Keeping the esoteric spiritual realities in mind when endeavoring to understand the nature of astronomical phenomenon is astrology. As most know, this is a never-ending process of discovery
and learning. Please bear with me as I start with certain esoteric understandings related to full moons
and lunar and solar eclipses. Based on these understandings, I will later use different perspectives to specifically address the two Aquarian full moons of July and August, 2021, which I would like us to imagine as two related towers, or signposts for this year.
According to Rudolf Steiner, human will and desire forces are continually flowing outward into cosmic space, into the spiritual world, and is transformed through the sun. The initiates of old understood this and taught that humanity’s unbridled impulses and instincts surge out into space. Under normal conditions, the evil impulses of will which are sent out into the cosmos by human beings are, as it were, burned up and consumed by the spiritual nature of the sun. Thus they can injure only the human being, but do no real universal harm.
When there is a solar eclipse, human will forces flow unhindered into cosmic space. Opportunity is given
for the evil which is willed on earth to spread over the cosmos. An eclipse is a physical event behind which
there lies a significant spiritual reality.
When a lunar eclipse occurs, thoughts and will stream from the cosmos down upon the earth. These thoughts
have a closer relationship with the subconscious life than with the conscious life of the human being. These initiates of olden times taught those who would wish to receive the good thoughts coming from the cosmos,
to walk in the light of the full moon. However, there were those who desired to get hold of evil, diabolical thoughts. They would choose the moment of a lunar eclipse for their nocturnal wanderings.
We mustn’t absorb such teachings in their old form, for this would lead us into superstition. But, we must learn
to perceive the spiritual permeating these processes.
Eclipses of the sun and moon, may be seen as “safety valves” to avert danger, and to provide an outlet for evil, like a valve on a pressure cooker. The solar eclipse serves the purpose of carrying out into space the evil spreading over the earth, in order that evil wreaks havoc in the spiritual world. The lunar eclipse allows evil thoughts present in the cosmos to approach those humans who desire, or are karmically inclined to be possessed by them. These people, as a rule, do not act in full consciousness, but it is a reality.
The full moons that I’m addressing are “regular”, if you will, full moons. In this light, the situation we find ourselves in, will prove to be less challenging than it would be, if these were part of an eclipse cycle.
In July 2021 there was a full moon at 1º26´Aquarius, opposing the sun at 1°26´Leo. These positions are at the beginning of their respective signs. On the 22nd of August, there was another Aquarian full moon, which occurred at 29°37´Aquarius, and the sun at 29°37´Leo.
The “blue moon”—a full moon occurring twice in the same sign within one month. It’s interesting to me that the first happened at the beginning of Aquarius, and the second at the end of Aquarius. Being both full moons,
each were culminations within two different moon cycles—from new moon to new moon. The first new moon
was on July 9, the 1st quarter on July 17, the 3rd quarter on July 31. The next new moon was on August 8, the 1st quarter on August 15, the 3rd quarter will be on August 30, ending with the new moon of September 6. Of course, there are previous cycles from which these two are continuations. However, I’m focusing on these two cycles in July and August.
These two full moons occurred during a period of the much longer cycle of Pluto transiting through Capricorn, and Saturn squaring Uranus; in Aquarius and Taurus, respectively.
Since 2008,Pluto has been in Capricorn, indicating the breakdown and death of all structures that have been established in every aspect of life, but what is not in alignment with progressive spiritual values. These breakdowns and deaths provide the seed for rebirth. The square between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus shows the conflict between the rigid established forms of former thinking, and the imaginations that are urging rebellion and destruction of said forms of thought, giving us a vision of what is possible.
The first full moon Was at 1°26`Aquarius. The Sabian symbols for this full moon is for 2° Aquarius, and 2°Leo, for the sun. The Sabian symbol for 2° Aquarius is An Unexpected Thunderstorm. The keyword is “unexpected”. This has both positive and negative connotations, whether the “storm” is external or internal. The thing is, even if it is unexpected, a storm is a result of a process, or processes relating to prior conditions. The manifestation of a storm is perceived as coming “out of the blue” only when we are not aware of its cause and the ensuing process leading to the storm. If you have a thunderstorm in your life, it is best to become introspective to see why and how it arose—though, understanding the “why” usually comes later.
