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. A hybrid eclipse shifts between a total and annular eclipse. At certain points on the surface of Earth, it appears as a total eclipse, whereas at other points it appears as annular. Just over 5% of solar eclipses fall in this category, making the hybrid eclipse something of a rarity.
The solar eclipse on September 13 is a partial eclipse. This event will be visible from South Africa, the south India Ocean, and Antarctica.
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 20 degrees and 10 minutes of Virgo. The last solar eclipse at this degree was September 13, 1700. The last solar eclipse close to this degree was in 2007. Think back to the personal themes in your life during the late summer and early fall of 2007 and review the progress of your personal growth over the last 8 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 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 afterward. 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 Virgo is Tarot Key #9 – The Hermit.
This card teaches us to use the power of imagination to visualize spiritual ideals and project them into physical form.
Sabian Degree Symbol For This Eclipse
Sabian Symbol: 21 Virgo
“A Girls Basketball Team.”
The symbolic degree interpretation of this eclipse suggests the capability for teamwork in service to the collective. The key lies in developing group skills that can be applied toward social causes. It requires the integration of cultural and emotional considerations within a social context. Imagine working with others in harmony as part of a whole. What service within such a group can you see yourself providing? Take the time to envision the seeds you are planting. See them as tender sprouts. Handle them gently as they grow and take form.
The Chart:
Solar Eclipse
September 13, 2015
This chart speaks of a need for a response to a shocking shift of energy. An abundance of creativity is available to assist your progress. Caution is needed to avoid wishful illusions and deceit. The lesson involves the responsible use of personal talents in concert with others for the improvement of a situation. On a personal level, it highlights working with a partner on issues involving health, daily routines, or one’s occupation. On a social level, it highlights contractual affairs involving labor unions, health and service industries.
If your birthday falls within a day of Jan 10, Jan 25, Feb 9, Mar 9, Apr 9, Apr 24, May 9, Jun 10, Jul 27, Aug 12, Sep 12 or 13, Oct 12, Oct 27, Nov 11, Dec 11,your experiences now will have impact lasting three years. Expect to see current themes begin to develop ambitiously on their own in June 2016. A full understanding of the impact of this period will take until December 2017 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.