Solar & Lunar Eclipses - Mayhem or Magic?

On July 21st, 2009 at 7:34 pm PDT there is a Solar Eclipse/New Moon at 29 degrees of Cancer (for other time zones, see below*).

And there certainly does seem to be a lot of hoopla about it. How do Eclipses affect us?

There are two  Solar Eclipses each year and this one is quite potent for sure. Will there be some calamity whereby the World will hover on the edge of disaster as a direct result of this Eclipse? I’m going to say, No. Is it significant from an Astrological point of view. Yes, quite so. Before we go there, let’s look a bit closer at just what a Solar Eclipse is.

During a Solar Eclipse, the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun itself, which amazingly reveals the Sun’s corona (see photos).
Have you ever considered why this most remarkable of natural events even happens? Let’s start with the fact that there are two discs, in our sky, the Sun and the Moon, that appear to be of about equal size. Yet we know they are not of equal size, so what’s really going on here?

The Magic of 400
This is a key reason why Solar Eclipses even occur: The Sun is 400 times further from the Earth than the Moon, AND the Moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun. Hence, they appear to be the same size to us. And so on these bi-annual events called Solar Eclipses, when, during a new moon, the Moon crosses in front of the Sun, it is able to block out the Sun, revealing it’s corona. All this because of the 400-400 phenomena. What are the chances? In fact, the Moon is actually falling out of orbit with the Earth (this will take millions of years) and as it does, solar eclipses are becoming of increasingly less duration, which is one reason the eclipse today is the longest duration in this century. (It is likely that there will NEVER be an eclipse of longer duration.)

Eclipses as Harbingers of Mayhem and Madness
So why do so many see eclipses as harbingers of mayhem and madness? There is a long history regarding this, and I am only going to touch on it, as there is lots more here to discuss.

Could there be events “triggered” by this eclipse? Possibly. But it is important to keep three things in mind: 1) most astrologer’s feel that eclipses have a 90-day influence before and after each event, 2) there are generally two solar eclipses each year and 3) there are several other astrological events occurring now that are also impacting things of a personal/economic/political/national/global nature, not the least of which is Pluto in Capricorn for the first time in about 240 years.

That said, if you study such things as eclipse cycles and what occurs in direct relation to them, (and many have and do) it is clearly indicated that eclipses do have a triggering effect. Meaning, if there are other things going on celestially speaking, events that are longer in duration, eclipses can be a catalyst that activates that energy and thus, events often do occur around the most intense part of the eclipse influence (a few weeks before and after the event; specifically from the full moon before and the one after the solar eclipse, which in this case is July 7th and August 5th. One of the reasons this particular solar eclipse is considered to be so potent is that both of those full moons are also Lunar eclipses, something that doesn’t happen too often and has it’s own crazy-making impact.

So could there be events triggered by this eclipse?
Yes, I think so. But there are crazy, awful things happening all the time. Train and air crashes, bombings, bad news about the economy, etc. are in the news on a daily/weekly basis. Could there be more or something of such magnitude that it captures the world’s attention during this time? I see any event that results in human suffering as tragic. Why do we tend to rate more deaths or more destruction as worse? Mostly because the media gives it more air time. This is a big subject, one that I could go off on, but there are other things I want to discuss here. The bottom line is that if there are “calamities” as a result of this Eclipse, it is also true that they occur at other times as well. And to me, the real import now is how will this Eclipse will impact you and me.

How may the Eclipse influence you?
When the Moon eclipses, or blocks out, the Sun our emotions can seem stronger or more active than our higher-functioning self, and that part of us is diminished to some degree, we can feel a little crazy or off center, which can generate feelings of fear and instability. (This is true of both solar and lunar eclipses, but especially true of Lunar when the moon’s shadow races across our planet. Again, more on the upcoming lunar eclipse in a couple weeks.)

