Solar Eclipse 10 May 2013

On 10 May 2013 there will be an annular solar eclipse. The Sun and the Moon will be in 19° 31’ Taurus. Astronomical information about this eclipse can be found here:*

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

The astrological chart below, cast for New Delhi, shows the event.

In his Annus Tenebrosus, or the Dark Year, the famous 17th century astrologer William Lilly presents a method of eclipse delineation, including an interpretation of the effects of solar and lunar eclipses, occurring in each decanate of the Zodiac. As this solar eclipse takes place in the second decanate of Taurus, Lilly’s aphorism is as follows:

“it shows innumerable difficulties and many discommodities to Travellers, and to such as bear children many abortions …”

The  Lady of the eclipse is Venus and the ruler of the second decanate of Taurus is the Moon. Venus is peregrine and under the sunbeams, indicating that she is not in particularly great shape at the moment. Nevertheless, Lilly describes Venus being the ruler of an eclipse to be

“the fore-runner of a quiet peacable time upon earth”

I would propose that the general theme of this solar eclipse is the renewed effort of women to make their voices heard, highlighting their struggle towards equality and independence.

Venus is conjunct the fixed star Alcyone, the brightest star of the Pleiades. Since time immemorial the Pleiades have been associated with occurrences or agendas which make people weep. Often a great struggle is connected with the conjunction of a planet to the Pleiades, and according to Diana Rosenberg’s Secrets of the Ancient Skies:

“there are usually many journeys, and there may be exile, banishment, alienation, evacuation or imprisonment … [but] Eridanus, the Great River, washes away the tears of the past, clearing the way for a bright new future.” (p 214f)

Having a closer look at the Moon, who, according to Lilly, signifies “all common people” but “especially all manner of women”, we notice that she is essentially dignified by exaltation, triplicity and face. Due to the nature of a solar eclipse, the Moon is cazimi (precisely conjunct the Sun, which is highly beneficial) and also eclipses the Sun. This can be interpreted as a highly symbolic gesture, indicating a push towards positive change to unfold.

If we have a look at the eclipse’s path of angularity, we can see the following:

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

We can see from the map, that the line of angularity runs through Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. In all of these countries, women experience problems regarding freedom of speech, restriction of education, matters of equality, and so forth. It seems though that the upcoming solar eclipse could indicate a change for the better. As an example of  the possible events that may be occurring, this article and video clip about Afghans marching for women’s rights on Valentine’s day 2013, may suffice:

One Billion Rising

As for the USA, the map of angularity clearly shows that the line of conjunction between the eclipse point and the Descendant runs through parts of the United States. This suggests that the agenda of women’s rights in general and questions about  the relations between the USA and countries with issues concerning the discrimination of women will become of importance by the end of 2013.

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

For readers, interested in the personal implications of this eclipse, it might be of interest what William Lilly has to say:

“… Eclipse is more dangerous or pernitious which shall be in the Horoscope or Ascendant of the birth; or which shall be in the degree Ascending in an Annuall Revolution: it portends unto the Native some ominous and mischievous action as unto his body and also in his vital substance.”

And further on:

“… who had in the Radix of his Nativity either the Sun or the Moon in that degree, or in the degree opposite … or in the like degrees … which signs are in Quadrate aspects to the former, or if the degree Culminating in any man’s Nativity was either [the degree of the eclipse or its opposite or square] or within one degree thereof, the native did suffer more or less by the influence of this Eclips; according to the signification of the House of Heaven, wherein the Sun or the Moon was in at the Birth, and was either well fortified or aspected of the benevolent Planets, or ill aspected, or afflicted of the Malevolents.”

For this particular Solar eclipse that means that people with Taurus or Scorpio rising, either in their birth chart or in their solar return chart for 2012/13, will feel the influence stronger than others. Furthermore it should be noted if Sun or Moon are closely conjunct the Ascendant, Descendant or Midheaven. Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the native’s charts may be necessary to find out which particular areas of life are likely to be affected the most.

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*Source: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEplot/SEplot2001/SE2013May10A.GIF

Lunar Eclipse 25 April 2013

On 25 April 2013 at 19:57UT, there will be a partial lunar eclipse. This eclipse belongs to Saros series nr. 112, which was born on 20 May 1859 and will last until 12 July 2139.

The graphic below shows the visibility of this lunar eclipse.

