August 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.
posted July 30, 2008 at 7:55 pm
9 Leo falls in my 12th house and it’s opposite my N Moon, which is 8 Aquarius! If I was to make a semi-educated guess as to how I would respond to this, I would think some of my hidden emotions (12th house) might not be as hidden as I would like them to be. Either that or I will have a REALLY easy time hiding my shadow side! I might also experience a tug of war between my usual rational side (Moon in Aquarius) and my hidden desire to show off (Leo) and suck up attention.
The eclipse will also be within orb of a square to my N Neptune (3 Scorpio). Unlike Obama, Neptune doesn’t seem to cause me problems. I have always been interested in the occult (Scorpio) and spirituality (Neptune) and have taught what I know to the little kids in my family (3rd house). Maybe I’ll find it hard to disseminate my knowledge for a little while. I guess I can keep my mouth shut for a few days, especially since Saturn will be exactly opposite my Sun (8 Pisces) for a few days, including the day of the eclipse!
posted July 30, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Without going into too many details, I will be watching this closely in regards to my son. Tomorrow, he will likely need to make the choice between allowing a psychiatrist to medicate him for positive change in his life OR to not commit to that help so he can continue to experiment with drugs (illegal drugs mixed with the doctor’s recommendation could be life threatening). I find it interesting that 9 Leo falls in his 9th house (freedom, expanding experiences or possibly a run in with the law)opposite his 3rd house of communication. I think, but I’m not entirely sure (I’m not too good at calculating this stuff) that the eclipse sextiles his natal Dragon’s head (8 Sag). I don’t know how to interpret that (if I’m right), but I have a feeling it’s important.
posted July 31, 2008 at 6:23 am
Cimbalok, I’ll be looking forward to hearing your report on your eclipse experience. With a solar eclipse opposing your natal Moon, it’s like your own personal Full Moon eclipse. You are likely to experience quite a bit of unmasking. Let us know what happens!
I’ve started a topic in the Astrological Musings group in case we want to get a discussion going.
posted July 31, 2008 at 6:27 am
Stacey, it would be difficult to render an opinion on this without knowing more about the rest of his chart. If Leo is in the 9th, Saturn is likely in his 10th house. For a young person the 10th house often represents authority (it’s the house of career and public life), suggesting he is experiencing limitations and restrictions from outside. The eclipse, which is a more powerful new moon, in sextile to his own North Node would denote a realignment with his own path and destiny so this could be a very positive time for him depending upon what aspects are made to his North Node and what else is going on in the chart.
posted July 31, 2008 at 8:55 am
My 9 Leo on my birthchart is in the 4th house, and I know the 4th house represents “home base,” upbringing, the home/hearth…
My grandfather passed away this Sunday, and he was a key component in my household growing up… the only male (with 4 generations of female, otherwise!), and while I sometimes felt like a forgotten child, my grandfather was the light in that household — fun, intelligent, interesting, and loving. Now he’s passed on, and I’m very happy for him (since he was released from a physical hell he endured for the past 5-7 years), but am so sad thinking that his light has moved on from this life, because it so warmed me! Though I haven’t even lived in the same state as my grandfather for more than 10 years, I was there when he passed on, and it really seems to be hitting me.
I wonder if this has relation to the eclipse?
posted July 31, 2008 at 9:59 am
I’m laughing right now.
Yesterday, in the daily writing that I do, I wrote that I had to start expressing the emotions that make me uncomfortable, that I push away or shove down with food, or rationalize my way out of feeling, because I (think!) I finally understand that the blocks I’m throwing in my own way can only be removed if I get truly honest with myself. I hope I finally understand that, anyway.
The other topic I’ve been pondering in my daily writing is how to go about rebuilding my “tribe” since most of my friends now live far away from me, and I’ve got virtually no friends in my immediate vicinity.
Where does this eclipse fall for me? Right smack in the middle of my third house, so there it is–communication, siblings, neighbors. How fabulous is that?
posted July 31, 2008 at 10:23 am
Hi Lynn–have followed your blog a long time–but just discovered your personal one! Am enjoying catching up with your posts. Congrats on your new space with beliefnet!!! I am also in big transition BACK TO readings, tarot and astrology as the MAIN COURSE of my life instead of a side dish–I believe it is the Pluto transit calling many of us back out ..
I live in Arizona, about 1 1/2 hours from Tucson– –if you and Rich visit Tucson again for the gem shows, I always have a guest space open!
Madeleine
http:www/skylightnews.blogspot.com
posted July 31, 2008 at 11:41 am
Angela, I’m sorry for your loss but sometimes when a beloved family member passes on there is an opening within us that takes the space of where their energy used to be. The timing of the eclipse and its placement in the fourth house, which describes our ancestral roots and lineage as well as our finding our home within our own hearts, is certainly synchronistic.
posted July 31, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hi Ronda, what a great story. The eclipse is falling in my third house too and aside from the obvious writing (third house) connections, I am working on being a supportive link to my sister (third house) who has just lost her job.
posted July 31, 2008 at 11:55 am
Thanks Madeleine! We go to Tucson every few years so it will be great to have a contact there.
posted July 31, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Lynn,
Thanks much for the beautiful total solar eclipse drawing and link to the site. Wow! July 1860! Very cool info at that link and discussion. Interesting to read again how life was observed and recorded then. Its been on my mind especially with the upcoming Olympics and increased interest in the deeply layered rich Chinese culture and history. Cheers!
