Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius (inspired by Chani Nichols)

This weekend marks an extra-long blood moon Lunar Eclipse. Optimal viewing will be from Australia, around 3am – 5am on Saturday 28 July. This is an extremely important astrological event which marks big changes in our lives that may set the tone for years to come.

Eclipses demand that we address the shadow side of life, reminding us that the shadow is equally important as the light. This lunar eclipse also marks the start of Mercury in Retrograde so for the next few weeks we can expect some confusion and disruption to communication. This is not a negative, however it teaches us lessons by bringing to light the areas where our communication needs to be improved. Often it feels easier to hide in half truths, assumptions and people pleasing tendencies, burying our hearts intention under layers of conditioning. However, this always results in a big mess to clean up later and ultimately more suffering for us and the people we are in communication with. Have you ever said yes or maybe to something to make someone feel better when what you really meant was no?? I definitely have. Saying no is one of my biggest challenges. I always struggle with the need to keep everyone around me happy, the thing is by not being honest with myself and others I am doing the opposite. I am harming myself and others. So my ongoing work is to be impeccable with my word at all times and its the hardest but most powerful, rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Chani Nicholas writes ‘be radically honest about your messiness. The less defensive we are the more clearly we can work through confrontations.’ So when we make a mistake, own it.

The lunar eclipse may shine light on our burdens, means of self-sabotage and self-doubt. Again this can feel icky at first but the more conscious we are of these tendencies, the more we can by fully integrated as humans living in our true power.

Eclipses signal times of important shifts, big changes in our lives that may set the blueprint for years to come. This is an important time to create space for our intentions to become clear. I like to ask myself, ‘What do I love’ and then say out loud whatever comes up for a minute. This reminds me of what is important and what is not.

Rituals for the Lunar Eclipse.

Create a simple alter with candles, your favourite stone or crystals (dark stones like Obsidium are particularly recommended), a picture of a deity or person you deeply love and respect.

Sit in meditation for a while. When you feel ready, ask yourself the following questions and spend time journalling as you answer.

• What do you love? Which parts of your life energise you?

• Are there any parts of your life that feel like a ‘burden’? How could you change your intention or situation around these?

• What self-sabotaging behaviours are you better able to understand and work around at this point in your life?

• How do you want to show up in your life for yourself, others and the planet?

Lastly remember that we should never fear eclipse season or mercury retrograde. Rather we should rejoice in the heightened energy that allows us to see clearly with kindness and compassion where we are hiding, where we are not serving ourselves, so we can learn, grow and love the shadow. Our perceived ‘weaknesses’ are likely to be our biggest strengths. It just takes a shift in perception.

Love Clare xx