InnerSelf.com

The Eyes of Heaven
~ New Moon Solar Eclipse ~

by Eliza Bassett

Aloha kakou - greetings to all. 

All times referred to in this article are Hawai'ian Standard Time.
Pacific time add 3 hrs., Eastern add 6 hrs., GMT +10

As I look ahead to the month of July, I see we are packed with the energies of several eclipses. Usually we have New and Full moons, which is when the moon comes within the same degree the sun occupies [a conjunction = new moon] or is in polarity to it [an opposition = full moon].

Solar Eclipses occur when the orbit of the moon aligns with the sun?s path placing the moon between the sun and our point of view from the earth. Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth gets between the sun and moon, and earth?s shape blocks the direct sunlight of the sun to the moon. If you have seen either event, they are quite spectacular. Even a partial eclipse of the sun, watched properly through a pin hole camera, is something to remember. The darkness during the day is quite unique. If the moon is eclipsed as it rises, the red glow of the usually white lunar face is something to watch. If you would like to know more about eclipses, seek the websites www.earthsky.com  or http://stardate.texas.edu/  or other astronomical websites.

Some Background

Eclipses occur twice a year, usually in pairs, and they fall in the calendar year six months from each other. Solar and Lunar eclipses occur within two weeks of each other, which is the normal lunation cycle. Many astrologers love to study eclipses and their work has been published through the ages. 

Going back to older times before science filled in much about the energetic fields of the sun, moon, and earth, eclipses were perceived as very important to the well-being of the people, as the event could portend the birth of a person of great importance, as well as the end of wars and battles. We also know that the darkness that befalls the part of the planet in the shadow of the Moon, brings night dwelling animals out from their daytime resting places.

Many people seek out the opportunity to be under the shadow of the total eclipse to experience the energy changes personally, as the electrical field of that area of Earth is so radically shifted.

One major point of interest about New Moon eclipses is that the results of actions started on the Eclipse have a twenty year period of harvesting the energy. This information comes from a lecture by Carolyn Torrko, of Denver, Colorado, when she spoke of the chart for the beginning of the Gulf War. Her studies have shown that whatever we have our intention focused on during a New Moon Eclipse we will resolve it fully in twenty years. 

The Gulf War was started just after the New Moon eclipse of January (Capricorn) of 1990. New Moons are historically used for the assistance of total darkness for military attacks. Generally, New Moon energies are resolved within two to four weeks. Unfortunately, in the case of the Gulf War, an eclipse new moon can create problems for twenty years. We know that military action continues with Iraq -- it?s simply not front page news any more. Astrological studies of the impact of eclipse energies show that the results will be felt in 20 years, and the various events will continue to play out during those intervening years. 

For those of you who are intuitives, you will recognize that the veils between the dimensions and our physical world are thinner than usual during eclipse cycles. They begin to thin about a week to two before the first eclipse and stay that way for the whole time, ?til about a week to two afterward. To take a line from the "Star Trek" series, "Shields up!" is a great command to have for your protection during this six to eight week period.

Normally, the eclipses happen in pairs and also about six months apart from each grouping. A solar eclipse may be first and then a lunar eclipse. Sometimes is it the other way, with the lunar eclipse leading the cycle. This month we are going to have three eclipses in a row. Two solar with a lunar tucked between them.

The first one is a New Moon Solar Eclipse on July 1st at 9:21 am at 10? Cancer 14'; the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is on July 16th at 3:56am at 24? Capricorn 19' (moon?s placement); the last Solar Eclipse is on July 30th at 4:26 pm at 8? Leo 12'. (These times are Hawaiian Standard. See top of article for conversion info.)

How do we interpret this cycle in our lives? How shall we work with this for our highest and best good? Let?s look at the basic alignment for the first of these eclipses.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer

The first eclipse occurs with the New Moon in Cancer (July 1st at 9:21 am at 10? Cancer 14'), with the Sun also at 10 degrees Cancer, along with Mars at the same degree. Just minutes are separating Mars from being at the exact same minute within the degree the Sun and Moon are at! Potent energies to begin with -- as the New Cycle for the month begins -- and we toss in Mars as an ?activator?. Mars is the planet that kicks things into gear. At this point, to say the least, we can conclude that this is a potentially volatile time in the highly emotional sign of Cancer.

Seeking input from Inside Degrees by Ellias Lonsdale, we find that his interpretation for the degree of the eclipse also suggests using great caution with this day?s events. "Plagued by glitches. Stuck in anomalies... Self-doubt, self-negation, self-sabotage... The glare of the spotlight falls upon chronic unconscious syndromes..." Hmmm. This suggests a cautious approach to this day.

Using the Aries House system, and looking at the aspect patterns, this is not an easy New Moon whatsoever. A quincunx between the Sun/Moon/Mars trio with Pluto in Sagittarius and the continuation of the one begun on Mercury?s Stationary Retrograde day between it and Uranus. I have heard of several people losing their temper during the time of the retrograde Mercury, even when it seems to be a rare occurrence for these people according to their temperament. They are very taken aback from the depth of their anger, as it flares up, subsides, and then flares up again. So we truly need to be aware if our temper is ignited, as we need to look at the issues that caused us to be so volatile.

With Sun/Moon/Mars blended together, and a wide quincunx to Pluto, more volatility is at hand. Mars and Pluto are co-rulers of Scorpio, and they are quite ferocious when joined. As noted above, Mars is the activator and Pluto is the great transformer -- bringing a death/rebirth cycle to those things that may not want to die off. In the case of a quincunx, these planets may not be able to full express themselves, giving rise to much frustration and unexpressed tensions. A metaphor is generating lots of steam clouds from the waters boiling and boiling, ?til the kettle is dry.

These are all part of the New Moon eclipse?s energies! Be very very very careful with your emotions and intentions at this time. It is necessary at this time to be aware of how long a fuse you have before your temper blows. If you lose it at this time, the repercussions may manifest very swiftly, as well as during the next twenty years.

This is not a suggestion to repress yourself and deny your emotions. I?m asking you to know yourself very well -- so that before you get angry, you understand the consequences of such an expression or repression.

Recognize that choosing to fight against or for something at the time of the New Moon Eclipse in Cancer has long-time consequences. I suggest meditation, intentional thoughts, and prayer around calmness, peace, and allowing Divine Right Action to flow through you on this day and for the next twenty years.

In my next column, I will focus on the energies of the Full Moon eclipse on July 16th, as well as the eclipse of the New Moon on July 30th. 

July will be a very amazing month. Remember, never to fall into fear, as it is a trap that is sometimes hard to pull yourself out of. If you do fall into fear, find the right guide to bring you back to the light.

May you all walk in beauty. 
Malama pono (take care). NamastT.

PREVIOUS COLUMNS by Eliza Bassett: (2000)