Eclipses—A Couple to Consider

By Alexandra Karacostas

LOTUS GUIDE Astrology – APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2011

This year started off with a bang. On January 4 there was a powerful partial solar eclipse. Remember, this is when the moon comes between the earth and the sun, fully or partially blocking the sun’s rays to the earth. A solar eclipse always involves a new moon and, astrologically speaking, lends exceptional potency to the event. January’s new moon in Capricorn continues today to highlight personal and social structures, including economic models, corporations, governments, and institutions of all types. Power and control, or lack of, are emphasized.

This particular eclipse involved a dynamic planetary configuration, including Pluto, Mars, and the moon’s nodes. The nodes of the moon are a very sensitive point in a horoscope. The influence of an eclipse can be felt as early as two weeks before the event and as long as six months after. Altogether, since the January eclipse, we have seen dramatic upheavals in the fabric of our global society. The accelerating societal disruptions are only the beginning of some exciting times ahead. Uranus is now in Aries, fomenting rebellion and unrest!

This April we can expect to see the fruition of seeds planted during January’s new moon, consciously or not, personally and collectively. January’s eclipse still calls us to cultivate new skills and further develop our innate gifts. Our ability to contribute and influence outcomes in small and large ways does matter, very much. We are urged take a closer look at what we are doing. Every action counts!

On June 15, 2011, there will be another powerful eclipse, this time a total lunar eclipse, with a full moon in Sagittarius. A lunar eclipse is when the earth comes between the moon and the sun, partially or fully blocking the sun’s rays to the moon. Astrologically, a full moon sheds light on others and on the outward expressions of our life and society. With this eclipse, we can anticipate our philosophical, religious, and political landscape to be altered in significant ways. New leaders and regulations are likely to emerge. Education reform continues to be a focal point in the national and political discussion.

As you can see, both of these eclipses point to opportunities for change and signal important events. Considering the placements and relationships of the planets, particularly among Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto, these two eclipses are especially important to the first half of 2011. They set the tone, point the way, and shed light on what now needs attention. The celestial backdrop reflects a new world order in the making. Each one of us has a unique role to fulfill!

Aries - Goals and dreams are aided by personal relationships. Seeds planted last winter blossom into refreshed ideas for your career. These lead to opportunity for travel this summer. Allow your enthusiasm to provide the inspiration!

Taurus - Happy Birthday, Taurus! Subtle but significant shifts in your values become ever more apparent this spring. Continue to let go of ideas that no longer serve you. Trust your inner voice and rest assured you will have all you need for the immediate future. Your work seems more time consuming and challenging. Cooperation can be fun and rewarding!

Gemini - Happy Birthday, Gemini! New alliances and friendships inspire communal activism. Review your long-term goals. How they affect your relationships is vital. Creative projects require discipline and may take longer to complete than anticipated. Romance seems more difficult to come by. Stay on task; the rewards will be commensurate!

Cancer - Happy Birthday, Cancer! Career choices continue to compete with home life. Though your vision may not be totally in focus yet, trust that it is the process that will bring you success, not the outcome. Long-held beliefs that have guided you in the past are up for review. Do not be in a hurry to replace them. More will be revealed.

Leo - What stands in the way between you and deeper intimacy in your life? Shake it up, take a gamble, and start doing things differently. Love and trust in your relationships begin to yield fresh and rich results. Speaking clearly from your heart paves the way.

Virgo - Tensions between your passion and home life resolve as you approach summer. Though financial matters continue to absorb your attention, make a decision to play more this spring. It’s good for you! Go on an adventure, through books or travel.

Libra - Your daily routines take up much of your time this spring. Tend to the details. This will create space so you can concentrate more on your partner, education, maybe some travel, too, this summer. Spend time outdoors and take a few deep breaths!

Scorpio - Love, creativity, and inspiration loom on the horizon. Take advantage of your talents. Apply them wherever possible, including and especially at your work. Cooperative ventures are most likely to bring rewards. You are not alone.

Sagittarius - Enjoy some risks in love and romance this spring. Yet continue to be mindful of how resources are used. The projects you began at home in winter can start paying off this summer. There is positive return on any investment made at home.

Capricorn - Devote energy toward your spiritual purpose. This is a rich source of joy and serenity. Spice up your creative juices. Your work, whether in the kitchen, office, or studio, can be fulfilling. Expand your mind with what you love.

Aquarius - Heed your hunches as you move toward your dreams. Seeds planted last winter blossom into fulfilling endeavors this spring, enhancing your immediate environment. Experiment with new ways to accomplish what you must. Innovation is your style!

Pisces - It’s a new phase, one in which you will see your old habits dissolve. Liberate yourself from time-consuming projects and people who steal from your life’s work. Revisit your passion. Newly discovered skills increase self-confidence!

Dear Reader, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you! You can reach me at (530) 520-9992, e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.WisdomAstrology.com.