Solar Eclipse – 1/4/2011

Its eclipse season again! This most recent round started off with the full moon lunar eclipse that peaked at approximately 3:15am EST on Tuesday, December 21. Now the follow up to this initial eclipse is the new moon solar eclipse which peaks at approximately 4:03am EST on Tuesday, January 4.

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 particular solar eclipse occurs at 14° Capricorn and will be in a difficult square aspect to Saturn at 17° Libra. It will also be in a wide conjunction with both Mars and Pluto in Capricorn. Depending on where this lands in your own personal natal chart, this eclipse is likely to lead to the start of some type of new initiative that requires an inner transformation in order to move forward. With Saturn in a close square to this eclipse, any new endeavors will start slowly but with proper adjustment can lead to eventual success. Most of the required adjustments are of an inner nature as it is our own sense of disempowerment that must be dealt with before we can move forward.

The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 14° Capricorn. 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 4^th house which is the house covering home, family, emotions, and our ‘bottom line’. For me (and everyone else who has 14° Capricorn in their 4^th house) this could mark a new beginning related to a place of residence or to a new sense of inner fortitude. The square to Saturn, in this case, is from the 4^th house to the 1^st house of self, image, and personality. For me this could be a time where I am faced with some moral dilemmas and other difficult decisions possibly related to where I live but also, more importantly, related to how I live. I will be challenged to set some boundaries and stick to them while also releasing old boundaries that no longer serve their purpose. Sounds like fun.

In general, this eclipse also falls at the midpoint of the Venus/Neptune square which perfects within minutes of the eclipse itself. In fact, a Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, a Venus/Jupiter trine, and a Venus/Uranus trine all perfect within a few hours of the eclipse as well! There’s lots of planetary activity occurring early on the morning of January 4^th! These energies add some dynamics to the eclipse and promise that the growth we can experience now make the required patience worth it as long as we are realistic. This eclipse will have a way of ushering in the realities that we have refused to face up to this point.

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 solar 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 Solar Eclipse Configurations

Solar Eclipse – Sun/Moon @ 14° Capricorn

Saturn – 17° Libra

Mars – 21° Capricorn

Pluto – 5° Capricorn

The effects of this eclipse may ripple out as long as a few months with initial conditions starting at or near the eclipse date (January 4, 2011).

General Advice:

New developments and endeavors can happen now but we need to be realistic about how we go about them. We also need to grow beyond our own inner sense of disempowerment if we are to experience our full empowerment and head toward our goals. Strength and courage are indicated so we are more likely to take a chance on things even if we know it will hurt.

Good luck!

To find out where all of this is happening in your own personal natal chart and for a look at other configurations currently showing up in your chart schedule a personal consultation with me today!

Eclipse Report Sample! (now just $40!)

www.myastrochris.com

Happy Eclipse Season!

2011 (part I) – A Call for Freedom

By Maurice Fernandez

www.mauricefernandez.com

Greetings Everyone!

2010 is almost over leaving most of us marked quite deeply by its tempestuous passage. Astrologically speaking, it was no surprise as it seems that whoever is behind the organization of planetary positions ensured that the blend of intensity would hurl everything into the mix including the kitchen sink and in high doses. Some of us managed to harness the strong forces at play in order to crack open patterns and access completely new ground while others were essentially ravaged by the elements; the majority of us ended up somewhere in the middle, having fluctuated between breakthroughs and breakdowns.

Looking back, 2010 was a year that propelled people forward whether by choice or by circumstance…the urge to “take the plunge” was compelling…some made the leap consciously, while others felt pushed into it. And yet, with this strong calling for change, many felt they were simultaneously held back and not able to go forward all the way; the future was calling, but the past—often unyielding and asking for its dues—left many in the twilight zone, sometimes trapped in frustration.

The series of events that manifested under the 2010 planetary cycle was surely shocking, and at times truly bizarre: perhaps symbolically, European airports, especially Heathrow, in England, reflected the bewilderment when repeatedly pounded by strikes, extreme weather conditions, or volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano that stalled all activities. On other shores, the series of Haitian plagues have almost become casual news, and the trauma of the Gulf spill remains deeply marked in our consciousness—along with new and controversial figures like Assange—a public outcry was fostered against the misuse of power by those in authority.

This intensity continues until the very last days of 2010 since a dramatic and tight lunar eclipse conjuncts December’s solstice point, generating a new wave of intensity throughout the month. When I wrote an article last year about the then coming year of 2010, I predicted that by the end of it, one’s life would not be the same; this seems to have held true: all around me I see the entire planet earth in transition, with the past left behind and not yet fully integrated into the future.

