The New Moon of January 15, 2010 is a total Solar Eclipse in Capricorn. This brings a general focus to national affairs and the business of the country. In the chart cast for Washington, D.C., this eclipse at 25º Capricorn falls in the Third House. The Third House rules all forms of communication and transport; newspapers, the Post Office, education, and locomotion of all kinds. The house of a New Moon indicates the subject matters that attract attention. It shows where there are changes and new developments in the four weeks following. An eclipse is a more powerful type of New Moon. It has more long-lasting effects. And, with an eclipse, implications are that the matters ruled by its house position are vulnerable or out of balance, requiring adjustment. This is due to the strong Moon Wobble effects present with eclipses; the close alignment of the Sun and Moon with the lunar nodes.

An eclipse in a cardinal sign precedes many changes. Here, there are changes to inland transit, and in the communication and transportation sectors. There is the creating of new structures. There is an accent to public buildings and structures associated with communication and transport. There may be increased attention on borders and neighboring countries. Public opinion tends to be conservative.

With the eclipse in Capricorn, and with this sign on the Third House cusp, this suggests government control is connected to transportation. Capricorn rules government. One way this may play out could be as a result of the near miss last month when a would-be bomber managed to board a flight into the U.S. even though he was on a terrorist watch list. This chart suggests increased measures by the government to ensure this doesn’t happen again. With Venus conjoined with this eclipse, this shows extra efforts to ensure the security of travelers. This also suggests government involvement in the nation’s communications, taking measures to improve the communication lines between information agencies, again to help ensure national security. What is particularly interesting and fitting with this theme is that this eclipse falls in the degree of the fixed star Terebellum: there is some fortune but with regret and disgrace. This fixed star is associated with a cunning mercenary, and with terrorism, mass death and violence.

While the symbolism of the fixed star Terebellum might manifest in different ways following this eclipse, we will, in any case, likely see this emphasis and focus on travel and communication related matters in many ways for several months to come. Watch for the possibility of increased accidents, for concerns about security in these affairs, and for restructuring. As the natural ruler of such things, Mercury conjoined with Pluto and in square to Saturn also suggests disturbances; means of transit present problems or legislation affecting these are hindered or unpopular.

Another way this Third House eclipse in Capricorn plays out is the State of the Union Address, an annual ceremony and address presented by the president. This ceremony traditionally takes place in late January but this year there is debate as to the exactly when. Dates suggested so far have run up against criticism because they conflict with people’s favorite TV programs! But, this address by Obama may be of some increased importance and interest whenever it does take place.

There are some implications for crops to suffer and for a rough time for agriculture. Weather may also be especially severe, with destructive storms creating restrictions or breakdowns. It is hard to say just how the Chiron/Neptune/Jupiter conjunction on the cusp of the Fourth House will play out, but in Aquarius weather may be cold and wet, changeable or freakish. Land conditions may be out of the ordinary. Of course earthquakes are one possibility. Earthquake activity often increases near eclipses and they are more likely when major planets closely conjoin the lunation Fourth House cusp. Jupiter is not always the benefit one might think it should be. Please link to Decoding Earthquakes for more.

According to mundane astrologer H.S. Green, in Mundane Astrology, an eclipse in an Earth sign is a bad sign for business. The business world is often disturbed or depressed. This chart, with Saturn square Pluto, certainly agrees. This is an aspect of hard economic times and in this chart Pluto falls in the Second House of the nation’s business. There may be a failure of measures, financial struggles or disputes over financial matters. Retrograde Mercury in the Second House also indicates discussion on finance; some review or reflection. There may be new laws or regulations affecting revenue, trade, and money matters generally, but these tend to be unfortunate and problematic.

Saturn square Pluto is a strong aspect, with these two slow movers in conflict all month. Hard aspects between these two outer planets have been a factor coinciding with political turmoil, wars and power struggles in the past. Violent or fanatical adversaries may be exposed.

