The Journey from the Capricorn Solar Eclipse to the Cancer Solar Eclipse

In In the same sense as a series of over- and undertones emanate from a seed-tone reverberates the extremely potent seed of Eclipses through time and space, passing through the succeeding lunation cycles from Eclipse to Eclipse, thereby taking up on the theme, which accounts for the long duration assigned to the impact of Eclipses. This theme of course is part of the overall cosmic picture. The Solar Eclipse in Capricorn from January 2010 conveyed the message of “A nature spirit dancing in the iridescent mist of a waterfall” via the Sabian Symbol pertaining to the highlighted zodiacal degree. In July 2010, the symbolical message of the succeeding Total Solar Eclipse in Cancer stated “Venetian gondoliers giving a serenade”. Conclusively, the theme transferred from Eclipse to Eclipse, referred to the element water, which is associated with our emotions and intuition, as a medium for the realization of our higher emotional potential, or in other words, getting ‘inspirited’ by a ‘downward flow of occult energy’ meant to sensitize our consciousness toward the ‘soul of nature’ in order for the consciousness to emerge as a ‘lotus flower’ that floats over the water. Implied by these symbolical pictures is an alchemical process that would consequently transpire in our psyche as part of the restructuring process (Pluto in Capricorn) that challenges the established order toward reform by changing, expanding upon and upgrading the rules of engagement, while at the same time allowing for new trends and initiatives to emerge as we orient us toward progress (square to Saturn in Libra opposite Uranus-Jupiter in Aries). The interplay of these interrelated and interwoven cycles underlies the holo-movement in our cosmos. 

An event of magnitude that would trigger this ‘sensitizing’ process happened right at the time of the Capricorn Eclipse as the island nation Haiti experienced an earth-quake, followed by a series of aftershocks (January Eclipse in the earth sign Capricorn), which caused massive destruction, widespread death and the displacement of millions. This natural disaster evoke our spirit to come to their aid, thereby finally drawing our attention to a spot on our globe that’s been in desperate need for assistance for a longer period of time. Supplies and aid poured in from many sources, orphaned children have been adopted by families from other countries and countless volunteers have been actively engaged in the recovery effort, which is still ongoing to date. A major problem in this regard, which is also at the core of the deteriorating conditions amidst the societal decline there, is the poor infrastructure. It’ll take years, if not decades, to rebuild this island as Pluto’s transit through Capricorn marks a slow, gradually, step-by-step restructuring process. Although it may seem from our point of perception that the destruction happens instantaneously, based on the irrevocable nature of the event, the failure of the structure has been a long time coming and will require permanent and refined solutions, inclusive alternative options. Entire systems, such as the infrastructure of this stricken nation, will have to be completely overhauled and newly regulated.

Saturn, the ruler over the sign Capricorn, was also Lord over the Eclipse and dispositor of Pluto and had just stationed retrograde prior to the Eclipse, which signifies a time when the energy is concentrated and would therefore intensify the pressure of the already challenging square aspect between these two planetary bodies, which would also strengthen the impact.

“Opportunities to accept greater responsibilities can come suddenly into the person’s life” was the theme of the Saros Series Nr. 12 North to which this Eclipse belongs. Consequently, the sensitizing of our consciousness toward the soul of nature would be the result of the greater responsibilities about to enter our life, a process that was going to unfold through the succeeding lunation cycles.

In this context, the seed was stirred by the Aquarius lunation in semi-sextile aspect to the preceding Eclipse, bringing with it the first omens or hints of developments about to arise from the seed potential. The Sabian Symbol pertaining to the Aquarius New Moon made a direct reference to safety standards and the machines invented by man via the symbolical statement: “A garage man testing a car’s battery with a hydrometer – skill in applying knowledge of natural laws to the solution of everyday problems resulting from life in our technological society”,

D.R. elaborated “It tells us that we constantly need the use of our intellectual power of observation and analysis to check on the effectiveness of the energies at our disposal”. (Page 265) Emphasized is the necessity for “check and balances” as a first step toward accepting greater responsibility in order to prevent us “from breaking our neck”. In Aquarius, the use of our intelligence will give us insight into the nature of things.  

