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The cosmic event for August is that we are finishing our eclipse season in the fixed sign of Aquarius that began in Feb. 2008. August 5th/6th, depending on where you are in the world, will host our last full moon lunar eclipse in Leo/Aquarius until 2016.

This is a Penumbral eclipse over America, Europe, Africa, and west Asia, although it will not be visible to the eye. The duration of the lunar eclipse lasts 3 hours and 10 minutes, however astrologically the nature of this eclipse may affect your birth chart until the next lunar eclipse on Dec. 31, 2009.

Mars is used as a timer for events relevant to eclipse activity. Mars opposes the eclipse on Nov. 17, 2009. The sun is also used as a timer when it aspects an eclipse point. The sun squares this eclipse November 6th. November may be an important month for the message of this eclipse to take shape or there may be something that culminates around that time related to this eclipse for those directly influenced.

This eclipse belongs to saros series #148. Saros means repeat. Eclipses of the same series repeat every 18 years, 9-11 days apart. They are woven together with similar energy threads which influence the nature of each eclipse. The last lunar eclipse in this series was July 26, 1991. To further help you judge how your chart responds to a lunar eclipse in Aquarius falling at or near this degree, there was a lunar eclipse on August 8, 1998.

Think back, if you’re old enough, to what themes were relevant for you during that time. Did you buy a home? Did you graduate from college? Did you have your first child? Did you relocate? Was a relationship influenced? Did something occur in late summer or fall of 1991 or (or 1998) which changed some part of your life? It is doubtful that the same issue will happen now, however the overall theme may be the same.

All lunar eclipses help us to close a chapter that has past its usefulness in our lives. Lunar eclipses always influence our relationships because of the polarity of the sun and moon. All eclipses, solar or lunar, affect our senses of timing. The messages they carry often catch us off guard or they bring circumstances that feel fated. Eclipses are the markers for radical change in ones life.

This month’s eclipse is ruled by Uranus, the planet that has rulership over the sign of Aquarius. Uranus is a freedom loving planet; its energy reflects our need for independence. Uranus is also known as the Great Awakener as its energy works suddenly bringing flashes of insight. Uranus rules electricity and shocks which is why Uranus is often referred to as the planet of surprise. Hosting an eclipse that is ruled by Uranus may bring something unpredictable out of the blue and the end result may upgrade your life.

There are two eclipses this month, a lunar eclipse in Capricorn followed by a solar eclipse in Cancer. These eclipses are forerunners for a new eclipse season in the cardinal signs. The cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are self-starters, initiators, motivated, ambitious, and determined signs. All of the cardinal signs will be affected by this series of eclipses because they will influence the sensitive angles of your solar chart. The Cancer/Capricorn eclipse season will continue through July 2011.

August will complete the eclipse season that began in Feb. 2008 in the fixed signs of Leo and Aquarius with a final eclipse in Aquarius on August 6, 2009.

Your birth chart defines how any eclipse will influence you; however, all signs will feel the eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn to some extent. If you have planets in your chart within 3 degrees conjunct or opposite of the eclipses, you can be assured you will be influenced. Those with planets within 5 degrees will also feel the eclipse in their lives, although the eclipse may not be as powerful. You may not have any planets in the Cancer and Capricorn sectors of your chart, but these empty houses and the issues they represent for you will be of greater significance over the next 18 months.

Eclipses influence our sense of timing. Sometimes we are not ready for what is taking shape or there isn’t enough time to assimilate all that is going on. Try not to make any hasty decisions during an eclipse because the atmosphere is too volatile. I am not suggesting you delay plans, only that you don’t initiate something or take action because of what you have read about an eclipse to your chart.

You may be affected by an eclipse within a month to the day on either side of the eclipse date. If you have planets in your chart directly impacted by one of the eclipses, it is unlikely that you will have to wait to hear something concerning the planet influenced and the house that it governs in your chart.

Eclipses are catalysts for transformation and can lead to a crisis in ones life. This is why they are referred to as the “wild cards” of the zodiac. Life may become full of drama as something unexpected unfolds. Look at any crisis as a crossroads, for you will be letting go of something so that a new chapter can unfold. An eclipse is a new or full moon, but they carry a triple power rating compared to our monthly lunar cycles.

July 7, 2009, the full moon lunar eclipse occurs at 15° Capricorn.
This is a minor eclipse almost invisible over most of Canada.

The rules for predicting the duration of lunar eclipse influences are that the life span is equal to one month for every hour of the eclipse, lasting up to 6 months. Six months takes us to the next lunar eclipse on Jan. 5, 2010.

This lunar eclipse in Capricorn will last 2 hours, 2 minutes which suggests that you will know how the eclipse message will unfold by September 7th. Another rule for timing is that the eclipse energy will last from one lunar eclipse to the next lunar eclipse – which brings us to August 6, 2009.

This eclipse belongs to Saros Series #110. Saros means “to repeat.”
Each saros cycle repeats itself approximately every 18 years, and 9 to 11 days of when it last occurred. All eclipses in this series have similar energy threads that weave them together and bring about similar themes in the lives they influence. The last eclipse in this saros series occurred June 27, 1991. Think back, if you’re old enough, to what occurred for you in the 6 months following that eclipse.

It is unlikely that identical issues will come back now because this eclipse in saros series #110 has moved 10 degrees further along the zodiacal longitude. If your natal planet was contacted by the eclipse in 1991, your natal planet is not within range of our current lunar eclipse. However, a theme that was a focal point in your life in 1991 may be relevant again due to this eclipse.

Natal planets or angles between 12° - 18° Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, and/or Aries will be sensitive to the lunar eclipse energy.

Let’s look at when we had our last eclipse at or near 15° Capricorn in order to help judge how your chart responds to Cancer/Capricorn eclipses.

There was a solar eclipse Jan. 5, 1992 at 14° Capricorn and a lunar eclipse in Capricorn July 5, 2001 within orb of our current eclipse.

The last Cancer/Capricorn eclipses were August 1990—Dec. 1992 and July 2000—Dec. 2002. Looking back at previous eclipses to your chart is merely a tool to help judge corresponding eclipse activity to your chart.

The energy that each individual saros series contains is present in past and future eclipses of the same series. The current saros series and the energy it carries bear more significance, such as the eclipse that occurred Jan. 5, 1992.

Just as our monthly full moon touches us inwardly and points to the culmination, resolution, or solution to a particular relationship or incident, a lunar eclipse does the same, although it is much more powerful. Emotions run deep as lunar eclipses influence our feelings. Lunar eclipses amplify matters that have past their usefulness. Sometimes we are asked to let go of something or someone for our greater good; however, this may be something we have grown attached to therefore letting go is difficult for us, but other times we are ready to put these issues behind us!

While lunar eclipses influence us internally and influence relationship matters, when they impact an important planet or angle in your chart, a lunar eclipse may change your circumstances which would be obvious for everyone to see. Your relationship with something or someone could change or end, and the result will be to your benefit—although you may not realize this at the eclipse time.

Lunar eclipses have been viewed as bad omens since ancient times. Do not lead yourself to believe that something terrible will happen.

Our first eclipse this month is ruled by Saturn. Saturn represents Father Time, the planet that governs old age. Saturn restricts, obstructs, delays, and brings obstacles as tests that need to be overcome before progress can be made. Saturn rules separations, blockages, limitations, control, hard work and effort, responsibility, patience, perseverance, structure, and maturity. Saturn also governs significant authority figures, such as bosses, elders, law enforcement, politicians, and father figures. Capricorn governs the knees, joints, hair, teeth, and bones in medical astrology.

July 22, 2009, Total Solar Eclipse at 29° Cancer.
The eclipse will be most visible over China, Japan, Pacific Ocean, Eastern Asia, Indonesia, and the South Pacific. This solar eclipse is the longest total solar eclipse that will occur in the twenty-first century. The total duration is 6 minutes, 39 seconds. (Source: NASA eclipse page)

This solar eclipse belongs to Saros Series #136. This saros series is a repeat of the last eclipse which occurred July 11, 1991.

The eclipse falls at the Anaretic degree of Cancer which is the last degree of the sign, or the degree of completion. The anaretic degree is considered a critical degree by many astrologers. Critical degrees are sensitive points in the horoscope. This degree is sometimes associated with a crisis point; likewise, it’s associated with indecision or difficulty making decisions. I have noted that the degree does impact decision making. When a planet is at the last degree, the energy is about to enter the next sign; therefore, what you may find is the matters concerning the next sign (Leo) will become sensitive to the eclipse energy. This solar eclipse in Cancer will prompt you to take action, although decisions may not come easily and something about it could be emotionally charged.

If the 1991 eclipse in this series changed your life, it is not likely that the same events will occur during this eclipse. There could be a similar theme that arises due to the saros series having a similar nature. An example: You landed your first job in 1991; this eclipse could find you changing directions in your career. Maybe you had your first child; this eclipse could find your child starting college or getting married. The theme of career or children will stand out among other things. Some of the same issues may color your present circumstances which will have a lasting effect on your direction.

