- by Roy Kirkland
An eclipse with Jupiter as its lord usually brings relief to situations signified by the natal planet to which it is joined. These eclipses are also famous for flashes of insight that solve seemingly intractable problems, but this may also happen if the eclipse occurs in the 9th house and connects with natal Mercury.
Positive eclipses on natal Jupiter can bring forth helpful allies, supporters and enhance one’s acceptance by others. They can help financial plans come together. In business horoscopes, this is a good sign for an influx of capital, or new personnel that can make a difference in sales, marketing, or other means of expanding the company’s territory or vision. Negative Jovian eclipses are about things falling apart: they are infamous in legal issues and business launches that do not turn out well.
Things slow down when Saturn rules an eclipse. Saturn’s eclipses seem to represent the limits that nature or society places on us. Saturn eclipses do, however, anchor our responsibilities and authority, and bring our attention to things that must be done to improve our personal or financial security.
Favorable eclipses on natal Saturn are often surprising, in that they can give us success and power in business matters, and establish us in a stable financial position, especially if they occur in the 10th or 11th houses. They inspire caution, perseverance and patience. Difficult eclipses on Saturn bring up all sorts of restrictions, misfortunes, delays and obstacles, and sometimes, the onset of chronic problems. They can really tarnish the image and make us look bad to others.
Eclipses involving Uranus, Neptune and Pluto certainly show profound effects, but only when they are powerfully active in the natal or eclipse chart. They can be considered active when situated on the Midheaven or Ascendant, or in close aspect to the Sun or Moon of the Natal chart. In the eclipse chart, one of these planets would have to be closely conjunct, opposite or (sometimes) square to the eclipse point, or on the local horizon or meridian to qualify as significant.
An eclipse conjunct or opposite transiting Uranus will always provide a surprise according to the nature and disposition of the natal planet it contacts. If that natal planet is Saturn, old and stale conditions might be broken up once and for all. If that planet is the Sun, one might drop one activity or interest completely in order to pursue something new or more exciting.
Eclipses to natal Uranus have shocking effects - they can initiate a conflict between the need for freedom and the sense of responsibility. If transiting Saturn is configured with the eclipse point, it can burden us with a responsibility that limits our freedom. They can make for re-invention dramas, in which individuals dress or behave in an age or culturally inappropriate fashion in order to impress someone younger or more "hip " than themselves.
If Neptune is conjunct or opposite the eclipse degree, there is a need for caution regarding the natal planet it touches. Neptune is usually present in situations where dissolution, illusion or confusion is involved. If natal Jupiter is affected, one is at risk of seeing their money disappear, and reappear into the hands of another. If Mercury is affected, plans or activities may be undermined by false information.
Eclipses to natal Neptune can enhance self destructive patterns or cause deception and trouble in business. They can represent separations if natally configured with Saturn, but if the eclipse is positive and Neptune has a favorable relationship with Jupiter, it may answer one’s prayers.
Tiny Pluto, despite its demotion to "dwarf planet " status, can be the anchor for powerful eclipse effects. Plutonian eclipses are transformative, but never polite or comfortable. They are famous for initiating power struggles, and drastic or dramatic events and actions.
When a troublesome eclipse lands on natal Pluto, the results of one’s errors, large and small, seem to manifest, especially if Mars is involved: one may even find oneself in a physically dangerous situation. They can bring toil and responsibilities when with Saturn, but with Jupiter, one may be freed from limitations. Pluto is always about letting go. Those who suffer from the effects of Pluto do so because they are holding on to something "toxic ": whether it be a relationship, an activity or an idea. Remember though, that the outer planets must be prominent in some way to fully express the effects of an eclipse.
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