Solar Eclipse 11th July 2010

Eclipses come in pairs as New and Full Moons.  Following the partial Lunar Eclipse of the 26th June we see a Total Solar Eclipse on 11th July 2010 in the sign of Cancer.  Both eclipses are from the same Saros family which I previously interpreted here, and so have the same essence around them.

The chart for this Solar Eclipse is presented below.  What is perhaps most striking is that the chart has no air signs in it (the exception being Neptune in Aquarius).  There is consequently a lack of rationalisation, communication, thinking things through and decision making - this lack of air could see attempts to compensate by trying to force it.  The elements of Water (understanding, feeling), Fire (spirit, drive) and Earth (practical, methodical) are presented in this chart.  The chart is also in a 'see-saw' pattern.  All of the personal planets on one side - the outer planets on the other.  With this, there is a feeling of opposition, conflict and the need to strike a balance - to learn by our relating.  It is also rather suggestive of things 'tipping over'.  So, let's look at the chart in more depth and see what is happening.

Sun/Moon in Cancer

The New Moon in Cancer is always a very strong lunation.  Cancer is ruled by the Moon and when the Sun conjoins it has a feeling of the celebration of Man/Woman - inner/outer - a time to create history and a time to reflect on the path that led you here.  Cancer rules family, nurturing, emotional connections - it is a place of bonding and security - with this eclipse these feelings are heightened.  The Sabian Symbol reads 'Venetian gondoliers in a serenade'.  There are strong overtones of romance here and 'letting go' - indulgence in fantasy, courting and being courted.  It is idealistic and feeds rather deliciously, that soft inner core of a Cancer Moon that at this time however, is just a seed - it's in the dark.

Mercury in Leo (quincunx Pluto, trine Jupiter/Uranus, Semi-square Mars)
'Rock formations towering over a deep canyon'
There is a lot of 'big' symbolism here.  It seems we've made up our minds and stand on the tipping point, about to take a leap.  We're thinking 'What is there to decide? Just do it'.  However, the action itself seems strangely out of reach still - we have to adjust to the practical complexities of our situations.

Venus in Virgo (Semi-square Eclipse, quincunx Jupiter/Uranus, Opposite Neptune/Chiron, trine Pluto)
'A large white cross, dominating the landscape, stands on top of a high hill'
Despite having a New Moon Eclipse with a relationship feel to it, Venus is somewhat out on a limb here - lacking in confidence, suffering in silence and not knowing how to express these feelings.  There is a mood here of being sacrificed for some plan or alternatively sacrificing oneself - self effacement, that Venus in the sign of its fall will tend to wallow in.  The development of faith, perspective and using practical methods to dig deep, explore our sense of value and judgment will help a great deal.  Be careful of being a willing lamb to the slaughter.

Mars in Virgo (Sextile Eclipse, Semi-square Mercury)
'A caravan of cars headed for promised land'
Action planet Mars here is working on the details, the plan, the route map from A to B of that leap and change promised by the symbol.  It seems that the essence of this eclipse, that new road and feeling, that 'letting go' will happen - the devils in the details as they say and the opportunity is there - we might not think it - but it is.  And we perhaps won't take the road alone either - the symbol points to help being at hand.

Saturn in Virgo (Opposite Jupiter/Uranus, quincunx Neptune/Chiron, square Pluto)
'Having an urgent task to complete, a man doesn't look to any distractions'
The meaning here is clear - focus, paying attention to the route, the map, the terrain - working on the little details will bear fruit.

The previous Full Moon Lunar Eclipse brought culmination, a heightened awareness and exposure to stress perhaps.  This Total Solar Eclipse begins the work of digging out of that trough - finding resolutions.  Relationships - learning to relate and work with others is a theme - as is gaining emotional understanding.  Learning about ourselves, our own feelings and expectations through the mirror of others.

Part 2 of this article can be found here

Picture Copyright MShobi