Solar Eclipse in Leo: Light and Shadows

Are you ready for the Great American Eclipse? Is this the event that will make America great again?   

I know – so much hype gets wearisome. But the fact that this is the first Solar eclipse to be seen in full totality across America since the country's inception in 1776, and the USA is the only country the full eclipse can be seen in, plus the fact that it is exactly on the Rising sign of the current POTUS - adds to the significance of this eclipse for Americans in particular.  

As many around the world watch the spectacle of current American politics with a mix of fascination and horror – it seems every day brings another shock another tweet another conspiracy theory - we may wonder how/where it will all end. Could this eclipse mark a turning point for that country or for their infamous leader (!)? We shall have to wait and see. Changes that begin now will continue for up to two years, though we can mark this as the spot something began to change.

The message for all of us :  ‘Shift or get off the pot!’ 

Mars' closeness to the eclipse means sparks are already flying. Mars is planet of action and aggression and in Leo is full of vim and vigour and a good deal of pride and posturing. We are currently  seeing increased volatility in global  events.  Let's all hold a space for peaceful solutions.

Eclipses mark major turning points – the Universe telling us its time to move forward. With all eclipses, something ends and something else begins. There will be a change, subtle or obvious, that indicates we can never go back to the ‘good old days’ - the only way to go now is fast forward.  Have you noticed how time seems to be speeding up?

 As we moved through the eclipse corridor  (between two eclipses)  time seems to warp and accelerate.  A lot of people I've spoken to this week have been feeling rather testy. There has also been an opposition between Venus (love) and Pluto (power/control/crisis) combining with both Jupiter and Uranus - amping up feelings of emotional insecurity, and obsession. Mars adds volatility and aggression to the mix, leaving some of us  feeling like we’ve been punched in the stomach – holding our breath - waiting to exhale. Global events are part of it, yet its bigger than that.  This is a deep reckoning and shift within ourselves that opens the door to a brighter new reality. But first, as the Sun is eclipsed, shadows abound.

Deep emotional issues (Venus/Pluto) around our need for love and security are being brought to the surface and it's not been comfortable. Venus/Pluto reveals an intense, obsessive , addictive  need for love  – for some  it’s been high drama - do or die. Sudden breakups, confrontations or control dramas bring us face to face with our greatest fear – that we are unlovable. Or are we? 

Leo begs to differ.

The energy of Leo is magnanimous, joyous, heartfelt, playful – offering an alternative to those old programs.  Time to let go of those sad stories and embrace a new,  more positive version of ourselves. Be the real you! Once the  shadows are faced, the light can begin to shine.

When the Moon comes between the earth and the Sun, our more left brain ego needs will be eclipsed by the more unconscious feeling oriented Moon energies.

“Sabian symbol for the Sun and Moon at 29* Leo is: A Mermaid Emerges From The Ocean Waves Ready For Rebirth In Human Form. Mermaids are magical beings who can navigate the great realm of the Collective Unconscious. Psychologically, they represent a new feeling and energy that arises out of our collective longing for a different life." quote from Mystic Mama

We may go through a period of readjustment as we integrate these new energies. Some  are old patterns that no longer resonate with the new energy field being released – or parts emerging that have been hidden or suppressed for a long long time. What falls away is what is meant to - all of this emotional cleansing is  so we can move forward with greater joy and freedom (Jupiter/Uranus). What remains will be our more authentic self.

Pluto's presence right now feels heavy and uncomfortable.  I sat today working through some of my own  ‘stuff’’’ and I noticed the more I resisted, the worse it felt. The more I just leaned into it – felt into the 'uncomfortableness' - asked it what it was trying to tell me - I got in touch with core issues. The more I felt into it - the more centred I became. Conscious breathing helped to stay still in the midst of some pretty squirmy energy.   The instinct with Pluto is to run as fast as you can in the other direction - yet instead – if you can bear with it – and breath through it  - those big old (internal) meanies can be vanquished once and for all.  

The Sun right now is illuminating our ‘cosmic destiny’ and elevating our future potential.  As it crosses the North Lunar Node in Leo (Collective Destiny Point), we take another step toward claiming our personal 'truth', and uncover what  gives our life meaning (North Node).

Many of the emotional factors we are releasing now are rooted in our  childhood (Venus Cancer)- and are about the abuse of power (Pluto). The fears and resentments that have been  holding us back can shift when we learn to stand up for ourselves. That is how we begin to usher in the next phase of our awakening (for awaken we must). It  is important now  to claim our right to be here- our right to shine in this world.

Leo is about being the best we can be. It represents our personal sovereignty,  our empowerment, as well as our most playful, heartfelt self.

This eclipse occurs on one of the four ancient ‘royal’ stars – Regulus, the King. It is the star at the heart of the constellation of Leo.

Leo is the 'good king' or the 'good queen' in all of us.  A Solar Eclipse is also a New Moon -  the merger of masculine and feminine energies - known as the 'conjunctio' or sacred marriage. This highly creative merger can give birth to countless ideas and visions and possibilities. Two plus two doesn't equal four - it equals twenty two!!

Leo brings out our personal best. Now is the time to stand up for yourself in some way, perhaps by claiming a spot onstage instead of always giving others the limelight. Or it might mean asking for what you deserve, or claiming your talents, or creating that masterpiece you've been dreaming about. Aquarius opposite reminds us that we can shine our light  without needing to push others off stage. There's room for us all t o shine - and the world certainly needs our light.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Marianne Williamson

 The shadow side of Leo is arrogant, full of pride and the need to dominate others. It is a megalomaniac that wants constant attention and admiration and resents when others try to share the limelight (hmmm).

This event can bring out the best or the worst in a person; set your intention now that this eclipse will open the door to a bigger, better you.   

Intentions are very powerful now. You get to choose who you want to be when you grow up!! As we  take responsibility for what we are creating in our life (Saturn), things really start to happen. If we don't - some of us might encounter a shock or sudden event that throws us back on ourself. If that happens, it will be for your greater good in the long run.  We need to be  operating from our own higher selfto truly claim this moment.

Don't worry - it's not all so  serious. This is a time to celebrate who we are. Leo is playful and full of fun – even a bit of a party animal. Generous to a fault, Leo brings out the best in everyone. So let your light shine. Claim your magnificence. Lets make this world a better place. 

You know you want to.

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson,