Solar Eclipse 8 April 2024

On 8 April 2024, at 18:17 UT, there will be a total solar eclipse. The duration of the maximum eclipse will be 4 min 28 sec, the global duration 5 hours 10 minutes. The totality of the eclipse will be visible in North America, beginning at the Pacific coast, then ascending through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse will be partially visible in Norway, Iceland, Ireland, western parts of Great Britain, north-west parts of Spain and Portugal, the Azores, and Canary Islands, and in all Central American countries, as well as northern Colombia.

This eclipse is the third of three notable solar eclipses which can be seen from within the USA. The eclipse follows the ’Great American‘ Eclipse’ of August 2017 (see my article, here) the annular solar eclipse of October 2023 (see my article, here) and is known as the ‘Great North-American Eclipse‘.

The chart, cast for Houston, Texas, shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, 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 falling under the rulership of Aries, the sign wherein the eclipsed Sun 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, according to William Lilly, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Burgundy, France, England, Denmark, Upper Silesia (a historical region of Central Europe that lies mostly within Poland, with small parts in the Czech Republic and Germany), Judea (now part of Palestine and Israel), and Syria are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Aries.

Next, we have a look at a map showing the path of total visibility, which stretches right across the USA.

The map below shows the eclipse’s path of angularity:

What becomes apparent is the fact that France, which falls under the rulership of Aries, has the eclipse point tightly conjunct the Midheaven, suggesting a strong impact. Also, people in the USA and Mexico are likely to be particularly affected by this eclipse.

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

“… brings some King, Prince, or eminent officer to Prison or restraint of Liberty, it adds sorrow and danger of Death onto him, destruction of bearing fruit trees, and it portends to the rottenness or putrefaction of such things as the earth produces, whereby both man and beast are afflicted”. 

Lilly also writes that Mars as sole eclipse ruler stirs up wars, seditions, and tumults. In some cases, it can indicate the onset of acute diseases, infirmities by breaking or stretching the veins. He states that the rulership of Mars inclines rulers and influential people unto tyranny, violence, injuries, and injustice. There is also the possibility of sudden storms, and violent shipwrecks. This eclipse can also excite men’s minds to great rashness and fool-hardiness.

In the recent past, there were two solar eclipses in 19* Aries. The first one was in April 1986 and the second took place in April 2005. People with natal placements in or around 19* Aries, who had noteworthy experiences in 2005 or 1986 may expect similar events to happen.

Generally speaking, 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 or Moon are in or around 19* Aries, or around 19* Libra
• Sun or Moon are in or around 19* Cancer or 19* Capricorn (square)
• 19* Aries is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
• 19* 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.

(Peter Apian, “Astronomicum Caesareum”, Ingolstadt, 1540)

FREE Lunar Mansions Ephemeris for 2024

My Lunar Mansions Ephemeris for 2024 is now available free of charge!

The Arabic Lunar Mansions, also known as Manazil are those of the tropical zodiac; Universal Time is observed at all times. A table of the Mansions appropriate for elections and ordered by topic, has been added.

To access the ephemeris page, click the image, below:

Partial Lunar Eclipse 28 October 2023

There will be a partial lunar eclipse on 28 October 2023. It will be visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.

The full eclipse begins at 18:02UT and lasts until 22:26UT. Maximum eclipse (Moon opposing Sun) takes place at 20:14UT.  The duration of the partial eclipse is 77 minutes.

The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse:

The chart below, cast for Tehran, capital of Iran, shows the event in astrological terms:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this lunar 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 Taurus, 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.

The map above shows the paths of angularity for Sun (red) and Moon (black):

What is particularly poignant is the fact that the eclipse’s line of angularity, showing the conjunction between the Midheaven and the eclipsed Moon is very close to Tehran, the capital of Iran. This is also visible in the astrological chart for the time of the lunar eclipse, above.

Looking through traditional source material, we find that, Arabia, Persia, Egypt (possibly the fertile delta region), the Kyklades Islands (southeast of Greece), Cyprus, the coast of Asia Minor, greater Polonia (Poland), northern Sweden, Russia, Ireland, Switzerland, Lorraine, and Campania, are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Taurus.

