July 2023: Moonwobble

On July 22nd at 8:45am EDT we have a critical degree Cardinal Grand Cross Moonwobble with the Sun at 29°28′ Cancer opposing Pluto RX at 29°07′ Capricorn and both squaring the Lunar Nodes at 29°28′ Aries/Libra. Along with the Mars-Saturn opposition on July 20th, this Moonwobble is our big-bang introduction to the Aries/Libra Lunar Node transit and it’s also happening on the same day as Venus (ruler of the Libra South Node) stations retrograde.

What’s a Moonwobble?

When we talk about a “wobble” in relation to the Moon there are 2 types. The first type is the astronomical reference to the Moon’s 18.6-year wobbling cycle that involves the plane of its orbit and its Nodal points. The Moon’s orbital plane isn’t just this stationary-never changing plane in space. The Moon spins like a top as it rotates on its axis and it orbits around the Earth just as a spinning top moves around in a circle. When the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic – the two points of the Nodes – it does this apparent wobbling/nodding, what’s referred to as “liberation”. This is due to the 1.5° tilt of the Moon’s axis in relation to its orbital plane, the 5° tilt of the Moon’s orbital plane in relation to the ecliptic, and the varying speed of the Moon along its orbit. The Moon’s orbital speed increases as it approaches perigee (closest point to Earth) and decreases as it approaches apogee (farthest point from Earth). The net effect of these factors is an east-west “wobble” (longitude liberation) and north-south “nod” (latitude liberation) perceived from our perspective on Earth. This is an 18.6-year cycle where the plane of the Moon’s orbit gradually moves backwards in the opposite direction (which also affects the tides on Earth) and the location of its Nodes move as well. This type of “wobble” is most commonly referred as lunar liberation.

The second type of “wobble” in relation to the Moon is the one we’re talking about here and is used most commonly in the astrological sense. It is connected with the cycle above but expands on it. In this context, it is referred to as a “Moonwobble” – what’s technically called “Lunar Node instability”. This is a phenomenon that was discovered by the astrologer and mathematician Carl Payne Tobey in the 1940s when he was trying to find a relationship between astrological cycles and outbreaks of insurance claims (specifically fires). What he found was there was a cycle that occurs every ~86.5 days (about 4 times a year) when the Sun conjuncts/opposes or squares the Moon’s Nodes that showed a statistical pattern of death due to accidents or catastrophes. Tobey started his research looking at the influence of eclipses but what he found was, as he wrote, “the eclipse might be of no significance” and that what really mattered were the conjunct/oppose or square aspects made to the Nodal axis from the Sun. In a sense we could say that all Solar and Lunar Eclipses are Moonwobbles because the Sun is conjunct/oppose the Nodes during that time, but unless it is an exact conjunction (which could only be a Total Eclipse) it is technically not considered the maximum (exact) Moonwobble. So while there can be a crossover at times, most Moonwobbles aren’t associated with eclipses and are their own “disaster cycles”. Moonwobbles are especially potent when there is a New Moon or Full Moon aspecting the Lunar Nodes.

General Moonwobble Effects

In regard to what effects these Moonwobbles actually have on life here on Earth Tobey wrote, “When the Sun is conjunct or square the lunar nodes there is human instability. People are excitable. They are more easily confused. Their reactions are emotional rather than intellectual. Something must be done about something.” Tobey’s friend Thane Walker observed this cycle and was the one to give it the name “Moonwobble”, noting that people got wacky, spoke and acted without thinking, and made irrational decisions. A sense of urgency is at an all time high and suppressed emotions that have been bubbling beneath surface finally erupt during these times.

Extensive research done since Tobey discovered the Moonwobble has strongly linked these cycles to freak accidents, fires/explosions, plane/boat/train crashes, severe vehicular accidents and pileups, severe natural disasters (especially floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis), weird weather patterns, violence (especially mass murders), suicides, riots, acts of terrorism, personal and political upheavals, and other catastrophes where there is significant loss of life. Moonwobbles have coincided with events like the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in Northern China (largest loss of life from an earthquake in the 20th century), the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helen (the most disastrous volcanic eruption in U.S. history), the Oklahoma City bombing (deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history), the 9/11 attacks (the deadliest act of terrorism overall in U.S. history), the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Asia,, the most powerful in the 21st century, and the third most powerful ever recorded in the world since seismography began in 1900), the 2010 Gulf oil spill (largest marine oil spill in history), and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami (the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan and the fourth most powerful in the world; the tsunami also caused the Fukushima disaster). Most of the greatest disasters involve other harsh planetary alignments to the Nodes, especially from the outer planets.

