The Astrology Room

Sarah Bartlett explains what August's eclipses mean for your zodiac sign.

This August we will experience two eclipses. A total eclipse of the sun on the 1st, and a partial lunar eclipse on the 16th. So what does this mean astrologically?

In traditional astrology, eclipses were considered to be portents of doom and gloom and usually given a bad press, but the symbolism of both solar and lunar eclipses which usually occur about twice a year in different zodiac signs, is more to do with our experience of the past, present and future and how we can work with our own destiny and be more of who we are.

What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is basically, when the 'past blots out the future'. Astronomically, the moon moves between the earth and the sun and blots the sun out for a while. Not all eclipses are total and it depends where you are on earth as to whether you'll see it or not. The sun represents our future hopes and desires, the moon represents the past, our roots, our mother, our memories. So when the moon obscures the sun, we need to turn back time and use the positive aspects of the past to our advantage in the future.

The Leo Factor
The total eclipse of the sun on the 1st August is also reinforced by the simultaneous eclipse of Mercury by the moon. This is because garulous Mercury and ego-centred sun, are forming an intimate alliance in the heavens on that day in Leo. Leo is the sign of individuality, of the ego, the ability to shine, and be something special, unqiue and autonomous.  In fact, this extraordinary astronomical event is going to kick us all into thinking or feeling several things. First, perhaps we have forgotten something from the past. Unfinished business maybe? Loose ends that need tying up? Secondly, who am I in this world? Am I separate and special, or just one of the crowd?  Most importantly, these eclipses can tell you how to be true to that individuality.

Lunar Eclipse and Aquarius Then, on the 16th the partial lunar eclipse occurs in Aquarius, the sign of radical thinking and progressive ideas. A lunar eclipse is when a normal full moon (the light of the sun cast upon the surface of the moon) is temporarily blotted out by the shadow of the earth. In other words, the earth gets in the way of the sun's light shining on the moon. Symbolically we can say this is the 'present blotting out the past'.  The earth is the planet of 'now', the moon of 'the past'.  Now we are stirred to experience the very nature of ourselves, the truth of who we are. Again this is both a reflection of the sun in Leo and  this lunar eclipse marking the 'nowness' of oneself.

So here are some suggestions for living out the 'truth' of who you are, and how these two eclipses suggest you operate your life over the next six months until the next cycle of eclipses in 2009.  Enjoy being true to your own life journey.

ARIES
Time to put yourself first. These eclipses remind you to create physical and intellectual outlets for all your crusading energy. The road you're travelling down will include physical sport, working in an environment where there's healthy competition, and relationships where you can stand your ground, maintain your independence and experience adventure together wherever you go.  Mentally it's good for you to be challenged too - discuss politics with friendly foes, learn another language, delve into cryptic crosswords or become an eternal student.

TAURUS
The next six months is about naming your price. You won't have to identify with the rich, just feel rich in spirit and soul and the rest will follow.The road you're travelling on will include emotionally secure relationships, creative work, and surrounding yourself with beautiful things. Give yourself enough time to indulge in your favourite things. Be more aware of your inner beauty and pamper your outer one. Take control of your finances and make them work for you rather than against you. Entertain your friends according to your budget, become an expert in gardening, kitchen management, or just develop that earthy spirit of being at one with the world.

GEMINI
The two eclipses are reminding you to become everyone's friend and communicate everywhere you go. Get yourself a diary and write about yourself, or just put pen to paper whenever you can, and interact, interact. Remember, if people seem suspiciously charming you might be denying your own charm factor, so learn to play the same game. Play anything, as long as you play. Whether it's chess, spoof, romantic catch-me-if-you-can or the stock market, you need to enter the world of make-believe. Oh yes, and include a fellow play-mate on that twinned life journey that's mapped out for you over the next six months.

CANCER
The eclipse factor probably effects you more than other people because your ruler is the moon. At full moons you will feel more emotional, more in touch with others; at new moons, more withdrawn, more self-reliant and detached. Use this barometer over the enxt six months to understand your own moods and feelings as well as those of others. Be a true domestic goddess, counsellor or healer, and learn to trust your intuition and enjoy the self-sufficiency you create for yourself. The road you're travelling on needs to include music, nostalgic moments, emotional closeness in relationships, yet freedom to do your own thing. Maybe a big place where you can hoard all your nick-nacks? Oh, as long as you declutter now and then.

