Astrologer Celeste Teal gives monthly US forecast and personal tips based on the New Moon.

Mundane Astrology l November/December U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report l October/November U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report l September/October U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report 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 and provides various tables and charts.

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.

November/December U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report

The New Moon of November 16, 2009 occurs in 24º Scorpio. In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this New Moon falls in the Eighth House. This gives double connotations for a focus upon financial concerns and the need to make changes in order to regain some stability. Some reforms will come about. The Eighth House rules the national debt, taxes, and interest rates. The house position of the New Moon gives clues to the kinds of subjects that gain increased attention during the four weeks following. Increased taxation may be a concern.

The Eighth House also governs mortality rates. This chart suggests that the Swine Flu continues to be a major concern, perhaps gaining more attention in the weeks ahead. Since the Moon, ruling the Fifth House, falls in the Eighth, this suggests increased deaths among women and children. The Moon’s closest aspect is a square to Neptune as well, repeating the suggestion that their health is vulnerable. Venus in the Eighth House reinforces the themes for the deaths of females. Mercury in the Eighth indicates discussion about such matters. Further evidence that this H1N1 virus remains a serious concern comes from the Sixth House of public health…

Public health is a concern with Mars conjunct the Sixth House cusp. Mars always indicates where there is action and activity occurring. Mars in this position suggests feverish and inflammatory diseases and complaints among the people. The opposition to Jupiter increases concerns for a pandemic. The Sun, as ruler of the Sixth House, is also square Neptune, another indication that the health of the nation is poor. The health care reform bill is likely also to remain a contentious topic.

The Sixth House also governs the working classes and employment concerns. There are several indicators that high unemployment numbers continues to be a worry.

There is an increase of military activity and concerns, noted by both Pluto and Mars. And, with Pluto square Saturn in the Seventh House, there are tensions in relations with other countries. Saturn in this house is an unfavorable position for foreign affairs, and this is made worse by this square to Pluto, which is also angular. Washington is on alert. This aspect is exact a day before this New Moon; therefore it is a very strong influence this New Moon phase. Watch for the pace of events to escalate in the days following this New Moon, as things may get noisy and heated on the world scene. Financial relations with foreign countries contribute to problems.

There are several planets occupying the Twelfth House. This house governs welfare groups, charitable institutions and facilities operating in seclusion; hospitals, prisons, reformatories, retirement homes. There may be increased attention upon and activity surrounding these kinds of facilities. There may be heavy expenses or extravagances noted, or trouble to officials presiding over these; perhaps scandals and frauds and increased concern for socialistic methods in dealing with these according to Jupiter and Neptune here. Uranus suggests reforms, changes or new regulations in the administration of hospitals, prisons or charitable institutions, perhaps with some advantages since Uranus is in trine to the New Moon. Uranus falls in the degree of the nodes however, and so there is some excitability attached to this house. There may be concerns about secret crimes or secret foes, other subjects ruled by the Twelfth House. There may be secrets that come to light.

There are some other bright spots in this New Moon chart. The Third House, ruling all matters connected to communications and transport has Gemini on the cusp. Mercury rules Gemini. Mercury forms a sextile to Saturn. This suggests new regulations and improved conditions bearing on these matters. This brings an increase to travel and better facilities for traveling. This may have to do with regulations for new vehicles. It may be an especially beneficial period for publishing concerns, for newspapers and postal affairs. There may be benefits for unions or for the wages of people working in these sectors. Workers, servants and clerks connected with municipalities and those in the employment of the state should see some benefits.

Mercury also rules the Fourth House since Gemini falls on this cusp. This indicates improvements surrounding land and property matters. This may mean fewer foreclosures and help for homeowners or new homebuyers. Some of this help may come from the government, like an extension of the tax credit for homebuyers.

In other areas, there are many divorces and scandals with Venus square Mars. Social scandals come to light. There are various troubles for women and children; crimes against them and cases of ill-treatment are brought to light. This comes from several Fifth House indicators, including an afflicted Mars in this house. These troubles extend to schools and to places of amusement and for those who work in the entertainment industry, subjects that are also ruled by this house. There might be accidents or fires in schools or theaters for example, or illness or accidents or various problems for actors, singers, sportsmen or entertainers.

Overall, there tends to be a great deal of disorder, fluctuation and uncertainty in national and political affairs with Neptune ruling the chart and in square to the New Moon. There is a heavy emphasis on financial matters. Trade and commerce are disturbed; there are heavy expenses and ill-timed expenses though some reforms should come about with the New Moon trine Uranus near the Ascendant.