During this time, it is true that you may feel off, something I receive emails about often these days. And the impact is certainly not confined to just the day of the eclipse. But why do we feel this way? Because the “normal” balance of our emotional nature (the Moon) and our higher self (the Sun) is thrown off. We are used to them being in a certain relationship to each other, which is most likely “out of alignment”, but normal to us nonetheless. We usually walk around with our lower (ego) and higher selves (Soul) not in a state of mutual awareness. And so, during solar eclipses, when they are more aligned than at other times, we feel odd, off, different than usual. Things are more intense and even surreal. But, is this a bad thing? No. Not at all. The trick is to make a conscious effort  to adjust to this increased sense of Self as well as our personal Universe.

How to align with these potent energies
If you look at the images of a solar eclipse, such as those on this page, you will notice that the corona is clearly visible, which of course it usually is not. This is, to me, beautiful beyond anything I have ever seen (which I have, btw…more on that in a minute). What is that amazing glow around the Sun?  What is it saying to us? What does it represent?

During the actual Eclipse tonight*, look at, or visualize, these images of the corona clearly visible and imagine that the Light around the Sun is also the Light around you. It is Your Light, too. Then allow your awareness, your consciousness, to embrace this Light. I feel that this can actually activate our auric field and can be energizing and perhaps bring us clarity, insights and guidance.

Eclipses as Bringers of Solar Light
I see the corona of the Sun as representing our Light, emanating outwards, into space, into our conscious awareness if we allow it to. This is like an image of Your True Essence. And yes, feeling this can throw us off; as it is not our “normal” frame of reference for how we know and experience ourselves.

The beauty of this Light is that it is real to us. We can see it. And we on Earth can only see this ethereal Light around the Sun during a Solar Eclipse…a reminder of our Soul’s Light.

Your Spiritual Lineage
This eclipse is occurring at the last degree of Cancer, which is the sign of family, home and our inheritance, both real and spiritual. I feel this eclipse can activate or trigger ancient memory or knowing of our true home, and the spiritual lineage associated with it. This is linked to your calling, your purpose and your Path in very profound ways. But it is not enough to remember, or to even know, for in order for this information to mean anything, we must perceive it through the part of ourselves that knows what it means and thus, what to do with it, i.e. how does it translate into your life.

These sacred insights I feel are available to us now, through the energy of this eclipse. Where this eclipse, and the two Lunar eclipses before and after this, falls in your natal birth chart can help to give you insights into what this is for you. So a reading on this very topic would be most helpful now. (NOTE: The eclipse that occurred while you were in the womb, called the Pre-natal Solar Eclipse, also reveals insights into your Spiritual Heritage and purpose.)

The Solar Eclipse of July, 1991 & Me
On July 11, 1991 there was a Solar Eclipse over Hawaii and I was there. My parents brought me, and my two sisters, to the Islands to experience this rare celestial event. We were fortunate enough to actually see the Eclipse (it was cloudy and so many who flocked to the Islands did not even get to see it–except on TV!), but we were on a chartered boat where the Captain was beyond determined to get his passengers under clear skies and the eclipse path (which is quite narrow, btw). And so he did. Just in time to watch the most amazing thing I have ever seen in the natural world (not including birth, or death actually).

Under that Eclipse, I felt feelings I had never felt before. I can really see why people become “Eclipse-oholics”, which are those who follow Solar Eclipses as they occur around the World, just to be under them as they occur.

It was a feeling of suspended time and wonder. If I had any doubt that God existed before that experience, I had none afterward. People on the boat were spontaneously crying or laughing or just speechless. I can see why the notion of craziness is associated with eclipses after that event. To me, and I’m sure others, it was pure awe-inspiring magic. That a Divine Being somehow created the Universe was just no longer up for debate in my world.

No fear of Eclipses
And so, I have no fear of the impact of eclipses. Yes, “bad” things can get triggered, but wonderful, amazing things do too. It can really come down to this, as it often does: What do you choose to focus on? What are you willing to see-about yourself, your Life and your Path? And do you see, know, the Universe to ultimately be a benevolent place or not?