An Epidemic of Mumps is the Sabian symbol for 2° Leo. This expresses how one’s behavior can infect the behavior of others. When unconscious aspects are the determining factors, people lose themselves in their self-deficiencies, and lemming-like they follow personas and concepts that give them a sense of power and meaningfulness. Individuals who are sensitive and mindful to the practical needs and usefulness of everyday situations are more capable of participating purposefully in current affairs.
This opposition of sun and moon shows a stark awareness due to a push/pull between thought and will leading to rethinking of what one’s purpose is. Socially, this is playing out in the tension between those who are susceptible to antisocial thoughts and divisive propaganda, feeding those who are holding onto old paradigms of power and control, and those who are holding and aiming for the good for all. Being a full moon, this dichotomy is strongly experienced.
Being the first full moon of this blue moon, it brings these aspects to light, yet there is much that is still unconscious, or hidden. With all that is being brought to light, why is it that, on a collective level, it is difficult for many to be decisive and active to change what is obviously destructive to democracy, human welfare, and justice?
The second full moon in Aquarius was on August 22 at 29° 37´, with the sun at 29° 37´Leo. The Sabian symbol
for 30° Aquarius is A Field of Ardoth in Bloom. Ardoth is Hebrew for a field in bloom—so the image is of a field in bloom. What seemed to surprisingly rise from the depths, is now in full manifestation for our awareness. Ardoth is also Hebrew for bronze which is the alloy of iron and copper. The melding of will (Mars/iron) with love (Venus/copper) gives us the courage to give ourselves to the world. Can you see what in the universe is friendly? Do I see, or pay attention to the positive and good that I have done in the world? These are questions that each one of us need to ask ourselves. To the degree that we blossom our positivity and goodness to others, we gain self illumination. To the degree one is self-absorbed, because one’s gifts are not given, it is easier to live in reaction to fantasies, as evidenced by the likes of Qanon followers and their ilk.
An Unsealed Letter is the Sabian symbol for 30° Leo. This symbol indicates that something is free for all to see.
There is an intrinsic trust that people will hold to their integrity. We have to ask ourselves, “Do I live in such integrity, so that I am fully confident?” The respect we have for ourselves inspires others to give us respect.
Indiscretion is a different kind of blossoming. It is the lack of personal discrimination and is now running rampantly amongst others.
Going back to the thought that these full moons are the culminations of their cycles; the new moon of the first cycle was on July 9, 2021 at 18°1´ Cancer. This set the tone of the beginning of a new cycle of establishing identity, both personal and societal. The Sabian symbol for the 19th degree of Cancer is A Priest Performing a Marriage Ceremony. It describes the role of conformity in life. This degree shows when positively working, there is a brilliance in bringing various aspects of one’s life into a positive gestalt, and when negatively working, there is a bondage to outer forms.
In society, where can we see the bringing of elements into a positive vision and functioning? In U.S. politics, for example, we have the endeavors of progressive figures like AOC, to bring about policies toward social balance in the economic sphere. Where do we see this same kind of positive building in ourselves?
During this time of social upheaval, many have heeded the call to take the restrictions in life, and find what is most important and of value. In my own life, after a year and a half of Covid restrictions, which led to very good friends moving away, and other friends becoming consumed by conspiracies and propaganda, my social life as an immigrant dissolved. My family life, which was already good, now brings deeper and richer lessons and opportunities for living more fully in love.
The following 1st quarter moon on July 17 at 25° 3´Libra squaring the sun at 25°3´ Cancer, shows the constructive conflict of feeling and will, instinct and purpose as it lives in the tension between how we relate, what our values and thoughts are, and what our feelings and sense of security and purpose are. The Sabian symbol for the moon’s degree is An Eagle and a Large White Dove Change into each Other. This points to the interrelating of Will and Love in the world. These are separate impulses, but when in harmony one becomes adept at bringing polarized forces into harmony. This leads to tactfulness in dealing with others. When there is harmony between Will and Love, one becomes more flexible while remaining unswerving to one’s values and goals. Otherwise, there is a tendency to be fascinated by trivialities, delighted by fancy, and being easily swayed by others.
The Sabian symbol for the Sun’s degree is Contentment and Happiness in Luxury, People Reading on Davenports. This symbol is an imagination of having mastery of things in one’s outer life, and using all of one’s capabilities. This is a call to strengthen oneself, and a warning against self-indulgence. There is the healthy taking time for relaxing that is rejuvenating, or there can be a loss of reality through needless soft living. At any time, but especially during this Covid time, we can find contentment in slowing down and making the best of each moment, finding the positive in the outer restrictions to our lives, or we can indulge ourselves
with food, drink, and other outer contentments that are justified as something we deserve.
