The Taurus Full Moon on November 8 is a formidable Total Lunar Eclipse. This update will be a little longer than usual, as there is a lot happening with this lunation that is likely to determine what lies ahead for us collectively, globally and individually. Before diving in, I want to make it clear that it is impossible to predict what will happen. These are some wild crazy day. There is a great deal of collective and individual angst, as well as hope. All of this is playing into this especially potent Full Moon. This eclipse will be visible in North/East Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, Much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica. Many believe Eclipses have a stronger impact in the locations where they can be see.
If you would like to view the path of the eclipse, click this link from timeanddate.com. : https://c.tadst.com/gfx/eclipses2/20221108/anim2d-380.mp4
You can also visit time and date website to learn more about the movement of this eclipse: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2022-november-8
Collective Overview
This eclipse just so happens to coincide with Election Day in the United States. It is the 1st Election Day total lunar eclipse in US history and won’t happen again until November 8, 2394. We don’t need astrology to tell us the energy around these midterm elections is feral, however the astrology confirms just how unstable and precarious things are. What it doesn’t do is tell us what is going to happen. Regardless of the outcome, there is bound to be more upset that won’t be so easily resolved.
This event is not only significant for what occurs in the US, it will also impact events around the world. North Korea is currently launching Ballistic missiles, Russian commanders are discussing using Nuclear arms in Ukraine, Temperatures in Europe have increased at more than twice the global average in the last 30 years, The Far-Right in Israel is set to put Netanyahu back in Power, and that is just some of the worlds headlines leading ups to this Eclipse. We are truly a global community, and whatever is generated from this Eclipse, wherever it happens, is certain to make that more apparent.
The planetary configurations of this Eclipse chart can be traced back to the collective changes that were initiated in the 1960’s. On the socio-political stage, it’s easy to see that all of our current challenges have ties to the counterculture and civil rights movements that defined that decade. I won’t be addressing all of that here, other than to say the obvious- we are in a huge period of human evolution, and where we end up is uncertain. It really does depend on how each of us shows up individually and collectively. While I do believe in fate, I also know destiny is influenced through free will. We are all in this together, whether we like it or not, agree or disagree.
This lunation has the potential to feel like the mother of all Eclipses in recent times. It could be considered the most potent astrological day of this year. There has been a lot of pressure building over the past years that are likely to be coming to a head in this eclipse season. Since the Taurus Partial Solar Eclipse on April 30, 2022 launched the first Eclipse round for this year, followed a couple weeks later by the Scorpio total Lunar eclipse on May 15/16, more fuel has been added to the fire.
Some of the things happening during the first round of eclipses this year included phase 2 of the renewed Russian invasion, when it became evident the Ukrainians were not going to lay down and surrender to Putins will. The signs of inflation and supply issues were becoming apparent, with rising gas prices, food costs and a baby food shortage in the United States. Elon Musk made a deal to buy Twitter, and the Taliban passed a law ordering all women in Afghanistan to cover their faces in public with a burqa. Abortion rights protests began in the US, after the draft opinion from the Supreme Court was leaked, and the monkeypox outbreak began in London. The salacious Depp/Heard trial made headlines, and North Korea resumed their nuclear testing. Whilst this is not a complete list by any means, you can see how these events have increased the load in the collective pressure cooker.
On a Personal level, this years eclipses are having a greater impact on some of us more than others, depending on your natal contract. If you can recall what was happening in your life around the end of April, and through May of this year, some of those things that have been building may come to a climax, or break down. Eclipses can take a few weeks or months for the energy to settle down enough to realize the full extend of the changes made, so you can also consider any significant themes you engaged during the Summer months (in the northern hemisphere) for more insight into what this eclipse means for you.
There can be no denying the intensity of this year’s final eclipse, however, this does not mean you will be thrown into crisis or suffering. Sometimes we need those things to make necessary change, however we are dealing with the Taurus/Scorpio Axis which has a lot to do with attachments. If you have been hanging on to things that you don’t want to let go of that need to go, you may experience greater challenge. On the other hand, if you have been disentangling yourself from complex toxic bonds, this eclipse energy can feel more liberating.
