There has been an undeniable pressure building since this year began, with visible evidence playing out in major ways seen in world events right now. It’s easy to be overwhelmed and even trepidatious about what is being stirred up and how it will play out, and while I don’t practice or support fear-based astrology (or its opposite of exaggerated positivity), there is a need to pay close attention and increase self-awareness and mindfulness.
On Friday, January 10 we have our first of six eclipses this year, a penumbral lunar eclipse at 20º Cancer visible from almost everywhere except for the Americas. This lunar eclipse is the bookend to the annular solar eclipse at 4º Capricorn that happened on December 25 to open our current eclipse portal. With Friday’s full moon eclipse, this particular eclipse portal closes. These eclipses on the Cancer/Capricorn axis (part of a Saros cycle, a series of eclipses repeating) may have similar themes to major themes of eighteen years ago.
Typically I do not recommend workings of any sort on an eclipse because the energy is electric but too volatile and can be like trying to drink from a fire hydrant of chaos. So not even charging your crystals, altar items, or water on this full moon. There’s a super-charged, unpredictable vibration that is palpable around an eclipse, especially if you’re sensitive. They carry gravitas. They usually usher in changes, beginnings, endings, something initiated and something dissolved, a cycle has reached completion. Everyone’s experience of the eclipse will vary, and while it may be mild for some, it can bring intensity for others, major breakdowns and breakthroughs. Some people may feel lost or uneasy, some may feel an amped up general aggravation. On eclipse day it is usually better to do grounding practices, to smoothe and soothe your nerves and mind, to be in a quiet, private mental space and care for yourself gently.
Look for twenty degrees of Cancer/Capricorn to see where the eclipse lights up your chart. Reparenting and healing generational trauma have seemed to be getting more attention and practice lately and may be appropriate practices to engage with or look into in the months after this eclipse. This Cancer/Capricorn polarity invites us to consider where we feel safest, most secure and at home, as well as our how we empower ourselves out in the world. The Moon now stands opposite the Sun, Mercury, Saturn, and Pluto, all in exacting Capricorn which sounds overwhelming, but being in her home placement of Cancer, and with her North Node also in Cancer, this Full Moon contains a powerful force in her own right. Cardinal signs may be feeling extra sensitive. Many people may feel disturbed or restlessness. Radical Uranus turns direct at 2º of Taurus on the same evening of the eclipse, which could add to the provocation of our psyches and feelings of agitation.
Keep in mind that we have the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Ceres and the South Node currently in Capricorn, and the intensification is building as the Saturn/Pluto conjunction approaches (exact this weekend on January 12). These two power planets meet meet up every thirty three to thirty eight years. And this will be the first time in many years that Pluto and Saturn have been conjunct in the sign of Capricorn. Sunday’s Saturn/Pluto alignment happens at 22º Capricorn and is also connects with Mercury. Saturn rules responsibility, tests, endurance, disciplined work, and Pluto’s realm is the Underworld/shadow realm and deals with elimination, transformation, and power.
Care for your nervous system and be easy and gentle on yourself and others if you’re around them. Take some time for a cleansing bath, do a long, supported restorative savasana, even take a nap when needed and if possible today and this weekend. Get some deep rest. Meditate and practice mindfulness moment to moment.
In the coming weeks and months, continue these practices. Go to therapy if you can, or sign up for a one of the behavioral health services apps that bring therapy to you through a phone call or text, or if necessary reach out to one of the free mental health hotlines if you need to talk to someone.
Email wildmoonwisdom@gmail.com for information on charts, Kosmic Koaching, or a tarot reading after the eclipse if necessary.