(click on image to enlarge)

(via http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OHfigures/OH2013-Fig01.pdf)

Astrologically speaking, the Moon will be in 05° 45’ Scorpio, opposing the Sun in 05° 45’ Taurus. The eclipsed Moon will be conjunct Saturn and the Sun will be conjunct Mars. Furthermore Mars will be conjunct fixed star Sheratan and the Ascendant will be conjunct fixed star Zuben Elgenubi, the Southern Claw of the Scorpion.

The chart below, cast for the location of London, shows the event:

(click on image to enlarge)

William Lilly tells us in his pamphlet on the judgment of the effects of solar and lunar eclipses:

“For when the place Eclipsed, or Eclipse itself, shall be in the Ascendant, the effects shall then begin in the 1, 2, 3, and 4. moneth next after the appearance of the Eclips, …”

To find out about the possible effects of this eclipse, we can turn to William Lilly again. He writes in his Annus Tenebrosus, or The Dark Year about a lunar eclipse with the Moon in the first Decanate of Scorpio, ruled by Mars:

“terrible Thunders, fearful Lightnings, many times Earthquakes, aboundance of destructive creatures in the waters.”.

Regular readers of my web log may also remember that I wrote in my article about the 2013 Aries ingress that, according to Bonatti, during the months after the Sun enters Aries,we could see “an abundance of waters or rains, and the increase of rivers and streams, and their flooding; the increase of cold.”

For more on the 2013 Aries Ingress, read my web log entry, here:

2013 Aries Ingress

A look at the map, showing the eclipse’s path of angularity, reveals that the Moon is close to the Ascendant during the eclipse in the region of the United Kingdom.

(click on image to enlarge)

Mars is ruler of the first Decanate of Scorpio, who is also Ascendant ruler, and also tightly opposing the eclipsed Moon. He is therefore of major importance, playing a key role at the time of the lunar eclipse. We can as well see that retrograde Saturn is conjunct the Moon, which highlights that both, greater and lesser malefic, are involved in this lunar eclipse.

Lilly says about Mars being the governor of an eclipse:

“[h]ee generally is the cause of corruption … he stirs up Wars, Seditions, intestine risings and tumults, imprisonment, banishment, … popular tumults, … moreover he portends Tertian Feavers, acute diseases, corruption of blood … In the ayr he stirs up extraordinary soultry blasts and great heat, … thunder, lightning, whirl-winds, immeasurable droughts. … Usually he excites mens minds to great rashness and fool-hardiness.”

I have already mentioned that the Ascendant will be conjunct fixed star Zuben Elgenubi, the Southern Claw of the Scorpion. This is a malevolent star of the nature of Saturn and Mars and it is associated with misfortune, treachery and sickness.

Also Mars will be conjunct fixed star Sheratan, in the “left Horn of the Ram.” In keeping with the nature of Mars and Saturn, it is associated with violence. Danger can come to those who act in a reckless, impetuous or careless manner.

Diana Rosenberg writes in her excellent Secrets of the ancient Skies about the Arabic Manzil al-Sharatain and the fixed star Sheratan, which is this lunar mansion’s determinant:

“Al-Sharatain was said to produce “whirlwinds” (tornadoes?); these stars were transited … in 1991 when several twisters, … reamed “Tornado Alley” from Wichita, KS to Red Rock, OK; in 1935 when a Category 5 hurricane hit the Florida Keys, [and] in 1996: the Mt Everest disaster: climbers descending from the summit were caught in a storm.” (SAS vol1, p144)

To find out about the duration of the effects the Lunar eclipse may have, we can turn to Lilly once more:

“[i]n an Eclipse of the Moon, so many hours as she is defective or suffers an Eclipse, so many moneths the Events thereby signified shall continue.”

In this case the lunar eclipse will last just over four hours and therefore we can expect the effects to last until the end of August 2013.

For readers, interested in the personal implications of this eclipse, it might be of interest what William Lilly has to say:

“… Eclipse is more dangerous or pernitious which shall be in the Horoscope or Ascendant of the birth; or which shall be in the degree Ascending in an Annuall Revolution: it portends unto the Native some ominous and mischievous action as unto his body and also in his vital substance.”

