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.
|
The
solar eclipse on January 14/15
is a annular eclipse. The path of the Moon's antumbral shadow begins
in Africa and passes through Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Somalia. After leaving
Africa, the path crosses the Indian Ocean where the maximum duration
of annularity reaches 11 min 08 s. The central path then continues
into Asia through Bangladesh, India, Burma (Myanmar), and China.
A partial eclipse is seen within the much broader path of the Moon's
penumbral shadow, which includes eastern Europe, most of Africa,
Asia, and Indonesia.
For
more information, visit the
NASA Eclipse Home Page.
|
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 26th degree of Capricorn
was in 1991 and before that in 1972 (before that was 1638). Think back
to the personal themes in your life then and review the progress of your
personal growth. The next eclipse that falls close to this degree will
be in 2029 and the next at this same 26th degree of Capricorn will be
in 2344.
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 25 degrees and
1 minute of Capricorn. The tarot card associated with the sign of Capricorn
is Tarot Key #15 - The Devil
This card teaches us to make use of solitude to question our beliefs and
to discern wholeness.
Sabian
Symbol: 26 Capricorn
"A
Nature Spirit Dancing In the Mist Of A Waterfall"
The
symbolic degree interpretation of this eclipse suggests the magical quality
of creative flow.
Degree
Affirmation: I am thrilled with the hidden beauty that surrounds me.
The
Chart
This
chart tells us that handicaps can be turned to advantages. The challenge
is to channel your thoughts constructively. Restricted circumstances
and control issues frustrate clear communication. The tendency to
act impulsively on one's beliefs and opinions can be rash and competitive
or put to good use in benefic activities.
If
your birthday falls around Jan 15, Feb 13 or 28, Mar 15, Apr 14, May 15
or 31, Jun 16, Jul 17, Aug 17, Sep 2 or 17, Oct 18, Nov 17, Dec 2 or 16,
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 2012 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.