During the influence of a Solar Eclipse, when our Light is so clear to us, we are given an opportunity to know Light in a way that we cannot at other times. Our inner and outer and higher and lower selves and the Divine and the wonder of Creation all may coalesce within us at this time.

We could say that this is the part of our Soul that extends into space, towards us, the lower self. To me this says that we are, during a Solar Eclipse, able to actually see ourselves more fully. To see the magic of our True Essence in a way that we don’t ordinarily see it. The key is to simply allow this Light to flood your mind and heart. And to Trust. To deeply Trust your Life to this Light that is You.

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August 21, 2017
By the way, the next Solar Eclipse to be seen in the United States is August 21, 2017. The eclipse path will cross over Oregon, and you can be assured that I will be there.
(Ref: Wikipedia~Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017)

* Time of the Solar Eclipse tonight, July 21st: PDT-7:34; MDT-8:34; CDT-9:34; EDT-10:34; GMT-2:34 am on the 22nd.

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The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse of August 5th is occurring in the signs of Leo and Aquarius (See time zones below). These signs address the dreams and visions for our lives, our passions and if we are living though our hearts. The energies now are bringing these issues before us in ways we must pay attention to.

Acting upon a dream or vision that we have no heart for, or have lost our passion for, can leave us dry or feeling barren. Conversely, our passions without a vision can go nowhere. The two, when working together, are keys to creating a life that is full and rich and brings a sense of fulfillment. This Full Moon asks us to consider these things.

During the Solar Eclipse of July 21st, we may have left behind some thing that was played an important role in our life. And now is a time to gain insights into what comes next.

Questions to Ponder

• Do I stay connected to my heart when making important decisions?
• Do I let my idealism keep me from pursuing my dreams? Does everything have to be “just right” before I take the next step?
• Are my passions getting enough of my focus? Do I even know what those are anymore?
• How could my passions help others?
• What ways am connected to the whole?

Lunar Eclipses brings a Sense of Destiny
Lunar Eclipses can bring a sense of both fulfillment and destiny with them. There is a feeling that something is wanting to emerge into our psyche or consciousness awareness and so it is important to take note of what happens to you during the influence of this Eclipse, which is from the Solar Eclipse before (7/21) to the New Moon after (8/20), but particularly strong the few days surrounding August 5th.

Here are some things to consider

• Your instincts and intuition may be stronger and more accurate in guiding you now  than your logic and reason. Pay attention to how you feel in your body, especially your 4th chakra (heart).
• Because there is still a strong Saturn influence now, pay attention to details. Notice what is right before you, as well as what is ahead.
• And allow some chaos around you as it may emerge as a form of Divine Order in the weeks to come.
• Also because of Saturn’s influence, stay grounded and keep things simple.
• Involve those around you as you (re)discover your next steps.
• A Vision for the next phase of your life may be wanting to appear now and thus become clear to you. This is especially true if you have been thinking about such things. It is also true if you have recently shifted your relationship(s) with your family.

Mars~The Great Activator
One more thing—in the weeks ahead, there are several Mars aspects, which will move things along quickly, as it has a catalyst-type impact. So gaining some clarity about where you’re going next is good in that Mars will help you to take action and move things along. August is NOT a month to put on the brakes, but rather a time of activity and gaining the momentum that will lead to real progress in the weeks and months to come.

It all starts with knowing where you’re going, and by tuning into the energies of this Lunar Eclipse, you will likely gain insights into the Vision for this phase of your life.

The Lunar Eclipse occurs on August 5th at 1 degrees 43′ Aquarius at these times:

5:55 pm PDT   6:55 pm MDT   7:55 pm CDT   8:55 pm EDT  1:55 am GMT on the 6th

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Images from NASA and mrEclipse.com

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