The solar eclipse on Aug. 11, 1999 is part of one of the most powerful astrological configurations of this century. As you read this article, you may recognize some of these phenomena in your life already. Eclipses are often felt months before the actual event and their effects last long afterwards. The purpose of this article is to examine the nature of this event, its possible impacts and what it means for you and me.
(1) Two planets, or sun and moon (in this case the sun and the moon together, with the moon eclipsing or covering the sun), are opposite each other in the sky.
(2) A second set of planets (or sun and moon) are directly opposite each other. The result is that four planets are at 90-degree angles to each other and two sets of planets are directly opposite or opposing each other. In astrological terms, planets at 90 degrees square each other.
This relationship of the planets to each other creates a certain energy that is felt and played out in our earthly experiences. Squares and oppositions are where we get our energy to do things. They are about being motivated or even provoked to action. The "grand cross" of Aug. 11 combines four squares and two oppositions, all at the same time, plus a solar eclipse! In summary, there is a tremendous amount of energy that needs to be put to use, to be expressed or to be dedicated to a goal.
This astrological configuration not only gives us the energy to get things done, it contains the greatest potential for growth. And as most of us have realized already, growth is not always easy. This could be why in astrology the squares and the oppositions are called "hard" aspects. The struggle comes when we resist our lessons. This energy can be rewarding and productive when we cooperate with it, consciously handle our challenges, and use it to create our dreams and accomplish our goals.
The amount of energy available in grand crosses, accelerates the growth process, presents us simultaneous challenges and confronts us with decisions that will result in complete and total change. "The reward for handling the energy positively is the potential to make a huge evolutionary leap." We may feel this energy challenge us to make big changes right now. I have personally felt like there are many things that to be done all at once.
Then there is the eclipse in Leo which opposes Uranus in Aquarius. Both eclipses and Uranium energies are unpredictable, volatile and electric.
Add the squares or the 90-degree interactions. Mars square Uranus creates energy that is fast-acting, trigger happy, rebellious, unrepressed and in search of a cause or a fight.
Saturn square Uranus creates energy that pushes us to wake up and take quick and drastic action for a worthy cause. The Sun and the Moon squared Mars set the stage for lots of high drama, internally and externally. The Sun and the Moon squared Saturn says just do it - take unemotional action and get the job done.
And by the way, Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus and Leo are fixed signs, which "accumulate, maintain, and use power. They give strong will, determination, and fixity of purpose. They do not let go easily or willingly ... they refer to desire, resources and values." Fixed signs reveal our motives. When they are in hard aspect to each other, squares and oppositions, they challenge us, create stress and tension and present us with conflicting values. The release of the tension is inevitable and it is often as dramatic as earthquakes and volcanoes.
There are a lot of contradictory energies confronting us. There is no way to predict what can or will happen. Although it is pretty safe to say that our consciousness will determine the nature and the quality of the result.
Something is brewing that we can't ignore, that we have to take action on.
Choose to implement a project, move on something that you have been wanting to do for a long time and not quite had the guts or resources to bring it to life.
Kim Rogers-Gallagher explains: "Squares are internalized arguments, but oppositions are open debates. With so much of that confrontative energy grinding against itself, this grand cross will present situations that force us to act, and to make choices þ maybe tough choices. The fixed signs mean that change is inevitable, and that it's going to be permanent, too." If your reaction is "Where can I hide this one out?" the answer is that you can't! No one is just going to sit this one out. Either we choose to take action, or action will be taken for us. (i.e. accidents, demotions, losing jobs or even life itself.) This energy is not to be silently endured.
This energy is to be used to grow, to change, to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. It is time to be bold and courageous.
Identify your dream, define it as a realistic project and do what it takes to make it happen. It could happen very quickly, almost supernaturally and with surprising results. Get busy, concentrate, get and stay involved in your project, keep focused on your goal, act with total integrity and dare to keep your eyes open as you ride the crest of the wave of your destiny.
In order to take advantage of the energy and the opportunities that are before us, we must act with courage, be self-reliant and be willing to take initiative.
June-July 1999 Mountain Astrologer, "Millennium form: The Solar Eclipse of August 1999," pp. 10-21.