From the above, it is noticeable that Iran (to traditional astrologers it was known as Persia) which is on the path of this lunar eclipse, is traditionally ruled by Taurus. This makes it highly likely that some eclipse related events will occur there. Adding to this is the fact that The eclipse Moon is conjunct fixed star Sheratan. In general star lore, it is said that fixed star Sheratan is of the nature of Mars and Saturn, causing injuries, defeat, or destruction by fire, war, or earthquake. Elsbeth Ebertin writes that she found that World War I soldiers who had this fixed star in prominent position in their birth charts, were acting in particularly bold and daring ways. 

Eclipses in Taurus usually affect business, trade, agriculture, as well as solicitors and agents who negotiate in other people’s affairs. William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrosus a lunar eclipse in the first Decanate of Taurus signifies that:

” … household Cattle are tormented with several unusual diseases, i.e. the oxen and horses of the Ploughman fall sick and dye, and the generall disease reigns amongst Cattell.”

Venus, who, together with Mercury is eclipse ruler, indicates a time of elegance and abundance, with friendly relations between governments.

If we put all of this together, we can assume that there may be agricultural problems as well as problems with livestock ahead for Iran. The conjunction between the eclipsed Moon and fixed star Sheratan also adds the energies of Saturn and Mars, the Greater and Lesser Malefic, to the mix. This suggests to me the possibility that the friendly relations between governments that were mentioned above, may refer to those between Iran and Palestine. We know that Iran and Hamas have been long time allies and it will remain to be seen how things will develop in the Middle East. Out of the darkness every eclipse represents, a bitter truth may emerge at a future point. Further complications may arise, due to the fact that the eclipse is also angular in Saudi Arabia. Recently, there have been reports in the news that Saudi Arabia was close to entering a historic strategic partnership with Israel, but this may become more questionable after the recent events in Israel.

For those particularly interested in mundane astrology, I add the charts of the current Sun’s Aries Ingress for Iran, and the foundation chart for the Iran Islamic Republic.

What does spring to mind immediately is the conjunction between the eclipse point and the lunar nodal axis in the ingress chart, above. Also noteworthy is the tight conjunction between the eclipse Moon and Solar Ingress Venus, reiterating the fact that Venus is also eclipse ruler. The ingress chart’s lunar nodal axis is also conjunct the Sun/Moon opposition, which suggests drastic events to follow.

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On a personal level, 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 scrutinized for any of the following:

• Moon is in or around 5* Taurus
• Moon is in or around 5* Scorpio (opposition)
• 5* Taurus is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
• 5* Taurus 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.

Annular Solar Eclipse 14 October 2023

On 14 October 2023, at 15:03 UT, there will be an annular Solar Eclipse. The duration of the maximum eclipse will be 5 min 17 sec. The eclipse will be visible in Canada, parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America. This eclipse is the second of three notable solar eclipses which can be seen from within the USA. The eclipse follows the ’Great American‘ total eclipse of August 2017 (see my article, here) and takes place six months before the Mexico-US-Canada total eclipse in April 2024.

The chart, cast for Chicago, shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, 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 Libra, the sign wherein the eclipsed Sun 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 Arabia, Argentina, Bactriana (Persian Asia), Canada, Ethiopia, Jamaica and Thebes are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Libra.

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

What becomes apparent is the fact that Canada, which falls under the rulership of Libra, has the eclipse point tightly conjunct the Midheaven, suggesting a particularly strong effect. Also, people in the USA and Mexico are likely to be affected by this eclipse.

The Sun is placed in the third decanate of Libra, ruled by Jupiter. Therefore we have to look at Venus and Jupiter as eclipse rulers. William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that this placement: 

“… premonishes of high Controversies amongst the Nobility, and great Detriment in their estates, much prodigality amongst them, and the extirpation of some one family ”. 

The eclipsed Sun is, of course, in his fall in Libra, and so is Venus in Virgo, who is also opposed by a retrograde Saturn. All of this can be seen as detrimental signs.

