OUR MILKY WAY GALAXY is hurtling through space at the incredible speed of 600 kilometers (373 miles) per second. Along with other galaxies in our sector of the universe, we are being inexorably drawn in the direction of a mysterious galactic anomaly called the Great Attractor (GA). 

Scientists cannot tell us exactly what the GA is, partly because it is behind the "Zone of Avoidance," an area of space where is so much gas and dust that we cannot see through it. But they do know that the GA has an enormous gravitational field, which apparently is able to bend light and warp time and space.

As perceived from Earth, the GA is located at about 14° Sagittarius. This Friday's Total Solar Eclipse, which occurs at 12°21´ Sagittarius, will in some ways channel the GA's enigmatic energies.

AS WE ENTER the portal opened by this week's Total Solar Eclipse, the unfolding of events greatly accelerates, reflecting the incredible speed at which we are being drawn toward the Great Attractor. This quickening will continue at least through the rest of eclipse season, which culminates at the New Moon on January 2.

Since the GA also seems to be able to warp time and space, we can think of this Solar Eclipse as being a catalyst for significant shifts that seem to catapult us to a new point that is much farther down the timeline. By the time we complete this eclipse season, we may feel like we are in a much different reality than the one we're currently moving through.

BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW about the Great Attractor, that new and different reality will be defined by a heightened state of consciousness. This may or may not be comfortable, depending on our ability to be openminded and our willingness to see all perspectives as valuable.

Astrologer Philip Sedgwick, a respected expert on galactic anomalies and their esoteric meanings, writes: "A narrow view or opinionated nature does not fit with the Great Attractor. The GA insists that multiple points be understood in all the available far-reaching realms of energy emanation. The Great Attractor reminds us all that knowledge must evolve in order for us to be aligned in any moment with full consciousness."

ECLIPSES occur in pairs (and sometimes trios) every six months when lunations are within a certain distance of the Moon's nodal axis. Our New Moon eclipse this week, which perfects at 11:43 p.m. PST on December 3, is closest to the South Node, representing where we have been and what we are leaving behind.

Much of what we are moving through during this eclipse season involves a resolution or completion of karmic contracts. Some of these contracts may specifically involve Sagittarian themes of right and wrong, judgment and the law, dogmatic philosophies and beliefs, ignorance, spiritual values, ethics, and morals. 

A South Node eclipse can also bring up fears or insecurities that we are ready to process and move beyond. To help us navigate these mental and emotional disruptions, we can look to the North Node, which represents our path of growth. With the North Node in Gemini, we can use mindfulness techniques to help ease the nervous tension and the restlessness that may accompany this eclipse. We also can benefit by being tactful, using logic, and opening our minds to new ideas, information, and perspectives.

A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE is a powerful time of endings and beginnings. We are completing a cycle that began in late 2002 and opening the door to a new 19-year cycle. With the planet Mercury conjunct the Sun and Moon at the time of the eclipse, this shift will likely involve new ideas or information coming forward. Revelations are possible, illuminating the road forward.

However, we need to remember that the Great Attractor is behind that Zone of Avoidance, so information that comes through with this eclipse may be partly hidden behind "gas and dust" (hot air and flying debris). By the time the new lunar cycle peaks in two weeks, we will have more clarity, having moved beyond the smoke screen.

That Gemini Full Moon on December 18 will be exceptional. It is not only the climax of the lunar cycle that begins with this week's powerful Total Solar Eclipse, it also occurs when the Sun is at the same degree as the Galactic Center. More to come on that topic next week!

THE PLANET NEPTUNE comes to a standstill on Wednesday of this week, completing its retrograde phase that began on June 25. Neptune's influence is so transcendental, we may not feel a strong difference between its retrograde and direct phases. However, the week or two before and after a planet's station are times that we feel the energies and intentions of the planet more profoundly.