The 3rd quarter moon of July 31 at 8° 33´ Taurus squares the sun at 8°33´ Leo. This waning square indicates crises in the development of new forms and their release, which makes up the building a new foundation from which a new cycle of activity begins. The Sabian symbol for the moon’s position at 9° Taurus, is A Christmas Tree Decorated. This symbol is about symbolization itself, and the sharing of symbols amongst ourselves. Through this activity we experience self-renewal, especially in community, through reconnecting with spiritual archetypes. On a personal level, this degree shows how we feel self-satisfaction through sharing our capabilities and potentials with each other. Otherwise, we take from life, enjoying what we can without offering anything in return, which leads us to put others under obligation, in some way.
There are those who are finding meaning and soul-nourishment in giving to others, and endeavoring to create,
or at least to envision new foundations for social relations. Those who operate in survival mode, are wanting to get what they can, or are defending their rights and duties based on black or white perspectives, at the expense of others.
At 8°33´Leo, the sun gives us the 9° Sabian symbol, Dental work. Dental work is a very real practicality. Besides for a cleaning, it often has to be done because of negligence, and negligence can result in great pain, loss of teeth, or even worse. In what ways do we human beings conscientiously steward ourselves, our relationships, and the world?
Going back to the beginning of this cycle, the new moon of July 9, called to us to find the positive in ourselves and in the present social upheavals,to create new forms. The first quarter on July 17 called us to be flexible within change and upheaval, to remain unswerving in our values and goals despite being surrounded by polarization, thus bringing harmony into the world. Otherwise, there is a tendency to be swayed or distracted by the polarized views assaulting our thoughts and feelings.
The ways we had dealt with the impulses of the cycle so far determined how we responded to the unexpected in our lives at the full moon of the 23rd. Humanity is splitting between those who are growing towards the good for all humanity, and those who are struggling for power and control. This can be seen as an age old struggle, look closely, and you will see that it is intensifying.
Moving ahead: The new moon of August 8, at 16°14´Leo gives us the Sabian symbol of 17° Leo, A non-vested church choir. This beginning of a new cycle releases new ideas and potentials gained by our experiences from the previous cycle. There are those endeavoring to move forward towards bringing enlivened heart forces through their interest and concern for fellow human beings, while others willfully strive for popularity or inclusion, even by acting on negative, unthinking distortions of reality. Isn’t it interesting that this new moon’s symbol is church related, as is the symbol of the first new moon of July 9? What was being called for by the first new moon, by A Priest Performing a Marriage Ceremony was for individuals to intelligently bring the many facets of life into an organic positive unity—creating meaningfulness in all activities and relationships.
The first quarter moon of August 15 at 23° Scorpio brings a sense of crises in how we instinctively build up our ego activity and put ourselves out in the world. This sense of crises comes from the pull away from what we were establishing at the new moon. Whatever positive forms or direction we had established is now faced with the increasing polarization that we are surrounded by. From another perspective, humanity is becoming increasingly polarized. There are those taking polarized positions, and those who are not necessarily taking sides, but taking a balanced middle path. Where is the deeper division? Between those who oppose each other, or is it between those who take sides, and those who are walking the middle path?
The symbol for 23° Scorpio, A Bunny Metamorphosed into a Fairy takes us away from the church symbolism
of societal forms, and brings us into the elemental world via nature—the transformation of purely naive and instinctive impulses into our ideals and aspirations. We are called to make this transition. Otherwise, the tendency to live out of our “lizard brain” becomes the norm, and will be a very distinctive marker of the division of humanity.
This leads us to the 2nd full blue moon on August 22, just 4 days ago. This culmination in the last degree of Aquarius, The field of Ardath in Bloom asks us if we have the courage to give ourselves to the world, and to trust in the spiritual world behind all things. Do we trust the positive and good that we do in the world? To what degree are we self-absorbed and living in reaction to fantasies, fears, and illusions? Retrograding Jupiter is conjunct the moon at the 28th degree of Aquarius.The Sabian symbol for this degree is A Tree Felled and Sawn. This degree points to the enthusiasm that is needed to carry out one’s will into the world. Interestingly, the image of a felled tree relates to what I had written in July about Jupiter retrograde in Pisces. The expansiveness of Jupiter while retrograde is related to how we have to sometimes prune a plant for there to be more growth. We sometimes have to prune from our lives what doesn’t work for our soul growth. When we do, we grow to be something greater, in surprising and very satisfying ways. The pruning off of limiting beliefs and habits we have will help us to become more honest and authentic about ourselves. Jupiter conjunct this full moon is my jumping off point, for wrapping up this presentation.
