Libra Full Moon April 2023

Wishing all my friends and followers a Happy Libra Full Moon. The Moon will perfect her opposition to the Sun on Thursday, 6 April at 4:35 UT. 

The Moon, being feminine, and of a cold moist nature, will be in Libra, the Cardinal, masculine Air sign, which is hot and moist (sanguine). Due to the combination of the Cardinal mode and the element of Air, a fluid or even dynamic expression will be created. 

Taking into consideration that Venus, a nocturnal, feminine planet, associated with the elements of air and water, is the ruler of Libra, we have to consider her influence, too. Venus is currently in Taurus, the other sign she has rulership over. Additional to her elevated state through essential dignity, she is also conjunct fixed star Capulus, in the constellation of Perseus, who, furnished with the sword, cap and wings of Mercury and the shield of Minerva, killed the Medusa and the sea monster Cetus, before rescuing and marrying Andromeda. The late, great Diana Rosenberg wrote that it might: 

“] represent spiritual blindness that often fails to realise that we have a discerning, purifying power to triumph over melancholy and evil (sword) that is in our hands (hilt).”  (Secret of the Ancient Skies, vol1, p194)

Key words of what we can expect during the Full Moon are: emotion (Moon) and harmony (Libra), creating a state of level-headed courtesy. We may feel generally adaptable, but the natal house placement of the Full Moon will determine the individual effect on each of us. 

Having said all that, we also have to factor in that the Moon is opposite the Sun in Aries, and any opposition, but particularly one involving a planet in Libra, demands of us to look at both “scales”, or sides of the coin. With the Sun in Aries, we can expect the release of a high level of built-up energy, possibly via some kind of new found enthusiasm, which may need to be balanced by the balancing effect of the Libra Moon.

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Partial Lunar Eclipse 19 November 2021

There will be a partial lunar eclipse on 19 November 2021. It will be visible in east Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and the Americas. The full eclipse begins at 06:02UT and lasts until 12:03UT. Maximum eclipse (Moon opposing Sun) takes place at 09:03UT.  The total duration of the eclipse is 6 hours 2 minutes and the duration of the partial eclipse is 3:28 minutes.

The eclipse belongs to Saros 126 and is number 45 of 70 eclipses in the series.

The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse:

The chart below, cast for London, shows the event in astrological terms:

The eclipsed Moon will be in 27* 17’ Taurus. As this is the third decanate of Taurus, we learn from William Lilly’s Annus Tenebrosus, published in 1652, that:

“ … it implies a plague amongst creeping noxious Creatures; as also amongst Rats and Mice, and such vermin as though must devour the Country-mans grain or Corn”

Decan Ruler is Saturn and the Moon is also in the Terms of Mars – in other words, both Malefics are eclipse rulers, which is kind of self-explanatory. But due to her rulership over Taurus, Venus is also eclipse ruler, which may bring some relief, as well as the fact that the Moon is essentially dignified by Exaltation. This suggests strong levels of resilience in the population and also a heightened urge to collectively moving forward.

What also springs to mind is the fact that the eclipsed Moon is conjunct fixed star Algol, the Demon star. According to Robson, in the legend, Algol represents the head of the Gorgon Medusa who was slain by Perseus. Medusa, who was the only mortal one of the three Gorgon sisters, was originally a beautiful maiden, but her hair was changed into hissing serpents by Minerva in consequence of her having become by Neptune the mother of Chrysaor and Pegasus in one of Minerva’s temples. This gave her so fearful an appearance that everyone who looked at her was changed into stone. 

According to Diana Rosenberg, Algol: 

“… marks great tragedies, the sort of events in which many die or are killed brutally, and there seems to be a connection to animals”.

But she also writes that: 

“… the strong sword arm of Perseus, the Hero or Rescuer is here, protecting the innocent from evil-doers”.

It is also said that if fixed star Algol is in conjunction with the Moon, this indicates a violent death or extreme sickness.

From the perspective of mundane astrology, Algol is also connected with explosions and fires, eruptions, earthquakes and storms.

