Mundane Interpretations: An interpretation of
Astrology in terms of world trends, the destinies of nations and large groups of
individuals, based on an analysis of the effects of Equinoxes, Solstices, New
Moons, Eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and similar celestial phenomenon; as
distinguished from Natal astrology, specifically applicable to an individual
birth horoscope. Definition from De Vore's Encyclopedia
of Astrology.
The Moon Valley Astrologer monthly forecast is
based on the New Moon configurations and covers a four-week period. The chart is
set for Washington D.C., to show trends for the United States. In a
general way, many of the themes and activities shown in the New
Moon chart come to fruition at the time of the Full
Moon, harvest time. When a New or Full Moon is also an eclipse, the events
stemming from this dynamic lunation extend beyond the four-week period. My book,
Eclipses,
Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation fully explains
eclipses.
The
purpose of this column is to demonstrate some astrology at work. The intent is
not to use the column as a soapbox or to expound or promote any particular
viewpoint; only to showcase one of the many uses of astrology. Actually I try to
maintain detachment and simply study the New Moon chart to see what it suggests
the climate and tone will be like for the coming month. The New Moon chart reflects the true
State of the Nation. The chart never lies, although the astrologer can err in
reading it. Mundane astrology is a newer study of mine; it is a challenge,
different than reading a chart for an individual. In a Mundane chart, each house
takes on broader meaning and I am neither a financial or a political expert. In
any case, I try to keep a record of important events following each New Moon in
order to judge my accuracy and for follow up study. You are invited to
help me with this by emailing me newsworthy items that were suggested in the New
Moon Report, or notable events that were missed.
Each house in a mundane chart rules over the
same kinds of matters and people as in a natal chart, except that they take on
broader meaning. The First House in a natal chart shows the outlook and attitude
of an individual while in an mundane chart, it describes the outlook and attitude
of the nation. The Second House in a natal chart indicates the earning capacity
and spending habits based on values and priorities, and in a mundane chart this
house relates to the nations finances and economic matters.
The Third House in the natal chart rules communications, transportation,
neighbors. In a mundane chart the Third House rules the same things; all types
of communications and transport as well as relations with neighboring countries. The
Fourth House in a natal chart reflects the home, whereas in a mundane chart, it
reflects the homeland. And, so on and on.
The Aries Solar Ingress is the chart for the
moment the Sun enters Aries. This in the first day of Spring. That chart gives
an overview of the year to come and each subsequent New Moon chart can be read
with regard to the Ingress chart. Other
charts that come in handy when gathering testimony is the chart of the
United States and the natal chart of the President holding office. Below is President Bush's chart
and the USA chart. Click an image to view a chart and then use your back button.
The New Moon of May 5th occurs in Taurus at 15°.
In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this New
Moon falls in the Twelfth House. This house oversees public welfare agencies,
charitable organizations, hospitals, prisons, reformatories and institutions
operating behind the scenes that offer a respite for those who are suffering or
who need a temporary break from society. The New Moon falling here indicates
this to be an area of attention in the four weeks ahead. There are changes, new
developments, or reforms in the management of these institutions. Since this is
a Taurus New Moon, it may be the funds necessary to run these institutions or
their financial management that is most in focus. Basically all facilities that
operate in seclusion are governed under this house and it represents conditions
going on behind the scenes of public knowledge, known only by the government.
Other matters governed under the Twelfth House include secret agencies; the CIA
and Secret Service and it also rules secret enemies.
Mercury in the Twelfth House adds to the emphasis here and
shows there are secret discussions taking place. Mercury in a critical
degree suggests talks of a serious nature. There may be problems surrounding
the management of welfare facilities or scandals linked to those who run those
Twelfth House institutions. It is hard to say just what this will entail other
than that financial issues are implicated. Much of what goes on in the Twelfth
House does not come out in the open for public scrutiny until later.
