Annular Total Solar Eclipse 20 April 2023

On 20 April 2023, at 04:16 UT, there will be an annular total Solar Eclipse. The eclipse will be, at least partially, visible from South/East Asia, Australia, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Antarctica. It is of the Saros Series 129 and the duration of the eclipse will be 5 hours and 25 minutes. 

The chart, cast for Rome, shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual person, we have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we need to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to look at the countries or cities falling under the rulership of Aries, the sign wherein the eclipse Moon resides during the event. We also have to take into consideration that the eclipse’s visibility will greatly enhance its effect. Looking through traditional source material, we find that Denmark, England, France (and especially Marseilles), Germany, Italy (and especially Padua), Poland (and especially Krakow), Sweden and Syria are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Aries.

Next, we have a look at the map showing the angularity of the eclipse point:

What becomes apparent is the fact that Italy and Germany, which fall under the rulership of Aries, have their eclipse point tightly conjunct the Ascendant, suggesting a strong and relatively immediate effect.

The Moon is placed in the third decanate of Aries, ruled by Venus. Therefore we have to look at Mars and Venus as eclipse ruler. William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that this placement signifies:

“Its the forerunner of lamentation, woes and mourning onto mortal men or most sorts of man, and the death of some Noble woman; unto these I may adde that it designs destruction onto the lesser Cattle, as Sheep, Conies, Goats, Hares, &c.”

Sun and Moon are conjunct fixed star Alrischa (or Alrisha), “the knot”, of the nature of Mercury and Mars, which brings confusion, changeable ideas and rash actions.

Mars, who is in a sextile to the eclipse point, is in his fall in Cancer, suggesting irritability and moodiness, and therefore  injuries and injustice may take place, according to William Lilly.

Venus is conjunct fixed star Aldebaran, in Taurus, is “follower” of the Pleiades and the bright right eye of the bull. It is the brightest star in Taurus and of the nature of Mars, associated with public or military honours and courage. It can also denote extraordinary energy and ambition.

An eclipse usually affects only a small number of people. To establish the possibility of any effect to take place, the birth chart should be scrutinised for any of the following:

• Sun and Moon are in or around 29 Aries, or around 29 Libra
• Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Cancer or Capricorn (square)
• 29 Aries is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
• 29 Aries is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)

Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the birth chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.