The New Moon of August 9, 2010 falls at 17º of Leo. Occurring near midnight, it falls in the Fifth House of the chart calculated for Washington, D.C. This brings a focus to pleasurable pursuits, to romance, to entertainment, to speculation and sports. This house also rules children, so attention goes to children and their interests. As summer vacation ends, the kids are returning to school.

The Sun is very strong in a house and especially here in the Sun’s own sign. We might be tempted to expect very favorable developments affecting the entertainment industry, theaters, movie houses, and etc., with sports figures and entertainers gaining honors, making money and so forth. There might even be a high profile romance in Hollywood. We might expect the same for the kids, with a fabulous fun end to summer before going back to school. And, while there is some of this, the aspects to this Fifth House New Moon are made up of a long string of minor afflictions. Therefore we must brace for some problems attaching to this house. There may be concerns about crimes or ill treatment involving children. Schools may be inadequate to meet their needs. The Stock Market may be volatile. There might be losses to places of entertainment or losses to entertainers. With an opposition to Neptune, there could be celebrity scandals.

In fact, even though this New Moon falls in romantic Leo, Venus with Mars is extremely afflicted so this is not a good month for marriages, friendships or romances. Love hurts. There are likely broken promises and divorces, and some marred social events. This is not a good time to become engaged nor is it a good time to wed. (Venus/Mars/Saturn opposite Uranus and square Pluto) Notice that Bristol Palin has just broken off her engagement again. This is the kind of thing that is par for the course this month and the worst of it is the first week following this New Moon while Venus and Mars are in the crosshairs of the Cardinal T - square. (Click on image to view the chart, then use your back button.)

This chart has Taurus rising, ruled by Venus so that her aspects tell a great deal about the face of the nation and the strength and vitality of the nation as a whole. Venus is in the Sixth House, caught in the Cardinal T-square involving Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. Venus speaks of want. The peace and tranquility of the people is disturbed by factors such as high unemployment. 

With a concentration of planets in the Sixth House, including Mars the troublemaker and Saturn the taskmaster, which reflects misfortune, lack and need, the subjects ruled by the Sixth House suffer. This is the house that rules workers, jobs, unions, employment and unemployment. It rules the health of the country and public health matters. This is also the house ruling military affairs, the army, navy and police. There is misfortune or trouble affecting these, with martial excitement in the country. There may be discontent or insubordination attaching to the police or military.

We are in an extraordinary period of transformation at this juncture in our history. It is a period of great changes and reforms, but many of these are unpopular with many people, creating a turbulent spirit directed against those in power and bringing difficulties in the national life. Critical and difficult changes affect finances at a time when business is unfortunate and trade and business are disturbed. For instance, there might be new taxes or changes in tax codes. More banks may fail. Investors wonder if we are heading into a double dip recession. This creates more disorder, confusion as well as discontent. We are at a turning point of greater government control and regulations. The outer planets describe social, economical and political upheaval, with rebellion, riots, demonstrations and confrontations. Much of this tension is internal, within the country, with bad tempers in political debates. The President faces hostilities and political heat. There are plenty of power struggles as well as rumblings of troubles in foreign affairs.

The general turbulence extends to our planet. This period could see a rise in earthquakes or other earth changing events, such as volcanoes, or hurricanes. For the USA, the Moon rules the Fourth House, bringing a wet forecast as far as weather conditions. And, the Ninth House holds Pluto, suggesting troubles around the coasts. As for earthquakes in the U.S., the Astrolocality map for this lunation shows potential stress along the Northwest coast; WA, OR and CA.

The Moon, ruling the Fourth House, shows general unrest among people, including racial discord. Family and domestic life is troubled and much of this is because people are overextended and see now way out. The housing industry may suffer, with yet more foreclosures.

We may have a bit more clarity by Full Moon. Things shown at the New Moon often show fruit at Full Moon. But with Mercury Retrograde and Neptune in hard aspect to both luminaries, there appears to still be plenty of disorder and confusion about the direction of the country. A review is in order.