What may be more noticeable is that Venus ruling the Fifth
House and positioned in the Eleventh House suggests an increase of marriages and
engagements among celebrities, entertainers and the upper classes. A fair amount
of media coverage will be given to these events with Leo on the Third. In fact,
one celebration that may be most in the limelight is the wedding of Jenna Bush.
The aspects of Uranus, ruling the president, suggest there is a measure of good
will flowing toward him, even if some of it is temporary due to his daughter’s
marriage. Neptune with North Node near the top of the chart is a bit dreamy,
romantic and idealistic, and with Sun trine Jupiter, this celebration may be a
bright spot in the month; something people relate to easily. (Click
image to view the chart, then use your back button.)
While the Sun in the Twelfth is a sign of a weakened
government and trouble for the president, there appears to be some favor,
fortune, or unexpected achievement for the president and his party or
administration; some perceived progress in government undertakings. This may be
considered by them to be a feather in the cap. Perhaps this is linked to the
rebate checks that are meant to stimulate the economy, which will start arriving
to taxpayers this month.
The financial picture appears mixed, complicated, and with
conflicting data. There are a few signs of improved trade, mainly from Venus, so
there may be a small blip from the stimulus checks, but there are signs that it
continues to be a very critical time for U.S. economic matters. For the most
part, people may use their stimulus checks for necessities, like food, gas, and
housing since Cancer is on the cusp of the Second House. The cusp of the Second
House of the national economy has a critical
degree on the cusp and Mars in this house opposes Jupiter. Mars in this
house, especially an afflicted Mars, is unfavorable for banks and for the
economy in general. Disputes over financial questions will occur. There are high
national expenses, much of it linked to the military and war efforts.
Property values continue to depreciate with Saturn in the
Fourth House. Saturn is also square Mercury, the ruler of the people; the
taxpayers and voters. People are spread thin with Gemini rising and feel great
discontentment with the state of the country and the personal effects of this
economy. Unemployment and want are prevalent with Saturn in Virgo in the Fourth.
Much grief is connected to the housing situation with many losing their
homes. Lawmakers are assessing the situation and there may be legislation
dealing with these issues.
This position of Saturn in the Fourth House usually signals
bad weather ahead, including potential land and property damage from natural or
other disasters such as earthquakes or fires. The fire sign Leo is on the cusp
and Saturn is very near the cusp. Saturn here is also associated with
agriculture and crop related problems.
Saturn in the Fourth further suggests that the Democratic
party is slumping; in square to Mercury, people may be getting disgruntled with
these presidential hopefuls and the negativity of the campaign. There is
increased pressure from within the party for one of the candidates to quit the
race before things get even messier. There continues to be religious disputes
and discord.
Right now we have Uranus in square to U.S. Mars, which is a
very turbulent influence that often leads to ill temper and excitability in
public meetings. This may be noticeable in various areas this coming month. The
aspect is associated with strikes, lawlessness, and explosive situations. It
helps a great deal that Uranus is in mutual reception with Neptune, diffusing
much of the negative potential.
Libra on the cusp of the Fifth House appears to be connected
to the huge child custody case in Texas in which over 400 children were removed
from their polygamist home and many from their mothers and taken into state
custody out of concern for their welfare. Libra is the sign of justice. Venus
semi-square Uranus describes sudden separations. Venus is trine Saturn and
Pluto, so steps are taken are to protect the children and to act in their best
interests. Still, there may be a high level of excitement about this case and
not all agree on what is best for the children. Either way, there are concerns
about the control and manipulation of women.
International and foreign affairs may hit some complications
with Pluto in the Seventh House. Pluto is in a critical
degree (an Aries Point
degree, also sometimes referred to as a world point) so that some change in
international power may be the result of economic pendulum swings. Pluto is in
Capricorn, the sign representative of the higher authority and Pluto signals
transformation on a global level. Another world power may be getting closer to
becoming Top Dog on the world scene as the U.S. economy falters and the dollar
value falls. Pluto forms a close stressful aspect to this Taurus New Moon in the
Twelfth House, implying hidden monetary issues. The U.S. economic standing in
the world is dependant on others and with Pluto so strong and prominent, changes
are suggested.
