The first solar eclipse of 2018 will be a partial moon-sun occultation in Aquarius. This event, which takes place on 15 February 2018 at 22h07 GMT (20h07 SAST), ushers in a new six month cycle during which our focus in likely to be on science, technology and the bigger picture globally.
MAJOR THEMES
February is kind of a strange month – with the Sun and more than a few of the person planets usually touring through the eccentric sign of Aquarius, that si to be expected, of course. However, this year, things are likely to be slightly more so than usual. For starters, there is no Full Moon scheduled to occur this month. That is because the solar and lunar calendar are slightly out of sync currently, which is why we had a Blue Moon in January and will have another in March…
Around eclipse time this February, there will be a stellium of planets lining up in the part of the zodiac traditionally associated with the element of water, including Mercury, the Sun & Moon in Aquarius; and Venus, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. As a result, any unexpected situations or developments that crop up now are likely to involve communication/ideas/travel, money/creativity/relationships as well as affect your psychological boundaries.
Given that the Sun is in Aquarius, this eclipse is likely to introduce a new six month collective cycle – one in which we may see the birth of some new group norms, social contracts or friendly arrangements that are not only relevant and in touch with the times, but also have a humanitarian, ecological or ethical dimension to them.
It is also possible that you may decide to change your social circle, do a cull of a few so-called ‘friends’ or perhaps join a new club or society. Other Aquarian-related lessons or situations that arise between now and July could revolve around:
- Peer pressure, social obligations, group acceptance/popularity
- Learning to be a team player, sublimating individual/ego needs to that of the group/the bigger picture
- Scientific or technical endeavours, fact-based research
- Emotional detachment, the need for a cool head
Sabian Symbol
This eclipse occurs at 28th degree of Aquarius.
The Sabian Symbol for this degree is:
A TREE FELLED AND SAWED.
Lynda Hill adds…
TO ENSURE A SUPPLY OF WOOD FOR THE WINTER
This suggest a season of planning and saving, perhaps in preparation for lean times or a period of scarcity.
The Sabian Oracle therefore gives the following keywords:
Gathering resources. Preparedness for harder times. Stockpiling. Open fires. Publishing books. Renewable resources. The making of paper. Printing money. Fuel. Gas. Recycling.
The Caution: Destroying the old for modern advances. Hoarding supplies and not sharing. Not planning ahead. Fear there won’t be enough. Environmental destruction.
Again we see that theme of collective action and the need to consider the bigger picture which seems to keep popping up in relation to this particular eclipse. It is certainly something on everyone’s minds, given the many environmental challenges the world faces in the coming years – a message certainly worth heeding.
Astrological chart
Key Aspects
At the time of the Aquarius solar eclipse on February 15, Mercury will be orbiting very close to the luminaries. This does seem to reinforce the theme of the Saros series – messages, ideas, news coming in. In addition, it is likely to add an intellectual/travel & transport/educational/interactive aspect to proceedings. Making plans, networking, sharing knowledge, skills or expertise and also learning something through groups or technology are likely to add an additional dimension to the six-monthly themes that begin now.
However, a word of caution: the Sun, Moon and Mercury will be separating from a square to Jupiter in Scorpio, which could signal that self-pity, arrogance, vindictiveness, passive-aggressive behaviour or hidden agendas could interfere with your ability to co-operate, communicate or strategize with others.
The key will be to put aside individual ego concerns and power struggles in order to focus on the common good of the group or cause. This will soon put things into perspective and prevent any almighty stand-offs or diva strops from over-shadowing what could be some important community or collective initiatives.
Also, keep things simple when it comes to ideas or strategies – don’t get too ambitious or energies may get scattered, meaning nothing gets achieved. This is especially likely, given that Mars and Neptune will be approaching a square to each other in the build-up to the eclipse, reaching exactitude on February the 17th, which may manifest as people scattering their energies or not being terribly clear about parameters.