*In 1790, a solar eclipse (Sun conjunct Moon) was aligned with Algol; soon after the French Revolution began and a plague killed 80,000 in Egypt.

*In 1855, a solar eclipse took place during the Crimean War’s Siege of Sevastopol, causing great hardships that led to Florence Nightingale’s famous mission.

*Algol was on the IC when the Titanic sank.

*Algol was rising when the Massacre of the Huguenots took place, on Bartholomew’s Eve, 1772.

Traditionally, according to astrologers Lilly, Partridge and Dariot, Taurus has rulership over Russia, and we can see from the map below that the Sun (MC)/Moon (IC) axis is very close to Moscow, making it likely that after the event of the eclipse, Russia is likely to be in the headlines. It may also be of interest to watch how events unfold in China as the line of angularity is also close to Bejing.

I have to point it out though, that 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 27 Taurus

*Moon is in or around 27 Scorpio (opposition)

*27 Taurus is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)

*27 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.

Solar Eclipse 26 February 2017

On 26 February 2017, at 14:58UT, there will be an annular solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in its totality in southern South America, across the Atlantic, and into southern Africa. The partial eclipse will be visible in southern South America, and south-west Africa. This eclipse is one of Saros Series 140. It has a duration of 5 hours and 26 minutes. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse (time observed is UT):

The astrological chart, cast for Washington , also shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we should have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we have to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to find out which countries or cities fall under the rulership of Pisces, the sign wherein the conjunction between Sun and Moon takes place. 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  Egypt with Alexandria in particular, Italy, with emphasis on Sicily, Calabria, Spain with Compostela and Seville, Asia Minor (Turkey and Armenia), France, with emphasis on the Normandy and Rheims, Portugal, and Germany, with emphasis on Ratisbone, are the locations that could be most affected by this solar eclipse.

Due to the angularity, Canada, Brazil and the United States of America (particularly Washington State) may be affected also.

Jupiter is the planet ruling this eclipse. At the time of the eclipse, he will be located in Libra. He is retrograde, which adds a certain degree of debilitation. It is also noteworthy that he is conjunct fixed star Spica. Robson knows that when Spica is with Jupiter we may expect:

“Popular, social success, wealth, ecclesiastical honor and preferment”.*

Spica is also the determinant star of the 14th manzil, Al Simak, The Unarmed. This Lunar Mansion causes marital love, cures the sick, helps sailors but hinders journeys by land.

We also find that this eclipse, located in the first decanate of Pisces, is ruled by Saturn, indicating that:

“it drains the Rivers of their waters, unfortunates the Sea coast, and drives fishes far from shore.”

as William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous. The additional eclipse rulership of Saturn,  together with Spica resonates with Diana Rosenberg’s conclusions. She writes that:

” […] the bright stars of the peace-loving virgin […] illuminate dark places in the soul of humanity [like] disasters caused by recklessness, carelessness, confusion and/or weather conditions”. **

It is useful to know that the last time a solar eclipse occurred in 8* Pisces was in 1998. It may be of merit to expect and prepare for a repeat of some of the personal experiences that occurred  back in 1998.  Although an eclipse usually affects only a small number of people, it may be beneficial to try to remember if any problems occurred during this year. If so, but also to generally establish the possibility of any effect that could take place, the birth chart should be scrutinised for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Pisces
Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Virgo (opposition)

Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Sagittarius or Gemini (square)
8 Pisces is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
8 Pisces 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.

—

* Robson, Vivian, The Fixed Stars & Constellations in Astrology, Astrology Classics, 2005

**Diana K. Rosenberg, Secrets of the Ancient Skies, Ancient Skies Press, NY 2012

Solar Eclipse 1 September 2016

On 1 September 2016, at 09:07UT, there will be an annular solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible from Madagascar and locations in Central Africa. The Moon’s shadow will also cross parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
For most viewers in Africa, the eclipse will be a partial solar eclipse.

