Bodø, Norway. The rare "midnight eclipse" began on Thursday, June 2, 2011, but crossed the International Date Line to end on Wednesday, June 1. (via space.com)

The third of three consecutive eclipses is upon us. This New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Cancer happens on July 1st at 1:54 a.m. PDT / 4:54 a.m. EDT. New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. The new moon highlights Cancer qualities (intuitive, instinctive, protective, sensitive) and 4th house themes (family, home, roots, foundation, the past). Eclipses are extra powerful new and full moons.

Here's a brief explanation taken from my original post on understanding eclipses:Eclipses, in astrology, are accelerators. They speed up events, issues, situations in our personal lives and demand for them to be dealt with.

Eclipses trigger necessary changes to one's journey in life. Because these changes are triggered outside of one's own volition, they are often harsh, sudden and undeniable. The initial shock evoke sadness, confusion, frustration, anger, worry and, possibly, depression. However, it is our reaction past the initial shock that defines how we will allow these eclipses to influence us.

Cancer is natively ruled by the Moon, which makes this New Moon a powerful one. Couple that with the energy of an eclipse, and we can really make things happen for us. Where will our attention be focused? What actions will we take? How will we take advantage of this energy for us, those we love, the things we hope for?

The Eclipsed Cancer-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) squares stern Saturn (reality/restriction). Saturn's influence can be a sobering one, but may not necessarily be a welcomed sobriety. Elsewhere in the sky, Jupiter (happiness/ideals) and Chiron (wounds/healing) offer their help, as they harmoniously align with one another. No matter how harsh the truth (Saturn) of our situations may be, there is hope (Jupiter), healing (Chiron), and a chance for renewal where we need it most. But it will take facing our challenges (Saturn) and that may begin with ourselves (new moon). How are we holding ourselves back? Are we living in the past? Are we applying the same tired ways of doing/seeing/reasoning? What are we turning a blind eye on? Are our fears the driving force behind our actions/inaction/decisions/indecision? And how is that working out?

Last year's Eclipsed Cancer-New Moon occurred when celestial skies were intensified by the 2010 cardinal t-square. This year's New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Cancer follows two powerful eclipses, Gemini-Solar Eclipse on June 1st (pictured above) and Sagittarius-Lunar Eclipse on June 15th. For many of us, myself included, life since mid-May has been served with an extra helping of difficulties and stress...oops, I mean challenges and opportunities for growth :) I have a co-worker who flips frustrating situations with something positive by calling those experiences 'opportunities for growth'. I like it. I thought I'd borrow from her and share with you :)

This is the last of the Cancer-Capricorn set of eclipses that began in 2009. I don't even have enough words to describe how incredibly excited I am that it's over! Although we have all had our own personal experiences with these eclipses, those with cardinal Suns or Risings and especially those in the early degrees of cardinal signs (with Pluto poking at their Sun or house angles since 2009 plus last year's surge of tense energies brought on by the t-square) may have been undeniably influenced by these Cancer-Capricorn eclipses. How has life changed for you?

This solar eclipse/new moon occurs at 10 degrees of Cancer. Those born within 3 days of July 1st or December 31st; or have planets/house angles around 9-10 degrees of cardinal signs may experience the effects of this eclipsed new moon stronger than most.

For me, this New Moon falls in my solar 1st house (self/potential) as a Cancer-Sun and natal 10th house (career/goals) as a Virgo-rising; and square my Chiron (ouch!). Who am I (1st house) and where am I going (10th house)? I know who I am ... or do I? It doesn't seem like my life has changed much. Maybe because I'm living it, day by day. Since 2009, I lost my father and gained a spiritual guide; I moved across the country and back to my hometown and family; I started (and continue to) maintain this blog; I had a job, quit that job, worked from home, started a new job, and all the while, continue to give astro readings; I got out of debt, got back in debt, and getting out of debt again. So, I guess there have been changes :) Not just in my tangible world, but in my inner sanctum, as well. I have grown through experience. Surely, that affects what I want in my life now. What I set out to do two years ago or last year may have morphed into a different set of goals/aspirations. hmmm.... Well, here's a new moon for my new beginning...

How might this new moon manifest in your life? Look to the natal (and/or solar) house this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp. Use the list below to identify the Cancer zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.



Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of New Moon illuminating those houses.

• 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

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets on or around 10 degrees of cardinal signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time and place required.

For those doing the new moon wishes ritual, the moon will be new on July 1 at 1:54 a.m. PDT / 4:54 a.m. EDT and will be void of course at 4:37 a.m. PDT / 7:37 a.m. EDT. Click here for Jan Spiller's DailyOm.com article, briefly explaining new moon wishes. (opens a new window)

Is today your birthday? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays), 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months), an Eclipses Reading, or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

• The New Moon in Natal Houses
• Understanding Eclipses
• Solar Returns Explained
• Current Planetary Transits
• Cancer-Capricorn Eclipses
• Sun in Cancer ~ June 21 to July 22/23, 2011

Solar eclipse image from Bodø, Norway. Credit and copyright to space.com.

