A Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius with Retrograde Mars square Uranus and Mercury Retrograde to Boot

Are you still standing?  This past week we have seen the Leo sun square Uranus in Taurus on July 25, 2018, prompting me to tweet:

Leo sun squaring Uranus in Taurus today can bring some sudden upheavals but try to breathe and stay calm with upcoming #MercuryRetrograde and lunar eclipse. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 25, 2018 

On July 25^th, I also spent time at the Massachusetts State House at a rally to voice my opposition to SB 2621, a piece of legislation designed to set up a new licensing process for all types of healers which would require us to go back to school to attend certain board-approved education programs to quality for the new state license.  It would put many of us practitioners out of business.  It did not escape me that two years ago during the last Mars retrograde, a similar bill SB 2461 was also rushed through the legislature during the summer months and it was defeated.  Here is a group photo of some of us who attended:

And it inspired me to share this tweet that day:

Massachusetts State House: Stop SB 2621 Protect the right to Natural Healing Therapies in Massachusetts https://t.co/TPS2PcsAnp via @Change

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 25, 2018

On the following day, July 26, 2018, Mercury stationed retrograde in 23 degrees of Leo, inspiring me to tweet:

It’s officially #MercuryRetrograde today on the east coast but many of us have been feeling it for days. This one is especially tough with 2 more eclipses and Mars retrograde. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 26, 2018

But on July 27, 2018 at 4:20 p.m. on the east coast of the United States, we will have the longest lunar eclipse of this century, lasting one hour and forty three minutes, in 4 degrees of Aquarius.  It is called a blood moon eclipse because it is a total lunar eclipse with the full moon passing through the Earth’s shadow and turning a deep red color. 

I always tell my clients that lunar eclipses are like full moon on steroids, so there is no denying how powerful this eclipse will be.  Lunar eclipses have a tendency to bring culmination, closure and reveal secrets and turn up people from the past.  And old behaviors could emerge for purging as well. The fact that this eclipse falls in the sign of Aquarius indicates that the changes it brings could involve friendships, social networks and the collective.  It will have strong themes of freedom and authenticity, and is a repeat of the same eclipse that occurred on July 28, 1999.  I urge those of you old enough to remember to reflect on that time in your life and see if any similar issues are resurfacing.  This eclipse occurs at the south node of the moon, so it literally is all about releasing the past and behaviors that no longer serve us.

Retrograde Mars in Aquarius is really calling the shots in this eclipse.  It is also out of bounds because its declination is greater than 23 degrees and 27 minutes north or south of the sun, which makes it even more out of control and amps up the frustration level.  In addition to being conjunct the moon, Mars is conjunct the south node in Aquarius, which increases the emphasis on the collective and humanity.  But its conjunction to the south node also generates conflict by bringing up resentments from the past and can be a time when we need to stand up for ourselves.  Mars is also opposing the sun in Leo, which is very unpredictable and can trigger some emotionally jarring events.  But try to remember that the sun in Leo is also conjunct the north node in Leo, which is providing us with the courage to forge ahead in our path.

Mars is also involved in an ongoing square with Uranus in Taurus, which will be exact on August 1, 2018.  The first exact square occurred on May 15, 2018.  The main thing to remember with Mars squaring Uranus is that it tends to bring fast moving events and lots of chaos.  Mars squaring Uranus is also about social revolution, which we are certainly seeing plenty of these days.  The higher manifestation of this energy is Mars pouring energy into the sign of Aquarius to benefit humanity by focusing on people as equal and not being critical of their differences. 

The lunar eclipse also falls on the nodal axis of the United States chart from July 4, 1776, featuring the north node in 6 degrees of Leo in the 8^th house and the south node in 6 degrees of Aquarius in the 2^nd house.  This will impact the economy and mark international trade endings and beginnings.  The actions and decisions that are made now in our country will have a pivotal effect in the way the world moves.

As for me personally, this eclipse falls in my 4^th house, squaring my natal Mercury and Pallas Athena in Scorpio in my 1^st house.  And it opposes my Jupiter in Cancer in the 10^th house.  This year’s eclipses involve my 4^th and 10^th houses, so I have been seeing big changes on the home front and in my career.  The recent upset with the SB 2621 bill that would challenge the livelihood of not only Reiki practitioners, but yoga and Tai Chi as well. The current law protects Reiki practitioners but if SB 2621 is passed, that may very well change.  I am definitely opposed to human trafficking, but depriving people of their livelihoods and the public’s right to access natural healing therapies is not the best way to go.  So I guess you could say that I have already been feeling the impact of this lunar eclipse in Aquarius.

