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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
William Lilly’s portrait, now housed in the Ashmolean Museum, shows him standing by a window, holding pen and paper. The sheet of paper has the words Etatis 45 written on it, indicating Lilly’s age at the time of the painting. It also contains a blank horary chart with the words non cogunt (they do not compel) written in its centre, which, of course, refers to the stars. The picture was painted in 1646 and later given to Ashmole, probably in 1652.
Shortly after the painting was finished, in 1647, Lilly published Christian Astrology. The book’s frontispiece, which is based on Lilly’s portrait, again shows amongst other things a square chart with the words non cogunt written on it. It therefore has to be seen as themotto for Lilly’s ‘Introduction’, as he fondly called his book, but also for his view of judicial astrology itself.
Some of Lilly’s more outspoken but most likely not so well educated contemporaries were much in favour of astral determinism; they believed in an unchangeable fate which could be predicted by the stars. We only need to take a look at the front cover of Elias Ashmole’stranslation of Fasciculus Chemicus. In the middle of the page, we see a statue of Ashmole, whose head is hidden behind his birth chart. Reason for this is that he published his translation under the anagrammatic pseudonym James Hassole. What is important for us here is that the words Astra regunt homines (the stars rule men) are written in the centre of the nativity, which stands in stark contrast to Lilly.
It is a well-known fact amongst historians of astrology that the astrologers’ belief in astral determinism brought them into endless conflicts with the clergy, who, in turn condemned judicial astrology as a whole. Most famously, it was Thomas Aquinas, who believed that astral causation, rather than leading to determinism, necessarily has to be followed by free will. Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon argued along similar lines. In her Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy, Liana Saif quotes Bacon, who writes:
“Ptolemy also and Aristotle, Avicenna, Messehalac, Hali, and Albumazar […] do not maintain that there is an absolute necessity in things below due to the influence of the heavens, because free will is not subject to the things of nature.” 1
It would be easy to think now that Lilly’s motto (non cogunt), as well as the choice of title for his magnum opus, Christian Astrology, was only lip service he paid to avoid censorship and endless criticism. But this is not the case at all, as will become clear. To understandLilly’s motivation, we have to keep in mind that he was a Neoplatonist. He firmly believed in the Anima Mundi and was familiar with the work of the Italian humanist philosopher and priest Marsilio Ficino. Ficino translated all of Plato’s dialogues into Latin. He also wrote numerous commentaries, but his most important and systematic work was Platonic Theology. Nowadays, astrologers, hermeticists and magicians are also particularly interested in Ficino’s Three Books on Life, wherein Ficino provides a theoretical framework for and also practical examples of astrological magic. Lilly gives a beautiful statement in his Annus Tenebrosus, showing his deep fondness of Ficino’s philosophy:
“And Ficinus, that excellent learned Priest, saith […] many accidents are signified or foreseen by the Stars, which are not done in Heaven. And again […] many things are foretold by means of the Heavenly bodies, as it were by signe, not by causes […].”2
Neither does Lilly offer a justification, nor does he provide a detailed explanation for the prominent placement of his non cogunt. The potential student has to read between the lines to work out what Lilly’s thoughts on the subject were, but what he basically tells us is this. Determinism can be found in the nature of the individual and in the events caused by their reaction to circumstances. Lilly also thinks that such situations can be avoided and thus changed by the individual. So, the apparent pre-destiny of life only lies within the character of each person. If they would only be willing to put in some effort, than pre-destiny could be, at least, flexible. All of this shows that, in Lilly’s view, astral determinism and free will were not mutually exclusive.
The Greeks already suggested a similar concept, as Dorian Greenbaum shows in her book about the Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology. She shows how heimarmene (fate) and pronoia (providence) are connected. She writes that:
“[…] Though all is contained in fate (in that fate itself is a container), not everything ‘conforms to fate’ […] Pronoia, in fact can supersede heimarmene […]”3.
Greenbaum goes into great detail, explaining that fate is included in providence and comes to the conclusion, that:
“Tertiary providence […] operates within heimarmene (which includes planets and stars), but allows some choice.” 4
(The three Moirai, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos)
Embracing this philosophy, Lilly shows that he is adhering to the hermetic as well as Neoplatonic notion of betterment through work on the self, leading to increased spiritual awareness. In Lilly’s view, fate does not have to be inevitable and can be negotiated which, of course, would have a deep impact on both his astrological method as it would on his magical operations. For him, fate exists solely within the nature of the individual human being, and the apparent fixity of a chart becomes wholly fluid and malleable, conditional only on the exertion of effort by the individual.
