Plumbing The Depths Of Love, Nourishment and Duty: November's Gemini Lunar Eclipse

Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used. Richard E. Byrd

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. English Proverb

I worked for a menial’s hire, Only to learn, dismayed, That any wage I had asked of Life, Life would have gladly paid. Jessie Rittenhouse

How many times has the water you’re drinking been drunk before? Anon

American society is a sort of flat, fresh-water pond which absorbs silently, without reaction, anything which is thrown into it. Henry Brooks Adams

And Noah he often said to his wife when he sat down to dine, `I don’t care where the water goes if it doesn’t get into the wine’. G. K. Chesterton

I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean. G. K. Chesterton

We are definitely in eclipse season with the total solar eclipse in mid-November and now we have the annular lunar eclipse at the end of November. Happening on November 28 in the United States and in the early hours of the morning on November 29 in Australia, it is a penumbral eclipse - which means it is not a total lunar eclipse - The penumbra (from the Latin paene "almost, nearly" and umbra "shadow") is the region in which only a portion of the light source is obscured by the occluding body.

So, we have another eclipse, and although it's not a total lunar eclipse, it is still set to be a powerful one. 

The eclipse speaks of many things - as lunations always do - but the crux of it, I figure is the image of reaching deeply into oneself and others in order to get to the pure, refreshing waters of who we and others are. It's also about opening up the heart, healing our wounds and finding our place. Another very prominent theme is standing up for our rights and protesting inequality and unfairness... for many, there will be the feeling of wanting to 'go on strike'.

The Sabian Symbol for the Moon for the eclipse is Gemini 7: AN OLD-FASHIONED WELL WITH THE PUREST AND COLDEST OF WATERS

This Symbol implies going into the depths of people, places and things in order to find nourishment or satisfaction. There is always a plentiful supply for all those who draw on the well with sincerity. You are able to access this through your faith and emotive confidence in yourself. You don't need to employ your thoughts as much as your beliefs in this situation. The inner wisdom you seek has been tapped by others long ago. Tapping into the 'Well' may require a long rope and patience but it is worth the effort. Compassion and love allow one to plumb the depths of people and situations with certainty.
Being supported by people and your environment. Clarity of thought and perception. Deep and sustaining links to the past. The pool of universal experience. Water.
The Caution: Not trusting advice based on established ideas. Not seeing the depths of others. Shallow emotions and responses. Muddying of issues. Stagnant water. Poisons.

Questions here include: Do you go deeply enough (into yourself or others), do you commit deeply, what is the quality of the water you're drinking? what are the conditions, emotional and physical, that are around you? is it cold and distant, or refreshing and inviting?

In the I Ching, The Well is hexagram 48 - here's some illumination around this Symbol: 

Wood is below, water above. The wood goes down into the earth to bring up water. The image derives from the pole-and-bucket well of ancient China. The wood represents not the buckets, which in ancient times were made of clay, but rather the wooden poles by which the water is hauled up from the well. The image also refers to the world of plants, which lift water out of the earth by means of their fibers. The well from which water is drawn conveys the further idea of an inexhaustible dispensing of nourishment. THE JUDGMENT - THE WELL. The town may be changed, But the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water And the rope does not go all the way, Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

This really is a degree of having to go deep. The 'Karmic Condition' of The Well degree is Gemini 6: Workmen Drilling For Oil - again, this speaks of the need to go deep - to go into the depths to get the nourishment, depth or fuel that one needs. 

Less than an hour after the eclipse, the Moon moves onto Gemini 8: AROUSED STRIKERS SURROUND A FACTORY

This Symbol shows the need, or the desire, to be able to call a halt or go on strike when one feels hard done by or taken advantage of. You may need to stand up for your rights, or perhaps those of others. You have some support from compatriots, but you can become separated from the general situation and may have difficulty finding creative solutions that satisfy everyone. It may help to consider what negotiations can be made to bring things back to a feeling of equilibrium. By withdrawing your energies for a while you will see how important you really are in the situation.
Bargaining to find more equitable solutions. Demanding better rights and conditions. Comradeship. Taking action or refusing to act. Knowing when to say no. Sweat shops.
The Caution: Being obsessed with what is wanted. Refusing compromises. Protesting about everything. Not noticing one's rewards. Being left out in the cold. Greedy behavior.

This seems to indicate that many will feel they have something to say or do, particularly if they feel they haven't been taken seriously by others (or perhaps by themselves). 