In your personal chart, check the house where this New Moon at 17º Leo falls. This lunation brings a spotlight to this house. Your attention turns to the people and subjects ruled by this house. You see potential for new beginnings and you may have remarkably creative ideas. You are fired up and ready to take action. This is an excellent time to work on completing unfinished tasks, but hold off on important engagements or launching a business. You may not feel much like socializing either. In fact you may notice some uncharacteristic irritability within. This is an emotionally intense period, a high energy New Moon, with a degree of conflict between our urge to take independent action versus our need for relationships, including the restrictions they entail. This sets the stage for conflicts. Since Mercury goes retrograde August 20, this is a fabulous time to review your plans, collect the facts, and get clear on where you want to go from here. By the Full Moon on August 24, we begin to gain more clarity and are able to define our future goals in a more informed, composed and insightful way. It would be worth the time to make this a project in itself. Have a productive August! Celeste Teal, 8/5/2010

The New Moon of July 11, 2010 is a Total Solar Eclipse. The sign of an eclipse gives the best indications as to the kinds of matters that are impacting people worldwide and at a personal level. This eclipse in Cancer brings a focus to domestic issues; security, basic requirements, homes, and living conditions. Due to harsh aspects and the influence of the South Node, rather than signs of expansion and new growth, we are reminded of practical responsibilities and the need to secure essentials and what we already have.

Domestic policy, public welfare and vital statistics are some of the things affected in the bigger picture. An eclipse in a Cardinal sign is indicative of great changes ahead while there may also be signs of corruption. An eclipse in a water sign also forewarns of the potential destruction of fish and fowl and those creatures living near the sea.

In the chart cast for Washington D.C. this eclipse falls on the cusp of the Ninth House, bringing an emphasis to immigration and foreign affairs for the U.S. There are disputes indicated by Mercury in the Ninth House semi-square Mars. These matters appear to be the subject of much internal quarreling and bickering especially in late July, coincident with a sesquiquad from the USA progressed Mercury (ruling the progressed Ninth House) to the progressed Midheaven.

While a New Moon in a house brings an emphasis to the related affairs for a four week period, with matters going in either a positive or negative direction based on the aspects, an eclipse disturbs the affairs denoted by the house where the eclipse falls and the effects are longer lasting. This eclipse indicates that the issue of immigration reform and the legal conflict between the Obama Administration and the state of Arizona over its proposed law to crack down on those crossing the border illegally continues to be a hot issue for months to come, a fight that will likely to go all the way to the Supreme Court. (To view the chart, click on the image and then use your back button.)

Along with immigration and foreign affairs, this eclipse denotes changes involving the courts and judges, churches and clergy, universities, higher education and long distance travel. All these affairs are governed under the Ninth House. The Sun signifies the increased importance of these affairs while the Moon indicates fluctuations, so that these subjects tend to come to the forefront. Shipping, coastlines and conditions along the coasts are also a Ninth House subject so we are dealing with the repercussions from the April oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico for quite some time!

Since Mercury is also in the Ninth house, there is an increase of traveling to and from foreign countries with official representatives and messengers coming and going. There is also increased activity in science and philosophy. If there is one thing that is stands out in a positive light from the current configurations, it is the area of science, invention and new discoveries, although with Jupiter and Uranus soon to retrograde out of Aries and back into Pisces, the real surge in new discoveries will come after the spring of 2011. This is a historical marker for science!

This eclipse chart shows a great deal of financial stress present. There are delays to expansion and new growth with Pluto in the Second House in square to Jupiter. The Cardinal T-Square makes this a harsh eclipse indeed with the economy and the global financial situation a huge concern. Banks and markets are subject to fluctuations. The nation’s economy is weak with huge debts and defaults that may hurt its credit worthiness. Uranus in the Fifth House of the Stock Market is in a critical degree. The markets appear to be very erratic. Due to the opposition to Saturn, a panic is not out of the question, with losses in speculative adventures. The T-Square is putting the USA Venus and Jupiter in a real squeeze, both planets of wealth and creature comforts. We are definitely into some of the most difficult configurations of the times, maybe only to be surpassed by those of August.

