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.

Sun conjunct Mercury, 11th November 2019, an Astronomical Conjunction

On the 11th of November 2019, a transit of Mercury across the Sun will take place between 12:30 and 18:00UT. At this time, Mercury will be visible against the solar disc by obscuring a tiny part of it. After the 2019 event no further astronomical transit of Mercury will take place until December 2032.

Although this is true for the astronomical event, astrologically speaking, the symbolic conjunctions between Mercury and the Sun are by no means rare events.  Nevertheless it might be of interest to take the opportunity and have a look at this particular conjunction.

The exact astrological conjunction will take place on the 11^th of November 2019 at 15:22. The chart below, cast for London, shows the event.

 

The conjunction is placed in 18*55 Scorpio; Sun and Mercury are in a separating sextile to Saturn. With the greater malefic involved, it may be expected that this event will be of some significance.

Let us now have a closer look at Mercury. What immediately springs to mind is the fact that he is retrograde. To understand the significance of this, we may have a look at what traditional astrologers have to say about this.

Abu Ma’shar informs us in his Abbreviation of the Introduction to Astrology in the chapter on The Impotence of the Stars

“…  but the worst [is] the retrogradation of Venus and Mercury, particularly if they are hidden by the Sun; or [planets are] found [under the rays of the Sun or] in dark degrees.” (Dykes, Introductions to Traditional Astrology, p220).

This immediately cuts to the heart of the matter of our investigation about Mercury conjunct Sun. When applying to the conjunct with the Sun, Mercury will not only be retrograde, he will as well be under the sunbeams and later on combust. That is exactly the worst-case scenario, highlighted by Abu Ma’shar in the quote above.

To understand what this means, we have to look at the definitions of these two terms.

• Firstly, a Planet is said to be combust when it is between 17.5 minutes and 8.5 degrees of the Sun.

• Secondly, under the Sunbeams is a harmful area, extending from the end of combustion until a Planet is 17.5 degrees apart from the Sun.

William Lilly informs us in his Christian Astrology, that Mercury

“is cold and dry, and therefore Melancholy; with the good he is good, with the evil Planets ill; … he is author of subtlety, tricks, deceives, perjury, &c.” (CA, p77)

And Mercury will be very much afflicted on the 11th of November. We have established so far that he will be retrograde, under the sunbeams and later on, closer to perfecting the conjunction, combust. Apart from that he will be aspecting Saturn, the greater malefic.

If we put all this information together, we come to the following conclusion.

Due to his natural and also his debilitated state during the conjunction to the Sun, Mercury will not affect us in a positive, measured manner but he will rather test some of us to a high degree. There can even be some level of fanaticism expected. It is also very likely  that things will go wrong on an epic scale. Particularly electronic devices may unexpectedly malfunction, or the odd communication breakdown may occur. It is also not advisable to sign any kind of contract or agree to any binding arrangements during this transit.

Sun and Mercury are also conjunct fixed star Zubenelshamali. This is the determinant star of lunar mansion 14, al Zubana: Robson knows that this:

“hinders journeys and marriage, harvest and merchandise, favorable for redemption of captives.” [Robson, Fixed Stars and Constellations, p.72.]

It is likely that people who have Scorpio rising in their nativity or have their natal Sun or Mercury at or around 18* Scorpio will experience some of the effects of this conjunction.

The only time when the negative influence of the Sun will be turned into a more positive one is the time Mercury spends in the heart of the Sun, otherwise known as cazimi. This beneficial span of time, which is only very short, will be on 11th of November between 12:28UT and 18:16UT.

 

The ‘Great American’ Total Solar Eclipse, 21 August 2017, Including a Case Study

On 21 August 2017, at 18:30 UT, there will be a total solar eclipse. This eclipse, already known as the ‘Great American Eclipse‘, will be visible in its totality all across the USA from the East Coast to the West Coast. In the surrounding areas, people will see a partial solar eclipse. The partial eclipse will also be visible in Western Europe, North-East Asia, North-West Africa, much of South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic. This eclipse is one of Saros Series 145. Its totality has a duration of  2 minutes and 40 seconds. 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 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 Leo, the sign wherein the eclipse Sun resides during the event. We also have to take into consideration that the eclipse’s visibility will greatly enhance its effect. In this case we are expecting the USA to be greatly affected.

Looking through traditional source material, we find that the Alps, Austria (especially Linz), Belgium (especially Ghent),Italy (especially Rome, Sicily, Puglia and Ravenna), Bohemia, Czech Republic(especially Prague), Germany (especially Koblenz), England (especially Bristol), Turkey, and Syria (especially Damascus) are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Leo.

The Sun is placed in the last decanate of Leo, which is ruled by Mars. Traditionally, the lights were not interpreted as eclipse rulers, therefore we have to look at Mars as eclipse ruler and also at Leo, the sign the eclipsed Sun is in. Generally speaking, eclipses in Leo signify:

“death or misfortune for royalty, nobility and ‘persons of quality’; the ruination and destruction of ancient buildings, palaces and churches; division amongst the clergy, the besieging of towns, and a scarcity of horses and grain”.

William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that a solar eclipse in the last decant of Leo:

“… presages Captivity, besieging of Towns, Plunderings, Profanation of holy places, a scarcity of Horses, or a destructive Murrain amongst them.”

It is useful to know that the last time a solar eclipse occurred in 29* Leo 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 29 Leo
Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Aquarius (opposition)

Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Taurus or Scorpio (square)
29 Leo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
29 Leo 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.

For the first time on this web log, I am publishing the Solar Eclipse Case Study of a person who is likely to be affected by the upcoming solar eclipse:

(Inner Wheel: Solar Eclipse/Outer Wheel: nativity)

From the bi-wheel above, we can see that the eclipse point is very close to the natal Ascendant and to natal Mars, which indicates that the native is likely to experience the effects of this solar eclipse in a strong and immediate fashion.

—

(Inner Wheel: Nativity/Outer Wheel: Solar Return 2017)

We have already described the general effects of this eclipse, but to find out in detail how this could manifest on a personal level, we have to look at other indicators. Using the native’s solar return chart for 2017, we find that solar return Saturn is conjunct the native’s Moon. According to William Lilly, this indicates:

“Danger of Death, full of ill Humours, Melancholy, …” (CA, p738)*

We can also see that his solar return Mars is conjunct natal Mercury. Lilly writes that this aspect:

“Inclines to lying, to speak ill of men, and [he] shall be in danger for words” (CA, p739)

—

(Primary Direction: Ascendant square Venus)

During August, the native may also feel the effect of primary directed Ascendant square Venus. Lilly knows that, in some cases,:

“It signifies some infirmness in the Body, obtained by a Surfeit, or too frequent use of venery … he is slighted by the virtuous, the dishonest have no Bridle …” (CA, p662)

This point is very close to the fixed stars pi Scorpius and Dschubba (delta Scorpius) on the right claw and the forehead of the Scorpion. Robson knows that Dschubba is:

“of the nature of Mars and Saturn. … It causes sudden assaults, malevolence, immorality and shamelessness.” (Fixed Stars and Constellations, p172)**

—

(Inner Wheel: Nativity/Outer Wheel: Solar Eclipse)

Returning to the bi-wheel of the nativity and the solar eclipse, we can also see that eclipse Saturn is conjunct natal Moon and natal Dragon’s Tail. This is a sign of depression. People who are living through this transit often report that they aren’t able to cope with everyday life any longer.

These conjunctions are close to the MC of the Sun’s Aries Ingress chart 2017, cast for Washington. This means that eclipse Saturn and the native’s Moon/South Node are in the 10th house of the Aries Ingress 2017 for the USA. In mundane astrology, the 10th house represents the ruler, president or government of the country the chart is cast for.

Ingress Saturn and Moon are also in the 10th house, whereby Saturn indicates the possibility of public sorrow and disappointment, even state funerals. The Moon in mundane astrology represents the common people and shows where the public’s attention will fall.

From the above, it can clearly be seen that this native’s fate is intrinsically linked with the fate of the whole nation. This is not surprising, as I can reveal now that this case study is based on the birth chart of Donald Trump, the current President of the United States of America.

—

*Lilly, William, Christian Astrology, facsimile edition, Regulus, London, 1985

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

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

Lunar Eclipse 11 February 2017

On 11 February 2017, at 00:32UT, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, most of Asia, Africa and most of North America. . It is number 59 in the Saros Series 114, and the duration of this eclipse will be 4 hours and 19 minutes. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse:

The astrological chart, cast for Washington, also 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 Leo, 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 the Alps, Austria (especially Linz), Belgium (especially Ghent), Italy (especially Rome, Sicily, Puglia and Ravenna), Bohemia, Czech Republic (especially Prague), Germany (especially Koblenz), England (especially Bristol), Turkey, and Syria (especially Damascus) are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Leo.

The Moon is placed in the last decanate of Leo, which is ruled by Mars. Traditionally, the lights were not interpreted as as eclipse rulers, therefore we have to look at Mars as eclipse ruler and also at Leo, the sign the eclipsed Moon is in. Generally speaking, eclipses in Leo signify

“death or misfortune for royalty, nobility and ‘persons of quality’; the ruination and destruction of ancient buildings, palaces and churches; division amongst the clergy, the besieging of towns, and a scarcity of horses and grain”.

William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that a lunar eclipse in the last decant of Leo:

“… swells and animates the dispositions both of the people and souldiery, so that they run after Novelties, desiring new Lawes, and new Governours.”

About Mars, Lilly writes in no uncertain terms that:

“hee [Mars] generally is the cause of corruption in regard of his too much dryness, and this especially when he is in a fiery Sign”. 

There is also the possibility of damage through lightning, hurricanes, drought or destructive winds. It is also likely that impetuous storms and violent shipwrecks may occur at sea.

Mars is not only in a fiery sign, he is also conjunct Algenib a fixed star on the wing of Pegasus, the Winged Horse. Robson writes about this conjunction that it suggests

“Quick mind and body, lying or theft, danger of accidents”.*

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

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 22 Leo
Moon is in or around 22 Aquarius (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 22 Scorpio or 22 Taurus (square)
22 Leo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
22 Leo 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.

—

*Vivian Robson, Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology.

Lunar Eclipse 16 September 2016

On 16 September 2016, at  19:05UT, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, parts of Asia, Australia, and eastern Africa. It is number 9 in the Saros Series 147, and the duration of this eclipse will be 3 hours and 59 minutes. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse:

The astrological chart, cast for Dakar , also 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 Pisces, 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 Egypt (particularly Alexandria), Italy, with Calabria, Compostella, and Sicily; Spain (particularly Seville), France (Normandy and Rheims), Portugal and Germany (particularly Ratisbone and Worms) are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Pisces. The Moon is placed in the last decanate of Pisces, which is ruled by Mars. Therefore we have to look at Jupiter and Mars as eclipse rulers. William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that a lunar eclipse in the last decant of Pisces signifies:

“robberies equally committed both at Sea, and on dry Land.”

Lilly says about Jupiter being eclipse ruler, that he would “produce the increase of all things”. Unfortunately at this lunar eclipse, the Sun/Moon axis is tightly squared by Mars in Sagittarius, who is also eclipse-ruler. Lilly writes in no uncertain terms that “hee [Mars] generally is the cause of corruption in regard of his too much dryness, and this especially when he is in a fiery Sign”. Mars is not only in a fiery sign, he is also conjunct Ras Alhague, a fixed star on the head of Ophiuchus, the Snake Charmer. Robson writes about this conjunction that it suggests “Trouble through writings, public censure in connection with religion, science or philosophy”*, and Elsbeth Ebertin writes that “there is danger of insect bites, snake bites or assault from infuriated animals or rabies smitten dogs”**.

 

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

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 24 Pisces
Moon is in or around 24 Virgo (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 24 Gemini or 24 Sagittarius (square)
24 Pisces is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
24 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.

—

*Vivian Robson, Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology.

**Elsbeth Ebertin, Die Bedeutung der Fixsterne.

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.

—

Solar Eclipse 9 March 2016

On 9 March 2016, at 1:57UT, there will be a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in its totality in Indonesia and the Pacific Ocean. The partial phase of the eclipse can be observed in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Pacific and Hawaii. This eclipse is one of Saros Series 130. It has a duration of 4 minutes and 9 seconds. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse (time observed is UT):

The astrological chart, cast for Jakarta , 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.

