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• 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

New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This New Moon occurs on January 4 at 1:03 a.m. PST / 4:03 a. m. EST, is preceded by a partial Solar Eclipse at 12:50 a.m. PST / 3:50 a.m. EST, and highlights Capricorn qualities (ambitious, determined, disciplined, conservative) and 10th house themes (professional pursuits, long term goals, public reputation).

Eclipses are powerfully charged full and new moons (Understanding Eclipses), extending the usual influence of approximately two weeks to a reach of up to six months. A downside to eclipses is the tension in the air as the energy builds up to the eclipse itself. The days approaching an eclipse bring unexpected events or issues that can be disruptive and have long-term effects. Dealing with these unexpected situations require a sensitive touch and wisdom must be applied, even in the midst of chaos and/or uncertainty.

Capricorn is natively ruled by Saturn, who currently transits the relationship sign of Libra, giving us all a reality check when it comes to our relationships. In Capricorn, the Moon is goal-oriented, unemotional, practical, structured, and organized.

This New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Capricorn (blending of heart & soul) squares (in conflict) Saturn (realities/restrictions). There may be tough times ahead, but it's also a period where significant growth (personal, professional or developmental) can result from rising up to meet the challenges this experience may bring your way. Anything worthwhile requires work and commitment, may it be in our professional pursuits, personal life, our relationships, or special projects. It's Saturn's job to lift the blinders and show us the reality of our situations, no matter how harsh the truth may be or how restrictive the position we find ourselves in. Saturn also equips us with the resilience, determination and tenacity necessary to get us through the most difficult of times.

Elsewhere in sky on this same day, Jupiter (ideals/opportunities) joins forces with Uranus (radical change/unconventionality), triggering their previous meeting on September 18, 2010 which first ignited on June 8, 2010. Their union now perfects a few hours after the eclipse, is their last conjunction for a long while, and represents wishes being granted. Jupiter holds our ideals, dreams, aspirations while Uranus seeks to improve what's become stale, no longer functioning as it should or not yielding the intended results.

Jupiter has a way of opening doors or cracking windows for us, while Uranus awakens us to the possibilities and hopefully, perks up our ears and alert our eyes to recognizing when opportunities are being offered. They may not come in the package we expect or are used to so, we definitely need to keep our wits about :) Through Saturn's influence, we can create a solid foundation for whatever we may be creating/initiating; we can cut through the bs (whether our own or someone else's) and zero in on how things truly are; we can devise definitive plans and manageable action items to help achieve our goals; we can find the strength deep within us to keep the faith, do the work, in order to receive the reward. The eclipse gives us the swift kick we need to get done whatever it is we need to get done, to shed light on what we may not even know or recognize yet but is necessary in moving forward, or to force us to deal with whatever we may avoiding (consciously or unknowingly).

Those celebrating a birthday during these first 4 days of the new year could very well have an exciting, amazing year ahead! Those with natal planets/house angles in the last degrees of mutable signs (Jupiter-Uranus conjunction); and around 14 degrees of cardinal signs (New Moon/Solar Eclipse) may find the influence of these celestial energies undeniably powerful.

For me, this eclipse squares my natal Moon, opposes my natal Mars and trines my natal Saturn; it falls in my natal 4th house (home/family/parents) and as a Cancer-Sun, falls in my solar 7th house (partnerships). In the months ahead, I may not like what I must do or how I must conduct myself to get the job done and gain the results that I desire. I may want to fight it which will ultimately just make me learn things the harder way. With my natal Saturn triggered in addition to the solar eclipse squaring transiting Saturn, the practical approach might serve me well. My Aries-Moon isn't always so pragmatic; my Cancer-Sun & Mars are used to moving intuitively; I must, then, lean more on my Virgo-rising to help carry me through the first few months of the new year. It should be interesting what family or relationship-related issues arise. I shall keep you posted :)

How might this eclipsed new moon manifest in your life? Match the sign and degree to determine what house this eclipsed new moon falls in. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the sign Capricorn on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation on the New Moon transit in that house.

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

I am still reeling from the Full Moon on June 26 which also happened to be a powerfully intense Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn; but here we are now with a New Moon approaching which also happens to be a Solar Eclipse and in my sign, Cancer. New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Cancer qualities (intuitive, instinctive, protective, sensitive) and 4th house themes (family, home, roots, foundation, the past). Eclipses are uber-powered new and full moons. Here's a brief explanation taken from my original post on understanding eclipses:

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• 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

Whew... Time for another eclipse again? It's an extra trying one this time. The Capricorn-Lunar eclipse further stimulates the tension surrounding cardinal energies as it conjuncts Pluto and activates a Grand Cross involving the Sun (conscious will), Mercury (thought), Jupiter (opportunities), Uranus (radical change), the Moon (internal drives) and Saturn (restrictions) - with the exception of Saturn, who is making his way back to Libra, all are within 5 degrees of cardinal signs. We will no doubt experience the impact of this eclipse for months/years to come, in our personal lives as well as globally.

So, what does it all mean though -- Eclipse, conjunct Pluto, Grand Cross? We'll start with eclipses. Eclipses are supercharged full and new moons with influence extending up to six months. Full Moons signify endings, the culmination of what may been initiated during the previous New Moon in Gemini which encouraged us to expand our minds, improve our internal dialog & external conversations and shift our perspective to 'see' the bigger point of view. Per my original post on understanding eclipses:

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

As an astrologer, I can't help but blog a little something about a curious series of events that will happen this summer. I'll break it down to three major events (a Lunar Eclipse/Grand Cross in June, a Cardinal T-Square in July and a Cardinal Grand Cross in August) which are preceded by a couple of teaser alignments involving Jupiter (May and June). This blog post covers the introduction to these astrological events and provides a short timeline of what's to come.

