Over the festive season we are due to experience two eclipses in the Cancer-Capricorn axis, which will take place a little earlier than last year. This is because the nodal axis along which eclipses occur, moves in a retrograde motion i.e., in the opposite direction through the zodiac to the planets.
LUNAR ECLIPSE in CANCER
The first in the series is a partial lunar eclipse at 10 degrees of Cancer, which takes place at around 19h15 GMT on the 31st of December 2009. This eclipse occurs at the time of the Full Moon and in the sign ruled by the Moon, so lunar energy will therefore be extremely powerful at this time. The Moon rules growth and generation, natural and bodily cycles, bodies of water, seaside towns, motherhood, childhood, the feminine, intuitive ability and, to use a Chinese expression, tends to be more yin in nature.
SOLAR ECLIPSE in CAPRICORN
To balance things out, a New Moon annular solar eclipse will then follow on the 15th of January at around 15h07 GMT. This time, it is the masculine, yang energies that will be strongest. Capricorn is an earth sign associated with conservatism, tradition, patriarchal duties and structures, material gain and achievement through hard work. The Sun, which is also associated with more traditionally masculine qualities, being in Capricorn, themes are likely to revolve around fathers and authority figures, governments and infra-structure, large institutions such as banks, as well as positions of responsibility.
SAROS SERIES
According to Bernadette Brady, this eclipse pairing belongs to the 12 North Saros series, which began in 1901. The 12 North eclipse ‘family’ is characterised by sudden offers of advancement, as well as situations that involve unexpected commitments or added responsibilities being thrust upon one. These may come about as a result of the resignation or retirement of a superior or because of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or death. It seems that, whilst initially disconcerting, if borne well, these new responsibilities will result in a sense of accomplishment and a boost in self-esteem and confidence. One wonders if this could be at all relevant to the upcoming UK General Elections – could a sudden change of leadership in one of the main political parties be on the cards?
VISIBILITY:
Astronomically, the solar eclipse will be visible over Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya; the Maldives, southern India, Burma, Sri Lanka and China. Around this time the Moon will be near apogee, that is, at its furthest point from the earth, and therefore will appear to be relatively small in the sky.
PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES:
Previous eclipses in this series during the 20th and 21st centuries occurred in: 1901, 1919, 1937, 1955, 1973, and 1992.
