New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This is the second New Moon in Cancer this year. Last month's Cancer-New Moon occurred on June 22. This New Moon is a Total Solar Eclipse belonging in the Saros 136 eclipse cycle; the last eclipse in Saros 136 was on July 11, 1991 (also a total solar eclipse). Presently, this July 21st eclipse (July 22 in other parts of the world) is the second eclipse from the Cancer-Capricorn series of eclipses (2009-2011). The first eclipse in this series occurred on July 7 with a Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn. Eclipses are extra powerful new/full moons and extend the usual 2-week influence of a full/new moon to an average of six months.

Astronomically speaking, this event is a major eclipse that astronomers, astronomy-lovers, and eclipse chasers have been patiently awaiting for and will be eager to watch -- its reach is wider than normal and length longer than usual. Live webcasts are scheduled to be streamed during the event. The article written about it in Wikipedia states, "this solar eclipse is the longest total solar eclipse that will occur in the twenty-first century..." According The Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA, "the path of totality will cover a distance of approximately 9,500 miles (15,200 km). The maximum duration of totality is an exceptionally long 6 minutes and 39 seconds..." NASA details its movement to "extend across India, China, a handful of Japanese islands and the South Pacific Ocean (Espenak and Anderson, 2008)."

Astrologically speaking, this eclipse packs a punch -- a gigantic and incredibly strong one that we will be feeling for quite a while. Events or situations may be linked or reminiscent of those from 18 years ago on July 11, 1991. Were you old enough in 1991? Do you even recall who you were and what your plight was back then?

In addition to its extraordinary disposition that gives its significance in the astronomy world, in astrology, this eclipse occurs at the anaretic (degree of fate) 29th degree of Cancer which falls within a 3-degree orb of a critical degree (stress point) for cardinal signs. The eclipse itself forms tense alignments with Pluto (destruction/transformation) and the North Node (life path); and a supportive link to Uranus (disruptive/radical change).

What could all this possibly mean for us earthlings residing beneath the energies of the sky above? Changes are a-coming! Resistance is futile and will only make things more difficult. In Cancer, the Moon highlights family-related issues (biological or otherwise), our private life and drives that are rooted at the deepest parts of our inner self, and our memories of the past (good or bad). When any celestial body is at 29 degrees, it is restless in the sign it's in and cannot seem to get satisfaction because its energies are drawn by and more stimulated by next zodiac sign it's about to enter. In this eclipse's case, that next sign is Leo. Although our inner self is presented Cancer-related issues, the Leo energy is what may be behind what motivates us. In Leo, the Moon is strong-willed, expressive, bold, and will not take "no" for an answer.

There are many predictions of what this eclipse has in store -- natural disasters; world forecasts, especially for China and India; more financial devastation, etc. However, my blog's focus is on the individual ... So, in our personal lives, we are encouraged to seek within and truly get to know the self -- what do we want in life? who do we want to be? what is keeping us from becoming the self we envision, leading the life we desire? what is at the root of what keeps us apart from achieving our goals? The road ahead will be challenging and seem impossible, at times. But perhaps, it is through the difficulties we face that we find the necessary strength and resolve to forge ahead.

We hear of astonishing accomplishments from ordinary people with seemingly insurmountable disadvantages, who rise above them and become the successful historical figures we now recognize them as. A few examples may be: -- American author and activist, Helen Keller was deaf and blind, yet still made huge contributions; American political activist, Harriet Tubman, who perhaps is best known for her work with the Underground Railroad, was born into slavery, escaped, returned to help other enslaved people, and was also a spy during the American Civil War; and more representative of our present time, British author, J.K. Rowling, a welfare single mom turned millionaire within five years, has sold over 400 million books that's been translated in over 67 different languages and adapted into feature films shown worldwide.