In weather related affairs, Neptune conjoined with the cusp of the Fourth House is a major indicator. Neptune suggests freakish weather or weather extremes, with storm conditions; perhaps hurricanes or flooding. The Cancer Ingress, good for three months commencing June 21 also shows warm, wet conditions with potential for sudden high winds. The coasts may be especially subject to storms. In particular, Florida appears to be vulnerable to problems, whether this is a destructive hurricane, due to the oil spill, or a combination. Earthquakes or other problematic land conditions may arise as well. For the U.S. this could impact the western states and central parts of the country around eclipse time, with TX, OK, KS, IA, WI and MN more highlighted as we near the end of July. Moving into August and as we approach the August New Moon, the West Coast comes up for concern.

In other areas, trouble falls to the Post Office. There is a depreciation of trade and falling off of business for publishers, teachers, and others in the communication and transport sectors. There may be deaths among literary people. This comes from Saturn ruling the Third House.

There are problems connecting to entertainment venues, entertainers, sporting events or children’s interests. This comes from an afflicted Uranus in Aries in the Fifth House. There may be new regulations imposed or some criticism is provoked. Otherwise there could be accidents or strikes at places of entertainment or crimes affecting people working in these places. The interests of children suffer; education, schools may suffer losses. There could be fires, explosions, disasters or other losses affecting schools, theaters, or other places of amusement.

Venus in opposition to Neptune suggests marital scandals, divorces or separations. Some lady of importance or title may suffer embarrassment or disgrace. Some failure or discredit may attach to a prominent person or persons. There may be some remarkable crimes or frauds come to light.

Mars in the Tenth House suggests that military affairs draws attention. Conflicts may increase.

This eclipse falls on President Obama’s Sixth House cusp, squaring his progressed Ascendant. With additional aspects such as transiting Saturn over his progressed Sun and transiting Uranus in opposition, this shows a time of heavy responsibilities and unexpected circumstances that may force him to change his course of action. These also present potential health risks; low energy or danger of accidents. Mid July is a particularly vulnerable time. Late July also brings aggravations.

Overall, this eclipse reflects great political and economic turbulence, with things becoming increasingly edgy toward the end of July and into early August as transiting Mars lights the fuse of the Cardinal T-Square. There is a spirit of discontent. Neptune is also angular at the Full Moon of July 25, so we might experience extraordinary weather related events that threaten power or water supplies. This is a good time to conserve and take special care as Neptune can turn things upside down.

In your own chart, note the house position of this Solar Eclipse at 19º Cancer. Your attention and focus will be drawn to the affairs of this house. Since this is an eclipse rather than an ordinary New Moon, important developments connecting to the affairs of the house where the eclipse falls will continue to draw your attention for several months, especially whenever a transiting planet crosses or opposes the eclipse degree. There are changes taking place in the affairs ruled by this house. If you have a personal planet falling within a few degrees of 19º Cancer then this eclipse is of some special importance for you. You can use my book Eclipses to learn the area undergoing transformation (love, $, health, etc.) as well as the dates the eclipse is stimulated by transiting planets. Everyone feels the effects of an eclipse to some extent, some more strongly influenced than others. When an eclipse closely impacts a person; for instance if it falls within a few days of one’s birthday, rational goes out the window and instinct takes over. One becomes very emotionally sensitive and tends to react in a knee jerk fashion to anything sensed as a threat to one's sense of identity (Sun). So, one is prone to make missteps. If not impacted personally, we may be dealing with someone who is strongly impacted by the eclipse. So, plans carried out within several days often don’t have the outcome we might expect. Keeping in mind that the energy coming into the atmosphere at the time of an eclipse tends to be destabilizing, there are opportunities for personal progress in the week following the eclipse. Take care, Celeste Teal 7/9/2010 

