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Mundane Astrology l June/July U.S. Forecast & New Moon ReportMay/June U.S. Forecast l April/May U.S. Forecast l Eclipse Phenomenon   

Mundane Astrology

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.

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June/July U.S. Forecast & New Moon ReportWebpagephoto.jpg (11875 bytes)

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!  

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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.

May/June U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report

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.

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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).

April/May U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report

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.

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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.  

Eclipse Phenomenon by Celeste Teal

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 Teal

The 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.

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