Eclipses (Part One)

Since we have a couple of Eclipses coming up in July, I thought it would be a good idea to write a little bit about them. This is the first part of a two part blog.

Eclipses are one of the most important predictive tools that an astrologer can use. An eclipse is an astronomical phenomena that involves the relative position of the Sun, Moon and Earth. There are two kinds of eclipses: Solar and Lunar. At the time of a Solar Eclipse, the Moon is lying direc­tly between the Earth and Sun, temporarily obscuring the Sun from the Earth's view. Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth is between the Sun and Moon, with the Earth com­pletely blocking the Sun.

Solar Eclipses only take place during the New Moon. Lunar Eclipses always occur during the Full Moon. While a New and Full Moon occur once a month, they are not always eclipses, because the orbit of the Moon does not always lie on the same path as the Earth's. When it does, only then do we have an eclipse. If the lunar orbit was in perfect align­ment with the solar orbit, there would be a Solar Eclipse during every New Moon and a Lunar Eclipse during every Full Moon. Because this is not the case, there are an average of only two Solar and two Lunar Eclipses every year. These usually occur in pairs because of the position of the lunar nodes. The lunar nodes are those imaginary points where the lunar orbit crosses the ecliptic, or solar orbit.

The nodes of the moon are important in seeing if we have an eclipse, or just a regular lunation. The lunar nodes are always in opposing signs across the zodiac, and retrograde through the signs. An eclipse occurs when the conjunction or opposition of the two luminaries is within 18° 31' of either the North or South Node of the Moon for Solar Eclip­ses, and 12° 15' for Lunar Eclipses. These positions of the eclipses in longitude will vary due to the regression of the Lunar Nodes. The South Node will occupy the opposite signs during these occurs in is of extreme importance, because it indicates what kind of intrinsic action will become activated during the eclipse period, and how that action will affect the native. A good way to examine the eclipse is to look at the mode of activity, through the qualities and elements of the zodiac.

The quality shows the kind of action the eclipse will pre-sent to the native. When an eclipse occurs in a cardinal sign, such as Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, the action of the eclipse will be swift and decisive. The native must deal with the eclipse in a determined manner, meet the crisis head on, and accept it as an oncoming challenge. The eclipse must be dealt with in a way that allows the individual to rise above the situation. When an eclipse occurs in a fixed sign, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, the native will want to live with the crisis in order to maintain the status quo. The action initiated by the fixed eclipse will be very slow and deliberate. Usually with the fixed eclipses, one major event or cir­cumstance will be highlighted during the eclipse period. Mutable eclipses occur in the signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagit­tarius and Pisces. When presented with a mutable eclipse, the individual may pretend that any problem brought upon them does not exist The native may also try to walk around the crisis at hand and avoid it The action here will be changeable and fluctuating. More than one crisis can arise with the mutable eclipse.

The element of the eclipse indicates at what level the eclipse will be felt. Eclipses that are fire in element, Aries, Leo or Sagittarius, are usually accepted as a personal chal­lenge, and dealt with in the spirit of the crisis. Great growth can occur under the influence of this particular lunation. Eclipses in an earth sign, such as Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn, are tangible and real, and usually occur on a mundane level. Money or career of the individual are subjects of the crisis. The foundations of these people are usually tested to see if they are on steady ground. Great stability and security can be acquired if the eclipse is handled in a productive manner. Air eclipses that occur in Gemini, Libra or Aquarius, can bring about an intellectual development. When an eclipse occurs in a water sign, Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, a highly emotional crisis can occur in the native's life. Nebulous mat­ters can be the basis of this eclipse. Usually the scope of the crisis is limited to the emotional feelings. Intuitive abilities can be sharpened and used to gain insight into the emotional nature of the native.

The sign the eclipse occurs occurs in is of extreme importance, because it indicates what kind of intrinsic action will become activated during the eclipse period, and how that action will affect the native. A good way to examine the eclipse is to look at the mode of activity, through the qualities and elements of the zodiac.