The Sun in Leo period of 23 July – 23 August this year is especially dynamic and volatile due to a number of exceptional planetary configurations.  There is a strong energy of action and change in the external world signified by Mars being so close to the Sun and by Uranus stationing retrograde, amplifying restlessness and urging us to break free of restrictions. In concert with this external turbulence, the planets Pluto, Neptune, Chiron and Saturn are retrograde (joined by Uranus and Mercury later in the month) encouraging us to turn inward and anchor our energy.

Early August brings a lunar eclipse which is a supercharged full moon (Sun in Leo at 15deg25’ opposite Moon at 15deg Aquarius 25’). Full moons represent the peak of a cycle and involve integration of apparent opposites.  Eclipses occur when a new or full moon occurs very close to the nodes of the moon, the south node representing our collective past and the north node our collective future or destiny.

During this lunar eclipse the moon in Aquarius is conjunct the south node indicating a letting go or closing off from the past, especially in the emotional realm of the moon.  Aquarius is an air sign associated with intellect, beliefs and mental patterns.  Ways of thinking inherited from the past or completely unconscious may now come to light to be released or more fully integrated.  Aquarius is also associated with detachment as opposed to Leo’s heart centred passion and creativity.  We may access the detachment and courage needed to honestly examine our emotional landscape and to allow childhood behavioural patterns and attitudes to be transformed towards emotional maturity and independence.  Or we may choose to let go of protective detachment and having the courage to step into our heartfelt creative passions. We may more closely examine our friendships, social groups and associations and let go of these not aligned with what we hold close to our hearts.

The opposition of Aquarius air and Leo fire challenges us to integrate head and heart.  This could manifest as letting go of over intellectualising feelings and integrating gut instinct; or challenging habits of over identification with groups or causes such that personal creativity is squashed.  The integration asked us to be true to ourselves and encourages our originality by expressing our unique creativity, warmth and passion in service to humanity and society at large.  The Aquarian south node provides perspective on how far we have come in our personal journey as we reflect on and let go of the past.

The Full Moon Eclipse is on 8 August at 4.10 am AEST at 15 degrees and 25’ of Aquarius.