The Journal
Current Energies
Here we talk about New Moons, Full Moons, eclipses, retrogrades and other shifts in planetary energies that influence each of us.
Solar Eclipse in Leo 8*12*26
This is the first solar eclipse in Leo since August 11, 2018. That one was a North Node eclipse, meaning the emphasis was on planting a seed that addressed the positive aspects of Leo - sovereignty, personal power, dignity, leadership, graciousness, self-worth, inclusion, playfulness. Themes that surfaced for you then will likely be coming up again under this eclipse but from the other side. This is a South Node eclipse; the perspective is different. The South Node in the context of eclipses shows where we are being called to be done with a particular expression of the energy it is inhabiting. The South Node just moved into Leo the end of July. It will make its way through Leo for the next 18 months, so we will be offered opportunities to refine the way we "do" leadership and personal power. Anticipate an increase in dysfunctional leadership on display in the macro. When it shows up, it is an opportunity to review your own personal expression of your Leo. Looking for ongoing validation, attempting to dominate instead of inspire, or demanding to be the center of attention in every relationship are all shadow patterns of Leo. So is shrinking down rather than shining your light. (Check out the post for the End of July if you want more details.) This eclipse is asking us to stop pretending and acting "as if". It is asking us to come from our heart. Leo rules the heart, and it is ruled by the Sun. The Sun shines no matter what. Leo asks us to shine in our own way. Confidently, honorably, and courageously. New Moons are about new beginnings but not all are initiatory. South node eclipses are about releasing old patterns that have taken you as far as you can go, and preparing for the next stage in your creation of your life.
Full Moon in Aquarius 7*29*26
Hoo Boy. July has been a month, and that is saying something given this year. But here we are. Mercury is now direct so there's that. Also, Jupiter has started its year long move through Leo, moving on after its year in Cancer. Oh, and the outer planets (Pluto, Neptune and Uranus) made exact connections at 4 degrees of their respective signs, forming the "Basket" that pretty much every astrologer has at least mentioned. And we have made it through all of it, so let's take a moment to acknowledge that. No matter how the first part of 2026 affected you, whatever was started or ended, lost or gained, reorganized or transformed, you are here now. The end of July and August are continuing to bring things up for review. We all have choices to make about what to do with the information that is surfacing.
Astrology is often described as "weather", operating in the background, establishing an environment that affects everything. I consider it more like currents in the ocean that we are all swimming in. Sometimes the current is flowing easily, gently moving you along like a lazy river. Sometimes the swells are daunting. Sometimes the rip tide is pulling you from where you want to go. Always, though, we are served by knowing how the currents are running so we can decide how to navigate them.
New Moon in Cancer 7*14*26
…On Tuesday July 14, right after sunrise, the Sun and Moon meet at 22 degrees of Cancer and the questions change to "What do you want to seed for yourself moving forward? How do you want to use the insight of the first half of this retrograde to create something more authentic for yourself in the weeks to come? How will you change your story?"
Because this New Moon in Cancer is asking for you to address these Cancer themes more authentically…
Sun Conjunct Pluto in Aquarius 1*20*25
The Sun travels around the wheel of the zodiac throughout a year, moving through each sign and touching each planet. When the Sun connects with a planet, its light warms up that planet’s energy. It is a brief merging of consciousness (the Sun) with whatever aspect of life that planet represents. On January 20, 2025 the Sun will conjunct Pluto at 0° Aquarius…Pluto deals with personal power. In its lower expression, it shows up as a near obsessive desire to try to control external conditions. This is a response to feeling disempowered. We all know how that strategy backfires eventually.
Full Moon in Cancer 1*13*25
Monday afternoon we have the first Full Moon of the year as the Sun at 24 degrees of Capricorn is opposite the Moon at 24 degrees in her home sign of Cancer. The Capricorn - Cancer axis deals with public persona/ambition/reputation (Capricorn) and personal matters/inner circle/self-care (Cancer). Capricorn is the flowering of the potential rooted in Cancer. Cancer is how we nourish and care for our foundation, so it can support our "out there" activities. A strong foundation allows us to reach the greatest heights available. Full Moons are oppositions between the Sun and Moon. Oppositions require balancing of two complementary energies, here, Capricorn and Cancer. Consider if you have been overly focused on one or the other.
New Moon in Capricorn 12*30*24
We wrap up 2024 with a New Moon in Capricorn on December 30 at about 5:30 pm (EST). Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign and its New Moon is a time to clarify what "matters" (see what I did there? Earth sign - matter...)
In astrology, everything is part of a cycle…[W]e have had opportunities to redefine ourselves in terms of important relationships and clarify how the world works. With this New Moon in Capricorn, we embody these understandings as we express our purpose; we bring the awareness "down to earth". Capricorn is the sign of ambition, patience, maturity, discipline, and strategic advancement towards a goal. It expects nothing less than your best. It is the energy that pushes you to be the best version of you. Like all signs, its energy can express in a variety of ways.