The
Astronomy
A
Solar Eclipse is a special type of New Moon when the Moon is directly
between the Sun and Earth. That is, they are aligned near the ecliptic
(the plane of the earth's orbit around the sun and the apparent annual
path of the sun).
The
moon's orbit is inclined by 5 degrees to the ecliptic; the two points
where they intersect are called the Moon's Nodes, identified as the
ascending node (North) and the descending node (South). Eclipses occur
during two periods each year when the apparent motion of the Sun meets
up with the nodes. The closer the Moon is to the center of the line
between the Sun and Earth, the more total the eclipse.
During
a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely obscures the Sun over a
relatively narrow band across the Earth's surface, its shadow racing
generally eastward.
Non-total
eclipses include the annular, when the Moon is farther from the Earth
and appears smaller, so the Moon does not completely block the Sun
but leaves a ring around the rim; and the partial, when the Moon is
slightly off center, blocking only a portion of the Sun.
The
fourth type of solar eclipse is the hybrid, also known as an annular/total.
Just over 5% of solar eclipses fall in this category, making the hybrid
eclipse something of a rarity.
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The
solar eclipse on May
9/10 is an annular eclipse. This Northern
Hemisphere event is visible from Australia, New Zealand and
the central Pacific.
For
more information, visit the
NASA Page for this Eclipse.
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The
Astrology
A
solar eclipse is a New Moon with tremendous impact. The Sun that gives
us life and lights our path is joined briefly with the dark and mysterious
qualities of the Moon. The Moon blocks the light of the Sun. In this
moment of perceived darkness, spirituality and the psyche combine
anew, beginning another cycle in the spiral of our personal development.
This
solar eclipse takes place with the Sun and Moon at 19 degrees and
31 minutes of Taurua. The last time there was a solar eclipse close
to this degree was in 1994. Think back
to the personal themes in your life during the spring and early summer
of 1994 and review the progress of your personal growth over the last
19 years.
All
eclipses indicate change; solar eclipses signify beginnings and usually
manifest as events in the outer world. At solar eclipses we: begin
something new, make promises to ourselves, commit, announce, present
ourselves, show up, make plans, select events, make decisions, rise
to the challenge, make an effort, change, mature, take on greater
challenges, travel at a faster pace, feel restless, feel pressured
by deadlines and a buildup of emotions, experience a crisis and feel
excited.
In
astrology, we also note at which of the Moon's nodes the eclipse occurs.
North nodal eclipses have a personal orientation and symbolize personal
identity, ego and the physical body. South nodal eclipses are other-oriented
and symbolize a spouse or significant other, relationships and new
perspectives based on interaction with others.
This
is a south nodal eclipse, suggesting that we are being called to use
previously learned skills and talents in new ways and that the opportunities
to do so will come through our relationships.
As
noted in the Astronomy section above, this is an annulareclipse;
the Moon does not obscure the light of the Sun. One way of interpreting
the symbolism of this fact is that neither the masculine/active/yang
energy of the Sun nor the feminine/receptive/yin energy of the Moon
dominates. Rather, the joining of the two forces could be described
as integrative and unifying, a process of becoming whole. Indicating
perhaps that with this eclipse there is an opportunity to experience
that sense of integration firsthand, in our personal lives and on
a global level.
The
heightened impact of eclipse energy can be felt by everyone as much
as 3 months in advance and has subtle reverberations for as long as
3 years afterwards. Although the energies are most prominent for a
week on either side of the eclipse (many feel a heightened sense of
anxiety during this period), the influence on events continues. Eclipse
periods are extremely active, often associated with meaningful events
and public exposure.
The tarot card associated with the sign of Taurus is Tarot
Key #5 - The Hierophant.
The
Hierophant is the figure of a spiritual master. Symbolic of Divine
knowledge, he represents the connecting link between personal and
universal consciousness. Ruled by Venus, he values the ideals of love,
harmony and harmlessness. Confer with The Hierophant for a peaceful
moment and listen to the voice within for guidance to a Truth you
can act on.
Sabian
Symbol: 20 Taurus
"Wisps
of Winglike Clouds Streaming Across the Sky"
The
symbolic degree interpretation of this eclipse suggests the awareness
of spiritual forces at work.
Degree
Affirmation: I am securely established in my Divine nature.
The
Chart:
This
chart tells us restructuring
is necessary, but the methods are in argument. At the worst it is
a battle of wills. It denotes a crisis of consciousness leading to
a transformation of collective ideals. Optimism
and opportunities abound; achieving their benefits might require taking
a different path and working a little harder than originally planned.
The
challenge is differentiating between illusion and reality. Additionally,
there is a conflict between the individual's need for independence
and freedom of expression versus the governing powers' need to maintain
control.
If
your birthday falls around Jan
9, Feb 7, Mar 9 or 24, Apr 9, May 9, June 10 or 25, Jul 11, Aug 11,
Sep 11 or 27, Oct 12, Nov 11, Dec 11 or 25,
your experiences now will have impact lasting three years.
Expect to see current themes begin to develop ambitiously on their
own in early mid-winter 2014. A full understanding of the impact of
this period will take until early summer 2015 to unfold.
When
an eclipse falls on your birthday, you can definitely count on an eventful
year ahead. However, it does not have to be in your sun sign for you to
feel its effects. If it makes any contacts to a planet or personal point
in your chart, your experience of the eclipse will be intensified. A qualified
astrologer can determine the placement of an eclipse in your chart and
advise you about what to expect, along with how to make the most of the
potential offered.
