July 2 Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Tomorrow, July 2, there will be a solar eclipse at 10º Cancer. For most of the world, the eclipse will not be visible, but astrologically, it still marks a turning point of some kind. That said, there’s often a lot of ambiguity or disagreement amongst astrologers as to how to interpret eclipses. I really appreciate the clarity of Bernadette Brady’s writing on eclipses and the methodology she outlines for delineating them.

​Brady writes in Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark:
“Let us imagine eclipses like spotlights shining on the pathway of your life. These lights are not on all of the time but they switch on, catching you in mid-action, so to speak. As this spotlight shines, it will illuminate an area of your life. Whatever has been pushed to one side or shoved under the carpet, will become obvious. This bringing to the surface of hidden problems can be dramatic and emotional. However, it is an opportunity to become aware of issues that may need some work. You can, of course, choose not to work on the problems which have come to the surface; you could choose to blame it all on someone else, and so on. But, this may not lead to a healthy future. If you do choose to accept the challenge offered by the events of the eclipse, then although it may be a hard struggle … the effect of the eclipse could be very long-term. It can change your life” (229-230).

How do we then interpret the particular qualities signified by an eclipse, the specific ways in which it uncovers or brings to the surface opportunities for transformation and change? Each eclipse is part of a series or family of eclipses that move between the North and South poles that unfold for approximately 1280-1300 years. These are known as the Saros Series. Each Saros Series produces an eclipse approximately 10º further along in the zodiac every 18 years. One way we can consider the effects or influences specific to an eclipse is to look at the Saros Series to which it belongs and consider the original chart for that series for what is carried through and carried out within that series.

Tomorrow’s eclipse belongs to the Saros Series 3 North. This cycle began in 991 and will end in 2235. At the start of the cycle, the Sun and Moon were in Gemini, in a sign-based opposition to Neptune in Sagittarius. Saturn and Mars were strong—Saturn in its domicile in Aquarius, Mars exalted in Capricorn. Venus was in detriment or exile in Scorpio with reception from Mars, and Jupiter was in Aries, also with reception from Mars. Mercury was with Venus in Scorpio, square to Saturn by degree.

If we look at this “birth chart” for the series, I would say that wherever this 3 North eclipse lands in your chart—whichever house is occupied by Cancer—you may feel the strong influence of Saturn and Mars, which could demand discipline and determination, structure and assertiveness. In the original chart for this series, both of these planets have considerable dignity, which brings forward their more productive significations. Wherever you have Cancer in your chart, you might feel compelled to start making long-term plans, clarifying boundaries, stepping into your own resolve to take charge in this area of your life. It might also uncover challenges or difficulties in relationships in that part of your life. Communication about what has been buried or hidden may feel limited or restricted, but the eclipse is an opportunity to have those conversations. If you have your birth chart or know your rising sign, see where Cancer is in your chart, and see how these themes might be showing up for you.
As always, if you would like to work one-on-one with the astrology of your chart, you can find out more about my practice and book a consultation here.
I will be traveling for most of July and early August, but will be booking consults for later in August and the beginning of September.

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