What are your rights? What do you want? Where are you being short changed? Is someone using you? Do you give yourself away too freely (and then resent it later)? What value do you put on yourself and what you do?

The Sun is on a Symbol that is really wonderful and it could prove to be a wonderful antidote for those who are going through difficult times. The Symbol isSagittarius 7: CUPID IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF A HUMAN HEART

This degree shows the ability, or the necessity, of spreading love and showing how people can love one another. “Cupid” is “Knocking”, asking to be let in. Barriers and defenses around people’s hearts may be keeping him from getting in, but how long will they be able to resist? Opening your heart and opening the door will lead to new opportunities and realizations about relationships. What are the true depths of your relationships? Unlock your heart and allow your heart chakra to open when you are in caring company and know when to open “The Door’ to allow love in.
Keys and arrows. Respectful invitation of love. Fear of commitment. Softening one’s boundaries. The need to lighten up one’s approach to others. Romance.
The Caution: Waiting, not taking the initiative. Rejecting emotion. Fearing losing independence. Barriers and defenses. Seeing potential lovers in everyone. Crashing other people’s space.

The Sun on Cupid Knocking could be about romantic and personal love and relationships, for sure, but it can also be about opening one's heart to others, no matter what they are offering you or what the attraction is. Obviously, one has to be a little cautious in these matters, but with the true opening of your heart there should be less and less possibilities of being used or hurt or attracted to 'the wrong people' - after all, opening the heart has got to be a good thing and it goes with the Well degree in that we can go deeper with others when our hearts are open and receptive. 

Chiron is forming a t-square to this eclipse from Pisces 6: A PARADE OF ARMY OFFICERS IN FULL DRESS

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to spring to attention and rally to show others their duty, honor and their protection of the community and the higher ideals. You may find that recognition needs to be given for service and dedication to the community. Dedication, discipline and duty bring their own rewards and it is often people with this Symbol that turn up first with whatever is needed in order to make people feel better, protected or recognized. Putting on your best face, and your uniform – and there are many ‘uniforms’ that can be worn - and joining with others will ensure success. There may be issues of showing one’s ‘authority’ in public, staking one’s claim as part of the broader community that works to protect and bring everyone together.
National pride displayed. Patriotism. Memories of war. Being committed to service. Being dressed up. Putting on a uniform. Medals. Stripes. Drills. Routines. Parades.
The Caution: ‘Stiff' and unfeeling. Having special privileges that other's don't. Having to do what one must do. Drills and boring routines. ‘Drill sergeants’. Sloppy dressing.

Chiron on this degree and t-squaring the eclipse brings us a big message around our 'wounds' and 'the stories we tell ourselves'. What story runs you? Do you feel you have to 'suit up' and fix everyone, do everything, take care of everything? Are you noticing a need to draw boundaries around what is your concern and what should belong to others? I hope that Chiron here does not mean further 'military action' and that Cupid Knocks at many hearts to show tht it may be time to let go of things, duties, obligations, etc, that hold you in abeyance from having fun and just being yourself. 

Mercury, which rules over this lunar eclipse, is slowing down and turning direct this week (a small and yet huge mercy :) ) is on quite an archetypal degree. It'sScorpio 19: A PARROT LISTENING AND THEN TALKING, REPEATS A CONVERSATION HE HAS OVERHEARD

This Symbol infers some level of spiritual channeling or the hearing and passing on of messages. Birds symbolize spiritual forces and “Parrots” symbolize the ability to be able to give voice to messages. This Symbol indicates that someone who is receptive to thoughts and ideas can process information to the point where it becomes their own, although they may really be a channel or a translator rather than an originator of these messages or realizations. Perhaps there is a need integrate new understandings into your consciousness, to make a belief system or a code of living truly your own with your own stamp of individuality on it.
Transmitting information or knowledge. Recorded messages. Answering and fax machines. Translating languages or words of wisdom. Talking heads. Talkback radio.
The Caution: Repeating without knowing the real meaning or purpose. Parrot like behavior. Gossiping. Going over the same territory. Brainwashing. Broken records.

Who's messages have you got going in your head? Do you pick up other people's thoughts, emotions or energies? Is this a good thing or is it debilitating? Sometimes, picking up on others can lead us astray and we forget to be more authentically ourselves. What messages, insights, perceptions, emotions, etc, are best repeated? What are best let go of? Is gossip or loose lips causing problems?

