Astrology Explored

January 26, 2009

Instead of a weekly forecast let’s talk about the solar eclipse that many of us slept through early Monday morning.

Though this eclipse wasn’t visible in the northern hemisphere, that doesn’t diminish its importance. Happening at 6 degrees of Aquarius, it puts a special stamp on that area in our natal charts. For and within the next six months, this area will be important our lives.

Where Aquarius falls in our natal chart is where we need to express ourselves as individuals.

Historically, it wasn’t until Uranus was discovered that it became important to be an individual. Up until that point, human effort was a group endeavor, with only a small percent of the population, the kings, the queens, the elite of society expected be held separate and apart in order to lead. When Uranus was discovered, The American Revolution did as well, with a new concept “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that eventually applied not just to wealthy landowners, but every citizen in the nation. But this great freedom also mandated great responsibility. No longer held to a place or position by the exigencies of birth, if we want something, to be someone, then we alone are responsible for becoming that.

This eclipse is a New Moon, joining the Sun in a conjunction with the planet of abundance, Jupiter. If you were in India, this is what you would see:

Annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from the earth than normal in its elliptical orbit and hence, its apparent size is not sufficient to cover the sun completely . . .
Therefore, even though the sun-moon alignment is perfect, the moon will appear slightly smaller in diameter than the sun and a thin ring of sunlight will remain visible around the dark silhouette of the moon

Imagine then a ring of fire around the core of your soul that breathes the spark of true individuality, true purpose of your time here on earth.

This Moon in the zodiac sign of Aquarius swings through the gamut of our highest aspirations to our highest dreams as it makes connections with Jupiter, the Sun, the South Node of the Moon and Neptune. Because the South Node is involved we are asked to look at what was valuable in the past to bring forward into the future. Because it is a New Moon, we are acutely aware of our surroundings and the people who populate our lives. It seems like we are being influenced by outside forces, but there is a magic trick here. Only we determine who and what we allow to affect us.

So where does this happen in your chart? It helps to know where Aquarius falls, so go here and answer a few questions to get your planetary positions and your house cusps in plain English.

Eclipse in the first house—You become acutely aware of your body image and how you appear to other people. This is an excellent time to make changes in this area. Go on a diet, join a gym, get a haircut. Yes, you have the Universe’s permission to pay attention to yourself.

Second house—Your sense of values is due for an overhaul. You may be faced with situations that will test what it is you truly value. If you long to strike out financially on your own, this is the time to do it.

Third house—Your thinking processes are up for review. If you have a boneheaded view of the Universe, you will be faced with people and situations that test your ability to communicate with others. It becomes extremely important to express yourself, though at time you hardly know what it is you want to express. Take a self-improvement course.

Fourth house—Home base and all permutations thereof are due for a change. Maybe you will move, or paint the apartment in wild colors. Before you break out the fushia paint, it may be best to hire a decorator. Seriously, you are likely to experience an epiphany about what it is that makes you feel secure. You are apt to be surprised.

Fifth house—Creative endeavors of all types are a catalyst for inner growth. This is marvelous time to develop a signature style if that is what you’ve been striving for. Non-artistic types may find creative ways to interact with children, or surprise, find a new arrival on your doorstep. If you don’t want to get pregnant, be extra careful with birth control.

Sixth house—The place of health and servants gets a get once over. Since most of us don’t have servants, usually health issues serve as a wake up call to improve your lifestyle. Your body is a temple, you know.

Seventh house—This one is a tricky one, as you look at your partner and find them wanting, and then you want someone else. Maybe you just want the freedom to strike out on your own. The call of the wild may be strong, but it is in your own best interest to look carefully at what you desire. The grass may look greener on the other side, but happens when you get there and look back?

Eighth house—So maybe you get to explore the Kama Sutra, or you find out some new kinks in your bag of tricks, but the trick here is to explore deep mysteries of the Universe. You’ll have desire to retreat from society as these investigations take up all of your time. Fortunately for you, the world rarely allows this. The trick is integrate what you learn into your daily life, not to deny it.

Ninth house—As you seek you will find. This is a fine time to enter institutions of higher learning. Travel helps to expand your mind. The law holds a new fascination for you. Let’s just hope its not because you get caught doing something your weren’t suppose to. Obey speed limits. Please.

Tenth House—You may tire of boring work routines and itch for something different. Or your boss may tire of you. Whatever it is, your career is due for an overhaul and in the next six months things will change rapidly. If you resist, you wont have much for your efforts except a few bruises on your ego. Look for a way to express your unique talents and pull away from the pack. You’ll be happier in the end.

Eleventh house—You’ll find new friends if you join some new organizations. This is good because your old friends are suddenly unavailable. This is a time to access what it is you give to the community and what you take away from your friendships. You may find that you have to make a decision whether or not to be just who you are or what other people want you to be.

Twelfth house—Why do people say they don’t understand the twelfth house? Is it because it’s the house of self-undoing? Aquarius in the twelfth calls you to explore life’s higher mysteries without the benefit of a safety net. Sometimes you are on that high wire all on your own. Don’t look down. Avoid self-medication of any variety and investigate the drugs your doctor prescribes.

Here is another good blog post on the eclipse.

And then don’t miss Julie Demboski’s take on the subject.

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