How do eclipses affect the natal Sun and
Moon?
By
Nadia MacLeod
In consideration of the
question of how an eclipse would influence an individual if it was to conjunct
their Sun or Moon, I think it would all depend upon the dignity of the Sun or
Moon in the chart. Dignity encompasses such considerations as sect, sign
placement and house placement. It would also depend upon the flavour of the
eclipse whether benefic or malefic and which house the eclipse fell
in.
For example, a solar
eclipse conjunct the natal Sun in a diurnal chart would have far more effect
than the same eclipse on a nocturnal Sun.
"When the Sun is
diurnally placed in the chart above the horizon it has its maximum power,
assuming of course that it is not in the eight or twelfth houses."[1] This Sun sets the tone
for the whole chart, its diurnality imparting more masculinity, heat and
vigour.
If this Sun is eclipsed then the individual will truly feel
it - it will affect the way this person interacts, expresses and takes action in
the world. I think that the eclipse would stimulate an inner process generally
not encountered by a very solar individual, resulting in previously
unexperienced or undesired reflection and contemplation coming to the fore. Its
solar light / self is extinguished for a moment allowing other lunar faculties
to rise to the surface.
For a nocturnal Sun
however, the energy of the Sun is already cooler, slower and more feminine. The
lunar states are more familiar as the Moon is the ruler of the chart not the
Sun. A solar eclipse for this individual is less of a shock, and may even be a
welcome revelatory experience as to the Suns /souls true purpose. This
individual would suffer less a sense of loss of self during the eclipse than the
diurnal Sun person.
Rose Lineman states
that "situations and experiences associated with this aspect promote self
interest in the affairs activated. The individual places great importance upon
the capacity to assume the leading role in managing and directing the affairs
…An exact conjunction creates the potential for a major event of the types that
proves to be a milestone in life."[2]
When considering a solar eclipse conjunct the Moon, it
would be fair to state that a solar eclipse would have more impact upon the Sun
in a chart than it would upon the Moon.
However, again the sect of the Moon would influence the
impact of the eclipse. A solar eclipse conjunct a diurnal Moon would have more
effect than a solar eclipse conjunct a nocturnal Moon.
"This aspect brings
emotional and instinctual drives described by the natal Moon into focus…Its
influence extends into affairs ruled by and aspected by the natal Moon. Events
associated with this aspect have emotional impact upon the individual, and in
the case of an exact conjunction, the effect can be traumatic, especially if the
conjunction is severely afflicted."[3]
When considering the manifestation of any eclipse upon an
individual, or country for that matter, observing the house(s) in which the
eclipses fall is of vital importance. Whilst it can be very difficult to predict
the exact nature of events surrounding and following an eclipse, by noting the
houses one can at least ascertain the areas of life that will be affected.
In conclusion,
"eclipses seem like wild cards stressing emotions or bringing chaotic events or,
at times apparently having little effect. They can sometimes be positive and
very exciting and at other times herald a period of difficulties."[4] As modern astrologers,
with access to more information and the ability to study history and communicate
quickly with others, I think that our understanding of eclipses will grow over
time into a surer methodology and art form.
Copyright: Nadia
MacLeod
Reference:
Solar Fire V5 Esoteric
Technologies
Lineman, Rose "Eclipse
Interpretation Manual" (American Federation of Astrologers December 1991)
Brady, Bernadette "The
Eagle and the Lark" (Samual Weisner 1992)
Carter, Charles "An
Introduction to Political Astrology" (Spica Publications)
Hand, Robert S "Night
and Day Planetary Sect in Astrology" (ARHAT 1995)
Goldstein, Jackie "An
introduction to Mundane Astrology"
www.astrologyworldonline.com
Simms, Maria Kay
"Future Signs How to make Astrological Predictions" (ACS Publications
California
1996)
FOOTNOTES
[1] Night and Day
Planetary sect in astrology by Robert S Hand page
24
[2] Eclipse
Interpretation Manual by Rose Lineman page 48
[3] Eclipse
Interpretation Manual by Rose Lineman page 50
[4] The Eagle and
the Lark by Bernadette Brady page 208