We step into 2011 in that state of transition, excited, bewildered, overwhelmed, and some of us completely renewed. Like previous articles of this kind, I will attempt to explain the planetary cycles ahead while keeping the language accessible to non-astrologers; basic terms will be utilized.

From a planetary standpoint, I would say that 2011 actually begins around January 20^th when the planet Jupiter moves into the sign of Aries. Jupiter will rush through the sign of Aries, remaining only 5 months in that sign until early June (unlike other Jupiter passages that typically last about a year in a sign). This accelerated motion seems to capture the character of the times ahead. The pace will be sped up, particularly during the first half of the year. We may envision the energy of Jupiter in Aries much like an uncompromising force: raw in its expression, and highly charged emotionally. There is a peak excitement, a surge of adrenaline, and a powerful eruption of creative energy; it is a birthing process, catapulting us into newness and action. A new phase of your life is now actively in the making!

This particular cycle receives considerable support from a series of other planets joining Jupiter in Aries, creating a climax, perhaps orgasmic, when by the April 2^nd new Moon, 7 planets (Eris included) will be aligned in this sign! It is not possible to remain still or indifferent under such a concentration of energy and the answer is to take action! People will be highly inspired to act, change, and follow their truth. This is not a time to succumb to anxiety or insecurities—it is about risk and action. The need for autonomy and breaking away from any form of external control will be tremendous…almost unstoppable.

Those who have a background in astrology will find it significant to pinpoint where the sign of Aries is located in their charts to identify the area of focus where this burst of change and creativity will be most active.

Along with the fiery energy of Aries, the nodal axis moves from Cancer/Capricorn into Gemini/Sagittarius by March—the good news about it is that compared to 2010, this shift is bound to infuse more lightness into the year as it fosters motion to help energy circulate more fluidly.

If (as I mentioned earlier) during 2010, people were caught between the future and the unyielding past, by the first quarter of 2011 the shackles will be severed and the motion focused primarily forward. This powerfully expressive and uncompromising energy awakens the primal self in people: the warrior, the creator, and the dissident. It is time for the instincts to lead rather than the mind, potentially bringing interesting developments: more protest and activism, new projects being launched, and leadership redefinition. It is going to be loud… At its worst, this form of release will unleash aggression, as repressed emotions may erupt destructively. The compelling need for independence may foster ruptures. At its best, it is a call for freedom—a myriad of seeds will be planted to eventually remodel all forms and structures of our lives. Along with the emergence of new life, the past will claim that debts be paid and require us to relinquish something. This may manifest as a difficult rupture and/or sacrifice for some.

Along with this fire raging in our soul and lighting up the skies, an equally unique manifestation occurs in early April: the planet Neptune moves temporarily into its own sign of Pisces, for the duration of 4 months only (April-August). Neptune will move decisively into Pisces by February 2012 for approximately 14 years.

In simple terms Neptune represents all that we cannot control—that which came before civilization and human intervention. Thus, as it travels through the sign of Pisces, humans will be in the hands of the greater elements, nature, and the infinite cosmos. With Neptune in Pisces, the limit is beyond what the mind conceives, higher than the sky, way past the horizon…but be warned: without inner centeredness and integrity as guiding principles, this vastness is a maze that may blur our senses, potentially generating false perceptions, and thus, disorientation and debilitation. Natural events of extreme nature are bound to continue affecting our existence. With Neptune in Pisces, nature has a stronger hand over civilization.

The deeper message is that the influence of Neptune through Pisces provides a larger context, a profound and more distant calling, or a more “religious” inspiration to the previously described influence of planets in Aries responsible for the surge of creativity. The sum of it all represents a wide open field where chaos and creation collide—a space for higher inspiration, adventure, risk, unexpected results, unrestrained expression, wildness, instability, magic, and self-dedication; the spirit wants not only to be freed, but to answer a deeper calling! While security in material realms will be fleeting, one may find clarity and strength in higher dedication. (For a full article written by Maurice Fernandez on Neptune in Pisces, read the forthcoming issue of The Mountain Astrologer magazine—July/August 2011 issue).

