Annular Solar Eclipse (9/1/16 at 5:03 AM EDT)
A solar eclipse occurs at the time of a new moon (when the sun and moon are in the same sign and at the exact same degree), which is why it's associated with a new beginning. However, it's not uncommon for a solar eclipse to coincide with an ending if something needs to be cleared away to make room for the new too take root. More than just a new start in some area, a solar eclipse often marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one.
The September 1 solar eclipse is an "annular" eclipse. Before I studied astrology, I thought this meant the eclipse happened annually, but "annular" actually comes from the Latin word "annulus" which means "ring." An annular solar eclipse when the apparent size of the moon is much smaller than the Sun. It fails to block it completely and leaves a visible "ring of fire" around it.
This type of eclipse is much more common than a total solar eclipse, which is why the upcoming one on August 17, 2017 is already receiving attention in the media. I clearly remember the total solar eclipse that was visible here in the USA back in March 1970. You can click here to see if this one will be visible in your area.
Heal Thyself: The Power of the Solar Eclipse at 9°21' Virgo
The most prominent aspect in the solar eclipse chart is a tension-producing configuration (aspect pattern) known as a mutable T-square. A T-square occurs when two planets oppose each other while they both square a third one. This is a mutable T-square because all of the planets involved are in mutable signs (Sun/Moon in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces and all squaring Saturn in Sagittarius).
In practical terms, tension is an emotional strain. Although too much tension can be overwhelming and cause something to collapse, when it's balanced it can be productive such as a well-fitting tension bar that creates another clothes rack in a closet. The same is true of a T-square.
Since its first clash in December 2015, the transiting Saturn and Neptune square has fostered anxiety, deception and feelings of hopelessness. With this month's solar eclipse targeting the Saturn/Neptune square from Virgo, the sign of critical analysis, it sends a clear message that as we approach the last Saturn/Neptune square, it's time to expose Neptune's deceptions and hold Saturn accountable for using them to promote fear.
It's also time to tap into the healing power of Virgo. As the ruler of the sixth house of the horoscope, the Maiden is experienced in a variety of healing modalities with an uncanny ability to restore order to chaos. If a situation in your life has caused you to feel depressed, fearful or out of control, the energy of this eclipse can help you recognize what you need to heal yourself. Even better, it may lead you to it.
Getting Personal
To find out how an eclipse is likely to affect you requires a thorough analysis of its impact on your personal horoscope, including the house that holds it and any aspects (connections) it makes to any of the planets, asteroids, house cusps or other sensitive points in your chart. If you have one within a few degrees of 9°21' Virgo, you'll likely experience its energy more strongly. This is especially true if it happens to be in the signs of Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini or Pisces, because it'll be on the receiving end of a hard (provocative) aspect and more likely to coincide with some type of event. In addition, this analysis needs to be considered in light of any competing planetary energies affecting your chart now and within the next six months.
Fortunately, there are a couple of quick - and free - ways you can gain some immediate insight into how this eclipse may influence you.
Repeating Cycles
First, this eclipse is part of the metonic cycle, which means it's part of a series of eclipses that repeats every 19 years. The last time it occurred was September 1, 1997, so if you're old enough to remember, think back to what was going on in your life at that time and you may gain some insight into how you might experience this energy. Do keep in mind that while this eclipse is virtually at the same degree as 1997, the same can't be said for the rest of the planets currently influencing your chart.
If you want to review past eclipses to see if they created any type of pattern in your life, click here to view the eclipse tables at cafeastrology.com.
Next, you can look to the house in your chart that holds the eclipse to see which area (or areas) in your life may experience a new cycle.
House Location
If you don't know which house will hold this eclipse in your natal (birth) chart, you can use the Sun sign list below to find out which house holds it in your solar (the Sun is placed at the Ascendant of the chart). The life areas listed in parentheses are the ones where you may experience a new cycle.
If your Sun is in Aries, it falls in your solar 6th house (health/work/pets/diet/nutrition)
If your Sun is in Taurus, it falls in your solar 5th house (romance/kids/self-expression)
If your Sun is in Gemini, it falls in your solar 4th house (property/home/family/parent)
If your Sun is in Cancer, it falls in your solar 3rd house (siblings/neighbors/short trips/contracts/ground transportation/short trips)
If your Sun is in Leo, it falls in your solar 2nd house (income/spending/values/self-worth)
If your Sun is in Virgo, it falls in your solar 1st house (your physical body/attitude towards life)
If your Sun is in Libra, it falls in your solar 12th house (spirituality/creativity/mental health/addictions/confinement) If your Sun is in Scorpio, it falls in your solar 11th house (groups/associations/hopes/ colleagues)
If your Sun is in Sagittarius,it falls in your solar 10th house (career/calling/fame/status)
If your Sun is in Capricorn, it falls in your solar 9th house (education/law/religion/foreign and long-distance travel/publishing)
If your Sun is in Aquarius, the eclipse falls in your solar 8th house (intimacy/joint resources/surgery/birth/death/inheritance)
If your Sun is in Pisces, the eclipse falls in your solar 7th house (marriage/law/close friends/adversaries/business partners)
Timing is Everything
Eclipse-related events may occur at or near the time of the event, or they could occur later. The orb (range) of influence for this type of eclipse is about six months, or more specifically, until the next solar eclipse on February 26 which occurs at 8°12' Pisces.
They can also occur when a transiting planet triggers the eclipse point. This occurs when a planet forms a hard (conjunction, square or opposition) aspect to the point. If an event occurred around the time of the eclipse, you may deal with some aspect of it again when the point is triggered. There will be a few trigger points in the months ahead, so be sure follow me on Facebook to learn when they're coming up.
Although it's energy is more intense, the essence of a solar eclipse is a new moon, which means that its energy is ripe for planting seeds. As it happens, Mercury will be retrograde at this time, which means that intentions - as well as new cycles suggested by the eclipse - may be delayed until after Mercury goes direct (September 21) and/or the eclipse point is triggered by a transiting planet. |