It has already been mentioned that Lilly doesn’t explicitly reveal his views in any of his writings, but if we look closely at his Letter to the Student in Astrology, we can read between the lines:
“ […] Beware of pride and self-conceit, and remember how that long ago, no irrationall Creature dared offend Man, the Microcosm; but did faithfully serve and obey him, so long as he was master of his own Reason and Passions, or until he subjected his Will to the unreasonable part. But alas! When iniquity abounded, and man gave the reins to his own affection, and deferred reason, then every Beast, Creature and outward harmful thing, became rebellious and unserviceable to his command. Stand fast, oh man! to your God, and assured principles, then consider your own nobleness, how all things created, both present and to come, were for your sake created; no for your sake God became Man: you are that Creature, who being conversant with Christ, lives and reigns above the heavens, and sits above all power and authority. How many pre-eminences, advantages has God bestowed on you? you range above the heavens by contemplation, conceive the motion and magnitude of the stars; you talk with Angels, yes with God himself; […]” 5 [Emphasis mine]
There were some astrologers though, who did not veil their philosophical views so darkly. One of them was Robert Burton, who published his Anatomy of Melancholy in1621. The reader will note that this was 26 years before William Lilly published his Christian Astrology. Burton’s book was widely read and we can assume that Lilly had read it, too. Burton writes about the subject:
“Natural causes are either primary and universal, or secondary and more particular. Primary causes are the heavens, planets, stars, &c., by their influence (as our astrologers hold) producing this and such like effects. I will not here stand to discuss obiter, whether stars be causes, or signs; or to apologise for judical astrology. If either Sextus Empericus, Picus Mirandula, Sextus ab Heminga, Pererius, Erastus, Chambers, &c., have so far prevailed with any man, that he will attribute no virtue at all to the heavens, or to sun, or moon, more than he doth to their signs at an innkeeper’s post, or tradesman’s shop, or generally condemn all such astrological aphorisms approved by experience: I refer him to Bellantius, Pirovanus, Marascallerus, Goclenius, Sir Christopher Heidon, &c. If thou shalt ask me what I think, I must answer, nam et doctis hisce erroribus versatus sum, (for I am conversant with these learned errors,) they do incline, but not compel; no necessity at all: agunt non cogunt: and so gently incline, that a wise man may resist them; sapiens dominabitur astris: they rule us, but God rules them. All this (methinks) Joh. de Indagine hath comprised in brief, Quaeris a me quantum in nobis operantur astra? &c. Wilt thou know how far the stars work upon us? I say they do but incline, and that so gently, that if we will be ruled by reason, they have no power over us; but if we follow our own nature, and be led by sense, they do as much in us as in brute beasts, and we are no better. So that, I hope, I may justly conclude with Cajetan, Coelum est vehiculum divinae virtutis, &c., that the heaven is God’s instrument, by mediation of which he governs and disposeth these elementary bodies; or a great book, whose letters are the stars, (as one calls it,) wherein are written many strange things for such as can read, or an excellent harp, made by an eminent workman, on which, he that can but play, will make most admirable music. But to the purpose.” 6 [Emphasis mine]
Below is shown the title page of the 1638 edition of Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy, which Lilly could have read.
It may be of interest to compare Burton’s text to what William Ramsey has to say in his Astrologia Restaurata, published only six years after Lilly’s Christian Astrology, wherein Ramesey quotes from his own Lux Veritatis published in 1651:
“[..] to prove unto you by the sacred word of God that the stars are both, signs and causes.” 7 He continues: “[..] astrology, or the influence of the stars has no fatality, except some contingency be mixed therewith; for this were to deny the providence of God […] itsays thus (and so forward) supines dominabitur astris, a wise man rules the stars […] and astra regunt homines, sed regit astra Deus, the stars rule men, but God rules the stars; not meaning when we say, Astra regunt homines, any fatal necessity to be attributed to the influence of those heavenly bodies, nor to have power over men farther than such men are guided only by sense as brute beasts, and not by reason, and farther that they agunt non cogunt, they act or incline, but no wise compel; but where grace or reason supports a man, there, or onsuch a man the stars have no power.” 8 [Emphasis mine]
1 Liana Saif, The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy, Palgrave 2015, p83, quoting Bacon, Opus majus, I, p.262
2 William Lilly, Annus tenebrosus, or The dark year, London: printed for the Company of Stationers, and H. Blunden at the Castle in Corn- hill, 1652, p23.
3 Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum, The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology, Brill 2015, p.30ff
4 Ibid, p.32
5 William Lilly, Christian Astrology, London: Printed by John Macock,1647, p.xxxi.
6 Robert Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy, 1621: SUBSECT. IV.—Stars a cause.
7 William Ramesey, Astrologia Restaurata, London : Printed for Robert White, 1653, p.35.
On 22 October 2022, Venus will be Cazimi in Libra, which is something that has not occurred for well over a hundred years.
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)
The fact that Venus is Cazimi, and essentially dignified by sign rulership in Libra would be enough reason to justify the construction and consecration of a talisman, but there are some additional factors, which make this election a very important one.