The exact effects of Moonwobbles and the advice given for them depends on the signs they’re in and other planetary aspects involved. If we had the capacity to input the coordinates of every city in the world into a computer and run those with Moonwobbles we’d be able to pinpoint the exact nature and locations of any upcoming disasters (as we’d be able to do with other planetary alignments) – but sadly, we do not, and that is too great a feat for one astrologer to do by hand. Maybe something can be done with AI to get us to that point in the near future. But I digress. As far as personal effects, if an individual’s chart is triggered by a Moonwobble they can most likely expect to be going through some major events in their lives if significant aspects are involved. Breakups are common during these times due to irrationality and explosive reactions damaging relationships. Some astrologers have even linked Moonwobbles to periods when people from the past come back around unexpectedly. I haven’t personally tested this but if that’s the case it’s, in my opinion, due to suppressed emotions that need dealt with in order to move forward with your life, especially if it’s a square aspect (squares to the Nodes are often referred to as “skipped steps”). At the very least, those who are getting personally hit by a Moonwobble need to be extra vigilant and careful to make sure that the instability doesn’t negatively effect them.

On a personal level, Thane Walker’s general rule of thumb was that any decision made during a Moonwobble would have to be revisited due to the emotional instability and impulsiveness involved. The general advice for everyone during these times is to step back, be a conscious observer, and do not react to any drama that comes up. Remaining calm and taking time before deciding or acting on things are key for these cycles. Moonwobbles have a Uranian quality to them so expect the unexpected and prepare to be as flexible as possible. I, personally, would strongly advise against long-distance travel (especially by plane, boat or train) or attending any events where there are a large amount of people due to the high possibility of disasters. It’s wise to have an emergency supply kit ready to go, especially if you live in disaster-prone areas.

Moonwobbles usually have an window of effect of 20 days – 10 days before and 10 days after the exact aspect, though it can be extended if there are other planetary alignments involved (especially outer planets). Usually, though, the window doesn’t exceed a month-and-a-half. The days leading up to the exact Moonwobble are generally the most intense and increase in intensity the closer it gets to the maximum (exact aspect). More often than not, the exact aspect tends to be calm, like the eye of a storm, and then there’s a quick release of energy in the 10 days that follow. These are “wild card” times, though, so it’s not unusual for a Moonwobble to go relatively unnoticed and then all of a sudden towards the last day shit will hit the proverbial fan.

The Current Moonwobble Cycle

With the Lunar Nodes transiting through Aries and Libra from July 12, 2023 to January 29, 2025 (and the True Nodes from July 17, 2020 to January 11, 2025) we will be having Moonwobbles that occur during Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn seasons (Sun transiting these signs) during this Nodal cycle. Aries and Libra will be the conjunctions/oppositions from the Sun to the Lunar Nodes while Cancer and Capricorn will be the squares. The dates for these are as follows:

July 22, 2023 — Sun 29°28′ Cancer square Nodes 29°28′ Aries/Libra **(Pluto square Nodes)
~ midway between eclipse seasons
~ window of effect: July 12th to August 1st

October 18, 2023 — Sun 24°49′ Libra conjunct S. Node/oppose N. Node **(Pluto square Nodes)
~ 4 days after an Annular Libra Solar Eclipse and 10 days before a Partial Taurus Lunar Eclipse
~ window of effect: October 8th to October 28th

January 10, 2024 — Sun 20°20′ Capricorn (conjunct Pluto) square Nodes 20°20′ Aries/Libra
~ midway between eclipse seasons, day before Capricorn New Moon
~ window of effect: January 1st to January 20th

April 4, 2024 — Sun 15°50′ Aries conjunct N. Node/oppose S. Node
~ 10 days after a Penumbral Libra Lunar Eclipse and 4 days before a Total Aries Solar Eclipse
~ window of effect: March 25th to April 14th