Additionally, we want to look at when the last eclipse occurred at 29° Cancer for other clues as to how you could respond to this eclipse if you have a planet near this degree. Even if you do not have your birth time, you can still find clues in the nature of the planet being influenced. The last solar eclipse at 29° Cancer took place July 22, 1990.

The general rules for predicting the duration of a solar eclipse is that the energy effects your circumstances one year for ever hour of the eclipses duration, which could last up to 3 ½ years. Astrological research has shown that any eclipse can change a life permanently. This eclipse lasting more than 6 minutes suggests that what develops will be with you well into the future.

Another rule is that eclipses last from one solar eclipse to the next solar eclipse. For forecasting purposes, the life span of this solar eclipse in Cancer will last until the next solar eclipse Jan. 15, 2010, although it may be activated by future transits for several more years.

While eclipse energy is often felt within a month on either side of the eclipse, there are hot spots that may trigger events related to the eclipse. This may occur when the sun squares the eclipse degree Oct. 23, 2009, although you may hear something within a few days on either side of this date. Mars is used as a timer for activating eclipse messages. Mars crosses this eclipse point Oct. 15, 2009. When the sun opposes the eclipse Jan. 19, 2010 (just 4 days after our next solar eclipse), this could be another time of heightened activity due to the eclipse. You may want to circle these dates on your calendar and judge how closely they fit you.

This is a powerful new moon which points to fresh starts, new opportunities, and exciting new possibilities. However, if this new moon conjuncts or opposes a planet or angle in your birth chart, you may find yourself in the midst of a crisis. This eclipse is ruled by the moon which may cause you to become more sensitive, intuitive, changeable, cautious, reactive, or nurturing. Whatever develops could affect your home or family situation. Solar eclipses illuminate matters that call for your attention. The Universe has a way of moving us forward in our lives to a point where we become a better version of ourselves. The process can be easy or difficult; it really depends on how you manage what develops. Trust that whatever is exposed is important for you as you are evolving into the person you were destined to become.

I think you’ll find a lot of 6th house influence in my post which sums up the last 6 months of my life.  As I’ve watched everything unfold, I’m pretty happy about the way things turned out.  With Saturn in Virgo, the sign of adaptability, it sure has been some kind of ride, certainly not easy, but worthwhile.  My schedule changed, my health was influenced, and animals have become more significant in my life.  Saturn governs my 6th house of daily routines, health/diet, and pets.  Saturn is currently conjunct my progressed Ascendant and is the decan of my progressed Ascendant.    

Six months ago I found out I was hyperthyroid when the August eclipse was conjunct my natal Venus on my ascendant.  That not only caused the hormone imbalance, but the influence to Venus was the onset to rapid hair loss.  I met with a specialist in November and started my recommended medicine.  I knew right away that the meds were working as I felt a lot better, the hair loss stopped in early December.  I wrote about that in previous posts. 

I had a follow-up appointment in January and my blood work looked good so the doctor reduced my medicine as the plan is to wean me off in hopes that I would go into remission.  My bloods tests in February showed that my thyroid hormones dropped to low so my doctor called and asked me to stop all medicines.  By March he suggested I take a very low dose, just enough to keep me from dropping too low and enough to keep me out of hyperthyroidism.  Hopefully this will work, I’ll know in April after I have further blood tests.  With Saturn retrograde, this was no real surprise, my hair loss started again although it’s not as severe as it was in the fall.  

Besides the onset and months of health influences, I began working in Animal Rescue.  Rescue is something I have a lot of interest in, but never really knew much about it.  I am and always have been an animal advocate.  I started out as transport, driving rescued dogs to rescue homes until they find forever homes.  My first transport were the three Rat Terriers coming from a puppy mill, which you will find on this blog.   

The Universe kept dropping opportunities in my lap as Jupiter edged its away across my 6th house cusp.  This gave me something else to do and think about besides what was going on with my work and my health.  I’m not great at multi-tasking ( I tend to get stressed), but I also get bored doing the same thing too long so I usually have more on my plate than most people.   

My previous post mentions a Mommy Jack Russell and her puppies that I picked up from the pound and cared for a week before they went to Russell Rescue.  This was in January, when I had 4 planets transiting my 6th house and Mars crossed my 6th house cusp.  Mars governs my 10th house cusp of career and reputation.  Since then I have become known in the animal rescue community, locally and in my region.   

Mommy still needs a home, but the two puppies have been adopted!  I received an update with pictures and they are happy, healthy, and growing pups.   

Mina

 lil Ricky

That experience led me to think more about short term fostering dogs as well as getting my garage in shape so I would have an area for a couple of kennels if I needed them.  Interestingly, that work is almost complete and will be finished within a week.  All boxes have been relocated to the attic, the floors have been painted and sealed for super easy clean up and we have a lot more room and better organization now.  I had enough to furnish a small house in there!  

In February I received an email about a JRT terrier needing a ride to the Rescue Farm.  At the same time I heard of three little dogs that were listed as Urgent in a pound in Tennessee.  I was planning on getting those dogs to rescue a few days after I picked up the JRT so I decided he would sleep over a night or two and I would do everything in the same day.   I would be driving 4 hours just to pick up the TN. dogs so I knew it would be a long day.   

Meet Jack- Ride to Freedom

Once I had him home, he felt like he had a fever so I called my vet.  I’m glad I acted on my hunch as he had a fever of 104.  He had picked up kennel cough, a common respiratory infection that many dogs pick up at the pound.  I didn’t want him to go to rescue because he was sick and would have to be kept quarantined until he was well.  There were about 50 dogs there and they don’t need them to get sick.   Within a few days he started feeling better and by then I knew he would stay with us until we found a home for him.  And we did, 12 days later!  The new moon Feb. 25 was conjunct my natal Jupiter in the 8th house of regeneration and it fell in my progressed 6th house of pets.  I was counting on him being adopted.  He is currently getting spoiled in ways he could never imagine!  

I made the trip to pick up the little dogs at the pound in TN and take them on to Rescue.  Happily, one was adopted the day before!  The two JRTS were taken to a vet to be altered as I arranged to pick them up there.  I would have loved to bring the female home, but I have concerns about my dominant female JRT (Bonnie).  I did plan on bringing the male home, he would be my foster.  Gosh, what sweet, cute dogs these were!  It’s so hard to imagine that they didn’t have homes.  I dropped the female off with Russell Rescue and went by Arby’s to get this little guy something to eat before our long drive home.  I had dog food, but this was a special occasion.  I took him out for a potty break, poured a bowl of water, and gave him the meat off the sandwich.  I thought he was going to take my fingers off, but I don’t think he had any food for at least a day because he had surgery the night before.  This little guy rode home in the front seat of my car in a dog bed and it only took a day or two to realize he was going to be a Foster failure.  I told my husband that if he looked at me one more time with those big brown eyes I would keep him.  That’s exactly what he did!  This little guy is so needy and precious!  Jupiter, the planet that expands what it touches, now transiting my 6th house, meant another dog for us.  Toby made #4.  The moon was conjunct my 6th house cusp trine Saturn conjunct my progressed Ascendant.  I took responsibility for another dog that day. 

Toby’s ride to freedom

One night Toby was lying on my lap (he loves laps) I looked down and got all teary eyed.  I felt like his presence in my life meant I was on the right path, that God sent him as a gift to me.  I felt so blessed, five minutes with this love bug and you would understand.  Jupiter was sitting smack dab on top of natal Saturn in my 6th house and the new moon was conjunct natal Jupiter, I had a new beginning and a spiritual awakening.  I couldn’t believe that Toby didn’t have a home, that no-one wanted him, or that someone wasn’t looking for him. 

As fast as I was falling in love with this little guy, I decided to search lost ads just in case someone was looking for him.  I realize the first place they should have checked was the pound, they even held these dogs longer until I could get there. In my online search of ads I found this… 

Date: 2009-02-23, 9:14AM CST

I was picking up my kitty from the vet the other day, and in walked a woman with scrubs on. She was just getting to the vet office and turns out she was from animal control. Next thing I knew, she was bringing in two crates…each filled with a precious Jack Russell. Turns out that she was bringing them there so a rescue could pick them up after they got fixed. The first one that came in was sooo soo hyper in his little crate! He just seemed so happy. It filled my heart with joy–this little guy was no longer on death row.  And it seemed like he knew it too! Ya know, he was like “I’m free! I’m a free man!” It was so heartwarming. The next one that came in was a little more timid…like she was saying “ok I have no clue what’s going on…nervous..” I don’t know if it’s just me, but this really touched me. The jack russell rescue was taking in these little guys. You know most times, the rescues still have to pay the shelters to get an animal out…and they only care about the animals. So in my opinion rescues are a blessing! Thank you rescues everywhere for saving innocent little prisoned animals!!  

I wrote and ask this person if it was Anderson clinic and it turned out that the dogs and the rescuer she was writing about was us!  How odd that I found this ad!  I sent pictures of Toby, explained why Laurel went to Russell Rescue and thanked her for her kindness.

Again, the Universe speaks,  I’m doing exactly what I should be doing.

