This shallow, partial lunar eclipse is the last in the Leo-Aquarius polarity, as the Nodes shift into the Capricorn-Cancer axis late August. I noted awhile back, that the eclipse would fall right on the horizon in Kabul, Afghanistan, which suggests some building tension coming to a head there. And yesterday I read, that international coalition forces suffered more deaths this month, then any other since the war began in Oct. 2001. Moreover, the BBC reports today, that Taliban suicide bombers, have attacked government buildings in the south-eastern city of Khost, ahead of the Afghan presidential election due on 20 August.
There's a New Moon on August 20, that opposes the triple conjunction in Aquarius, suggesting both a hopefulness about the future, but also disillusionment. This Leo New Moon conjoins the fixed star Alphard- the heart or neck of the Hydra snake. With the Sun: "Power and authority but suffering through own acts and from enemies, loss of position, and honor; overcome by enemies."(Robson)
More on AlphardThe stressful New Moon chart for Kabul, on the day of a crucial election, shows the world transit of Saturn-180-Uranus in full force- pitting the energy for change against the old established order. So it does not appear that this election will go smoothly or without violent incident. (The New Moon Ascendant = 22 Sagittarius = Mars 27 Gemini = Saturn 22 Virgo = Uranus 26 Pisces.)
Another possible, but perhaps far less likely expression of the eclipse, is a natural disaster in Afghanistan. Although this lunar eclipse is partial and weak by astronomical terms- it does align with the Uranus/Pluto(midpoint), which is growing in importance, as these planets move slowly into the first of seven squares on June 24, 2012. In fact, I think this epic configuration is already having an influence, as Uranus and Pluto were well within the orb of a square in the Fall of 2008, when the financial crisis reached critical mass. The Sept. 15, 2008 Pisces Full Moon at 23 Pisces conjoined Uranus at 21 Pisces, and squared Pluto at 28 Sagittarius. Therefore, this Full Moon 'translated' the waxing Uranus-Pluto square, along with the Saturn-180-Uranus, that went exact for the first time on election day in the US.
Besides the lunar eclipse activation of the Uranus/Pluto, which pertains 'to the process of transformation. The collapse of the old order of things, and the construction of the new'(Ebertin)- Mars is square Saturn. And this difficult aspect tends to reflect hardship, or violence. The Aug. 11 exact Mars-Saturn square, which contacts the Ascendant and Venus in the Afghan War chart, is another factor which may shape or time events in Afghanistan.
Afghan War chart & eclipse The eclipse is visible at sunset on the US East Coast, and occurs right after President Obama's 48th birthday. So the eclipse challenges his natal Sun by opposition. And the Aug. 20 New Moon in Leo, conjoins Mr. Obama's North Node of manifest destiny.
On a personal level, I would not worry about the effects of the eclipse. It's simply a powerful Full Moon in altruistic Aquarius, which will highlight the polarity between the needs of the group(Aquarius), and those of the individual(Leo). Ideally, we can strike a healthy balance.