And further on:

“… who had in the Radix of his Nativity either the Sun or the Moon in that degree, or in the degree opposite … or in the like degrees … which signs are in Quadrate aspects to the former, or if the degree Culminating in any man’s Nativity was either [the degree of the eclipse or its opposite or square] or within one degree therof, the native did suffer more or less by the influence of this Eclips; according to the signification of the House of Heaven, wherein the Sun or the Moon was in at the Birth, and was either well fortified or aspected of the benevolent Planets, or ill aspected, or afflicted of the Malevolents.”

For this particular lunar eclipse that means that people with Scorpio or Taurus rising, either in their birth chart or in their Solar return chart for 2013, will feel the influence stronger than others. Furthermore it should be noted if natal Sun or Moon are conjunct the eclipse point. If it should be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the native’s charts may be necessary to find out which particular areas of life are likely to be affected the most.

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UPDATE: My colleague Helen Beers writes about her experiences regarding the eclipse here:

The Alchemical Crow and the Lunar Eclipse 25th April 2013

2013 – An Astrological Preview

This is a general overview of what the astrology of 2013 will have to offer. Some of the events mentioned below may affect us globally or nationwide, whilst others may only affect us on an individual basis. If in doubt about any possible effects, the individual birth chart has to be consulted to achieve an accurate judgment of the level of influence.

For more information, you may watch this space for in-depth articles to be published during the year to come, or follow my daily updates on twitter. For personal requests, please see my list of Astrological Services or contact me via the Contact Page.

Retrograde Motion

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be retrograde at times during 2013.

Mercury Rx

will delight us, as usual, with interrupted communication, malfunction or complete failure of computers and other electronic devices and general uncertainty and confusion concerning any contracts, legal documents or agreements.

Mercury will be retrograde

• in Pisces between 23 February and 17 March
• in Cancer between 26 June and 20 July
• in Scorpio between 21 October and 10 November

Venus Rx

in Capricorn will test our capability of emotional expression. Problematic areas, like the ability to give or to receive love will be coming under tight scrutiny.

Venus will be retrograde between

• 21 December and 1 February 2014

Jupiter Rx

in Gemini will remind us of his prudent side; with Jupiter’s help we are able to fulfil our potential but in his Rx phase, he demands that we obey the rules, follow our moral guidelines and show kindness and compassion.

Jupiter will be retrograde in Gemini

• until 30 January 2013

and in Cancer

• between 8 November and 7 March 2014

Although exalted in Cancer, retrograde Jupiter will bring a sober note to our search for philosophical or spiritual truth. In this introspective time, we may realise that intuitive insights are more valuable than any philosophical or religious dogma.

Saturn Rx

in Scorpio will give us a chance to re-evaluate what has become static and dogmatic in the past. It is likely that any unfinished but forgotten business will make an unexpected reappearance during this time, reminding us to bring old  issues to a close.

Saturn will be retrograde in Scorpio

• 19 February until 8 July

Out of Bounds

When Planets exceed the 23°27′ area of the Sun’s max declination, north or south, they are called “Out of Bounds.”

During these times, the OOB Planets will be out of the Sun’s control; therefore a heightened activity of all themes corresponding with the appropriate planets can be expected.

Mercury will be OOB between:

• 26 December 2012 and  14 January 2013
•  20 May and 13 June
• 31 October until 6 November
• 16 December until 8 January 2014

Venus will be OOB between:

• 24 May  and 18 June
• 10 October and 7 December

Mars will be OOB between:

• 29 June and 3 August

Sign Ingress

Jupiter will move into Cancer on 26 June, delivering a boost to all matters connected with home and family. Home comfort and security on all levels will become issues of major importance.

Noteworthy Transits

Jupiter will trine Saturn on 17 July and in his retrograde phase on 13 December, reminding us that patience, endurance and hard, steady work are at the basis of success in any domain.

Comet ISON

On 21 September 2012 05:15AM, a comet named ISON was discovered at the ISON-Kislovodsk observatory, Russia. It is believed that ISON may prove to be brighter than a full moon when it is set to appear by the end of 2013. For more about comet ISON, read my article here:

Between Darkness and Light – Comet ISON

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Solar Eclipses

• Annular solar eclipse on 10 May in 19*31′ Taurus

This eclipse may be of importance to India, Russia and the USA. Also possibly important to Australia and Brazil.

• Total solar eclipse on 3 November in 11*15′ Scorpio

This eclipse may be of importance to the USA, but also Eastern Europe and Africa, particularly Libya.