I did not write forecasts in February because my time and energy was wrapped up mostly in rescues.  There was something else going on, something that began last August as a result of an eclipse to Uranus in my 1st house.    One night in August I went to return some video rentals, it was late and I used the drop box.  To my surprise I saw a dog with its nose down roaming an empty grocery store parking lot, the dog was so skinny it made me want to cry.  Ashton, my daughter, drove from business to business but everything was closed while I stood out in the parking lot not wanting to lose sight of the dog.  Eventually we had to give up and go home without feeding her.    That dog stayed on my mind. In September I went to the grocery store just before closing time.  To my surprise the dog was there again looking for food.  I ran through the store grabbing food, water, and bowls.  I fed the dog by a tree at the edge of the parking lot and went back the next night to find her there again.  Beginning in September, less than a month after the eclipse, I began driving 6 miles every evening to feed this dog.  Rain or shine, I was there.  When I went out of town and ran late, my husband or daughter made sure she was fed for me.   My daily routine changed because of her and aspects to my 6th house. 

At times it was stressful, I would leave my husband to finish cooking dinner and there were times when I couldn’t eat my own dinner knowing she was there waiting!  More of Saturn’s influence.   It was also stressful because she crossed a major highway every night to eat!  I have heard many cars beep at her because she was running across rush hour traffic!  One time my headlights were hitting her back feet as I turned into the parking lot; her feet just hit the grass on that side.  I seriously use to have concerns about me being the one to hit her, it scared me!  More Saturn influence as Saturn governs caution and fear.   

By Christmas my family asked my intentions with this stray and I told them that I planned on keeping her alive with food through winter, after that it was in Gods hands.  Her name became Darlin because each night that I saw her I said, “Hello Darlin.”  

More details can be found here at petfinder if you’re interested. 

http://forums.petfinder.com/viewtopic.php?t=166951 

Jan. 26, 2009 Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, transiting Sun, Moon, Jupiter conjunct natal Saturn in my 6th house.  Within a few weeks I was fostering dogs and I realized it was time for change concerning my stray.   I could not continue driving to feed her every night.  My routines (6th house) were about to get a fresh start, and the change needed definitely had an Aquarian influence over me.   And it had the Saturn Uranus opposition written all over it, - breaking free, sudden breaks, breaking up existing conditions, freedom vs structure, sudden insights, and accepting responsibility and authority.  

It was time for me to reclaim my freedom from a situation (and a relationship) that I had with an animal.  A situation I created because I fed her every night and I made the decision to continue for six months.  I had a revelation around that time and realized I had been training a dog to eat from a tree, but I was ready to take responsibility for her, my way, here at home.  We agreed that Darlin had been eating from The Real Giving Tree.  

Feb. 9 Lunar Eclipse in Leo, conjunct my progressed 1st house Sun.   I found out about having to stop my medication and I made the decision to do something about capturing my stray dog. Saturn, conjunct my progressed Ascendant was opposing Uranus, ruler of my marriage sector.  Talk about testing me and my relationship with my husband!  I was boiling inside, not happy at all with Allen concerning this stray dog!  What an emotional week that was for me!    Allen was fine about me trapping the dog, but he didn’t want me to bring her home.  At that time we had three dogs and we weren’t sure what we would be getting into.  I was overcome with sadness, cried at the drop of a hat, and worried about what I would do if I did catch her.  My heart was in it; I had been driving 6 miles every night and feeding her!  Heck, I felt like she was already my dog!  Darn lunar eclipses can be tough when they conjunct an important planet like the sun (the giver of life and the planet that rules my Ascendant).   I sent out pleas for help, to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah as well as local rescue groups.  Those that did reply didn’t hold out any hope for her, calling her feral and stating they were all full with dogs.  Best Friends did reply stating they were also at full capacity with feral dogs.  I forward the emails to my husband, at which time he said we could bring her home and try to socialize her.  Once she was comfortable around people, he said we could try and find her a home. 

After an emotional roller coaster ride that week I put my plans into action.  You’ll find that on Pet Finder.   

Feb. 25th new moon, Jack gets adopted less than a week later and the trapping started coming together.  To trap an animal takes some skill, knowledge, or research.  When you have an animal that is unsocialized and fearful of people like Darlin, the last thing you need is something to go wrong.  If it does, then she may never come back.   

March 10 full moon in Virgo.  Moon/Saturn conjunct my progressed Ascendant opposing the Sun/Uranus.  Animal Control brought me a large dog trap on the full moon and I was counting on that moon to help me find closure.  I drove up and down that highway several times that week and I did a lot of talking to God.  I had been listening to a song called Full Moon thinking about making a video of her in the future, using the still shots I have of her in the dark and the pictures I would take at home.   

March 11, the moon moved across my 3rd house cusp (neighborhood, local travel, my environment, and communications). Later that day the moon was conjunct my progressed Venus in Libra ( a relationship sign and ruler of my 11th house of hopes and wishes and friends).  I drove down that highway 5 times and was exhausted, but I kept talking to God, asking for his help and hoping it wouldn’t take months to catch her.    

I sent this note to a friend that I met online while researching traps for dogs.  With the help of friends, Lisa trapped a rescue dog that had been lost and roaming for three cold weeks in New Hampshire.  The day that I emailed her for the first time was coincidently her dog’s two-year trap-a-versary.  She doesn’t know anything about astrology, but I shared my thoughts.  

“Last nights full moon was so in line with what’s going on right now regarding trapping Darlin.  The full moon was in Virgo, the sign that rules the natural 6th house of health, food/diet, routines, and pets in the zodiac.  The moon was conjunct Saturn, the planet that restricts, but helps us make slow steady progress.  Gains are not easily made under that type of energy.  Last night I withheld Darlin’s food for the first time (Full moon conjunct Saturn in Virgo).  Emotions are heightened during any full moon as the moon governs our feelings.  I certainly felt more emotional the last two days.  The moon was opposing planet Uranus in Pisces.  Uranus governs sudden events and things that are unexpected.  Pisces governs the natural 12th house of confinement (that trap).  When I saw that opossum, I knew instantly that was the surprise promised by the full moon. ”   

This was Wednesday when I told her it looked like I could get her by Friday, but I was so hoping on the full moon.  

That night, just before dark, we trapped her! 

Friday was significant.  I drove my son to meet friends just as I do every Friday night.  As I passed the shopping center I looked up at the tree where I use to feed Darlin.  It was a weird feeling and such a relief not having to go back there.  On the way home I removed a sign I had posted on the tree a few days before.  A sign that asked people that might see her and feed her not to because I needed her to be hungry enough to go to the trap.  When I pulled the sign off and got in my car, that was it, she was home and I was ready for a fresh start.   

That Lunar Eclipse in February urged me to do something about my stray dog and promised me closure.  A month later and she has a new home. It’s been slow going this week as she has so much fear and anxiety, but I will take it one day at a time until she learns to trust the one that has been feeding her.  Saturn is retrograde until May 16th, I imagine I’ll learn a lot about gaining the trust of a fearful dog.  

Not long ago someone applauded me for helping to save 8 dogs since December.  Last night I was thinking about the dogs that I have rescued/fostered/re-homed and counted them in my head.  JR, Ali, Katrina, Mommy, lil Ricky, Mina, Jack, Skip, Laurel, Toby, and Darlin made #11. I had goose-bumps when I realized that!  The significance of a master number like 11 meant something very profound to me.  Then I remembered that I caught Darlin on March 11.  Spirit was talking to me as felt an overwhelming sense of being connected to God at that moment.   11:11,  I never look for that numbers significance in my life.  Usually when I see it on the clock I’m working and it’s just a time of day.  Now, it has taken on a whole new meaning for me.   

Spring is right around the corner.  I’m hoping it breathes new life into my relationship with Darlin.   

Darlin is home!

Blessings, Cornelia

I have a diagnosis! 

The antibody tests came back positive for Graves disease, a common hyperthyroid disease. 

From the Mayo Clinic:

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland and causes it to overproduce the hormone thyroxine.

The abnormal immune response can affect the tissue behind your eyes as well as parts of your skin. The higher thyroxine level in Graves’ disease can greatly increase your body’s metabolic rate, leading to host of health problems.

Graves’ disease is rarely life-threatening. Although it may develop at any age and in either men or women, Graves’ disease is more common in women and usually begins after age 20.

There’s no way to stop your immune system from attacking your thyroid gland, but treatments for Graves’ disease can ease symptoms and decrease the production of thyroxine.

What causes Grave disease, from the American Thyroid Association:

Graves disease is triggered by some process in the body’s immune system, which normally protects us from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system destroys foreign invaders with substances called antibodies produced by blood cells known as lymphocytes.

Many people inherit an immune system that can cause problems. Their lymphocytes make antibodies against their own tissues that stimulate or damage them. In Graves disease antibodies bind to the surface of thyroid cells and stimulate those cells to overproduce thyroid hormones. This results in an overactive thyroid.

Physicians have long suspected that severe emotional stress, such as the death of a loved one, can set off Graves’ disease in some patients. Dr. Graves himself commented on stressful events in his patients’ lives that came several months before the development of hyperthyroidism. However, many patients who develop Graves disease report no stress in their lives.