On the other hand, we also have to take into consideration that Jupiter and Venus are the Greater and the Lesser Benefic. William Lilly wrote that Venus as eclipse ruler generally indicates peace and harmony, stating that 

“…it is the fore-runner of a quiet, peaceable time upon earth … in those Countrys where the Eclipse is visible.” 

Time will tell though, how much the influence of the planets’ essential debilities and Saturn’s opposition to Venus will diminish those beneficial effects.

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 21* Libra, or around 21* Aries
• Sun or Moon are in or around 21* Cancer or 21* Capricorn (square)
• 21* Libra is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
• 21* Libra 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.

Lunar Nodal Axis shift into Aries/Libra

As the lunar nodal axis has moved into Aries/Libra until January 2025, let us remember what William Lilly wrote about the Head and the Tail of the Dragon in his Christian Astrology:

“The Head of the Dragon is Masculine, of the nature of Jupiter and Venus, and of himself a Fortune; yet the Ancients doe say, that being in Conjunction with the good he is good, and in conjunction with the evil Planets they account him evil.

The Tayle of the Dragon is Feminine by Nature, and clean contrary to the Head; for he is evil when joyned with good Planets, and good when in conjunction with the malignant Planets.

This is the constant opinion of all the Ancients, but upon what reason grounded I know not; I ever found the North Node equivalent to either of the Fortunes, and when joyned with the evil Planets to lessen their malevolent signification; when joyned with the good to increase the good promised by them: For the Tayle of the Dragon, I always in my practise found when he was joyned with the evil Planets; their malice or the evil intended thereby was doubled and trebled, or extreamly augmented, &c. and when he chanced to be conjunction with any of the Fortunes who were significators in the question, though the matter by the principal significator was fairely promised, and likely to be perfected in a smal time; yet did there ever fal out many rubs and disturbances, much wrangling and great controversie, that the businesse was many times given over for desperate ere a perfect conclusion could be had; and unlesse the principal significators were Angular and wel fortified with essential dignities, many times unexpectedly the whole matter came to nothing.” (Christian Astrology, p82)

A conjunction between the transiting Dragon’s Head or Dragon’s Tail and any of the natal planets may activate these planets.

Jupiter conjunct Caput Draconis (2 June 2023)

On 2 June 2023, Jupiter will perfect a conjunction with Caput Draconis, the North Lunar Node. Generally speaking, this is a very beneficial aspect between the Greater Benefic Jupiter, and the Dragon’s Head. (The North Lunar Node is one of the two points where the Moon’s orbital path crosses the ecliptic).

This conjunction will not re-occur until November 2030. The fact that Jupiter and the North Lunar Node are currently in Taurus, which is ruled by Venus, also known the Lesser Benefic, makes this conjunction particularly beneficial. Generally speaking, we can expect incentives and opportunities for mundane, as well as spiritual growth.

Traditionally, astrologers have long been aware of the positive influence of Caput Draconis and also this conjunction. The 10th Century astrologer al-Qabisi (since medieval times also known by his latinised name of Alchabitius) wrote in his Introduction to Astrology:

“… The Head of the Dragon is male, and it is likewise a fortune and its nature is composed of the nature of Jupiter and Venus. And this signifies a kingdom and fortune and assets. And certain people said that its nature is increased: that if it were with fortunes, it increases their fortune …” (Dykes, Introduction to Traditional Astrology, p267)

This being a very beneficial mundane aspect, we can assume that the quality of the days ahead and after the conjunction will be positive. On a personal level, people with their Ascendant, midheaven, or natal planets tightly aspecting this conjunction can expect significant personal growth, success, or other potential benefits, according to the conjunction’s natal house placement.

Famous people with Jupiter conjunct Caput Draconis are Christopher Lee, Sharon Stone, Kate Bush, and Madonna (pictured below).

Jupiter in Taurus Ingress

(Peter Paul Rubens, Venus supplicating Jupiter)

On 16 May 2023, Jupiter will move into Taurus to stay therein for the next 12 months.

Jupiter is also known as the Greater Benefic, due to him being moderately hot and wet, which makes him beneficial to life. He is diurnal, masculine, and associated with the element of Air. Generally speaking, Jupiter represents abundance, balance, and growth, as well as modesty and justice, harmony, and kindness. 