To wrap up, an eclipse in Capricorn mainly affects those individuals who are prominent in commerce, business, banking, labor and management. Authorities, established office holders and those of middle age are among those that are most impacted by these eclipses. Ivy Jacobson says in her book, In the Beginning Astrology, that the Capricorn eclipses have a greater impact on the southern portion of the nation. Here, as we are just coming into this eclipse season, this certainly seems to be the case. Florida has recently suffered a freakish cold snap, destroying citrus and other crops. More importantly, Florida has the largest population of Haitians of any state and they have been quite affected by the massive earthquake in Haiti, unable to get in communication with their loved ones, resorting to watching TV to get a glimpse of anyone they know. We see how the themes of this eclipse chart fit with neighboring Haiti (third house) experiencing mass deaths from the quake. Relief efforts and help from the U.S. are ongoing (Venus in the Third House), with money, medical personnel and the deployment of thousands of military troops. The December New Moon chart suggested a new program of humanitarian efforts for the needy and unfortunately the need for these efforts did come about.

In your own chart, note the house where this eclipse at 25º Capricorn falls. The eclipse brings emphasis to these house affairs. In the matters ruled by this house you will experience changes and transformation in the months ahead. If this is one of the angular houses; 1, 4, 7, or 10, the changes will be more dramatic. In that case, one change might lead to many. If the eclipse falls in alignment with one of your personal planets, there are changes brewing that are somehow connected to the things or people signified by the planet. That planet is especially sensitive now to future transits. My book, Eclipses helps you decipher how this eclipse will impact you personally, by house position, and if aligned with a natal or progressed planet, as well as furnishing you with a table so you know when to expect increased activity. But, in a general way, with this Capricorn eclipse we are seeking material status and wealth as a means of gaining emotional security. And, we may be feeling very ambitious and ready to make changes and work hard to make that happen. With the influence of Venus, we have the capacity to enjoy hard work. We are ready to set goals and make commitments. We may enjoy working in partnerships or feel we can accomplish more that way. Whatever we start now may have long-term effects for good! This is a New Year, a new decade, and a New Moon, a wonderful time to write down your hopes and intentions. It’s also a good time to count your blessings. Wishing you a joyful New Year! Celeste Teal 1/13/2010

The New Moon of December 16, 2009 occurs in exuberant Sagittarius. In the chart calculated for Washington, D.C., Sagittarius is also rising and this New Moon at 24º Sagittarius falls in the First House. This New Moon chart gives multiple indications that there is a brighter outlook for the future and that people have an enthusiastic and optimistic attitude for the time being. There is a higher level of contentment than in recent times. The mood is quite festive!

The First House New Moon prospers the nation and this is a good time for holidaymaking, for socializing, and rejoicing. People feel there is much to be thankful for and hopeful about. This New Moon forms several nice aspects and even Venus and Jupiter chime in nicely to suggest that trade and business matters improves and that there is a high level of optimism about expansion in these affairs, even if some of this hopefulness is a bit inflated or unjustified. But, people are dong some spending. Even though adjustments have had to be made due to the economic slow down, and growth may be slow going forward, this will not put a damper on the holiday spirit. There are many festivities, celebrations and parties to attend.

There is an increase in pleasure seeking and entertainment. Theaters and amusements tend to do pretty well and they are prosperous with the Fifth House ruler, Venus, in trine to Mars. There are some mixed indicators affecting this house though since Venus is also square Uranus. This suggests problems or scandals affecting entertainers. Some may have marital problems leading to divorce.

There is better understanding and peace at home and with other countries. There may be an increase of marriages and engagements in the four weeks ahead. 

High unemployment continues to be a matter of concern. This is suggested by the degree of the Pleiades on the cusp of the Sixth House of the working classes. The fixed star group that occupies this degree is associated with giving something to weep about. Besides employment, the Sixth House rules public health matters. Swine flu is still a concern but less so now that Saturn has moved out of Virgo and into Libra. The health care reform bill may also face blocks or challenges.

There may be new movements or undertakings in connection with the army or navy. The many aspects of Mars suggest this.

