Acually, New Moon occurs a bit after the eclipse at 4:54 am. My apologies for being late with this column this month. I could, I suppose, attribute what I've been experiencing in the week just past to my personal correspondence to this New Moon/Eclipse with a grand cross in the cardinal signs. I'd begun, I'd thought, to begin early and be ahead of the game for once, but wound up in the hospital two nights, three days with a violent allergic reaction to an antibiotic prescribed for a very mild infection that cleared up nicely, but played havoc with the rest of me.

Below is the chart of this Solar Eclipse, set for Washington, DC, so that it can be read for possible correspondences that matter to the country as a whole.

Look at the red lines crossing the center that connect Sun and Moon in House 1 with Pluto in House 7, and Uranus in House 10 with Saturn in House 4. Note that red lines connect each of the planets in a box around those that cross the center. This defines the grand cross—2 sets of factors in opposition to each other, and each is also in square to the factor on either side. Squares and oppositions are challenging aspects. A square represents a conflict or challenging situation that must be overcome, and an opposition represents a polarity that needs to be balanced, and one that likely involves relationships. This configuration is one of great tension, one that demands attention and action. Yes, it can be a "bad" time, but dealing with it can't be avoided. When the challenge is successfully handled, there can be very positive results. The blue lines show connections between the planets that are cooperating in nature, areas that can guide the path toward a beneficial resolution. Jupiter in Taurus in House 11 looks to be in a good place for that.

In a mundane (world) chart, House 1 and the Moon represent we, the people, our conditions and reactions. The ruler of House 1 is Mercury, which is in House 2, which in turn, is ruled by the Moon. This practically screams the ECONOMY, a big issue for everyone these days.

The Sun represents the President, and he is also seen as the 10th House, along with the party in power and national prestige. The ruler of House 10, Neptune, is then also representative. Conjunct the 10th House cusp, but in House 9, Neptune is retrograde, which suggests being at sea, not really knowing what to do. Neptune is square Mars (action, industry, leadership, in House 12 (secrecies, spies, prisons, hospitals). In short, it appears that the President and his party are feeling stymied, without any clear direction as to what to do. They'd like to please everyone, but hard choices have to be made. Mercury in House 2 rules House 1, the people and House 4, the interests of the people as opposed to government, their living conditions, real estate values, natural resources and the party out of power. But Mercury is in the latest degree of its sign of any of the planets, as if at the end of any patience, not knowing what to do. Congress (House 11) has gone home for recess and is hopefully getting an earful from constituents that it is time to stop posturing from their opposing sides and sit down together to work out a compromise so that progress is possible. Jupiter in House 11 represents the potential of prosperity, if Congress can stop squabbling and begin working together for workable solutions. A positive resolution of this eclipse grand cross requires that everyone concerned be more willing to look at all sides (and this includes the media). It is not about winning; it must be win-win, or we all lose. Resolution of the tension can come through compromise.

Cancer is the Sun sign of our country, and on Monday we celebrate its independence—a proud nation of independent people willing to come together and work for shared ideals and values. For ritual for this very significant New Moon, let's get out among other people, and reflect on the best things we have, including our freedoms that so many others in the world lack. Come together in support of resolution and with the fireworks, send a strong message in spirit to our leaders that that they come back from recess and get down to serious business in working together to find and support practical solutions. Meanwhile, each of us can do whatever we can to help as we see need within our own communities. Saturn demands responsibilty, Uranus change, and Pluto is the power to transform. Each of us, if we can work within this, can grow in strength in the process.

Crescent Moon, 27 Leo 33, July 3 at 5:05 pm EDT
This is still a phase of the Moon good for starting new things. In Leo, it's a good time for creative projects, or doing something special for the one(s) you love.

First Quarter Moon, 15 Libra 47, July 8 at 2:29 am EDT
This phase is called "the crisis of action." It's time to get projects off the drawing board or out of dream of good intents and make something happen! Get organized, clear away obstacles and be assertive in getting done what you need to do. A goal has become clear and the action must now be forward. The sign of Libra suggests that cooperative effort with another person might be beneficial.