In your own chart, note the house where this New Moon falls. The matters of this house will occupy your attention in the four weeks ahead. You see scope for new beginnings and you may feel very inspired and excited. With some provisions, it is a good time to implement changes and reforms in this month ahead with Uranus forming a nice aspect to this New Moon. This brings new vision. Just be aware that with Neptune in square to this New Moon there may be some confusion or uncertainties that make it premature or hard to decide which route is the best one to follow. You may choose the impractical path or waste your efforts if you are too hurried. It is definitely a time to be very alert and observant rather than giving in to the rosy glow of the Neptune influence. It’s okay to have daydreams but do come down to earth when implementing important decisions that involve your finances and bank account. Otherwise, you may wind up having regrets. In fact, you might want to prepare for some ill-timed expenses to arise and be sure your expectations are within reach.

It is also a time to be wary of making agreements or forging partnerships with those who approach you, especially if this is a new acquaintance. It is rather easy to be exploited or taken for a ride. With those cautions in mind, it is a good time to make new friends, to join group associations or clubs, to be open for chance meetings or opportunities that arise, to explore new ideas or to promote them. Wishing you a healthy, happy start to this holiday season. Celeste Teal 11/12/2009

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, Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation. 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.

October/November U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report

The New Moon of October 18, 2009 falls just shy of 25º Libra. This New Moon forms some nice aspects, and in the chart cast for Washington, D.C., the Sun rules the First House, with Leo on the cusp. This house rules the face of the nation, general conditions, and the vitality and strength of the country as a whole. There is increased amicability and some national success or advantage may come about under the Sun’s influence. This brings some improvement or benefits to the people and it is good for the president; gives him power and increases his chances for success.

This New Moon falls in the Third House, bringing increased activity and focus to transportation, communication and education, with new developments and important questions raised in these matters. This NM period should bring benefits affecting transportation; commuting, railways, etc., as well as benefits for the people who work in these sectors. There may be new innovations, plans, or agreements made. There is an increase in travel. With mostly favorable aspects to the New Moon in this house, it may also bring improvements impacting communications, education, and the postal services, along with benefits for those who are employed in these sectors. This coming four-week period may see some improvements affecting their working conditions or wages.

Venus and Mercury also fall in the Third House, adding testimony to these themes. Mercury in this house also suggests an increase of traffic, and increased facilities for traveling, especially since Mercury is trine Jupiter. This also increases activity involving journalists, publications and newspapers. There are new undertakings. This also supports educational advances. With Venus on the cusp of the Third House, this is another favorable influence here; better conditions for workers involved in transportation, communication and education.

The President, who is depicted by Venus and the Sun in this chart, may travel a good deal, and much of this may be in connection with promoting peace since the NM is trine Neptune in the Seventh House, the closest aspect. Jupiter is also in the Seventh House and this is favorable for foreign relations, promoting alliances. This suggests friendly relations are established and maintained with other nations. There may be some commercial or other treaty that is considered. Important visitors may be received from or sent to other countries.

Much of the efforts in dealing with other nations are likely in an effort to avert trouble threatened by secret enemies or conspiracies abroad. Mars in the Twelfth House indicates these concerns. Since Mars is conjunct the South Node, this suggests increased aggression by secret enemies. Mars in the Twelfth House generally increases crime, murders and violent acts. It may bring unruly behavior on the part of prison inmates, with attempted escapes or insubordination, and other troubles affecting public institutions or workhouses.

While there are indicators of improvements and a brighter outlook in general business, Saturn in the Second House is a damper on the economic and financial picture. Business suffers and since Saturn forms afflictions to Uranus and Pluto, this creates problems for the banking industry; for stocks and investments. Some serious failure may occur or there is financial stagnation with slow growth in business. Rising unemployment is still a major concern with an afflicted Saturn in Virgo ruling the Sixth House. These as well as financial matters create trouble for the President. An afflicted Uranus in the Eighth House and Pluto in the Fifth House give similar testimony. There are many ups and downs. The high national debt is a concern and with Pluto in the Fifth House of the Stock Market, the square from Saturn may mean losses from speculation. There are several depressants affecting the Stock Market this coming month, however, the conjunction of Jupiter to Neptune is very exuberant and optimistic and may buffer the worst effects of the other influences. It has everything to do with how the markets have held up recently. Sun trine Neptune is also positive this coming month. If there are to be fluctuations or a significant drop, this might be most noticeable in the final trading days of October.

Pluto ruling the Fourth House may mean large and continuing numbers of foreclosures due to the square of Pluto to Venus. Building operations and the property markets tend to suffer.