Here, I want to come back to the idea of how these Aquarian blue moons are like two towers, or signposts for this year. The more I look into this, I see them as signposts for a threshold for the cultural age in which we live. We’ve just entered the last third of this age, if we consider that the Vernal Equinox enters Aquarius in the 27th century, not that long from now. Were in the proverbial “homestretch” before the Aquarian Age. We can see it, we can feel it. Seeds have been sown, but the lingering, untransformed karmic elements in all that we have built up to this point need to be dealt with. Our collective karma is both rearing its ugly head in those who are not awake, clinging onto old dynamics for power and control. And it is being recognized by others, who are being called to rise to new levels of being human.
Aquarius calls us to rethink everything that we have built up individually and socially. The focus is on
humanitarian ideals. Technological development is also in the picture. This Blue Moon brought out how humanitarian ideals are served by technology, or not. The immense amounts of money spent by a few billionaires for a short space flight provides a stark contrast to the immense numbers of people who are starving in the world. The brilliant intellectual power behind science is, too often used for fulfilling the hubris of individuals; used by the political, militaristic, and corporate powers, which end up for destructive ends—both intentionally, and unintentionally.
The Uranian sudden change of life since human transmission of Covid-19 was first confirmed in January of 2020, is still being felt, a year and a half later. This Blue moon sheds light on all that we have had to rethink in our lives while dealing with the issues that arose since Covid. The impulse for rethinking life effects people in ways according to their level of consciousness. This suddenness drove many into introspection, and we questioned ourselves, about lifestyles, and what is necessary, or not—personally and socially. In relation to this questioning, We need to ask ourselves, how have we further divided and polarized ourselves? The idea of community building has come more to the fore, yet for many this is translated into its antithesis by glomming into groups of people who think alike, and hating those who do not.
The first full moon was in the first decanate of Aquarius, giving it an Arian—as in Aries—a subjective and forceful expression of Aquarian qualities. The second full moon was in the last degree of Aquarius—giving it a Piscean, end of cycle, spiritual emphasis, and karmic culmination or conclusion of Aquarian expression.
There are some, including astrologers, who feel that a focus on the polarization in society is mainly US and Euro-centric, and does not include other cultural experiences. I will address this with a couple points. First, we are all worthy humans. We karmically gravitate to incarnate in cultures, families, and groups that mirror or challenge our evolutionary states. As individuals vary in our evolutionary states, so do cultures. As individuality evolves over time, so does the evolving of our spiritual nature. The destiny of becoming individuals, has been to enter into materialism and intellectuality. The karma of this is the separating and polarizing tendencies in society. This will increase to the degree that individuals do not experience spiritual activity within themselves, society, or the world. Throughout world history, there have been cultures, and their representative countries at the forefront of evolutionary progress. The European impulses found its latest expression in the US, which has developed and come to its Pluto return during a very materialistic and increasingly divisive period for humanity – the actions within and of the US not only affect all, but are symptomatic of the challenges for all humanity.
The pandemic phenomenon has affected the entire world. Our binary narratives, that have already existed, are in our face now, placing us on opposing sides. Vaccinated / Unvaccinated, White/Black, Climate Advocates/Climate Deniers, Male/Female, Democrat/Republican, Spiritual/Materialists, Woke/Sheeple. After a year and a half, can’t we see that we are all in this together, whether we like it or not? All of our being is infected and broken by the divisive splitting of our humanity into bits and pieces that are quantified and measured as right or wrong. The splitting is the true fire, the true virus that ends in acts of hatred, coercion, disconnection, and closed minds and hearts. The Aquarian threshold shows where we are in facing this polarization. We must begin to break the binary narratives inside ourselves.
I will end with a quote by the Italian philosopher Massimo Scaligero:
“The present time is ominous: this is no rhetorical expression.Whoever knows how things truly are, knows that
those few people who have any inner responsibility, should no longer wait one more minute, and should not put off by a single instant, their decision to make those self-overcoming steps that they really know in secret what they should be. Tasks of this kind can no longer be put off any more.We are at the eve of events that can be gravely destructive for mankind, or signal its rebirth, under the sign of the Spirit.
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