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 show 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, living conditions, land conditions, and the weather. 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
Obama's chart and the USA chart. Chart data can be
verified at AstroDatabank. Click an image to view a chart and then use your back button.
The New Moon of June 22nd falls at 1 degree of
Cancer. In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this New Moon falls in the Ninth
House. The house position of the NM gives clues to the kinds of matters that
will come to the forefront in the four weeks ahead. The house indicates where
new developments and changes are taking place. The Ninth House rules a number of
seemingly unrelated subjects in mundane astrology. It rules the Supreme Court,
legal matters and the courts. It rules religion, publishing and academics,
including science and invention. The Ninth House has rule over immigration,
long-distance communication, air travel and shipping, whether affecting
passengers or commerce and trade. It rules foreign imports and exports. So,
these are some of the subjects that will make news in the weeks ahead.
There are likely to be visits to and from foreign countries by
dignitaries or important people, including the President. The Sun in a house is
often a strong force for good unless heavily afflicted. This New Moon forms a
number of aspects and they are quite mixed. The closest major aspect to the Sun
is an opposition from Pluto and there is also a close semi-square from Venus and
Mars in the Seventh House. This suggests some problems in Ninth House matters.
There may be problems for airlines. This condition of the Sun may also
negatively affect shipping or bring trouble on the high seas. There may be some
defensive actions or changes. We also note that a critical
degree falls on the cusp of the Ninth House.
This chart brings a focus to foreign affairs with planets in
both the Ninth and the Seventh House since the Seventh House rules international
relationships. Foreign affairs cause strains; anxiety, or disagreements. Some of
these relationships are heavily influenced by financial considerations. There
may be trade barriers or trade disputes. With the close opposition of the Sun to
Pluto, there could be conflicts in which neither side wants to yield. There may
be a threat to our emotional security, leading to a need for heightened security
measures. The Ascendant and Descendant is in
the degree of the nodes and the nodes are square to them, another indicator
that our relationships with other nations is in the spotlight. There may be a
martial spirit abroad, with talk of war and much unrest. Trouble coming out of
Iran is suggested by Mars in the Taurus ruled Seventh House. North Korea could
also present a threat. Military matters attract attention.
Since the President is ruled by the Sun, with Leo on the cusp
of the Tenth House, the opposition from Pluto may mean sudden trouble for him.
The aspect is associated with disturbing changes. Some unexpected event may
force him to take a stand on an issue. He has great ambitions and exceptional
powers but may arouse others to oppose him. Diplomacy and tact are so important
now. He encounters some challenges from his public as well. There may be
disputes within the country, with party splits widening and fluctuations in
political feelings. There could be strikes, riots or demonstrations. The
government may enjoy some successes though with the nice aspects to Saturn in
the Eleventh House. There may be some progress on the budget as well.
This chart as well as the Cancer Ingress chart suggests
changes and fluctuation in regard to national finances. There are high national
expenses. There is much discussion about our economic situation for the coming
three months, based on Mercury’s position in the Second House in the Cancer
Ingress chart. This is an area of much speechmaking, debate and
hypersensitivity. Of course this connects with the huge financial overhaul plan
put forth by Obama and the new regulations he’s proposing. And, how
appropriate for such a historical overhaul to be presented during this period
when transiting Pluto is opposing the U.S. Venus!
As far as Stock Market activity, this is an area of some
unpredictability with Uranus in the Fifth House and all those mixed aspects to
the Sun. There could be some wild extremes in the confidence of investors,
swinging from rosy glow to alarm, or at least to a more down-to-earth outlook,
over changes that many may view as disturbing. This appears to be a volatile
time for the markets.
In other matters, Mercury falls in the Eighth House in this NM
chart. Mercury in this house suggests that there are discussions about the new
H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu, which was designated a pandemic on June 11th. This
Mercury may also bring concerns about the deaths of travelers. Some of this
concern likely relates back to the crash of Air France last month as more
information becomes available. Sometimes the Eighth House position of Mercury is
followed by the death of a literary person.
There are signs for some notable marriages to take place, but
also the risk for some high profile divorces or especially for some high society
family scandals. These clues come from the Fourth (Neptune), Fifth (Uranus) and
the Seventh houses (Mars/Venus).
There are changes in the communication and transport sectors
with Pluto in the Third House and a critical
degree on the cusp. This could impact Post Office workers or those who work
in similar capacities. Pluto’s aspects suggest trouble; accidents in
locomotion, problems affecting newspapers and the like.