Pluto in the Fifth House suggests disturbances affecting places of amusement, like theaters, concert halls or sporting events. This might mean the illness or death of a famous artist, singer or sportsperson. The Fifth House also rules children and their interests so this shows possible trouble for schools, or for children. There may be concerns about crimes committed against women and children. Some of the concerns are linked to health issues and concerns over the H1N1 virus. The health of the country is vulnerable with afflicted Saturn ruling the Sixth House. This suggests increased cases of colds and flu and those most vulnerable to H1N1 are children, though many problems can be averted by the availability of a new vaccine specifically for H1N1.

During October, transiting Saturn is stimulating eclipses of 2006 and 2007, an indication that the problematic themes shown in those eclipses, described in chapter Ten of my book, Eclipses, are reaching maturity and creating serious concerns. These showed concerns about public health, possible viruses, and unusual conditions affecting the working classes. This is where we are now; health care reform is an issue, unemployment is rising, and we are dealing with a new virus. Saturn passes back and forth over these eclipses a couple more times in the coming months due to retrograde motion. Actually, there are several planets stimulating several active eclipses this month so it will likely be a very active period. Please refer to Eclipses, Predicting World Events & Personal Transformation, which supplies all the eclipse charts with annotations through 2012, along with various tables to monitor and track transits to them.

There is a Moon Wobble in this October New Moon chart. That is a T-square of the Sun to the nodal axis. This often brings a great increase in activity and often there are weather extremes, storms, or other unusual events affecting land conditions. In this chart, Scorpio on the cusp of the Fourth House gives similar testimony due to ruling Pluto’s aspects. So, we might expect increased activity of this nature.

There will likely be an increase of engagements and marriages since Jupiter falls in the Seventh House of marriage. The sextile of Venus and Mars lends agreement. There may be the marriage or engagement of some notable person.

In your own chart, check the house where this New Moon at 24º Libra falls. The affairs of this house will attract your attention and there will be increased focused on these matters for the next four weeks. There may be new beginnings, new starts or developments relating to this house. This Libra New Moon especially favors working in partnerships toward important goals, increasing chances for success. It encourages friendships and romance so it’s a good time to make contacts and form alliances. The trine to Neptune is inspiring, raises ideals and increases the creative imagination. The NM is also trine Jupiter, now moving direct, another benefit. The outlook brightens and plans can now move forward with fewer efforts. There are opportunities for growth and expansion. Apply this to the house where the NM falls; in your First House, there are opportunities for self-improvement, in your Second House there are financial opportunities, and so on. Wishing you a happy, progressive and prosperous month! Celeste Teal 10/12/2009

Actual Events: Massacre at Fort Hood, TX on November 5, 2009. Unemployment soars beyond 10%. Trade deficit jumps to 36.5 Billion. There have been more than 4000 deaths in USA from Swine Flu.

September/October U.S. Forecast & New Moon Report

The New Moon of September 18, 2009 falls at 25º Virgo. This New Moon suggests big changes with Pluto conjunct the Ascendant! The Ascendant rules the face of the nation. Pluto is at 0º Capricorn, an Aries Point degree, and an indicator that history is in the making. Since Pluto squares several planets, this creates complications. There may be more government involvement in the running of the business of the country. Pluto conjunct the Ascendant was a feature of the New Moon chart last year that preceded the financial meltdown, when all of the government bailouts started. As the ruler of this chart, Saturn’s aspects also suggest a serious tone.

Healthcare reform may be a hot issue at the very time of this Virgo New Moon. Other important news is coming out that impacts the economy. Political issues and economic conditions come up for attention and adjustment. Things may feel shaky or uncertain. There may be sudden problems for the government and for the President. Politics becomes very involved and disturbed. The stock market may be volatile. The economy is in high focus for the next couple of months.

There is a critical degree on the cusp of the Second House of the national economy. This means stress or climax. There are fluctuations, losses and trouble in national finance. There may be more bank failures. The opposition of Saturn and Uranus is a negative factor for stocks and general business. The square between Saturn and Pluto is also a depressant. There is a need for adjustments and the economy is a grave concern for the President.

Now with these more difficult aspects coming in and with Jupiter moving backward and away from the conjunction to Neptune, which has been keeping hopes high about the economic recovery, this may mean a sudden drop in consumer confidence or a change in the general mood about our financial future. Mid September appears volatile, partly due to the exact opposition of Saturn and Uranus. Fear among investors about the recovery of the economy may cause a reaction on Wall Street. A jobless recovery when people also have no equity to spend might begin to sound like a far-fetched notion. The Jupiter conjunction with Neptune will help buffer the worst effects but unemployment is a continuing concern.