I knew about stress being a trigger for hyperthyroidism and had already figured out when this may have developed.   I’m going back to the first of this year when Jupiter was opposing my sun and stress was a big theme for me.  That was a 5th house and 11th house aspect.  My children and my hopes and wishes were influenced.  In addition, Jupiter is exalted in Cancer so it is weak in Capricorn and the full benefits of this expansive planet are withheld.   I knew it would be a challenging time because I also had my progressed moon opposing my sun (exact) which can cause stress and disappointments.  I didn’t imagine the move would be easy as we had relocated three years before and I remembered clearly the work and stress involved.  At the same time I had transiting Saturn Retrograde (limits, ruler of  6th house of health, pets and routines) conjunct natal Pluto (governing my home and 8th house issues) opposing my natal Jupiter  in the 8th house of finance, transformations and death issues. 

My husband changed jobs in September and I stayed behind until the kids finished out the semester at school.  He came home at Christmas and we relocated the first week of January 2008.   We moved 650 miles with 2 teenagers 30,000 pounds, 3 cars, 3 dogs and 4 cats.  That alone was enough stress for a lifetime.  

I drove 12 hours and cried on and off with my daughter who was in love, broken hearted and leaving that relationship behind.  I had a good dose of Saturn’s fear hovering over me too and worried a lot.  Ashton was 19 and not happy to be relocating again.  At that age I’m sure a lot of parents would be concerned about having to leave a child behind.  To top it off my husband told me right before our relocation that his colleague was transferring and his 19 year old daughter refused to go with them.  Boy, that didn’t help me sleep any better.   Ashton is responsible, but I also know she’s her own person, hard working an independent.  I’m her mother, I cared about what she was going through and I knew it was hard.  She turned the station every time Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie came on the radio and went to tears.  Gosh, that was a sad time and one long drive.  

I did not see this house before we purchased it.  My trip to choose between the three best homes that my husband found was cancelled.  There was an unforeseen issue arise with my daughters great grandmother the weekend before our trip.  Not only was it upsetting to hear that my daughters Aunt was auctioning off Granny’s estate, but no-one called to let us know.  It was actually a friend that emailed me about what was going on.   I sent Allen to the auction to bid on the items promised to Ashton, items that were rightfully her fathers had he been alive at the time.  My sister also went to the auction and bought Keith’s baby pictures for Ashton after spotting some in frames on a table.  Granny has been a part of my life for 27 years; we were always close and our relationship did not change in the 18 years after Keith passed on.  I made sure that Ashton spent time with her great grandmother as they were always very close as well.  Ashton’s family on her father’s side was small to begin with; she is one of three left, Granny (89 yrs.) and her Aunt.  Our relationship with Keith’s sister did change as our lives moved in different directions.   So it was an emotionally charged weekend at our house when we heard the news from another source about how selfish and secretive her Aunt had been and how she completely disregarded her deceased brother’s child that was an young adult herself now.  

I asked Allen to choose the best house.  No matter what I asked about in the pictures, he had the right answers, “there was nothing wrong with the house.”  We had planned to have it painted, but I had no idea that the walls needed sanding too!  My painter thought that the home was wallpapered at one time and the sheetrock was torn up when it was removed.  The owner decided to camouflage the damage by painting everything chocolate brown.  Did Allen see it?  Nope.  I could see it in the pictures.  I was not happy about the house for a number of reasons. 

We moved in and within three days my dog had rat poison and was on an I.V at the emergency vet clinic for intestinal hemorrhaging.  That same weekend that Chloe was at the vet my cat Abbey went outside and never came home.  If you’ve ever so much as liked a cat, she would have stolen your heart as she did ours.  Every time I walked in the door I expected her to be home…that was 11 months ago.  I created a horary chart for her which foretold of her health being comprised in the neighborhood.  I thought I was reading too much into it so I waited it out and expected her to come home.  A week went by when I contacted a pet psychic that suggested I leave the door open, so I did.  The front door, three nights in a row with a book under the door, leaving enough room for her to slip through.   We posted fliers all over, added her to a lost pet database and ran an ad in the newspaper for two months. 

After three weeks I contacted a horary specialist, someone who wasn’t close to the situation and could be more objective.  My heart sank when I opened the chart.  The chart analysis:  Lost her life to coyotes in the neighborhood.  The reading was done a week after I spoke with a man down the street about Abbey and he told me that he hoped coyotes didn’t get her because he shot at some trying to get his dogs two weeks before!  Talk about getting the city girl mentality beaten out of me!  I fell into a bit of a depression.  Well, I did a lot of crying and then some.  I was grieving for the cat I adopted after seeing her in a dream, the only one that looked her at the Humane Society, the one I waited three weeks for until she was big enough to go home, the one we all loved for 18 months…I was devastated.  I still go to tears sometimes driving through the neighborhood. 

The next month our first utility bill came in and I was shocked by the amount.  Allen said, “Well, you can’t leave the front door open in January.”   “Three nights cost us this?”  I don’t think so.  I called the utility company and the average bill was close to what I had in my hand.  We had the unit checked and not only was the filter lying on the floor at the bottom of the unit, it was as black as charcoal, just like the coils.  Six thousand dollars later and we are enjoying the new heat and air conditioner that we had installed six weeks after buying the home!  Mercury was not retrograde during the purchase of the home and yes, we did have a home inspection.  Saturn was conjunct Pluto in my 2nd house, depleting our funds because of this real estate transaction (Pluto governs my home sector) and is a financial planet.  We put a lot of money in the house after buying it and we didn’t plan on having to do anything except painting it our own colors.  Some of my friends have asked about Mercury being retrograde because we’ve had our share of problems for a home that’s only ten years old.  When we’re finished it’s going to make someone a really nice house!  We’re having cherry floors installed throughout the upstairs soon.   I hate thinking about the mess and work involved, but we’ll enjoy them while we’re here. 

There is something else that I should mention about eclipse contacts to my chart.  I was not enthusiastic about the idea of moving back to the city I left 18 years ago when my first husband was a victim of a car jacking.  In 1990 my first husband took a job transfer to this area.  We were here six months when he died.  Ashton was a baby and we had no family or friends so I moved back home to family.   I never thought I would come back and I had no desire to.  I was hoping for the Carolinas!   The same eclipse series that relocated us then repeated itself in August 2007.  Allen changed jobs and left in September; we moved the household in January 2008.   So here I am 18 years later, in the same area, for the same reason as back in 1990.  The months before we moved in 1990 lead to my cat dying of a feline infectious disease and my dog died after getting hit by a van when the neighbor kids got their ball from our yard and left the gate open.   This time around Chloe had rat poison and Abbey disappeared, although it was after my move.  When I say I’ve come full circle, there is no denying the truth in that. 

Chloe, stained pink from mulch.

I just bet that the move and the first three months of this year qualify for enough stress to trigger hyperthyroidism. 

By Spring everything was falling into place.  Ashton went to work in February; her theater teacher took interest in her and put her in a production at the time.  I kept telling her to hang on until March.  That there were going to be new friends come into her life and she would feel better.  Little did I know that those friends were in a theater production and one of them was going to be her next boyfriend.  She was happier, which meant I was happier.  Chloe did make a quick recovery and the major issues with the house were behind us.  I went back to work and started feeling better about everything.  

Ricky and Ashton, I love this guy!

In my last post I mentioned that the transiting moon would be at 29 Cancer during my next appointment.  This is part of my post.

“My next appointment is Nov. 17, the day after the sun squares the August 16 lunar eclipse.  The transiting moon will be at 29 Cancer in my natal 12th house of hospitals, something hidden, and the last house in my chart suggesting the end of something.  The symbol for the moon is “A Greek Muse weighing newborn twins in golden scales.”  This relates to weighing two issues, balance, comparisons and similarities, the pros and cons of more than one issue and decision making.”

The stars never lie.  I have two separate issues and either one or a combination of both may be contributing to my rapid hair loss.  My testosterone levels were six times higher than what is normal for a woman my age.  High testosterone in woman can cause similar symptoms as hyperthyroidism which includes hair loss.  Allen said the Olympics wouldn’t accept me because they’d swear I was taking steroids.  I’m just glad I didn’t grow a beard!

I’m taking Tapazole for the thyroid and something to bring my testosterone levels down.  I’ll go back in January for new tests to see if this is working for me.  I’m not real happy about Mercury retrograde at the time of my appointment, but it always seems to be retrograde when I have a health issue. 

I love my Endocrinologist!  He discussed everything I had read about concerning Graves disease and Hyperthyroidism.  He listens and asks if I have any questions.  He wants me to try medicine first and give me a chance to go into remission.  I was happy to hear that because once the thyroid gland is removed or destroyed with radioactive iodine, a person will have to take medicine for life.  This way I have the opportunity to heal on my own.  We are not certain about the testosterone at this point.  It’s possible that those levels are elevated because of the Graves, but we’ll know more in January. 

I asked him about the nodule.  I told him that I knew the cold nodule wouldn’t cause the hyper-functioning thyroid and while they are often benign that is it the cold nodules that can sometimes be cancerous.  He said I was right and within 5 minutes he was doing and ultrasound and taking pictures.  The nodule is 1cm so it’s too small at this point to biopsy therefore we will watch and wait. 

