Lunar Eclipse – 12/31/2009

Its eclipse season again! This next round starts off with the full moon lunar eclipse that peaks at approximately 2:13pm EST on Thursday, December 31 (New Years Eve).

Eclipses usually occur two weeks apart from each other twice per year. Each series typically includes a lunar eclipse followed by a solar eclipse or vice versa. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is partially blocking the moon from the sun during a full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun from the Earth during a new moon. Full moons and new moons represent astrologically potent time periods anyway, but the eclipses just add some amplification and usually a little dose of the unexpected!

Astrologically speaking, new moons are generally a time of sowing seeds while full moons are a time of reaping what we sow. Where a new moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of new beginnings and laying new foundations in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Where a full moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of sudden awareness, revelation, culmination and completion in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Eclipses just add some spice and surprise to these time periods.

Ancient astrologers saw eclipse seasons as especially potent time periods with regards to wars and the fate of nations. I personally prefer to look at eclipses relative to the lives and relationships of individuals. In this regard, eclipse seasons are often potent times for unexpected change in terms of surprise new beginnings and to final culminations of things which have been building for some time.

This current lunar eclipse will peak at approximately 10° Cancer and it will be in conjunction with the south node of the moon. This represents a time of culmination, release, and filtering of energy. When we are open and flexible in the face of change, this can be a rewarding time where we experience the culmination of past efforts. If we have been creating against our best interests or if we have been keeping things under the surface, this may mark a stressful time of culmination with regards to the release of our secrets or the results of our less than stellar creations. The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 10° Cancer. You would need to consult your own natal chart to find out where this position falls for you.

For example, this point falls in my natal 10^th house which is the house covering career, reputation, achievement, and recognition. For me (and everyone else who has 10° Cancer in their 10^th house) this could mark a culmination and release related to career aims and my place in the world. This eclipse includes challenging aspects to Venus, Pluto, and Mercury in my 4^th house of home, security, emotions, and family as well as challenging aspects to Saturn in my 1^st house of image, personality, and physical body. This may mark a time for me where I release some old ideas ingrained into me from childhood with regards to the career path I should take and in terms of what constitutes a worthy career path. I have certainly been struggling with this in my life lately and, with my parents visiting me from out of town less than a week after this eclipse, the timing may signify some stimulation of buried foundational concepts that need to be brought up for the purpose of clearing so that I can pursue my intended path with less reticence. Could be pretty intense!

My natal Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn lie between 8° and 12° of their respective signs and form what is known as a Yod. A Yod is a configuration that represents work that needs to be completed in this lifetime. This Yod will be highlighted by the lunar eclipse suggesting that the themes of the eclipse may have long-range implications. For example, it would be wise for me to ensure that I release any old habits and parental influences that no longer serve me if I intend to move forward with my personal path!

In general, this eclipse falls within an opposition to Venus, Pluto, and Mercury in Capricorn so this will intensify its effects. Also, for this particular eclipse, Saturn in Libra is in a challenging aspect so this will add some sense of restructuring and change with any culmination that occurs allowing for new conditions to form but not without resistance. Whatever this leads to for you, it may feel like a massive release and lightening of a load on your shoulders but only if you are willing to make the needed adjustments.

The combination of the house location of the eclipse, its aspects to other current planets, and its aspects to the personal natal planets yields a very unique interpretation for each individual. For the best results in this case, find out where this lunar eclipse and the other planets involved fall in your natal chart. Then find any planets or personal points in your natal chart that are also aspected by these configurations.

Location of Current Lunar Eclipse Configurations

Lunar Eclipse - Moon @ 10° Cancer, Sun @ 10° Capricorn

Venus - 7° Capricorn

Pluto - 3° Capricorn

Mercury - 19° Capricorn

Saturn - 4° Libra

The effects of this eclipse could have been felt as early as the last week of December 2009 and may be felt through the upcoming spring!

For information regarding how the effects of this and the next eclipse (Jan 15, 2010) may manifest in your life email me through my website.

Eclipse Report Sample!

Happy Eclipse Season!!!

www.myastrochris.com

Saturn Opposite Uranus: “Change: Resist or Engage?”

