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Traditional astrological lore holds that the influence of an eclipse is strongest on those who are in its path. The Leo solar (New Moon) eclipse of August 21, 2017 has been given the tag “The Great American Eclipse” because the path of totality for this eclipse runs from the west coast to the east coast through 14 contiguous states.

Additionally, the chart of the eclipse itself is remarkably tied in a variety of ways to the chart of Donald Trump. Given that traditional astrological lore also states that Leo eclipses portend the “fall of kings”, it seems that our country is in for some drama (a notable characteristic of Leo). Personally, I believe that Donald Trump, just like any other human being, can take the energy of the eclipse and use it for positive, helpful change, should he intend that. But someone who is so quick to blame others is unlikely to even attempt to work with the energy consciously, and so is more likely to be vulnerable to external events. The eclipse itself is also in opposition to the USA’s natal Moon, representing the people. Conflict is going to be hard to avoid.

Yes, it looks like a wild, fasten your seatbelts kind of month ahead, and the days leading up to the New Moon will be pretty interesting, too. (Then, of course, we have the powerful New Moon eclipse in late August, but more on that later)

“Some people see things as they are and say ‘Why?’ I dream of things that never were and say ‘Why not?’”
~ George Bernard Shaw

In the Tarot, The Star is the card of hope, healing, wholeness, and inspiration. In this card from the Gaian Tarot, the stars reflecting in the water show us how far we can dream, show us what’s possible in the vast expanse of the universe if we will only look. Cupped in our hands, dreams become light and manifest in the world. But we must actively seek them first. We must go to the sacred spring, connect with a larger reality, with possibility, with joy, with recognition of and gratitude for the extraordinary adventure that is life. Then we can tuck the light of our visions into our hearts, and carry them back to a world much in need. This is the essential message of this month’s Gemini New Moon.

The news these days can be depressing and even horrifying — bombs, environmental disasters, corruption, extraordinary cruelty, sheer stupidity, and blind greed. There’s no doubt that we are in the throes of major changes in our civilization, and as a whole, we seem to be having some difficulty handling our most pressing problems. If we’re going to be part of the solution, it’s important to remember and acknowledge our accomplishments and honor the gifts that life offers.

Just a quick update, as the next two weeks are fraught with numerous planetary aspects that will require your attention and a bit of finesse to navigate well. 

One aspect is an ongoing square of Venus and Saturn. This is somewhat unusual in that both planets are traveling very slowly through the sky — usually, Venus would whiz right by any aspect with Saturn in a day or two, but this challenging transit will last for about two weeks.