Whether feeling challenged, liberated or both, this compelling lunation marks moments of profound change and transformation. Even though this total Lunar eclipse is temperamental, moody, and stubborn, there are still golden opportunities to be the change you want to see in the world and in your life. There is so much fixed energy in this chart, we are all bound to run into some steadfast resistance and persistence, even if it’s not our own.
The Moon is in Taurus conjunct Uranus at 16° and the North Node at 13°. They are opposite the Sun in conjunction with Mercury, the South Node and Venus in Scorpio. As if that wasn’t enough stress and tension, all of those planets and the Nodes are squaring off with Saturn in Aquarius, making the Lord of Karma the juggernaut this lunation.
I will do my best to break all that down into digestible bits, so that you can get and idea of the various, yet unpredictable ways this eclipse can manifest. We will begin with the North node conjunction to the Moon, which makes this a total Lunar Eclipse. Full moons are associated with the culmination of something that is ready to be released. Lunar eclipses are associated with internal, emotional processes. North Node eclipses tend to bring in something fated, yet unforeseen. Therefore, this lunation is likely to involve something significant coming in that forces out what needs to go. While there is a likelihood of outer events tied in to this dynamic, the energy is concentrated from the inside out.
The Full Moon is in Taurus. While the moon in Taurus is in its exhalation, it does have some significant challenges. First off, it in conjoined with Uranus which indicates anything goes. The sky God Uranus is known for sudden disruptions and shocking surprises-all in the name of awakening liberation. Associated with thunder bolts, lightening, and electricity, Uranus brings voltaic change out of the blue. You may not see what is coming or going during this time, and emotions could be erratic.
Venus, the ruler of this moon is in opposition, playing on the Scorpio Sun Team. Venus was conjoined the Moon and Sun at the Scorpio New Moon Solar Eclipse on October 25. This full moon is illuminating some deeper, challenging truths around whatever has been coming up for you in your relationships and values. While it may not be comfortable, the opportunity here is to see some deep truth about yourself you may have been avoiding. If you have been criticizing or turning away from something in others, chances are that is the part of you that has been denied, suppressed or disowned. Another possible implication with this aspect is a confrontation with other shadowy aspects in yourself or others.
The Sun is in Scorpio, with Mercury moving into an exact conjunction, along with the South Node and Venus. Mercury is bringing some type of information or news to the Sun that it has been processing since the last Sun/Mercury conjunction in Libra on September 23, 2022, which is part of a longer Mercury/Sun conversation that initiated a new dialogue with their conjunction in Scorpio October 25, 2020. Mercury is the messenger. It deals in information and how we perceive the data we engage with. It governs everything related to communications.
We are all touched in different ways by the current state of affairs. Since “fake news” is part of our current paradigm, there are widespread disagreements over what is fact and what is fiction.
Even if you don’t put much energy into the social political scene, or what’s trending in the news, energy generated in the collective field circulates into individual fields (and vice versa). Wherever your mind is at, this Full Moon Eclipse may bring in a new perspective that has you changing your mind about somethings you thought were true. It is likely new facts will come to light that will be hard to ignore, which may challenge current values or beliefs.
Venus is the planet that seeks equanimity, harmony and peace. The intensity of the Scorpio underworld waters tend to make these things more challenging for the planet of love and beauty. Venus in Scorpio needs truth to regards its values, and the idea of truth in Scorpio is complex. While Venus is both subjective and objective, relative truths can be confused with absolute truths. There is a need to learn how to trust, surrender and embrace vulnerability in order to touch in to the deeper truths. What used to be valuable may loose its meaning under the influence of these eclipses
The Scorpio partial Solar eclipse of last month was focused on the South Node. Things from the past got an extra dose of lunar energies, and since then, there has been a lot of things coming up and going out. Those things are still activated in this North Node eclipse, and whatever has not been released or integrated -and needs to be-is likely to make itself known. The Taurus North Node is the place to lean into now with an invitation to keep things simple-no matter how complex or confusing they seem to be. Focus on practical considerations that help build stability and cultivate self worth.