There may be some trouble in the legal or religious worlds with Saturn in the Ninth House and in square to Pluto. There is also a critical degree falling on the cusp of this house, which rules long distance travel and communication, immigration, shipping and coastal conditions. There may be trouble in foreign trade, at sea or around the coast.

Weather may be particularly severe or treacherous with Mars ruling the Fourth House. An afflicted Pluto in the First House reinforces this theme. Often when Pluto occupies the First House of the New Moon chart, there follow severe weather conditions according to the season, such as floods in the Spring, wildfires in Summer, hurricanes in Fall or a severe cold snap in Winter.

While there are definitely some concerns, overall these New Moon aspects are very positive and they greatly promote peace and goodwill. This New Moon is conjoined with Venus, sextile Mars, sextile Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune! The many nice aspects indicate that this is a holiday season for giving. This should be good for social, charitable and philanthropic movements both nationally and locally. This is a very strong theme. People may be feeling very blessed and more than willing to share their good fortune and wealth with others. There may even be the proposal for some new benefit program for the needy. There is much brotherly love and humanitarian feelings towards others.

In your own chart, check the house where 24º Sagittarius falls. This New Moon will bring a strong focus and emphasis to the matters of this house during the next few weeks. You may feel especially inspired about making new starts or new beginnings relating to this house. This comes in part from the conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune while in sextile to the Sun! There is a high level of optimism. In fact you might need to remind yourself to keep at least one foot on the ground as you make your plans for this month going forward. Try to maintain a degree of practicality. Be aware that you may have to work harder or with fewer resources than usual to reach your goal. Also, keep in mind that Mercury turns retrograde the day after Christmas. If possible this would be an excellent time to review your future goals rather than to launch a major new project just yet. It is a favorable time to connect with others to find out if there is some common ground for working in cooperation. We have another important retrograde cycle coming up too. Mars turns stationary retrograde on December 20, 2009. This can hinder or retard the progress of new ventures until Mars resumes direct motion. Please link to Mars Transits for more information. Wishing you a fabulous holiday season and New Year! Celeste Teal 12/14/2009

Actual Events: A would be bomber managed to board a flight into the U.S. even though he was on a list of suspected terrorists. Fortunately, his concealed bomb did not explode as intended, instead exposing a major breakdown in our homeland security. The terror threat occurred on Christmas Day and Obama was criticized for remaining on vacation in Hawaii and for not responding appropriately to the near crisis. Weather: A cold snap hits Florida hard, the worst in decades, threatening citrus and other crops. On Tuesday (a Mars Day) January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake strikes neighboring Haiti, demolishing most buildings, including hospitals and burying even doctors in the rubble. The disaster prompts a massive relief effort by the U.S., announced by Obama two days later, who promises to send money, medical personnel and thousands of military troops to help with relief efforts and security.

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 is 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

Actual November/December Events:

Finance: Treasury Secretary Geithner extends bailout (TARP) through October 2010 to assist American families and stabilize the markets. Obama speaks on the need for more stimuli for the economy. Obama proposes Cash for Caulkers program that would give up to $12,000 reimbursement to homeowners installing energy efficient appliances or insulation. Stocks mixed by mid December on investors concerns about worldwide debt, (especially Dubai).

Military: Obama announces he will send more troops into Afghanistan, a war that the U.S. will likely be involved in for another eight years, according to many reports.

Entertainment/Scandals: Tiger Wood involvement in marital infidelity scandals begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues to escalate for weeks. His ads disappear from T.V.

Health/ Employment: The health care reform debate continues. H1N1 Flu still a concern but affecting fewer states. Crib recall – choking hazard - one of the most extensive recalls ever. Unemployment continues above ten percent.

Weather: Fierce winter storm strikes, moving eastward across country, starting Monday, Dec. 7, 2009.

Security Breaches: There were two: Uninvited couple shows up at Whitehouse affair. Confidential airport security screening procedures show up on line. (these are Twelfth House matters).