What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when a new moon falls on either the North Node or South Node of the Moon’s orbit. The Moon blocks the light of the Sun from our perspective on Earth, creating an awe-inspiring phenomenon. The energy from this phenomenon signals new beginnings, usually life-altering in a dramatic way and often revealing hidden potential.
We see what degree the eclipse lies and check the natal chart to know whether that eclipse will affect the native. For one person, it could mean a new career path or mission in life; for another, a new relationship or breakup could be on the horizon. But quite often, an eclipse has no impact on a natal chart, meaning no significant change is occurring for that person.
The July 2 eclipse looks rather tame; there are no exact aspects between the eclipse point (at 10 degrees Cancer) and other planets, although Saturn opposes and Uranus sextiles, both by a large orb.
The eclipse in Cancer is signalling new opportunities to care for and nurture some one or something, completely opposite to the Saturn in Capricorn who is obsessed with accomplishing something material and grand. This Cancer eclipse will harken people to remember to care for their families or loved ones, or to awaken their creative faculties instead of being the consumer that Western society practically begs us to be. Whatever planets and house (especially the personal planets and the angular houses) the eclipse hits in your chart describes the personal journey you will be going through in the next six to twelve months. This journey is set to remind you that material gain is important, but having an emotional base to retreat to and refresh yourself is equally as important.
The opposition to Saturn suggests some fear or doubt of our capabilities to care for whatever it may be, as determined by our previous relationships. Are we going to keep letting others influence us to seek gratification outside ourselves? Or will we acquiesce to the power of the eclipse and realize that only those deeper connections with other living beings and nature will make us truly feel alive? Saturn seems to be quite stubborn on keeping things the same.
However, the sextile from Uranus presents the opportunity to break those bad habits and traditions and get in tune with ourselves and those around us we love. Our electronics and gadgets admittedly serve us well; it’s the only reason I can type this and any number of people around the world can view my interpretation of this eclipse. But Uranus is asking us: is that all you need in life to feel secure, to feel human, to feel loved?
What’s interesting is that Saturn and Uranus aspect the eclipse point from different directions; they do not, however, aspect each other during the eclipse. With Saturn exactly conjunct the South Node, there will be an all too familiar tendency to retreat back into our Capricorn shells and achieve, work, and have. All related to materialism and possession. This is due to the fear of how others will perceive us (from the opposition, a relationship aspect) and of the unknown journey the North Node has in store for us in this lifetime.
Yet, Uranus has begun his stride through Taurus and undoubtedly our values are changing. With the sextile, he asks us to break free from any old paradigms preventing us from seeing the true horror of Western civilization: the overachiever with no love, no passion, no will to create or nurture another, as his/her mentality is solely on obtaining material form. Uranus is giving those who are aware the chance to examine, and ultimately nurture, what really matters to us.
Are we up to the task of love? Or will fear keep us subdued? The choice is ours.
Karma-Free Astrology 