By Marina
The new moon solar eclipse 11 August 2018 falls at 18º Leo decan 2. The Solar Eclipse August 2018 astrology shows the solar eclipse as part of a learning triangle. The fixed star triggered at this eclipse is Merak in Ursa Major which loves command and domination! But this eclipse also forms part of a learning triangle which is resolved by the spiritual healing love trine of Jupiter trine Neptune.
With this eclipse, we have the influence of the constellation of mother bear Ursa Major. This constellation still brings formidable command in times of war, when life or death decisions need to be made quickly. The Moon adds nurturing, but also tough-love. Those touched by this solar eclipse will have to risk making short-term, austerity measures for the sake of the long-term prosperity.
Moon Leo 3 does not sugar-coat for the sake of popularity. In a sign that seems so ego-driven, the maternal energy of the bear is actually more about helping others than themselves. How you handle this eclipse depends on how evolved your soul is, for it can trigger a ruthless drive with tyrannical tendencies. At this time we might have to face traits caused by a difficult childhood, one where we had to fight to be ourselves.
Of course, this August Solar eclipse can work to toughen the soul up too, and by the end of the 6 months, those touched by it become more belligerent. Despite all, even if the decisions that are taken at this time rub people up the wrong way, those decision makers are still admired for their courageous choices. So for the head of a nation, company or family, this eclipse enables trailblazers to do whatever it takes to protect those little cubs in their care.
At the mundane level, this is the great patriot willing to die for their country. (Country = descendants.) Loyalty is the number one demand at this time, so woe betide traitors. Those who stoop to revenge at this time will suffer greatly, but they won’t care who else they bring down with them. So keep a wide berth from the great sinking bear!!
Solar Eclipse General Meaning
A solar eclipse is a turbocharged New Moon. Generally, New Moon rituals are perfect for planting new seeds and starting afresh. We are essentially working on the blank canvas of the dark moon where our ideas can gestate in the new moon soil. But with an Eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. Therefore The lunar interrupts the flow of energy and causes disruption. It breaks our habitual behavior and gives us a kind of cosmic reboot.
The Moon blots out masculine/left brain energy for a while, so the feminine/right brain is flooded with instinctual and intuitive energy. This makes the unconscious, conscious, like when you become aware that you are dreaming. During an eclipse, like the lucid dream, we get that same sudden feeling of hyperawareness. We could do anything!! Sometimes this is so awesome that we don’t know what to do, others even become afraid of their own power.
A Cosmic Reboot
At best, the effect of a solar eclipse can amplify insights gained from a very balanced left and right brain. The Solar eclipse is very good at showing up any imbalances you have. Eg, You are on one leg in tree pose and the Solar eclipse pokes you in the side. The amount of wobble shows how much centering you need to do. A Solar Eclipse can bring an awakening or a shocking revelation that rocks you to the core. It aims to balance out left and right brain hemispheres and therefore consciousness so that you are not lopsided.
SOLAR ECLIPSE TAROT CARD
The tarot card associated with this decan is the 6 of wands. This card is about victory. A great deal of passion is being put into focusing on a particular person or goal. Confidence and self-esteem are high and fits well with Leo decan 2’s general proud demeanour and very healthy ego. Karmically these Lions have earned their reward.
In their life “The answer is Yes. Success is yours. You have won…..it suggests victory in whatever it is you are pursuing or fighting for. However, it will only be as a result of hard work, stamina, tenacity and strong determination on your part. If you are prepared to put in the effort then you shall be rewarded well. There is no need to battle anymore and it is time to start building for the future.” ~ Teachmetarot.
Generally, this is quite an auspicious decan with no really problematic stars compared to most decans. This optimism with the double Jupiter rulership is reflected in the meaning of the tarot card here.
Solar Eclipse Fixed Star
Dubhe (Conjunct Mercury retrograde at this Solar eclipse) and Merak are famous for being the Alpha and Beta stars in the Great Bear, Ursa Major. They are is easily seen in the sky as the front two stars of the Big Dipper or the Plough that are contained within the body of the Bear. Robson sees Dubhe as ‘destructive’ and says Merak can love ‘command and domination’. 1st-century Astrologer Manilus shows how these qualities in a positive light and I don’t believe the energy is always destructive. Rather it tames those that could be destructive;
“he will dispel the fury of the tiger, training it to become a peaceful animal, whilst all the other beasts which molest the earth with their savageness he will join in friendship to himself ”. Looks like someone who can tame problem children and civilize those who are usually wild and unruly. Here we find Leo’s guiding, leadership qualities, since the bears are so close to the celestial pole. “motionless itself, it yet sees everything spinning about it. The top of the axis is occupied by constellations well known to hapless mariners, guiding them over the measureless deep in their search for gain.” Bernadette Brady says the constellation Ursa Major gives “Insight, persistence, endurance and passive strength….It is the strength of patience, and the use of time to calmly solve problems rather than to take dynamic action” [1].