From July onward, the climate shifts and the concentrated planetary influences are more diluted. The new seeds planted during the first part of the year will pass through a “test of time,” and of all the new initiatives, only a few will manage to truly take root—credibility will be tested. Indeed, the second part of 2011 is mostly about grounding the energy and nourishing it. From a career standpoint, it will be time to assess what brings adequate remuneration out of the new projects. From a spiritual point of view, it is about integrating the vastness of higher inspiration and vision within the confines of time and space…while the spirit demands its freedom, it still needs to demonstrate substantial promise “down here!” Thus, excesses, far-fetched ideals, or visions too far ahead of their time will falter.

In simple terms, I strongly encourage you to utilize the energy of the first months of 2011, particularly from the end of January until the end of June, to step out of your comfort zone and advance your life. Despite economic strain and collective insecurities, it is a time to step out and conquer life. If you want to promote a new project, embark on a journey, or break free from unfulfilling life conditions, this will be a time to dismantle the shackles—this is your time! Do risk and be prepared for an acceleration of processes. Along with inspiration and highs, expect crashes too because this energy is volatile, and like riding an untamed horse, it will try to shake you off balance at times. However, with all the risks involved, this time is unique: truly, a portal to a new dimension of yourself.

You will be inspired to follow your truth in all autonomy and without compromise—this call for freedom can at times compromise cooperation. To avoid whimsical or merely reactive behavior, I emphasize again that actions must serve a greater context, not solely immediate personal needs.

Importantly, this energy can at times make you feel invincible and thus neglectful about self care. Lack of sleep, overstimulation of adrenals and energy crashes, or migraines are possible repercussions. It is best avoid caffeine during these months because you will be stimulated enough from stardust. Physical exercise will be tremendously helpful to provide an outlet for the internal buildup…the body will need to sweat and motion will bring inspiration, helping to circulate the flow.

Timeline:

January 20: Jupiter moves into Aries until June 4, 2011 – The freedom of spirit.

March 3: The Nodes move into Gemini/Sagittarius until August 2012 – Circulation and exchange.

March 12: Uranus moves into Aries until 2018 – Intelligent action to create a new future.

April 2 and 3: New Moon in Aries aligning 7 planets in the sign – Breaking away from the past.

March 4: Neptune moves into Pisces until August 6 2011 (and then from February 2012-2025) – Aligning our core with needs greater than our own.

June 6: Jupiter moves into Taurus – Integrating spirit into matter.

May we all have the courage to bring forth the best of ourselves: to heal, inspire, and create, while guided by heart. Allow the internal hero to emerge and do not wait to be rescued by another. Importantly, save yourselves from being self-righteousness …whatever truth you wish to bring forth, allow that truth to speak for itself with grace.

May love guide your way;

Maurice Fernandez

Total Lunar Eclipse – 12/21/2010

Its eclipse season again! This next round starts off with the TOTAL full moon lunar eclipse that peaks at approximately 12:15am EST on Tuesday, December 21. This total lunar eclipse is also occurring on the winter solstice and in alignment with the galactic center making this a truly RARE event! There’s actually more in terms of a planetary ‘alignment’ going on for this winter solstice than there will be for the fabled December 21, 2012 winter solstice. Exciting! AND it will actually be visible (weather permitting) across most of the US!!

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 total lunar eclipse will peak at approximately 29° Gemini 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 29° Gemini. 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 29° Gemini 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 Jupiter and Uranus in my 7^th house of partnership, cooperation, clients and marriage as well as challenging aspects to Pluto and Mercury in my 4^th house of home, security, emotions, and family. 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 job. It’s fitting that I have a potential new business partnership venture that may ignite this week! This opportunity would also be well outside of my typical comfort zone for earning money. We will see!

In general, this eclipse falls within an opposition to Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn so this will intensify its effects. Also, for this particular eclipse, Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces are in challenging aspects so this will add some sense of surprise and change with any culmination that occurs allowing for new conditions to form quickly. 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 open to surprise adjustments. This may include a contract that rearranges your typical mode of operation.

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 Total Lunar Eclipse Configurations

Lunar Eclipse - Moon @ 29° Gemini, Sun @ 29° Sagittarius

Uranus - 27° Pisces

Neptune - 26° Aquarius

Mercury - 26° Sagittarius

Jupiter - 25° Pisces

Pluto - 4° Capricorn

The effects of this eclipse could have been felt as early as mid-December 2010 and may be felt through the upcoming spring of 2011!

For information regarding how the effects of this and the next eclipse (Jan 4, 2011) may manifest in your life email me at: readings@myastrochris.com!

Happy Eclipse Season!!!