What's Up?
The Lunar Eclipse on November 8/9, 2003


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 November 8/9th can be seen from almost everywhere except for easternmost Asia, Japan, Indonesia and Australia. This is a total eclipse and therefore should be quite dynamic. Mid-Eclipse Time: 8:17 pm EST.


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 Scorpio and the Moon is in Taurus during the total lunar eclipse on November 8-9. The sensual nature is temporarily out of balance. Monetary concerns, along with material complexes such as food and substance addictions obscure reality during this period. Where physical pleasures combine to dull the senses, guilt replaces comfort and the beauty of life's mysteries appear dark and untouchable.

The Sabian degree symbols for this eclipse suggest that this is an excellent time to surrender the lesser will, also known as the ego, to the higher will of Divine Light. Face issues. Turn inward and find your deepest point of faith. Hidden potentials can be brought to light. Although a need for privacy or alone time may be the predominant feeling, joining with others in a spiritual pursuit will draw greater benefit. A deeper understanding of your affairs can be found by talking with others. This is a time to become conscious of your values.

Events associated with this eclipse had their origin in May of 2002, were triggered last February and will resurface for completion beginning in August of 2004. The last time a lunar eclipse occurred at this degree was November 1984. A review of your life experiences at that time may provide clues to how you will experience this eclipse.

This lunar eclipse has drawn much attention because of a geometric pattern being formed by five planets, the asteroid Chiron, the Sun and the Moon at the time of the eclipse. This pattern is a double triangle, which is also known as the Star of David. There are many theories regarding the importance of The Harmonic Concordance, as this event has come to be known.

The eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects. However, if your birthday is around Jan 6, Feb 5, Mar 6, Apr 5, May 6, Jun 6, Jul 7, Aug 8, Sep 8, Oct 8, Nov 8, or Dec 7, 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.


Aquarius Lunation
Full Phase
Aquarius Sun
Virgo Moon



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