We stand between a pair of difficult eclipses.  The lunar eclipse in Capricorn was last weekend, on the 26th and the solar eclipse in Cancer comes this Sunday, on the 11th.  It is a period of deeply personal challenges and changes.

The astrological dynamics of the eclipses are often framed in terms of spiritual evolution.  This is a valid approach, but the key term, “evolution” is often misunderstood.  When we look at the process of evolution from a distance, we see a slow progress toward more complex and effective forms.  The ape’s posture improves until he gains the noble bearing of an idealized human.  But this simple series of images disguises the process behind it.   Mutations occur, and some are preserved by their efficacy, while others are judged by their environment and found wanting.  All of this occurs in nature’s theatre of life and death.  Some forms endure, but most don’t.  History is a gallery of exceptions- successes.

When people discuss personal evolution in a spiritual context, we are presented with the same simplified series of images.  The struggle and dead ends are left invisible.  But personal evolution is no less harrowing.  We live and die many times within the span of one life.  New ways of being are born and others just don’t cut it.  Evolution, personal or biological,  always comes down to a series of pass-fail tests.  If it was not so harsh, so decisive, there would be improvement, not progress.  The world would simply be a gallery of awkward and ineffective forms, like Sunday night at the Old Country Buffet.

In astrology, the North and South Nodes and the eclipses which occur on top of them describe this evolutionary process.  Between 2 eclipses, we are deep in the throes of an evolutionarily intense period.  New forms emerge with striking speed and old ones go extinct with equal alacrity.  Work with it.  It’s not a river whose course you’ll be able to turn.

The essence of this pair of eclipses is the tension between caring and realism, comfort and pragmatism.  The North Node in Capricorn impels us to move toward  pragmatism and greater responsibility, while the South Node in Cancer urges us to let go of emotional structures that no longer serve us.

Like the evolutionary comic strip of the ape becoming human, this description is accurate, but hides so much.  There is a hidden, dynamic interplay, a hundred invisible exchanges, and quiet balance demanded beneath all of it.

The deep challenge that the eclipses always pose is one of balance. There is a tendency to take the changes to unnecessary extremes.   This cycle moves us toward the hard and away from the soft, adjusting our relationship to these principles, but not deciding eternally in favor of one or the other.  Embrace the hard, but remember the soft.

Eclipse Horoscopes

Aries:  The Ram

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn forced you to confront the necessity of dealing with the power structure of your chosen field.  If you want to win the game, you’re going to have to become a more dispassionate player.

The Solar eclipse on July 11^th watches as an image of who you used to be slowly fades and winks out.  You need to let go of where you’ve come from in order to get to where you’re going.

Taurus:  The Bull

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn forced you to confront pending changes in your worldview.  You need to acknowledge that the world is a less caring place than you’d like to think it is.

The Solar Eclipse on July 11^th overlooks you letting go and settling out on casual relationships in your neighborhood.  The eclipse may also mark increasing distance between you and a sibling.

Gemini: The Twins

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn emphasized the importance of linking your resources with other peoples.  The evolutionary lesson here is how to structure proper business relationships, as well as understanding their limitations.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th emphasizes the importance of letting go of unnecessary feelings of possessiveness.  You’ll ha

ve to let go of something in order to make space for the resources people are getting ready to offer you.

Cancer:  The Crab

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely brought new relationships into your life which have the function of forcing you into or helping you through a personal transformation.  In the meantime, your existing personal relationships grow considerably more intense.  This is a window through which people are likely to pass in and out of your life.  The Lunar Eclipse forces you to confront the evolutionary challenges in your relationships that you may have shied away from.  Secrets emerge.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th shines its disintegration rays onto that old mask you wear.  The emotions that have secretly anchored you to who you thought you were emerge and are dispersed, like seeds in the wind.  As your old persona corrodes and falls apart, you’ll find you have the freedom to be who you need to be.

Leo:   The Lion

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn highlighted the work that needs to be done to complete the transformation of your life.  It’s time to let go of nagging thoughts and invisible impediments and embrace what needs to be done.  Stop making excuses, even if they’re good ones.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th helps you let go of old emotional attachments which have been making you crazier than you need to be.  As you settle up and let go of these issues, you’ll find you have more energy and attention to focus on practical problems.

Virgo:  The Virgin

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely highlighted the structure of your creative output.  You’re going through a transformation regarding what you create with your energy, working to embrace the challenge of what gets the job done.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th presides over a withdrawal from social concerns.   This absence will create the time you need to spend with your burgeoning creativity.

Libra:  The Scales

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn spotlighted your living situation.  Home isn’t just where the heart is, it is the fortress that consolidates your position and the chrysalis protects you during metamorphisis.  It’s time to give your Deathstar the decorating it deserves.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th sees you letting go of old ideas about your career, opening a space for fresh direction.

Scorpio:  The Scorpion

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely spotlighted your relationship to all those you’re in regular contact with, as well as what you’ve usually got on your mind.  What’s on your mind and what you do with your time are important, don’t waste your energy.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th spotlights core beliefs you’ve been holding onto for too long and for the wrong reasons.  As the emotional anchors dissolve, you’ll find the ideas beginning to float out to sea.

Sagittarius:  The Archer

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely highlighted your changing financial situation.  You’re in the midst of a time period where you’re taking on more and more responsibility.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th highlights your entanglements with other people.  It’s time to let go of arrangements that only endure because of emotional inertia.  You’ll need that energy to do right by your emergin responsibilities.

Capricorn:  The Goat

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely made clear the outlines of the transformation you’ll have to go through in order to become who you need to be.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th spotlights the need to let go of old relationship patterns, as well as some old relationships.  Your journey’s only getting more intense, and you’ll need the energy that’s been bound up in these patterns.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely highlighted the hard but realistic thoughts you’ve swept to the back of your mind.  The lunar rays may well be in a mood to force you to look at things from a harder and more realistic angle than you’re accustomed to.  Don’t confuse realism with pessimism.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th spotlights your work habits with its dark rays.  You’ll find that it’ll be easier to let go of certain methods of problem solving that you find comforting but are proving themselves to be increasingly ineffective.

Pisces:  The Fish

The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn likely highlighted the importance of networking.  If you’re going to survive in this world, you’re going to need friends in both high and low places.   Preferably, smart, powerful and generous friends.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 11^th spotlights the creative energies you’ve been keeping all to yourself.  Your stimulated social life is likely full of people who want to drink your hidden creative juices.  Pour them a steaming cup.

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COPYRIGHT DARK SUN ASTROLOGY 2010

Sol in Cancer, Luna in Taurus