In mythology, Jupiter is often described as the Heavenly King. In his role as sky-god, he was seen as a divine witness to oaths. This established the sacred trust whereupon justice as well as good government depended.

Jupiter will ingress into Taurus, the feminine, nocturnal, fixed sign of Earth. Taurus is ruled by Venus, which is the Lesser Benefic. Therefore, we can postulate that this sign’s expression is stable, conservative, but also showing traces of a tendency for inertia and stubbornness. 

Although Abu Ma’shar writes that if he [Jupiter] was in the feminine signs, it will subtract from his good fortune (1) we should still expect good things to come.

All in all, we can expect that Jupiter’s stay in Taurus is the right time to be benevolent, indulgent and generous, full of compassion, but also pleasure-loving.

On a personal level, people with Jupiter in Taurus in their natal chart will particularly benefit from this event. 

Mundane conjunctions and trines between Jupiter and Venus are always suggestive of a very positive time, and with Jupiter in Taurus, we can expect these to be even more pleasant times. 

There will be two Venus-Jupiter trines, on 22 October 2023 and 29 January 2024.

The conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in Taurus will take place on 23 May 2024, just before Jupiter will move into Gemini.

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(1) Abu Ma’shar, The Great Introduction to the Science of the Judgment of the Stars (trans. Dykes), Cazimi Press, Minnesota, 2020, (p238)

Review: Mastering Traditional Astrology – Mychal A. Bryan

To make things clear from the start, I want to point out that this is not your average beginner’s book! There are literally hundreds of those out there, and, although there certainly is a case to be made for their existence, none of them should be compared to this first volume in the Oraculos Complete Astrology Series. …

To read the full review of this book, click on the picture, below:

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.

11 April 2023 Cazimi Jupiter Election

On 11 April, Jupiter will be Cazimi in Aries, which will not happen again until April 2035. The exact time frame for the Cazimi phase will be between 12:54 PM UT, on 11 April and 7:18 AM UT, the following day.

To be cazimi, which is also called “to be in the heart of the Sun”, a planet has to be within 17.5 minutes of the Sun’s position. The 17th Century astrologer William Lilly wrote about it in his Christian Astrology, stating that: 

“All authors do hold a planet in Cazimi to be fortified thereby…” (CA p113)

For those who would like to make use of Jupiter’s gifts, in form of a ritual, a talisman, or just want to make the most of the positive energy, here is a reminder of Jupiter’s attributes: 

In his dignified expression, Jupiter is beneficial to life, representing abundance, growth, but also justice, modesty and sobriety. Generally, this is a fortunate aspect, indicating enthusiasm, success, even fortune, and encourages us to make positive decisions. He also sometimes points towards the successful completion of a project.

Key words for Jupiter in Aries are: Benevolence, generosity, and fidelity.

All of this should be enhanced by the close conjunction to the Sun.

(Heinrich Friedrich Füger – Jupiter Enthroned)

To create a planetary talisman, one will need to place Cazimi Jupiter on the Ascendant or Midheaven, which is location specific. It will not be possible to do this in the UK, but the chart below shows the election for New York, as an example.

In Camillo Leonardi’s Mirror of Stones, which has recently been translated into English by Margherita Fiorello (read my review here) we find that the images of Jupiter, engraved on a stone called kabrates (smoky quartz) suggest that:

“] the wearer will be lucky and charming and easily gets what he wants …” (p27)

Images for Jupiter are of a man sitting on a throne, holding a rod and a globe in his hands, or of a man wit a ram’s head and hooves instead of feet. 

Jupiter stones, which could also be used to make a talisman, are amethyst, lapis lazuli, sapphire, topaz, and zircon. More details about Jupiter stones can be found in my book Stars and Stones, an Astro-Magical Lapidary.

Below is the chart for the elected time, cast for New York. I would like to point out again that these elections are location specific! If you wish to create a Cazimi Jupiter talisman, make sure that Jupiter IS Cazimi when on the ASC or MC, or ask an experienced astrologer for help and advice.