-=Terry=-
posted July 31, 2008 at 2:23 pm
OHMYGOD! What now! I have Mercury 6º Leo, South Node 10º Leo and Sun 19º Leo all in the 5th house. Opposite a wide Saturn. Should I just stay in bed tomorrow?
posted July 31, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Lots of good information on this eclipse, Lynn. It falls in my 9th house conjuncting my Saturn. This past week I have started reading The Composite Chart by Townley and Brady’s excellent book on predictive astrology, The Eagle & the Lark. Higher education for sure! Those books have been sitting there waiting for me for a couple of months . . .
posted July 31, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I was having a long talk this morning with my mom, and the discussion got ito how strong it is in the family line for parents to hinder and discourage the artistry and creativity of their kids – creativity that has been in the family for generations on end (in a big way). It’s essentially been imprisoned in our family dynamic far too long.
9 Leo is in my 12th House (Prisons), and particulary in the last few days I’ve been becoming aware of how essential it is to my own growth and my own life to surrender (12th House) the “starving” creative energy (Leo) and let it shine. Funnily enough, the talk came after I helped her select a dazzling outfit for a class reunion this coming weekend! I’m new to the whole eclipse-in-astrology stuff, but this all seems somehow quite fitting!
posted July 31, 2008 at 4:41 pm
This solar eclipse falls in my 6th H which also contains my North node of 14 Leo. I wonder how this also affects my 12th H in Aquarius which also has Saturn at 10 Aquarius. I’m guessing this may be helping me remove (hopefully) restrictions my “idealistic” nature (I have Aquarius rising and Saturn in Aquarius) has placed on being creative in my work life.
posted July 31, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Hi Lynne!
I’m looking at the birthchart you’ve given me and trying to figure out how to read the eclipse. Unfortunately, I’m confused.
The way I’m interpreting it is that Leo (shown by it’s symbol in the outer circle) falls in my 4th house, putting Virgo in my 5th house. In this box, I’ve got both Mars and my Grace Card, with no degree marks. I’m assuming both of these things will be affected? Can you please give me a little guidance? Thank you!
posted July 31, 2008 at 6:36 pm
These are such great stories, thank you!! I’m going to try to move some of this great discussion to the Astrological Musings group so if y’all could help me out I’d appreciate it!
posted July 31, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Julie, you have to look at the degrees too. So the eclipse is at 9 degrees Leo which falls in your third house. Your fourth house starts at 11 degrees Leo, so the eclipse is close enough to the nadir of your chart, the cusp of the fourth house, that you may experience some change in your home environment.
posted July 31, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Yes he does have Jupiter in the 10th. He’s not experiencing restrictions and limitations from the outside as much as he rejects ALL authority. As for the Eclipse – Natal North Node aspect, it’s a trine (my software confirms that). But there’s a couple of squares too. I’m just going to try to focus on the positive. He was prescribed medication today which he will take for the first time tonight. I just find it interesting how this series of events, which has been coming for weeks, is playing out at the eclipse.
posted August 1, 2008 at 2:08 am
what if Leo is at the top of one’s chart? i think its called the midheaven between the 9th and 10th houses? thanks
posted August 1, 2008 at 7:18 am
My mother a leao (8.15) died 8/13/08. I have Leo in the 11th and I think I will be moving soon. All this is causing great trepidation. AQ -sun,Pi Moon, LI rising. Moon in 6th. I would like to see how this eclipse is going to affect any decisions I make (Ve,Ju in 5th-Pl in 11th in Leo). Help
posted August 1, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I have the moon in leo – as I was born – and today I have the moon in my 12 house with the sun in the 11 house. What does that mean?
posted August 1, 2008 at 6:29 pm
It’s difficult to say without more information, Patricia, but it sounds like the eclipse occurred in your eleventh house of social groups and shared ideologies. Depending on the placement of your moon, if the eclipse conjoins the moon in your chart it can denote an emotional awakening and exciting new beginning..
posted August 2, 2008 at 1:03 am
I found this information was helpful and with more research through other blogs etc. I have found we have much to look for and watch for the next few weeks – immediate change and ongoing change for the next few years.
It will be interesting to see how these energies play out in the governments and rulers of the countries over which the eclipse was seen (they got the most energies)
Olympics and China and the 8:8:8 energies !??
on and on neat as we watch the story unfold.