• The Moon is conjunct the Arabic Part of Fortune
• There are no hard aspects between the Sun/Venus conjunction and any of the other planets.
• Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter are essentially dignified.
For those who would like to make use of Venus’ gifts, in form of a talisman, a ritual, or otherwise, here is a reminder of Venus’ attributes:
Venus symbolises the principle of love, both conceptually, as well as carnally. She also represents beauty, softness, grace, and delicacy, as well as passion, sensuality, and sexuality.
There is also a different side to Venus, wherein she signifying games and entertainment, as well as all kinds of pleasure. We can also add peace and serenity to her attributes.
Italian (Venetian) School; Petrarch and Laura de Noves; The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
In Camillo Leonardi’s Mirror of Stones, which has recently been translated into English by Margherita Fiorello (read my review here):
“For example, these images are carved on stone as a woman with an opulent dress holding a laurel branch …” (p28)
Venus stones, which could be used to make a talisman, are aquamarine, copper chalcedony, and heliotrope. More details about Venus stones can be found in my book Stars and Stones, an Astro-Magical Lapidary.
Below is the chart for the elected time, cast for my location. I would like to point out that these elections are location specific!
On 25 October 2022, at 10:59 AM Universal Time, there will be a partial solar eclipse, lasting 86 minutes.
The Sun and the Moon will be conjunct in 2*00′ Scorpio. The eclipse will be visible from Europe, the Urals and Western Siberia, Central, and Western Asia, and from the north-east of Africa. The maximum phase of the partial eclipse will be seen on the West Siberian Plain in Russia near Nizhnevartovsk.
Due to the importance of current world events, as well as the fact that this eclipses will be visible in Russia, the eclipse chart below, is cast for Moscow:
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 Scorpio, 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.
These are: Italy (Aquilea), Bavaria, Morocco (Fez), France, Monaco, Turkey, and Austria (Vienna).
Below is a map, showing the eclipse’s lines of angularity (ASC and MC) which also greatly enhances its effect:
What immediately springs to mind is the fact that the eclipse point is in the 8th house. In mundane astrology the 8th house shows national debt and danger to people through war, as well as public mortality, and the death rate in general.
Secondly, the chart is dominated by Mars, the Lesser Malefic, who is eclipse ruler, and Saturn, the Greater Malefic, ruling Capricorn the rising sign. Furthermore, Saturn is located in the first house, in Aquarius, which is intercepted. The first house indicates the country and its inhabitants, their general condition of prosperity and health, or the lack of, as is the case, here. Mars, the eclipse ruler is located in the 6th house. In mundane astrology, this house signifies the working classes in general, but also the armed forces. It can also signify the nation’s food reserves, especially grains, and the farming industry inn general.
There are also two quite nasty fixed stars conjunct these significators. Mars is conjunct Al Hecka, in Taurus (which, by the way is natural significator of Russia). This is a violent star, portending accidents and misfortune. The other one is Castra, in Capricornus, conjunct Saturn, with a malevolent, destructive influence; It can show a violent, uncontrollable temper.
What is also noteworthy here is the conjunction of Venus to the eclipse point. Venus is in her detriment in Scorpio, and the Moon is in her fall in this sign also. Both planets signify women, women’s issues, the national birth rate, as well as social factors connected to marriage and children.
All in all, the future doesn’t look very good for Russia and so also for the rest of the world. With the eclipse point located in the 8th house, there doesn’t seem to be a quick ending of this war and its social and economical problems in sight, either. This chart tells of further restrictions, and increased death rate of soldiers. Particularly with the debilitated state of Venus and the Moon, one cannot help but think of Russian mothers desperately demanding answers as to why so many of their sons are returning home in body bags.
In his Annus Tenebrosus, William Lilly wrote about the impact of a solar eclipse in the first decant of Scorpio that:
“it moves and raises warlick tumults, murthers, dissentions, captivities, and cherishes underhand practices, or plots of Treasons”
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For the impact of this eclipse on a personal level, it may be useful to know though, that the last time a solar eclipse occurred near 2*Scorpio was in December 2014, at 0* Scorpio. It will therefore be of merit to expect and prepare for a repeat of some of the personal experiences that occurred back in 2014.
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 2* Scorpio
Sun or Moon are in or around 2* Taurus (opposition)
2* Scorpio is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
2* Scorpio 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 and an investigation of the current solar revolution chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.
“Sue Ward’s new horary astrology course book, which takes up the tradition as laid out by the celebrated 17th Century astrologer William Lilly, could not have been published at a more appropriate point in time.[…]
To read the full review of this remarkable book, which, in my opinion, sets a new benchmark, click the link below:
Peter Stockinger's Traditional Astrology Weblog 