February is a power-packed month, with the first two eclipses of the year occurring in Leo and Pisces. The Lunar Eclipse at 22°  Leo kicks it off with some serious panache on February 10 at 8:44 PM EST.

Because this is a penumbral eclipse, it could be said that its effects won't be as potent as that of a total eclipse (though an eclipse is an eclipse, and plenty potent just the same!). This eclipse will be visible in Europe, Africa, and in many parts of North America and Asia.

​If your birthday is between August 10-14, this could be a life-changing year for you! This also applies to people with Rising Sign/Midheaven/Nadir, planets, or the Nodes from 20°-24° of Leo. If you have planets/personal points at those same degrees in any other fixed sign (Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus), you'll be impacted as well.
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Lunar Eclipses

When a full moon occurs within 12° of the nodes, it’s classified as an eclipse. The Earth stands between the Sun and the Moon—two celestial bodies always dancing in tandem with one another to create the moon cycles—temporarily halting the energy flow between the two. This cosmic “reset” results in make-or-break moments in relationships of all kinds: between us and another person, a job or other life circumstance, and so on. These moments bring about situations in which we must confront reality, and sometimes, what we see is upsetting. But all eclipses provide us with opportunities to make pivotal life changes--we have a penultimate chance get clear on what doesn’t serve us anymore, or by experiencing once in a lifetime chances that seem to be the stuff of destiny.

On the whole, lunar eclipses are more emotionally-charged than solar eclipses, and center on emotions stemming from relationships: potent beginnings or endings. Think of lunar eclipses are full moons on steroids, and you’re on the right track!

Lunar Eclipse in Leo: Express, Create, Tap Into Joy!

Though eclipses can bring major challenges, the overall tone of the Leo Lunar Eclipse is joyful and expansive—rejoice! All eyes are on this eclipse’s potential to bring penultimate events in the way of:
·         Children
·         Creative self-expression
·         Being in the spotlight
·         Confidence/pride
·         Nurturing the Inner Child
·         Joy

Because this is a lunar eclipse, endings that clear the way to experience the best parts of what the above themes can offer us could manifest. For others, a big realization (surprise, surprise—we’re pregnant!) or opportunity to express ourselves and step out center-stage are also on the table. For some, a pregnancy would be joyful, life-changing news; for others, it’s possible that an unplanned pregnancy, or other disruptive scenario with children, could herald the beginning of the end of ill-fated relationships.

This is not the time to be a wallflower—it’s a chance to shine out, or be thrust out, to show the world what we’ve got.

This is not a particularly stressful eclipse, per se, but that which is not aligned with our joy and heart’s desires could begin to fall away. These realizations or events may harken back to childhood experiences in which the joy of being a kid was not honored, or where our individuality or creations were shunned/belittled/suppressed. This eclipse could illuminate what we need to release in order to experience happiness and express ourselves with pride.

This eclipse will bring some high-vibing, feel-good chances for us to express our creative potential in every way. Time spent with children can open our hearts in a big way, reminding us of our need as beings to play, to create, to be for the sake of fulfillment and pleasure…and when we follow those pleasures, all forms of success and abundance are sure to follow.

​Key Planetary Players

With an exact sextile between the MOON in Leo and JUPITER in Libra, incredible opportunities for creative collaborations in the arts, as well as any form of diplomacy, are sure to present themselves. We’ll be thinking BIG, and will likely have plenty of confidence to strut our stuff. Feeling optimistic about the future (maybe even having a tendency to overextend ourselves) is likely, and we get a big boost from other major planetary players to make good on our ideas.

The MOON forms a solid, innovative trine to SATURN in Sagittarius and URANUS in Aries, bringing monumental change well within our grasp. We have forward-thinking yet pragmatic, resolved cosmic energies at our back to turn aspirations into results. If you’ve been contemplating putting your skills out there as a new business venture, or are an aspiring artist of any kind that’s feeling the urge to take a leap of faith toward success, the Universe has your back.