Luckily, the Sun and Moon will also be sextiling Uranus, ruler of Aquarius – the very same sign the eclipse occurs in. Uranus tends to shift situations very suddenly, or adds that genius element which leads to unexpected but welcome breakthroughs and sudden bursts of inspiration. So if you find yourself struggling, try to tap into this electric and fairly intuitive energy – you could find that it ends up saving the day, perhaps though a new invention, piece of technology or novel perspective which has the effect of shifting everything.
With the fixed air sign of Aquarius prominent, magic and detachment are likely to go hand in hand – something to remember if you find yourself feeling over-wrought or blown about by raw, buried or difficult and dark emotions.
Parts and Lots
During this particular eclipse, both the Sun and Moon will be square to the Part of Love, suggesting that the path of true love may not run smooth right now. Aquarius is a very cool sign, and can sometimes be a bit clueless when it comes to things like love, so this should hardly come as a surprise.
Venus, the planet of love, will also be opposing the Part of Passion at the time of the New Moon, so it is also possible that difficulties may arise because of some issue revolving around sex, chemistry or that age-old dilemma of friends versus lovers.
Luckily, Venus will also be very close to a sextile with stabilising Saturn, which should help to steady expectations, add an element of longevity and commitment to partnerships formed at this time; and prevent emotional over-reactions (which would otherwise be a distinct possibility given Venus’ position in sensitive Pisces). Saturn is also in Capricorn and so could also suggest that age differences may play a role in romantic liaisons formed at this time.
Fixed Stars
At the New Moon solar eclipse, both the Aquarius Sun and Moon will trine the fixed star, Spica. This star, located in the constellation of Virgo (but Libra in the Western zodiac), is considered most benefic, according to Derek Appleby.
It has the nature of both Venus and Mars, making it an equal blend of masculine and feminine, active and passive energies, and thus very androgynous. Astrologers such as Ptolemy wrote that Spica is said to bestow success, renown, riches, a sweet disposition, love of art and science, but also unscrupulousness, unfruitfulness and injustice to innocence.
Vivian Robson also notes that when combined with the Sun and Moon, Spica can lead to great and lasting success, dignity, wealth and happiness through inventions or by joining forces with the right people, including helpful friends. So again, we note the theme of relationships and group networks again.
On this topic, it is perhaps worth noting though, that Venus will be conjunct Deneb Adige, a star located in the tail of Cygnus the Swan, and is associated with ‘an ingenious nature and a clever intellect that is quick at learning.’
Saros Series
This eclipse forms part of the Brady’s 1 South Saros series, which she sees as being concerned with:
…ideas and their enthusiastic expression.
Interesting, then, that we have Mercury, the planet of ideas, communication and self-expression, hovering nearby to this eclipse!
Brady suggests that if this particular eclipse series directly aspects planets in your natal chart, then you can expect to be ‘flooded with ideas or options.’ And let’s face it, having options is always good!
Although there may be an element of haste attached to such a rush of inspiration, Brady recommends going with this as it should end up having a positive outcome. I would, however, add a note of caution: the difficult square between Mars and Neptune I mentioned earlier could well translate into deception, disappointment or people not respecting your boundaries. Over-zealous types may also come on a bit strong now when it comes to ethical or religious matters – something to bear in mind before acting on the first suggestion or offer that comes along…exercise caution when making judgements and do your due diligence – you’ll avoid a whole lot of potential heartache and trouble if you do.
Geographical position
This particular solar eclipse occurs quite close to the south node, which means that it will only be visible in: South America, islands in the Atlantic such as the Falklands, and Antarctica.
This is a partial solar eclipse and will begin at around 18h55 UTC (20h55 SA Time) and last until around 22h47 UTC (00h47 SAST). For more information, visit Time and Date.com
Past Precedent
This group of eclipses previously occurred in 1909, 1927, 1946, 1964, 1982 and 2000.