Solar Eclipse Learning Triangle
Moon conjunct Mercury. The conjunction can work as a hard aspect and the Moon with Mercury makes for quite an odd fit since the Moon can be quite clingy and nostalgic while Mercury is flighty and ever youthful. What they both share though is the tendency to meander through life and change with the tides. The archetype has the feel of the magician about it. Thoughts are things and at this solar eclipse we could conjure ourselves up a beautiful domestic arrangement if we can focus on our dreams for long enough. A mercurial flavoured Solar Eclipse gives a great sense of humour, charm and instinctive timing to any project birthed at this time.
Moon square Jupiter is generally a lovely, warm, all-embracing energy that wants to nurture everyone and everything. The only danger with the square is overdoing things. This aspect knows no restraint and can over-react, overreach and promise the world when it has no idea if it can deliver. Moon square Jupiter is a gambler and risk taker, 90% of the time luck swings their way, but when they do fail, they fail spectacularly.
Jupiter trine Neptune is the big aspect of the year and perfects on August 19. Traditionally Jupiter trine Neptune is extremely idealistic and esoteric. It is the archetypical guru, mystic, healer or spiritual teacher. It can herald someone coming into your life who serves as a great teacher or mentor, but there can be a tendency to idolise that person too. This is a supremely glamourous connection, almost fairytale. The temptation to go full-on fantasy mode with this trine is easy and it will prove hard to keep your feet on the ground.
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUGUST 2018 ~ HEALING MEDITATION
To make the most of all that fantastical, victorious and jubilant energy at this Solar eclipse August 2018 make the gods work for you by immersing yourself in Leo decan 2 energy. If your ascendant, Sun or Moon are in the fixed signs decan 2 you might find it hard to contain your glee at what you have achieved. To avoid annoying the hell out of your peers and your oversized lion-head taking over the room, try focused meditation or yoga with a Leo decan 2 theme.
Useful healing materials and props: The 6 of wands to gaze at, pineapple to eat, sunflower to adorn your table, golden beryl crystal to hold, music in the key of C# to listen to, Frankincense, ginger and orange peel essential oils in a bath.
Golden Beryl Meaning: “Psychologically Beryl enhances courage, relieves stress, and calms the mind. Mentally with its ability to filter out distractions and to reduce overstimulation, it encourages a positive view.” Golden Beryl in particular “is a seer’s stone…aids scrying and magical workings. It teaches initiative and independence and stimulates the will to succeed and the ability to manifest potential into reality.” [2]
Solar Eclipse August 2018 Summary
The learning triangle at this Solar eclipse August 2018 shows a huge gamble! When you look at the aspects first you have the nostalgic and magical solar eclipse conjunct Mercury. Then the problem arises with the over-reaching and impossible promises that are made since Moon square Jupiter can make such overblown claims.
The trine resolution is so much of a fairytale ending that the whole lesson seems just too good to be true. Maybe this is the point. Maybe someone is going to town with fantasy because the reality is just so dire? However, I don’t want to put too much of a downer on this solar eclipse August because the tarot card of victory does show hope.
It seems that those touched by this eclipse will need super-human abilities of willpower to resist the massive temptation that will be put on the silver platter before them. Maybe it is the case that a fake soulmate will have to be rejected in order to win the real deal? It could also be that some hyper-dimensional interference could be attempting to pull apart a truly great union. The path to true love is never easy! Maybe you need to actually test a potential partner or job offer by withdrawing and playing hard to get. Then you will really know if they are willing to fight for you or whether they are just there because the affair, job or friendship is convenient.
Image Ref: The legend Of Sir Perceval. Frank Cadogan Cowper
1. Star & Planet Combinations. Bernadette Brady. P 160
2. The Crystal Bible. Judy Hall. p 81.
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