Total Eclipse of the Heart

        Well this super-charged month of transformation is upon us....are you ready for what it's about to bring? With two eclipses this month, a full moon lunar eclipse followed by a new moon solar eclipse we are being presented with an auspicious opportunity for  a full cosmic reboot. While astrology is not my strong suit, research is. So while I'll not spend this article talking about your sign or what houses the eclipses fall in, I've done the research and have you covered on what to expect and how to use these energies coming forth this month.
        Eclipses are a time of change and transformation, as are the beginning and end of a lunar cycle. Typically the time of the full moon is a peak time for emotions and manifestation, as well as a time to let go of what's no longer working.  The new moon is our reflection time and a time to plant new seeds and set new intentions. The moon is our 'inner world' and emotions (yin energy), the sun is our 'outer world', our actions (yang energy). Lost yet? Stay with me.
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            Before we get to the nitty gritty on what to expect, let's take a moment for a little Eclipse 101. Here's the basic breakdown of lunar and solar eclipses. 

What is an eclipse? An event that involves 3 celestial bodies and their relationship in position to each other; the sun, the moon and earth.
Lunar Eclipse: An event that happens at night when the earth passes between the moon and the sun. This event is safe to watch with the naked eye.
Solar Eclipse: An event that happens during the day when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. This is NOT safe to view with the naked eye as it can cause serious damage. (see where to get your solar eclipse viewers below)

           Ok, now that we have the basics down, let's explore what can expect with these two celestial events. Eclipses are ways for the Universe to help get your soul back on track. In our human experiences our egos can get in our way and we get off course, distracted by the many things in life. And as Yasmin Boland of Moonology put it, 'these two eclipses act as a portal to a new existence, it's whether or not we choose to go through it or not!' It's important to remember the energy at the time of an eclipse can be 'solidified in the air' on Earth, and this energy can be felt for 3-6 months after the eclipse. The heightened energies being put forth can begin to be felt 2-3 days before the eclipse, so it's important to pay attention and be mindful of our thoughts and actions. 
             
        Let's start with the full moon lunar eclipse to happen on Monday August 7th. This heightened time of energy will work as a SUPER PURGE to ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don't fight the change and don't fear the clearing process! The glow during this lunar eclipse will work to illuminate all that is not working in our lives, a time to really see and accept what we need to let go of. So take this time to look at yourself square in the eye, be real, be honest, and get to the raw underbelly of your emotions. Let go of any resistance and consciously work to release what's been holding you back from your true or SOUL purpose. 
          The color of the lunar eclipse can vary, and this all depends on the amount of dust in the atmosphere. Color of the eclipse can be changing shades of gray, dark brown, to gorgeous and fiery red or orange. From what I've found it's said that we will not be able to view the lunar eclipse from North America, but you know I'll still be outside doing my work! Click here to download my lunar eclipse musing and meditation sheet to use during the eclipse! 

        Now it's time for the new moon solar eclipse to take place just two weeks later on Monday August 21st. Times for the maximum view of this event vary depending where you are in the world. If you're in Detroit as I am, the count down and beginning is at 1:00 pm and the max view of eclipse is around 2:27 pm. This event will end 3:47 pm EST, so it lasts for almost 4 hours! The event has a larger energetic effect on us as well as other animals, plus cool effects to really pay attention to. 
        So to begin, think of this eclipse as a SUPER CHARGED new moon. This is the end side of the portal we must choose to move through to find real transformation. The sun and the moon come together, and a brave, warrior energy revolutionary with inspiration will come through! This is the time to close a chapter in your life for good, to see what you have learned up until this point and how you can move forward from this point on. This can also been seen as a disruption in energy flow, so be aware of how you are feeling. Hyper-awareness can emerge and it can be confusing to some, so stay connected to your intuition. 
       And here are some really cool things to look for during the solar eclipse. Remember, you can NOT safely look at the eclipse without proper eye wear, I ordered my eclipse viewing glasses here. 

• In the last few minutes before the total eclipse,  you'll be able to view what's called Bailey's beads. This is the last 'string of light' that surrounds the sun before the moon consumes it completely. It was named for the astrologist who discovered it in the 18th century.
• Look around you to see the 'shadow bands'. You can view them on light surfaces around you as thin, wavy lines that appear due to a distortion in the Earth's atmosphere. 
• There will be a pink glow around the sun during the total eclipse, this is known as the Chromosphere. Also look for red appearing clouds in the sky, known as the solar prominence. 
• You may be able to clearly see stars and bright planets in the sky, look around!
• Stop and listen. During a full solar eclipse the birds stop singing. The animals stop and get quiet. The whole Earth eerily stands still, our own digestion is said to slow down tremendously, so, be sure to eat light. 

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Well, there you have it. My breakdown on what to expect during these two rare events that could very well change your life! And to make it extra interesting, Mercury goes retrograde in between it all on Saturday August 12th! But that's a whole other discussion.......Join me in my Goddess Session on Thursday August 31st to discuss our experiences with the eclipses and discuss what Mercury in Retrograde means and how to work with it properly. Good luck and God speed, lovlies. See you on the other side of the portal!

Many Blessings,
Akasha Rae

Resources:
​www.moonconnection.com 
​www.darkstarastrology.com 
​www.moonology.com 
​www.educateinspirechange.org
​www.siddhayoga.com