitate honest and direct dealings; with reactions that are fast and instinctive. This aspect is fantastic in an emergency, sensing danger way before anyone else.”
Heightening the challenges of the: Sun/Mars conjunction: a wide Yod or Finger of God aspect to Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces.
“Fiery, proud, aggressive Mars/Sun inconjunct Pluto means striving for domination but not being fully conscious of this. Mars/Sun inconjunct Neptune means that fire and confidence could be undermined by doubts or confusion.
“Mars/Sun is the focal point of a stretched out Yod – an awkward configuration that pours all its tension and energy into one spot. Handled poorly, the results could be panicky aggression/domination or misguided plays for attention. Handled well, Pluto’s power and Neptune’s awareness of higher issues (this is about more than winning) can be expressed through Mars/Sun with dignified, creative actions.
“Mars/Sun opposes the Aquarian Moon, making it the other end of what becomes a Boomerang Yod. All the energy of the Mars/Sun focal point is released through Aquarius – creative actions/pride/dignified leadership are expressed to the public. Revolutionary changes (Aquarius) are achieved through passionate (Mars) expressions of power (Leo). What was subjective becomes objective, as you understand that your actions impact the group.”
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology
Silver Linings
All the action is getting a power-up, for good or bad, from Jupiter in Libra, via a trine to the August full Moon and sextile to the Sun. Jupiter is injecting the eclipse with ease, expansion and beneficial outcomes, especially in relationships, and even in ones that leave.
Nadia Gilchrist paints an either/or picture, as befits the presence of Libra:
“Jupiter in Libra will trine the Moon, which could help the social wheels glide or enable frightening behavior. A nice trine from Jupiter can make anything easy, for better or worse.”
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology
“A propitious trine to Jupiter in Libra suggests that expansion and adventure (quite possibly through cooperation) will be part of the picture. It also helps us to navigate these unruly times with confidence and optimism, focusing on the future we wish to manifest, and staying inspired by its vision.”
“This brings out the very best of the warmth, charisma and entertaining potential from the two planets. Moon trine Jupiter at this Lunar Eclipse can put people just at the right place at the right time.”
Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology
Fifth Business
Jupiter is coming off the last of three squares (exact August 3) to Pluto in Capricorn, demanding evolutionary change in relationships, foundations and institutions. We’re still feeling the impact.
“Power plays could be loud and very, very dramatic. “
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology
“This aspect makes you want to succeed, and succeed big-time. It could be a pet project or career that you feel this intense drive to reach the top.
“Success, power and influence are all possible, but without some care, there will be a price to pay. Ruthless determination, greed and corruption may get you there quicker and make you more money, but at what cost? Your personal life is the most likely area to suffer, especially your closest relationships.”
Jamie Partridge, The Astrology King
Power and success are possible with the August full moon.
Other considerations
As always, a few other astrological odds and ends add dimension to the forecast.
Fixed Stars
Marina at Darkstar explains the fixed star that rules the Moon’s decan echoes the observer mode of this eclipse: Alnair, the crane.
“This star gives the ability to look at a flammable situation with a cool, detached head. Hopefully it will also help Jupiter keep its balance, and this planet is now direct also.”
Jamie Partridge, Astrology King also brings in the Sun:
“At the degree of the Sun is Dubhe, from the Arabic word for bear. (Alternatively Ak, meaning The Eye.) This star is on the back of Ursa Minor and points to Polaris, the North Star, suggesting the moral compass of Saturn in Sagittarius.
“Carrying the destructiveness of Mars, it underscores the aggressive potential of this lunation. It is also associated with the ruler and the state”
Asteroids
Two lesser known asteroids provide an intriguing honor guard for the Aquarius Full Moon.
The Moon shares its degree with the asteroid Magdalena (as in: Mary), indicating resurgence – or, alas, repression – of the divine feminine. Watch for eclipse developments and revelations that pertain to the role of women, particularly the one relegated to her by the church.
What role will the divine feminine play during the August full moon?