And just to give you all fair warning that Mercury is retrograde until August 19, 2018, when it stations direct in 11 degrees of Leo.  You know the drill: don’t sign any contracts if you can help it, take a new job, or purchase a car or electronic devices.  Expect delays in communication and transportation.  Try not to make any major decisions, but instead use this time to reflect and review on what is important to you in your life.  Take stock of what isn’t working so that you can implement whatever changes need to be made when Mercury is direct and preferably out of its shadow in early September.

If you are curious as to how all of the planetary changes, including this summer’s eclipses, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn retrograde, Jupiter in Scorpio, Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus will be affecting you in 2018, please consider getting an astrological reading.  A transit reading might be just what you need right now to make the most of Jupiter in Scorpio.  Jupiter transits are all about taking advantage of opportunities and if you snooze you lose with Jupiter.  You have to be aware and strike while the iron is hot. The Services Offered page of my site describes the menu of services that I offer. There is something for everyone. 

My site also offers the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

I am also offering my Mars Retrograde Special reading which is another tool for dealing with the frustrations of the Mars retrograde transit, which began on June 26, 2018. 

Here is the link for my Mars Retrograde Special:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/mars-retrograde-special.html

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign. If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body.

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed. If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.  I am also offering Reiki treatments in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline on Sunday afternoons.

But the big news is that I have created and launched a new website devoted exclusively to my Reiki practice. Please feel free to check it out at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3, 2017 edition of Boston Voyager, an online publication that runs a section called Inspiring Stories about local entrepreneurs on its home page.  The Scorpio moon was trining the Cancer sun and Neptune in Pisces on that day, so my story certainly debuted under fitting aspects.  Please feel free to check it out:

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-linda-simons-reiki-linda-simons-coolidge-corner-brookline/

I have also revised my package deals and I am now offering two options for package deals: Silver and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights.

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

A Retrograde Out of Bounds Mars in Aquarius Runs Amok as the Sun Enters Leo and Mercury Retrogrades in Leo

I know that I have written about Mars being out of bounds before, in my August 12, 2016 blog post, but this time it is even more personal for me because my natal Mars is in Aquarius and due to the Mars retrograde transit this year, I am experiencing Mars transiting my 4^th house for 10 months of 2018 and a Mars Return to boot in mid-October.  I was also born with a natal Mars out of bounds. Here is a quick reminder about what it means when a planet is described as out of bounds.  A planet is out of bounds when its path is outside the plane of the ecliptic, which is the general path followed by the Earth and other planets as they orbit the Sun. Its orbit is greater than 23 degrees and 27 minutes north or south of the equator. 

Mars in Aquarius has been out bounds since July 7, 2018 and will remain out of bounds until September 24, 2018.  Mars was previously out of bounds from mid-March through early April 2018 in the sign of Capricorn.  And during the Mars retrograde transit Mars will slip back into Capricorn and will station direct in 28 degrees of Capricorn on August 27, 2018.

Mars in Aquarius is a rebel and iconoclast and when it is out of bounds, its wild card energy is amplified.  Any planet that is out of bounds will manifest its energy in an unpredictable way.  Mars in Aquarius out of bounds will feature actions that are bold and innovative, but there will be less control displayed as we won’t have access to any filters. Anger can erupt more suddenly and turn into rage that is difficult to contain.  This can be even more emphasized if anger and resentment have been suppressed and building in pressure.  I can personally attest to this fact with my natal Mars in Aquarius as I have been dealing with anger more intensely and I have been hearing similar tales from friends and clients during this particularly potent Mars retrograde transit.

Mars in Aquarius has been on the receiving end of some heavy action from other planets, especially Venus in Virgo.  On that day I tweeted:

Relationships could take some hits today as Venus in Virgo inconjuncts Mars in Aquarius and Mercury in Leo inconjuncts Pluto in Capricorn. Issues of control and power emerge and may require adjustments. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 16, 2018

Mars in Aquarius tends to focus its anger towards others, the people we consider different from us.  And with Mars being out of bounds in a fixed sign, it is important to remember to channel that courage, ambition and will power constructively.  Try to find a positive outlet for angers and frustrations that are bound to surface by hitting the gym, running or working those arm muscles.  And don’t forget the positive traits of Aquarius: the ability to breathe, take a step back and remove yourself from the situation that triggers the emotion so that you can access the positive assertiveness of Mars in Aquarius.  Aquarius is renowned for its ability to detach and we are all being called on to tap into that these days.

