Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ♑ July 4, 2020
Saturday, July 4 at 9.30pm PST
Photo: Jimmy Westlake
Happy full moon! Happy lunar eclipse! The July full moon is called the Buck Moon because it coincides with new antler growth on young deer. It is also called the Thunder Moon for summertime storms.
The moon will rise at sunset, peak at midnight and set at sunrise all over the world, no matter your time zone. Eclipses can be full or partial. The earth’s shadow consists of two parts: the shadow cast directly behind the earth is called the umbra, and the fainter, fan-like shadow surrounding the umbra is the penumbra. This full moon is another partial (or penumbral) eclipse – we actually won’t see another total lunar eclipse until May 2021. Moon gazers in North America, South America, Africa, and western Europe will have the best view!
The last Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn was on July 16, 2019, conjunct Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn– holy shit, it was so intense. Pluto is the evolutionary agent in the solar system and he does NOT fuck around – whatever we were working on emotionally (especially in a relationship) was super amplified. Something deep and scary was brought to the surface. As it came up, there was a primal impulse to control or manipulate. Fortunately for us, this year the full moon will trine Uranus in Taurus, which is a much more cooperative influence.
This eclipse is a definitive follow-up to the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer on the summer solstice of June 20. It falls on the 4th of July, the worst American holiday ever. It is interesting to examine the history of this country from the axis of Cancer vs. Capricorn, however. Because the U.S. government was founded during the Cancer solar cycle, astrocartographers say that the “chart” of this country centers on the archetype of Cancer. This seems weird. The archetype of Cancer is motherly, nurturing, and wise – not like the “founding fathers.” So how does the U.S. embody Cancerian energy? I would love to hear someone’s interpretation on this.
Both the crab and goat yearn to put down roots and get settled early in life. A partner is usually one element of what it means to be settled, but really this full moon is about home and what makes us feel at home. It’s about (self) love and commitment (to self). The Cancer-Capricorn polarity lies between the heart and the head. Too much Cancer makes us fearful and plaintive. This is where Capricorn fortifies the heart with logic and emotional discipline.
The annual summer full moon / lunar eclipse in Capricorn proves to be very powerful year after year. In some ways this is not surprising, considering that Cancer-Capricorn is the lunar axis. But what makes these lunar eclipses so potent right now is that they are serving as a catalyst for the other outer (retrograde) planets in Capricorn: Jupiter, Saturn (soon), and Pluto, most notably. Capricorn karma is about (re)building systems. The Capricorn revolution simultaneously fortifies and dismantles systems – it’s up to the collective to decide which institutions will live or die. It is not a coincidence that white people are only just now really learning about systemic racism and systemic injustice. Also, I can’t think of a better metaphor for the Capricorn revolution than all the beautiful protestors destroying hideous racist statues around the world right now! Gooooooodbye, Christopher Columbus!
Capricorn karma runs deep. It lives in the bones of society and the institutions which have survived over the centuries. It speaks to why these institutions have survived, and illuminates the shadow of Capricorn. When the Capricorn shadow crumbles into light, we see progress like defunding the police. Community-led strategies are a brilliant manifestation of Capricorn’s structural organizing powers. We have to completely reconfigure the way we think about institutions and how we participate in them. The best possible Capricorn outcome gives power to BIPOC and creates space for our Black and Brown family to lead us forward. Due to the influence of Uranus at this full moon, I have a very good feeling about the possibility of a humanitarian breakthrough. Uranian energy is collective and energizing. It also encourages radical internal shift, like shaking off limiting beliefs – the activism takes place within!
Though this full moon is an apex in many ways, Luna is in her “detriment” in Capricorn, the sign opposite the one she rules (Cancer). When a planet is in detriment, its energies are weak and strained. Expect moodiness and increased sensitivity. In meditation, focus on the root and heart chakra – connect the two. Stay rooted with advice from elders and Capricorn Yoga. To find your personal moon sign, click here.
Affirmation: I trust
. The archetype of Cancer is motherly, nurturing, and wise – not like the “founding fathers.” So how does the U.S. embody Cancerian energy? I would love to hear someone’s interpretation on this.
I believe that the US has received so many different nationalities and races unto its lands, like a cancerian melting pot. It’s not always ideal but compared to many lands it has permitted co-existence with much more tolerance. It’s not ideal yet, but it really is much more diverse and tolerant than most countries on earth.
It is also Cancerian because of the American Indian tradition of caring for the land like a mother. Unfortunately that part of US has been forgotten, and the culture that espoused land as mother became prostituted and casinoed.
There is too much facade now in USA, on all fronts. Enterntainment, business, spirituality. Mothers see through facades. And the change will be an unveiling.
Beautiful. Thank you.