Overall, the main areas of focus appear to be those of an
economic and political sort. The several days following the Full Moon of May 19th
may be particularly active. Troubling developments may occur and the month ends
on a more sober note than it begins. To complicate
things, Mercury goes
retrograde the 26th.
In your own chart, check the house
where this Taurus New Moon falls. The issues, people and affairs governed by
this house will be the area of focus for you in the four weeks ahead. New
developments draw your attention to the matters of this house. You may see new
possibilities attaching to this house with a desire to implement strategies to
bring improvements. Try to be practical in your assessment of the possibilities,
especially where money is concerned. As you go about planting new seeds,
remember that results of efforts often begin to show fruit around the time of
the Full Moon. Later in the month, Mercury
goes retrograde on May 26th near the same time that Neptune goes
retrograde. Things could become somewhat confused or tangled. Allow some review
time now. All the best, Celeste Teal, 4/28/2008
If you enjoy this monthly update, please feel free
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the Moon Valley Astrologer.
Go to Astrology Novice if you're a
beginning astrologer to learn more about your
horoscope. Learn to read your Diurnal (daily) chart, or your Solar or Lunar Return from my book,
Identifying
Planetary Triggers. It devotes a chapter to each of the planetary returns, Mercury through
Saturn as well.
BTW, I've posted a tip on Casting
the Solar Return. If
you want to learn about eclipses and the important impact they play in your life
journey, check out my
book, Eclipses.
Just click the title link Eclipses
to see reader reviews or order from Amazon. Or, read some on
site published reviews. (I have a few copies on hand. Email me
if you'd like
to get your copy from me.) To stay abreast of centaurs,
asteroids, and other celestial activity reflective
of our times, link to the latest installment of the Galactic Times.
The
New Moon of April 5th falls at 16 degrees of Aries and this is the
first New Moon since the start of spring. In the chart cast for Washington,
D.C., this New Moon falls in the Fourth House. The New Moon position in the
chart shows where there will be new developments and to where our attention will
be focused. The Fourth House rules the land, the owners of land and those who
work the land. This is also the house of agriculture, crops and the produce of
the land. This house rules mines and buildings as well. So, right away we know
that these are areas of greater concern and interest in the month to come. The
Fourth House also shows weather conditions. The aspects determine how all these
affairs are going.
The Sun and Moon form some very challenging aspects from the
Fourth House. This suggests an unfavorable time for landowners, for those who
work in real estate, for building operations, and trouble affecting agriculture
as well as problematic, possibly severe, weather conditions.
People suffer discontent on account of disturbances
relating to the affairs of the Fourth House. The mortgage mess is a major
concern. The Sun and Moon square Mars, which is in Cancer and in the Eighth
House, suggesting debt problems for homeowners. The NM squares Jupiter in the
Second House, which is unfavorable for trade and commerce, so home sales are down,
building operations are slowed and people are having a hard time meeting living
expenses due to rising costs. Jupiter rules the people and its challenging
aspects show how they are personally affected. A sesquiquad of NM to Saturn
underscores these problems and emphasize that trade and labor is unfortunate.
Banks, stocks, shares and finance businesses suffer. Venus square Pluto also spells financial
trouble, repeating themes of public discontent. There is social agitation over
real estate values and upset about fuel costs and the profits of big oil
companies. Jupiter opposing Mars shows high expenditures and financial struggles. This is a very unfavorable aspect for financial
affairs so there could be economic shake-ups pointing to recession. Some relief may come from
governmental actions or reforms but there are many difficult questions for the
government to deal with. This latter theme is also suggested by Mars conjunction
to the USA Sun with difficult aspects to it.