This eclipse is one of Saros Series 135. It has a duration of 3 minutes and 5 seconds. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse (time observed is UT):

The astrological chart, cast for Brasilia, also shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we should have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we have to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to find out which countries or cities fall under the rulership of Virgo, the sign wherein the conjunction between Sun and Moon takes place. 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 Greece with emphasis on Athens, Switzerland with emphasis on Basil, Bratislava, Brindisi, Germany with Worms, Erfurt and places along the Rhine, France, especially Paris, Jerusalem, and Italy with emphasis on Milan are the locations that could be affected by this solar eclipse.

William Lilly also mentions Africa, which is of particular interest here, as the eclipse will be visible from locations in Central Africa.

With Sun and Moon in the first decanate of Virgo, we note that eclipse rulers are Mercury and the Sun. Lilly writes about this in his Annus Tenebrous of 1652, that:

“it argues the lamentable death, or pitiful end of some certain Prince or Nobleman, and a general ruine or slaughter of man, scarcity of corn and all manner of sustenance fit for man.”

Lilly also advises us to look at what he calls the “Asterisme” or constellation in which the eclipse is located. In this case it is the constellation of Leo, the Lion.

A closer inspection reveals that the eclipse point is conjunct fixed star Zosma, located on the back of the Lion. Robson writes about the Lion that:

” It is said that the stars in the neck, back and wing all bring trouble, disgrace and sickness affecting the part of the body ruled by the sign, especially if they happen to be in conjunction with the Moon.” (Robson: Fixed Stars and Constellations, 1923, p48)

About Zosma, he knew that:

“it causes benefit by disgrace, selfishness, egotism, immorality, meanness, melancholy, unhappiness of mind and fear of poison, and gives an unreasonable, shameless and egotistical nature.” (ibid, p219)

We have already seen that Lilly predicted a ‘lamentable death’ to occur during this solar eclipse. Diana Rosenberg reminds us that a high number of assassinations took place during the transit of Zosma and other stars in the Lion. Here we find the assassinations of Trotsky, Cicero, Vitellius, Aquino, Nicholas II, Alexis and Indira Gandhi. She also lists Julius Caesar, Archduke Ferdinand and  the assassination of John F Kennedy. Rosenberg also points out that these stars square Aldebaran and Antares, which may add to the general volatility.

On a personal level, this eclipse could indicate that the native may encounter trouble, sickness or disgrace. Conjunct the malefics Saturn and Mars, danger by poison and disease of the intestinal tract are indicated, as Elsbeth Ebertin writes in Die Bedeutung der Fixsterne. There is also the possibility that natural disaster or catastrophe, possibly a hurricane or devastating storms and their consequences may take place.

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:

Sun or Moon are in or around 9 Virgo
Sun or Moon are in or around 9 Pisces (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 9 Sagittarius or Gemini (square)
9 Virgo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
9 Virgo 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.

—

2014 Cancer Ingress of the Sun for the United States, Russia & Ukraine

On 21 June 2014, the Sun will enter the sign of Cancer. As stated in my earlier web log entry about this year’s Aries ingress (to be read HERE), the  ingress charts for the United States of America, Russia, and the Ukraine will have to be updated at the time the Sun enters Cancer, Libra and Sagittarius.

Beginning with the USA, we may remember that Jupiter was Lord of the Revolution during the Sun’s travel through Aries, Taurus and Gemini. The Sun’s ingress into Cancer is shown in the chart below:

The chart shows that Jupiter is still Lord of the Revolution for the next three months. William Ramesey writes in his Astrologia Restaurata*** about Jupiter:

 “…if he is strong and well placed or accidentally aspected by any of the other fortunate planets, he shall denote good to all such things as are thereby signified; as the … fishes and such things as appertain to water, if in watery signs, e.g. as navigators and such as have their living out of the sea; they shall make good voyages and that safely and with security.” (Ramesey AR, p234)

We also find in the Stargazer**:

“If Jupiter is Lord of the Year, the weather will be good and it will be a fertile time and intestinal diseases will be seen amongst people, and there will be sancitiy amongst people, and priests and clergy are offered discipline and honour. Heathens and Jews will be opressed and despised and Christians supported. And all nobility will be elevated and honoured. (Stargazer, p121)

