The Solar Eclipse in Cancer on August 12th falls in Ashlesha, the ‘serpent nakshatra’ associated with security and protection.

This Total Eclipse is, in effect, a turbocharged New Moon, where the Sun’s light is completely obscured by the Moon’s disk, and emotion comes symbolically in front of ego and self-expression. You may be drawn into a well of feeling, and your mood plays a big part in your decision-making. Ashlesha is also linked to material wisdom, where you have insight into people’s motivations and know how to conduct business in the real world.

An obstacle may be removed after a period of work and focus, where fate has the final say. Try to accept change if you have tried hard to preserve an old job or relationship and things still go against your will. This is a moment to shed a layer of attachment and free yourself of limiting beliefs and conditions.

Appreciate also that you or your partner may become possessive or irrational at eclipse time, and your real intentions are laid bare. The total eclipse atmosphere is intense and all-embracing, and a small personal issue can make you momentarily anxious and overwhelmed. Jupiter, the planet of philosophy and good fortune, sits close to the eclipse degree in Cancer and offers a measure of added protection.

Your belief system may also go through a sudden change at this point, or a guru figure has an important say. Your attitude to savings and long-term security may go through a transformation, and you decide where you put your financial and emotional investment. This is not a recommended time for major decision-making, where it is usually best to wait a day or two until the waxing Moon reappears in the sky.