Lunar Eclipses

• Partial lunar eclipse on 25 April, Moon in 5*45′ Scorpio, Sun in 5*45′ Taurus

This eclipse may turn out to be of importance for the United Kingdom.

• Appulse lunar eclipse on 25 May, Moon in 4*08′ Sagittarius, Sun in 4*08′ Gemini

This eclipse may turn out to be of importance to Canada and Europe.

• Appulse lunar eclipse on 18 October, Moon in 25*45′ Aries, Sun in 25*45′ Libra

This eclipse may turn out to be of importance to Canada and the United States of America.

Ingress Charts

Shown here is the Aries ingress chart, cast for London, representing the United Kingdom. With a moveable sign rising, this chart will be valid for four months. Thereafter, the Cancer-, Libra- and Capricorn ingress charts will have to be taken into account.

From the chart above, we can see that the Moon will be the Lady of the Revolution*, valid until the Cancer ingress on 21 June 2013. Main themes between March and June will be matters concerning the common people. The ingress chart shows Saturn Rx in the 5th house of joy and pleasure and a strongly debilitated Mercury. This indicates more financial restrictions and continued economic hardship for most of the population. A detailed analysis of the Cancer-, Libra- and Capricorn ingress charts will be posted on my web log in due course.

Shown below is the Aries ingress chart, cast for Brussels and therefore representative for the European Union. With a moveable sign rising, this chart will be valid for four months. Thereafter, the Cancer-, Libra- and Capricorn ingress charts will have to be taken into account.

Again we can see that the Moon will be the Lady of the Revolution*, valid until the Cancer ingress on 21 June 2013. Main themes between March and June will be matters concerning the common people, and just like for the United Kingdom, the main theme will be the tight financial situation. Here we will have to take a close look at the increasing monetary problems inside the Euro zone. A detailed analysis of the Cancer-, Libra- and Capricorn ingress charts for Europe will be posted on my web log in due course.

Shown here is the Aries ingress chart, cast for Washington and therefore representative for the United States of America. With a mutable sign rising, this chart is valid for six months and the Libra ingress chart will have to be taken into account thereafter.

Once again we see that the Moon will be Lady of the Revolution*, but here the Moon is located in the 4th house. This indicates that we are dealing with domestic issues and people’s estates, homes and resources in general. Furthermore, the Moon is aspecting Saturn in the 8th house and Mercury, who is essentially debilitated by Detriment and Fall, in the 12th house. Bonatti says about the placement of the Moon in the 4th house, that neither the beginning nor the end of the Revolution will be praised; men’s affairs will be restricted, and even persons will suffer detriment.

A detailed analysis of the Aries and the Libra ingress charts for the United States will be posted on my web log in due course.

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*Footnote, answering the repeatedly asked question why the Moon is called the Lady of the Revolution.

The concept behind the judgment of ingress charts is as follows. Astrologically speaking, each new year begins at the moment the Sun passes 00 degrees Aries.  An astrological chart cast for this moment is called the Aries ingress chart, or the chart of the Solar Revolution. Depending on the zodiac sign on the Ascendant of this chart (also called rising sign), it is possible that the Aries ingress chart is valid for three, four, or twelve months. If the Aries ingress chart is valid for the next twelve month, the astrologer can follow certain rules and establish which planet will be what is called Lord or Lady of the Year. If the Aries ingress chart shows that it will be necessary to cast another ingress chart after three or six months, the individual rulers of the ingress charts, established by the astrologer, are called Lord or Lady of the Revolution (meaning the Revolution of the World Year). The nature of this planet, its position, strength, aspects, and so forth have to be judged to predict the mundane situation during the period in question of each individual country.

NEW Update Traditional Aspectarian January 2012 – March 2012

An updated edition of the Traditional Aspectarian for the months of January, February and March 2012 can be accessed under Traditional Aspectarian on the Title Bar on top of the screen.

The aspectarian contains:

• Date and time of Ptolemaic aspects between the seven Planets.
• Date and time of Planet’s ingress into the signs of the zodiac.
• Rx and Dx dates and times of Planets.
• Dates and times of solar and lunar eclipses.
• Dates and times of Full Moons and Dark Moons
• Zodiacal positions of aspecting Planets

 

Greenwich Mean Time is observed throughout the whole aspectarian.