We did discuss that the trigger for Graves is often stress.  I told him that I’m an astrologer and have very little stress, but the move and everything that followed was challenging.  I mentioned that I already knew that we would be discussing two separate issues, that I had posted that on my blog, but the testosterone was a surprise.  He flipped open my chart and said he remembered that about me and we started talking astrology.  He said he was fascinated by astrology even though he doesn’t understand it and that science had no explanation of why it works, but he knows it does work.  He then shared several stories about some of his patients that had near death experiences and came back.  One of his patients had diabetes and his circulation was so poor that his legs turned black.  He had a heart attack, died and came back with his legs completely healed.  He said he saw it with his own eyes! 

He asked what I knew about Leo’s.  I asked his birthday and told him that he had an eclipse to his sun in August.  I asked what happened 18 ½ years ago that changed his life and what similar themes were going on now.  His son was born then and his son just went away to college this fall.  I could see that he was moved by that.  He seemed very surprised to hear about the eclipse and the similar issues.  He wrote down his birth information on his prescription pad and sent me home with it. 

My doctors sun is conjunct my North Node exact.  He was the help promised to me when the eclipse in August was conjunct my Venus/North Node.  When the north node is eclipsed it carry’s the energy of Jupiter and may bring someone into your life that will be beneficial to you.  Celeste Teal, in her new book Lunar Nodes writes that the Sun/North Node is a future oriented relationship.  Also that the relationship is improved in one of the persons is male.  I can understand that given the Sun represents important men in ones life.  She also states that there is often a fatherly role taken on by one of the persons and the benefits are that of the houses occupied by the North Node and the houses occupied by the sun.  His sun resides in his 10th house of authority figures, conjunct Uranus.  That has the makings of a great doctor.  For me this is the 12th house of hospitals although my Node could be read conjunct my Leo Ascendant ruling my overall vitality.  His Sun (specialist) also conjuncts my Venus (thyroid gland) and is probably why I like him so much.  The Sun conjunct Venus can mean an instant attraction between two people.  Using Synastry, our charts are very compatible for a doctor patient relationship. 

I’ve lost a lot more hair since posting my pictures, but I’m hoping this medicine will slow it down now.  Jan. 26, 2009 Solar Eclipse at 7 Aquarius conjunct my natal Saturn, ruler of my 6th in the 6th house of health.  The transiting north node will conjunct my Saturn/South node.  I’m hoping that eclipse is the beginning of renewed health as it will be close to the time my new test results come back. 

Yesterday was pretty relaxed considering how anxious I’ve been to meet with the Endocrinologist.  Allen took off from work to take me to my appointment, which I was glad of by the time we arrived.  I’m still not familiar with a large part of this area and it turned out to be a pretty big hospital. 

I stayed in my robe all morning and goofed off on the internet.  I had my fill of coffee, did some writing, nothing much just waiting for the time to go by.   I can’t remember Allen and I speaking other than him asking if I wanted him to make me some breakfast about 7:30 and later me telling him I was ready to go about 12:30.  Couldn’t have been more perfect! lol

My affirmation for yesterday was – It’s time to let go of my old beliefs about how relationships are suppose to be – I Can Do It, desk calendar by Louise Hay . 

That affirmation made me think about how Allen tells me to let people do their jobs.  I’m one that likes to be on top of things, called bossy a few times when I was younger and not always patient with the Moon/Mars conjunction at the top of my chart.  I’m much more seasoned as I age, but I still want control over everything that’s important in my life.  I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.  Lesson for yesterday – give up some control and allow the benefits of a relationship to come into my experience. 

We didn’t have to wait long and I was called back to the exam room.  I had given the nurse a two page history report of symptoms, beginning 4 years ago to present date.  Some may have been relevant, some not, but I asked her to put it in my file.   I had my vital signs taken and the doctor came in within a few minutes.  No waiting was a surprise! 

I liked his face as soon as I saw him.  A tall slender man with male pattern baldness, olive complexion, dark eyes and by his last name I forgot to ask if he was from Brazil.  When he came into the office he had a nice smile, shook our hands and asked how I found him.  I told him about the other doctor not having room to schedule me until 2009 so I found him on the internet. He questioned if it was through the American Thyroid Association, I nodded and he seemed pleased.  He took a seat and began reading my personal history which made me feel good because he was taking a few minutes to read and listen to what I had to say.  

He addressed several questions that I would have asked.  He was on top of every question I asked as well.  He talked about my symptoms in comparison to the reports and the scans.  There was too much of a difference in my blood work and the symptoms I have now, so he ordered new blood work.  My test reports are at least seven weeks old, my worst symptoms and accelerated hair loss began after the tests. 

He did talk to me about thyroid disease, what my options are and how he would rather try hormone replacement for a year before he would suggest surgery, or radioactive iodine ablation to kill the thyroid gland.  He said that would only result in me having to take medicine the rest of my life.  I’m glad I did a lot of reading about thyroid disease beforehand; it benefited me having a thorough understanding of what was going on.  I was also happy that he’s not a doctor that would immediately rush into surgery or ablation as both of those treatments have concerned me.

. 
He promised me he would not let me go bald.  He even ran his fingers through my hair!  It was a sign and I knew he really cared about what I was going through!  He did say that my hair felt just like hair that has been affected by the thyroid, thin and fine.  He also mentioned that if and when I go on hormone replacement that I could lose more hair for another month or two until we get my hormone levels to where they should be.  I hope not, but I will also take proactive measures nutritionally and through other areas of wellness from massage to meditation and visualizing myself with a healthy head of hair.    He promised that once my levels are stable that the hair will grow back. He did say that I’m also not allowed to blame him if I gain weight.  I already knew that hyperthyroid usually results in under active thyroid after treatment.  The only way to control it is to slow hormone production down; in doing so the metabolism slows too.   I’ll cross that bridge if I get there.

He seemed open to nutritional healing and alternative methods of wellness.  I had concerns about iodine in my diet and he said I could have some table salt but to stay away from kelp and supplements that contain high amounts of iodine. 

I forgot to ask about the nodule!   He said the reports state it’s a cold nodule which means it did not take up any iodine when I had the scans, but thyroid nodules usually do not cause symptoms.  Next appointment I will ask the size as I know when they are small most times they are watched.   From what I have read, cold nodules require biopsy so I will be sure to address this as well.  It does sound like I have two separate thyroid issues going on at once, or two findings.  Before any diagnosis he needs the new test results. 

Before the end of our visit I asked him about my eyes.  I told him that I had some recent pictures taken and my eyes looked different to me.  I saw that in pictures from my stepson’s wedding in early July and some photos taken in September which were worse.  My eyes looked so different in the pictures that I told my daughter she better not let me wear that eye shadow again!  It was a pale frost on the top lid, although it was subtle, it just seemed to make my eyes pop out.  I thought I should know better, at my age I should always wear a matte finish.  So when I mentioned this to the doctor he pointed at a chart on the wall and said, “Yes, you do have the appearance of Graves disease.”   Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.  Graves Ophthalmology is a condition associated with Graves disease, it may also called thyroid eye disease.  Graves disease and thyroid eye disease are related, but they are separate issues for the patient.  In order to determine whether someone has Graves disease, an antibody test is needed.  

Even though I’ve had to retake blood tests and have to wait another two weeks, I feel much better having this man on my side.  Jeannie, a website visitor and friend, wrote and asked about Jupiter transiting my 6th house.  She said she found a great doctor when Jupiter transited her 6th.  Yes, Jupiter officially entered my 6th house Oct. 10 and I do feel like this Endocrinologist was a God send from the Universe. 

So, no definite diagnosis or treatment plan at this time.  My next appointment is Nov. 17, the day after the sun squares the August 16 lunar eclipse.  The transiting moon will be at 29 Cancer in my natal 12th house of hospitals, something hidden, and the last house in my chart suggesting the end of something.  The symbol for the moon is “A Greek Muse weighing newborn twins in golden scales.”  This relates to weighing two issues, balance, comparisons and similarities, the pros and cons of more than one issue and decision making.  

I remain optimistic and I’m only washing my hair every three days now!

Special thanks to the people that reached out to me during this difficult time.  Jeannie,  Raquel, Judie, Arianna, Jen, Skye, Kathleen, Beth and Carleta.  While this thyroid issue and hair loss is not the worst thing that could happen to me, your emails meant a lot and your story and/or information you’ve shared have been appreciated.  I wish you all blessings and good health.  ~ Cornelia

Yes, it’s possible for many individuals that November will hold some promise of this past Augusts eclipses.  I have pasted below the main text from my forecast for those eclipses with the dates when developments are likely.  While some people have already had some experience due to the impact of the eclipse on their chart, November may also highlight something related to the eclipse as the Sun will square the eclipse degree. 

Aug 1, 2008, Total Solar Eclipse 10° Leo for all signs.

This eclipse belongs to Saros Series #126.  It is not visible from the United States.  It starts in northern Canada, passes the North Pole, into Northern Russia and south east into China. In Britain it will be visible as a partial eclipse.  (Source: NASA eclipse page)

Each Saros cycle repeats itself approximately every 18 years 9 - 11 days, however the eclipse will have moved approximately 10 degrees through the zodiac.  Therefore, the last eclipse in this series which occurred July 22, 1990 at 29° Cancer has moved 10 degrees to 10° Leo this month. 

