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 November
24/25 is a partial eclipse, visible from Antarctica,
New Zealand, Tasmania and southern South Africa.
For
more information, visit the
NASA Eclipse Home Page.
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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.
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 north nodal eclipse, suggesting that we are being called to develop
new skills and talents through independent effort.
As
noted in the Astronomy section above, this is partial eclipse; 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.
This solar eclipse takes place with the Sun and Moon at 02 degrees and
37 minutes of Sagittarius. The tarot card associated with the sign of
Sagittarius is Tarot Key #14
- Temperance. This card teaches us flexibility and adaptability as
aids to finding our direction.
Sabian
Symbol: 03 Sagitttarius
"Two
Men Playing Chess"
The
symbolic degree interpretation of this eclipse suggests a competetive
environment, along with the need to be conscious and cautious about taking
risks.
Degree
Affirmation: Wth objectivity, I think ahead and move forward with purposeful
intent.
The
Chart
This
chart tells us there is a need to slown down and concentrate our efforts
on making a better future for ourselves and others. The challenge is to
reign in wasteful appetites. The energy exists to use a combination of
logic and intuition to make reforms and repurpose desires, which will
ultimately bring long lasting benefits.
If
your birthday falls around Jan 8 or 22, Feb 21, Mar 22, Apr 6 or 21, May
22, Jun 23, Jul 9 or 24, Aug 25, Sep 24, Oct 10 or 25, Nov 24, Dec 23,
your experiences now will have impact lasting three years. Expect
to see current themes begin to develop ambitiously on their own in late
September, 2012. A full understanding of the impact of this period will
take until Spring of 2013 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.