Determination, drive, natural talents, hopefulness -- surely, all three share these characteristics, plus many other traits without doubt. These characteristics are not unattainable to any of us presently. Of course, we each have our own journey and not everyone seeks to impact the world with their efforts. I mentioned these three women to illustrate that, whatever our challenges are, don't give up on the possibilities for improving the quality of each our lives. Know yourself and your goals. Invest time, energy, and faith in yourself and your dreams. Here are two articles that might be of interest and help -- "Asking For What You Want - Cocreating with the Universe" from DailyOM.com and "Elizabeth Gilbert, Soul Purpose, and the Creative Daimon" by Elizabeth Spring, NorthNodeAstrology.com. (each link opens a new window)

Elsewhere in the sky:

• Venus (love/finances/self-worth) and Saturn (reality/limitations/hard work) tense up, we may have to face up to some harsh realities regarding our financial situation and/or relationship status;
  
• for the rest of the year, we remain under the influence of Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune conjunctions (blending of energies), giving us awareness to recognize what may be broken so, we can fix them;
  
• and with five planets retrograde, we are more able to turn our attention inward. As each planet begin forward movement towards the end of the year, we'll be able to implement what we've been reflecting and working on and integrate them into our tangible world/everyday life.
  

As we seek within (Cancer-Sun/Moon) for answers, be open to what may be uncovered or awakened (Uranus). Accept that some things may need to be eliminated completely in order for a full transformation to occur (Pluto). Remain true to the cause and course needed to be taken as we move forward in our personal journey (North Node).

Those born within 3 days of July 21 or those with natal planets/house angles at or around 29 degrees of cardinal signs may feel this solar eclipse's influence more distinctly than most. However, we are all susceptible to its energies.

For me, this solar eclipse falls in my solar 1st house of the self and our potential (as a Cancer-Sun) and natal 11th house of friendships and associations (as a Virgo-Rising). Although I wasn't born within 3 days of July 21st, this eclipse's influence is intensified by transiting Venus and Saturn extending their conflict with each other to me, as they both link up with my Saturn. And oh, do I feel that Saturn squeeze! It's harsh, relentless, and demanding to be dealt with. I think back to 1991 when I was 21 and the last Saros 136 eclipse occurred. During that period from 1991 to 1992, I went through a metamorphosis of sorts. I became less emotionally broken, mentally stronger, and more comfortable in my own skin. In the process, however, I grew apart from some friends and eventually lost touch with them as I began to surround myself with different types of people and build new friendships. Disassociating myself from established friendships was not something done on a conscious level, however. Perhaps by the end of this current Cancer-Capricorn eclipse series, I will also have grown into a more improved version of myself and new associations will be created as old friendships end.

How will this new moon/solar eclipse influence your life? Look to the natal house/s ruled by Cancer. Match the sign with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the sign Cancer on your birth chart and click here for a brief explanation of the Cancer-New Moon in your chart.



If you don't have your birth chart, you may use your Sun sign and/or your Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for them below then click here for a brief explanation.

• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 4th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 1st House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 12th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 11th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 10th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 9th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 8th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 7th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 6th House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 5th House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart by clicking here (opens a new window) for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Or if you'd like a full reading on how the Cancer-Capricorn series of eclipses will influence your chart through to 2010, order a personalized reading -- birth date, birth time, and birth place required. Invoice is emailed for payment via Google Checkout.

Related articles:

• Brief Explanation on Eclipses and Their Meaning in Astrology
• The New Moon in Houses
• Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ~ July 7, 2009
• Triple Conjunction with Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune ~ 2009 to 2010
• New Moon in Cancer ~ June 22, 2009
• Sun in Cancer ~ June 21 to July 23, 2009
• Mercury in Leo ~ July 17 to August 2, 2009
• Jupiter Retrograde ~ June 15 to October 13, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30 to October 31, 2009
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Uranus Retrograde ~ July 1 to December 1, 2009
• Live Webcasts List of Sites ~ scroll to the bottom of page to find the list of webcasts
  
• Asking For What You Want ~ DailyOM.com