Capricorn Lunar Eclipse: Hold Your Center

An aboriginal tribe had embarked on a long journey. After walking for a few days, they made camp and paused for another couple of days before moving on. When asked why they did this, one of them replied, “We need to stop and rest so that our souls can catch up with our bodies.”

This story, recounted by Wayne Muller in his book Sabbath, reminds me of something Joseph Campbell said in the first episode of The Power of Myth (now on Netflix). He told Bill Moyers that in order to excel at anything (especially a physical activity like running or dancing), you must hold your still center within. Otherwise, you risk losing your balance or being torn apart by tension. Holding your center, Campbell said, produces a blissful state sometimes called nirvana or  “the zone.” Staying there consistently takes practice, and it also takes plenty of rest – as tribal people knew. The soul must be in sync with the body.

We all need to hold our centers around the upcoming Capricorn Full Moon Eclipse (Tuesday, July 16, 2:38 p.m. PDT). As the stoic Capricorn Moon joins Pluto, Saturn and the South Node in opposition to the tender Cancer Sun and Venus, frustration will be likely. This Full Moon challenges you to take responsibility for your emotions and your life. That might mean drawing firm boundaries with family or work, taking greater charge of your own reactions, practicing more intensive self-care, or stepping up to defend those who most need it. With Venus exactly opposed Saturn at this eclipse, relationships are apt to be tested to see if they can take the pressure and withstand the tests of time.

Capricorn is an earth sign; reconnecting with Mother Earth is highly recommended at this Full Moon. Remember that you are the consciousness of the Earth – her eyes and voice. And only when you’re firmly planted in your body can you feel your connection to Her. So at this Full Moon, go outside and draw down Luna’s radiance into your cells. Breathe into your center and reconnect with your soul. Howl at the Moon if necessary. Release your frustrations and receive the deep nourishment that you deserve.