Mercury is also in the Fourth House, but afflictions from
Pluto and Neptune suggest it is a bad time for farmers. This also suggests
unemployment and discontent among workers. Again there are troubles in national
affairs connected with general living conditions. The Moon in the Fourth in
affliction sometimes means crop shortages. There seems to be some problem or
trouble in agricultural matters; this could be weather related or possibly truck drivers who deliver food and
domestic products protest the high cost of fuel, which could in turn lead to
shortages on store shelves. Mercury in Aries suggests the angry truckers and in
the Fourth House suggests the domestic or food products, while the square to
Pluto in the First suggests a possible protest and how their actions could have
a negative impact on the public’s welfare.
Saturn in the Ninth House, retrograde and conjunct South Node
also suggests sacrifices and restrictions affecting truckers and other long
distance transport enterprises. There could be strikes. There’s a black cloud
over long distance communication, airlines, etc. Some transport companies may
reorganize while some could go under. Other affairs that may be negatively
influenced include shipping, imports and exports, and immigration affairs.
There is a lot going on. The Fourth House also rules the
political party that is out of power and we see there is a lot of political
activity and high feeling, with potentially angry discussions and disputes. All
the candidates are trying to show they can bring the change and new beginning
the people want for the country, including the incumbent party candidate. He may
gain ground over the next few weeks as the Democrat rivals stir the pot against
themselves. Those planets in Aries suggest much of this and Jupiter’s sextile
to Uranus is often of some good for the party in office. The Democrat candidates
may be trying to be nice to one another in spite of their real feelings. This is
suggested by Moon and Mars in square but in mutual reception and still
afflicted. But, whether it is connected to this political race or in some other
way, there appears to be disputes or scandals connecting to religion, churches
and religious leaders. This is suggested by the afflictions to Jupiter and by
Saturn in the Ninth. Perhaps this means the debate over Obama’s allegiance to
the controversial Reverend Wright is not yet over. News and views are
sensationalized with Neptune in the Third House.
Mars in the Eighth House suggests deaths by crime or
accidents. Crime is on the increase and there appears to be public excitement in
connection with crime. Besides the potential for mysterious crimes, scandals, or
crimes involving religious or movement leaders, there may be crimes against
women and children, cases of domestic violence, or in places of amusement. Mars
rules the Fifth House and since it is in a critical
degree, this means things are critical for Fifth House matters. The Fifth
House rules children and their interests, entertainers, and activities linked to
pleasurable pursuits.
The Fifth House also rules gambling and speculation in the
Stock Market. This chart somewhat matches the Aries Ingress chart of March 20th,
with Sagittarius rising, which suggested volatility in stocks and shares and
trouble for banks and finance companies. When a planet is in a critical
degree, it often means that matters of the house occupied or ruled by the
planet are grave, serious, and climactic. So, in addition to Stock Market
volatility, there may be increased activity revolving around taxes, interest
rates, pensions and the national debt, which are Eighth House issues.
Mars position in the Eighth House could also mean increased
deaths among soldiers or among those in occupations ruled by Mars, such as those
who work in iron and steel, firemen, or those using sharp tools or instruments.
Black Moon
Lilith also denotes a measure of trouble in Eleventh House affairs. This
house rules politics in general, the VP, the Treasury, labor organizations,
rebels, and the nation’s allies.
Overall, it is a month of high excitability and significance
with so many planets in the angular houses. There’s a great deal of excitable
news. Uranus will form a square to the USA Mars just around the time of the Full
Moon of April 20th, so the latter part of April could bring sudden
developments. There may be stormy weather conditions, excitement in Washington,
or other critical events of an economic sort. But, for all of the challenges faced, with Pluto in
the First House in trine to Saturn, folks make the effort to rise to the
occasion to overcome heavy burdens and with ruling Jupiter in sextile to Uranus,
they continue to be forward looking, maintaining a degree of optimism.
In your own chart, check the house
where this April 5th New Moon at 16 degrees of Aries falls. The
matters of that house and the people represented by that house will draw your
attention and focus for the next four weeks. There may be some challenges
connecting to the matters and people of the house where this New Moon falls,
more so if you have planets near the middle of the Cardinal signs; Aries,
Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. You may notice some irritability or feel aggravated
more easily and it may be hard to get through this period without some conflict.