I have been studying Louise McWhirter’s Theory of Stock Market Forecasting. According to her theory, the rise and fall of the stock market and the general business trends are driven in reaction to the travel of the lunar North Node through the signs. Prices are at their peak when the North Node is in Leo and lowest when in Aquarius. During this 18.5 year cycle, secondary factors (planetary aspects) will help or impede the general business trends as they go from low to normal, from normal to high, from high to normal, and from normal to low. Now, we have just had North Node through Aquarius, indicating the lowest point below normal and now we should slowly begin to swing from below normal to normal. But, besides some of the longer trend secondary factors coming in, acting as barriers and depressants, there are a couple of potential hair trigger events this month. Pluto in bad aspect to this New Moon is not good and, according to McWhirter neither was the August New Moon in opposition to Neptune. According to her theory, when the Moon next passes over the August NM position at 27º Leo, the markets may take a downward turn. This occurs on September 16, 2009. The other date that is marked for potential activity is September 14, 2009 when the Moon passes 14º Cancer. So, in mid September, we may see a downturn of the markets as a result of the negative secondary factors that are starting to outweigh the positive factors. If so, it may be proof positive that McWhirter’s theory works and can be used to forecast market ups and downs. We’ll have to see what happens.

In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this difficult NM falls in the Ninth House. The house position of the New Moon shows where new developments are taking place. The Ninth House governs long distance traffic and communications. It rules religion, judges and the law courts. It rules higher education, universities and colleges. It rules immigration, shipping, imports and exports, and is an indicator of coastal conditions.

Saturn joins this NM. Saturn brings a cloud over Ninth House affairs. Saturn limits activity and/or there may be reorganization attaching to this house. This may bring troubles in the religious or legal world. There may be complications in foreign trade, shipping, or communications. Retrograde Mercury also falls in the Ninth House with the NM. This group of planets opposes Uranus and squares Pluto. There might be trouble in aviation, or affecting long distance traffic. Employees connected with shipping or travel may suffer or they are discontented. There could be storms or gales around the coasts, or loss of life along the coasts.

Often when Pluto occupies the First House of the NM chart, there follow severe weather conditions according to the season, such as floods in the Spring, wildfires in Summer, hurricanes in Fall or cold spells in Winter. We are in the season when hurricanes are common. This gives us multiple indications for potentially problematic storms around the coast. We might also hear of despicable crimes, terrorist events or demonstrations and riots with Pluto conjunct the Ascendant.

The travel, transport and communications sectors are definitely troubled with afflicted Uranus in the Third House. Uranus tends to disorganize. This indicates a potential rise in accidents in locomotion. It is a good time to take extra care during routine travels or driving about. There could be unexpected developments affecting the Post Office or similar services. This house governs all communications and news services, including phones, Internet, cable, etc. It also rules railways, motoring and so forth.

A theme that stands out is in regard to the health of the country. We note that Mercury rules the Sixth House of public health and Mercury forms stressful aspects; square Pluto, opposite Uranus and conjunct Saturn. This indicates that the health of the nation is poor. There are many features of this NM that suggests that the spread of the H1N1 virus is a big concern. Since the areas of science and invention are hindered, there may be complications in connection with getting a vaccine available in time to protect those most vulnerable such as pregnant women, children and health care workers. This NM in Virgo, accompanied by Saturn and by retrograde Mercury, brings a focus to health related matters generally.

In other areas, there are military discussions, including disagreements. Mars in the Seventh House indicates unsatisfactory conditions in dealings with other countries. Much of this may revolve around conflicts in Afghanistan. There are also features indicating national disputes as well as divorces, scandals and concerns about financial frauds. There are mysterious crimes.

In your own chart, check the house where this NM at 26º Virgo falls. In a general way, this NM in Virgo brings a focus to work and health matters. It would be a good time to reevaluate your work methods or your health needs and then implement new methods or routines into your busy schedule. The house where the NM falls shows where your attention and focus will be drawn in the month ahead. You will be very active in dealing with matters relating to this house. Since both Saturn and retrograde Mercury are conjoined with this NM, you give serious attention to these matters and there may be a review in order. You see new beginnings attaching to these house matters but some reorganization is likely needed. It is a good time to reevaluate and to consider things from a more subjective standpoint before striking out. Outer events and new developments may be having an impact on how you’ll handle these affairs. Once Mercury goes direct on September 29, you’ll have more certainty going forward. Virgo is all about details so this is an excellent month to get better organized when it comes to handling the details of your work or your personal life. This will help to be prepared to deal with any external factors or news coming up that might impact these very personal areas. Have a great month! Celeste Teal 9/3/2009

Actual Events:

Other: An insane killer is captured after escaping during a field trip. There are terrorist plots foiled. Three people are arrested in terror investigation September 19. Attack on the Moon; NASA sends rocket to probe the Moon for evidence of water. President Obama unexpectedly wins Nobel Peace Prize. California experiences a mild earthquake.

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.