If the 1990 eclipse in this series changed your life, it is not likely that the same events will occur during this eclipse.  There could be a similar theme that arises due to the saros series having a similar nature.  An example: You got your first job in 1990; this eclipse could find you changing directions in your career.  Or, you had your first child; this eclipse may find your child starting college or getting married.  The theme of career or children will stand out among other things.  If you are old enough, think back to that time and what significant event happened in your life as a result of that eclipse.  Some of the same issues or energy may color your present circumstances due to this eclipse which will have a lasting effect on your direction. 

Additionally, we want to look at when the last eclipse occurred at 10° Leo for other clues as to how you respond to eclipse activity if you have a planet near this degree.  Even if you do not have your birth time, you can still find clues in the nature of the planet being influenced.  The last eclipses to occur in Leo were in 1999 and 2000.  Jan 31, 1999 (lunar) and July 31, 2000 (solar) we had an eclipse within orb of this eclipse degree in Leo.  Those Leo eclipses were of a different saros series and contain different energy threads than the eclipse season we are going through now. Nevertheless, previous eclipses to planets or angles in your chart may provide telling signs of what will manifest and how you handle the energy presented. 

Hosting an eclipse in the fire sign of Leo will touch all of the fire signs (Leo, Sagittarius, Aries) in some respect and these signs will feel the power of this eclipse to some extent. If you have planets in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius between 6-13 degrees, these planets should be considered sensitive points in your chart.  The same applies to the angles of your chart.  If your 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house cusp is 6-13 degrees of the fire signs it is likely that you will feel the influence of the eclipse.  While opinions may vary as to how tight the orb should be kept, I believe any planet within 4 degrees of the eclipse will awaken to the energy. There are several charts in my research (my own included) where planets were influenced by an eclipse up to 7 degrees. 

The general rules for the duration of a solar eclipse is that the energy effects your circumstances one year for ever hour of the eclipses duration, up to 3 ½ years.  Astrological research has shown that an eclipse can change a life permanently. Another rule is that eclipses last from one solar eclipse to the next solar eclipse or lunar eclipse to lunar eclipse. For forecasting purposes, the life span of this solar eclipse in Leo will last until the next solar eclipse Jan. 26, 2009, although it may be activated by future transits for several more years. 

While eclipse energy is often felt within a month on either side of the eclipse, there are hot spots they may trigger events related to the eclipse.  Those hot spot dates are when the sun squares the eclipse degree Nov 1, 2008, although you may hear something a within a few days on either side of this date.  Then when the sun opposes the eclipse Jan 28/29, 2009 (just 3 days after our next solar eclipse). 

Each eclipse has a ruler, the planet ruling the sign where the eclipse falls.  Should there be another planet within 3 degrees of the luminaries (sun or moon) that planet becomes the ruler of the eclipse.  Mercury will conjunct this solar eclipse and its influence will likely be expressed through paperwork, documents, agreements, contracts, or some form of news.  

All eclipses, whether solar or lunar have the potential to change your circumstances.  They are expressed through a crisis of some sort.  Often times a new beginning involves letting go of something from the past, whether it be a person, a relationship, an object, or behavior.  If this eclipse is conjunct or in opposition to a planet in your natal chart you should expect those planets to become sensitized to the energy.  The houses that the planet rules in your chart will be influenced as well and issues that involve those houses will come up for review. This eclipse will have a power rating of a triple new moon and the message that it carries will have a positive outcome in your life even if you don’t see this during the transitional phase.

This is a new moon which points to fresh starts, new opportunities, and exciting new possibilities. The universe pours its energy into the house of this Solar Eclipse and will show itself in your outward circumstances. In other words, the eclipse will change something in your life that will be apparent for all to see.

The Universe has a way of moving us forward in our lives to a point where we become a better version of ourselves.  The process can be easy or difficult; it really depends on how you handle what develops.  Trust that whatever comes up is important for you as you are evolving into the person you were destined to become.  

August 16, 2008 Partial Lunar Eclipse 25° Aquarius for all signs. 

This eclipse belongs to saros series 138. Visible over most of Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Although only a partial eclipse, this eclipse should be quite spectacular. (Source: NASA eclipse page)

The last eclipse in this saros series occurred Aug. 6, 1990 at 14 Aquarius.  This eclipse has moved 10 degrees further along the zodiacal longitude, therefore if the last eclipse in this series was felt in your life, this eclipse would be much different unless you have natal planets conjunct or opposite the sun in Leo or the full moon in Aquarius.  Natal planets or angles within 4 degrees of 25 degrees of the fixed signs, Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius and Leo may also become sensitive to the lunar eclipse energy. 

Let’s look at when we had our last eclipse at or near 25 Aquarius in order to help judge how your chart responds to this series of eclipses.  Feb 16, 1999 a solar eclipse in Aquarius within orb of our current eclipse.  Something that began then may end now.  Looking back at previous eclipses to your chart is merely a tool to help judge corresponding eclipse activity to your chart.  The energy that each individual saros series contains is presented in past and future eclipses of the same series.  The saros cycle and the energy is contains carries more weight.

Do not be misled by anyone who suggests a partial eclipse to have less impact than a total eclipse.  They have obviously never experienced one to planets or angles in their chart.  The last partial eclipse in this series changed my life, my future, my family, my home, my status, my spiritual awareness and led me to my study of astrology. It was mentioned on my Your Astrologer page.  The last year has proven to me that I have come full circle in 18 years with many similar themes and underlying cosmic currents.  You may sense similarities in your life as well.

I’ve mentioned that solar eclipses influence your outward circumstances, areas that are obvious.  Lunar eclipses tend to influence relationship matters and when they touch and important planet or angle in your chart, they too may change your circumstances which would be obvious to others.  Single or attached; your relationship with something or someone could change soon.  Just as our monthly full moon touches us inwardly and emotionally and points to the culmination of a particular relationship or event, a lunar eclipse does the same although it is much more powerful. 

The rules for the duration of this lunar eclipse are that the life span is equal to one month for every hour of the eclipse, lasting up to 6 months.  This Lunar eclipse at 25 Aquarius will last 3 hrs 9 min which suggests that you will know how this eclipse will unfold by the time the sun squares the eclipse degree Nov 15/16, 2008 although the energy is active a few days before and after these dates.  Six months takes us to the next lunar eclipse Feb 9, 2009.

My own eclipse story is coming soon. 

I have had so little time to visit this blog, but I decided to post the most asked question that I have received in July.  Now I can just send a link as a reply!

First you should know what house in your birth chart the New moon will fall in.  You should know the issues governed by each house in your chart.  Just a few keywords will help tremendously.  If there are any planets in your chart that will conjunct the new moon you should make a note of them.  The conjunct is when planets are very close, or almost sitting on top of one another.  If you have Venus at 18 degrees Cancer, the new moon at 21 degrees Cancer will conjunct your natal Venus.  The conjunct is a powerful aspect where both planets become sensitized.  If the new of full moon conjuncts a natal planet, you should know what house that planet governs in your natal chart.  There are other aspects that should be considered, but we are looking at possible influences.   

After emailing a reader as to what type of issues relate to a new moon in the 4th house, they mentioned that I stated the issue of the new moon may have been around a while.  They wanted to know how long the issue had been around.  Since the last new moon about a month ago or, since the last full moon 2 weeks ago?  

Sometimes the issue has been around since the last new moon; sometimes the issue at the new moon relates to the last full moon.  Many times you will have the new and full moon at work together. 

I have found that the best way to study the effects of any new and full moon is to take notes.  I have been doing this for years.  You know yourself better than anyone.  Once you get the hang of this you can do it for the people you are close to in your life.  I see the moon at work in my children’s lives too.  As you will see by my example below, there may be so many things come up that it will be harder to remember them down the road if I didn’t take notes. 

Example:

April 17 new moon Aries - conjunct my Midheaven, 10th house. 

I had a list of things I wanted to add to the site, but hadn’t found the time. Within 10 days (April 27th) I had my list together and was emailing my web designer.

May 2nd full moon Scorpio - my 4th house conjunct natal Neptune.

Receive a note from web designer of cost for work and that she was ready to start.
Work begins on site with 4 days of full moon – ending to my wait. 
No hot water at home – the gas lines were out in our area (Neptune/water/gas)
AC went out in the house same day – discovered water on the floor (4th house property/water) 
A customer kept me busy looking for a purchase she made through the site.  After extensive searching and contacting paypal, she sent me a note that she made a mistake. (career/10th)

As you can see, I had home and career issues.  The home issues concerned the full moon, the career issues were the opposite house where the sun highlights matters in my birth chart. 

And it works for your sun sign too…

As a Cancer sun sign, the moon was in Scorpio…Cancers 5th house of children and opposes the sun in Taurus, bringing issues to “light” concerning the 11th house of friends and associates. 

A short time after the customer issue was resolved I received a call from a friend that another dear friend of mine had passed away.  She was like a grandmother to me, we shared flowers and gardened together…my kids loved her; she was kind and generous with them growing up. 

Transiting Venus (female) was conjunct Transiting Mercury (news), both were conjunct my natal Mercury in the 11th house of friends.   Mercury rules my 11th house of friendship. 

