The Summer Eclipse Season Begins in June!
Eclipse season is here again, beginning with a partial lunar eclipse on June 26, 2010 at 10 degrees Sagittarius in the nakshatra of Mula. The second eclipse, a total solar one, will occur on July 11, 2010 at 25 degrees Gemini (nakshatra of Punarvasu), and be discussed in next month's article. Many astrologers consider these two eclipses this summer to be especially deeply felt, intense, and highly transformative. This first eclipse on June 26, is very close to the US chart's Ascendant degree, so our country is greatly affected by this one. As these eclipses are on the Sagittarius/Gemini axis, it will be especially impactful those who have major planetary placements (such as the Ascendant, Sun, or Moon) in the signs of Sagittarius and Gemini, and close to the degrees mentioned above.
The nakshatra where an eclipse takes place gives clues to its manifestation and what we are to understand and experience. The nakshatra of Mula, which means "the root," is the nakshatra located at the Galactic Center of our universe, suggesting we will be guided to the very core of our being. It is important not to be afraid of our hidden dark side, but to surrender spiritually, and be healed. The deity associated with Mula nakshatra is the goddess Nirriti (later replaced by Kali), and the shakti or energy of this nakshatra is "the power to destroy." In this case, we are called on to dispel ignorance and fear, and embrace a path of right living in a non-violent way (ahimsa).
This eclipse could also indicate an accelerated need for intense research in the world, and a strong interest to investigate spiritual and philosophical knowledge. The symbol of a "tied up bunch of roots" in this case can symbolize increased focus on natural healing and herbology (roots can indicate herbal medicine, such as Ayurveda). It can also suggest we need to bring people and ideas together for mutual healing of ourselves and our Earth in a balanced way. Mula nakshatra is ruled by Ketu (south node of the Moon) so from a higher perspective, there is certainly an otherworldly, liberating quality about this eclipse.
This lunar eclipse on June 26th will also be conjunct the outer planet Pluto (Pluto is a transpersonal planet and so may affect the collective consciousness of which we are all a part). If we apply Pluto to the mix, we are called as a global community to "dig deep" and begin the evolutionary process towards a more just, equal, and moral climate in the world. We could compare the planet Pluto to Shiva, the destroyer, but who is also a great healer! This can indicate the need and beginning of quite a regenerative period. The more challenging side of Pluto is the desire to be in control with subsequent power struggles, with repressed, misunderstood energies rising. With proper awareness, and by surrendering and releasing any destructive tendencies, we are guided toward self-renewal.
Remember that eclipses are considered omens, and describe times of change, new beginnings, and increased awareness. Things we have previously ignored, now come to light for us to address and heal. In Vedic astrology, eclipses are traditionally days for spiritual initiation, so with the June 26 eclipse in Mula nakshatra - we can even go deeper with our spiritual practices and meditations.
We can feel the intensity (some might even say instability) of eclipses for six days either side of the exact eclipse dates, as well as the two weeks intervening between the lunar (June 26) and solar eclipse (July 11). The intense effect or outgrowth of eclipses can last up to six months or more.
With a lunar eclipse (June 26), we tend to be more emotional than usual, and we are asked to use any intense feelings that surface as motivators, shedding light to a more creative and valuable life path. I always feel these outer planetary combinations are just reflecting our "inner terrain" - so we are ready for deep change and expansion! This eclipse presents us with a significant opportunity for soul growth if we choose.
Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.