Mercury will be stationing retrograde in 23 degrees of Leo on July 26, 2018, just one day before the lunar eclipse in 4 degrees of Aquarius on July 27, 2018. Mercury stations direct in 11 degrees of Leo on August 19, 2018.  So, on top of Mars retrograde and eclipse season, we have a Mercury Retrograde to contend with.

I will be covering the lunar eclipse in greater detail in next week’s blog post, but I just wanted to give everyone a head’s up that Mars in 4 degrees of Aquarius will be very active in this lunar eclipse. It will be conjunct the south node of the moon in 5 degrees of Aquarius as well as the moon in 4 degrees of Aquarius.  These aspects will have a profound effect on friendships, bringing back people from our past, and eliminating behaviors and emotional patterns that no longer serve our best interests.  It is truly a time of releasing outworn emotional energy.

On July 30-31, 2018, Mars will be the closest to the Earth since 2003.  It will be highly visible and the aggressive nature of Mars will be amplified.  And Mars in Aquarius is moving into an exact square with Uranus in Taurus on August 1, 2018 in 2 degrees of the respective signs. What can we expect with Mars squaring Uranus?  This transit provides a strong urge to break free from restrictions and rebel against authority.  It can be a very disruptive influence if we act rashly without regard for the consequences but it can also lead to creative breakthroughs if we channel this energy constructively.

But there is some cause for rejoicing when the sun enters the fire sign of Leo on July 22, 2018.  The sun in Leo is a time to shine, enjoy life, play and be generous.  The flip side of Leo is a tendency to be self-centered and vain with an inclination to be arrogant.  But the sun rules Leo and is very comfortable in its home sign, so enjoy its fun loving and creative vibe.  And the sun in 4 degrees of Leo will be in direct opposition to that retrograde out of bounds Mars in 4 degrees of Aquarius on the lunar eclipse of July 27, 2018, which may bring some more emotional fireworks.

If you are curious as to how all of the planetary changes, including this summer’s eclipses, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn retrograde, Jupiter in Scorpio, Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus will be affecting you in 2018, please consider getting an astrological reading.  A transit reading might be just what you need right now to make the most of Jupiter in Scorpio.  Jupiter transits are all about taking advantage of opportunities and if you snooze you lose with Jupiter.  You have to be aware and strike while the iron is hot. The Services Offered page of my site describes the menu of services that I offer. There is something for everyone. 

My site also offers the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

I am also offering my Mars Retrograde Special reading which is another tool for dealing with the frustrations of the Mars retrograde transit, which began on June 26, 2018. 

Here is the link for my Mars Retrograde Special:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/mars-retrograde-special.html

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign. If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body.

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed. If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.  I am also offering Reiki treatments in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline on Sunday afternoons.

But the big news is that I have created and launched a new website devoted exclusively to my Reiki practice. Please feel free to check it out at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3, 2017 edition of Boston Voyager, an online publication that runs a section called Inspiring Stories about local entrepreneurs on its home page.  The Scorpio moon was trining the Cancer sun and Neptune in Pisces on that day, so my story certainly debuted under fitting aspects.  Please feel free to check it out:

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-linda-simons-reiki-linda-simons-coolidge-corner-brookline/

I have also revised my package deals and I am now offering two options for package deals: Silver and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights.

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Venus in Virgo Contributes to a Grand Earth Trine

Venus entered the earth sign of Virgo on July 9, 2018, inspiring me to tweet:

Venus enters Virgo tonight and we tend to show our love through service to others and doing things for them. A big change from grand gestures of Venus in Leo. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 9, 2018

Venus is actually to be considered in fall in the sign of Virgo.  A planet is considered to be in fall and weaker when it is in the sign opposite of its exaltation and Venus is exalted in Pisces. When a planet is in the sign of its fall, it tends to lose some of its strength and influence. 

Venus in Virgo tends to focus on the details in relationships, sometimes to the point of over analyzing, being critical and nitpicking. When Venus is in Virgo, there is a tendency to plan, be practical, and exaggerate our feelings.  But Venus in Virgo is also more inclined to be grounded, loyal and somewhat reserved in its expression of feelings.  It is on a quest for the truth.  Venus will be in Virgo until August 6, 2018.

