The Last Full Moon Eclipse in Capricorn Heralds Major Transformation

July 3, 2020

Eclipse season reaches its cathartic conclusion on July 4, 2020 with a full moon/lunar eclipse in Capricorn (9:44 PM Pacific, 13°38’).

As the sign governing structure, order, and the societal status quo, Capricorn tends to keep its messier emotions on a tight leash. But with so much of our emotional energy bound up in systems that have grown stagnant and even toxic, this eclipse demands some kind of release. In many cases, this means breaking up the systems themselves, in order to make way for something better.  

Still, to the best of our abilities, we must release this volatile energy in ways that minimize harm and show respect for each other’s boundaries (both physical and emotional). This is where we can all benefit from the stoic self-discipline of a Capricorn moon.

While our feelings may be valid, right now personal sensitivities are likely to be outweighed by more pressing collective concerns. Out of respect for this larger reality, it may be necessary to contain our emotions until we can find a more appropriate time and place to express them.

What does the July lunar eclipse in Capricorn mean?

Still, with this eclipse opposite the sun and Vesta (asteroid goddess of hearth and home) in Cancer, it’s important that we give ourselves—and each other—a safe space to embrace our feelings. After all, the whole point is to evolve away from repressive dynamics of the past and toward a more caring, connected future. That means not only looking out for each other’s material needs, but tending to the emotional ones as well. Fortunately, with the Capricorn moon sextile Ceres in Pisces, this eclipse brings ample opportunities to infuse our social structures with the nurturing energy of unconditional love.

As this eclipse also opposes retrograde Mercury in Cancer, we’re called to remember our interrelatedness—and reevaluate some of the memories and traditions we hold most dear. We’ll need to discern which aspects of the past to preserve, and which ones to reject or discard. This could mean giving up our own false sense of security to ensure that everyone feels truly safe.

If this sounds like “tough love,” remember that this eclipse is ruled by Saturn. And with the taskmaster planet currently retrograde in Capricorn, each of us is asked to step up our personal responsibility and hold ourselves accountable. We may not be seeing this modeled by external authority figures right now, but that just makes it more important to get our own houses in order.

With the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction of June 29 still in effect (and both also retrograde in Capricorn), large-scale social transformation is ultimately an inside job. We can make positive outer changes, but they won’t last long unless they’re deeply rooted in our own changes of heart. As Jupiter and Pluto align with the asteroid of wisdom, Pallas Athena, we’re reminded to choose our battles wisely and recognize that the real “enemy” we’re fighting is our own self-destructive patterns.

It may feel like an uphill battle, with the sun and moon caught in an intense Cardinal Grand Cross, which also includes Mars and Chiron in Aries and Juno in Libra. This formation challenges us to balance our personal right to express ourselves and take up space with the need to cooperate and care for each other; our need for structure, order, and discipline with the capacity to be sensitive and vulnerable.

Still, a trine between the Capricorn moon and Uranus in Taurus suggests that we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of an unexpected solution. Like a sudden thunderstorm that clears the air, events that seem to happen out of nowhere could clear up long-simmering tensions that previously seemed unresolvable.

Horoscopes for the July full moon lunar eclipse in Capricorn

Capricorn

In your own mind, Capricorn, you’re the “strong, silent type.” But this eclipse makes it painfully clear that others might be experiencing your energy differently. Your sternness and stoicism could be intimidating people, rather than helping them feel safe and secure. Sometimes more tenderness and care are needed.

Aquarius

Subconscious patterns take a long time to form, Aquarius—and sometimes even longer to change. Still, this eclipse presents opportunities to release some of yours once and for all. The key is to take your time, and be kind and gentle with yourself while you navigate this process.

Pisces

A future you can believe in. It’s coming, Pisces—but this eclipse reveals that it may not look how you’ve envisioned it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since many of the old, oppressive assumptions about what’s possible are now up for grabs. Reimagine and reshape your life’s trajectory!

Aries

“If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!” Aries, you’ve probably given this response before to people complaining about their stressful jobs. But at this eclipse, you’re the one in the hot seat. If you can rise to the occasion, these character-building experiences will ultimately make you stronger and wiser.

Taurus

Boundaries can protect us, Taurus. But the ones we erect in our minds don’t always keep us as safe as we think they do. This eclipse reveals where your own mental boundaries may be shutting out thought processes and discussions from which you (or others) stand to benefit.

Gemini

If a “support system” is breaking down now, Gemini, it probably just appeared to be supporting you. This eclipse is time to say goodbye to disempowering relationship dynamics that undermine your independence. Vulnerability can be a strength, but you’ll have to be secure enough in yourself to walk away.

Cancer

People might say you’ve got a “thin skin,” Cancer. But you’ve fought long and hard to feel comfortable in it. As you come home to yourself and renew your devotion to this primary relationship, the other relationships in your life may require some restructuring. 

Leo

Ideally, Leo, your life would run like a well-oiled machine. But this eclipse forces you to admit that the ways you’ve grown used to structuring your time and organizing your life just aren’t working anymore. Rather than pushing for non-stop productivity, it might be time to take a break.

Virgo

Time is precious, Virgo. And for busy people like you, free time is an especially hot commodity! This eclipse reveals which activities and associations are taking up too much of yours. If they aren’t the people or priorities you really care about, it’s time to let them go.

Libra

Is your home life feeling less than homey? If so, Libra, you may want to rethink what your family of origin has taught you about domestic bliss. This eclipse is a perfect time to release childhood conditioning that doesn’t feel like home to you—and balance “tough love” with gentle nourishment.

Scorpio

What are you thinking, Scorpio? At times, it’s a mystery even to you. This eclipse urges you to break down the mental and emotional barriers that are preventing you from being fully understood. It’s not about having no boundaries, just softening the edges of the ones you do have.

Sagittarius

Conventional standards of success aren’t where it’s at, Sag. But if for some reason you’ve been pushing yourself to meet them anyway, this eclipse lets you off the hook. Focusing on intangible values—like care and concern for others—brings you a stronger sense of safety and security.

Art by Retrovisioned