“Graduation” painting by Alissa Davies
Overview
Welcome to what will surely be one of the most consequential New SolLunar Cycles–like the previous one—beginning in sidereal Cancer, soon shifting to Leo. This is because on August 19th, Jupiter and Saturn will make a first quarter square—an aspect of both crisis and opportunity—since their once-every-20-year conjunction that happened on December 21 2020. This historic event takes place on the same day as the Full Moon in Aquarius/Leo in a tense square to revolutionary, wild Uranus! In our human world, these events coincide with opening day of the DNC convention in Chicago, sure to be an evolutionary turning point this year.
Also as part of the dynamic of this New Moon, the Sun and Moon are in an exciting sextile to a close conjunction of activist Mars and expansive, forward-looking Jupiter, good news for amplifying action, joy, possibilities. This New Moon is aligned with the star of Acubens in Cancer the Crab. Acubens is interested in preserving the inheritances of the past via our lineages, both resources and beliefs. But it can also symbolize being trapped in dogmatic beliefs of the past handed down by our ancestors that keep us reliving limited life scenarios versus activating the always-expanding evolutionary growth that Universe is bringing to us. You may find yourself examining this in your own life story, perhaps liberating yourself to go forth in exciting directions your wise spirit is beckoning you toward. A question for this Cycle: do you/we stay stuck in the past full of resentments and limitations or do you/we chose evolution, expansion and MOVING FORWARD.
In another surprising synchronicity, Mercury turns retrograde the exact day of the New Moon, lasting through August 28. And this wondrous new fact: it is believed that a layer of diamonds lies beneath the surface of Mercury. This discovery is linked to this powerful Mercury retrograde (RX) spanning sidereal Cancer and Leo~a sign linked to royalty. Finding the treasures beneath the surface of our ordinary lives is possible.
Add to this hot portal of accelerating changes, the sunspot count has hit a 23-year high, the highest since 2001, another course-altering year for planet Earth! Here we go!
NOTE: When reading my daily entries, remember that the influence of each aspect is like a wave — it crescendos a day or two, sometimes a week, before it happens, crests on the day it is exact, then dissipates over the following days. People experience the transits of planets at different times depending on their sensitivity and life events.
Thank you, dear Alissa Davies, for the use of your paintings, perfect for the sign of watery, emotional Cancer. One of the gifts of Alissa’s art is I feel she paints the biology of feelings, pictures of moods… a very unique gift. Please visit her beautiful website here.
Sidereal Astrology Mentoring and Readings
MY POSTS: My posts are based on the true astronomical alignments of the planets with the constellations, also referred to as the sidereal zodiac. This zodiac is energetically in synch with the forces of the Universe beaming down on us and thus mirrors extraordinary accuracy in understanding how transits are working with us. My mentor and colleague, Nick Anthony Fiorenza—now in spirit—wrote his seminal book, Introduction to Astronomical Astrology which I can now share for free if you are interested in learning from a master teacher
I use the phases of the Moon as the scaffold for my posts because the Moon functions like an energetic portal mediating between the heavens and our wondrous Earth. My entries are based on the aspects occurring each week as they crescendo, crest and dissipate over the course of their influence. As you work with and within the natural flow of time and the supportive cosmic energies that each unique SolLunar Cycle brings, life can flow with more ease, grace and understanding.
MY SERVICES: I delight in mentoring students — individually, with families or groups, via workshops and conferences — who want to learn more about how to use sidereal astrology as a helpful tool for insight, evolution, creativity and well-being. I offer speaking engagements for your gatherings or groups to understand big picture astrology events affecting us all. Consider booking a reading with me, either a Full Natal Map, mini-readings for $44 or $88 or my other offerings like the Relationship Map, Child or AdolEssence Map for your children or the Business Map which helps your team succeed and thrive in. I offer SHE Sessions: Self-Help Energywork in which I teach you tools to create greater health and balance for yourself. My poetry book, Out of the Flames/Blue Bison Press, is available on my website. Thank you!
@2024 Lyn Dalebout ~ EarthWordSkyWord.com ~ All Rights Reserved
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Cancer
At the New Moon, you are sprouting like a seed with new creative inspiration. Receive your unique insights by sitting in meditation or just be open to new possibilities arising within you from the sea of infinite creation.