Exactly opposite the Moon, the Sun’s companion is Praamzius, named for the Lithuanian god of the sky, peace and friendship. Amable of Transneptunian Astrology explains that he was also the ruler of time, whose determinations were inescapable and permanent, even to other deities.
Friendship, time, permanent and inescapable? The combination is Central-Casting-perfect for the Aquarius eclipse.
Decans
Each astrological sign can be divided into three sections, known as decans (10 degree divisions of the Zodiac).
This August full Moon is in Aquarius decan 2, which brings (forces?) the gift of emotional independence. Cue Darkstar Astrology:
“The cool headed detachment of Aquarius decan 2 will enable us to look at any perceived victimization from a partner from an elevated perspective. How much of one’s feelings are being conditioned by what other people would say or from cultural pressures to conform? At this Lunar Eclipse, there is a good blend of passion and courage with which to look at problems openly and honestly.”
That Aquarian detachment may affect how we communicate what we see. Marina continues:
“Some might find themselves opening up to perfect strangers online much more than face to face with someone they know well. Expressing feelings to a sweetheart in the form of a poem or piece of art is also another way to communicate an important message if one feels uncomfortable doing it in person.”
Sabian Symbols
Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.
The Sabian Symbol for the Moon is “A big businessman at his desk.”
Dane Rudhyar gives the keynote for this degree: The ability to organize the many aspects of an enterprise involving a large group of human beings.
Rudhyar elaborates:
“The New Age should be one in which man learns to use the power generated by human togetherness and group interplay – that is, to use it harmoniously for the welfare of the whole of which all individuals are parts, humanity and the planet Earth.
“The Sabian Symbol for the Sun echoes the optimism Jupiter’s beaming to us: ‘The storm ended, all nature rejoices in brilliant sunshine.'”
The keynote, again from Rudhyar: The surge of life and love after a major crisis.
He goes on: “The battered but unconquered consciousness finds itself exalted in the marriage of sunbeams and rising sap. This indeed is ‘Release’ — light and life singing in the cleansed and refreshed mind, flooded for a while by the waters of feeling.”
Release and rise up under the Aquarius full moon.
Lunar Mansion
The Moon’s got her own Zodiac too, called the Lunar Mansions.
The Moon falls in Lunar mansion 25, Al Sa’d al Ahbiya (The Lucky One of the Hidden), called The Butterfly by Donna Woodwell, Donna Philosophica.
Use the metaphor of a butterfly’s emerging to navigate this mansion. Allow a process to unfold on its timing, not yours.
No pushing, no shoving, lest you damage the work in progress. Instead, watch and wait with an attitude of faith and hope. (Shades of Jupiter again!)
Summing it Up
Hang on to observer mode as game-changing revelations, surprises and endings roll out from the Aquarius lunar eclipse.
How to pull that off? Nadia Gilchrist lays out a workable strategy:
“Keep higher Leo in mind – pride, dignity, generosity. Keep higher Aquarius in mind – no judgements, chill, logical. The overall theme will be standing out and standing apart. The spotlight may illuminate someone on the edge, or show you what’s really going on with the group (thereby pushing you away). Whatever happens, keep your eyes up, take the high road and don’t get manipulated into a power battle.”
Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology
And come what may, sing along with Monty Python.
Lunaria Datebook
Last Moon Phase: July New Moon in Leo
Next Moon Phase: August New Moon/solar eclipse in Leo
August Full Moon Times and Dates:
San Francisco: Monday, August 7, 11:10 a.m. PDT
New York: Monday, August 7, 2:10 p.m. EDT
São Paulo: Monday, August 7, 3:10 p.m. BRDT
London: Monday, August 7, 7:10 p.m. BST
Istanbul: Monday, August 7, 9:10 p.m. TRT
Mumbai: Monday, August 7, 11:40 p.m. IST
Tokyo: Tuesday, August 8, 3:10 a.m. JST
Sydney: Tuesday, August 8, 4:10 a.m. AEST
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This was beautifully put together and tremendously helpful. Thank you!