Recent Eclipses

A CHRONOLOGY OF RECENT AND FUTURE ECLIPSES...
An overview of the all the Eclipses which have occurred since April 2005
August 2008
Unlike previous years, the second eclipse season for 2008 will take place in August and not September. Just like in February, the solar and lunar eclipses will fall in the Leo-Aquarius axis of zodiac signs and so the theme of self-actualisation and individuation continues...
As Bernadette Brady has made clear in her work in this area, every year there are two eclipse seasons, one of which originates from the North Pole; and the other, from the South Pole. The eclipse series active in August originated at the South Pole (versus the eclipse earlier in the year that originates at the North Pole) and so forms part of what she has named the 10 South Series or eclipse family. Brady associates this particular Saros cycle with the theme of breaking out of hopeless or negative situations where there is no room to manoeuvre or negotiate. She also suggests that in circumstances where people are worried about something, they might find that the problem suddenly clears up or a solution appears miraculously - a gift from the Universe that she says should be taken up without hesitation.
Given that so many of us are finding global circumstances so gloomy, it is likely that money worries may be top of your list, so this could be good news! However, eclipses are always unpredictable and so I would advise people to remember the phrase: Be careful what you wish for because it could come true! Only, with eclipses - not always in the way you expect it to...
Eclipses occur when the path of the Moon and that of the Sun cross. These happen at points on the Moon's axis known as Nodes. Every year, the Sun will first cross the Moon's path at the North Node and then, six months later, at the South Node.
This particular set of eclipses occur at the South Node of the Moon's axis and could be interpreted as less about us making conscious decisions to move towards our true purpose in life, and more about fate stepping in to get us out of ruts. In a natal chart, the South Node is considered to be an indicator of our comfort zone - where we feel confident and can therefore get stuck. Evolutionary astrologers might say that this is where our natural gifts and talents lie but also what we have already learnt or experienced in previous lives. To keep in this 'safe' or familiar zone is not to grow or to be challenged or stretched. 'Better the Devil you know than the one you don't' could be the motto of someone who is stuck in a negative but familiar South Node mode of being.
The North Node, on the other hand is really about our life's purpose. Very often this is the area of our lives where we feel least experienced or familiar. However, it is usually the very place that we need to focus on in order to learn new life lessons, have new life experiences and develop fresh skills. In Vedic or Indian astrology, the Nodes are very associated with karma and destiny. Evolutionary astrologers such as Jan Spiller suggest that the way to overcome any negative karma and fulfil your destiny is to follow the promptings of the North Node. Often this can be a daunting prospect. However, in my experience, as soon as you make a conscious decision to 'Feel the fear and do it anyway', and set out on a North Node adventure, guidance and unseen opportunities appear to come out of nowhere and work behind the scenes to aid you in fulfilling your intentions.
Of course, occasionally we can get stuck in a rut and then become unwilling to change or move on. This is where eclipses can come in and boot you out of Pause Mode and get you back into action. And here we get back to the topic at hand: I suspect that South Series eclipses may be about just that - clearing out karma and giving you the kick in the rear-end that you need to let go of situations or circumstances that are stunting your growth and get you back on track and moving in the direction of fulfilling your real life's purpose.
Going back to the 10 South Series eclipse themes I mentioned earlier, it seems vital at this point that you feel in control of your life and not at the mercy of somebody else. This is especially true when it comes to situations or relationships that affect your ability to be yourself, to feel comfortable in your own skin and in the environment in which you find yourself. If you constantly feel that you have to defend your position, act out of character or overcompensate for a boss, friend or partner that doesn't accept you the way you are, then it may be time to move on. The August eclipses could be the catalyst that aids you, directly or indirectly, in finding a better situation where you don't feel like a square peg in a round hole.
Driving home this message from another quarter will be the asteroid Chiron, which conjuncts the Moon's North Node between the 1st and the 10th of August, around the time of the solar eclipse. Chiron is the planet of the wounded teacher or healer and suggests that you could overcome your deepest pains (especially long-held childhood hurts) and in the process, learn to help others with a similar problem or discover your true passion or life's work. The best way to sum up the energy of Chiron is this saying from Richard Bach: "You teach best what you most need to learn."
Because Chiron is working so closely with the North Node at this time (and therefore in opposition to the Sun-Moon eclipse) I suspect that these eclipses may well bring with them a message about your soul's mission or spiritual purpose in life. Destiny may be about to deliver you with a wake-up call. The message may come in the form of a person that you meet who becomes a spiritual mentor or some wise words from a loved one. It will definitely appear as something 'other' than yourself, given the opposition angle involved which is often associated with relationship. Keep an open heart and mind, watch out for synchronicities or repetitions of particular words, symbols or situations - especially things that come in threes (Angela McGerr believes that this is the language of angels.) Despite the possibility of emotional pain, this is a time when you can free yourself of psychological and spiritual baggage and become more in tune with the spiritual significance of your role on earth - your higher purpose.
Around the 16th of August, a lunar eclipse in Leo-Aquarius will take place. The Full Moon will be within 1 degree of the North Node, so if you missed the signs during the solar eclipse, they will now be flashing red lights at you. Emotionally, things could really come to a head now as far as how you feel you want to contribute to the world as an individual, or bring equality back to a situation that has swung too far over in one direction.
The proximity of the Moon to the North Node during this eclipse seems to signal that you should listen to any strong emotions or inner promptings that arise now - they could be messages from your spirit guide or higher self which provide you with the answers you need. Here you are being advised to listen to the wisdom of the heart and to follow the signs shown to show out in the world as they point you in a new direction.
Astronomically, this eclipse will be visible over Canada, Greenland and Siberia. This is because this Saros Series began on March the 10th in 1179 and has been moving slowly northward with each passing year.
Previous eclipses in this series during the 20th and 21st centuries occurred in: 1900, 1918, 1936, 1954, 1972, 1990.
February 2008
This year, we will experience a change in eclipse family. The Nodes of the Moon, the intersection points between the paths of the Sun and the Moon where eclipses occur, are gradually moving out of Pisces-Virgo and into Leo and Aquarius. This is because the Nodes precess i.e. move backwards through the zodiac, unlike the planets that appear to move in an anti-clockwise direction around the earth.
Expect a different overall mood to these events then - Leo and Aquarius are fire and air signs, so the unpredictability and excitement factor goes up in intensity, as does the likelihood of the dramatic or the unexpected. Pisces-Virgo, by comparison, were a tad more sedate, being affiliated to the slightly less volatile elements, earth and water.
Likely Leo-Aquarius themes prevalent during these eclipses include how one characterises one's self as an individual - are you someone who defines their identity through creative self-expression, personal praise or recognition (Leo)? Or are you someone who sees him or her self in terms of what group they belong to, how much they know, how different they are to everyone else or what they contribute to society (Aquarius)?
Other key words that help explain the differences and similarities between the two signs include: Heart vs mind, involvement vs detachment, self-awareness vs. knowledge of the world, self vs. others, subjectivity vs. objectivity, acceptance vs. doing the big thing, pride vs. freedom. You get the picture!
Both signs are fixed, which means that stubbornness is a common problem, as is having difficulty adjusting to change (though this may be less easy to spot in an Aquarian than a Leo.) Given that eclipses epitomise change with a capital C, you can see why an eclipse in these signs is something of a contradiction in terms.
Speaking of contradictions, the transition of the nodes into new signs will take some time to complete, so this particular set of eclipses form a kind of hybrid between the two - the solar eclipse having made the cross-over whilst the lunar eclipse still lags behind a bit, taking place along the Pisces-Virgo axis.
Another quirky factoid to be aware of is that the eclipses will be reversed in terms of order - instead of a lunar eclipse first, followed by a solar eclipse, we will begin the year with an annular solar eclipse in Aquarius on the 7th of February. This is due to occur over the Antarctic in the southern hemisphere, so will not be visible to many people in the world. However, partial sightings are possible from New Zealand, south-eastern Australia and southern Polynesia.
On the same day, Mercury will be in conjunction with (right next to) the Sun & Moon, also in Aquarius. The ruler of Aquarius (and therefore, also of the sun at the time of the eclipse) is Uranus, planet of shocks and surprises, which will also be in a friendly aspect with Venus, planet of love and money.
My overall feeling is that this eclipse may be more eventful than previous years in an obvious sort of way - Mercury and Uranus are both planets that manifest in very dramatic modes because they both rule self-expression, albeit in different ways. Mercury is more changeable and fickle, tricksy, quick-witted and silver-tongued whilst Uranus is less predictable, more forthright and comes in flashes of insight or bursts of speech or action that are exciting but volatile and often result in sudden endings or about-faces.
Mercury also rules communications of all forms, including the equipment involved, such as telephones and satellites. Perhaps this solar eclipse will allow that which has been repressed or avoided, put in the shadows and out of direct sunlight, to emerge and be spoken out loud? I expect that people will be more willing to tell others how they feel and will also be more likely to make decisions based on their intuition or gut instincts now.
Our most important influence at this time, though, will be Uranus. Uranus rules rebellion, individuality and social reform and doesn't pull any punches in the tact department. It is this Uranian energy, which causes people to speak out against injustice and infuses people with inspiration, brilliance or genius, which will be most noticeable during this eclipse. Fortunately, Venus, planet of tact and diplomacy, will also be on hand to ensure that there are no show-downs or ugly confrontations, so all those good intentions can be implemented practically and couched in terms that will be less offensive and more effective politically. The two planets together could also signify monetary gifts, sudden windfalls or unexpected but positive twists in romantic situations. Great news for Valentine's day!
Following close behind this is a total lunar eclipse, on February the 21st. This event will be visible from the America's, Europe and most of Africa. Wolfgang Held says that this eclipse could be considered to be one of the most impressive during decade because an hour before the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow just after midnight, it will be situated directly below Regulus, the main star of the Leo constellation. So, if you can, try and make the time to watch it.
At this time, as with all lunar eclipses, the sun and the moon will be in opposite parts of the sky and so their energies will not be working harmoniously. This makes it an event that is more likely to be jarring or difficult to integrate into your life than a solar eclipse, where reason and emotion are working hand-in-hand. Anthropologist and diviner, Dennis Tedlock, who is a specialist in the field of Mayan culture and linguistics, has spoken of how the Mayans believed that eclipses should never be viewed directly. Instead they taught that the safest way to glimpse such occultations was to use pools of water as mirrors. Presumably, such precautions were taken to avoid being bewitched or harmed by the luminary spirits!
Unlike the previous eclipse, the sun will be darkening the Moon, which means that solar masculine, yang, energy will predominate over feminine, yin energy - the opposite of what was happening during the solar eclipse. According to Australian astrologer, Bernadette Brady, solar eclipses are more likely to be external rather than internal events i.e. Situations that happen to you or around you as opposed to epiphanies or emotional breakthroughs. As mentioned previously, this eclipse will occur in a different set of signs - Pisces-Virgo.
Interestingly, on the same day, several planets will congregate together in what astrologers call a stellium, near the Sun, which will be in the early degrees of Pisces. However, all the other planets in the stellium, which include Venus, Mercury, Chiron and Neptune (which is, incidentally the ruler of Pisces) will be in the constellation of Aquarius. On the other side of the opposition, close to the Moon, the planet Saturn will be in the early degrees of Virgo.
With so many planets in Aquarius, and the other half of the eclipse twin-set happening in Aquarius-Leo, this in-between lunar eclipse clearly signals the end of a chapter, one that will hopefully see you wrapping up or integrating any outstanding issues related to health (both spiritual and physical), spirituality (both philosophical speculation and practised ritual), sacrifice vs. service and discrimination/discernment vs. going with the flow/merging with something larger than yourself. Having learnt a few lessons over the last 4 years or so, hopefully you will feel ready (like the planets in the stellium) to apply them in your life, give you a sense of meaning or make you feel more confident about who you are and what you are here to contribute to society.
This eclipse series belongs to what Bernadette Brady calls the 10 North family of Saros cycles. She associates this set of eclipses with limitations, obstacles and frustrations which may show up in the form of bad news, tricky paperwork or the mischief/difficulties surrounding a young person. It is interesting to note that Brady considers this eclipse series to have a strong emphasis on communication, which echoes the Mercury-Sun-Moon conjunction mentioned earlier. She also suggests that people may feel physically drained or want to retire a bit from circulation so that they can take things easy and have some time to process information or events.
Previous eclipses in this Saros series that have occurred in the last century took place in 1917, 1935, 1954, 1972, 1990, 2008, 2026, 2044.
For a more detailed breakdown of what the Solar and Lunar eclipses may have in store for you, please visit my Astro-Insights page or click on Horoscopes at the top of this page.
September 2007
The eclipse pair occurring in September 2007 will be the mirror opposites of those that happened in March 2007, with a lunar eclipse in Pisces, and a solar eclipse in Virgo. On the 28th of August, the full Moon total eclipse will take place between 07h52 and 13h22 GMT and will be visible to those living in the US, South America on the evening of the 27th of August; and in Japan, Australia, New Zealand on the night of the 28th of August.
During this event, two planetary oppositions will take place between Venus & Neptune in Leo & Aquarius; and, between Mercury and Uranus in Virgo & Pisces respectively. The first aspect could add a slightly self-indulgent, confusing or deceptive element to the mix; whilst the second might lead to unexpected or erratic speech, thoughts or learning behaviour.
Key overall themes could well focus on the areas of career, children, sport or hobbies, friendships and group memberships. Issues and affairs concerning women will be emphasised now. Lunar eclipses always occur during a Full Moon, and so there is likely to be an air of completeness or wholeness around events at this time, not to mention an added dollop of emotion or drama - this is the end of a cycle so it great for wrapping up projects or closing deals.
Later, on the 11th of September, a partial solar eclipse in Virgo will take place at 12h44 GMT. In astrological terms, this eclipse stands in opposition to Uranus, which gives the eclipse an even more unpredictable nature than usual.
Bernadette Brady calls this the 9 New South Series and claims it is associated with themes centering around health and loved ones, as well as paperwork and communication. She also asserts that these eclipses carry a certain air of fatedness about them.
This eclipse Saros series began on the 19th of July 1917 and will end in August of 3161. Prior to 2007, eclipses in this cycle have occurred in 1935, 1953, 1971 and 1989.
Interestingly, 1917 was the year that the freezing of food was introduced. It was also the year that some very famous politicians were born, including John F. Kennedy and formerly Indian president, Indira Ghandi.
For more information on how the September eclipses may affect you astrologically, please go the Eclipses & Astrology page or to the September Eclipses Overview page, or go the outlines of the Lunar or Solar Eclipse pages.
March 2007
As with March and October 2006, the eclipse pair occurring in March 2007 fall in the signs of Virgo and Pisces. Last year we experienced a lunar eclipse in Pisces and a solar eclipse in Aries. This year however, the order of the lunar eclipse will be reversed, occurring in Virgo, with a solar eclipse in Pisces. Unlike the eclipses of 2006, this year's lunar eclipses will be total, that is the shadow cast by the earth onto the Moon will completely block out the light of the sun, rather than merely obscuring a part of it. Of course, because of the physics of our atmosphere, the Moon is never thrown into total darkness, but instead turns a reddish-brown colour - the ancients sometimes described it as 'blood on the moon' and considered it to foretell disaster or war.
According to Bernadette Brady, the March 2007 eclipses form part of the 9 New North family, which began in August 1664. For her, this series is associated with physical or sporting accidents, great physical effort, outbreaks of violence or last-minute physical activities. She suggests partaking in some form of active pursuit to get rid of pent-up energy, but to do so with caution.
Astronomers suggest that the best place to view the lunar eclipse will be in either Europe or Africa. The total eclipse is due to start at 22h44 GMT (add an hour for winter clock-time in the UK) and end at about midnight.
For more information, please go to the March 2007 Eclipse overview page.
September 2006
The eclipse we will be experiencing on the 22nd of September 2006 (at 29 degrees Virgo) forms part of the 8 South Saros Series, which is, in the opinion of Bernadette Brady, “the worst or most difficult series”. She has characterised the theme of this eclipse family to be about separation, loss, bodily injury or upheavals…. Grim stuff! However, she also suggests that this eclipse can be about the act of completing something which might bring about feelings of sadness as you realise it is time to move on – not so dramatic but possibly more realistic! The accompanying lunar eclipse in Pisces on the 7th of September seems to corroborate this. Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and is therefore associated with the final stages of life, attaining a state of wholeness or merging with the collective. By activating this zodiacal axis, the eclipses are stressing issues surrounding order & chaos, perfection & completeness, criticism & compassion, details versus the overview and work versus spirituality. Both signs emphasise selflessness through service and sacrifice – something our materialistic and selfish society seems to have largely forgotten about.
This eclipse is due to take place in the southern hemisphere over parts of Brazil, West Africa and the Atlantic Ocean, so it might be worth watching these parts of the world to see if anything major happens. The last time this eclipse occurred was in September 1988, so it may be interesting to look back at what happened during that year for clues as to what types of events may reoccur.
Previous occurrences of this eclipses series include: 30 July 1916, 10 August 1934, 20 August 1952, 31 August 1970, and 11 September 1988.
For more information on this eclipse, please go to my September 2006 Eclipse page.
March 2006
Forming part of the 8 North Saros Series, this eclipse is associated with Uranian flashes of insight & genius, inventiveness and sudden urges for independence, according to Bernadette Brady.
Previous occurrences of this Saros series include: 3 February 1916, 14 February 1934, 28 February 1952, 7 March 1970, and 18 March 1988
A full-moon lunar eclipse in exacting and critical Virgo on the 14th preceded that of its more illustrious partner, the total solar eclipse in Aries on the 29th. Falling in opposition to Mercury in Pisces, which was also retrograde at the time, it signalled a time of misunderstandings and sharp emotional exchanges, probably centering around issues of disappointment or disillusionment with regard to high expectations not being met, health & work-related matters, and women in particular. As a full moon, it would have brought things to a head, closure, culmination or an end. The Moon also made a dynamic and stimulating aspect to Jupiter, planet of expansion, also retrograde in Scorpio. Normally quite an extroverted planet, infusing people with enthusiasm, optimism and an adventurous, happy-go-lucky nature, when retrograde it tends to make people more thoughtful, introspective and cautious especially in moral, cultural, educational or religious matters or with regard to travel plans.
The total solar eclipse in Aries, which occurred on the 29th, brought to the surface themes surrounding individuality, independence, and a strong desire for action or new beginnings. Aries is a very wilful and demands the right to forge ahead, undeterred by the fear of failure or the opinions of others.
If this is added to the themes that Bernadette Brady sets out for this eclipse series, it would seem as though we may experience Eureka moments which might set us off in new directions, or we may a strong urge to assert our independence within relationships, particularly those in which we feel we have lost our identity or submerged it temporarily in order to merge with another.
However, far from being straightforward to interpret, this eclipse was complicated by the fact that Pluto, planet of transformation, went retrograde on the same day. Whilst a Sun-Moon eclipse in Aries would usually signal dynamic change and new starts linked to external events, with Pluto retrograde some of this energy may have been driven inwards, making changes more introverted, mysterious or hidden than might otherwise be the case. Interestingly, Jupiter and Pluto are currently in mutual reception, meaning they are in the sign ruled by the other planet. With both having gone retrograde, this may have cancelled out or muted their influence somewhat. Having the energy translated into an internal event would work well with Brady’s idea of flashes of insight or realisation because these are traditionally inner experiences anyway. Any urges to pull away from others can also be seen as characteristic of periods of inspiration too – when overcome with inspiration, most artists or scientists tend to become engrossed in their work, alienating themselves from daily life and social contact. This might then result in temporary tension or problems in relationships, particularly if the partner is in need of or tries to initiate emotional closeness or contact.
For a closer look at how this eclipse might have affected you personally, follow this link to the March 2006 Eclipse page.
October 2005
The eclipses dealt with in the October 2005 article form part of the 7 South Saros Series. According to astrologer Bernadette Brady, who specialises in the area of eclipses and predictive astrology, the 7 South Series is associated with the releasing of immense power, anger and the clearing of obstacles and blockages.
Previous occurrences of this Saros series include: 10 August 1915, 21 August 1933, 1 September 1951, 11 September 1969 and 23 September 1987.
April 2005
Also the same Libra-Aries axis of eclipses we experienced in April 2004 (7 North Series). Bernadette Brady has characterized themes associated with this eclipse family to be centred on hidden passions, lust, sensuality, sudden sexual urges and procreative drives. This eclipse is said to have quite a forceful energy and may catch an individual unawares, especially if they have been repressing intense or secret passions for many years.
See Eclipses and History for more information…
Previous occurrences of this series include: 14 February 1915, 24 February 1933, 7 March 1951, 18 March 1969, and 29 March 1987