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Cancer: Sun/Moon in Cancer: Sun August 4 5:13 am MT
Welcome to what will surely be one of the most consequential New SolLunar Cycles–like the previous one—beginning in sidereal Cancer, then shifting to Leo. Both Sun and Moon are in an exciting sextile to a close conjunction of activist Mars and expansive, forward-looking Jupiter. This New Moon is aligned with the star of Acubens in Cancer the Crab. Acubens is interested in preserving the inheritances of the past via our lineages, both resources and beliefs. But it can also symbolize being trapped in dogmatic beliefs of the past handed down by our ancestors that keep us reliving limited life scenarios versus activating the always-expanding evolutionary growth that Universe is bringing to us. You may find yourself examining this in your own life story, perhaps liberating yourself to go forth in exciting directions your wise spirit is beckoning you toward. A question for this Cycle: do you/we stay stuck in the past full of resentments and limitations or do you/we chose evolution, expansion and MOVING FORWARD.
Mercury in Leo turns retrograde: Sun August 4 – Wed August 28
Mercury retrograde periods can bring energy for reflection, sorting and sifting, what needs to stay, what am I ready to release. And they are always embedded in the meaning of the larger SolLunar Cycle they are part of. This one traverses Cancer—honoring your history/releasing the past—and Leo—living your true joy. After Mercury turns direct, the shadow period completes in the next cycle on September 11 helping us integrate the lessons learned, our new paths of creation.
Mercury RX/Venus conjunction in Leo: Wed August 7
This brings an activation energy in all aspects of our love interests and creative lives—from making a meal, caring for kids, painting a song, saying a kind word. It helps us communicate our ethics, values, desires to ourselves and in our relationships.
Juno/Moon conjunction in Virgo opposite Neptune in Pisces: Wed August 7 – Thu August 8
This brings important, meaningful relationships into our lives, perhaps reconsidering someone from the past. With Neptune’s involvement, the notion of soulmates, true beloveds is reawakened in us. Perhaps some of your people are helping you manifest your dream or you are helping them.
Sun in Cancer quincunx Saturn in Aquarius: Fri August 9
The theme of this Cycle is mirrored in this aspect: do we slide backward or do we move forward? Cancer honors our history but can be mud-stuck in the past. Aquarius is all about the future and how we want to create a more inclusive world. Explore this inner tension in you and appreciate that which made you and what is still making and remaking you every day. Life on Earth and in the Universe is about evolution.
Lunar Highlights
Moon/Venus/Mercury conjunction in Leo: Mon August 5
This is a positive force for many, many creative conversations happening everywhere you go so enjoy this fun, social energy of Leo joy.
Moon in Leo opposite Saturn in Aquarius: Wed August 7
This might lead to a change or restriction in how your children are feeling or what they are doing. It is also good for sharing ideas or committing to projects with other cultural creatives like yourself.
Moon/Juno/South Node conjunction in Virgo: Thu August 8
This brings completion to things from your past, like circling back one more time to honor all your hard work, determination and growth of these previous years. As Juno is involved, this might involve reconnecting with old friends and beloveds in new ways.
First Quarter Moon
At the First Quarter Moon, you are called to action. The need to move forward with your recent insights can come via making a conscious choice or by challenging circumstances that require you make a move.
First Quarter Moon: Moon/Pallas Athene in Libra square Sun/Vesta in Cancer: Mon August 12
This always dynamic phase of the SolLunar Cycle brings pressure to take action about something you are creating or have been avoiding. It is particularly potent today as Vesta helps you stay laser-focused and Pallas Athene helps you get organized and make a plan. Go for it!
Mars/Jupiter conjunction in Taurus opposite Moon in Scorpio: Wed August 14
This forceful once-every-two-years conjunction brings exceptional determination, willfulness and also often shows up as military challenges happening around the world. Meeting up the same day as the opposing Moon in Scorpio only amplifies the intensity with the ferocity of the driven, passionate Scorpio. Speak your truth and let others discover theirs.
Sun in Cancer trine Chiron in Pisces: Thu August 15
This brings healing energy and greater emotional connection in all our interactions. Connect with family members—Cancer—or explore ways to help someone in need. Visit Mother Earth, the one Mother we all honor and love who hopefully continue to nourish us if we are good stewards. I will be in holy Yellowstone, the land I feel is my spiritual Mother. Blessed be.
Mercury RX square Uranus in Taurus: Sat August 17 – Sun August 18
This aids in preparations for the potent Full Moon portal of August 19 which may function like an earthquake, shifting societies, our social order, the ways we want to make the world a better home for all. Use the energy of Mercury for thinking, communication, traveling, moving and mobilizing alongside daily practices to stabilize your mind and nervous system, a good thing to focus on whenever Mercury is retrograde.
