The Third Eye by Irina Belova; oil on canvas, 2009.
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse
August 18, 2016
2:26 AM Pacific
5:26 AM Eastern
August’s Full Moon is technically a lunar eclipse, but not a notable one. The Earth’s shadow will just barely graze the face of the Full Moon. However, it paves the way for two eclipses which will occur in the month of Sept. (an annular eclipse on Sept. 1 and a penumbral eclipse Sept. 16). The eclipse passageway, which will become noticeable towards the end of the month and into Sept., can mark a subtle or profound shift of perspective revealing the presence of things beyond the visible reality. This process will be greatly enhanced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle (from Aug 30 to Sept. 21/22).
This Aquarian Full Moon, while not a powerful eclipse, occurs alongside the building conjunction of Mars and Saturn in the tropical sign of Sagittarius. Exact on August 24, this conjunction is an opportunity to focus your attention and stamina toward productive endeavors in your life. In Sagittarius, that may manifest as a yearning to channel your desires in the direction of a greater purpose or mission. If you find yourself completely off track, Mars and Saturn can help to get you back into alignment. But these two archetypes are not often friendly in their interaction. If you’re not prepared, they will gift you with a classic kick in the ass.
This is especially true for those with significant placements in Sagittarius or Gemini (such as the Sun, Moon or Ascendent), and perhaps placing considerable pressure on those with placements in Virgo or Pisces. The sign of Aquarius is traditionally associated with Saturn. This Full Moon symbolizes a breaking point in collective and personal awareness, gifting us with a moment of sharp focus and much-needed objectivity. The Saturn end of Aquarius relates to reality testing via the necessity of social collaboration. It’s a moment to gain clarity about how your efforts fit into the boundaries of society. It may equally shed light on how you may have alienated yourself from the social structure.
In the modern world, Aquarius is associated with Uranus, the planet of revolution, genius, rebellion and a fierce commitment to individuation. Aquarius is a sign wrought with intense inner tension created by the dualistic desires of cooperation and the need to break the rules. Uranus makes a sextile to the Full Moon while creating a trine with the Sun. It opens up pathways which allow for increased freedom and independence, but Mars and Saturn require discipline, strategy, and adherence to a structure. To acquire the freedom and self-sufficiency you may be seeking now will require awareness and respect of natural limitations.
Use the energy of this Full Moon to free yourself of crippling fear, anxiety, rage, or addiction. The Aquarian, Uranian, and Saturnian archetypes symbolize the potential within the psyche to transcend behaviors which prevent us from actualizing our higher, evolutionary potentials. Free-will may be the true gift of the gods and goddesses--something which makes humans unique within the animal kingdom. As the Full Moon culminates and wanes over the following week, notice what comes up for you and the choices that you have in regards to transmuting something destructive into a focused passion. Notice behaviors that drain your life force and how you can redirect your focus to activities which fill you with purpose, accomplishment and a deeper sense of meaning.