Blood Moon, Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius 27th July 2018

It's not just the weather that's heating up. Mars the planet of passion, anger and impatience is going to be conjunct (in close connection) to the Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius this Friday 27th July at 4.44 degrees, 9.20pm London time. It's going to be the strongest Full Lunar Eclipse of the century lasting approximately 1.5 hours. So how may this effect you or people around you? A Lunar Eclipse feels like a triple Full Moon. Normally four days before and four days after a Full Moon this influence is felt stronger (heightened emotions, more tears, increased sensitivity, erratic sleep, strange dreams, more craziness generally) With a Lunar Eclipse, a few weeks before and a few weeks after the influence may still feel strong. Although the following 3 months can be particularly revelatory.

As this Blood Moon/Lunar Eclipse is in air sign Aquarius, a zany, independent, friendly, individual sign, some people may feel more detached with a desire for breaking free. Aquarius is a rebellious sign too, ruled by revolutionary Uranus. However as Mars is conjunct this Full Moon, it may well make some people feel more heated, angry, impulsive, reckless, restless and abrupt. The Full Moon in Aquarius conjunct Mars could cause rapid mood swings, lashing out, sexual frustration/tension or people who just want to rock the boat.

Of course whenever there is a Full Moon it means the Moon is in opposition to the Sun which will be in Leo on 27th. Aquarius is cool and freedom loving whereas Leo can be affectionate, generous and attention seeking. An urge to reinvent oneself/change one's appearance may be strong for some people, I suppose. Saturn's trine to Uranus could help you to remain calm and just being aware of this influence can help you to avoid taking risks and to drive extra carefully as there will be more maniacal behaviour on the roads.

On the plus side a Full Moon and especially Lunar Eclipses can bring huge revelations and facilitate change which can be cleansing and healing with time. This Lunar Eclipse has been described as a volcanic purge. I forgot to say that as Mars is still Retrograde with Mercury Retrograde, it's pointless to expect things to move forward. It's simply harder to get things done, it will take triple the effort. So do what has to be done but try not to get angry when simple tasks are challenged or delayed.

Mars turns direct on 27th August and Mercury turns direct on August 19th but it takes a good few weeks afterwards, for everything to settle. So these Mars/Mercury influences may increase frustrations, impatience and heated behaviour as blocks and delays and being forced to re-do/re visit things occur.

However, being forced to slow down and re assess during this period, especially with any out of the blue revelations or changes that can occur (during Lunar Eclipses) can ultimately be good, when you look back with time. The most important rule of thumb is the next approximate 2.5 months are not a good time to make any big changes or to take any big risks, if possible. If you can wait, do! There's no rush. Wait until the dust settles, so you can see clearly and calmly.

Pluto Retrograde April 17th 2016

Pluto will be turning Retrograde in Capricorn on April 17th/18th until September 26th 2016. Retrograde influences regardless of the planet is about reviewing, revisiting and many other 're' associated words. Capricorn earth's energy is a practical, materialistic, ambitious sign. Pluto is linked to the Underworld in mythology and issues that are buried or deep down, so can relate to subjects like psychology, mining, detective work, analysis but also dramatic transformation. Pluto when Retrograde may be felt even more intensely as Pluto rules Scorpio and Scorpio energy is extreme, never wishy washy or mild. What may this all mean for people? Well, these months could be a positive time for looking deep within at what you want to transform. It could be a period akin to the Phoenix rising from the ashes, breakthroughs, positive changes, detoxing or regeneration are possible experiences too. Reform or changes to one's psychological behaviours that may affect one's physical body are possible too, so detoxing could be an option or letting go of addictions or negative behavioural patterns. It is a beneficial time to go deep within our souls to review things especially as Jupiter (an optimistic, spiritual/religious, philosophical planet) has also been Retrograde in earthy, health conscious Virgo since January and will be until 9th May. Jupiter trine Pluto around June 26th is a peak, positive influence for self dedication and a win/win effect. Mars in Sagittarius will be Retrograding too on 17th April until June 29th (entering Scorpio on May 28th, until it returns to Sag on Aug 2nd.) Mars Retrograde may simply be felt as plans being thwarted or it being harder to keep up the drive to succeed. None of these Retrogrades are to be feared though. Mars Ret is a great time for planning and stategizing especially as Mercury will be Retrograde too from 29th April in Taurus (until May 22nd) which I will write about in more detail another day. Mercury Ret in Taurus can bring about slower thinking, delays with money or practical matters and communication may seem more gritty, cumbersome or blocked.

Mars Retrograde - March till May 2014

1st March until 19th May - Mars is Retrograde. Mars is the planet of action, passion and vitality. Be aware that new things and connections with people that begin during Mars retrograde may fizzle out. Try not to be impulsive during this time. Mars retrograde is a time to 'put the breaks on'. It is better not to initiate new things during this time but it is great for reinforcing things. Passions, frustrations and irritations may be heightened generally during this time, so being aware not to act upon angry feelings may be helpful. Mechanical breakdowns can be increased during Mars Retrograde periods.