Venus in Leo opposite Saturn in Aquarius: Sun August 18 – Mon August 19
This can bring a more serious energy in our interactions with others. It brings a commitment energy helping us stay focused. And…it can lead to serious—Saturn— FUN!—Leo!!
Lunar Highlight
Moon/Ceres conjunction in Sagittarius square the Lunar Nodes: Thu August 15
This can bring a new direction to the projects/people we want to nurture or how we want to care for others. It supports envisioning new possibilities for the greater world good as we work daily in our visionary collaborations happening in all populations around our majestic world. Stay hopeful.
Moon/Pluto conjunction sextile Neptune in Pisces: Sat August 17
This helps us emotionally link our physical health—Pluto—with our spiritual health—Neptune—in radical ways/modalities that are currently transforming society. Less separation, more integration.
Full Moon in sidereal Aquarius/Leo
The Full Moon is the birth point of the current SolLunar Cycle. This can be a time of celebration or crisis, depending on your life circumstance. Feel the joy and relax into new discoveries and directions.
Full Moon in sidereal Aquarius/Leo: Mon August 19 12:25 pm
This Full Moon is one for the record books. The Sun in playful, laughing Leo is opposite let’s-join-together-as-we Aquarius bringing much joy and enthusiasm to the day and any gatherings. AND, they are both in an exact creative square to revolutionary Uranus in Taurus bringing earthshaking shifts on all levels. To top it off, this SolLunar portal of awakening happens the same day as the first quarter square of Jupiter and Saturn. Read below. I can’t wait to see how this magical and magnetic portal manifests in the world.
Jupiter in Taurus square Saturn in Aquarius: Mon August 19
I am working on a longer piece about this historic astrological event but here’s the nugget. This is the first time Jupiter and Saturn are now 90-degrees apart—first quarter square—since their last conjunction—which was also a major historic event—on December 21 2020, remember that? Progressive Jupiter is now pulling ahead of more conservative Saturn and things will begin to shift faster with more power and passion than before. Saturn is currently transiting humanitarian, futuristic Aquarius which means more people are waking up from the slumber of the past. And Jupiter in sidereal Taurus brings the desire to ground our dreams in concrete physical and financial forms. They will square off two more times as part of this cycle, on December 24 2024, then completing the aspect on June 15 2025. Exciting times to be sure so enjoy the ride and be part of the shifts!
Sun in Leo quincunx/yod Pluto in Capricorn/Neptune in Pisces: Wed August 21 – Thu August 22
The desire to play or the need to work is part of the enigma of a quincunx/yod between bigger-picture, strategic Pluto in Capricorn, stay in-the-moment, Leo, and dreamy Neptune in Pisces. The yod indicates highly creative solutions can be discovered so make time for all the dimensions swirling around you.
Mercury RX in sidereal Cancer sextile Mars in Taurus: Fri August 23
This helpful aspects is good for reviewing upcoming decisions, clearing out your various communication portals. It makes speaking your honest truth easier, also well-received by others.
Lunar Highlights
Moon/Neptune conjunction in Pisces opposite Juno in Virgo aligned with Lunar Nodes: Wed August 21
This marks turning points or taking a new direction regarding relationships or things you want to accomplish. You may take a second look at a friend or partner from the past while considering new possibilities going forward, a theme of this Cycle.
Moon in Aries trine Vesta/Sun in Leo: Fri August 23
This energizing aspect fires you up for action, play and creative pursuits. Great day for an adventure.
Last Quarter Moon
With the Last Quarter Moon, you release what has been and simultaneously prepare for what will be as new desires perpetually arise in the next SolLunar Cycle.
Last Quarter Moon: Moon/Uranus in Taurus square Sun in Leo: Sun August 25 – Mon August 26
Like our recent Full Moon, revolutionary Uranus continues to bring breakthroughs, risk-taking and leaps of faith as part of this dynamic, life-altering Cycle. Take time to review recent events and begin to anticipate the future that is coming faster than you might imagine.
Venus in Virgo trine Uranus in Taurus: Tue August 27
This energy brings positive energy to value your unique gifts and way you inhabit this phenomenal world of wonder and possibility. Appreciate what is wildly original about how you walk your talk and create your zone of magic and influence.
Mercury in sidereal Cancer turns direct: Wed August 28
Yippee, yay, yes! Mercury will move through Cancer re-entering Leo on September 4 and completing the shadow integration period by Sept 11. Out of recent confusion can come clarity of thought, direction, motivation.
