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 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 at the 11th degree of Capricorn and the Moon is in Cancer
during the minor partial lunar eclipse
on December 31. Business leaders and political authorities are out of
balance with the needs of the public. Concern for maintaining the status
quo can undermine national or familial security. The challenge is to
be nurturing while attending to responsibilities.
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Sabian
Degree Symbols For This Lunar Eclipse
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Sun:
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"A
Large Group of Pheasant On A Large Private Estate." |
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Moon:
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"A
Clown Caricaturing Well-Known Personalities." |
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The
Sabian degree symbols for this eclipse suggest that this time calls
a sense of humor. Laughter not only provides relief from the harsher
realities of life, but also reminds us not to be unduly impressed by
tradition. Objectivity and intellectual freedom can accelerate social
evolution. The test is to capitalize on skill and opportunity without
being blind to sociocultural realities.
Events associated with this eclipse had their origin in July 2008, were
triggered into action last April and will resurface for completion beginning
in October 2010. The last time a lunar eclipse occurred at this degree
was over 300 years ago in 1694. There was a Solar Eclipse at this degree
on July 1, 2000. It is conceivable that the lunar eclipse on December
31 will bring some insight to events that took place during the summer
of 2000.
The
eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects.
However, if your birthday is around Jan 30, Feb 13 or 28, Mar 30, Apr
30, May 16 or 31, Jul 2, Aug 2 or 18, Sep 2, Oct 3, Nov 2 or 17, Dec
2 or 31, 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.
