- by Roy Kirkland
An easy way to determine what eclipses do is to think of the way computers work. At any one time, you may have several programs running, which, astrologically, would be the Solar and Lunar returns, progressions, transits, planetary periods and so forth. Every once and a while, the computer’s memory has a traffic jam, especially when new programs are installed or uninstalled. In order to clear the active instruction set so that the new instruction set can take over, the computer is turned off and back on again. This process is called re-booting. In astrology, this is what eclipses do.
Eclipses can bring both bad news and good news. Sometimes they can de-activate planetary combinations and cause losses or force one to let go, and sometimes they can activate combinations in the chart that could not express themselves otherwise.
The total Lunar eclipse of March 3rd, 2007 fell in the 13th degree of Virgo. In the chart of Al Gore, environmental activist, this is the midpoint of Saturn/Neptune, Mars/Neptune, Venus/Jupiter and Moon/Venus – the latter two by opposition. His film, "An Inconvenient Truth" (Neptune=inconvenient, Saturn=truth) about global warming (Mars=heating, Neptune=gases & toxins) won the Academy Award as best documentary (Neptune=film, Saturn=practical, true, Jupiter=prize) and also was a major player in netting him the Nobel Peace (Venus) Prize (Jupiter). It was one of the most popular (Moon) documentaries in the history of film-making.
When an eclipse falls on your Sun, you will definitely attract the attention of others. An eclipse on your Sun supported by positive planetary aspects and midpoint structures can bring promotions, publicity and fame. If it is a challenging eclipse, others are likely to "point the finger " at you, and mistakes are brought to light, as if you are getting a critical review on the job.
Eclipses to the Sun are easy to find: they will happen within 5 days on either side of your birthday. You can also look for the corresponding dates 3 and 6 months before and after the birthday to find days on which eclipses are especially important. The reason for this is that the Sun moves at approximately 1 degree per day, which means that 90 days, or approximately 3 months away from the birthday, a square aspect would exist, and in 180 days (around 6 months) the opposition would form. Of course, if you have a program or ephemeris, this easy method could be dispensed with.
U.S. President George Bush experienced a Solar eclipse on his Sun approximately 3 months before his birthday, on April 8th 2005, with Saturn forming a close aspect to the eclipse point. This was a time when he suffered constant criticism for his handling of the war in Iraq, the national budget, and eventually Hurricane Katrina.
An eclipse on the natal Moon usually predicts new conditions regarding home or family. Since the Moon is associated with the rhythms of the body and the routines of life, these eclipses will often disturb them, precipitating wellness issues, changes of residence, births, and, for both sexes but especially men, difficulties in relationships with women (or attepts to establish new relationships with women).
Especially if the natal Moon is prominent in some way (near the ascendant or midheaven), an eclipse on it may also result in sudden changes in one’s public image, or even a re-invention of their persona. Therefore, a favorable eclipse here could be very beneficial for a politician or show business personality. The Moon, however, is the fastest moving of the astrological planets, so an accurate chart is necessary for reliable prediction based on eclipses to the Moon.
If Mercury is ruler of the eclipse, there may be sudden news or travel. The planet in your horoscope with which the eclipse connects will reveal the nature of this news, or the purpose of the travel.
A positive eclipse on natal Mercury can show brilliant effects in negotiations, trade and commerce. False statements, confusion, problematic business deals, difficulties during travel, and theft are likely outcomes when a challenging eclipse targets Mercury, especially if an eclipse like this occurs in your natal 12th house.
If Venus is ruler of an eclipse, money matters are under focus. If the eclipse occurs on your Jupiter, there is more money, on Saturn there is less. The source of the money is indicated by planets in approaching aspect to the eclipse degree, i.e. Mercury: from a document signing, Saturn: from the father or a trust fund, and so on. If the eclipse has problematic associations, the appearance or income may be facing troubles.
Never underestimate the power of natal Venus when it is eclipsed. It is almost certain that relationships will be "kicked up a notch. " Positive Venus eclipses help make life more beautiful or comfortable and can bring proposals or other acts of romantic commitment. Difficult eclipses on Venus can damage beautiful or cherished possessions, or disturb relationships with friends and romantic partners. Both types can create lazy or overly accepting attitudes.
If Mars is the eclipse lord, the survival instincts and combative energies are drawn upon to help you face challenging situations. The area of life being challenged can be identified by the point in your chart on which the eclipse falls. If the Midheaven is involved, it is a challenge at work; if the Descendant, a relationship becomes the center of action. When these eclipses are difficult, one suffers from criticism or imposition.
Eclipses to natal Mars inspire boldness, aggressiveness and courage. This is an excellent eclipse for anyone involved in competition. Negative eclipses to Mars are similar in effect, but cause one to become a victim of ill-timed or poorly considered actions.
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