July 2, 2024 — Sun 11°09′ Cancer square Nodes 11°09′ Aries/Libra
~ midway between eclipse seasons
~ window of effect: June 22nd to July 12th

September 28, 2024 — Sun 6°28′ Libra conjunct S. Node/oppose N. Node **(Mars square Nodes)
~ 11 days after a Partial Pisces Lunar Eclipse and 4 days before an Annular Libra Solar Eclipse
~ window of effect: September 18th to October 8th

December 23, 2024 — Sun 1°57′ Capricorn square Nodes 1°57′ Aries/Libra
~ midway between eclipse seasons
~ window of effect: December 13th to January 2nd

July’s Cardinal Grand Cross Moonwobble

July 22nd’s Cardinal Grand Cross Moonwobble is happening with the Sun at 29°28′ Cancer opposite Pluto RX at 29°07′ Capricorn and both squaring the Lunar Nodes at 29°28′ Aries/Libra. The last Moonwobble we had involving the Aries/Libra Lunar Nodes (within 1° of where they are now) was in December 2004 when the Indian Ocean earthquake and subsequent tsunami happened. This occurred 1 day before a Capricorn New Moon and involved the dispositors of the Aries North Node, Mars, and Capricorn Sun, Saturn, in tense aspects (Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune in a Grand Fixed Cross – quick, widespread death and mass destruction involving the earth and ocean; long-term damages). The last Moonwobble we had involving Pluto was in April 2019 when there was record flooding in Khuzesta province in Iran, the President of Algeria resigned amid mass protests after ~20 years in office, the President of Sudan was deposed in a coup amid mass protests after ~30 years in office, the Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire, Julian Assange was arrested, and Sri Lanka had its deadliest terrorist attack since the Sri Lankan Civil War ended (this was also when Volodymyr Zelensky became President of Ukraine). And this Moonwobble will also be triggering the 29°52 Aries Solar Eclipse we had back on April 20th (which was conjunct Jupiter and Eris and squaring Pluto), bringing even more unstable energy with it.

This Moonwobble also has Mars (dispositor of the Aries North Node) opposing Saturn RX (dispositor of Saturn) and Venus (dispositor of the Libra South Node) stationing retrograde in Leo. The Mars-Saturn opposition will light a spark that could turn into a wildfire as pressure, anger, frustration and disappointment reach a head due to unfulfilled desires, a sense of urgency, and being blocked from moving forward (either by others or ourselves). Mars in Virgo wants to step on the gas and get to work while Saturn retrograde in Pisces wants to slam on the brakes to address illusions and things in the subconscious realms that have put us in a prison of our own making, creating a reality that we’re constantly trying to escape from. The blockages we face are the result of limited beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors and while we may face adversaries “out there” – what seems like people trying to keep us down and thwart our success – they are likely projections, or the result of, the real enemy within. So the instability, irrationality, confusion, emotional outbursts, and sense of urgency experienced during this Moonwobble cycle is likely to stem from this internal battle going on that needs to be faced and dealt with.

Venus stationing retrograde will have people questioning their feelings about relationships (with themselves and others) and things like their preferences, values, desires, attachments, pleasures, self-esteem, self-worth, personal possessions/resources, and finances. Suppressed emotions and hidden, minimized, or ignored dynamics between people (and with one’s self) will come front and center to be addressed. With Venus being in Leo and Moonwobbles being connected to breakups due to irrational decisions, impulsive actions and explosive reactions, there’s likely to be a lot of celebrities, leaders and other prominent figures going through breakups/divorces during this cycle. Venus in Leo can also indicate that there will be a lot of inner child and self-love issues bubbling to the surface, as well as issues dealing with not being seen, recognized, or getting the attention that one seeks. I know a lot of other astrologers are talking about this Venus retrograde in regards to the typical (and extremely simplified and overdone) signification of relationships being the focus, but what they’re failing to acknowledge is that Libra and Scorpio are the signs more connected to relationships, not Leo (unless you’re talking about flings or relationships with children). Venus’ retrograde in Leo is preparing us for the Aries/Libra Lunar Node transit when we’re meant to focus on ourselves (Aries North Node), not relationships (Libra South Node). And this Moonwobble can cause the catalyst needed to make that happen.