From November 2008 through August 2010, the outer planets Saturn and Uranus are forming an opposition (180°) with one another for the first time since the mid-to-late 1960’s. This pits the planet representing form, structure, rules, resistance, and fear (Saturn) at odds with the planet representing freedom, originality, rebellion, individuality, and collective consciousness (Uranus).

Just like with the Moon’s phases, the other planetary bodies go through their own phases relative to the Earth. Like a New Moon, the start of any coupled planetary cycle begins with their conjunction (same location in the sky). As the faster planet moves away from the slower planet, eventually it comes to a 90° angle (waxing square) to it, followed by the 180° opposition (like a Full Moon), the second 90° angle (waning square), and then the cycle finishes when a new cycle between the planets is born at the next conjunction. See below for the basic outline of the process including the associated energy of each of these important climax points in the planetary cycles:

Conjunction (0°) – Birth and creation.

Waxing Square (90°) – Tension due to growth.

Opposition (180°) – Culmination and results.

Waning Square (270°) – Tension due to decay.

The Saturn/Uranus cycle takes approximately 45 years to complete and represents a conservative cycle as the resistant energies of Saturn seemingly squash the freedom-seeking energy of Uranus. This cycle represents things like capitalism and imperialism, heavy industry, investments, and the stock market for example. Usually, at the start of these cycles, conservative decisions tend to be hatched and these decisions and values are reflected in how money is invested and distributed during these times.

As time moves on, there is usually some tension related to those decisions that come up for review around 11-12 years later when Saturn and Uranus make their first (waxing) square to each other. Then another 11-12 years goes by and Saturn makes an opposition to Uranus. Just like our current period, this is the time where the culmination or results of those ideas and of the decision making that started at the conjunction bear their fruit. Then the second (waning) square represents a time of decay and last minute decisions related to the same energies birthed at the start of the cycle.

Below is a look at the most recent complete Saturn/Uranus cycle relative to US issues and concerns, followed by a look at where we are in the current Saturn/Uranus cycle. I also include a few tidbits of information regarding those periods in terms of the US that I will discuss later.

Saturn/Uranus Cycle (early 1940’s – late 1980’s)

Saturn conjunct Uranus (April 1942)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s radio address, “Total War and Total Effort”, on US spending for war purposes.

Saturn waxing square to Uranus (November 1951 - October 1952)

US signs peace treaties with Japan.

Saturn opposite Uranus (March 1965 - January 1967)

America takes charge in Vietnam War; Medicare Act implemented; Unrest in the US.

Saturn waning square to Uranus (June 1976 - May 1977)

Carter returns control of Panama Canal to Panama.

It appears that the themes for this cycle related mostly to the US focus on defense spending and the military. Part of the decisions to spend more on war efforts during WWII eventually lead to the need to spend more on health care and other previously neglected domestic issues by the time things culminated at the Saturn/Uranus opposition from 1965-1967. This led to, among other things, the implementation of the Medicare Act in 1965.

Also, this conservative focus on spending on defense and the military that was necessary in the early 1940’s resulted in the USA’s eventual involvement in more questionable foreign affairs like the war in Vietnam by the time this cycle culminated at the Saturn/Uranus opposition (1965-1967).

Saturn/Uranus Cycle (late 1980’s – early 2030’s)

Saturn conjunct Uranus (January 1988 - November 1988)

Health care cost crisis leads to reduction in government spending on health care; In September 1988, the US Dept. of Commerce approved shipment of weapons grade anthrax and botulinum to Iraq.

Saturn waxing square to Uranus (July 1999 - May 2000)

Bush administration ready to take over; Import sanctions with Iran were eased; Worries about increases in health care costs.

*Saturn opposite Uranus (November 2008 - August 2010)*

Health care debate peaks regarding government involvement. Also, could our decisions to approve shipments of anthrax and botulinum to Iraq combined with eased sanctions with Iran come to culmination for the US in some way during this period??

The themes for the most recent Saturn/Uranus cycle appear to involve a heavy emphasis on government spending for health care as well as on intended or unintended involvement with potential war supplies to and from the Middle East. It’s no surprise that right at the peak of the current Saturn/Uranus opposition culmination period that we are being forced to look at the results of some more conservative health care spending decisions from the late 1980’s when Reagan and Bush, Sr. were at the helm. Now is a time to engage in much needed change and to bring new structure to a system that isn’t working properly.