While everyone is affected by the country’s troubles to some extent, people
who are very personally impacted by these current aspects are prone to reacting
more defensively and prone to impulsive actions, which could have a negative
result. Slow down and take the time to carefully consider your actions. Take
care and stay safe, Celeste Teal, 4/3/2008
The
New Moon of March 7th falls in the sign Pisces, at 17 °. This New
Moon takes place near noontime in Washington D.C., so that in the chart cast for
that location, the Sun and Moon are overhead, conjunct the Midheaven. This is
the house that rules the president, the government and those in authority, as
well as the power and status of the nation. The New Moon brings a focus here,
where changes and new developments take place.
This is a rather important New Moon for a few reasons. When
the New Moon falls in one of the angular houses, the First, Fourth, Seventh or
Tenth, it is an indication of important times. This is also true if the New Moon
closely aligns by conjunction with another planet. In this chart, the New Moon
falls on the cusp of the Tenth and it is closely conjunct Uranus. This
conjunction brings a good measure of excitement. Much of the excitement is
political; we are approaching a period of transition of leadership; having great
interest in the credentials and plans of the nominees. There may be unexpected
changes or developments revolving around the candidates. There are, however,
also likely to be sudden or unexpected developments in Washington that requires
careful management. This might involve demonstrations at the Capital. Uranus
with the NM is rarely entirely favorable due to a tendency for disruption or
chaos. Developments may invite the government to expand its power and influence
in some way.
While the New Moon in the Tenth often brings a degree of power
to the government and the ability to hold its own against criticism, especially
when supported by nice aspects, as from lucky Jupiter in this chart, we must
also note that this New Moon falls in a critical
degree. Planets in a critical degree signal that matters are serious, grave,
and potentially climactic for the houses ruled or occupied by such a planet. In
addition to the Tenth House, this brings in houses 1, 2, and 3, which are ruled
by the Moon or the Sun. The First House represents the people being governed;
the health and welfare of the voters, taxpayers and property owners. The Second
House rules the economy, and the Third House rules general trade and all forms
of transport and communication. It is not news that the economy is in trouble,
affecting people at fundamental levels. This situation is in a state of
fluctuation, disorder and confusion rather than stabilization. But in this chart
we also find Saturn in a critical degree in the Third House, and Pluto in a
critical degree in the Sixth House of employment. When the houses they rule or
co-rule are considered, this means that things ruled by the Fifth, Seventh, and
Eighth houses are also serious and grave. There are eight houses altogether
affected by planets in critical
degrees; three of them financial houses, two related to employment and
working conditions. Overall indications suggest a critical juncture in U.S.
affairs. There may be difficult changes affecting financial affairs.
As outlined in my book Eclipses,
when transiting Saturn reaches an active eclipse degree before Mars, it tends to
clamp down and drag out existing woes, especially woes of an economic sort.
Saturn is now approaching the recent Lunar Eclipse of February, which pointed to
things like worker discontent, employment problems, cases of want and social
dissatisfaction. The ruler of the
eclipse is Mercury, which is linked to trade and commerce. Due to slow
retrograde motion, Saturn will remain within a 3-degree orb of this
eclipse until July, which may be a particularly tough period. If we are headed
into a recession, undeniable signs of it may be exposed between mid March and
mid June. In previous cases when Saturn made it to an eclipse first, there were
hard times economically; usually with an impact on the Stock Market.
Both of the recent eclipses fell in angular houses, which are among the
most problematic for a country. Both suggested difficulties impacting the
working classes, with housing and domestic concerns.
Travel and transit related problems were also emphasized in
the recent Lunar Eclipse chart, so that this Saturn transit, especially combined
with Saturn occupying the Third House in this NM chart, may mean an increase of
accidents, and a generally unsatisfactory state of affairs revolving around
Third House matters; affecting companies, businesses and services tied to
transport and communications.
