Solar and Lunar ECLIPSES


Eclipses occur when the New or Full Moon takes place within close proximity to one of the lunar nodes (within 18.5 degrees for a New Moon and within 12 degrees for a Full Moon). The first type is a Solar Eclipse, occurring at the conjunction of the Sun and Moon. Here, the Moon comes between the earth and the Sun. Depending on one's location, the Moon may cut off the light of the Sun. The second type is a Lunar Eclipse, taking place at the opposition of the Sun and Moon. During a Lunar Eclipse, the earth comes between the Sun and Moon and cuts off the light of the Sun to the Moon.



Usually, two Solar and two Lunar Eclipses occur each year as the Sun moves into the zodiacal sign occupied by either the North or South Lunar Node, although sometimes there are more. Each single eclipse belongs to a larger family series of eclipses. The family consists of up to seventy eclipses. Starting at the top or bottom of the globe, the family series spirals downward or upward until reaching the opposite pole. As one family series nears its demise, another takes over, resulting in an increase of yearly eclipses. That was the case in the year 2000. Eclipses also run in cycles, with the longest of these cycles lasting 1,260 years. Sequential years show eclipses within neighboring degrees and frequently in the same sign.

An eclipse is like a super New Moon or a super Full Moon, initializing the potential for important changes and transitions to occur in the matters signified by the position of the eclipse in the horoscope. The nodal influence magnifies the influence of the New or Full Moon and portends karmic experiences. We are evolving at a faster rate in the matters of the house where an eclipse falls.

When an eclipse falls on a significant point in the chart, such as on a natal or a progressed planet, dynamic events may be traced to the eclipse. Such an eclipse is a prelude to experiences and activities symbolized by the eclipsed planet. When falling within three degrees of a planet, it greatly sensitizes the planet to later transits. The eclipse starts a process that brings fresh invigoration and cleansing energy to areas of life represented by the planet.

The intensity of an eclipse is determined by how close it occurs to one of the nodes. The closer the Sun or Moon to the North or South Node, the more powerful the eclipse and the greater its potential effects. Initial activity usually begins shortly following an eclipse, often at the next New or Full Moon. Sometimes the initial activity stimulated by an eclipse can occur several days prior to the actual eclipse. The length of time the eclipse degree is prone to receiving stimulation is determined by the length of time the eclipse lasts. An eclipse degree is sensitive for at least a year and may be triggered by major transits for three to four years.

The transits of Mars and Saturn are most powerful as they cross an eclipsed degree. Mars will often stimulate and start dynamic events connected with an eclipse and Saturn will often bring the final conclusion. Mars frequently activates an eclipse, shortly following an eclipse, although Saturn's transit may come much later. When an eclipse falls on a planet, any of the outer planet transits across the eclipse degree may bring important happenings in connection with the nature of the planet.

The most significant eclipses are those that fall on the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Midheaven, or the ruler of an individual's horoscope. An eclipse starts a process of transformation, and it shows where change is due. Eclipses sometimes point to imbalances in our personal lives and raise our consciousness to these. When an eclipse falls on one of these important personal significators, it usually means that noteworthy changes lie ahead. There may be a change of residence or a change of vocation, especially with an eclipse falling on an angle. Sometimes there are relationship changes or other personal changes. Angular eclipses are most notable for bringing substantial transformations, sometimes with a change in one area of life leading to many other changes in rapid succession, like a domino effect.

With an eclipse to the Sun, important decisions are made, and such an eclipse impacts the sense of personal power. When the Moon receives the rays of an eclipse, domestic and family changes are usually on the horizon. Each of the planets represents specific areas that are subject to change and transformation. An eclipse calls individuals to their personal destinies, so when significant changes or karmic connections lie ahead, an eclipse will announce it ahead of time. Sometimes the energy of an eclipse feels invigorating, like riding an ocean wave, or like being picked up by an incredible force and carried along. Positive developments happen with little effort. Other times, an eclipse may feel like an energy drain, when efforts are required to wrap up an old phase of experience. The process of transformation associated with an eclipse is always desirable in the long run. Eclipses help move us along our path and fulfill our purpose.

Even when an eclipse does not precisely spotlight a personal planet, a full set of eclipses sweeps slowly through all the various horoscope sectors approximately every nineteen years, invigorating and bringing cleansing energy to each department of life in a timely fashion. The horoscope houses each correspond with a specialized area of life experience. Eclipses show when transformations are coming and encourage us to take stock of each of these life areas on a regular basis. This is the first place to check for imbalances or needed changes. Often, we are aware of the need for change, but understanding a little about the people and affairs of a house can help jog our awareness.

From the following brief house descriptions, you can begin to assess the departments of life where current eclipses are falling for stagnant energy, a need for change, something you've been putting off, and so on. The house position of an eclipse shows where a more healthy state of affairs can evolve. If an eclipse falls on a personal planet, check the description of the house it naturally corresponds with to learn the likeliest events to follow. The eclipsed planet indicates the people and things that are highlighted and undergoing changes. These guidelines can be applied to the natal, progressed, or Solar Return charts.


The 1st house governs your personality, temperament, appearance, and physical health. Attributes of the 1st house show the color lens through which you view the world and the experiences you attract, based upon the first impression you make on others. Your attitude is changing, and you are apt to take everything more personally when an eclipse falls in this house. You become more health conscious, and you may initiate significant personal changes, even altering your appearance. The key phrase for this house is "I am," and it corresponds naturally with Mars. You may put forth great personal efforts and sometimes confrontations might result. It is a good time to guard the health. 

The 2nd house governs your income-earning power, portable possessions and property, and general finances and resources. It indicates how you earn and spend your money. It also reveals your value system and how you set your priorities. There may be income changes, or you may make or spend big money with an eclipse falling in this house. The key phrase is "I have," and this house naturally corresponds with Venus. There is a reassessment of the finances, material assets, and creature comforts.



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