I only hope that we do not see any fallout related to any weaponry that may have been gained in the Middle East associated with this cycle. But it may be that conflict between Iraq and Iran during this current time may be partially due to some decisions made during the Saturn/Uranus conjunction in the late 1980’s and with the waxing square at the turn of the millennium.

Regardless of what actually occurs during this current time period, the Saturn/Uranus opposition of which we are currently in the midst is about the battle or tension between change (Uranus) and the status quo (Saturn). In fact, when we look at the exact oppositions between Saturn and Uranus during this current time period, so far we can easily see this theme of choosing between the new and the old ways of doing things.

Saturn/Uranus EXACT Oppositions (+/- 1-2 weeks on each side of these dates)

November 4, 2008

Barak Obama becomes the first African-American to be elected president in the US.

February 5, 2009

Obama mandates salary cap for corporate executives that want bailout funds.

September 15, 2009

Health care debate reaches a crisis point. Fear and resistance (Saturn) stall efforts for reform (Uranus).

April 26, 2010 - ??

July 26, 2010 - ??

Also, when we think of what the atmosphere was like during the last Saturn/Uranus opposition in the mid-late 1960’s, it is hard not to draw some similarities. Both then (Vietnam) and today (Iraq), there is a war occurring that is questionable at best in terms of our country’s involvement. Back then there was a massive fear-based resistance to change (Saturn) with regards to equal rights and freedom (Uranus). This led to violent uprisings and even assassinations. That same type of tension is occurring now as it is hard to ignore the intense level of resistance to change that is present. The health care issue seems to be taking center stage as the scapegoat for this type of realization. However, in reality this energy would play itself out in whatever way for which we presented it an opportunity.

Advice for American Leaders and the People

When Saturn and Uranus oppose one another it is time to assess where we have been (Saturn) and to make adjustments (Uranus) with regards to where we are going. Change is eminent during these times and the level of tension due to that change is directly related to the level of engagement with that change versus the level of resistance to that change. It would be easy to read this article and to judge that being on the resistor side (Republicans) is ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’ and that being on the change side (Democrats) is ‘good’ or ‘right’. But there is no 'right' or 'wrong' side in this case. There is just a beneficial approach or a harmful approach to this time and both sides of the argument are contributing to the benefit or the detriment.

The beneficial way to approach this time period is to merge the old and the new and to create a new structure (Saturn) that reflects the needs of today and tomorrow (Uranus) rather than the needs of yesterday. If both parties recognize that change is necessary and then mutually engage in the solution process to form (Saturn) a plan that incorporates much needed change (Uranus), then this time period would be utilized to its optimal potential.

However, if one side plays the role of resistor that spreads fear (Saturn) and the other plays the role of radical revolutionary (Uranus), then both sides are contributing to the more detrimental potentials of this current time period. As long as each side refuses to see value in the ultimate intentions of the other side then this time period could yield similar violence and upheaval that we saw in the mid-late 1960’s. But even through that turbulent time, progress was eventually made. Ultimately it is up to us and our leaders whether we get through this time in a peaceful and cooperative manner or in a potentially violent manner.

Remember that the ultimate intention of this time period is embracing much needed change to create structures (Saturn) that better reflect modern needs (Uranus). Laying our fear of change to rest is the first step in the process.

For this particular time period perhaps Billy Joel said it best in his song, “Keeping the Faith”, when he said, “the good ol' days weren't always good and tomorrow aint as bad as it seems”.

And so it is…

Readers, if you enjoyed the content of this type of article, please check back as I will be posting articles soon related to other planetary cycles which are at major turning points over the next few years as well. Stay tuned!

www.myastrochris.com

2009 Summer Eclipses Report (Sample)

1. Partial Lunar Eclipse – July 7 – 15° Capricorn
2. Total Solar Eclipse – July 21 – 29° Cancer
3. Partial Lunar Eclipse – August 5 – 14° Aquarius

Natal Chart (click to enlarge)

1. Partial Lunar Eclipse – July 7 – 15° Capricorn

Where this lands…

This lands with the Sun in your natal 4^th house and the Moon in your natal 10^th house. This intensified Full Moon also makes a supportive trine aspect to Saturn in your natal 6^th house.

