New Moon ~ Solar eclipse in Libra

 

 

We are now in the Dark of the Moon with a powerful New Moon Solar eclipse on Saturday. A 'ring of fire' solar eclipse is due to the Moon being further away from earth at this time (and thus smaller from our point of view) so the Moon wont completely cover the Sun.  The eclipse can be viewed in totality in parts of North America, and at least partially in places in NA further from its path. Be sure to protect your eyes.

These are heavy times; we have entered into the darkest time of year, where the increasing shadows play with our minds and activate our deepest survival fears.  We can feel change in the air, yet there may be resistance, holding back, hesitation.  An eclipse activates the very changes we may fear... in the end we are not in Kansas anymore.  Ask Dorothy how that worked out! A grand adventure beckons. 

 At a Solar eclipse,  there's an eerie stillness as the air suddenly cools; birds are quiet, shadows are doubled, and there's a feeling of watching and waiting.  Pluto (god of the underworld) is stirring up  previously hidden issues that are coming up from the unconscious to be faced and released.  This is not easy work; more layers are getting peeled away in our journey toward a more authentic self. Brings to mind a native sweat lodge: drums, rattles, prayers and sacred songs encourage us to lean into the heat and the darkness -  sweat out the toxins, to release all that is keeping us unwell (emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually). Are you ready to step through the ring of fire?

(really feeling this one big-time!) 

This is probably the most challenging energy we have had since the Saturn/Pluto conjunction at the beginning of 2020 began this period of global karmic reckoning.  Pluto represents our evolutionary journey, and when square the Collective Destiny points (nodes of moon) it is a catalyst for profound collective and personal upheaval and transformation; for some this will be a make or break, fork in the road moment.  The god of the underworld starts by stripping us down to our core - to make way for new growth. We are all connected (for better or worse); this  process of inner and outer transformation is affecting all of us us on a global level. Mars is the god of war, Pluto the lord of the underworld; Mars /Pluto bring deep tension, violent rage, war. It's happening- again- the newest conflict broke out exactly as Mars aligned with the Libra Destiny Point (south node). The south node is old habits and stories that keep repeating; the karmic past.

 On the positive side, Mars/Pluto can help us break through obstacles. There's no going back... we are moving into a totally new frequency, and these birth pains are part of birthing a New Age,  a new self, a new earth. This is a good time to drum, dance, sing your way through the intensity. Breathwork is also an excellent way to activate deep releases. Remember - there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's always darkest before the dawn. Please stay focused and grounded, breathe deeply and take time for self care.

 

                            "Eclipses are growth checkpoints. They are places where we pass through 

            a narrow opening and must align with ourselves. That is why they are so challenging; most people are not so aligned or so in tune with their inner reality."   

Eric Frances, Planet Waves

 

With Venus ruling both this Libra eclipse and the next one in Taurus, relationships are bearing the brunt of these intense energies. Something in our interpersonal dynamics requires majour shifting and  letting go.  The eclipse in Libra - the sign of the scales - represents a need for harmony and balance, with its 'ruler'  Venus - goddess of love, in Virgo, representing purification. But Mars close by wants war. So which will it be? As we are faced with the strong urge to stir things up in our relationships, perhaps what really needs to change is our patterns around love and relating; our expectations and projections are often what get in the way of really seeing the person in front of us. We are being asked to step beyond adversarial stances and find ways to connect, communicate and work together in a new (and better) way. 

                                                  

                                                                        Kahlil Gibran on Love

 

When love beckons to you, follow him,
     Though his ways are hard and steep.
     And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
     Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
     And when he speaks to you believe in him,
     Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

     For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
     Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
     So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
     Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself
     He threshes you to make your naked.
     He sifts you to free you from your husks.
     He grinds you to whiteness.
     He kneads you until you are pliant;
     And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.

     All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

     But if in your heart you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
     Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,
     Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears."

(go to https://poets.org/poem/love-8 for full text)

 

 Whatever is out of balance will need re-adjustment and realignment; perhaps it's an outworn attitude, or maybe old  unhealed wound that keeps us stuck in anger and resentment. Some relationships will end entirely, or perhaps they have already ended and we are  now finally ready to face that reality.  At this time of radical change, we are not the same people we were just a few years ago, and we must find a way to keep moving forward. Step by step.  We need time to grieve; letting go is a process.

 

With Mercury sitting close to the eclipse, communication is a critical component. Perhaps your relationship is not so much ending - as requiring a different approach, a different point of view. And new way of communicating. Instead of holding onto those resentments - bring them into the light of day and consider how they are holding you back.We are all such mirrors for each other. What is see in you is  a reflection of some part of myself.  Learn to listen. Learn to ask (both self and other).  If we begin to truly listen to our inner self, perhaps we can then begin to honour each other.  As within, so without. Sometimes love is letting go. Yet although eclipses mark endings, they also  represent new beginnings.  Setting intentions is critical now.   What are you letting go of, and what are you inviting in? 

 

Let love in. Let love win. You know you want to!

 

 

Ps. Venus rulership of both eclipses offers the saving grace for these challenging times.