When 3 or more planets are in the same sign, we have a stellium. The closer they are in proximity to one another, the more their energies blend under the influence of the sign.
Because the Sun, Mercury and Venus are personal planets, Scorpionic energy or themes could be more pronounced than Taurean energy and themes. Money, investments, large purchases stock markets, secrets, power struggles and anything underground or underhanded live in Scorpios domaine. With the Moon/Uranus opposition, we could certainly see more shake ups and/or breakdowns in these areas of life both personally and collectively.
The ruler of the Scorpio Stellium is Mars, which is still very much a key player into March of next year. It just went retrograde and is in a sort of holding pattern with a square to Neptune and quincunx (or inconjunct) Pluto (Scorpios co-Ruler). This quincunx was active in the October Solar eclipse, emphasizing the need to make adjustments, and find our right relationship to power. The message hasn’t changed.
Typically Mars in Gemini is quick and impulsive. Mars rules drive, desires and how we take action. In Gemini, Mars takes on the energy of divide and conquer, which can be constructive or destructive. With this retrograde slowing things down, there can be a lot of pent up frustration, anger, rage or mental battles in your own head.
Mars square to Neptune can further deplete, misdirect or dissolve the ability of Mars to take focused action through confusion, escapism, delusion, illusion or fantasy. This square was exact the first time on October 11 when Mars was slowing down for the retrograde. It will perfect again November 19th, while both planets are retrograde, and they will make their final exact square on March 14th, 2023, when Mars is moving direct again. There is a little break from this square energy mid-December through January of next year.
Neptune governs Universal truths, and Mars is personal will and desire. Neptune rules over the invisible realm. Mars correlates with action and impulses. There can be intentional or unintentional dishonesty, concealment or deception with this square. Mars in Gemini is ruled by Mercury in Scorpio at this eclipse. Anything Mercury does will influence Mars. It may be challenging to grasp the truth, get things done.
When Mars is retrograde, energy tends to build up, explode or both. On the other hand, there is a great deal of Spiritual vitality and creativity available in this conversation when actions are heart & body centered, or focused on benefiting others. Jupiter has retrograded back in to Pisces, so whatever happens with this energy can be exaggerated or expansive. While this is not a great aspect for any kind of clarity, it does support compassionate action.
It’s good to keep in mind the fact that Mars and Neptune have both been principal influences throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. This square could be instrumental in cutting away some of the fog that is still lingering around virus or even viral related topics. In general, it’s a really good idea to take extra good care of your mental, physical , emotional and spiritual health during eclipses. The North Node in Taurus governs the body and the physical world. Nature is the greatest place to heal, rest or recharge.
Mercury is opposing Uranus. This aspect on its own tends to be destabilizing, as it makes for restless minds, overstimulation, and amped up nervous systems. Mercury in Scorpio wants to get to the bottom of things, and unearth deep buried secrets. Uranus in Taurus just wants to break free from the chains that bind through instigating tectonic shifts in the way we relate to money, women, material security, and consumption.
There can be misunderstandings due to erratic thinking, lack of productive conversations, unreliable information or prematurely jumping to conclusions. With everything else going on, it’s better to be curious than “right”. If you're feeling anxious, scatterbrained or overwhelmed by mental or verbal chatter, give yourself permission to get out of your head and into your body. If you are sensitive to external circumstances, this is a great time to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which could include, but is not limited to social media or the 24 hour news cycle. Inquiring minds may want to know, however, it will be awhile before this eclipse energy settles enough to fully understand what you really want to know.