First, let's start with what I mean by "cardinal force". Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are the initiators, creators, leaders of the zodiac. Cardinals conceptualize and actualize. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) continue what cardinals have started by developing and fine-tuning details. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) carry out what cardinals started and fixed signs established through maintenance and management. This cardinal energy this summer offers us the opportunity to re-invent the self, restructure our lives, establish a new foundation and aspire toward new goals.

The energy this summer is dynamic, tense, impatient, challenging and requires action. Choosing to let this powerful energy to pass without taking advantage of it is a waste of the loaded potential it offers. Celestial energies offered through planetary transits and alignments are like invitations. For instance, you might get three invitations this week -- attending a work-related function, a dinner date, a birthday party this weekend. You might choose to attend, decline or make a short appearance to all or any of these events you've been invited to. Energies, like invitations, are neither good nor bad but instead are neutral. How one reacts to them determines the experience one will have. This powerful cardinal force bestowed upon us this year is best handled if we know what we want and we are dedicated to seeing it through. Otherwise, the sheer force of these planetary alignments might cause us to buckle, make decisions out of haste/fear, or choose inaction/avoidance. It would be a shame to miss out on what we could have if only we were strong enough, brave enough and prepared enough.

Timeline
Late May, Jupiter in Pisces opposes Saturn in Virgo. This alignment occurs in mutable signs, but functions as a beginning of sorts for metaphorical wheels turning within the self's subconscious -- psychologically, emotionally or spiritually. Jupiter wants more, dreams big and is hopeful in Pisces. Saturn dampens dreams with reality and restrictions but only so Virgo's practicality can analyze the situation and come up with a feasible solution. Jupiter dreams of owning his own business and making millions. Saturn says, "this is what you have to work with -- financially, skills set, actual possible opportunities, time and its management and the reality of the work/commitment that lies ahead." But Jupiter is undeterred because Piscean imagination is without boundaries and has faith in possibilities. So, Saturn in Virgo kicks in, breaks it down and lays out a plan with wiggle room on what can be done.

By early June, Jupiter joins Uranus in the pioneering sign of Aries while they also blend energies. Uranus is keenly aware, progressive, innovative, unique and promotes radical change. The excitement behind these two planets and in the sign of Aries can cause eagerness and impulsiveness to get something started ... yesterday!

Before the end of June, we have a full moon eclipse belonging to the Capricorn-Cancer set of eclipses occurring on June 26 (a day before my birthday -- ouch :). This Eclipsed Full Moon in Capricorn is all tangled up in a Grand Cross (strain, action necessary) with the Sun in Cancer (potential), Mercury in Cancer (thought), Jupiter in Aries (opportunities), Saturn in Virgo (reality), Uranus in Aries (awakening) and Pluto in Capricorn (transformation). Eclipses are supercharged New and Full Moons with influence of up to six months.

Through much of July, intense energy builds until the 30th when the Cardinal T-Square culminates. This T-Square once again bring together the energies of Jupiter (opportunities), Saturn in Libra (reality), Uranus (awakening), Pluto (transformation) and adds Mars in Libra (action) to the mix. This also marks the last perfection of Saturn and Uranus opposition that began on November 4, 2008 and that most recently climaxed again on April 26, 2010.

Then finally early August comes around and another Grand Cross occurs. This time it happens in Cardinal signs with most or the same players -- Jupiter (opportunities), Saturn (reality), Uranus (awakening), Pluto (transformation) -- with the addition of the Moon in Cancer (heart), Venus (relationships) and Mars (action). Then August 21st, Saturn and Pluto will complete their series of squares that began last year on November 15, 2009 and was revisited again this year on January 31, 2010.

It's a tense and intense summer filled with challenges, as well as potential. These celestial events require the vision, commitment and initiation this year. Their actual influence and work continue on a longer term. But creating the spark to ignite the flame that could very well be a light you can use for the rest of your life, begins with making use of this cardinal force. What do you dream of? Are you committed to the task at hand despite where the journey might lead you on the way to your destination? How, then, can you begin to make your dream a reality?

Although we are all influenced by these upcoming planetary alignments, those who are early-born cardinals with their Sun between zero to 6 degrees or those who have natal planets/house angles within zero to 6 degrees of cardinal signs may feel the immediate and longterm effects of this energy strongest. Additionally, those going through their:

• Saturn Return (born between 1982 & 1984; 1952 & 1954 and 1923 & 1925) or
• Uranus oppose Uranus (born 1968-1975 with natal Uranus in Libra within 5 degrees) or
• Pluto square Pluto (born 1971-1973 or 1984 with natal Pluto in Libra within 5 degrees) or
• Chiron Return (born between 1960 - 1969 with natal Chiron within 27 degrees of Aquarius and zero degrees of Pisces)

Today, on the day before the Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius, my day began similar to most days -- with saying hello to my Twitter pals. Then something a little different. Along with millions of people around the world on Twitter and Facebook, I wished my President a Happy Birthday. I thought that was an exciting addition to my day -- being able to give the President of the United States a birthday shout out.

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.
  

• 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

• 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