 Full Moon
Lunar Eclipse
Saturday,
August 16th, 2008, at 5:16 PM EDT.
On Saturday, the Full Moon occurs when the Leo Sun opposes the
Moon in Aquarius. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the
promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New
Moon. It is an emotional time—a time of romance, fertilization,
and relationships.
The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual—not content with
simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while
individualistic as well, values independence and the "team". The
Full Moon illuminates this conflict.
This Full Moon is a Partial Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar eclipse is an
especially potent lunation -- in this case a potent Full Moon. Lunar eclipses
are relationship-oriented. The "crisis" that these eclipses tend to elicit is a
crisis of lack--a time when we suddenly realize a great need or want. The impact
of the crisis can act to sever a relationship--it's possible. But it can also
bring two people together with a sudden awareness of a great need for each
other. Although Lunar eclipses are more relationship-oriented than Solar
eclipses, they are not always about relationships between two people. They can
trigger awareness of need in other areas of our lives, such as our relationship
to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters
come to light--things that have been brewing under the surface.
When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with
proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not
yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects
tend to last
longer. Many astrologers believe that the effects of a Lunar eclipse last
approximately six months.
Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the
Leo-Aquarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely
at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives. The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between
all that is
personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy
of
Leo is creative self-expression and the boost to the
individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while
Aquarius rules the group, more impersonal friendships,
and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance
between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves
in personal and impersonal ways.
The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual—not content with
simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while
individualistic as well, values independence and the "team". The
Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Some sort of crisis (which
can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives
provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the
context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts.
Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this
time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely
at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can
propel us into positive action.
Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses bring issues in our lives to
fulfillment. Our emotions are heightened, and there is often some sort of drama
involved with the house, sign, and any contacted planets activated by the Full
Moon. Look to 24 degrees 21 of Aquarius in your own chart. This Lunar Eclipse gives
us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. The areas of life
activated by the eclipse may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear
to move forward. Note that whatever "happens" at this time is nothing
truly new. The issues have been brewing inside of us, and emotions have been
building. Something comes to light at the time of the Full Moon, and if we get
in touch with our emotions, we can get a better idea of what needs to change, or
what needs to go.
This Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius is bound to thrust us into a state
of heightened awareness of flaws in our friendships, attitudes towards others,
and group activities. Decisions made now are
emotionally-driven.
On August 17, 1989, a Lunar Eclipse fell in Aquarius at
a similar degree as the one in August 2008. It might be helpful to think back to issues
in your life that were in effect in the second half of 1989 (if you can
remember back that far) in order to get an idea of how
this 2008 Lunar Eclipse affects you.
If this Lunar eclipse conjuncts a planet in your chart, you may
feel its intensity more than others. If it conjuncts your Sun, for example, it
can act like a charge of energy. The desire --or necessity-- to turn over a new leaf is strong.
See more about this Lunar Eclipse.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 21 minutes of Leo and
Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at
22 to 26 degrees of the
fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
Aug 1, 2008 6:13 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Aug 8, 2008 4:20 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 16, 2008 5:16 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Aug 23, 2008 7:50 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Aug 30, 2008 3:58 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
The Sun is in Leo; Mercury
is in Virgo; Venus is in Virgo; Mars
is in Virgo.
The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. In Leo, the Sun is
proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not
content with simply being just one of the team. It's time to shine, add a
touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and
fruit of the season--blossoming and ripened--this is a time when we want to
enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our
gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and
vain.
Mercury is in Virgo from August 10-28.
When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now
important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful
and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo,
one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy
now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective when we get lost
in details.
Venus is in Virgo from August 6-30. This is a time when we express
our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail
work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a
purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also
quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the
types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not
things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at
this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an
expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of
our partners, picky, or worrisome.
Mars in Virgo July 1-August 19. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a
passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the
right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one
of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about
performance.
Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 18th, and will stay in the
sign until January 5th, 2009. Read more about
Jupiter's transit through Capricorn here.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Virgo from August 6-30. This is a time when we express
our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail
work, or just "being there" for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our
partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a
sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo.
Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could
easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a
little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to
analyze every detail of our lovers' reactions and responses. We could worry
ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the
bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live
very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the
moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services
to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of
this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.
This week: Venus joins with Saturn on Wednesday, and an air of
formality, or increased responsibilities, are brought to our social
relationships and romantic partnerships. A new sense of realism in existing
partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal
pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from
personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships
that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face
them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. We may renew ties
with old friends or lovers, or deal with a new sense of responsibility in
existing relationships. Venus trines Jupiter on Saturday, and our feelings are
expansive. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to
make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence
in love and social matters figure strongly now.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming
Week:
Venus in Virgo August 6-30. If it makes sense you love
it, and if it doesn't you feel guilty about it: that's what it's like now. A
loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is
right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities
that come to the fore at a time like this.