Overall, in mundane affairs, the two big themes appear to be
our economy, with the financial overhaul plan that Obama and his team is
outlining, and, our international relations. July could turn a bit noisy in
Washington and this may be more than Fourth of July fireworks.
In your own chart, note the
house where this New Moon at 1 degree of Cancer falls on Monday, June 22nd.
The matters of this house will attract your attention and focus over the next
four weeks. You’ll see opportunities for new beginnings in connection with
this house. You may feel excited to start something new in relation to these
matters or involving the people that are governed by this house. This is a good
day to make a list of your hopes and wishes; the things you want to manifest in
your life, especially any goals that are family oriented.
A NM in Cancer strengthens the emotions, however since this NM
gets the opposition from Pluto, this can call up and strengthen some very
difficult emotions. These kinds of aspects often coincide with highly charged
family or personal issues. It may be a challenge for folks to remain cool, calm
and collected during the coming few weeks, which is a must to avoid
confrontations, power struggles, or regrettable actions. This is a highly
charged month coming up. The next Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse on July 7th.
It falls in Capricorn/Cancer. And, this eclipse features Mercury opposing Pluto; more
potential for mix-ups in family or other communications. Then, the next New Moon
is a Solar Eclipse, occurring on July 21st, also in Cancer. We will
talk more about this eclipse next month. But, as outlined in my book, Eclipses,
it is best to avoid making huge life-altering
decisions around the time of an eclipse. The eclipse energy coming into the
atmosphere tends to create disturbances so that it is hard to get plans to gel.
It seems the best advice for the remainder of June and into
July is to go into the period with a realistic assessment of your love and money
matters. There will be less likelihood for later disillusionment. And, be very
aware that many people may be feeling super emotional, that there is a bit of
impatience and agitation in the air, and to be careful of making sudden or rash
decisions that are driven by emotions. Hopefully this will help avoid some
conflicts and unnecessary problems. Wishing you a happy month and a peaceful
Fourth of July! Celeste Teal 6/18/2009
Go to Astrology Novice if you're a
beginning astrologer to learn more about your
horoscope. If you enjoy this monthly update, find how you can help Support
the Moon Valley Astrologer.
If
you want to learn about eclipses and the important function they serve 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.
My
new book, Lunar
Nodes is now available. If you've ever wondered how a nodal transit to
one of your natal planets will impact your life, or what it will bring when a
planet transits one of your natal nodes, these are just some of the topics
covered, with descriptions of each possible contact.
To stay abreast of centaurs,
asteroids, and other celestial activity reflective
of our times, link to the latest installment of the Galactic Times. Also,
check out Mondays Moon, a newer feature.
The New Moon of Sunday, May 24, 2009 takes place in early
Gemini, at 3 degrees of that sign. In
the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this New Moon falls in the Twelfth House.
The house position of the New Moon indicates the matters that are under
development and where changes will occur. The Twelfth House rules hospitals,
institutions and homes for the afflicted, reformatories, prisons, and
institutions of rehab as well as public welfare groups. Since the New Moon falls
closely upon this cusp, this brings a strong focus to Twelfth House matters.
This house includes all facilities operating in seclusion, including the CIA and
Secret Service; some operations and discussions known only by top officials. It
rules secret enemies, crime and criminals. Trouble may fall to places of rehab;
difficulties arise in these institutions or to the officials overseeing them
based on the NM aspects. There may be much discussion in the press about the
management of these institutions.
The President may be trying to gain support for welfare
programs that help the poor or the downtrodden. This NM is semi-square Venus,
suggesting want, sickness, family or domestic problems for many. NM Venus is
square the Aries Ingress Moon, a repeating theme; the distress of the times is
spreading among the populace. Mars sextile Jupiter also suggests increased
attention on public health with Jupiter ruling the Sixth House.
Obama may face challenges since this Twelfth House position of the Sun
weakens the government and could bring hindrances to the president. Retrograde
Mercury rules the Twelfth House. Mercury is square Neptune so there is
disorder and confusion in the air and many matters are under review, including
the issue of Guantanemo Bay.
The new H1N1 virus will likely continue to be under scrutiny.