With the Pisces lunation in sextile aspect to the Capricorn Solar Eclipse the developing seed achieved momentum and a more or less clear direction or form. “Watching the very thin moon crescent appearing at sunset, different people realize that the time has come to go ahead with their different projects – a keen appreciation of the value of individualized responses to any challenge of life.” D.R. elaborates “This should lead to a realization of the fallacy of totalitarianism”. (Page 285) The symbolical portrait of a very thin moon crescent revealed a very faint ability to utilize the reflective consciousness man as a species is bestowed with to its fullest potential. Thus, man would go on with his projects unhindered and unchecked, his blind-sidedness and ignorance setting him up for failure. The second step toward greater responsibility requires awareness of a totalitarian attitude, such as found in the unilateralism and narrow self-interests of a corporatocracy and the sheepish compliance of a tolerating public. In Pisces, awareness of our self-undoing is essential.

Developments reached a critical point with the Aries lunation in square aspect to the Capricorn Solar Eclipse, sitting at the midpoint between Eclipses. This was highlighted by the Sabian Symbols message: “The possibility for man to gain experience at two levels of being – the revelation of new potentialities. The individual is truly on probation”. (Page 67)

Our operations were halted and we were grounded as at first the volcanic ash from the eruption of an Icelandic volcano stopped all flights in the Northern Hemisphere in an display of the power of Mother Nature and then as another structure failed, causing the now infamous oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico to explode on April 20. In its wake, an entire eco-system has been destroyed, species have been pushed to the brink of extinction and livelihoods in the affected regions have become threatened by an ecocide of unprecedented proportion that forced the government (of the U.S.) to intervene and demand accountability. But more importantly, the stark reality of impending doom together with the images of the suffering fauna and flora were the decisive factor (square) in regard to the Eclipse seed potential, because now “Cupid (the nature spirit) knocked at the door of a human heart” (Sabian Symbol for the Sagittarius Full Moon of the Taurus lunation, which was in trine to the preceding Capricorn Solar Eclipse, signifying fulfillment). Therefore, at this juncture we were forced to accept greater responsibility as we came into direct contact with the soul of nature. In Aries, the male principle was met with resistance, our activities were regulated.

The Taurus lunation in trine aspect to the Capricorn Solar Eclipse indicated the free flow of the seed impulse (see above). “An Indian warrior riding fiercely, human scalps hanging from his belt – the aggressiveness of human instincts when fighting for their earthly base of operation” – D.R. elaborates: “At the emotional level man apparently still has to believe in violence for survival”. (Page 85) With the acceptance of greater responsibility efforts and resources had to be directed toward containing the spill, securing our earthly base of operation, saving the wildlife and cleaning up our mess. In Taurus, we seek emotional security and ways to sustain life. However, reference is also made to the male principle, and thus using force against force, as evidenced by the toxic dispersants, which have been employed in the fight against the already deadly oil. Still, “man developed faith into the hidden, sustaining power of life” (keynote of the Sagittarius Full Moon Symbol for the Sun) and when “Cupid knocked at the door of a human heart” (Sabian Symbol for the Sagittarius Full Moon, the culmination in the Taurus lunation cycle) we rediscovered the organic way or natural path as Kevin Costner introduced his innovation – machines that separate water from oil.  

Realignment happened with the Gemini lunation in quincunx aspect to the Capricorn Solar Eclipse, indicated by the Sabian Symbol: “Dancing couples in a harvest festival – the wholesome enjoyment of organic processes and emotional drives”. D.R. elaborates “It stresses the value of rhythmic, healthful activity in a natural setup, for this leads to an often much needed process of bio-energetic rebuilding”. (Page 104) While on the one hand these machines assisted in the outward process enormously, the ‘sensitizing’ experience on the other hand motivated people to call for alternative energy resources and to block and prohibit more drilling. Now, a balancing of the male and female principles, an equilibrating of the yang/yin dynamic was under way. In Gemini, the emphasis is on reconciling the dualities.  

Occurring amidst the cardinal grand cross configuration, the Total Solar Eclipse and New Moon in Cancer then was bestowed with the message (via the Sabian Symbol) “Venetian gondoliers giving a serenade – happiness as an overtone of social integration and conformity to custom.”

D.R. elaborates “Venice can be considered the symbol of a social consciousness risen directly from the unconscious urges of human nature, because the city emerged out of the sea (water), just as the lotus flower floats on top of the lake, its roots implanted in the bottom mud…….social integration through the elegant and standardized play of acceptable emotions.” (Pages 123-124) The sensitizing and subsequent elevation of consciousness, based on the integration of social and emotional intelligence (or the female principle and natural way) has been sounding forth as the new impetus that will be reverberating through the succeeding lunation cycles until it flows into the next Eclipse seed tone.

All references to the Sabian Symbols have been taken from Dane Rudhyar’s illuminating book “An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformations And Its 360 Symbolic Phases”.