As if that is not enough bad news, there are some explosive,
potentially violent or destructive aspects in this chart, most apt to act out in
early March. Mars is closely opposing Pluto and both are near angular cusps.
Mars in the Twelfth House brings an increase of violence and crime, some of it
of a mysterious sort, and since this is the house of secret enemies, there may
be fears or worries about terrorism or terrorist activity. There may be trouble
affecting prisons, hospitals or places of rehab.
Pluto in the Sixth House and in an Aries
Point degree suggests important changes impacting the military. These may be
enforced changes, severe or inflexible, arousing resistance or power struggles
as noted by the opposition to Mars. There may be complications, trouble,
conflicts or accidents connected to the Army or Navy, as military affairs
attract attention and discussion. As mentioned in recent NM reports, this is a
historical marker with Pluto just entering Capricorn. History is in the making.
For the coming four weeks much of it may revolve around military matters. There
may also be changes in the civil and public service sectors, or involving labor
unions. Unemployment may be a concern. The Sixth House is also the house of
public health, so that Pluto in this critical
degree opposite Mars may reflect some out of the ordinary concerns.
In other areas, mysticism is on the increase and spiritualism
spreads. Several planets occupying the Ninth House also suggest an increase of
travel to and from other countries. Messengers and representatives come and go.
There is much publishing and scientific activity, with breakthroughs and
inventions. There may be notable marriages taking place with Jupiter in the
Seventh House.
For all the difficulties we face, there is a surge of hope and
faith for the future and a propensity to get behind popular movements. By and
large people are appreciative of the fact that there are qualified candidates in
both political parties as we move ever closer to electing a new leader. I hope
to post an essay on the three leading candidates before too long, once I’ve
had sufficient study time.
In
your own chart, note the house where this
New Moon at 17 degrees of Pisces falls. The energy of the New Moon will turn
your attention to the matters of this house. The people and affairs ruled by
this house will absorb much of your focus for the next four weeks. You may feel
rejuvenated or a fresh wind in your sails as you see new ways to bring
improvements. Since Uranus is with the New Moon, this increases the degree of
excitement attaching to this house and for possible sudden or unforeseen
developments, so that it will be to your benefit to maintain a degree of
flexibility as you go about planting the seeds that will bring the desired
changes. This New Moon gets an exuberant sextile from Jupiter, which could bring
some unexpected luck, especially if either Jupiter or Uranus is your daily
ruler. (Instructions for finding your daily ruler are in my book, Identifying
Planetary Triggers.)
Look for the fruits of your efforts to begin to show up at the time of
the Full Moon in two weeks. Wishing you peace, blessings and prosperity, Celeste
Teal, 3/4/2008
Throughout history, eclipses have been considered as very
powerful phenomenon and especially so in ancient times as they fell on important
places in the horoscopes of kings and countries. In those days, astronomy and
astrology were not divided and because religious and other ceremonies were set
to take place in accordance with the stars, priests were the acting astrologers.
In fact, it was only the very influential who had privy to the services of an
astrologer. Leaders ran their countries according to the information provided
and eclipses were noted to be of significance preceding famine, prosperity,
disease, war, and other broad-scale events affecting the multitudes. If an
eclipse occurred within a few degrees of the Sun, Moon, or Midheaven of a leader
or a country, they were regarded with much anticipation as reflective of coming
events well into the future.
Drawing
on information provided them by their astrologers, some leaders used this privy
knowledge to manipulate their subjects, instilling fear in the common people by
promising that a dragon would come to devour the Sun on a certain day and at a
certain time. Although impressed by his accurate vision of the future, people
came to be terrified of eclipses. Noisy ceremonies were performed, complete with
beating drums and shooting arrows, to chase away the evil dragon they believed
was trying to eat up the Sun.