I also spent time with my daughters (5th) boyfriends mother (11th) explaining how I was against my daughter driving to Florida (18hrs) for a vacation (5th) on the beach after a recent back injury.   The issue was a long car ride and Mercury rules over transportation issues and cars.

I was very sad to hear that Madalon had died and called my husband at work.  He reminded me that just the night before I said if anything ever happened to Madalon that I hope Ruth would call.  It was Ruth that called. 

This was an exceptional psychic week for me too and the moon was conjunct my natal Neptune.  Neptune rules the psychic, in opposition to my moon it had an impact on my intuition as well.  I was receiving energy that week that made my hair stand on end all over my body.  If you are psychic, you know what I’m talking about.  

In addition, this full moon opposed my natal Mars, ruler of my 9th house of long distance concerns.  The call came from 600 miles away.  The issue with my daughter driving to Florida was also 9th house.   It was too far. 

This was a powerful full moon for me in many respects. 

May 11th, 9 days after the full moon, the work for website is complete.  I’m thinking the website concerns are behind me know.

May 16th New Moon conjunct my natal Mars in the 10th. 
More career issues!  These are related to the 9th house as the new moon conjuncts my natal Mars ruler of my 9th.  So now I am communicating with people at a distance trying to resolve an internet issue.

I start getting red in the face (Mars) with my hosting provider and seriously consider moving the site.  The website is down every 20 minutes for several days.  I contact support, the answer I was given for the trouble I was experiencing wasn’t sufficient!  More Mars, it’s my site!  I want the 99.9 % uptime I have been promised!   I buy a dedicated ip thinking it could help, nothing changes.   I shop for a new hosting service.  Merideth was going out of town for the weekend, but agreed to move the site the following week.  I’m anxious to do so!

May 22nd - I receive a notice from my hosting provider that they are going to move my site to another server because the one I was on was “performing below quality standards”.  Within a few days the website was transferred and the entire career/10th house issue was finally over.  The work was complete and the site was running smoothly again.  It took just over a month to complete a 10th house new moon that began in April and my life was also colored by the full moon in between. 

I hope something here helps you to pinpoint the effects of a new or full moon.

Many happy moons to you! Cornelia

Click on the image for full view

The heavenly bodies will form a grand trine between the fire signs in April.  This powerful and harmonious astrological influence brings you inspiration, the courage to move stumbling blocks, and the ambition to carry out your goals.  It began in March with Venus in Aries, the Suns transit of Aries in April, followed by Mercury, and finally transiting Mars in Aries through June.  The Fire Grand Trine is self expressive, creative, spontaneous and inspiring.  You won’t be held back by fear or insecurities for your faith in yourself will be strong and your belief in your abilities will be unshakable.  You’ll be willing to seek adventure and take risks because your confidence and enthusiasm will be high. 

In addition, a more powerful aspect that the heavenly bodies will form is called a Kite. Three planets are in trine aspect and two planets sextile - all are harmonious, two planets in opposition, normally difficult, however when part of the Kite, the planets in trine and sextile assist and bring ease to the normally difficult opposition.  In doing so they help to direct and drive you to take hold of an important opportunity. 

People with a Kite in their charts are called “High Flyers.”  Each of us will have the opportunity to find a successful outcome to the area of our charts where the Kite will influence.   Stability, ability, transformation, expansion, courage, and accomplishment are keywords related to this heavenly configuration.  The planets will move in and out of this aspect until the first part of June.  Maintain a positive outlook on any difficulties that may arise and always look for the best possible outcome as opposed to the worst case scenario.   

I wish you all a wonderful month of progress! Cornelia

 Hello All, I thought you might enjoy reading this article that Mary sent me. Her link is in the Blog Roll.

HOW TO PREDICT WITH YOUR PERSONAL CHART

By Mary MacLean 

The completion of Saturn’s last retrograde thru the constellation of Leo is the signal for re-examining our recent course of action and also preparing for Saturn’s forward motion nearing the end of cycle thru Leo.  This last six months of Saturn’s transit thru Leo brings about the promise from the beginning of the transit back in August of 2005.   The rule is that the last six months of the Saturn transit brings in the fulfillment of your desires from Saturn’s initial intro into Leo. Think back, what were you trying to accomplish at that time?  Did you want a new house? Boyfriend?  Promotion?  Change your career?  These are just some of the everyday things that some people look to change in their lives.  Your choice can be more intense depending on Saturn’s promise in your birth chart.    In the months leading up to our current transits, you may have noticed repeating a situation or two.  This is due to the retrograde motion of Saturn. Retrograde means to go backwards, while the planets never really go backwards they seem to appear like they do from our stand point. Saturn is now retrograde and in the throws of the last six months transit thru Leo.  How far you have you come since August of 2005.  Saturn’s customary transit has the effect of testing the structures you have built in some area of your chart. 

As I look forward to the next six months, three things stand out.  First, the Full Moon Eclipse on March 3, 2007 takes place at 13 degrees of Virgo and second, the New Moon Eclipse on March 18, 2007 at 28 degrees of Pisces will take us through to the end of July. Third, Saturn goes direct in April at 18 degrees of Leo.  If you keep a day timer or journal, it will be easy to see the goals you set for yourself.  This is where it all starts to happen.  It will start with the unexpected changes that come with the Full Moon Eclipse and end with the goals you set with the New Moon Eclipse.   This is followed by the direct motion of Saturn in April and finalizes your intentions to further your aspirations. It seems as though we are ready to again take a step forward in our lives.   In the past twenty-four months we have slowly but surely moved forward in redefining a particular area in our chart.  For all of you who know what the houses are and where they are in your chart, this next paragraph may be a little redundant for you.  

If your rising sign is Aries, Saturn has been transiting your 5th house of Creativity and love affairs.  Has the relationship with your children, love affairs and entertainment have been put to the test lately.  One thing is for sure and that is that Saturn never leaves an area of the chart weakened.  By the time it is done, you will have a solid foundation to build on for the future. 

Taurus rising has Saturn transiting the 4th house of home and core issues.  This position of Saturn emphasizes your inner foundations as well as your physical home. You will find yourself trying to reaffirm belief structures that you have built your life on.  This can be a little testy.

Gemini rising finds Saturn transiting the 3rd house of Communication and community.  I find that this transit of the third house redefines how you cover your butt.  I have to snicker at that because during this transit it’s possible for your job to move, you may need to commute, and brothers and sisters need more attention.

Cancer rising finds Saturn coursing thru the 2nd house of personal finances and love. This is where you decide what you want.  This will solidify your personal finances and values.  After Saturn is done here you will have a great idea of who you really are and what you desire and/or need.

Leo rising with Saturn transiting the 1st house is probably the most important transit I can think of.  Initially it is all about the new 28 year you are about to enter.  The 1st house is the beginning of this great cycle.  You will leave all your old emotional and psychological baggage at the door or take it with you for the next 28 years.  The choice will be yours.  Your personality and how others see you will change as you grow into this next cycle.  This is where you start anew.  

Virgo rising finds Saturn going thru the 12th house of the past and subconscious.  You may think this might be a soulful but quiet period but alas, this is where you are so fed up with the emotional baggage that you have been sporting around for so long that you review and relinquish it to the past.  This is a time of letting go, it’s easier to write than to do but those are the facts. 

Libra, Saturn has been transiting the 11th house for you and redefining friendships, goals and group affiliations.  You will find yourself pushing forward with new goals.  The possibility of you making new friends or enlisting old friends in your current quest is par for your course.

Scorpio, with Saturn in your 10th house making a 90 degree angle to your 1st house this has not been your easiest couple of years.  Career is the center of your life at this time and working hard has been part of it all.  You have made some decisions on your current career status and what you want for yourself in the future.  The path is clear all you have to do is do it….

Sag, Saturn has been mulling around in your 9th house of legal matters, publishing, foreign affairs and philosophy.  I like this house because it is a mental house and requires that you engage in your thoughts.  Whatever the subject is you will be engaged mentally and emotionally.   This is you do what you say and not procrastinate.  Since this is the prelude to Saturn in the 10th house you will notice you are climbing to the top of career matters. It is no mistake that you are on a course to achieve a pinnacle.

Capricorn, Saturn is your ruling planet and when it is found in the 8th house of partnership finances and other people’s money, you can be sure your money will be affected. This can be taxes, inherititance, and mortgage money or partnership funds.  Mainly it’s all about money.  This transit solidify’s your income from others. 

Aquarius, with Saturn transiting your 7th house of partnership you may find yourself redefining your needs in your partnerships.  This can be a difficult time for some people as it involves another person or persons.  During this transit you are apt to rewrite your agreements with others.  This is a time of self discovery, where you see your needs change.

Pisces you will find Saturn transiting your 6th house of everyday work and health.  This transit develops a work schedule, or health schedule that works well for you.  It may take a while to figure it out but nothing happens overnight.  We all have 6th house needs and this is where you find out what they are.  Next it’s just a small leap to make it happen.  