Ramesey agrees, writing:

“When Jupiter is in Cancer, and Lord of the Year, the people and nobles shall be in a most prosperous and good condition; shall live credibly in honour and esteem, the air shall be pleasant and healthy, the earth fruitful, and the fruit wholesome and good. There shall be no danger by sea, but men shall make prosperous and successful voyages; rain shall fall reasonably and moderately, the winds also shall be temperate and calm, if other testimonies also agree therewith.“ (Ramesey, AR p254)

The Moon is not particularly strong and applying to a square to Jupiter in the first house, who is Lord of the cadent 6th house. On a more positive note, she is separating from her opposition to Mars. All of this may be a sign that the imminent danger of a conflict with Russia concerning the Ukraine crisis is over, but we still have to read with Bonatti, who states that it also:

“… signifies impediment and detriment and evil which will come to the inhabitants of that region, and [the people] who are signified by that sign.” (Bonatti, BA, p851)

We know that in mundane charts the Moon signifies the common people. Therefore we can predict that there will be a distinctive split, namely in that the few wealthy and priviledged people will get wealthier and the many poor people will get poorer. It may be of interest to also look at the opposite end of the spectrum, once again quoting Bonatti:

” … it signifies the sublimities and exaltations of kings [read president], and glory and honour and its seeking. … and he will be worried about the increase of his kingdom … it even signifies the good condition of the wealthy and magnates and nobles …” (Bonatti BA, p957)

Next, we take a look at the Cancer ingress chart for Russia, which is depicted below:

Looking at the current situation in Russia, it will not come as a surprise that Mars, tightly conjunct the Ascendant, is the Lord of the Revolution until the Sun’s entry into Libra. We predicted in the article about the Aries ingress that the danger of a conflict in the Ukraine would last until Mars would be moving direct again. In the meantime Mars has changed its direction, which seems to coincide with the increase of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Nevertheless, Mars, who has now become Lord of the Revolution for Russia, is peregrine, which may indicate Putin’s increasing isolation from Europe, and is also in detriment. On a more specific note, we can see that Mars is Lord of the 7th house, which holds the Moon and the Dragon’s Tail. One is reminded of the treatment of minorities and homosexual people in today’s Russia. The Stargazer has the following to say:

“If Mars is Lord of the year, … it will be war, stabbing, beating, murder, and the nobility will be honoured, and common people will be scorned.” (Stargazer, p121)

Also of interest is the fact that the Ascendant is conjunct fixed star Algorab in Corvus, associated with destructiveness, malevolence, fiendishness, repulsiveness and lying. It is of the nature of Mars and Saturn. Diana Rosenberg notes in her Secrets of the Ancient Skies, that

“the Crow’s dark wings leads some into philosophy and religion, others into aggression.” (Rosenberg, Secrets, p87)****

Looking now at the Cancer ingress chart for the Ukraine, we can see that it differs significantly from Russia’s:

The Aries ingress showed that the Lord of the Revolution was Jupiter for the USA, Russia and the Ukraine. As the Sun has moved on, this is not the case any more for The USA and Russia, as discussed above. It seems, though, that for the next three months Jupiter will still be Lord of the Revolution for the Ukraine. In the Stargazer, we find the following:

“If Jupiter is elevated above Saturn, it indicates sadness, pains and weeps; if Jupiter is elevated above the Dragon’s Tail, it indicates the destruction of several buildings” (Stargazer, p123)

The Dragon’s Head is still in Libra, and we can only repeat our quote from Bonatti:

“… it signifies that kings and the wealthy and the nobles or magnates will make use of their own men upon rustics, contrary to justice, and especially against those whom they will rule; and they will strive to extort from them what they ought not to; and they will accuse them and say they have offended them concerning something which will not be their fault. … And they will afflict them with punishments so much, that for that reason they will come into poverty and need;and they will fool them.” (Bonatti, BA p981)

In this chart, the Ascendant is conjunct fixed star Vindemiatrix, the “grape gatherer”. Regarded by the ancients as unfortunate, this star is associated with deception and disgrace.

 

NB: A quick look at the Cancer Ingress chart for Syria shows that Mars is exactly conjunct the Ascendant, indicating that circumstances are unlikely to change at least during the next three months. (The Ascendant of the Aries ingress chart for Syria was in Libra, justifying to take the Cancer ingress chart into consideration).

(click chart to enlarge)

 

NOTE: Also see my discussion of the 2014 Cancer ingress chart for Iraq, HERE

—

*Bonatti, Guido: Book of Astronomy (BA), translation B Dykes, Cazimi Press, 2007

** Anon: A German Stargazer’s Book of Astrology, translation P Stockinger, Mandrake of Oxford, 2014

*** Ramesey, William: Astrologia Restaurata: London 1653

**** Rosenberg, Diana: Secrets of the Ancient Skies, Ancient Sky Press, NY 2012

 

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.

—

*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.

—

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

The Alchemical Crow and the Lunar Eclipse 25th April 2013

Between Darkness and Light – 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.

This is the election chart for the discovery:

The picture below shows the path of comet ISON with its perihelion in 06*49′ Sagittarius, on 28 November 2013:

(via the website of the Planetary Society, http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/space-images/charts/comet-ison-predicted-path.html)

In 1680 William Greene already mentions comets in signs in his Memento to the World, writing about the appearance of a comet in Sagittarius:

 “In Sagitary it denotes Evil to Great Men, Controversies about Religion and Laws, Feavers and other dangerous Infirmities”

He also quotes a poem by Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas from 1578:

  “Here in the Night appears a flaming Spire,

There a fierce Dragon folded, all in fire;

Here a bright Comet, there a fiery stream,

Here flying Lances, there a burning Beam;

Here seems an Horned Goat, environed round,

With fiery flakes, about the air to bound,

There with long, Bloody Hair, a Blazing Star,

Threatening the World with Famine, Plague and War.

To Princes Death, to Kingdoms many Crosses,

To all Estates inevitable losses,

To Herdsmen Rots, to Ploughman hapless seasons,

To Sailors Storms, to Cities civil Treason.”

Around the time of its perihelion, at the end of November 2013, comet ISON will be conjunct the fixed star Dschubba sitting at the head of the constellation Scorpio. Dschubba is believed to be of the nature of Mars and has some of Saturn’s characteristics as well.

Reinhold Ebertin writes in Die Bedeutung der Fixsterne, that  Dschubba would be detrimental:

“[t]o material wealth, it causes problems, difficulties, impediments and loss.” (p.55)

This similarity to the greater and lesser malefic suggests that Dschubba is close in nature to comets, which are, as we have seen before, bringer of famine, plague and war.  We can therefore conclude that the conjunction between comet and fixed star will enhance the potential for negative occurrences.

Due to the precession of the equinoxes the constellation of Scorpius overlaps with the tropical zodiac sign of Sagittarius. To be able to try and predict the events symbolized by comet ISON, we have to consider both, the sidereal Scorpius and the tropical Sagittarius to get a clearer picture.

Diana Rosenberg says about the region of Scorpius/Sagittarius in her Secrets of the Ancient Skies, that:

“[t]his is an area of night, the Serpent and the Scorpio, both denizens of dark, hidden places … dominate these longitudes … There is a direct conflict here between expansive, congenial tropical Sagittarius and the dark Scorpion underlying him.” (vol.2, p.272)

Manilius said about Scorpio that it would preside over armaments and makes men’s minds burn with eagerness for war; their hearts rejoice in the flow of blood, for slaughter as much as for acquiring booty.

But then we have to consider as well that there must be a calmer, more enlightened influence, coming from the tropical sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, the greater benefic. And, looking at the comet’s path again, we can see that after its perihelion, ISON will move sharply to the north, encountering Ophiuchus, the shaman. He is the mediator between heaven and earth, source of all wisdom and healing. But Ophiuchus is also forever encircled by the Serpent, forever struggling in a fight neither of them can win.