With Neptune's energy strong now, the otherworldly feeling that normally accompanies eclipse season is even more pronounced. The dream state is very active and spiritual experiences during meditation are enhanced. Sensitivity and compassion are deepened, as our high hearts open to the knowing of oneness. We may feel quite emotional and easily be drawn to tears. Creative inspiration may come more readily, although the discipline to generate forms may not be exceptionally strong.

ALL PLANETS have what could be called "positive" traits as well as "shadow" qualities. The other side of the experiential coin of Neptune is that we can feel foggy, out of touch with reality, and unable to handle practical matters or "real life." Some may experience disillusionment when life doesn't live up to their ideals. Others may try to escape reality by living in a fantasy world or using mind-altering substances. 

That being said, Neptune is in harmonious aspects with Venus and Mars when it stations this week, which should enhance its more positive potentials. The sextile to Venus provides opportunities for creativity, inspires compassion, and invites us to trust in each other. And, Neptune's trine to Mars (exact on Monday), helps us take action in accordance with our intuition, higher guidance, and divine inspiration.

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE are becoming sensitive to cosmic energies, having clear responses to solar flares and geomagnetic activity. As such, self-care is essential when we work with eclipses and other significant planetary events.

Remember to be especially mindful of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout December. Even though it is a busy holiday time for many, be sure to make time for restorative rest and healthy self-nurturing (as compared to self-indulgence, which can lead to self-criticism and more exhaustion). And, if you are so drawn, please check my facebook page for daily posts of inspiration and support.

HERE are other important aspects that occur this week, with my brief interpretations:

Monday

Mars trine Neptune: We are able to take action based on our ideals and higher guidance. Instincts and intuition work well together today.

Mercury trine Chiron and sextile Saturn: Communications today help us feel supported, especially as they apply to our self-healing journey. These aspects should help us receive and convey clear information.

Tuesday

Sun trine Chiron and sextile Saturn: These aspects can help us feel more confident about the road we've chosen to walk. The power of belief reinforces the healing journey. 

Venus sextile Neptune: This heart-opening aspect helps us feel more compassion and empathy for others. It also supports creative activities that use the imagination or intuition.

Mercury semisquare Pluto: There is some push-back regarding information received, or someone's communication style may feel condescending.

Wednesday

Neptune stations direct: See above.

Sun semisquare Pluto: This aspect represents a conflict between what we believe and what we are told is true.

Mercury quincunx Uranus: New information we receive requires us to adjust our mental attitude.

Thursday

No major aspects are exact today.

Friday

Sun quincunx Uranus: An attitude adjustment is needed based on changes that occur this week. We may need to shift a belief system as a result.

Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron: Reactions such as resentment, anger, or a lack of self-confidence require us to do some personal healing work. Attempts to control others only lead to discouragement and reinforce a lack of self-worth. 

New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse 11:43 p.m. PST: See above.

Saturday

Mars quincunx Eris: We tend to react instinctively and defensively, but we find that resorting to anger doesn't resolve the issue. Inner courage and confidence in our self-knowing guide us to right action.

Sunday

No major aspects are exact today.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, the desire to communicate your beliefs is strong and you have an opportunity to heal old insecurities about your writing or speaking abilities. Your overall sense of purpose is enhanced as a result. However, you are also challenged to be more openminded and to consider the value in others' perspectives. An inability to be flexible can result in uncomfortable power struggles. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, trine Chiron, sextile Saturn, quincunx Uranus, semisquare Pluto)

In peace and with gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MON: Mars trine Neptune, Mercury trine Chiron, Mercury sextile Saturn
• TUE: Sun trine Chiron, Venus sextile Neptune, Sun sextile Saturn, Mercury semisquare Pluto
• WED: Neptune stations direct, Sun semisquare Pluto, Mercury quincunx Uranus
• THU: No major aspects today
• FRI: Sun quincunx Uranus, Mars sesquiquadrate Chiron, New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse 11:43 p.m. PST
• SAT: Mars quincunx Eris
• SUN: No major aspects today