Venus conjunct Saturn August 13. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are
stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or
sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships.
A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may
lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we
may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in
personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now,
and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more
glaring. Renewed ties to old friends or lovers are possible, or a new sense of
responsibility in existing relationships.
Venus trine Jupiter August 16-17. Harmony and good will reign under this influence.
Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set
our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted,
sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this
influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.
The Moon & Timing
The
Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its
last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of
Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to
begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is
indicated here, and is indicative of the "outcome" of the matter (whether
that is a new project begun before the void period, or the answer to a
question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you
were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in
Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to
any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not
forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The
Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary
Astrology.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Tuesday, August 12th,
from 5:05 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a
conjunction
to Pluto), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:43 AM.
VOC Moon on Thursday, August 14th, from
1:10 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters
Aquarius at 6:57 PM.
Void of Course Moon Table for August 2008:
Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on August 16th--a period that is generally considered
favorable
for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See
Best Time to Start a
Business for more details).
A window of opportunity occurs this week from Tuesday, August 12th, at
approximately 7:45 AM EDT, until Thursday, August 14th, at approximately 1 PM
EDT, while the Moon is in Capricorn. Another window occurs from Saturday, August
16th, at approximately 6:15 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 17th, at approximately
1 AM, while the Moon is in Aquarius.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
July 1st: Mars enters Virgo 12:21 PM
July 10th: Mercury enters Cancer 4:17 PM
July 12th: Venus enters Leo 2:39 PM
July 22nd: Sun enters Leo 6:55 AM
July 26th: Mercury enters Leo 7:48 AM
Aug 6th: Venus enters Virgo 12:20 AM
Aug 10th: Mercury enters Virgo 6:51 AM
Aug 19th: Mars enters Libra 6:03 AM
Aug 22nd: Sun enters Virgo 2:02 PM
Aug 28th: Mercury enters Libra 10:50 PM
Aug 30th: Venus enters Libra 10:41 AM
Sep 8th: Jupiter Direct 12:16 AM
Sep 8th: Pluto Direct 11:14 PM
Sep 22nd: Sun enters Libra 11:44 AM
Sep 23rd: Venus enters Scorpio 10:59 PM
Sep 24th: Mercury Retrograde 3:17 AM
See also:
The Astrology of 2008 - Overview
Note: Times given ET.
This Week's Calendar
  
Venus conjunct Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are
stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or
sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of
realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to
sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; or we may have to
abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Financial discipline,
realism, and maturity are possible now. We are more likely to be conservative
when it comes to spending. Sound judgment may be exercised. Problems in personal
relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are
ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Support from older people or authority
figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. Renewed ties
to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing
friendships.
  
Sun quincunx Uranus. Surprise elements make us feel out of control of our lives
or the direction we would like to take. Disrupted plans or schedules. Unexpected events or change of plans.
 
Sun opposition Neptune. It's easy to get lost in fantasy at this time, as we
feel somewhat directionless and less able to face everyday realities. Willpower
is low. Not a good time for any financial undertaking or formal agreement.
Mercury conjunct Saturn. Our ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced
now. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or
work. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and
practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is
indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in
an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that
involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.
 
Venus trine Jupiter. Friendliness and optimism characterize this transit. We
are big-hearted and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and
hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and
self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. We are
more open and trusting of friends and lovers. Integrity and loyalty are favored.
A favorable influence for winning people's trust. Speculation, advertising,
publishing, and travel are favored.
Last Week Note: Times
given in the table/calendar above are ET.
Daily Trends Calendar See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in
signs.
What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends
August 10
Mercury enters Virgo early today, and stays in the sign until the 28th.
During this cycle, precision in speech, thought, and process is especially
important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful
and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo,
one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy
now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective by getting lost
in details. The Moon is in fiery Sagittarius all day, and new experiences
and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. August 11
The Moon is in Sagittarius all day. The
Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a
need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not
interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New
experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the
key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to
plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it". Emotional balance is with us in
the hours surrounding the Moon's trine to the Sun at 10:07 AM EDT. What we do
and what we feel are in harmony, and we benefit from this clarity. It's also a
good time to strengthen relationships. August 12
With the Moon changing signs from adventurous Sagittarius to practical Capricorn
at 7:43 AM EDT, we feel the need to get down to business.
With the Moon in Capricorn, our feelings are expressed reservedly and sparingly.
We don’t want to expose ourselves to the feeling of being vulnerable. Our sense
of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most
areas of life now. Our view of life in general is realistic. We are cautious and
draw upon common sense when making decisions. Flexibility is not a strong point
just now, and we might want to learn to relax and avoid attempts to keep control
of every situation. Our careers and objectives are in focus with the Moon in
this goal-oriented sign. The Moon is void of course from 5:05 AM EDT, with its last aspect before changing signs (a
conjunction
to Pluto), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:43 AM. August 13
With the Moon in Capricorn all day, we are especially motivated by a desire for
success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are
resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources.