LEO
With the solar eclipse in your sign, it's imperative to be centre-stage in everything you do. Whether it's running you family, business or relationship.  If you're denying or are unaware of your flamboyant life journey, you'll feel threatened by extrovert men, and over-confident women.
Instead, play the role of the queen-bee. Be bold enough to show-off, strut your stuff and never fear walking into a roomful of people. As soon as you drop the 'I'm invisible' act, you can start working on the 'visually stunning' one. Role-playing is what this eclipse energy is all about. So get out there and create a new and exciting you. Take up acting or jst be proud of your talents, flirt, smile and make every performance a professionally glamourous one.

VIRGO
From August, try to have a healthy awareness of your body. If you're obsessed with eating habits, fitness or dirty work-surfaces, turn it all round and become a dietician, cleaner or yoga teacher. It's time to sieve and transmit information, organise your filing cabinets, boss, kitchen and laundry basket, and don't be afraid of making work one of your top priorities. Be reasonable about your partner's flaws, and don't forget you're a secret romantic too. The journey mapped out for you is about being smart, intelligent and very knowledgeable. You could even be a theatre critic, an antiques expert or set up an encyclopedia web-site.

LIBRA

The next six months are all about working on your body image, and not neglecting your appearance. There's no such thing as a perfect look, but if you make the best of yourself, and love yourself for your flaws and all, you'll begin to love other people for who they are, not the ideal image you project on to them. Learn that no-one could ever live up to that ideal, not even you. Involve yourself in the arts, dance, and beautiful ideas, read romantic novels or why not write one? Surround yourself with easy-going friends, have a fulfilling social life, and always look as if you've just walked out of the beauty salon. These eclipses remind you that it's all about being charming, graceful, and everyone's friend.

SCORPIO
The intense side of your nature needs to be unleashed over the next six months, whether through a passion for work or for love. Understand that your instincts are always on red alert for defensive action, and the road you're on seems unsafe and threatening. Turn it round so that you defend others, an idea or project.  Spy out the land, investigate people, things, places so that you can project your powerful aura wherever you go, without fearing your individuality. Learn that life is a game of survival and the journey mapped out for you by the eclipse is about seeing through deception, uncovering truths, probing beneath the surface. Get involved in spiritual work, sexual healing, psychotherapy or espionage.

SAGITTARIUS
What is important over the next six month is finding a meaning behind the events, experiences and ideas you encounter. This is how you can connect the world, people and feelings to give you a sense of direction. If you keep falling in love with younger people, what does it mean? Well, youth is attractive, and your own fun-loving side gets projected onto lovers, therefore your inner child needs expression. If your best friend gets married on the same day your colleague loses their job, what's the symbolic meaning behind it? You can't have happiness without sadness,  gain without loss.  Learn that you have a quest, you're always looking for something, whether an ideal, a meaning or a belief system. But the revelation is, that whatever it is doesn't actually have to be found, because the quest you're on is the answer itself.

CAPRICORN
If you feel short-changed by life, or that you're not getting your due, and love or work aren't fulfilling, then it's time to work hard for your own self-esteem. It won't just fall into your lap. These eclipses demand that love relationships are working, ambitious ones, where you can be the power behind his throne as well as your own. Accept that you have a very vulnerable inner child, and learn to lighten up as well as dedicate yourself to work.  Over the enxt six months become an expert in managing your money, being wise in one special field, and expressing your dutiful side without reneging on your femininity. Get in touch with your sexual needs and unleash the sensual you.

AQUARIUS
Over the next six months It's not about giving away your freedom, but liberating others from rigid thinking or patterns of behaviour. Start to analyse why you say, think, act and do what you do. Are you conforming to friends/family/society's expectations of who you should be, or living according to your own rules? Accept that you can feel lonely, and yet also enjoy being alone. In that space you can begin to work on your original ideas and give grace to your personal ideals. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you've got to be like everyone else. 2.4 of anything, whether children or a mortgage, isn't the package which will necessarily bring you fulfilment. Pursue freedom, not free lunches or conventional assumptions.

PISCES
These eclipses remind you thjat the tangible world is one thing, but mystery and the imaginative realm hold levels of experience through which you can discover your own 'dream-time'. It's easy to get let astray by gurus, new age escapism and spiritual belief systems. So learn to develop your sixth sense, and take responsibility for your actions, rather than blame parents, society or the system. Throw yourself into the creative or imaginative arts, and stop trying to save everyone else. Look after number one, define your boundaries and learn how to say no ,instead of always saying yes.