Astrology Column

with Belinda Dunn

We’re in the full swing of summer fun, days are long, sun is strong. Radiating from the center of our star system, the Sun is spirit in physicality.

On July 11, the Sun’s light is eclipsed by an alignment between the Moon and Earth. While this eclipse is not visible in northern terrain, it is a Total Eclipse, bearing the mark of transformation and change.

In the zodiac sign of Cancer, this eclipse illuminates our consciousness in the areas of land, mother, family, heritage, emotions and our relationship to Mother Earth as our terrestrial home.

The zodiac sign of Cancer is a water sign, serving to remind us of our basic nature, a physical body that is primarily water. From the womb to our daily bread, from coast to coast, and sea to sea, water is nourishment itself. This eclipse continues to focus attention on the Gulf region as well as water in general.

Clearing Co-dependence
As declared on July 4, 1776, the United States is a Cancerian country with all the blessings and challenges of this zodiac sign. Of all zodiac signs, Cancer is the most susceptible to co-dependency, the psychological term for fearfully controlling people and events in an attempt to protect self and others.

This process can rob people of their individuality and accountability, muddying the waters of relationship and family dynamics. An analogy . . . only a fool jumps in to save a drowning man if he doesn’t know how to swim. Healing comes from making a clear demarcation between those truly needing help, those feigning to need help, those that need to stand on their own two feet, and one’s capacity to offer real help.

Healing from co-dependency is a humbling process, involving the admission of how much of the life force has been diverted to save and control others with the illusion of personal safety and gain. It is not an easy process, as any co-dependent will tell you, but a wonderfully empowering, revealing process creating greater harmony and stability within the entire system.

Whether we are speaking of a family or a nation, it boils down to . . . why/who/what are we taking care of? Others truly in need, those requesting genuine help and making the best use of assistance, or is this about taking care of an inflated ego structure, stuck in repetitive habits that weaken the whole?

US Chart & Relationships
Aside from political opinions, this is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed for the continued well being of the U.S. On a national level, we see a country that is very confused as to its boundaries, rights and responsibilities on in the world. This eclipse continues to bring this important and essential matter to consciousness.

On July 21st, Saturn, our planetary taskmaster, enters the zodiac sign of Libra. This is especially important for the U.S. Over the next two years, this country’s role on the world stage will tested. Illusions will be dismantled, responsibilities clarified and boundaries defined.

On a personal level, Saturn in Libra turns our attention to every aspect of relationship. Some relationships will end, others will be more complicated, but worth the effort, while new relationships come into play. Everywhere we look it will be about how to live together on an ever-shrinking planetary ecosystem in the midst of ever expanding connection and synergy.

Saturn is considered exalted in Libra, meaning it is able to positively function where it rightfully belongs, in the area of human relations, refining, defining our human community.

Full Moon & Leadership
Full Moon on July 25 brings powerful issues into play. With Sun in Leo and Moon in Aquarius, the theme of leadership comes into perspective. Leo is kingly lion of the jungle, while Aquarius is group innovation and aspiration. In the midst of egos vying for supremacy, the rare leader instinctively knows how to evoke group cooperation without exerting control.

The I Ching speaks of this leader as leading without others even realizing it. This Full Moon illuminates the contrast between enforcing leadership on one hand, or cultivating group synergy as a solution to collective problems.

Every group has its leaders, but a true leader leads by example and aims to bring out the best in each individual, realizing that it always it a team effort.

Cardinal Climax
This Full Moon feeds directly in the next two weeks (July 25 - August 10), whereby major planetary influences culminate in what is commonly known as "The Cardinal Climax." Astrologers have been eyeballing this alignment for a decade, wondering what in the world would be going on by 2010.

We knew it would be an intense year, a game changer on planet Earth. Going back to my old "Mountain Astrologer" magazines, the cover illustrations point the way; oil spills, economic peril, electrical grids, military tanks, water tanks, Saturn rising over the ocean.

This planetary climax pulls the plug on an old paradigm. The necessity for conscious, evolutionary change is upon us. Of course, this doesn’t mean all of a sudden we are going to agree on what needs to happen, but it does point the way to more consensus, more teamwork and less distraction.

When the house is on fire, no one stops until the fire is out. The days of mulling over possible solutions and scenarios are over. Sitting on the edge of our seats, holding our breath, aware of the need for change, but not knowing how to change . . . these days are over.

A 40-year Cycle
One of the essential ingredients of the "Cardinal Climax" is Saturn’s opposition to Uranus. On July 26th Saturn makes its 5th and final opposition to Uranus. These planets come into opposition approximately every 40 years, and I have pointed to this extraordinary alignment numerous times in recent months.

The predicament of this alignment is like driving a car down the road, trying to change a flat tire at the same time. The effects are complicated and pressing, but inevitable and necessary.

The very word "opposition" points to a conflict of interests, a difference of opinion at the core level of principle and values. Over the next several years, differences will shake out, and each "side" will give in to reformulating their concepts in the light of new understanding.

Over the next several months, and definitely by the end of 2010, the limiting effects of Saturn will release their hold, and give way to Uranus, the energy of freedom. Freedom means many things as defined individually and collectively.

Overall, this is freedom from the past. Constraints and implied ways of thinking, doing, feeling and behaving appear antiquated, no longer applicable. Stagnation is a toxic dump. Our attention, resources and commitment go to the future. Enthusiasm and innovation is the new fuel.

Time to Shift
From a personal perspective, it is helpful to keep the big picture in mind and heart as we move through the second half July and first ten days of August. "The Cardinal Cross" affects each of our charts, each of our lives. Some of the challenges include a tendency to fight our way through it.

Many people will respond to these energies in a conflicted, justifying, projecting, and unreasonable way. People may act out of character, breaking out of the box, at their wits end, the end of their rope.

From a spiritual vantage point, this process is necessary and ultimately liberating. It isn’t a happy time, but a heavy time when the burdens of life can appear hopeless. Current circumstances, generated through arrogance and ignorance, can be too much to bear.

These are weeks to lay low, if possible, and pick your battles wisely. It is a time of recognizing the dark shadow side of human nature as it comes into the light of day. It is possible to experience this purging as a phenomenal opportunity to release negativity.

Allow Heart-Inspired Action
In addition to revealing inner and interpersonal psychological dynamics, the "Cardinal Cross" helps to expand spiritual consciousness. It brings us to our knees, the resting place whereby the little will is surrendered before a larger plan. This divine connection allows guidance to stream forth into inspired thought, word and deed.

I trust in an evolving humanity to embrace the moment as a chance to move toward constructive solutions. There will always be those parts of us that lag behind, because there is an inherent resistance to change. But we can’t stop time.

Life is continually unfolding, expanding, and beckoning us to a brighter day. One thing we can depend on . . . the future has a way of mystifying and surprising mere mortals. Our job is to remain positive and humble, receptive to our purpose, available as instruments of loving lightheartedness.

Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over thirty-five years experience. She offers personal consultation, workshops and classes. She can be reached at 828-215-2101, toll free at 888-215-8595 or through her website where a full listing of services are described. See, www.astrodelight.com: www.astrodelight.com