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.
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Eclipse
maps and diagrams courtesy of
Fred Espenak - NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
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The
lunar eclipse on February 20/21 is a total
eclipse, visible throughout most of the Americas, western
Africa and western Europe.
The Moon's path through Earth's shadow
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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 Sun is in Pisces and the Moon is in Virgo during the
total lunar eclipse on February 20. Practicality and logical
processes are temporarily out of balance. Harsh realities obscure spiritual
ideals and block imaginative solutions. The
challenge is to stay open to inspiration regardless of our daily circumstances.
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Sabian
Degree Symbols For This Lunar Eclipse
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Sun:
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"A
Squirrel Hiding From Hunters" |
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Moon:
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"A
Large White Cross Dominates The Landscape" |
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The
Sabian degree symbols for this eclipse suggest that this time calls
for protective shielding by using the intelligence culled from ancestral
traditions. Humanity flowers by relying on the roots of individual character,
especially during times of crisis. Genuine spirituality serves the collective
before the self.
Events associated with this eclipse had their origin in August 2006,
were triggered into action in May 2007 and will resurface for completion
beginning in November 2008. The last time a lunar eclipse occurred at
this degree was in 1729. There was an eclipse close to this degree in
February, 1989. A review of your life experiences around that time may
provide clues to how you will experience this eclipse.
The
eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects.
However, if your birthday is around Jan 7 or 22, Feb 20, Mar 21, Apr
6 or 21, May 22, Jun 22, Jul 8 or 24, Aug 24, Sep 24, Oct 9 or 24, Nov
23, Dec 23, 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.