Another major influence during this eclipse is MERCURY in Aquarius forming a sextile to VENUS in bold Aries. It’s time to radically alter your thinking and get brave in relationships, money, and personal values. If you’re feeling stifled, now’s the time to begin to let go of what holds you back. Change your mind and paradigms, adjusting to new frequencies and “cosmic downloads” that come in these powerful moments. When you do, you’ll have more courage to alter relationships that aren’t serving you, or to make a gutsy move toward artistic endeavors…and perhaps moving into a period where you can begin making more money doing them!

Though trines are usually thought of as positive aspects in astrology, it’s wise to temper that viewpoint with an understanding that trines open the door so energy can flow straight through, unimpeded by our inner blocks or external events that could get in the way. If you find yourself in a tough position in the days before and after this eclipse, trust that the Universe really is blowing incredible winds of change in your direction, even if you don’t see it yet. We’re working on the themes that one eclipse cycle brings for the next six months (or 18 years if we zoom out to larger eras), so trust that you’ll reap the rewards of events/realizations you’re now having as time goes on.

We’ll all have the chance to shine out at this eclipse as we’re called to live large and let love radiate out into the world. Know that you are the sole creator of your reality, and that by following your greatest passions and getting into the essence of Love and Joy, the Universe will pave your way with more bliss than you could possibly have imagined.

Key Points for Contemplation

• ​​What opportunities are presenting themselves for me to clear old patterns related to love and appreciation, including self-love and appreciation?
• ​Am I in relationships that make me feel happy, whole, and spark a sense of joy within me?
• ​Where am I being asked to let go of a relationship, belief, or other situation that stifles my happiness? My expression? My ability to ability to share love more openly?
• ​Am I willing to embrace truths that are presenting themselves now--truths about a person, situation, or my own beliefs/patterns that prevent me from living a happier life? Am I willing to move into a place of clear-seeing, acceptance, and taking action to release that which no longer serves me?
• ​Are opportunities for partnerships emerging that can open up new possibilities in every part of life? Am I willing to work across divides for a shared purpose when it benefits all people involved?
• ​Am I  willing to take a chance to set off on a new course for using my God(dess)-given creativity that is my Divine Right, that will benefit All?
• ​Am I willing to act on an opportunity to experience greater stability through a career change--a change that will require perseverance, but will allow me to radically alter my life circumstances for the better? Am I willing to build something new and adventurous to enjoy more freedom, happiness, and open flow of Divine Creative Energies?
• ​Am I willing to speak my truths and boldly align with my heart's desires? Am I willing to embrace the courage to live authentically and give birth to new dreams?

​How will this winter's eclipses season impact your life? Consider booking a special eclipse session to find out! Bright Star is offering an ECLIPSE SPECIAL on all astrology readings through March 1. Email [email protected] for more information, or to schedule your session today.

©  Jen Howell, Bright Star Astrology & Healing Arts, 2017. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to this writer with appropriate and specific direction to the document containing the original content.

Right on the heels of Mercury stationing direct is tomorrow's Full Moon in Cancer at 22 degrees. With the Winged Messenger just beginning to pick up speed again and the lunar energies on the verge of bursting open, this is an intense time, to be sure. All planets are in direct motion until early February, and the cosmos is pushing us full speed ahead. But in the midst of all the swirl and chaos, we'd do well to carve out time for TLC and retreat at this full moon.

​The full moon is exact at 6:33 a.m. Eastern tomorrow. Those who have personal planets from 20-24 degrees of Cancer and Capricorn, as well as the other cardinal signs of Libra and Aries, will experience the effects of this full moon the most directly.

Cardinal Grand Cross: The Pull in All Directions

​​Feeling overwhelmed, torn, or stretched almost beyond your capacity? Take heart--we're all under a good amount of astrological stress at the moment. This week's potent Cardinal Grand Cross pulls from four distinct corners of our lives and psyche. These are challenging configurations to navigate, but ultimately, they bring our awareness to embodying more balance between seemingly contradictory parts of life, or conflicting feelings and desires. And when grand crosses occur in Cardinal signs, it's all about action and initiative.