Thank you Lynn
posted August 2, 2008 at 5:32 am
I,m an Aquarius(1st of feb 1980) Asc sag and moon in Leo iin the 8th house(12th degree).My natal mars and jupiter and saturn are in virgo(9th house).I sense that this eclipse and the next one (the full moon)are very important for me but i can’t figure the area of my life that it will afect and wheter it will be in positive or negative way.Think you can help explaining?
posted August 2, 2008 at 7:35 am
Thanks for your comments Mary.
posted August 2, 2008 at 7:39 am
Hi Maria – first of all, I am firmly of the opinion that a lot of things we think are negative experiences actually end up being the most positive of our lives. Divorce, getting fired from our jobs, these sorts of experiences are devastating but often lead to periods of great transformation and self-evolution, and the opportunity to free ourselves from situations that don’t serve us. Do I don’t see things in terms of positive and negative. For me it’s a question of how can we navigate a difficult period to get the most out of it. It’s impossible to really advise without looking at the chart (and you can join the Astrological Musings group to ask a free question in the advice column), but the eclipse did fall on the Moon in your chart which is likely to open up a doorway into your own emotional light in some way.
posted August 2, 2008 at 11:34 am
The eclipse at 9 Leo has been wonderful for me. It falls in my 2nd house, directly conjunct my natal Pluto at 9 Leo 54, sextile my ASC at 11 Cancer 44. My financial situation has been steadily changing for the better, and on Thursday I deposited a large check, a gift from my dad.
In addition, and on a scale more important to me, after intense preparation and training, I just received my Reiki Master certificate! I’m so thrilled, and I’m thinking that Reiki can be a source of sustenance — spiritually, emotionally, and physically — for me.
Looking forward to what the next months my bring…
posted August 2, 2008 at 1:06 pm
To me, this eclipse enhanced/magnified the “as above, so below” mysteries. The images and video returning to the world consciousness from locations around the globe (in real time) were remarkable. Planet Earth is becoming smaller and smaller as Uranus in Pisces continues to melt away the perception of separation.
Sky and Telescope has a great summary of the visual eclipse including a report from an airplane flying high over the Arctic: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/26176349.html
This eclipsed occurred in my 12th house directly opposing my Venus in Aquarius and conjoined my Pluto at 15 degrees. It was quite a stirring emotional day on many levels. Swimming with wild dolphins in the early AM (I live in Hawaii) sure enhanced the feeling and expansive experience.
Next total solar eclipse is July 2009. This is the longest total solar eclipse in the 21st century – 6 minutes and 39 seconds at its peak (by comparison this past one was 2 minutes 40 seconds). Sun/Moon at 29 Cancer quincunx Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron stellium in Aquarius. The veils ought to be very thin on this day.
posted August 3, 2008 at 10:14 am
The eclipse is widely conjunct my Moon, which is widely conjunct Pluto and square to Venus in my chart. The Chiron/North Node conjunction is EXACTLY square to my Venus and setting off this other stuff, and I am having some intense experiences of regurgitating old fears and weirdness. Beautiful, thrilling, exciting – but certainly intense!
posted August 3, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Hi, Lynn: Congrats on the move!! I wish you much success and lots and lots of devoted fans and readers. I’m a long-time reader of yours and at the beginning of the year, you gave me a vision crafting session which was terrific. (highly recommended, everyone!)
This eclipse fell on my birthday and smack dab on my natal Leo Sun at 8’55. Soooo. I’m now 39 and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I sobbed all day not because I’m 39 but because 20 years of missed opportunities and bad decisions just hit me and I wish I were in a different spot at this age. I was extremely surprised that I couldn’t control the crying, it wasn’t so much me thinking negatively, weirdly enough. The sorrow came as naturally as sweating on a hot day or as bleeding from an open wound. I’d never experienced anything like that. I am working very hard toward my goals, though, since I finally found a direction.
Love and smooches!
posted August 4, 2008 at 6:03 am
Wow Eme, this sounds intense. 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. Sometimes those eruptions that come from such a deep place really do help to redirect our course and keep us from sleepwalking through life. Congratulations on working through your new vision!
posted August 4, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Unmasking, no. Not that I know of. But one unusual event did occur. Some Romanian flooring dudes in a van flirted with me while I was driving (Venus on my Asc.) at about 6:45 a.m. Saturday. That doesn’t happen often. I read their minds. I have a “RO” sticker on my car and I knew that the dudes in the van were checking me out because they believed I was Romanian (ignoring the SK – Slovakia – sticker that is also there?). Furthermore, I was on my way to a gig and lookin’ good. If anything was unmasked it was the fact that I can be sexy & hot! I do tend to hide that from everyone, including myself. I have a real talent for playing down my femininity, probably because I’m scared of it and the power it gives me around males. Too much power is like too much sugar. Nice at first but what if I can’t handle the consequences?
Saturn is opposing my N. Sun so I replaced the 5+ year old battery in my ’97 Honda Civic and got new brake pads for my bike. Work with Saturn or it will work against you is my motto. I’m going to be in caution mode for the next few days.
posted August 5, 2008 at 7:34 am
Cimba, good plan on the Saturn side. Eclipses affect everyone differently, and some not at all. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
posted August 5, 2008 at 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.
posted August 5, 2008 at 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.
posted August 16, 2008 at 12:24 am
My 25th birthday was on August 1st. What does this mean? !!!
posted January 21, 2009 at 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?