For all of you who are not familiar with the houses and meanings I will give you a shortened view of where the eclipses will fall in your chart.  You will need your natal chart in front of you for this.  The other instruction I would give you is to take note of any natal planets that are conjunct or in opposition to the eclipse, by at the most 3 degrees on either side.  These will be very important in understanding the changes. 

The Eclipse will take on the energy of the conjunct planet.

Identifying the house that the Full Moon Eclipse takes place in will give you the area to look at for changes.   If the Full Moon Eclipse is conjunct, or in opposition to a natal planet, your interest will be more personal and effects are more direct.  If the area is without a natal planet, just that area of the chart will be affected.  In this case, the Full Moon Eclipse is in opposition to the transiting planet of Uranus, giving this eclipse an unexpected change in circumstances.  If conjunct the Sun or Moon, you can rest assured that this will need all of your attention.   I may have oversimplified finding the Eclipse on your chart as not too many people have 0 degrees of a sign on the cusp.   You will have to look at the degrees on the house cusps to accurately find your area of interest.

 The first thing to identify is The Full Moon Eclipse and the New Moon Eclipse.  Find 13 degrees of Virgo in your chart. For instance, if you have an Aries rising, 13 degrees of Virgo will land in your sixth house of health and everyday work.  This will bring an issue to the forefront of your life that needs a careful examination.  Full Moon Eclipses are extremely emotional changes that show up and alter the area of your life where they land.   In the 6th house this is the area of everyday work and health.  You may encounter an unexpected change in these areas. 

Taurus rising and the Full Moon Eclipse will land in your 5th house of creativity and a produce a spontaneous creative insight…

Gemini rising-The Full Moon Eclipse is found in your 4th house of home and core issues promise unexpected changes in the home.  This is important as it is one of the primary houses and can be very personal to you.  Home, naturally is where you live, but it is also the place deep inside you where your deepest issues and resolves reside.  Also remember if you make a change to your home, you are also making changes to your core issues.

Cancer rising-The Full Moon Eclipse is found in your 3rd house of communications engaging your mind and your close environment. 

Leo rising finds the Full Moon Eclipse in the 2nd house of personal finances and love giving rise to changes in love and money.

Virgo rising finds The Full Moon Eclipse in the 1st house of initiation, action and personality; generally how you would appear to the outside world.  Manifesting mega personal movement is a possibility or maybe the time of change in terms of personality or hair color, which ever you decide.

Libra rising examines The Full Moon Eclipse in the 12th house of the past and subconscious.  Usually, this is the house of hidden matters; however, with a Full Moon Eclipse, maybe not hidden for long. The opposition from Uranus in the 6th can bring health issues to the forefront.

Scorpio rising finds the Full Moon Eclipse in the 11th house of goals, hopes and dreams.  There is also a creative instinct that is part of this equation.

Sag rising finds the Full Moon Eclipse in the 10th house of career.  When I say career, I mean the many hats we wear, or labels we have.  When the Full Moon Eclipse lands in the 10th house, it can mean an unexpected change in career, in labeling, or just being known by a different label.

Capricorn rising has the Full Moon Eclipse in the 9th house of philosophy, legal matters, education and foreign affairs. This is a mental house as well as a spiritual house; therefore, issues in response to this Eclipse can show up as unexpected changes to any one of the above subjects. This house usually requires some mental gymnastics.

Aquarius rising finds the Full Moon Eclipse in the 8th house of partnerships resources and other people’s money.  This is also the house of sex, death and taxes.  Mainly, this has to do with others- Usually, this is referring to finances from another person or company. IRS, mortgages and money owed to you for a service or situation. Any changes in these areas are unexpected.

Pisces rising finds the Full Moon Eclipse in the 7th house of partnerships- business or personal.  This can be important as it refers to our emotional relationships as well as business.  Partnerships, especially personal partnerships are an important area for all of us and unexpected changes in this area can translate into a decision making festival.

The end result of any aspect depends on the natal promise in the birth chart. The promise in your birth chart is your natal chart and aspect to your natal planets. The aspects, they make at your birth, will tell you how a situation unfolds.  If one of the planets in your natal chart is being aspect by an Eclipse point or transit, the result will be the same as the natal energy.  If it is part of a trine then there will be an ease in the change.  If it is part of a square or opposition, it can be stressful.

Next, you will have to find the New Moon Eclipse in your chart as that will tell you where the current challenges of this eclipse will be experienced.  The New Moon Eclipse gives us the area we will be working in for the next six months.  When the Eclipse is conjunct or in opposition to a natal planet, the change will be quite personal for you.  The New Moon Eclipse the Sun conjunct denotes a big change in your personal life. The conjunction to the Moon often denotes home or career changes. Mercury’s conjunction to the Eclipse point delivers a constant stream of challenging communication that needs to be either spoken or learned or communicated in some way. Venus’s conjunction or opposition to the Eclipse brings about challenges concerning love affairs and/or money matters. Mars conjunct or in opposition to the Eclipse point signals action, assertiveness and challenges that deal with personal energy. Jupiter always deals with expansion unless it couples with Saturn. Jupiter involves challenges that deal with expansion in what ever area it resides. Money and travel are also in Jupiter realm.  Saturn’s conjunction or opposition are challenges that deal with responsibility.  (Taking responsibility with the conjunction and giving up responsibility with the opposition.) Uranus conjunction and opposition is always about eccentricity, freedom and unexpected desires.  You will always be surprised with Uranus in aspect to the eclipse.  Neptune’s conjunction or opposition is always about illusion, or more, exactly confusion.  Confusion and illusion are two sides of the same coin. This eclipse produces a generous amount of confusion or illusion.  Pluto conjunction or opposition to the eclipse demands change almost immediately, also, it can be challenging for just that reason alone. Pluto always seems to bring with it an intense time and in some cases passionate experience.

Now that you have seen the coming challenges, the next point to find is where Saturn will go direct.  You must locate 18 degrees of Leo in your natal chart. The house that this is located in is where you are currently redefining yourself. Saturn went retrograde at 25 degrees of Leo and will return to 18 degrees before it will go direct on April 17th, 2007 and pass the point at which it went retrograde. Think back to late August and early September of 2006.  Imagine that when Saturn goes direct we will be reliving that time, only now there will not be a retrograde and everything that we have learned in the retrograde period will enable us to make a knowledgeable decision about the future. 

Actually, all the degrees past 25 degrees of Leo are outcome degrees.  What do I mean by that?  When Saturn passes the point where it went retrograde, situations that began at that time now resolve. This is double duty time.  Not only does this direct motion conclude the previous Saturn retrograde but it also finalizes the total transit of Saturn in Leo completing a cycle that began 2 ½ years ago.

Now I know this is asking a lot if you are a novice at Astrology, so get close to someone who knows a little more and work together on this. Find a star study pal.

If you track these three points, you will know where you are going and when you will get there. There is definitely more to it than this but these are the high points.  Good Luck

Mary MacLean FEB, 2007
MARYMACLEAN@MARYMACLEAN.NET

Welcome to my first post in over a month.  Life has been good; I hope that you can say the same.  Okay, I have had a terrible cold, but I am still kicking.  I’m actually happy to put September behind me as I am certain many of you are. 

October’s sky looks so much better than what we have all gone through over the last several months.  We still have Saturn and Neptune at odds for the first 3 weeks, but the tension will finally ease up for a bit as Saturn pushes forward through Leo.  Saturn will begin it’s retrograde in December and Neptune will catch right back up and lock Saturn into a tight opposition by February 07.  Not exactly what you want to hear, I’m sure.  Take time now to enjoy the planetary weather.

The planets are playing host to the 7th sign of Libra through Oct. 23rd.  The nice thing about a Libra transit is that is allows us to put our partnerships in perspective and to get out and meet people on a personal level.  The seventh house shows how we present ourselves in one on one situations.  Libra is not a selfish sign.  It is the sign that represents relationships we have with others, not just our mates.  Put your best face on this month and make a new friend. 

Libra, represented by the scales, is also the sign of balance.  It allows us to look inward and to look hard at the areas in our lives that need improvement.  During the month of October you may find that you feel more balanced and in control of most situations.  Having a good relationship with friends, neighbors, and partners also helps to balance our lives. 

Ahh Venus…lest we forget the ruler of Libra.  Venus is the planet of beauty and art.  Venus doesn’t like work or anything close to it.  So, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get your normal routines taken care of in October.  Go have some fun, get dressed up, visit a museum, pamper yourself, give your sweetheart a gift, listen to some music, and enjoy your time with Venus. 

October means sharing…

I have received numerous emails stating that my October horoscopes have been copied and posted on another web site without giving credit to myself or my web site.  I am flattered that they liked the horoscopes enough to post them on their web site…spelling errors included!  However, I do not approve of any form of plagiarism on the web.  At this time no one has permission to post my work on their site, certainly not without appropriate credit.  Horoscopes Within is not in agreement with any site to post its contents, nor has any site contacted me about referencing my work.  So, the October horoscopes on Blessed By The Stars dot com are all the original work of yours truly…word docs, html, spelling errors, and php files to prove it.  

Like a good neighbor, October means sharing. 

 Have a wonderful month!  Cornelia Jones

Update: 10/2/06 Thank you to those that wrote in with an update that my link had been added on the other site.  Best wishes, Cornelia