So after all it seems when dealing with the influence and possible effect of comet ISON we are reminded of a sentence from the Tabula Smaragdina:

That which is below is as that which is above, and that which is above is as that which is below, to perform the miracles of the one thing. 

With the appearance of comet ISON, the eternal struggle of darkness against light is once again played out in the heavens as well as on earth. Will Ophiuchus, the shaman, magician and healer, be successful in his battle against merciless violence, destruction, greed, and over-inflated materialism, and be able to keep the coming events, symbolised by comet ISON, which is so similar to the Serpent he is struggling with eternally, under his control?

As an addendum it should be noted that, according to Manilius and Ptolemy, Scorpio reigns over the eastern North African area, including Syria, Algeria, Morocco, and Libya .

UPDATE:

Comet ISON – the interactive model:

http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ison/

Keep track of comet ISON with the help of the ISON Comet of 2013 Astrology Viewer 1.0:

http://www.inner-sky.com/isonastrology.html

ALSO OF INTEREST:

The Astronomy & Astrology of Comet ISON

Lunar Eclipse 28 November 2012

On 28 November 2012, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. This eclipse belongs to Saros series nr. 145, which was born on 11 August 1832. The graphic below shows the visibility of the lunar eclipse (via Wikimedia*)

(click on graphic to enlarge)

Astrologically speaking, the Moon will be in 06°46’ Gemini, opposing the Sun in 06°46’ Sagittarius. The eclipsed Moon will be conjunct Jupiter and conjunct the Hyades. Furthermore Cauda Draconis, the Moon’s south node, will be conjunct fixed star Algol.

The chart below, cast for Budapest, shows the event.

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 Face of Gemini:

“it threatens Incursions and Rapines of enemies: fraudulent Negotiations, many Treatyes, violent Petitions, many Missives, and much employment of  Scribes and Secretaries.”

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 centre of Europe, particularly in parts of Poland, but as well Hungary, Rumania and Turkey. Immediate effects of the eclipse can be expected in these parts of the world.

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

Jupiter is conjunct Moon and ruler of the first Face of Gemini and is therefore of major importance, playing a key role at the time of the lunar eclipse. The map shows that his line of angularity leads through Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, suggesting immediate effects of the lunar eclipse there as well. Jupiter will be retrograde, peregrine and essentially debilitated by detriment. In its debilitated state, Jupiter can represent fraudulent actions, ignorance and carelessness, but also hypercritical religiosity.

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

From the eclipse chart above, we can see that the Moon in Gemini is conjunct a cluster of stars, the Hyades. These are called “rainy stars”. They are thought to be the nymphs who wept over their brother Hyas, killed by a boar. The Hyades are associated with licentiousness, greediness and the lust for power. Diana Rosenberg writes in her Secrets of the Ancient Skies** that

 “the key word is “overwhelming”. [Causing] torrential rain, storms, floods, fog, air and ship wrecks, mass movements, invasions, uprising, demonstrations, riots, epidemic, mass events, upheavals, mass murder; disasters caused by poor visibility.” (SAS, vol.1, p.243)

She also says that these stars are

“ not usually conductive to negotiations” (ibid),

which brings us back to William Lilly’s point.

The Moon’s south node, also known as Cauda Draconis, will be conjunct fixed star Algol, the Demon Star. Lilly says about the effect of Cauda Draconis:

“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.”  (CA p83)

Algol marks Medusa’s severed head and has a reputation for violence and extreme danger. According to Diana Rosenberg, Manly Palmer Hall called Algol

 “the most evil, violent and dangerous star in the heavens”. (SAS, vol.1, p. 200)

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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 Gemini rising, either in their birth chart or in their Solar return chart for 2012, 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: An extreme example of the effect the 1648 lunar eclipse had on a king, see my blog post:

Of Beheadings, Fixed Stars and Eclipses

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*http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Visibility_Lunar_Eclipse_2012-11-28.png

** Rosenberg, Diana: Secrets of the Ancient Skies, Ancient Skies Press, New York 2012