Actual Events: Freak tornado in the Bronx, NY. Much bad weather generally; an especially wide spread heat wave across much of the country. Foreclosures hit a record high. Stock market volatile, up one day and down the next, based on the latest economic indicators. July 2010 is deadliest month for American troops in Afghanistan since the war began nine years ago. WikiLeaks released thousands of documents covering the war in Afghanistan from 04 to 2010, an intelligence leak that Pentagon officials say could put American and Afghani lives at risk. North Korea, opposed to joint military drills by the US and South Korea, seeing it as preparation for an invasion, threatened a preemptive nuclear strike – July 25. Judge Bolton blocks most of Arizona new immigration law but those opposed to the law continue to demonstrate in downtown Phoenix and sporadically in other parts of the country. Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel, to go on trial for ethics/financial violations. Democrat California Congresswoman, Maxine Waters, also facing ethics charges. BP announces broken oil well in Gulf, the largest accidental spill in history, is plugged on August 4, leaving 53 million gallons unaccounted for, still in the water, an issue of concern. Federal judge overturns California gay marriage ban - Prop 8. On August 3, Obama announces that military control will return to Iraqi forces by August 31, 2010, as American troops will come home, leaving only 50,000 troops, to be withdrawn by 2011. Mel Gibson caught in a drunken rant with his ex, making tabloids. Sports figure and owner of the NY Yankees, George Steinbrenner, dies at age 80. A worker in a Connecticut beer distribution unit goes on a rampage, killing 8 others before himself. Chelsea Clinton weds July 31, 2010. President Obama celebrates forty-ninth birthday August 4.

The New Moon of Saturday June 12, 2010 falls at 21º Gemini, the sign associated with the dissemination of news and information as well as transportation and short distance travel. This brings an increase in summer travel, especially by car. Interestingly, this NM conjoins the U.S. Mars. This suggests a high-energy period. There is extreme planetary activity ahead, with planets in critical degrees, potent eclipses coming up, as well as the Cancer Ingress on June 21 in which the Sun forms troublesome squares to outer planets. A period of inauspicious times continues.

In this NM chart, calculated for Washington D.C., the South Node is rising to the Ascendant, and this South Node falls on the natal U.S. Sun. The South Node is associated with karma and the unleashing of negative energy. The South Node often indicates sacrifice or loss. The country undergoes some hard times with the settling of accounts or paying off debts.

The NM falls in the Twelfth House, and this NM applies to square Saturn. The house position suggests that there is high excitement and discussion in connection with crimes and criminals. The country may be in danger of plots or secret enemies. The government and our leaders are symbolized by the Sun. Here in this house, the government is weak and facing many obstacles. President Obama is worried and anxious as things tend to go wrong in June. He may be moody, irritable and accident-prone. Since the Sun is in an especially “talkative” degree, near fixed star Bellatrix, he or other high profile figures could get themselves into hot water by what they say on impulse. Being indecisiveness can also lead to dishonor. Obama has heavy responsibilities as many look to him for direction and he may find it especially hard to forgo his cigarette smoking habit during this stressful time, with transiting Neptune now crossing his natal South Node in his First House. With the Sun forming stressful aspects to Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto in the weeks ahead, the president may find his plans hitting snags and delays.

Venus is a definite bright spot in this chart. She reflects an increase of amusements and celebrations, such as the Fourth of July holiday, shown by Venus in the First House and ruling the Fifth House. Venus also promotes good will and aids charitable movements. This Venus position is a help to the interests of women. A high profile marriage or engagement is very likely. (Click image to view chart, then go back.)

Saturn in the Fourth House shows that property matters are disturbed. Saturn depreciates property and land values. This does not bode well for homeowners or the real estate market. Building, mines, and land conditions are poor. An afflicted Saturn in this house is just one indicator here of mining disasters. Mercury square Mars is another. The U.S. Neptune also falls on the Fourth House cusp and is squared by this New Moon that is also conjunct U.S. Mars. This NM stimulates the natal square between Mars and Neptune, reflecting problems connected to oil. The evil fixed star Denebola also falls on the cusp of the NM Fourth House, also a distress signal as Denebola is associated with disasters and catastrophes.

Saturn in the Fourth House also suggests harsh weather or land conditions. We have a Moon Wobble coming up during this NM period, on July 3, 2010. This brings increased chances for seismic events for a period of several days on each side of this date. Earthquakes are also more common when there are major conjunctions or oppositions. Since the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction is extremely close right now, combined with this Moon Wobble and other indicators, we may see increased seismic or weather related activity throughout this four-week period, as well as other problematic developments and climactic conditions that impacts the global community.

An afflicted Pluto in the Sixth House indicates trouble, accidents, explosions or fires in connection with the U.S. armed services, police, civil servants or national defenses. Since this house also rules the working classes and employment, these matters are very troubled with Jupiter and Uranus square Pluto here. Employment is critical. Jupiter rules the Sixth House and Jupiter is in a critical degree. The laboring classes are ready to revolt or rebel against limiting conditions. Saturn square the Moon also shows the masses suffering from lack; feeling frustrated and powerless at having little control of their futures. The Sixth House also rules public health, which does not fare well under these aspects. There may be an increase of illnesses affecting the liver or lungs.

There are losses for ship owners with an afflicted Neptune in the Ninth House. There is trouble or other chaos and confusion surrounding conditions along the coasts. The Ninth House is ruled by Uranus, a planet in a critical degree, therefore these and other Ninth House affairs are critical.

Watch for increased activity and news on June 21. Coincident with the start of the Cancer Ingress and the start of summer, transiting Mercury will cross this New Moon at 21º Gemini. Mercury activates petty details and may bring attention to some document or bit of significant news. This might be in connection with a crime or a criminal investigation. Since Mercury will also cross the U.S. Mars and square Neptune, there might be great public excitement, with angry discussions or disputes, not to mention accident potential. It is a time to play it safe this following week as we head toward the Lunar Eclipse...

Transiting Mars stimulates several environmentally related eclipses from 2006 and 2007 during June and July of 2010. This brings dynamic focus to the themes surrounding those Virgo and Pisces eclipses (described in my book Eclipses that provides eclipse charts with annotations to 2012). The Lunar Eclipse of June 26 also reflects a rough patch. There is a Cardinal Cross involving seven planets putting pressure on the U.S. Venus and Jupiter, suggesting wasted resources, high expenses and a damper to economic growth. Unemployment is a huge issue and great discontent affects public harmony. Mercury opposing Pluto suggests occupational hazards and there are likely to be some new unwanted developments or accidents within a day of this eclipse. There are continued troubles on the coasts and disgrace to prominent officials. There are high suspicions, secret investigations, but mysterious or secret crimes are hard to detect. Travel is not favored. On the plus side, it is a historical marker for science.

In your own chart, note the house position of this New Moon at 21º Gemini. Your attention and focus will be drawn to the affairs of this house. You see new possibilities relating to the people and affairs of this house. You are open to new ideas and it is an appropriate time to gather information and data. Remember the New Moon day is a good day to make a list of your hopes and wishes. You can check how this NM aspects your natal planets but do avoid impulse and with its square to Saturn, this may slow things down when it comes to putting plans into action. Late June and early July is the least favorable period for many activities. The energy coming into the atmosphere at the time of an eclipse tends to be destabilizing. Activities or plans carried out within several days an eclipse usually don’t have the outcome one might expect or desire. It is a bad time to sign agreements. You can learn more about how these eclipses will impact your life from my books below. Anyway, this Lunar Eclipse is an emotional one and everyone is feeling it. This may be an eventful time when attention is drawn to issues outside us; a good time to get involved in helping those in need. Wishing you a safe and happy month. Celeste Teal 6/8/2010

Actual Events: Brutal weather and land conditions all over: A 5.7 quake strikes near the U.S. and Mexico border on June 15. Flash floods kill 18 in Arkansas and damage is done in OK. Tornadoes and deadly thunderstorms ravish many states in mid June: WI, UT, MN, MI, IL, IN, while wildfires blaze in AZ., followed by more tornadoes across the country, amid concerns about the first hurricane of the season that could disrupt progress to clean up the continuing oil spill off the coast of Louisiana. Then a heat wave on the East Coast keeps temps in triple digits; also hot across much of the country. A 5.4 earthquake strikes southern CA near Palm Springs on July 7… During the week of June 21, 2010, following unflattering remarks about the Obama administration that appeared in a Rolling Stone magazine article, the Commander of the war in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrsystal was relieved of his command and replaced by General David Petraeus. This event is partly connected to the Saturn/Uranus opposition and partly to the talkative New Moon in Gemini. McChrystal apologized for his poor judgment and lack of discretion for making the disrespectful remarks… A financial regulatory reform bill is passed on June 25… Senator Robert Byrd, age 92 and having the longest career in the Senate’s history, dies on June 28… Also on June 28, ten Russian spies living in suburbia America are nabbed after years of FBI surveillance and this in turn leads to a quick spy swap between the U.S. and Russia… The Federal government sues Arizona over its new proposed immigration law. Actress Megan Fox marries.