It could be Venus' job to fix up, repair, renovate or dig out the detritus. Venus is on Scorpio 9: A DENTIST IS HARD AT WORK

This Symbol shows the necessity, or the ability, to be able to fix or remedy situations that need help and to repair things, whether it’s teeth, bodies, minds or mechanical objects – anything that needs to be repaired. The “Dentist” has to find out what’s wrong in situations, to perform a diagnosis, in order to restore their function so they work smoothly and efficiently once again. We must nourish our bodies, minds and spirits, on all levels, but even with healthy habits and healthy minds regular maintenance and repairs are still in order; the “Dentist” needs to repair this sometimes unnecessary damage. e.g. finance, health, stress etc.
Drilling into things. Plugging up situations. Being the responsible one who always has to fix things. Therapists. Treatments. Pain relief. Improving one's bite. Medical equipment.
The Caution: Getting further into a hole by using more and more social solutions. Causing pollution and damage. Severe pain. Always alert to problems. Not resting.

So, what do you need to fix? How can you repair things from the past, from the present, into the future. Are you hearing the message of not having to fix everything for everyone else? Venus and Saturn are conjunct (together), so this is really a time to concentrate on what you have to do. 

Saturn is on Scorpio 7 and it shows the need to get below surface appearances to really 'listen in' to what's happening. It's on DEEP-SEA DIVERS WITH SPECIAL MACHINERY

This Symbol implies the ability, or to need for the faculty of being able to see deep down into the depths of things. Their “Special Machinery” allows them to piece the darkness and observe things that others don’t have eyes to see or the intuition to pick up. You may find you have the need, or the desire, to get deep below the surface to find out what's going on or to make discoveries about people and life. It is down within the unconscious and your intuitive wisdom that you may need to search for solutions. Breath meditations may help induce the positive, rewarding sides of this Symbol. Plunging in to risky situations will prove to be both rewarding and interesting, in some measure. Always remember to breath.
Studying unconscious energies. Uncovering wonders. Seeing things others can't. Operating in different realms. Atlantis and Lemuria. Breathing apparatus. Highly tuned senses.
The Caution: Pretending to plumb the depths. Doing things for show. Escapism. Feeling gloomy. No light, no oxygen. Isolation and dark thoughts. Narrow outlooks. Depression.

Mars and Pluto are the big whammies in this eclipse. They are set to stir things up like nothing else and all sorts of things could come roaring out of the closet - or out of the air - or out of the earth - hopefully not out of 'war'. Mars and Pluto are both on Capricorn 9: AN ANGEL COMES CARRYING A HARP

This degree shows the ability, or the need, of being able to care for others - being there when they need it. It also shows that “Angels” will come when you call on them, or when you’re most in need yourself. You may be able to 'tune in' and radiate harmony around you. This pictures caring for others, generosity and a fulfilled self hood. Inspiring people to do their best can bring rewards to all concerned. The trick with this degree can be sorting out whether to trust the ‘tune’ that others sometimes play. Following someone for the wrong reasons can just lead you astray.
Messages of peace from the other side. Being in tune, spiritually. Elevated views of humanity. Creating harmony. Pulling on heartstrings. Redemption. Gurus. Revelations.
The Caution: Having a holier-than-thou attitude. Losing oneself in fantasy. Tricking people with soothing words that mean nothing. Harping on about things. The Pied Piper.

This is a beautiful, loving, caring degree... however, it must be remembered that Mars and Pluto are both on amplifying it - and this will change the flavour considerably. Hitler had this degree as his Jupiter, and, he was hardly that - but he was described as a 'dark angel' or some such thing. I don't want to concentrate on Hitler(!) - it seems he doesn't ever go away. Anyway, we have to concentrate on spreading goodness and joy, but we may also have to honour our feelings of anger, betrayal, being misled, etc, as Mars and Pluto on this Angel degree could have many feeling as though they are being led astray. It's also likely that some terrorist organisations (and who they are depends on your POV) may come out with some big announcements or attacks. I pray not.

Jupiter is on a degree that should have us standing up and noticing. It's onGemini 12: A BLACK SLAVE-GIRL DEMANDS HER RIGHTS OF HER MISTRESS

This Symbol shows the need to be given respect and taken seriously. At times you’ll find that you can’t put up with the way you’re treated, the pressure builds up and suddenly, and probably from out of nowhere, a torrent of emotion comes out. If you're being spoken badly to or treated with little respect, make a stand - don't put up with it. It's tiring to be treated like a 'Slave' or dutiful underling. Everyone should have equal rights. Spread your wings of freedom and seek to improve things by being frank and honest. You may win, but you can never truly lose if you act with integrity and honesty.
Rising above conditioning and limitations. Standing up for one's self. Demanding better treatment. Not being afraid to demand better conditions. Equal rights and discrimination.
The Caution: Feeling hard done by and deserving better. Blaming others for situations. Bucking authority. Demanding to be recognized or noticed. Throwing tantrums.

