ECLIPSES 2008

· Solar Eclipse on February 7th

· Lunar Eclipse on February 21st

· Solar Eclipse on August 1st

· Lunar Eclipse on August 16th

Scroll down to read more about the astrological influences from each eclipse.*


ECLIPSES & THE MARRIAGE OF THE SUN AND MOON

There is nothing quite as dramatic as the darkening of the Sun at an Eclipse, which explains why they were always considered to be evil omens.   Total eclipses that are visible from earth are big news but these are quite rare.   In reality however, there are two and sometimes three sets of Eclipses every year.   "Eclipse" simply describes the blocking out or concealment of one heavenly body by another, most often, the Sun and the Moon.   There are two kinds of eclipses, the "Solar" eclipse at the New Moon when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun and the "Lunar' eclipse at the Full Moon when it is the earth that stands between the Sun and the Moon. During the eclipse period the Lunar eclipse can either follow or precede the Solar eclipse  

WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR US?

Eclipses do impact on our own horoscopes and therefore our lives.   As I'm sure you already know, the phases of the Moon carry a tremendous concentration of energy.   You may notice that when a Full Moon occurs in your sign it tends to coincide with winding down projects or letting go of something you once cherished, were glad to see the back of or simply took for granted as a fixture.   Conversely, New Moons are linked to new growth, new relationships or new ideas.   The intensification of power at an Eclipsed New or Full Moon magnifies this effect and so they can have a pretty profound influence.  

I have noticed that Eclipses seem to work most noticeably as catalysts so don't expect a mind-blowing experience on the day of the next eclipse.   But it is fascinating how a major turning point or change of attitude or emphasis can often be traced back to a chance meeting or random event close to an Eclipse that seemed insignificant at the time.  

An Eclipse in your sign will be extremely powerful and the closer the Eclipse falls to your Sun or another planet in your chart, the more potent and extreme the effect is going to be.   Of course, over a lifetime there won't be that many Eclipses that link precisely to one of your personal planets (by personal I mean the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Mars).   But every eclipse has life changing potential regardless of its sign and your own star sign.   And remember we also have to factor in any aspects the Eclipse is making to other heavenly bodies. I will be give more detailed information on next year's eclipses as we get closer to these celestial events.

HOW WILL THE ECLIPSES IN 2008 AFFECT US?

The Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on February 7th:   With this Eclipse in Aquarius, the sign of originality and innovation, and as Mercury is connecting to this star event, there could be some startling scientific news emerging at this time. On a personal level Aquarians and Leos will be most strongly affected, especially in their relationships. Some of you may be getting serious or even renewing wedding vows. Scorpio and Taurus will also feel strong vibrations as will those born under Gemini and Libra. The remaining signs may be simply watching in amazement!

A Lunar Eclipse in Virgo occurs on February 21st:   This Eclipse is closely connected with serious-minded planet of Saturn. The mutable signs of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius as well as the earth or water signs could feel a strong desire for freedom from restriction or restraint. Because Pluto is making a strong link to the Moon/Saturn conjunction, desire for change is not just a whim, but something fundamental and in fact crucial for your entire future direction.

The August 1st Solar Eclipse:   Both of the August Eclipses occur in Leo/Aquarius. August 1st finds the Sun and Moon again lining up with communications planet Mercury. Leo is idealistic and proud and this combination could make some of you, especially those born under fixed signs, dig your heels in. I'm sure you will be standing your ground for the best possible reasons, but do try to soften your attitude with some of that famous Leo playfulness! Aries and Sagittarius will be bursting with new ideas and the remaining signs aren't left out of the action either; Mars and Uranus opposing each other in Virgo and Pisces will encourage bright ideas and hard work for those signs along with Sag and the Twins, Capricorn and Cancer, while Librans will be frantically networking!

The Lunar Eclipse on August 16th in Aquarius:   Those born under the sign of Leo, Aquarius and Virgo could be making giant mountains out of tiny molehills under this Full Moon. The energy in the Heavens is rather polarized with the Sun in Leo opposing the Moon, Neptune and Chiron all in Aquarius. Outer planets Jupiter and Pluto are both retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius respectively. Uranus is also retrograde in Pisces and all on its own, unaspected by any other planet. The rest are lining up in Virgo. Everyone will have a tale to tell about this week, I have no doubt. Remember if anything you currently take for granted disappears, it is the start of a new cycle for you. Try and think big and let the little stuff take care of itself.