Both solar and lunar eclipses are said to have an impact on astrology, and this occurrence involves the sun, moon and earth. Astrologers can often offer detailed predictions of the potential effects of an eclipse by determining the position of the planets and zodiac sign.
How a Solar and Lunar Eclipse Occur
When the moon is between the sun and earth, a solar eclipse occurs when there is a new moon, when the orbits of the earth and moon cross. Less frequently, an eclipse can occur between the sun (or moon), earth and a planet. An eclipse of a planet by the Moon is called an occultation.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun and moon are in opposition (at the time of a full moon) close to the moon's nodes. The degree of an eclipse depends upon the relative distances of the sun and moon from the earth, as well as their distance from the nodes. The duration depends on the speed of the celestial bodies at that time.
Significance of Eclipses in Astrology
Eclipses are regular planetary events, and they are often visible to the naked eye. Often, the light dims noticeably during the eclipse. The eclipse can also affect the tides. These changes can have a significant impact on animals, especially birds.
Most astrologers view the eclipse as an psychological, spiritual and emotional event. Investigated by many different cultures since ancient times, astrologers learned how to predict eclipses after realising their significance. The longest solar eclipse in the past 1000 years was in June 8, 1937; the event lasted for 7 minutes and 13 seconds.
Some astrologers believe that the countries within the eclipse shadow are more likely to feel the astrology-related effects the eclipse. Many also say the eclipse is most powerful when it falls upon the birth position of a planet or luminary.
Though many superstitions hold that eclipses are negative events, many astrologers believe that when the event occurs in good aspect, while under good directions, it can carry a positive impact for some individuals.
Astrologers believe that often, the effects of an eclipse are not felt until some time later, when a planet (often Mars) journeys over where the eclipse occurred and can generally be felt for around six months, until the next eclipse then balances the cosmic energies.
In astrology, solar eclipses are often believed to signify a fall of the powerful. Much importance is placed on the eclipse's location within the zodiac,, and topics governed by that sign. Some believe that a powerful eclipse can create havoc in the form of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Planets and Eclipses in Astrology
Astrologically, the planet that dominates the eclipse degree will impact the nature of the eclipse. Here is an overview of what may occur when a particular planet rules an eclipse:
- Saturn may bring damage by cold, long illnesses, fear, imprisonment, poverty, malice, envy and lawsuits. In terms of physical impact, it may cause cold and gloomy weather, storm and damage at sea, flooding and pollution of rivers and poor crops.
- Jupiter indicates fame, fertility, happiness, health, peace, wealth and abundance. Material and spiritual health is often improved and justice prevails in law. Temperate weather with light rain occurs enabling farming.
- Mars often has a negative impact; it's associated with drought, fire, arson, violence, fever, war and unexpected deaths. The land may be exposed to harsh weather such as excess heat, storms, hurricanes and damaging winds.
- Venus may bring positive influences such as abundance, peace, fame, love, domestic happiness and health. The climate may become moderate and beneficial for agriculture.
- Mercury is said to bring deception, theft and unsuccessful travel or business. It's said that Mercury influences priests, worship and can bring change in customs. It's also believed that weather can become unpredictable with risks of drought, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and thunderstorms.
- Uranus can bring unexpected events with potential for excitement and change.
- Neptune may indicate confusion and people can behave in an uncertain or deceitful manner. Spiritual development is likely, though daydreaming can also prevail.
- Pluto is often associated with psychological and physical events. Pluto is regarded as a positive planet, linked to changes that require time and effort. Changes that occur during this time are often permanent.
Zodiac signs and the ruling planets at the time of an eclipse can also provide clues about the type of influence on the eclipse. For example, Pisces can influence the sea and associated factors, the signs represented by human forms are may influence political affairs. On occasion, eclipses associated with fire signs may signify the death of a renowned personality, wars and fires. Air signs herald harsh weather, famine and disease. Earth signs foretell agricultural issues, and water signs can bring floods, war and mortality among common people.
Astrology suggests the planets guide personalities and explains how the world is regular and foreseeable. According to some astrologers, solar and lunar eclipses have varied effects, with the impact determined by the position, zodiac sign and planetary effect of the phenomenon.
Sources:
AstrologyWeekly.com Eclipse (Accessed August 4, 2010).
Astrologycom.com Eclipse (Accessed August 4, 2010).
SkyScript.co.uk Traditional Rules for Judging Eclipses (Accessed August 7, 2010).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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