August 2017 Eclipses: Written in the Stars by Susan Sheppard

August 2017 Eclipses: Written in the Stars by Susan Sheppard

There is a reason the ancients feared eclipses. Eclipses bring about deep and dramatic changes in our lives, usually changes we aren’t looking for. Before the ages of science and reason, humankind viewed the world in a figurative and symbolic way. In many ways, this was both a profound and poetic view that was not entirely wrong.

When ancient people looked up at the skies, they saw gods and goddesses and representations of life on earth. The largest planet, Jupiter, was the planet of kings. The moon was a mysterious woman, who waxed and waned, reaching full force during the full moon, then hiding shyly away as she seemed to diminish in the sky. Warrior planet Mars appeared red with blood and lust.

However, eclipses, both solar (sun) and lunar (moon) were more dramatic and also scarier than the smaller lights of the planets. Ancient peoples believed that a giant serpent was taking bites out of the sun and moon during eclipses, two orbs essentially vital for us to remain alive. It could be the end. After all, both were life-giving light… moonlight being more subtle and sunlight representing the light that sustains us.

In modern times astrologers know that eclipses do not end life on earth, there is no fear of that but they do represent changes in our “vision” and the way we view life. Eclipses are “wild cards” in the horoscope. Usually with an eclipse triggering the chart, it is often a forced change, something that comes “right out of the blue," a deep-noted wake-up call. All signs are affected by an eclipse, but none are as affected as when the eclipse falls on your birthday, indicating a momentous transformation in your life – such as a move, the end of a relationship and even having a child or grandchild in the coming year.

We usually have 4 to 6 eclipses in one year. They are not rare so we don’t need to play “Chicken Little” every few months.  Lunar eclipses are a more potent full moon and their effects tend to last about 6 weeks to six months. Solar eclipses, frankly, pull out all of the stops, you may feel as if you are tripping over invisible wires for six months to a full year. To me the most amazing thing about eclipses, their influences kicks in shortly before they happen, so this should show you how attuned our bodies and life circumstances are to the stars. “As Above, So Below!” 

May you have two fortuitous eclipses this month clearing the way for happier change. More than anything else, eclipses are all about change. 

Susan’s Eclipse Forecasts. Read your rising sign, as well, if you know it:

Aries (March 21-April 19) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Focus is on the 11^th House, which is traditionally the “house of good will.” You meet all of the right people at the right time, however, one friendship or some social expectations may sink for you. You may be disappointed a short while. It’s a lunar eclipse so it’s not serious. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: A shift in your romantic focus, perhaps a surprise in that area and following that are major changes or upheavals at work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: It’s all about how the world sees you and how you express yourself in a public way. This will be six weeks of wild transformations and exciting opportunities. Clear your throat and polish up those dancing shoes. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: There are some changes around your family dynamic. You learn something new or surprising about your “roots.” An elder in your family may need special help.

Gemini May 21-June 20) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Travels are at the forefront. You may visit a place of higher learning, or an area with old, historical buildings and churches. However it goes, for the next six weeks you will want to be free. Any restrictions will just annoy you.  Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: You hear news about a legal matter or documents that may have been signed. It’s time to move on that, clear the decks for new action and put old matters to rest.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Emphasis is on the 8^th House, huge transformations happening for all crabs, but really, it all boils down to how you manage yours and other people’s money. Expect intense dreams and psychic connections for the next six weeks. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: Again, you’re in the money – you now have the next six months for recouping some serious losses you experienced years ago. Also expect odd moves in your neighborhood and life changes around siblings. More love is also in store. 

Leo (July 23-August 22) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Last year’s eclipse in the same general area of your chart brought into your life some challenges regarding romance and relationships. Expect this to continue. A relationship will end or move to higher ground, that means commitment. Some of you have found or are about to find true love. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: Ditto to what I just said, and this gets serious. Relationships rise to a new level. You also have chance to multiply your finances right after.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Look for shake ups around your work. Some of you may find yourself working in a medical field or at least in an area that takes a lot of concentration and know-how with lots of facts and details to master.  The trick will be to trust these variations. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: Really interesting information is coming forth that will change your life. You won’t be seeing matters exactly the same way afterwards. Following that, you opt for a new look or maybe an old one.

Libra (September 23-October 22) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th:  Romance, children, parties, becoming loose and unfettered, take your pick, this eclipse of the moon is about to bring on some fun or even unnerving times. You may end up in some media storm. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: You gain strength in numbers, so when you take on this big project you’ve been thinking about, it’s important to form alliances and not go it alone. Your success is with others.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Family dramas and anything of a domestic nature will need your attention for the next six weeks. This may include some home repairs. The key now is balancing the outside world with your inner one. It may take six weeks to do it. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: You are about to shine a light on the world. It really is time to step to the forefront. Whatever you have been hiding for a while, may become a public matter shortly.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: Publishing offers are a possibility right now but if you are not looking to publish you may experience dramas in your neighborhood, how you get out and about, transportation and a major event with a sibling. Solar Eclipse on 21^st: You may be called to perform something on a moment’s notice. Like it or not, you’re in the spotlight. A character from the past reappears. This is a strange one, or someone you didn’t understand well before but now you do.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: You’re getting a push to make some dramatic financial changes. In the recent past, you haven’t handled money as well as you should have and now you are getting a second chance. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: Ditto to what I just said, there seems to be a substantial amount of money coming your way. You didn’t handle things too well with a partner and now you have the time to rectify all of that and finally grow up when it comes to what you value and own.

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th:  It’s a perfect time to take care of your own needs, especially health and even your appearance. You are searching for some changes when it comes to your physical self. Be vibrant and vivid. Stand out from the crowd. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: In terms of relationships, this is major. If you’re not involved romantically, a relationship is on its way. If you are hitched or attached, look for changes in the dynamic of the partnership. You may be tested but there is nothing to fear if the partnership is strong.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20) Lunar Eclipse on the 7^th: You're looking for rest and renewal. For the next six weeks you may not have as much of a need to be around others. Expect something secretive or clandestine to surface. This secret may not have to do directly with you but you will be affected by it when the information slips out. Solar Eclipse on the 21^st: A job or work project may end or begin now. It’s a good time to get balanced and your nutrition in order. When it comes to your health, your diet determines whether you feel sick or well. Avoid all indulgences. You may want to streamline your life. 

Look for Susan Sheppard's fabulous "Black Moon Astrology Cards" which will be available in early October 2017. They are being published  by Blue Angel Publishing. (Actually, the publisher should have them around September 15th).... Here is a link to read all about them. These are the only comprehensive astrology cards for divination to date: 




Black Moon Astrology Cards click here to learn more