Astrological Musings

Thoughts on the August 1 eclipse

Wednesday July 30, 2008

Categories: Planetary cycles
eclipse-nonist.jpgAugust 1 will bring a total solar eclipse, occurring at 6:12 am EDT.  The solar eclipse occurs astronomically with an alignment of the Sun, Moon and the Earth so that the Moon blocks the light of the Sun to us here on Earth.

Astrologically, the solar eclipse occurs at the time of a New Moon, with the solar conscious principle conjoining the lunar unconscious principle in close proximity to the nodes of the Moon, or the Dragon's Head and Tail. 

The nodes of the Moon describe our evolutionary journey, with the North Node (also called the Dragon's head by the Chinese and other ancients) demonstrating the direction in which we are heading and the South Node (the Dragon's tail) identifying the karmic past and issues best left behind. The involvement in the eclipse phenomenon perhaps gives a clue to the effect of an eclipse, where the Sun and Moon are aligned in tandem with the evolutionary lunar nodes but the earth blocks their light. The symbolism to me is clear: The eclipse marks a turning point, but the significance may not be immediately obvious as both the solar conscious principle and the lunar instincts are obscured and we journey in darkness.

The eclipse on August 1 is at 9 degrees Leo, the sign of creative self-expression and the development of a healthy ego.  If you have a copy of your birthchart, look to see where in the chart the eclipse will fall and that will give you a picture of where in your life you are likely to experience a change.  Some say that the eclipse is an "unmasking," revealing something that has been hidden up until this point.

A solar eclipse in Leo is an interesting phenomenon astrologically, because Leo is the sign that is associated with the Sun and the ego is therefore driven underground during the eclipse period.  The effect of New and Full Moons is said to be three days before and three days after the event; eclipses can be felt for a longer period of time if you are a particularly lunar person (with planets in Cancer, in the fourth house, or with strong aspects to the Moon). 

This eclipse could bring out some interesting facets of the US presidential candidates, since it is exactly square to Uranus in McCain's chart and very close to a square to Neptune in Obama's chart.  This is interesting because these are the two planets that cause the candidates the most trouble.   Uranus (radical behavior) is square to McCain's Mars, the astrological dynamic that results in McCain's "maverick" status that he is trying so hard now to keep under wraps.  Neptune (redemption and illusion) is square to Obama's Sun, and this is the chart factor that results in the adoration of Obama that some find so frightening.  Perhaps during this eclipse period some of the real substance that underlies these factors may be revealed.

This incredible image is from The Nonist; it's a composite image of 6 hand drawn images from different astronomers of a total solar eclipse on July 18, 1960. 
Comments
Lynn Hayes
August 5, 2008 7:34 AM

Cimba, good plan on the Saturn side. Eclipses affect everyone differently, and some not at all. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Eme
August 5, 2008 7:43 AM

"So if the eclipse, which was a New Moon, fell on your birthday that made it a personal Full Moon for you with the Moon and Sun opposing the Sun in your birthchart."

I'm confused. My natal sun is at 8.55 Leo and the Moon and Sun fell at 9' during the eclipse. I don't see how that makes the Sun opposing my natal Sun. Actually, I found my direction last fall, almost a year ago, not on my birthday. Do you think it might still be related? I do have to say, though, I have a very strong wish that I could be taken out of my life right now and inserted into a different life. If that makes any sense... Just a huge sense of being on detention, you know, and I want out.

Lynn Hayes
August 5, 2008 9:52 AM

Eme, the Full Moon occurs when the Moon and the Sun are opposite each other in the sky. So if the Moon opposes your Sun, that's a personal Full Moon for you. The lunar light illuminates your Sun in a different way. When the New Moon is an eclipse, opposing your Sun, it can be a powerful dynamic. Eclipses are not always felt in the moment like a transit, and as I keep saying not everyone is sensitive to their influence. I myself have never been particularly sensitive to them unless they hit something in my chart.

bernadette
August 16, 2008 12:24 AM

My 25th birthday was on August 1st. What does this mean? !!!

Your Name
January 21, 2009 3:45 PM

Dear Lynn,

I have Capricorn risisng but Aquarius takes up most of my first house. I also have North node in Auuarrius. Do you think this 2009 eclips Jan.26 will have any effect on me?

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About Astrological Musings

Lynn Hayes has been a practising astrological consultant in beautiful North Carolina for over 25 years, working with clients all over the world both in person and by phone. She focuses on therapeutic and healing approaches which encourage greater empowerment and personal growth. Visit www.astrodynamics.net for more information.

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