2 Eclipses This Month, Get Ready for Change.

GET READY FOR CHANGE!!
February heralds the celebration of a New Moon (also Solar Eclipse – see below) in Aquarius (7:44 Feb 6th) kicking off the beginning of the Chinese New Year as we face a time of great change not only for ourselves but for our country.

A conjunction of the Sun and Moon sets into motion seed forms that will blossom over the following weeks. A New Moon imprints a new configuration of energy patterns in whichever house it impacts. This year’s Aquarian “Year of the Rat” celebration is co-joined by four additional Aquarian influences elarging the message of radical “CHANGE”. Not only do the Sun and Moon dance on top of each other but Mercury (retrograde), Chiron, Neptune and the North Node all line up in the sign of Aquarius. Normally with the Moon we focus inwardly on our personal emotional interactions with others, but the Aquarian energies force us to step outside of the box of personal needs to consider a global perspective. The prime question from this moment on is “how are you contributing to society? What are you doing to alleviate suffering? How are you moving outside of the confines of belief systems to understand the universal link that exists amongst all of humanity?” – Elizabeth De Vries, Venice Magazine, wildessa@sbcglobal.net

The CHINESE YEAR OF THE EARTH RAT (representing Spirit and Alertness) – In Chinese Astrology every 12 years completes the zodiac instead of 12 months as in western astrology. Rats are the first sign in the Chinese zodiac. Now, in 2008 we begin another 12 year cycle, making this a year of powerful new beginnings. Perhaps a career or important relationship is ending, setting the stage for a new phase. As the old is being swept away, venture courageously into new territory and, like the little Earth Rat who is naturally more stable than others of his kind, free yourself to experiment and put your plans into action. Opportunities abound, particularly in scholarly and artistic fields. Something to consider is that which is begun now is likely to have long lasting effect, so choose carefully and wisely to enrich your life.

Two eclipses this month! This always means a major turning point after which our lives will never be quite the same. The decisions made at this time will have long reaching consequences and will place us on tracks which will lead to different choices and new environments. There could be some massive relocation during this time as we need to find our right spot on the planet, the place that makes our soul soar. We could leave behind jobs, circumstances and people we no longer feel connected to.

Eclipses are known to be associated with dramatic events in human and earthly affairs. If you have ever seen an eclipse, you know they are quite dramatic! So, in preparation for the solar eclipse on the 6th, plan on something grabbing your attention — but don’t think too far ahead! What you think is going to happen, often doesn’t.

We use the word ‘eclipse’ to say that one event has been overshadowed by another. Because this eclipse is occurring in Aquarius, your desire to be part of something bigger is stimulated — whether it’s a community issue, or organizations with a cause close to your heart. And, because Neptune conjuncts this eclipse, there is some uncertainty or confusion.

Ordinarily the sign Aquarius is quite logical, but with this spiritual planet’s influence, you’ll get more out of opening up to your less analytical sensibility. In addition, as this eclipse is occurring at the north node, you’ll be prompted to let go of the past and invest in your future.

The Solar Eclipse will occur on Wednesday 2/6 at 7:44 PM at 17º44′ Aquarius. This degree is symbolized in the Sabian Symbols by “a man’s secret motives are being publicly unmasked”. This will mark the beginning of the unraveling of all the lies that have been perpetrated. The notion of oneness won’t be so abstract anymore and we shall understand more deeply that all that we do and think is not only visible to others but also affects them. It is now time to cut binding cords with our past and to move forward clear of what has been limiting our progress. That means listening to our hearts and only doing things or congregating with people who inspire us joy.

The Lunar Eclipse will occur on Wednesday 2/20 at 7:30 PM at 1º53′ Virgo. “A large white cross dominates the landscape”. This is how Sabian symbols describe this very magical degree. As we move resolutely towards our future, we need to do so with tremendous clarity of purpose, purity and a sense of our own sacredness. Bridging dimensions together, the cross is also symbolic of our connection with each other. This marks a time of building upon the new ground that we have created for ourselves, free from what was no longer conducive to higher growth.

Mercury is retrograde until February 18 at 6:57 PM when it reaches 8º19′ Aquarius. “A flag is seen turning into an Eagle” is the symbol for this degree. During this retrogration, we revisited what had kept us from our inner truth and the values unearthed are leading our spirit to incredible freedom. No longer defined by external circumstances, we can fully embody our power and continue our ascension process with a knowingness that we are all that is.

Saturn is still retrograde this whole month between 6º57 and 4º47′ Virgo. There could still be issues around authority and discipline. We are having to find a subtle balance between our own inner authority and external authority without allowing ourselves to feel disempowered by the structures we still need to compose with. If we look closely, those delays are actually helping us define who we really are. – Michelle Karen, www.MichelleKaren.com