Eclipses
occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth come into a straight line. With a Solar
Eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow upon the Sun as the Moon passes directly
between the Earth and Sun. The Moon eventually becomes contained within the
Sun’s disk and with a Total Solar Eclipse, there’s a narrow rim of sunlight
that is visible around the Moon during the totality of the eclipse. A Solar
Eclipse occurs when the New Moon forms within eighteen and a half degrees of one
of the Lunar Nodes. The motion of the nodes is about nineteen degrees per year
backward through the zodiac. Conditions are just right for Solar Eclipses to
occur during two time periods each year. Most years we have two Solar Eclipses,
as the Sun moves into the zodiac sign occupied by either the North or South
Node, however, some years there are more. A Solar Eclipse lasts on average
between three and four hours from the beginning to the end of the shadow phases.
These eclipses are considered to foreshadow events affecting nobles, leaders and
countries.
A
Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Full Moon forms within roughly twelve degrees of
the North or South Lunar Node. A Lunar Eclipse results from the Earth coming
directly between the Sun and Moon. The Moon loses its reflected light from the
Sun as the Earth interrupts it. Often the Moon appears to turn dark red while in
the Earth’s shadow. A Lunar Eclipse usually occurs two weeks before or two
weeks after a Solar Eclipse, however it is possible to have a Lunar Eclipse both
before and after a Solar Eclipse. In those instances we have a series of three
eclipses in a row, each two weeks apart. A Lunar Eclipse lasts an average of
four to five hours from beginning to end of the shadow phases. These eclipses
have long been believed to foreshadow events affecting the common people.
The
lunar nodes themselves, though nothing more than a point of intersection and not
planetary bodies at all, show a point for potentially dynamic activity. These
invisible nodes mark a point of magnetism, drawing upon the vibrations of other
nearby bodies to a powerful degree. The nodes in close contact to the Sun or
Moon are most relevant to earth’s inhabitants and the closer they fall to the
degree in which the Sun and Moon form their conjunction (New Moon) or opposition
(Full Moon), the more powerful the eclipse potential to presage events of
magnitude.
Stemming
from the ancient lore surrounding eclipses, the names Dragon’s Head and
Dragon’s Tail were given to differentiate the North and South Nodes. The North
Node is ascending, of a positive nature, while the South Node is descending and
receptive in nature. The North Node appears to bestow special strength and a
blessing, while the South Node reflects an area of potential vulnerability. The
North Node is all about getting and the South Node is all about giving.
In
a general way you can track the transiting North Node through your chart to find
the areas to focus your attention and energy that will result in some good
coming to you. This is an area of opportunity, where rewards, good fortune and
happiness can be found. By directing your efforts there, rewards easily come
forth. The house occupied by the transiting South Node indicates an area of
potential vulnerability, where you may be working through an issue, and where
you might experience some loss or make a sacrifice. Sometimes it means you have
a gift to share and the Universe expects something from you. Link
to more about the dynamic activity reflected by contacts of the Moon’s
Nodes.
Since
the transiting nodes indicate where eclipses will be forming, you can see ahead
of time what areas in your life and what relationships are due for change or
transformation. An eclipse always means that some amount of change is due, or
sometimes overdue. If one has neglected the matters, issues, or relationship
delegated to a house, then an eclipse of the South Node influence falling in
that house may bring a sort of crisis in order to turn things around and bring
things back into a healthier balance. On the other hand, an eclipse falling in a
house of the North Node influence may open new doors and present major life
changing opportunities.
When
an eclipse aligns closely with one of your planets, this is all the more
important and this is a very significant eclipse for you. The closer the eclipse
aligns with your natal planet, the more important it is. One of the most dynamic
places for an eclipse to occur is when it falls on your Sun. This happens if an
eclipse falls on or near your birthday. This ushers in an important year because
the Sun rules your very identity, your individuality and your sense of being a
unique person. The Sun also rules your vitality and your health to a large
degree. Since an eclipse automatically ushers in change and transformation, it
brings in a year of making important contacts and critical decisions, as one is
often gaining greater notice. While
there are several variables involved in interpreting this eclipse to see if it
will increase or decrease the recognition and admiration coming to you, it will
sometimes cause you to become a little accident-prone. With either this eclipse
or an eclipse falling exactly six months before or after your birthday (180 days
or close to it), it is important to guard your health and maintain your regular
check ups.