I am reposting what I wrote when Mercury turned retrograde: Mercury retrograde periods can bring energy for reflection, sorting and sifting, what needs to stay, what am I ready to release. And they are always embedded in the meaning of the larger SolLunar Cycle they are part of. This one traverses Cancer—releasing the past—and Leo—living your true joy. After Mercury turns direct, the shadow period completes in the next cycle on September 11 helping us integrate the lessons learned, our new paths of creation.
Venus in Virgo opposite Neptune in Pisces: Wed August 28
These two planets are associated with personal human/animal love and higher-dimensional cosmic love for all of creation which spans the spectrum of personal creativity and divine inspiration. Feel these levels of love in your life/projects and relationships today. Engage in healing modalities—Virgo/Pisces.
Juno/South Node conjunction in Virgo: Thu August 29
The theme of reconnecting with old beloveds/friends and rethinking the links has been part of this Cycle. Today brings another day of reconnection, reevaluation, appreciation for deep history with our fellow humans.
Pallas Athene in Scorpio opposite Uranus in Taurus: Thu August 29
This is an excellent aspect for financial planning. Make it a day of revising a project. a strategy, incorporating new information that has surfaced. This can include where you thought a relationship was headed.
Sun in Leo trine Ceres in Sagittarius: Fri August 30
It’s a play day! This is a wonderful aspect to nurture others and be nurtured by them, linked to Great Mother Ceres. In fire signs, this may include taking your family members on an adventure or to and educational activity.
Mars in Gemini square Neptune in Pisces: Sun September 1 – Mon September 2
This highlights the difference between the logical mind—thinking things through—and the intuitive mind—how does it make you feel. Do both/and as you integrate these two aspects of wisdom when making an important decision.
Lunar Highlights
Moon/Mars/Jupiter conjunction in Taurus: Tue August 27
Major motivation happens with this trio. Determined to succeed, put your energy into your physical goals and radiant vitality, financial focuses, and earthly loves like gardening.
Moon in Gemini square Juno/South Node in Virgo: Wed August 28
Meet up with your tech people to fix things or upgrade options. Research new directions or team up in new collaborations. Expand your influence on social media if you want to, always doing it in a way the works for YOU and your nervous system.
Moon in Cancer opposite Pluto in Capricorn: Fri August 30
This helps your focus and drive regarding activities. It brings intensity to interactions. A good day for house chores, weeding the garden, recycling.
Moon/Mercury conjunction in Cancer: Sun September 1
On the last day of this extraordinary Cycle of shift, take time to reflect or journal what happened with this aspect of introspection. Reach out to family members—Cancer.
Blessed New Moon in sidereal Leo ~ Mon September 2 7:55 pm MT
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND PLANETARY WELL-BEING
ENDEAVORS TO NURTURE
AMANZI-Water to Schools
Please check out my dear friend Julia Heemstra’s cutting-edge humanitarian organization, AMANZI-Water to Schools , which brings water—via climate-smart technologies—and other opportunities to the schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the childhood home where she grew up. Julia is focused, passionate, optimistic, is an elite athlete, a bringer of wellness and mindfulness to all ages, and now via her collaborative organizational model, Julia continues to expand her lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.
JIN SHIN JYUTSU
Health is in your Hands. Here’s a helpful tool to help you maintain health, calm, balance during these stressful but extraordinary times. I am a proponent of Jin Shin Jyutsu and have been a practitioner since 1983. This beautiful, easy-to-use book and card set teaches you the ancient Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the Art of Self Healing. JSJ’s premise is that by applying the jumper-cable of your hands to various points on the body, you can clear your own stress on a daily basis, freeing up stuck energy that leads to patterns of dis-ease, while activating the renewed flow of qi and vigor on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Explore JSJ and teach yourself and those you love this simple tool for centering and radiant vitality. Consider booking a SHE session: Self Help Energywork, to learn how to help yourself.
PLANT BASED DIET
The reality and urgency of our current planetary crises is real, as our youngest citizens know in their bones. Educate yourself about how plant-based eating is a central component in how you can help personally restore ecological balance as well as create greater health and vitality for you and your beloveds.
The Game Changers: This inspiring movie and storytelling about vegan super-athletes and warriors educates us about the many benefits of a vegan diet and addresses the ‘meat protein myth’.
COWSPIRACY, What the Health and now SEASPIRACY are must-see movies for all humans who care about personal health, animal well-being, social justice, climate change, the health of our Earth. Become educated about the important information shared by these courageous and visionary filmmakers and activists and considering eating mostly plant-based, if not becoming fully vegan in your consumer choices.