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This Moonwobble’s window of effect is from July 12th to August 1st, with the maximum (exact aspect) occurring on July 22nd at 8:45am EDT, though with Pluto involved it will likely extend longer from July 9th to August 5th. In the lead-up to the maximum so far, at the time of me writing this (July 19th) there’s already been quite a few signature Moonwobble events:

• 7/10 — Torrential rains across Northeast U.S. caused historic flooding
• 7/11 — Heavy rains in northern India caused landslides, flash floods, and 20 deaths
• 7/12 — A deadly hit-and-run when a driver tried to evade Secret Service in Washington D.C.
• 7/13 — A guy found using stolen human remains as decorations in Kentucky
• 7/13 — A woman that went missing in Alabama turned out to be a really crazy hoax
• 7/14 — Three police officers shot during an active shooter situation in North Dakota
• 7/14 — U.S. actor’s union SAG-AFTRA went on strike
• 7/15 — Explosions at the Dow Chemical Plant in Lousiana
• 7/15 — Monsoon flooding in South Korea caused at least 41 deaths
• 7/16 — A 7.2 magnitude earthquake and tsunami warning on the coast of Alaska
• 7/17 — China experienced its highest temperature ever recorded
• 7/17 — A train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Pennsylvania
• 7/17 — A plane crashed in Warsaw, Poland
• 7/17 — Typhoon Talim hit China’s Guandong coast causing 230,000 people to evacuate
• 7/18 — A 6.5 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Central America
• 7/18 — A U.S. soldier released from jail is S. Korea crossed into N. Korea and was detained
• 7/19 — A flash flood emergency in Kentucky
• 7/19 — A massive fire at an abandoned Kmart building in Oregon
• 7/19 — A shooting at a Walmart in Florida
• 7/19 — A mass shooting in New Zealand
• 7/19 — An EF-3 tornado destroyed a Pfizer pharmaceutical plant in North Carolina
• 7/19 — Protestors stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad and set it on fire

With Pluto’s square to the Nodes perfecting on August 3rd, in the window of effect for the Moonwobble, I’d expect August 2nd-4th being the timeframe when the most chaos or destruction occurs. With this Moonwobble activating the April 20th Aries Solar Eclipse the locations that were highlighted at that time could be the areas where we see upheaval, destruction, and catastrophes happening now. These areas would be Timor-Leste, West Papua, Papua, parts of the Marshall Islands, Australia, New Zealand, the French Southern Territories, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, the East Indies, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Japan, England (especially Oldham, Leicester, Blackburn, Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham), Germany (especially Brunswick), France (especially Marseilles and Burgundy), Wales, Syria, Northern Sudan, Spain (especially Sargossa), Portugal, Poland (especially Cracow), Peru, Palestine, Italy (especially Padua, Naples, Florence, and Capua), Lithuania, Lebanon, Israel, Iran, Iceland, and Denmark. Other areas that may be affected are Argentina, Austria (especially Vienna), Burma, Iraq, Siberia, Tibet, upper Egypt, the United States (especially east of the Mississippi River, Dallas Texas, Charleston West Virginia, Chicago Illinois, Los Angeles California, and Miami Florida), the Caspian Sea and bordering lands (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia), and South Pacific Ocean and islands (Fiji, Samoa, etc.). The United Nations is also highlighted.

Some notable people who’s charts will be directly triggered by this Moonwobble are Prince George of Cambridge, Prince Felix of Denmark, President of France Emmanuel Macron, President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová, Prime Minister of the UAE and absolute ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, multiple members of the European Parliament (15+), Selena Gomez, Danny Glover, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick Jr., Faith Hill, Louis C.K., Amber Heard, Orlando Bloom, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Jojo, Penelope Cruz, Shaquille O’Neal, Camila Cabello, Paris Jackson, Jane Fonda, Susan Sarandon, Tom Selleck, Carrie Fisher, Naomi Campbell, Matthew Perry, Tobey Maguire, Jennifer Aniston, Gene Simmons, Catherine Zeta-Jones, George Lucas, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Ben Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Kate Hudson, and David Beckham.