Astrological Energies December 5 to 11, 2011

NorthPoint
Astrology Journal
by Pam Younghans
Photo: A Total Lunar Eclipse in progress

A TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE graces our skies this week, offering resolution for issues we have been nibbling away at since the partial Solar Eclipse two weeks ago.

I use the word "nibbling" purposefully, since the Solar Eclipse looked a lot like a golden apple with one bite taken out. Here's a photo taken from Antarctica, the only place on Earth where the eclipse was visible.

This recent partial eclipse, being somewhat lopsided, had the effect of setting us a bit off-balance as well. Because of that, it feels reassuring to know that the Lunar Eclipse next Saturday is a total eclipse, not leaving any bases uncovered. (Solar Eclipse photo by Carlos Zelayeta, San Martín Station, Antarctica)

In addition, we've been working with retrograde Mercury since the day before that Solar Eclipse -- so is it any wonder we've been confused about which direction is up, and wondering whether we're making progress or fallling into old patterns?

THE SABIAN SYMBOL for Saturday's Lunar Eclipse holds the promise that we will gain the answers we've been seeking, perhaps by tapping into wisdom that has always been ours, but has been long buried or forgotten:

"A large archaic volume reveals a traditional wisdom: Contacting the all-human planetary Mind underlying any cultural and personal mentality."

The interpretation of this symbol tells us that it represents "a technique by which the human mind can uncover the foundations of its nature and acquire what might be called 'Seed-Knowledge,' the knowledge of the structure of cyclic and cosmic manifestations on this planet."

I AM REMINDED of Dorothy and her red shoes in "Wizard of Oz." The solution to her dilemma of how to "get home to Kansas" was found in something she had with her throughout her journey in that unfamiliar land -- a truth she was ignorant of until the Good Witch revealed the shoes' power in the closing scenes of the story.

Within each of us in the knowing of how to resolve both personal and global dilemmas -- we simply need to be reminded of how to access and use that knowledge. This Lunar Eclipse in Gemini prompts us to keep our minds open to seeing solutions that may have been right in front of us the entire time.

It may also reveal to us information that will feel like something we've always somehow "known," or connections and truth that feel familiar and ancient. Watch for new levels of understanding to start filtering through as early as Tuesday, when the Sun is conjunct the North Node in Sagittarius, and to grow with the Moon into fullness.

WOVEN INTO THE ENERGIES of this week is a strong Uranus effect. Uranus is standing still now, having been retrograde (moving backward) since July 9 but ready to start forward motion beginning this Friday.

When a planet "stations" (gets ready to change directions), its influence is heightened. Over this week and next, we may see an increase in the revolutionary or rebellious activities often associated with Uranus in Aries. We may notice ourselves acting with greater assertiveness and independence, and may observe a tendency to react more instinctively than thoughtfully.

URANUS IN ARIES is dedicated to breaking through restraints and breaking down barriers, especially those that interfere with the rights of the individual. And, since Uranus stations within hours of the Lunar Eclipse, we can anticipate this heightened Uranus-in-Aries effect to also carry through the next six months -- the length of time we usually expect the themes initiated by an eclipse to be in effect.

As we each begin to work with Uranus moving forward again, we may want to consider what we have learned over the past five months with regards to our own needs for personal freedom and self-expression. If we have successfully integrated what we have learned, we will be ready to move forward along with Uranus, bravely walking (or skipping or dancing) down our own unique road without apology or compromise.

ECLIPSES are powerful times of transition and change for all of us. As they occur, we experience an interruption in the normal, constant flow of light and energy from the Sun to the Earth -- a light that usually reaches us 24 hours a day, both directly and reflected off the surface of the Moon.

As that interruption occurs, there may be a sense of being out of balance, almost as if we've been leaning into the energy flow and almost fall over when it isn't there to push back in the same way as we're used to. But, that interruption also provides the space for us to change our orientation, to shift old patterns, and to open our awareness to new dimensions.

This Saturday's Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in most of North America (except the eastern part), northern Mexico, Hawaiian and other Pacific islands, Asia, eastern Africa, Iceland, and most of Europe. Totality will last about 51 minutes, with the center of the eclipse at 14:32 UT (about 6:30am PST).

IT'S ALMOST 2012! If you are eager to know what the planets have in store for us in the coming year, you may want to purchase the audio replay and slides of my recent Teleclass on the Astrological Influences of 2012. Please send your request to pam@northpointastrology.com, and I'll reply with more details. Special Offer: When you purchase the teleclass replay, you also qualify to receive the Special Teleclass Discount on your personal 2012 Transits Reading (if scheduled by December 20) -- Just let me know that you're interested when you purchase the class materials.

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Please check out my blog for periodic updates at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments! To Subscribe to this Journal: If you have been forwarded this issue of my NorthPoint Astrology Journal and would like to receive it directly every week, please click here. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage, fill out the subscription form, and click on Submit.