Last month Venus ruled the Sixth House of public health and Venus was in a critical
degree; a world point degree no less, in Aries, conjunct infectious Mars,
square Pluto, and in the Third House. So, the virus spread from Mexico, a
neighboring country, and with Venus in this critical Aries
point degree, there were signatures for something potentially big to come of
it. As Venus progressed into Aries, as did Mars, the virus spread. There are a
number of signs in this NM chart for public health matters to gain attention.
Jupiter rules the Sixth House of public health and Jupiter receives several
aspects. We also note that Black
Moon Lilith is in the Sixth House in a critical
degree. Pluto in the Sixth House may expose an issue if there is one. An
afflicted Moon in the Twelfth House also suggests possible health related
concerns. There is a higher level of influenza in the U.S. than usual for this
time of year and the CDC anticipates this virus will continue to spread. The WHO
will keep tabs due to the unusual nature of the bug to endure into warm weather.
There are concerns because it is a new strain of flu and no vaccine yet.
Interestingly, those born before 1957 may have immunity because the strain of
flu was similar to this one before it mutated in ’57. And, those who were
inoculated in ’76 against a similar flu may also have immunity. Fortunately,
so far, this virus has been much less deadly than the regular flu. We may have
more clarity on this issue by Full Moon or
at least before the next New Moon, when
Venus catches up to Mars.
In money matters, there appear to be fluctuations in stocks,
shares and money markets. There are fluctuations in revenue and financial
relations with other countries may prove troublesome. Foreign trade may be
depressed. There appears to be some adjustments required in the way we deal with
foreign nations. The Moon and Venus give most of this information, however
Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto contribute. There are high expenditures in the
country. Consumer confidence may waver or dip by the Full Moon of June 7th.
Trouble may fall to banks even though news on this front is better than before.
Troubling questions are put to the president about national finances and maybe
about the salaries of government officials. The Stock Market will likely
fluctuate, higher at first perhaps on elevated expectations and then adjust to
end lower as we near the next NM if not before. Amusements do not appear
prosperous.
In other matters, trade and commerce appear generally
disturbed. Unemployment inches higher. This is an unfortunate period for the
travel industry, with Mercury
rx and in square to all those planets in the Ninth House. Then, we have
Saturn in the Third House, bringing chances for accidents in locomotion or other
problems attaching to Third House affairs. Employees in the auto industry,
workers in the Post Office, teachers and others in these Third House vocations
face unsatisfactory conditions. Matters affecting education and these issues are
under consideration by the legislative branches of government, shown by Mercury
in the Eleventh House. Military matters and changes are likely also under
debate. There may be much discussion in the press about legislative changes or
changes of members. Some confusion may connect to the open seat on the Supreme
Court.
Even so, there could be some success or achievement for the
President, the government, or the country with Uranus in the Tenth House in
sextile to Mercury. This may have to do with new regulations for the fuel
efficiency of automobiles. But, unpredictable Uranus in the Tenth sometimes
brings sudden developments that require careful management by the government.
Saturn is so close to the cusp of the Fourth House that this
may depress agriculture and other matters of this house. Building suffers and
homeowners face problems. Retrograde Mercury rules the Fourth House. These
matters are also under review. Saturn here is often a sign of bad weather and
climate conditions too. By Full Moon, Pluto lies on the cusp of the Fourth. This
may bring important information to light but the machine of state appears
disordered and is not running smoothly. The indications shown in the New Moon
chart often show fruit by Full Moon.
About the best that can be said, philanthropy is favored and
there is scope for scientific discoveries and inventions. There may be some high
profile marriage or engagement with Venus and Mars together near the top of the
chart. Still, there could also be some sex scandal or financial scandal.
In your own chart, check the
house where this New Moon at 3 Gemini falls on Sunday, May 24th. The matters
of this house will draw your attention over the next few weeks. You may be
excited about new beginnings that attach to this house or new
possibilities connected with the people associated with this house. In fact,
relationships are in high focus! This Gemini New Moon day would be
especially favorable for making a list of hopes and wishes that revolves around
communications, travel plans, visits with relatives, taking up new studies,
writing, teaching, and intellectual pursuits. Gemini is an Airy sign. There is a
tendency to branch out in too many directions and scatter your energy so it
might be a good idea to list your desires in order of importance and keep the
list short. At the beginning of this NM phase there may be some confusion or a
lack of clarity. Some idea or thought may be in a tangle. This will get sorted
out but it might be best to go slow and easy into new plans. Retrograde Mercury
square Jupiter might lead to errors from jumping to action too quickly. Mercury
is retrograde until the 30th of May, a good time to review plans
and finances. If one goes off excitedly on some half-baked idea, it will surely
run into snags and obstacles by Full Moon, when Mercury is again square the
Jupiter/Chiron/Neptune group for a final time and both Sun and Moon are running
up against Saturn and Uranus. This isn’t the best atmosphere for making
important decisions. A time to steer clear of impractical or risky plans.