When
an eclipse falls on your Moon, your Venus, your Mars or any other planet, it is
very meaningful and the nature of the planet as well as its house position is
significant in determining the likely changes that you are entering into. It is
similar with an eclipse falling on your Ascendant or Midheaven. Also, each
eclipse can be one of four types. We have the North Node Solar Eclipse, the
South Node Solar Eclipse, the North Node Lunar Eclipse and the South Node Lunar
Eclipse. They are each unique and the kind of energy they imbue your planet with
is quite different, resulting in different kinds of experiences attached to
each. My book, Eclipses,
Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation,
explains all of this in detail and offers summaries of the kinds of experiences
coming due from an eclipse falling on any one of your planets or important
points. Check the Tutorial to find the house
meaning of an eclipse in your chart.
If one wants to be thorough in tracing personal eclipses in a
horoscope, the progressed places of the planets should also be considered.
Eclipses to these are also important. Learn more about Progressions.
In
the outside world and in our personal lives, an eclipse is a dynamic transit
that often coincides with important developments. An eclipse contains a
stimulating and excitable energy that is sometimes a bit destabilizing. Activity
often increases shortly following an eclipse or even prior to the eclipse in
some cases. This is why it’s recommended to hold off on making major life
altering changes or decisions around the time of an eclipse. The atmospheric
energy needs a little time to settle out. That way your new plan, project or
strategy has a better chance of stabilizing and working out in your favor.
Everyone feels the stimulation of an eclipse to some degree. For some it is
subtle while for others it can be quite intense. It can be enlightening to
simply observe the things going on around you at eclipse time. Sometimes a
relatively small incident gives clues to issues that will take on more
importance in the months to come.
The
degree of an eclipse remains hot for some time due to the influence of the nodal
factor that more or less turned a regular New Moon into a Super New Moon, or an
ordinary Full Moon into a Super Full Moon. That degree is prone to stimulation
from other transiting planets following the eclipse. The period of time that the
degree remains sensitive often lasts three years or more. So, an eclipse falling
on a natal planet supercharges that planet and it becomes quite sensitive to
transits for a good while. In other words, more major events may come about when
this natal eclipsed planet is transited by any other planetary body than if it
had not been eclipsed. Ideally, each transit should be monitored.
Transits
of Mars and Saturn were traditionally considered to be most notable as they
crossed an eclipsed degree. Mars stimulates and starts events connected with an
eclipse. Mars is quick on the draw,
often premature. Saturn consummates the eclipse conditions. Mars frequently
activates an eclipse shortly following the eclipse although Saturn’s transit
may come much later. Of course, ancient astrologers had no opportunity to
observe the transits of the outer planets as they crossed an eclipsed degree.
Research shows that each of the planetary transits can be traced to coincide
with spectacular events as they stimulate an active eclipse, just as Mars and
Saturn do. Learn more about Mars
Transits.
All
of this information can be found in my book; Eclipses,
Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation,
where
each eclipse through 2012 is listed and discussed and where an appendix gives
the transit dates of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn as well as the outer planets to each
eclipse. It is possible to make some amazingly accurate forecasts based only on
the eclipse factors influencing a horoscope when you know what to look for. I
would encourage astrologers at all levels everywhere to brush up on their skills
for interpreting eclipses. You’ll find things you wouldn’t otherwise find.
Wishing you the best in your studies and many happy eclipses! Celeste TealThe
above article appears in the Llewellyn
Journal and may not be quoted without permission.
My
first two books, Identifying
Planetary Triggers and Predicting
Events with Astrology, also includes material on the lunar nodes and
eclipses, with tables to trace their positions through 2050 and instructions on
how to interpret their significance in your Solar Return, falling on a natal
planet, and much more. Read
Reviews. Email
Celeste Teal.
© 1999 - 2008 Celeste Teal