Gibbous Moon, 4 Sagittarius 03, June 11 at 12:47 pm EDT
Moon continues to wax, growing but not quite full, a time for development what was begun at New Moon. If resistance is encountered (some obstacle or delay happens, or you feel momentarily stuck, take a deep breath, center and renew your visualization of your intended result. Then get back to work on it!

Full Moon, 22 Capricorn 28, July 15 at 2:40 am EDT
With Full Moon in Capricorn, the general mood tends to be serious, and practical considerations rule the day. Get organized and attend to obligations. Full Moon calls for a balancing of the polarities represented by New Moon (Cancer/water) and Full Moon (Capricorn/earth).

Ritual for Full Moon in Capricorn
A ritual of balance at ocean side would be ideal, but if that is not possible you can do this one by playing with small containers of water, sand, rock and soil in any ritual space. A large plastic box or tray can contain your tools. Focus your intent with this verse:

By earth alive, by water's flow,
By this rite, I seek to know
My path to growth and harmony.
May balance reign, so shall it be.

In reality, or in your thoughts, stand on the sand at water's edge. Water flows gently around your feet, feeling good. Now a bigger wave comes in and then recedes. What happens? The sand that felt fir now flows right out from under you, and you have to dig in your toes to hold your balance. Climb up on the rocks and view the same scene from a new perspective. See how the water flows into pools among the rocks that contain it, into every crevice and every opening. The earth contains the water, but over time, the water will wear away the rocks and new forms will be created. Look at a little clear pool of contained water. Dump some soil into it. No longer clear. But, then pour in enough water and it clears again—you can see your reflection. As you play with the elements, reflect on how they relate to the balance of body and soul, and to form: your life structures and your responsibilities to them. Reflect on what you learn and write it down. (As an example: what seems solid in your life (the earth/soil) can dissolve in a moment when watery emotions overwhelm. Waters of feeling must be contained by form, as accepting responsibilty for what you have build helps you grow. Still, too much containment and suppression can hold back the soul, for a time. But, over time, the water will wash away the soil, the rocks, changing their form, for soul is eternal. Speak this affirmation in closing:

and Sun, I now do see, my path to greater harmony.
I pledge myself by water and earth to seek a life of growth and worth.
To do my best with what will be. My thanks for bright new energy!

Disseminating Moon, 11 Pisces 08, July 18 at 10:55 pm EDT
This is the phase for sharing. In Pisces, the mood may be passive, quite and kind. Compassion and sensitivity are heightened. It can ge a good time to give someone else a helping hand, or maybe go out to enjoy a musical event together.

Last Quarter Moon, 0 Taurus 02, July 23 at 1:02 am EDT
Energy winds down, mellows and slows. In Taurus, moods tend to be more cautious and/or stubborn. Comfort and security needs may dominate thoughts and concerns. Work toward bringing projects to completion. If some part of what you are doing is not working they way you want, revision may be necessary. This phase is one of the least that you can plan ahead on because so much of it depends on how you feel. You may need to let go of something that just isn't working, but if so, the reorientation process can bring you to a deeper understanding of what your direction should now be.

Balsamic Moon, 18 Gemini 50, July 27 at 12:32 am
The phase cycle comes to a close. Something is ending; has come to completion. This is the phase of the month when its time to give your overworked, practical left brain a rest and give your intuitive, imaginative, creative right brain free rein—hey, that rhymes: right brain—free rein, right brain, free rein. Make a ritual chant out of it. Dance along and play. And take some time to dream. Sleep longer, if you're tired. Take some time to read that fantasy novel you've been meaning to read, or walk on the beach or anywhere in nature where you can stop to smell the flowers or gaze at a sunset. Everyone needs time to just be, and this is a phase where you may need it the most. So, if you do, give into it and do what restores your soul.