Venus joins with Capricorn's ruler, Saturn, this afternoon. Affections stabilize and mature
under this influence, and our feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or
sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A sense of duty may lead us to
sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; or we may have to
abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Financial discipline,
realism, and maturity are possible now. We are more likely to be conservative
when it comes to spending. Sound judgment may be exercised. Problems in personal
relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are
ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Support from older people or authority
figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. We may renew ties
to old friends, or experience a new sense of responsibility in existing
friendships. August 14
The Moon is in Capricorn until 6:57 PM EDT, and we are acutely aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We
are also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. Nevertheless, the
Sun in awkward aspect to Uranus early in the day can suggest some unexpected
changes of plans or hard-to-pinpoint stresses. This afternoon's trine between
the Moon and Mars, both occupying practical Earth signs, offers us increased
stamina and "emotional energy" with which to tackle realistic projects. The Moon
enters Air sign Aquarius at 6:57 PM EDT, and we open ourselves to new ideas,
methods, and experiences.
The Moon is void of course from 1:10 PM EDT, with its last aspect before
changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:57 PM.
August 15
The Moon is in forward-looking Aquarius all day, and we are attracted to all
that is new and unusual. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and
interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. Early
morning, the
Sun opposes Neptune. It's easy to get lost in fantasy at this time, as we
feel somewhat directionless and less able to face, or cope with, everyday realities. Willpower
may be low. This afternoon, Mercury conjoins Saturn, and our ability to concentrate and focus
returns. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or
work more effectively. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and
practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is
indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in
an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that
involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.
August 16
A partial Lunar Eclipse occurs this afternoon at 5:16 PM EDT,
triggering awareness of need or lack in our lives, such as our relationship
to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters
come to light--things that have been brewing under the surface. When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with
proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not
yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects
tend to last
longer. Many astrologers believe that the effects of a Lunar eclipse last
approximately six months. With the
Leo-Aquarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to strike a balance
between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves
in personal and impersonal ways.
Epiphanies are likely
at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can
propel us into positive action.
Venus trines Jupiter today, and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and
hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and
self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. Speculation, advertising,
publishing, and travel are favored.
Daily Trends Calendar
If it's your birthday today, see our feature,
If Today is Your Birthday
Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
Moon Signs This Week:
When the Moon is in Sagittarius
  The
Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a
need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not
interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New
experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the
key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to
plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".
The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous
activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting
publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.
When the Moon is in Capricorn
 We
become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively
are aware of the
limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and
manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to
waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a
very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a
productive time when we look reality in the face.
The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term
activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career
issues, making a business plan, practical investments.
When the Moon
is in Aquarius
Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for
improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual
than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this
influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group
ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive
changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the
future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most
important to us.
The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or
radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new,
joining a group.
When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon
through the Signs.
This Week's Planetary
Positions By Sign (General Trends):
Sun in Leo "This I do for me" is your
motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of
starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give
off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation
become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as
does a very important lesson: it's not what you do so much as how you do it,
not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it
doesn't come from the heart, it shouldn't matter now.
Mercury in Virgo Mental discipline and
patience are keynoted as you enter into a new cycle. Thinking things
through, accounting for all the details, making careful measurements: these
and similar experiences keep your mind active and involved. An interest in
health and work may come to the fore.
Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love
it, and if it doesn't you feel guilty about it: that's what it's like now. A
loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is
right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities
that come to the fore at a time like this.
Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in
your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right
thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for
everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if
taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your
greatest incentives now.
Jupiter in Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central
goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to
empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an
article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you
become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.
Saturn in Virgo An emphasis on discipline with regard to work and
health is a keynote of the cycle now dawning in your life. Procedures,
scheduling, details: you're apt to be weak in these areas unless you take
steps to correct deficiencies. Do this, and you make progress; otherwise,
you have to run faster just to avoid falling behind.
Uranus in Pisces Radical mysticism,
idealistic visions, new insights into the linkage between the past and
future: all these things are accentuated now, as you come into a new cycle.
Experimenting with artistic norms and breaking the rules satisfy an inner
need, yet may exact a toll if you are not conscientious about it.
Neptune in Aquarius Humanistic ideals and
a belief that technology and social reform can create a utopia become
powerful and inspiring images at this time. Personal and selfish concerns
seem petty and ignorant - and all the more so if they are part of the status
quo. Liberty, equality, fraternity: are they the ultimate answers or only
the foundations for something that transcends them all?
Pluto in Sagittarius The test of faith, the inquisition, the purging
of the superficial: these issues take hold at the very roots of your
existence now. This is a kind of spiritual or philosophical rebirth, and it
is not always gentle. Ultimate answers come from far away.
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