This Wednesday, June 15^th, we are treated to a Full Eclipse of the Moon.  The eclipse occurs at 24 Sagittarius, conjoined the North Node, the Dragon’s Head, known as Rahu to Vedic astrologers.  This is the first eclipse in Sagittarius in the Gemini-Sagittarius cycle.  We had a lunar eclipse in Gemini on the Solstice in December, and a partial solar eclipse in the Twin’s sign on June 1^st .  Both of these eclipses were within striking distance of the South node, the Dragon’s Tail, which asks that we relieve ourselves of our investment in worn out patterns.  The lunar eclipse this week is on the first on Rahu, the Dragon’s Head.

Eclipse Visibility

Eclipses on the Dragon’s Tail remove our attachments with their thrashing about, while those on the Dragon’s Head see us grow hungry ro take on new challenges, to have another bite of life’s great illusion.  Between them, the Nodes indicate the path of the dragon- the amoral yet supremely righteous trajectory of the Tao.

This week’s eclipse reveals new direction, new hunger.  The Dragon’s Head is often represented in art as a head without a body- endlessly hungry, as there is no stomach to fill.  Conversely, Rahu is also depicted with with a face on his stomach, its mouth fluent in the language of hunger.

So as the Moon goes dark over the Middle-East, crawl into its temporary emptiness.  Feel the void.  Listen.  Let the space speak to you, tell you what it craves.

You honor this void’s hunger with a miniature festival of excess, a tantric feast of deep fried foods, homicidally strong drink and debauched entertainment, your soundtrack the mantra of Rahu, who speaks only in the language of desire.

Arda-kayam maha-viryam chandra ditya veemar-danam seeng-hee-ka garba sambootam tam rahum prana-mam mya-ham!

(Phonetic translation of traditional Sanskrit Mantra of Rahu, courtesy of Jamesbraha.com.)

Underwater Conversations: Mercury enters Cancer

The day after the eclipse Mercury leaves Gemini, entering Cancer.  Here we see the Messenger exchange winged sandals for a swimmer’s flippers.  Here the mind turns in a fundamentally emotional direction, concerning itself with family, friends, lovers and worries. Mercury will be in Cancer from June 16^th until July 2^nd.

The first two weeks of Mercury’s time in Cancer will be the most eventful, as the swift planet runs the gauntlet of outer-planetary influence, aspecting Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Taurus on Friday,  squaring Uranus in Aries on Saturday and opposing Pluto in Capricorn on Sunday.  Next Tuesday Mercury squares Saturn in Libra, completing Mercury’s run through an aspect with every planet outside the asteroid belt.  It means big thoughts on big issues, an attempt to reconcile the numerous tensions which characterize the coming Summer’s skies.

Two Down, One To Go

During Mercury’s time in Cancer, the messenger will pass through the area where July 1st’s solar eclipse will occur.  Mercury thints at the action of the coming solar eclipse, and the wise take note.

Dragon’s Mouth Orchid

HOROSCOPES

Horoscopes are not a real chart reading by an experienced astrologer.  However, they are fun and can be reasonably accurate.  In addition to referring to your Sun sign, read your from Ascendant and Moon if you know them.  If you don’t, find out. I’m a long time fan of the free chart generation software at astro.com.

Oh, and if you’re still concerned that your sign has changed, get a little clarity here.

Aries:  The Ram

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday sees things slide toward a big plan you don’t quite understand yet.  The eclipse may also coincide with the reception of resources to help you pursue this weedy and as yet unclear path.

Mercury’s movement Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts turn toward your living situation.  Your thoughts will gravitate around issues in this area for the rest of the month.

Taurus: The Bull

The lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday tugs your attention toward how you might benefit from access to resources other than your own.  Plans to beg, borrow or steal come to mind.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts turn toward your circle of friends and siblings, suggesting intimate conversations and the consideration of various tensions.

Gemini:  The Twins

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday pulls your attention toward your relationships, pointing toward a need to spend more time considering the experience of others.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts turn towards the resources at your disposal.  As you head into the coming season, you’ll consider what you have to draw on and what you don’t.

Cancer:  The Crab

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday puts the ideas which have been buzzing around your skull to work, asking you to make the imaginary practical.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday brings your thoughts about who you are to the forefront.  You’ll being asked to shuck off one last piece of your hermit crab’s shell by the end of the month.

Leo:  The Lion

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday sees your creative energy bloom.  You’re getting a feeling of how you can bring it all together.  Maybe not a full fledged thought, but definitely a feeling.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts turn inward.  There’s a lesson to be learned about how you’ve holding yourself back.  Consider how you might undo your self undoing.

Virgo:  The Virgin

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday emphasizes the importance of having a home base.  Acknowledge the hunger for some stability, but don’t go buying any time-shares.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer on Thursday sees your thoughts turn increasingly toward the variety of pressures on your social position.  This one may involve some unpleasant conversations- try to remain diplomatic.

Libra:  The Scales

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday emphasizes the importance of setting up a schedule for yourself.  You’ll need one to to achieve the many goals you’ve got for the next 6 months.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts turn to your professional situation.  Over the coming weeks, you’ll figure out how to navigate the variety of life pressures being exerted on you.

Scorpio:  The Scorpion

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday emphasizes the importance of using the resources at your disposal.   Not to mention having resources at your disposal.  Get yours, but don’t get greedy.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts go crawling over your long term goals.  Consider the various pathways and problems carefully.

Sagittarius:  The Archer

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday reassures you that you are, in fact, as awesome as you’ve ever dreamed.  Take what bonuses come your way, but keep your head on your shoulders.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday sees your thoughts crawl over your exchanges with other people for a few weeks.  You’ll consider the energy and resources you trade with people, and come to a few new conclusions.

Capricorn:  The Goat

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday  shepherds your thoughts through a gate into your personal underworld, where forgotten ideas, long lost treasure and ignored monsters all exist in equal proportion.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer on Thursday sees your thoughts crawl over your relationships.  The next week or so will see you trying to reconcile relationship issues in light of personal transformations, living space issues and professional pressures.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday emphasizes the importance of utilizing the groups of people you are connected with.  That, and being connected to people in the first place.  Go make some friends, weirdo.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer this Thursday begins a period which sees your thoughts center on solving practical problems. You may need to figure out several fixes in light of peripheral issues.

Pisces:  The Fish

The Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius this Wednesday increases your hunger to walk your path professionally.  What this path involves, exactly, is another matter.  Follow your tummy.

Mercury’s movement into Cancer on Thursday begins a period where you’ll be considering what, exactly, to create.  You’ll juggle concerns about the resources you do and don’t have to make this happen.

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