Summer is here! (well, for us northern hemisphere folks, anyway :) The Sun joins Mercury and begins his transit in my Sun sign, Cancer, on June 21st at 10:16 a.m. PDT / 1:16 p.m. EDT, where he'll remain until July 22nd (PDT) / July 23rd (EDT). The Sun represents the self we present to the external world, our vital life force, potential, ambitions, intentions, and unrealized/untapped inherent talents/skills.

In Gemini, the Sun is outgoing, chatty, animated, and cerebral. In Cancer, the Sun's energy is focused on the inner workings of the self -- who we are, what we desire, who/what motivates us -- rooted at our hearts and the emotional side of the self. Most Cancer-Suns initially react from the heart and are not necessarily moved by reason or practicality, especially if their gut feelings urge them otherwise. The cardinal sign of Cancer represents our roots, our families, the past, the home, and our emotions. Cancer is sensitive, intuitive, and maternal. She is ruled by the Moon, who moves approximately one degree every 2.5 hours and changes signs (personalities) every 2.5 days, which may help with Cancer-Suns unfortunate reputation of being 'moody' :(

The Sun in Cancer encourages us all to be more attuned to our emotions, sensitivities, intuition, and value our private life enough to give it as much effort as our external drives. This transit period is ideal for reconnecting with family members who we may have neglected but are significant to us; remembering the past (both painful and happy memories) that has helped shape who we are today; spending more time with our immediate family and letting our actions mirror our love for them; and finding balance between satisfying our conscious will and our deepest heart's desires.

This year on July 1st, we'll have a New Moon / Solar Eclipse in Cancer which will be the third consecutive eclipse since June and the last of the Cancer-Capricorn series of eclipses. I, for one, am happy that set of eclipses is over! With Gemini-Sagittarius eclipses in full swing until 2013 and stimulating my natal 4th (home/family) and 10th (career/future goals) houses, I can go without Cancer-Capricorn eclipses all over my solar 1st (self/potential) and 7th (relationships) houses :)

How might the Sun's transit in Cancer manifest in your world? Look to the Cancer-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac sign below to identify the Cancer zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.

Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then click here for an explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.

• 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 at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or you might consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Sun in Natal Houses
• Mercury in Cancer ~ June 16 to July 2/3, 2011
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Schedule an appointment
• Client reviews

Original image source unknown.

Statue de Mars ornant la Porte de Paris à Lille via Wikimedia Commons

Mars breaks away from Taurean energy. In Taurus, Mars is steady, prudent, and reliable which can sometimes be restrictive. Mars is the planet of action, energy, and movement, after all. He represents our physical drives, aggression, passions, anger, self-assertion, confidence, and the motivation behind our efforts.

Mars' move to the sign of Gemini offers him a chance roam more freely. In Gemini, Mars' energies are driven by mental activities and intellectual pursuits. In his rage, he might take up words as his weapon while he fights in a heated debate. His passions rise with mental stimulation. Mars in Gemini is ready to act and take up multiple tasks.

This period is great for getting a lot of things done quickly. All that was decided upon and planned while Mars was in Taurus can now be started or continued and concluded during this period. So, just move down the checklist of your "to do" items and let's get some things accomplished!

One thing to watch out for -- in Gemini, Mars may lack focus. Energies and efforts may be scattered. Projects get started but don't get finished. So, make sure to give Mars in Gemini explicit instructions and specific tasks in order to give the Gemini energy concentration.

For those with their natal Mars in Gemini, you'll have your Mars Return which occurs approximately every two years. This a great time to make movements on future plans or take action on shorter-term goals. Look to the house placement and natal aspects to your natal Mars to get an idea of what may be highlighted/triggered during your Mars Return. Some people find this period ideal for making career-related plans.

This year, Mars transits Gemini beginning on June 20th at 7:50 p.m. PDT / 10:50 p.m. EDT until August 3rd. Upon entering Gemini, Mars will quickly squares Neptune while the Cancer-Sun trines Neptune. These first few days (June 20-23) when both Mercury (thought/communication) and the Sun (conscious will/potential) aligning with Neptune (compassion/spirituality) can be a time when our actions can be inspired and motivated by selfless drives. At worst, this can be a few days of 'escaping' and being out of sync from reality or responsibilities.

How might Mars' transit in Gemini manifest in your world? Look to the Gemini-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac sign below to identify the Gemini zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of Mars transiting those solar and/or natal houses.



Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then click here for an explanation of Mars transiting those solar and/or natal houses.

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

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or you might consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mars in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Schedule an appointment
• Client reviews