What does the field of astronomy tell us about eclipses?
Astronomy informs us that eclipses always occur in pairs; i.e., if there is a solar eclipse, then there will always be a lunar eclipse 2 weeks later (or vice versa).
NOTE: Occasionally, there are 3 back-to-back eclipses, with each occurring 2 weeks apart. But that’s relatively rare.
A pair of eclipses occurs every 6 months. This means that we usually experience eclipse cycles 2 times a year.
NOTES: (a) Occasionally there will be 3 eclipse cycles in one year, but again, that’s relatively rare. (b) Astrologically, we refer to these as “eclipse seasons.”
Astronomy also tells us that:
Solar Eclipses always coincide with a New Moon.
Lunar Eclipses always coincide with a Full Moon.
Astronomical explanation of a solar eclipse
This is when the Moon is located between the Sun and the Earth, which cuts off the light from the Sun.
NOTE: See top half of picture at the top of this Blog post.
Astronomical explanation of a lunar eclipse
This is when the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon.
NOTES:
See bottom half of picture at the top of this Blog post.
The Moon has no light, but Earth’s position interrupts the reflection of the Sun’s light off the Moon.
Astrologically, what do eclipses generally represent?
Whatever astrological influences are associated with a New Moon/solar eclipse or a Full Moon/lunar eclipse are believed to impact us the next 6 months (i.e., until the next eclipse season).
The upside: This means we have extra time (i.e., 6 months) to let the issue(s) unfold.
The downside: If it’s a difficult lesson, then we’ll be dealing with it for 6 months.
Even eclipses impacts us for 6 months, at the time of the New Moon/solar eclipse or Full Moon/lunar eclipse, there may be a sudden surprise or “crisis” that catalyzes the changes that will unfold over 6 months.
I always joke that an eclipse is a New Moon or Full Moon “on steroids.” It definitely amplifies the power and impact of the lunar event.
Eclipses are almost always “wake-up calls” for what needs to change as our soul progresses to its next lesson(s).
They activate the Moon’s Nodes (i.e., North Node, South Nodes).
The house(s) activated by the New or Full Moon may indicate which area(s) of your life will need adjustments based on the placements of your natal North and South Nodes.
The sign(s) involved in the New or Full Moon may help you know how the adjustments will take place.
Any planets, asteroids, or Nodes that fall within 1⁰ of either side of the degree of the New or Full Moon will be impacted by that lunar event, and vice versa.
A distance of greater than 1⁰ typically isn’t significant, although some astrologers will extend that to 2⁰ if it’s an eclipse that is close to the Sun.
NOTE: More detailed information is provided in the following Blog post about how “close” a New or Full Moon needs to be in order to impact a natal planet, asteroid, or Node: How to Find the Transiting Moon in Your Natal Chart.
Only the Ascendant and Midheaven are considered important with regard to an eclipse being located close to a house cusp.
This is especially true with the Ascendant!
The New or Full Moon needs to be located within 1⁰ of the Ascendant or Midheaven in order to be considered significant.
All other house cusps aren’t considered to be important.
NOTE: More detailed information is provided in the following Blog post about how “close” a New or Full Moon needs to be in order to impact a house cusp or angle (e.g., Ascendant, Midheaven): How to Find the Transiting Moon in Your Natal Chart.
Specific issues related to solar eclipses
Solar Eclipses often:
Coincide with times when we see issues more clearly.
Coincide with times when there is a new beginning or when decisions are made.