Saturn in Aquarius is Squaring the Whole Shebang. It’s not really squaring everything, however it is in a T-square with the Moon, Uranus and North Node on one side, and the Sun, Mercury, South Node and Venus on the other. Because Saturn is the mid point between the two sides, it is a pivotal player in this lunation.
On a collective level, Saturn is the planet that governs how we organize and structure society. It correlates with man made laws, the legal system, restrictions, leaders, civil servants, government, law enforcement, authority figures, public buildings and the elderly. On a personal level, Saturn pertains to how you relate to authority (Your own and others), your goals & plans, responsibilities, maturity, discipline and long term commitments. This planet rules over time, karma, manifestation and the limits of matter.
Saturn squaring all these planets and the nodes points to potential blockages, limitations, fear, restrictions, tension and delays around what has been discussed. Saturn is serious, cold, dry and heavy. Ultimately, Saturn wants to build things of quality and substance that last. This eclipse season will bring significant changes, that may involve consequential challenges. This is not an easy aspect, however it is dynamic. Saturn promises rewards to those who show up, commit and do the work.
While I am not going to address all the planets involved in this square individually, I do want to bring in the Saturn Uranus square aspect that is coming to it’s grande finale with the support of everything in this Taurus Full Moon eclipse.
Last year Saturn made 3 exact squares to Uranus in Taurus on February 17, June 14th and December 24th. Due to Saturns Retrograde, the square to Uranus was reactivated in August this year as it made its way backwards. They did make it to the same degree in October, just a few minutes shy of exact. Now they are just 2 degrees apart as Saturn, now moving forward, is finally separating.
We are technically in the last quarter square phase of the Saturn Uranus cycle that began October 18,1988. In 1989, the 30 year cold war reached its final conclusion, and Berlins Wall fell. The astrologer Dane Rudyhar referred to this phase as “crisis in consciousness”. Basically, the events triggered by this square are intended to cleanse our perceptions from outmoded desires, misguided judgements, and unsound ambitions. Through crisis and forced issues, we can reform and transform in order to build new systems towards future goals.
This Saturn/Uranus square is all about freedom verses control, old verses the new, past verse the future, constriction verses limitation and so on. Saturn is the planet of rules, traditions and boundaries, whereas Uranus is the planet of freedom, rebellion and innovation. Saturn wants to keep things status quo, while Uranus wants progressive humanitarian change at any cost. Collectively, this has been playing out world wide in various ways, bringing with it extreme social changes. On a personal level, whatever you have been dealing with that is constricting, obstructing or limiting your autonomy or self-determination will conceivably reach a critical juncture now.
There is a likelihood of some type of event or events that are needed to clear away any remaining blockages or spoiled fruit from the past. It’s hard to say what that will look like, as Uranus's involvement is inclined to be dicey. We could experience these things as crisis, discomfort, growing pains or even ease. (Ease would be a real shocker with this lunation chart, and anything goes!) Because Uranus is conjoined with the moon at this lunation, the only thing that is certain is uncertainty and unavoidable change. How you meet the energy, and the choices you make matters.
It may be helpful to understand this current Saturn/Uranus cycle ends in 2032. In 2026, we will reach the start of the balsamic phase of these two planets, where we can begin to realize the dissolution of old structures, sacrifice, and preparation for a new phase of development. The seeds we have been planting since last year are contributing to the breakdowns of the old order and break throughs for a new kind of order in your personal life and collectively. There is a high probability of unexpected developments established through this eclipse that prime us for the road ahead.
Summary
Eclipses are known to bring lasting change. This Taurus Full moon eclipse is especially commanding with all it’s heavy-duty aspects and fierce potential. Due to the planetary configurations, this lunation is super concentrated and galvanizing. A little less than 5 hours after the perfection of the eclipse, Mercury and the Sun come into an exact conjunction beginning a new cycle, which will be heavily influenced by whatever gets eclipsed. It’s also worth noting, the Moon makes an exact conjunction with Uranus 1 hour and 45 minutes after the perfected eclipse, and the Mercury /Uranus opposition perfects close to 4 hours after the exact time of the eclipse.