Clarity should return within a few days and plans proceed more smoothly after
that. Let’s hope so! Wishing you a nice Memorial Day! Celeste Teal 5/22/2009
Actual
May/June Events: There were demonstrations and protests against CA prohibiting
the marriage of gay couples (May 26). Swine Flu designated a pandemic (June 11).
Iran’s election sparks riots and demonstrations, including demonstrations of
Iranians living in the U.S.A. Financial experts warn of double dip recession,
with second wave to hit early next year. Obama proposes financial overhaul plans
with new regulations (June 17th).
The
New Moon of April 24, 2009 occurs in early Taurus, at 5 degrees of that sign.
Taurus is associated with economic matters and these subjects will be on our
minds in the month ahead. This New Moon chart suggests a more hopeful outlook on
the part of the people going into this four-week period, with Sagittarius
rising, ruled by the optimistic Jupiter.
In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this NM falls on the
Fifth House cusp. The house of the lunation indicates the kinds of matters that
are under development and where changes are taking place. The matters of this
house come to importance due to the power of the Sun and the activity of the
Moon. The Fifth House rules children and their interests, theaters and
amusements, pleasurable pursuits, sports, gambling and speculation. As a
beneficial planet, the Sun in this house is generally very favorable for Fifth
House matters. This New Moon gets a trine from Pluto, giving an extra boost of
power and strength to these subjects. There might be suggested reforms with
children’s interests in mind. The public may be in a more pleasure-oriented
mood, which could impact entertainment venues in a positive way. This may even
mean some upward movement in the Stock Market, although the NM in square to the
nodal axis may mean erratic movement and it could be a choppy ride. Speculation
appears risky.
The Second House of this NM chart also suggests potential
improvements in the national finances this month. There may be “glimmers of
hope” as Obama put it, with some successes in banking or commercial
operations. Jupiter in this house is often a strong beneficial influence.
Jupiter joins Neptune. Combined they produce increases, sometimes inflation, or
simply inflated hopes and fancies beyond what is practical or reasonable. In
that case, disillusionment soon follows. Mercury in square to the pair suggests
a need to readjust economic estimates or a failure to realize initial
expectations. Financial plans may require changes. Venus is the traditional
indicator of economics and her aspects suggest continued trouble for banks this
month and likely more companies needing bailouts. While the recession may not be
over yet, it may seem that an end is in sight. Pluto has moved beyond the
close opposition to the U.S. Venus for now. It will make two more hits to Venus,
in early June and early December, when there may be more bumps. The ongoing
opposition of Saturn and Uranus is also associated with economic downturns and
bear markets. In the big picture we might expect economic struggles to continue
into 2010.
Venus rules the Sixth House of employment and she is in a critical
degree while square Pluto. This means that high unemployment is a problem, a
theme that matches the Aries Ingress chart where Saturn in Virgo in the Sixth
House indicated problems for the working classes, with higher unemployment or
underemployment. It seems impractical to expect much real upward momentum in the
overall economy if fewer people are working.
Mars rules the Fourth House of land, property, home values and
building operations. Mars is square to Pluto, so these subject matters are under
some duress and are struggling or suffering although building operations may see
some improvements with the NM trine Saturn.
Bad weather may be indicated, with fires, heat or drought
conditions. Mars is in Aries, joined to Venus in a critical degree. The Third
House, where Venus and Mars reside has a connection to losses incurred by storms
or weather conditions. Mars is near the cusp of the Fourth and in an applying
square to Pluto. Again, nasty weather conditions may be indicated. Disruptive
Uranus is also in the Third House, connected to utilities, phones, computers,
road access, etc. There could be disruptive storms. There are a couple of other
indicators for extreme weather or land conditions. When Pluto is in the First
House, as now, extreme weather events sometimes follow. In the past this Pluto
position has coincided with wildfires, cold spells, hurricanes and floods. The
NM square the nodal axis also often corresponds with major weather-related
events.
