The lunar eclipse on July 27-28, 2018 was the second of three eclipses this summer. This eclipse was a full blood moon lunar eclipse with Mars retrograde conjunct (aligned) with it. Mars has to do with anger, self-expression, motivation, sexuality, creativity, and the energy that makes us move. The Moon belongs to the emotions, the psyche, the intuition, the ego, the physical body and one’s identity. Both planets rule our emotional, creative and expressive needs. With these two planets colliding energetically, emotions have run wild, sleep cycles have shut down, reactions have been charged, anxiety has increased, thinking has been innovative, motivations have been enhanced, and the ego has been heightened. inflated. Eclipse cycles occur twice a year and impact our lives for six to twelve months afterwards.
This is a time to take inventory of what you really need, how you want to direct your energies, and how you need to assert yourself. It is also essential to be aware of the risk of over-identifying with emotional reactions. The eclipse offers the opportunity to bring to the surface those needs and feelings that have been repressed, articulating them with honest self-affirmation and authenticity. We are challenged to speak our authentic voices loud and clear enough to be heard, but without overwhelming others. I am reminded of the classic book, Power Verses Force, by David M. Hawkins. When we speak in a tone of criticism, guilt, shame, guilt and aggression, that energy always comes from the inner part of us that experiences those feelings, whether we are aware of it or not. When we respond to our own feelings and needs with compassion, we are better equipped to express them in a similar tone.
Because eclipses have a ripple effect for at least 6 to 12 months, the arguments and fights that occur over the next four weeks (current lunar cycle) can have a lasting impact on relationships, jobs, and other circumstances. Similarly, feelings that are conveyed with compassion, honesty, and love have the potential to redirect relationships down a more authentic path.
Because Mercury is also retrograde, communication can tend to get confused. So if you’re feeling irritable, it’s probably a good idea to take some time to calm down and figure out what’s really bothering you before you criticize someone. Breathe into your heart space, ask your Higher Self for support, be kinder to yourself and more honest. That’s a good idea overall, but the impact of this month’s talks may be more pronounced than usual. This is a time when skeletons are likely to make an appearance and evasion will be a more difficult coping mechanism to rely on.
The positive side of this cycle is that it calls us to be realistic with ourselves and with others as well.