What natal points/planets are involved…

This puts the Sun in a conjunction with your natal Sun/Jupiter conjunction in your natal 4^th house as the Moon opposes this configuration from the 10^th house. The trine from your natal Uranus/Pluto conjunction in your 6^th house to your natal Moon in your 2^nd house is also involved as the Moon forms the third leg of a grand trine with this natal trine.

What does it all mean…

An intense culmination is occurring in the realm of your career, reputation and public status. You are a person who has a difficult time working for other people and the need to be independent, unique and in control of your daily routines is very important to you. This eclipse suggests that you may have been waiting for some solid and reliable way to be in charge of yourself and your daily service and routines.

Usually working for yourself inherently means that obtaining clientele is less reliable. But over the next few months you may just see some reliable formation of routines/clientele that aligns with your unique and self-oriented longings in those realms. This could also open up some new forms or more steady flows of income, all of which may hinge upon your home situation. Either you will be working more out of your home or you may have to adjust the location of your home or the amount of time you spend there to accommodate the adjustments in your daily routines. All of this will have you feeling like your role in the world has adjusted…hopefully for the better!

Expect action related to these energies to come forth around mid to late September 2009 (if not sooner)!

2. Total Solar Eclipse – July 21 – 29° Cancer

Where this lands…

The most intense solar eclipse of the century occurs in your natal 5^th house and makes a supportive trine aspect to Uranus in your 12^th house on your Ascendant.

What natal points/planets are involved…

This lands within orb of a conjunction to your natal Sun (i.e. near your birthday) in the 4^th house (5^th house cusp) and it forms a supportive trine to your natal Saturn in the 1^st house close to the Ascendant.

What does it all mean…

You are someone that tends to be relatively reclusive and you hold back your impulses and creative drives. As I see it, this eclipse has one purpose for you…breaking creative blocks! These next few months will see you breaking down some old creative blocks in order to allow a better flow of creativity into your life. Uranus has crept up to your Ascendant recently and has left you feeling like you need to break free and be you! This will intensify in 2010 but for now the universe is allowing you an opportunity to clear the way for the very unique person that you are. This could include breaking off useless romantic attachments as well which could pave the way for more fulfilling ones later. But the main message is to break you out of your shell and remove your self-limiting tendencies so that you may be more authentically creative!

Its time to let go of those self-limiting rules and “shoulds” that have plagued you at times when you have had a truly fulfilling idea or direction for your life. Stop holding yourself back! This eclipse will help warm you up to the new you whether you are ready for it or not.

Expect action related to these energies to come forth around mid-October 2009 (if not sooner)!

3. Partial Lunar Eclipse – August 5 – 14° Aquarius

Where this lands…

This lands with the Sun in your natal 5^th house and the Moon in your natal 11^th house. Mars will be making a supportive trine from your 3^rd house and Jupiter will be within orb of a conjunction to the Moon from your 12^th house.

What natal points/planets are involved…

This places the Sun in a conjunction with your natal Mercury in your 5^th house while the Moon opposes Mercury from the 11^th house. Also, since your natal Mercury forms the apex of a T-square configuration involving your natal Neptune/Moon opposing from your 8^th to 2^nd houses this entire configuration is involved as well. In addition, your natal Venus in your 3^rd house will be supported.

What does it all mean…

You have always had trouble balancing your mind with your emotions/heart and your experiences with the supernatural and psychic phenomenon have always been difficult to communicate to others. At some point though, something clicks and you suddenly feel like it just may be possible to share some of your deep insights and come to a point where, despite the challenge, you find that there is a way to have an experience that simultaneously includes logic and intuition. This eclipse may just signify one of those times!

An intense culmination in the realm of your hopes, wishes, goals and groups/friends related to these endeavors is occurring in your life. You are feeling supported for these goals etc. and these goals may include writing, speaking or in some way expressing your unique insights from both logical and intuitive realms. Just when people need your advice, you will be there. You may even find that these insights could yield another source of income! Or at least they will contribute to an expanded sense of self-worth as you see the value that people are receiving from your wisdom.

Expect the energies related to this to come forth over a general period from mid-late Nov 2009 through early May 2010 (if not sooner)!

www.myastrochris.com

Lunar Eclipse, Round 2

This wraps up the third eclipse in this series. It all ends with the full moon lunar eclipse that peaks at approximately 8:55pm EDT on Wednesday, August 5.

