What's Up?
The Solar Eclipse on January 25/26, 2009


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 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.

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.

Tarot Key  17 The Star  - Aquarius 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.



Cancer Lunation
Gibbous Phase
Cancer Sun
Sagittarius Moon


Moon Phase Calendar  |   Horoscopes   |   What's Up?  |   Galleries   |   Products & Services
  Articles   |   Links    |    Bio   |    |   Site Map   |   Home

Sandra & David Mosley
PO Box 219
Ka'a'awa, HI 96730-0219
(808) 237-7297


© Sandra & David Mosley 1996-2007
Creations for the Web