Jupiter is the planet ruling this eclipse. At the time of the eclipse, he will be located in Virgo, where he is in his detriment. He is also retrograde, which adds to his level of debilitation, and he is conjunct the North Lunar Node. The North Lunar Node is conjunct fixed star Denebola. Robson writes that this star ‘gives swift judgment, despair, regrets, public disgrace, misfortune from the elements of nature, and happiness turned to anger’ (*FSC p161). Denebola is also the determinant of the 10th Lunar Mansion, al-Sarfa, indicating a change in the weather. Therefore we can expect storms or extreme barometric lows, and possibly ships getting wrecked as a result.

We also find that that this eclipse, located in the second decanate of Pisces, which is ruled by Jupiter:

“… designs the death of a famous and excellent man, destruction and waste neer the Sea Towns, it imports an Earthquake, some great Church-men questioned, and he called to account for his knavery ”

as William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous. To give only an example how things played out in the past, Diana Rosenberg knew that Jupiter was conjunct Denebola in 1933, when an attempt to assassinate Franklin D. Roosevelt took place (SAS** vol1, p650).

With Jupiter being the sole rulers of this eclipse, we can, according to Lilly, expect to experience good things, like glory, tranquility, fertility and peace. Unfortunately we have already established that Jupiter is in very poor shape, which will undoubtedly turn some of the positive attributes mentioned above into their opposite. There is also the suggestion of a connection to ‘church-men’ and, taking into consideration that Jupiter is natural significator of religion, religious conventions, clergymen, and christian churches in general, the picture of the problems this solar eclipse suggests is manifesting.

On a personal level, this eclipse could indicate that the native may be injured or lose their life in catastrophes connected with severe weather, such as floods or shipwrecks, but they could also be harmed through personal or revenge attacks. After all, we have shown above that the death of an ‘excellent man’ (read ‘person’) can be expected. There is also danger to one’s eyesight.

It is useful to know that the last time a solar eclipse occurred in 19* Pisces was in 1997. Although an eclipse usually affects only a small number of people, it may be beneficial to try and 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 scrutinized for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 19 Pisces
Sun or Moon are in or around 19 Virgo (opposition)

Sun or Moon are in or around 20 Sagittarius or Gemini (square)
20 Pisces is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
20 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.

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UPDATE: For additional information about this eclipse, see my blog post:

An Additional Look at the Solar Eclipse 9 March 2016

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* 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 and Paris Terror Attacks

With the shocking news of yesterday’s Paris terror attacks dominating the headlines, all our thoughts an prayers are with the victims and their relatives. Trying to understand the mundane astrological underpinning of this tragedy,  we should cast our eyes back to the recent solar eclipse.

In my blog post about the 13 September Solar Eclipse, posted on 20 August, I wrote that, according to astrologer William Lilly, this eclipse “produces murder and banishment”. I also predicted that one of the locations most likely to be affected could be “France, especially Paris”. Sadly, this turned out to be the case.

The graphic below shows a bi-wheel, comprising the chart of the solar eclipse and the chart cast for the moment the terror attacks began. Both charts are cast for the location of Paris:

(Inner Wheel:Solar Eclipse/Outer Wheel: Terror Attack)

What immediately springs to mind is the fact that transiting Mars, planet of war, who is in his detriment in Libra, is on the Ascendant of the solar eclipse chart and also tightly conjunct the North Lunar Node, triggering the event.

Transiting MC is tightly conjunct the Lunar South Node of the solar eclipse chart. Furthermore, the nodal axes of both charts are conjunct. In his highly recommended book The Cryptic Cycle*, astrologer Murray Beauchamp writes about the significance of the nodes:

“By themselves, the Nodes of the Moon can indicate some powerful forces at work if found in close aspect between charts.”

Here, they are also activated by transiting Mars. MC and South Lunar Node are conjunct fixed star Scheat, another trigger for the events that were unfolding. Robson** wrote that fixed star Scheat causes “extreme misfortune and murder”.

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*Beauchamp, Murray: The Cryptic Cycle – Astrology and the Lunar Saros, Madding Crowd Publishing, Melbourne, 2008

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