I want to give a heads up that there will be a few more challenging aspects following this lunation, and then the energy lightens up quite a bit mid-November. Generally speaking, If you have planets or significant points in the middle degrees of the fixed fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius), you are probably going to be moved by this Eclipse in significant ways. For those of you with planets or significant points between 8-25 digress of Gemini or the other mutable signs, (Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius), this Mars transit definitely has something for you.
Even if you don’t have any of those significators in your natal charts, The Moons cycle is universal, and Eclipses don’t necessarily discriminate. We are all getting eclipsed, though this will be experienced in as many different ways as there are different people. Perhaps the best way to move with these energies are to keep things simple, expect the unexpected and engage in activities that cultivate a sense of inner peace.
With all the drama playing out in some of our own lives and collective experiences, the intensity factor build into this Moon is fairly obvious. There is a lot of bull (Taurus) shit (Scorpio rules excrement) laying around that can make for great compost if you deal with it. While there are some of us who are or will be experiencing this eclipse more acutely, Saturn in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius reminds us all that we each have to take responsibility for our role in the garden of life.
The Uranian flavor of this North Node eclipse, along with all the tense aspects in this lunation chart are pointing to some sort of unsettling or unanticipated liberation. We know Uranus will strike, yet how, where and exactly when won’t be known until after it happens. Even then, with the Neptunian influence, not just squaring Mars Retrograde in Gemini, but also trine to Venus, the Sun and Mercury suggests there could be a whole lot of confusion or deception going on. It may be a while before we are truly able to make sense of what’s going on.
I was having a conversation with a friend recently about some of the things she is experiencing in this eclipse season. As a solid person who fully engages life, it was interesting to hear her tell me that it feels like the only thing she can do right now is “duck and cover”. In 1951, the United States Civil Defense Department put out a film under that title to teach school children how to protect themselves during a nuclear attack. “Duck and Cover” has also been taught as the response to other sudden events, such as an earthquake or tornado.
Uranus does govern anything that is sudden, shocking, surprising or spasmodic- and it is important to note that not all Uranian events are life threatening or destructive. For example, it also rules instantaneous romance, Alien contact, and technological breakthroughs. It is entirely possible that you could experience an unanticipated revolutionary breakthrough in your life that is better than could be imagined. And- If you are caught in the crosshairs of this potentially wild energy, it might be a good idea to “Duck and Cover” so you can take a moment and tune in to your inner guidance.
Ultimately, this Eclipse is likely to impact something you are already aware of. What have you been dancing with or clinging to that really needs to go? This is a great time to finally unyoke yourself from those things that you don’t want to take into the future. If you have a habit that needs breaking, use this energy to set yourself free. If you have been hoarding anything that weighs you down, make a commitment lighten your load. If you have questioned your own worth or value, now is the time to deliver yourself from limiting beliefs.
This is a lunar eclipse, so pay attention to your internal processes around what you are going through or whatever comes up. Be honest with yourself about the way things are, with a compassionate willingness to feel your emotions. There are new levels of truth waiting to be discovered that will set you free from something that has been holding you hostage.
Change is the single ingredient that makes life better. It’s seldom comfortable, and often messy. It is uncertain, unfamiliar and inevitable. This Eclipse will bring change. I feel the the visionary songwriter Bob Dylan captured the essence of this Lunation in his song The Times They Are A-Changin'
You can read the lyrics here or listen to the song:
If you need some inspiration for these times, I will leave you with a few of my favorite quotes on Change
“You can't go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
- C.S. Lewis
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
— Maya Angelou
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
— James Baldwin
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”
— Socrates
“Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
— Rumi
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
— Harriet Tubman
“If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading.”
— Lao Tzu
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
— Alan Watts
Thank you Shelly!!! Love the thorough reading and the wonderful quotes at the end that can act as lubricants in the changes that are upon us!