​The Cancer Moon is full of emotion--the Cosmic Mother, always warm and overflowing with love, warmth, nostalgia, the desire to crawl inside the proverbial shell and feel. Sensitivities run high when the Moon passes through her home sign, and when she's filled to the brim as she is now, those feelings reach a tipping point. We find ourselves wanting to retreat, seeking comfort in secluded spaces and feeling the desire to spend time with those we feel the most comfortable around. Memories resurface (possibly rooted in childhood and nurturance) and our imaginations run wild.

​But the Grand Cross is putting a lot of pressure on that desire for safety and the urge to hide from all that threatens our sensitivities. We're called to balance the Capricorn Sun's "all work/no play" tendencies and emotional austerity at this time, to be sure, but we've got JUPITER and URANUS calling us to radical new action in ways that will feel anything but comfortable. The Jupiter-Uranus Opposition is calling us to break free from relationship limitations and adopt more realistic perceptions in this part of life over the next year, beckoning us to leap beyond our comfort zone so we can experience a new level of fulfillment in the one-on-one. This also applies to negotiations of any kind, as well as endeavors in the arts or other intellectual pursuits.

​Another factor adding is the Goddess asteroid ERIS, who's been joined up with URANUS in ARIES since 2015. Eris is associated with discord, societal moves forward, and feminine issues. She's stirring the pot at this full moon something fierce--look no further than the current political atmosphere, or than intense issues coming to a head in your own life, to see her potent influence at work. Meryl Streep's speech from the Golden Globes this week is a shining example--a woman unapologetically taking to task those who would use positions of power to denegrate others. This is a disruptive, take-no-bull asteroid that won't be playing nice anytime soon (and rightfully so!).

​As Jupiter and Uranus/Eris square the ultra-sensitive Cancer Moon, we'll be experiencing restlessness and exaggerated emotions. Reaching out to other(s) and doing something totally radical--"radical" relative to our norms--for the sake of harmony, and perhaps of moving toward our goals, will bring challenges that could pay major dividends down the road. For many, these moves could be related to romantic relationships, but the exact themes we experience now depends on the location of these planets in the personal birth chart. Bridging gaps in understanding, but not tolerating abuse or boundary crashing, is something we all have the chance to move toward in potentially life-changing ways.
 
​Key Questions for Contemplation

• ​Do you honor your feelings, taking time out to feel that which is working its way to the surface within you? Are you willing to sit with these emotions, no matter how uncomfortable, to let the flow of tears aid in your release and healing?
• Are you willing to let your imagine wander, perhaps using creative self-expression guide you in understanding current challenges more fully?
• Do you honor and acknowledge your Inner Child? Do you give this sacred part of your being the opportunity to express itself, holding it in all its love, vulnerabilities, and past woundings? Are you willing to gently nurture him/her, seeking external guidance for assistance with healing past wounds if needed?
• Are you avoiding addressing an important situation, running from situations in a way that might not serve you in the end (avoidance patterns)? Can you commit to loving yourself enough to take action that brings about an even better outcome long-term?
• Do you feel the call to stretch your emotional capacity--while remembering to honor personal boundaries and give only from a full cup--that will grow your soul? Will you heed the call of radical forgiveness and space-holding for others as required, embodying a willingness to set healthy boundaries while resolving situations appropriately?
• Can you find it within you to say "no" to relationship ties or other commitments that strain you and drain your vitality? Are you willing to break free from bonds that hold you back?
• Are you willing to connect to the energies of the Divine Feminine at this time, allowing Goddess wisdom to guide you as you explore your rich inner world?
• How can you create a sanctuary space to retreat from the world and emotionally recharge?

​Regardless of current challenges and responsibilities, we can honor our Whole Selves this week by making time to connect with our Inner Sanctuary. Spend some extra time cozied up at home, doing whatever makes you feel soothed and nurtured: comfort foods, pajamas, warm blankets, etc. Cuddle up, and wear your heart on your sleeve when it matters most--the Cosmos has your back.

©  Jen Howell, Bright Star Astrology & Healing Arts, 2017. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to this writer with appropriate and specific direction to the document containing the original content.

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