Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Aquarius: Breakdown and Breakthrough
We are in the middle of eclipse season, with two solar eclipses bookending this lunar eclipse and full moon in Aquarius on July 27, 2018. Eclipses conceal and reveal what might be otherwise hidden in the shadows. Despite the discomfort usually caused by looking into the psyche, shadow work is a necessary process for catalyzing true and lasting transformation. Right now, you are presented with the opportunity to harness the energies of the cosmos, surrender what no longer serves you, and recreate yourself in the light of the newly eclipsed moon.
The Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius takes us into the unconscious to retrieve old, embedded wounds that beg to be examined. Anything that triggers us, causes unexplained (or out-of-proportion) emotions to arise, or pushes us into a fear-state are actually complexes hidden in the shadows of our psyche. These complexes are normally the cause of our greatest pain and breakdown. However, when dealt with on a conscious, spiritual level, they are also the source of our greatest breakthroughs. This epic eclipse in Aquarius begs us to shake things up, do things differently, follow our flashes of insight into a completely new way of being. The moon features a tight relationship to both Uranus (the ruler of Aquarius) and Mars, suggesting that we be ready to face our biggest challenges head-on. Having a plan is a good idea, but be ready to abandon your plan for action…and move in the direction of discomfort.
Discomfort leads us to great change.
Facing our complexes can be very uncomfortable! Just like little children have a tantrum, or cry out to be held and nurtured, complexes behave the same way. If we have the patience to sit with them, be present with their energy, and remain an observer of our thoughts and feelings, they reveal to us hidden gems just below their hardened surface. This requires patience but is the work necessary during this lunar eclipse to create the radical transformation that is being asked of us.
The Aquarius flavor of the full moon and the lunar eclipse on July 27th suggests that your flashes of inspiration are a guide for your inner work. When inspiration comes, or when you are pulled in a certain direction…go there, even if it is uncomfortable. Aquarius is not rattled by the radical, rather it is inspired to revolutionize its way through a unique existence driven by its own nature. This lunar eclipse is the perfect chance for you to reveal what is truly alive inside you, awaken it, and bring it forth. It will serve you well in the time to come, and especially throughout the course of August as we transition from the depths of this lunar eclipse to the heights of the next solar eclipse.
These two eclipses set in motion events that will certainly last a year…and perhaps, a lifetime. Affirm what you want to keep, deny what is not yours, and claim your birthright of freedom and bliss.
Alchemical Ritual for the Aquarius Full Moon
As an air sign, Aquarius is an individualist, truth-sayer, and humanitarian. Aquarius is often setting the trend for all kinds of social change, while the rest of us are simply trying to catch up. This capacity for forward-thinking often leaves Aquarius lonely in a state of exile. Few understand Aquarius’ capacity for revolutionary thinking, which makes it critical for Aquarius to communicate clearly, remembering the audience to whom it speaks. To speak in a way that others can receive the message benefits not only Aquarius but all who listen.
Aquarius’ ancient ruler is Saturn, and so it always feels pressure to get things done. Its modern ruler is Uranus, which is constantly feeing Aquarius the flashes of inspiration and insight it needs to think so far outside the box. We want these messages to come through loud and clear, so that they can be communicated loudly and clearly, too. When the transmission moves clearly through—from above to below— Aquarius is a successful conduit for higher messages to be used (and acted upon) here on earth.
To activate Aquarius’ conducive and inspirational energy, gather stones such as amethyst, aventurine, garnet or onyx. If you have some patchouli incense, that works well for this ritual. Light it before you begin, and use sage, sweet grass or palo santo to cleanse yourself and the space by casting the smoke over yourself and encircling your own body three times. Light a few candles, and anoint your third eye with cypress, patchouli or frankincense essential oil, if available. Enter your ceremonial space with the intention to open yourself to the messages that are intended for you, so you may bring them to the world.
With openness and receptivity, say the following invocation out loud:
Aquarius, Uranus, and Saturn open my receptivity so I may be a conduit for the messages that need to come through me and be broadcast to the world.
Cup your hands over your ears and chant OM out loud three times. This increases the resonance within your mind and heart and attunes your ears to a higher kind of listening. Sit quietly and rest the hands palms up on the knees, which is a simple gesture of receptivity.
Allow yourself to receive whatever messages come. They may come in the form of words, thoughts, feelings or sensations. Do not anticipate or second guess them. Simply receive. What you receive may surprise you, but the more you open yourself up to be a channel for positive change, the easier and more clearly the messages start to come through you.
When complete, chant Om three times, and snuff the candles. Bring your palms into prayer and the thumbs up to the third eye. By increasing our intuitive power, and listening to messages from a higher source, we allow ourselves to get out of our own way in our mission to be a force for change.