Sun square the nodes is a bit like the energy from an eclipse,
often with an increase of notable events, many of which arrive from out of the
blue or take us by surprise. This particular aspect is sometimes referred to as
a Moon Wobble. There is some instability associated with such a square and the
events occurring often invoke emotionalism.
Mercury is sextile Uranus in the Third House suggesting an
increase of new inventions and discoveries. There are new ideas or innovations
in means of transit, railways, travel and communications. There are achievements
or new proposals in these areas. Even so, there are financial troubles for the
auto industry, shown by Mercury square Jupiter, and by afflicted planets in the
Third House. Workers in the auto industry are likely to be negatively impacted.
The other planets in the Third House are Venus and Mars together in early Aries,
in square to Pluto. These bring mixed indicators to Third House affairs and suggest
some difficulties. There may be travel related accidents, problems for postal
workers, for journalists or news reporters, disputes over education, death of
some literary person, border battles or problems with neighboring countries.
The Seventh House of dealings with foreign countries has
Gemini on the cusp so this is a busy area. With Mercury sextile Venus,
discussions take place, with the proposal of treaties, or regulations affecting
other countries are proposed. Things may slow down for review when Mercury
goes retrograde on May 6th and with Mercury square Neptune, this
may present some clouds or confusions in International dealings and
negotiations. Diplomatic blunders are possible. With Mercury square Jupiter,
financial questions may impact foreign relations and could cause disagreements.
The Seventh House also rules marriage and divorce. With
Mercury ruling the Seventh House, the laws surrounding marriage come up for
discussion and review. There may also be some high profile divorces, break ups,
scandals or breach of promises with the Venus/Mars pair in square to Pluto.
Ninth house matters are under the clouds of Saturn. This may
mean problems connected to shipping, sea traffic, along the coasts, travel
related, immigration, etc. Mercury, which rules the Ninth House, square Jupiter
is unfortunate for trade and for traveling generally. Mercury’s square to
Neptune is linked to mysterious crimes and might mean more pirate attacks.
Military matters are under discussion. Mercury suggests this
near the cusp of the Sixth House, which rules military matters, as well as Mars
ruling the Eleventh House. Mars is strong in Aries but with the square to Pluto
military matters attract attention and may present problems. There may also be
political disputes or disagreements.
Libra is on the cusp of the Tenth House, which rules the
government and the president. Venus rules Libra. Critical questions of revenue
or bearing upon the national finances or money matters may prove troublesome.
The Tenth House is the most important house of all as it rules not only the
government and the president but also persons in high life. Scandals may affect
prominent persons.
The Twelfth House has Scorpio on the cusp. The rulers of this
sign, Mars and Pluto, are square one another, an indicator of increased crimes,
some that are particularly violent or impulsive.
In your own chart, check the
house where this New Moon at 5 degrees of Taurus falls. The matters of this
house will attract your attention over the coming four weeks. You
see potential for new starts connected with this department of life and new
possibilities connected with the people associated with this house. Pluto lends
power and energy, assisting you to move forward with your plans, at least until
May 6th, when Mercury
turns retrograde. At that point you may hit some snags unless you use this
time to review your plans and your financial situation. This is more a time for
review than for pushing forward as there may be missing information or a need
for more clarity about the situation, especially with Mercury square Neptune.
With this Taurus NM you may have a lot of attention on issues surrounding
property, possessions and money matters in general. With Venus conjunct
excitable Mars, economic matters and relationship matters may hold more
emotional charge than usual since Venus rules both. For those with planets in
the early degrees of Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn, this NM could prove be very
advantageous financially. Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous month.
Celeste Teal 4/23/2009
Actual April/May Events: An outbreak of Swine
Flu, originating in Mexico, makes headlines and causes fears of a potential
pandemic. (Recall that Venus ruled the Sixth House in last month’s NM chart
and that Venus was in critical world point degree and afflicted. See the May/June
report for more)
Banks were put to the “stress test”. Bank
of America and Wells Fargo were determined to be the most stressed due to having
made so many home loans that turned out to be toxic. These and several other
banks have to raise billions in capital. B of A and Wells Fargo have already
made progress.
Congress passes new credit card regulations.
Much
of the country suffered bad weather, including storms that interrupted electric
service. A 4.7 quake struck near Los Angeles on May 17th.
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 - 2009 Celeste Teal