Are you feeling the need to assert your authority and be taken more seriously? Are you speaking up when you're treated badly? Where is you life holding you back? For some, racial inequalities may be an issue. Whatever it is, this degree is meant to free us from 'the shackles' that are holding us down and stopping us from being who we truly could be.

Uranus is on a degree that seems to be saying to remember to rise above problems, to let go and to see things from an 'elevated' viewpoint. It's on Aries 5: A WHITE TRIANGLE IS SEEN; IT HAS GOLDEN WINGS

This Symbol shows the ability to be able to lift yourself above the ordinary, using your natural gifts to find a new perspective, an uplifted view; to expand your awareness. This can picture an eagerness for spiritual integration or a capacity to escape from reality. Try to ground the vision, but allow yourself the free flight of vision. There is often a strong spiritual nature that expresses itself through purity of thought and insight.
Inspiration and zeal. Feeling elevated and inspired through spiritual or creative efforts. Flying to a greater perspective. Self transcendence. Angels and their messages.
The Caution: Not noticing your down-to-earth needs or those around you. Escapism. Forgetting about the needs and desires of the body. Losing the plot.

Neptune is on Pisces 1: A CROWDED PUBLIC MARKET PLACE

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to advertise, market, and sell things, barter and complete the deal. People come together, bringing their talents, skills and wares to the marketplace. Being involved in the marketplace is the thing, and how much you are involved will show the things you need to do and the tempo of the buying and selling. It can indicate the issue of having ones self or goods on display and ready for sale. The “Market Place” is said to be “Crowded” and “Public”. Many aspects of the community are on display and available for the benefit of others. You may find that you are able to contribute, benefit and gain. Getting yourself or your products 'out there', where they can be appreciated can bring rewards on many levels.
Human interchange. Bartering. Products. Commerce. Business. Crowded places. Signs. Competition. The Internet. Websites. Classifieds. Consumables. Money. Publishing.
The Caution: Too greedy to share. Airing one's 'laundry', emotions or possessions in public. Not having a “shopping list”. Playing off against each other. Cheap displays.

Weird sh*te has been happening around money and finances, especially out there in the world of banks and CEO's and regulations and the very big downturn in the global financial markets. All rather unequal and difficult. How are you coping financially? Are you 'out there in the marketplace'? Do you put your talents and gifts out in a manner that rewards you financially? Neptune has surely been making a meal out of the financial situations of many. 

The Moon's north node - a rather karmic point - is on another 'military' degree. It's on Scorpio 26: A MILITARY BAND MARCHES NOISILY ON THROUGH THE CITY STREETS

This Symbol shows the need for occasionally making a show for society to remind ourselves of our successes and achievements, whether they are collective or personal achievements. The “Military Band” can make an enormous amount of noise as it “Marches Noisily”, but sometimes we need to be awoken or reminded of the cohesion that a military band can show. Likewise, this degree can show a personality that likes to bang its own drum or to make a big noise for the establishment. As long as the audience is ok with the parade through their environment, one can contain the reaction from others. Sometimes, though, people get annoyed by people banging their drums a little too loudly.
Noisy announcements. Making music to rouse people from complacency. Demanding attention. Trumpeting one's agenda. Marching in time. The blast of the media. Drums.
The Caution: A lot of volume that's too pompous. The message getting lost in the noise and fanfare. Demanding to be heard. Propaganda. Threats to peace. Banging one’s drum.

I hope commonsense will prevail and we'll have peace and can enjoy our lives and grow and live the life we want to live without fear or problems.

I know many of you are concerned for my lovely daughter Jess. She had brain surgery just a little over a week ago in Beirut, Lebanon. It was a complete success and she is now healing. It was harrowing and I must say that I'm glad she's set to come home in a few week's time. She's coming home through Cairo - stopping there for a few days - and things have been out of control there, so I will keep my fingers crossed until she and her lovely husband David return home. Here's a link to Jess' extraordinary writings as a middle east correspondent. Thank you all so much for your kindness and healing energies. Jess and I had a very strong feeling of being looked after.

http://sabiansymbols.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/11/few-men-during-their-lifetime-come-anywhere-near-exhausting-the-resources-dwelling-within-them-there-are-deep-wells-of-str.html