Eclipses usually occur two weeks apart from each other twice per year. Each series typically includes a lunar eclipse followed by a solar eclipse or vice versa. But for the first time in 7 years, we have experienced a lunar eclipse (July 7), solar eclipse (July 21), and finally this last lunar eclipse (August 5). A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is partially blocking the moon from the sun during a full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun from the Earth during a new moon. Full moons and new moons are astrologically potent time periods anyway, but the eclipses just add some amplification and usually a little dose of the unexpected!

Astrologically speaking, new moons are generally a time of sowing seeds while full moons are a time of reaping what we sow. Where a new moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of new beginnings and laying new foundations in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Where a full moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of sudden awareness, revelation, culmination and completion in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Eclipses just add some spice and surprise to these time periods.

Ancient astrologers saw eclipse seasons as especially potent time periods with regards to wars and the fate of nations. I personally prefer to look at eclipses relative to the lives and relationships of individuals. In this regard, eclipse seasons are often potent times for unexpected change in terms of surprise new beginnings and to final culminations of things which have been building for some time.

This current lunar eclipse will peak at approximately 14° Aquarius and it will be in conjunction with the north node of the moon. This represents a time of culmination and an influx of energy. When we are open and flexible in the face of change, this can be a rewarding time where we experience the culmination of past efforts. If we have been creating against our best interests or if we have been keeping things under the surface, this may mark a stressful time of culmination with regards to the release of our secrets or the results of our less than stellar creations. The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 14° Aquarius. You would need to consult your own natal chart to find out where this position falls for you.

For example, this point falls in my natal 5^th house which is the house covering expression, fun, romance, authentic creativity, and our human creations (i.e. our children). For me and everyone else who has 14° Aquarius in their 5^th house this could mark the culmination of a creative project, a budding romance, or a shining moment for our children. With a supportive aspect to Mars in my 9^th house of long distance travel, communication, and publishing the time period covered by this eclipse could very well be a time where my creations take off! Since I am currently putting together some creations with the intent of publishing (including writings here), publishing may be part of this creative opportunity! It could also possibly result in a time where I experience a romance while traveling or lecturing…and I certainly have a lot of travel and lectures lined up over the next few months!

My natal Venus lies at 12° Aquarius in my 5^th house so it will also be directly affected by this eclipse. Venus deals with things that we value like possessions (i.e. money) as well as romance, relationships and expression. In my personal chart, Venus also rules the 2^nd (values, earnings, security) and the 9^th (long distance travel, communication, and publishing) houses. These are other areas that may feel the effects of this energy. So as you can see, romance, expression, travel, lecturing and publishing are all wrapped up together in this eclipse for me…this all sounds good…but I will see how it pans out.

When other planets (current or personal natal planets) are in aspect to the eclipse it adds even more layers to the basic premise of the interpretation. For example, those people with birthdays on August 5 (+ or – several days) and February 4 (+ or – several days) will likely feel very personal experiences related to this lunar eclipse. This eclipse falls within a conjunction to Jupiter in Aquarius so this will amplify its effects. Also, for this particular eclipse, Mars in Gemini is in a beneficial aspect to the eclipse so this will add some sense of moving forward with any culmination that occurs allowing for new conditions to flow more easily and for us to take action with regards to this in our lives. Whatever this leads to for you, it may feel like a massive rushing wave pushing you forward into new territory from now through the upcoming winter!

The combination of the house location of the eclipse, its aspects to other current planets, and its aspects to the personal natal planets yields a very unique interpretation for each individual. For the best results in this case, find out where this lunar eclipse, Mars and Jupiter fall in your natal chart. Then find any planets or personal points in your natal chart that are also aspected by these configurations.

Location of Current Lunar Eclipse Configurations

Lunar Eclipse -Moon @ 14° Aquarius, Sun @ 14° Leo

Jupiter -23° Aquarius

Mars -17° Gemini

The effects of this eclipse could have been felt as early as the last week of July and may be felt through the upcoming winter!

For information regarding how the effects of this and the previous eclipses may manifest in your life contact me at: www.myastrochris.com!

Happy Eclipse Season!!!