But this may be one time that the transit of Venus in Virgo is actually an astrological boon that helps to mitigate some of the chaotic influence of July.  As I mentioned in last week’s post, Venus in Virgo formed a grand earth trine with Saturn in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus on the emotionally powerful solar eclipse in Cancer on July 12, 2018.  It has a stabilizing presence whose influence will be felt until July 18, 2018.  The first of this summer’s three eclipses was in Cancer, a highly sensitive water sign and it opposed Pluto in Capricorn, which made the transformation process even more turbulent, as I tweeted on July 12, 2018:

#SolarEclipse in Cancer today kicks off eclipse season this summer with 2 more to follow. But with sun and moon opposing Pluto in Capricorn there may be crises with transformation. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 12, 2018

This was a very emotional eclipse and any kind of calming, stabilizing grounding influence is greatly appreciated.  Venus in Virgo is literally the middle man between Saturn in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus because it is supporting two planets that have very different agendas.  Saturn is totally at home in its home sign of Capricorn, which it rules while trying to preserve the status quo and maintain some structure while Uranus wants change.  But Uranus is not very comfortable in the fixed sign of Taurus, so this intensifies the conflict of embracing change.  Fortunately Saturn and Uranus are favorably trining each other during this transition phase making it easier to adopt new ways of doing things that don’t add to the stress level and Venus in Virgo can assist in that grounding process. 

We are literally in a period that can be literally described as the calm between the storms.  Those storms are the next two eclipses: the lunar eclipse in 4 degrees of Aquarius on July 27, 2018 and the solar eclipse in 18 degrees of Leo on August 11, 2018.  So let’s make the most of this Venus in Virgo transit and that grand earth trine to become as centered and grounded as we can.

One more little astrological detail to note.  I know that Mercury is not officially retrograde until July 26, 2018 in 23 degrees of Leo, but it did enter the shadow period in 11 degrees of Leo on July 8, 2018.  It is considered the shadow because 11 degrees of Leo is the degree that Mercury will station direct on August 19, 2018.  So if any of you are starting to feel a little wonky and questioning if Mercury is already retrograde, the shadow period is the explanation. 

If you are curious as to how all of the planetary changes, including this summer’s eclipses, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn retrograde, Jupiter in Scorpio, Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus will be affecting you in 2018, please consider getting an astrological reading.  A transit reading might be just what you need right now to make the most of Jupiter in Scorpio.  Jupiter transits are all about taking advantage of opportunities and if you snooze you lose with Jupiter.  You have to be aware and strike while the iron is hot. The Services Offered page of my site describes the menu of services that I offer. There is something for everyone. 

My site also offers the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

I am also offering my Mars Retrograde Special reading which is another tool for dealing with the frustrations of the Mars retrograde transit, which began on June 26, 2018. 

Here is the link for my Mars Retrograde Special:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/mars-retrograde-special.html

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign. If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body.

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed. If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.  I am also offering Reiki treatments in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline on Sunday afternoons.

But the big news is that I have created and launched a new website devoted exclusively to my Reiki practice. Please feel free to check it out at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3, 2017 edition of Boston Voyager, an online publication that runs a section called Inspiring Stories about local entrepreneurs on its home page.  The Scorpio moon was trining the Cancer sun and Neptune in Pisces on that day, so my story certainly debuted under fitting aspects.  Please feel free to check it out:

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-linda-simons-reiki-linda-simons-coolidge-corner-brookline/

I have also revised my package deals and I am now offering two options for package deals: Silver and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights.

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Jupiter Stations Direct and Eclipse Season Kicks off with a Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Save the dates of July 10^th and July 12^th because they represent major changes coming down the pike.  On July 10, 2018, Jupiter will station direct in 13 degrees of Scorpio after having been retrograde since March 8, 2018.  It stationed retrograde back then in 23 degrees of Scorpio.  For me personally, it stationed retrograde one degree away from my Venus and it will station direct one degree away from my Saturn, traveling from my second house to my first house.  In mid-September it will be conjunct my Scorpio sun in the second house, which it hasn’t done since mid-January 2018.  Jupiter/Sun aspects are quite pleasant, if you didn’t already know.  We had a spectacular Sun/Jupiter trine on July 5^th, which inspired me to tweet:

We have a really sweet aspect today with Cancer sun trining Jupiter in Scorpio. It can bring good fortune and abundance. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 5, 2018

Jupiter retrograde is not nearly as traumatic as Mercury retrograde (which we will be dealing with at the end of July), but when it is direct, we can all experience more hope, faith, vision, abundance, success and recognition.  I don’t think that anyone will have objections to the amplification of those features in our lives.  So it is a very good thing to be happening this summer with all of the other retrograde planets.

