The
Astronomy
A
Solar Eclipse is a special type of New Moon when the Moon is directly
between the Sun and Earth. That is, they are aligned near the ecliptic
(the plane of the earth's orbit around the sun and the apparent annual
path of the sun).
The
moon's orbit is inclined by 5 degrees to the ecliptic; the two points
where they intersect are called the Moon's Nodes, identified as the
ascending node (North) and the descending node (South). Eclipses occur
during two periods each year when the apparent motion of the Sun meets
up with the nodes. The closer the Moon is to the center of the line
between the Sun and Earth, the more total the eclipse.
During
a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely obscures the Sun over a
relatively narrow band across the Earth's surface, its shadow racing
generally eastward.
Non-total
eclipses include the annular, when the Moon is farther from the Earth
and appears smaller, so the Moon does not completely block the Sun
but leaves a ring around the rim; and the partial, when the Moon is
slightly off center, blocking only a portion of the Sun.
The
fourth type of solar eclipse is the hybrid, also known as an annular/total.
Just over 5% of solar eclipses fall in this category, making the hybrid
eclipse something of a rarity.
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The
solar eclipse on January
26 is a annular eclipse; the Moon will cover
only 93% of the Sun's surface. Nevertheless, the Moon's dead-center
transit across the solar disk will produce a sight of rare beauty
for observers along the "path of annularity." Best views
are to be had from islands in Indonesia where the ring of fire will
appear to sink into the ocean at sunset. Meanwhile, in Australia,
southeast Asia, southern parts of India and South Africa, observers
will experience an off-center partial eclipse. Crescent-shaped sunbeams
will dapple the ground while high overhead the Moon takes a curved
bite out of the sun.
For
more information, visit the
NASA Eclipse Home Page.
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The
Astrology
A
solar eclipse is a New Moon with tremendous impact. The Sun that gives
us life and lights our path is joined briefly with the dark and mysterious
qualities of the Moon. The Moon blocks the light of the Sun. In this moment
of perceived darkness, spirituality and the psyche combine anew, beginning
another cycle in the spiral of our personal development.
The
last time there was a solar eclipse at this same 6th degree of Aquarius
was in 1990; the next one will be in 2028. Think back to the personal
themes in your life then and review the progress of your personal growth.
All
eclipses indicate change; solar eclipses signify beginnings and usually
manifest as events in the outer world. At solar eclipses we: begin something
new, make promises to ourselves, commit, announce, present ourselves,
show up, make plans, select events, make decisions, rise to the challenge,
make an effort, change, mature, take on greater challenges, travel at
a faster pace, feel restless, feel pressured by deadlines and a buildup
of emotions, experience a crisis and feel excited.
In
astrology, we also note at which of the Moon's nodes the eclipse occurs.
North nodal eclipses have a personal orientation and symbolize personal
identity, ego and the physical body. South nodal eclipses are other-oriented
and symbolize a spouse or significant other, relationships and new perspectives
based on interaction with others.
This
is a north nodal eclipse, suggesting that we are being called to develop
new skills and talents through independent effort.
As
noted in the Astronomy section above, this is an annular eclipse; the
area of the Sun blocked by the Moon appears smaller, leaving a ring of
Sunlight visible around the Moon's shadow. An interpretation of the symbolism
of this fact is that neither the spiritual/masculine/active/yang energy
of the Sun nor the soul/feminine/receptive/yin energy of the Moon dominates.
Rather, the shadow of the lunar energy - the Soul, even at its darkest
moment, could be described as encircled and protected by Spirit. The joining
of these two forces provides focus and promises a rebirth of spirit after
a dark night of the soul.
The
heightened impact of eclipse energy can be felt by everyone as much as
3 months in advance and has subtle reverberations for as long as 3 years
afterwards. Although the energies are most prominent for a week on either
side of the eclipse (many feel a heightened sense of anxiety during this
period), the influence on events continues. Eclipse periods are extremely
active, often associated with meaningful events and public exposure.
This solar eclipse takes place with the Sun and Moon at 6 degrees Aquarius.
The tarot card associated with the sign of Aquarius is Tarot
Key #17 - The Star This card teaches us to make use of solitude to
question our beliefs and to discern wholeness.
Sabian
Symbol: 7 Aquarius
"A
child is seen being born out of an egg"
The
symbolic degree interpretation of this eclipse suggests a fresh projection
of the creative spirit.
Degree
Affirmation: I am born anew.
The
Chart
This
chart tells us that responsibility is key. The challenge is to improve
the quality of life while conserving resources. Restricted circumstances
require a new perspective. The opportunity for creative solutions exists
to the extent that situations are faced honestly.
If
your birthday falls around Jan
26, Feb 24, Mar 11 or 26, Apr 26, May 27, Jun 12 or 27, Jul 29, Aug 29,
Sep 29, Oct 29, Nov 29, Dec 13 & 27, your experiences
now will have impact lasting three years. Expect to see current themes
begin to develop ambitiously on their own in late October. A full understanding
of the impact of this period will take until Spring of 2011 to unfold.
When
an eclipse falls on your birthday, you can definitely count on an eventful
year ahead. However, it does not have to be in your sun sign for you to
feel its effects. If it makes any contacts to a planet or personal point
in your chart, your experience of the eclipse will be intensified. A qualified
astrologer can determine the placement of an eclipse in your chart and
advise you about what to expect, along with how to make the most of the
potential offered.
