The Astronomy
An eclipse of the Moon can only
take place at a Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow. The closer
the Moon is to the center of the shadow, the more total the eclipse. A lunar eclipse is visible wherever the
Moon is above the horizon.
If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon
would be completely black during a total eclipse. Instead, the Moon can take on a range of colors from dark
brown and red to bright orange and yellow. The exact appearance depends on how much dust and clouds are present
in Earth's atmosphere.
The
lunar eclipse on February 9 is a penumbral
eclipse, which means it will be a subtle event at best,
visible as a dusky shading. Observers in western Canada and
the USA will have the best views with moonset occurring sometime
after mid-eclipse. To catch the entire event, one must be in
Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, or East Asia.
The
Moon's path through Earth's shadow
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Eclipse
maps and diagrams courtesy of
Fred Espenak - NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
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http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/eclipse.html
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The Astrology
A lunar eclipse is a time of beginnings, endings,
exposure and major changes. It always has something to do with "relationships". The changes are tied
to how we relate and will have a lasting impression. Emotions run high, causing upsets and feelings of disorientation.
Actions taken often do not have the expected results, but they do bring awareness and enlightenment. The energy
of an eclipse is at its strongest during the two days before and three days after its occurrence.
At lunar eclipses we: merge, unite, announce,
contact, present ourselves, bring something out into the open, make decisions, engage, rise to the challenge,
make an effort, change, get a new perspective, join with others, take on greater challenges, travel at a faster
pace, feel restless, feel pressured by deadlines and a buildup of emotions, and experience excitement and crisis.
During
a Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are in opposition, also called the
Full Phase, indicating the linking of soul to spirit and awareness
of purpose gained through relationship with another. A lunar eclipse
is a supercharged Full Moon. The blocking of the Moon's reflection
of the Sun's light by the Earth suggests that our material viewpoint
stands in the way of our "seeing the light". It serves
as a reminder that we need to realize how we are held in the dark
by virtue of our perspective.
The
Chart
The Sun is in Aquarius and the Moon is in Leo during the
penumbral lunar eclipse on February 9. Personal
pride and loyalty are temporarily out of balance. Humanitarian
ideals obscure personal emotions and block the individual from self-expression.
The challenge is to avoid the lure of the ego to escape reality when
confronted with loss.
An
interesting mix of aspects paints a dramatic eclipse period. With
Saturn as the most highly aspected planet in the chart, there is
no doubt that the focus of this time is that of facing reality.
There is a fated quality that speaks of disruptive events beyond
the individual's control. Realities and reforms require an adjustment
of personal values and emotional attachments. The chart also holds
the promise of people coming together to find compassionate and
practical solutions to societal problems.
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Sabian
Degree Symbols For This Lunar Eclipse
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Sun:
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"A
disappointed and disillusioned woman courageously faces
a seemingly empty life " |
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Moon:
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"Intoxicated
chickens dizzily flap their wings trying to fly" |
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The
Sabian degree symbols for this eclipse at 21 Aquarius and Leo suggest
managing individual disappointment by finding creative solutions
for collective issues. It takes courage to break through illusions
and face life's limitations. The caution is attempting to do too
much too soon.
Events associated with this eclipse had their origin in
August 2007, were triggered into action during May 2008 and will
resurface for completion beginning in November 2009. The last time
a lunar eclipse occurred at this degree was in 1878. Although there
have been more than two dozen lunar eclipses in the signs of Aquarius
and Leo during the last century, they have been clustered around
the lower degrees and middle of the signs. There were two eclipses
at 22 degrees in 1905 and 1924 and two at 23 degrees in 1943 and
1962. A review of events around those years may provide clues to
how this eclipse will play out.
The
eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects.
However, if your birthday is around Jan 10, Feb 9, Mar 11 or 26, Apr
10, May 11, Jun 11 or 27, Jul 13, Aug 13, Sep 13 or 28, Oct 14, Nov
13, Dec 12 or 27, you will definitely have an emotional response. If
it makes any contacts to a planet or personal point in your chart, your
experience of the eclipse will be heightened. Consult with an astrologer
for a personalized discussion of the energies activated in your chart.