July 12, 2018 kicks off Eclipse Season Part 2 of 2018.  We experienced the first two eclipses on January 31, 2018 with a lunar eclipse in 11 degrees of Leo and a solar eclipse on February 15^th in 27 degrees of Aquarius.  What makes the second set of eclipses in 2018 so unusual is that we have three instead of two eclipses.  The first eclipse is a partial solar eclipse on July 12, 2018 in 20 degrees of Cancer, the second is a lunar eclipse on July 27^, 2018 in 4 degrees of Aquarius and the third is another partial solar eclipse in 18 degrees of Leo on August 11, 2018.

Eclipses bring major change and there is no disputing the fact that the next three months will bring some chaotic outer events as well as intense personal changes for most of us.

The solar eclipse on July 12, 2018 in 20 degrees of Cancer is also a super moon eclipse because the moon is very close to the earth and this will heighten our emotions.  It also occurs at the north node of the moon, so it really is about our collective destiny. A solar eclipse in the sign of Cancer indicates that there will be a strong theme of family to this eclipse and we may find ourselves redefining what family means to us.  For many people, it may mean broadening our definition beyond the traditional biological family.

What is the astrological landscape like on July 12, 2018?  Both the sun and moon are opposing Pluto in Capricorn, which can create some issues regarding vulnerability around children vs. the power of the state.  It helps us to understand why the immigrant issue is not going away anytime soon.  With a solar eclipse in opposition to Pluto, there can also be themes of victimhood and powerlessness.  One of the best ways to utilize this energy is to set an intention not to give our power away.  Another strong theme with this eclipse is one of work and home balance. The opposition to Pluto in Capricorn indicates that we may need to make some adjustments to ensure that we balance our emotional and practical security.

Retrograde Mars in Aquarius is also a major player in this solar eclipse.  We are still under the influence of Mars in Aquarius squaring Uranus in Taurus and this will continue through the end of September 2018.  Anyone who has planets in the early degrees of the fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio) is bound to feel somewhat frustrated and irritable.  Aggression is a strong theme with this influence and we may also find ourselves redefining our friendships during this time.  Mars in Aquarius is also conjunct the south node, as well as the south node of the United States chart, so the old patriarchy is definitely being challenged.

This solar eclipse also features two grand trines.  There is a grand water trine involving the sun and moon in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Scorpio.  This can be a beneficial influence for peace and inspiration for divine guidance.  Hopefully we can all tap into our creative energies and achieve a sense of inner peace. Grand water trines are nothing to sneeze at, even though they have a tendency to make us feel more emotional.  We experienced one on July 3, 2018:

Pisces moon is featured in a really sweet grand water trine today with Cancer sun and Jupiter in Scorpio. We have the potential to experience great joy and emotional contentment. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) July 3, 2018

I think that the grand earth trine involving Saturn in Capricorn, Uranus in Taurus and Venus in Virgo will be the saving grace of this solar eclipse.  It should help us feel more connected to the earth and provide a calming influence.  Venus in Virgo (it enters Virgo on July 9^th) trining Saturn in Capricorn will promote commitment and stability in relationships and long-term investments.  Venus in Virgo trining Uranus in Taurus will give us the urge to try something new, and Saturn in Capricorn trining Uranus in Taurus denotes a transition phase which will make it easier for us to find new ways of doing things without rocking the boat.  And that is a win-win situation in anyone’s book.  Change is inevitable, so why not embrace it as best you can?

If you are curious as to how all of the planetary changes, including eclipses, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn retrograde, Jupiter in Scorpio, Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus will be affecting you in 2018, please consider getting an astrological reading.  A transit reading might be just what you need right now to make the most of Jupiter in Scorpio.  Jupiter transits are all about taking advantage of opportunities and if you snooze you lose with Jupiter.  You have to be aware and strike while the iron is hot. The Services Offered page of my site describes the menu of services that I offer. There is something for everyone. 

My site also offers the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

I am also offering my Mars Retrograde Special reading which is another tool for dealing with the frustrations of the Mars retrograde transit, which began on June 26, 2018. 

Here is the link for my Mars Retrograde Special:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/mars-retrograde-special.html

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign. If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body.

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed. If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.  I am also offering Reiki treatments in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline on Sunday afternoons.

But the big news is that I have created and launched a new website devoted exclusively to my Reiki practice. Please feel free to check it out at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3, 2017 edition of Boston Voyager, an online publication that runs a section called Inspiring Stories about local entrepreneurs on its home page.  The Scorpio moon was trining the Cancer sun and Neptune in Pisces on that day, so my story certainly debuted under fitting aspects.  Please feel free to check it out:

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-linda-simons-reiki-linda-simons-coolidge-corner-brookline/

I have also revised my package deals and I am now offering two options for package deals: Silver and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights.

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix