Eclipses

Overview

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• Eclipses come in pairs (sometimes threes) and these pairs occur two to four times each year. Most years have 4 total eclipses. “While rare, the maximum number of eclipses that can take place in a calendar year is 7.” (source)
• Solar eclipses coincide with a new moon and lunar eclipses with a full moon.
• In a solar eclipse, the moon is directly between the earth and sun. (In astrology, this is called “a conjunction” between the sun and moon).
• In a lunar eclipse, the earth is exactly between the sun and the moon. (In astrology, this is called “an opposition” between the sun and moon).
• A total solar eclipse occurs every one to two years but is only visible from a very small part of the earth.

Types of Lunar Eclipses

• There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial and penumbral.
• In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon passes through the earth’s umbral (inner) shadow.
• In a partial lunar eclipse, a portion of the moon passes through the earth’s umbral shadow.
• In a penumbral lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the earth’s penumbral (outer) shadow.
• Approximately 35% of all lunar eclipses are total, 30% are partial, and 35% are penumbral. (MrEclipse.com)

UMBRA & PENUMBRA

The umbra and penumbra refer to different parts of a shadow — and that’s a big distinction here. In the case of the penumbral lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks some of the sunlight and stops it from hitting the moon. As a result, the Earth covers part of the moon with its penumbra. Other than this shadow, our moon is as bright as a full moon normally would be. In fact, it can be hard to tell the difference between a regular full moon and a penumbral lunar eclipse. – Bustle 

Solar Eclipse Appearance

• In a solar eclipse, the moon cuts off the light of the sun, casting a shadow on the earth.
• In a total solar eclipse, the sun is completely blocked with just a halo of light appearing around it. In an annular eclipse, the moon is silhouetted against the sun. (ABC Science)

Lunar Eclipse Appearance

• Casual observers won’t notice the effect of a penumbral lunar eclipse.
• In a partial lunar eclipse, the earth’s shadow appears to take a bite out of the moon.
• In a total lunar eclipse, the earth cuts off the light of the sun on the moon. Since the moon has no light and simply reflects the light of the sun, the moon basically disappears.
• During a total lunar eclipse, the moon may appear red or copper-colored because “some light from the sun passes through the earth’s atmosphere and is bent toward the moon. While other colors in the spectrum are blocked and scattered by earth’s atmosphere, red light tends to make it through easier.” (space.com)

The Astrology

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All of the planets in the solar system radiate energy into space. (Sciencing.com) The findings of astrologers are presumably the effects of this energy on other living things.

In astrology, often the main events of the year are seen through the Eclipse cycles. These cycles represent huge change on both an individual and global level. – Tanaaz

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Eclipses aren’t one day phenomenon. You may feel that things seem amplified weeks before and weeks after… If you feel that sea changes are occurring and you’re just not quite clear what direction they are leading you to, that’s ok. After all, things are eclipsed, obscured now. Likely as the weeks after the Eclipse/s unfold, things may become even more clear. – Stephanie Gailing 

• In astrology, the new and full moons associated with eclipses are considered special. They may be described as new or full moons “on steroids,” with particularly significant or powerful effects.
• Eclipses always follow cycles and generally come in pairs. These pairs include a lunar eclipse, which falls on the full moon and a solar eclipse which falls on the new moon.
• “Eclipse Season” encompasses a pair (or sometimes 3) eclipses. The time between the two eclipses is usually 2 weeks and may be called the “Eclipse Gateway.” Astrologer Tanaaz explains, “The Eclipse Gateway is one of the most potent and magical times of the year because the energy of both Eclipses merge, forming a bridge between one state of consciousness and the next. “
• A solar eclipse is “an amplified New Moon” as the Sun and Moon align in the same sign, along with the elliptical path of the Nodes. A lunar eclipse is “an intensified Full Moon” with the Sun and Moon in opposite astrological signs.
• Astrologers explain the effect of eclipse energy: “Twice a year, eclipses shake up the status quo to support your ongoing evolution and development.” (Molly McCord) “Eclipses… put you wherever you need to be, and highlight areas of your life that are no longer working for you. They do this in such a clear way that it helps to take the guess work out of it and allows you to know exactly which way the Universe wishes to steer you.” (Tanaaz)
• During eclipses, nature appears to be turning within.
• Eclipses are said to be a time where our consciousness is turned inward, ideal times for spiritual practice.
• Spiritual practices associated with eclipses include mantra and meditation. (Siddha Yoga)

Eclipses occur in 19-year cycles and correlate with the North Node and South Node.  They often happen in pairs, although we do rarely have three in a row that really electrify change for the collective as well as for our individual journeys. Some eclipse energies will feel stronger for you when they work with one of your natal planets, your Ascendant, your Midheaven, or any key point in your chart. If you experience a personal eclipse, keep this in mind: You are ready for the next elevation. Open up to the changes and breakthroughs with greater trust. Get ready for energies to carry you forward in ways that are perfect for your soul growth. You are a cosmic spark of perfection – so let’s do this!” – Molly McCord