TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
the science and the symbolism
update for the Saturday, Dec 10, 2011 eclipse:
at Full Moon 18°11' Sagittarius/Geminimoment of greatest eclipse: 14h32 UT
WHEN & WHERE:
The entire event is visible from Asia and Australia.
For North Americans, the eclipse is in progress as the Moon sets with western observers
favored by a larger fraction of the eclipse before moonset.
Observers throughout Europe and Africa will miss the early eclipse phases because they occur before moonrise.
None of the eclipse can be seen from South America or Antarctica.a very good overview article here.
READ lots more info here for your location, diagrams, timing, etc:
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2011.html#LE2011Dec10T
HOW does it happen ?
Lunar eclipses always happen at Full Moon
when the alignment of SUN-MOON-EARTH is such that
Earth comes between Sun & Moon.
This possibility arrives twice a year, though it's not always a total eclipse.
And eclipses are visible only in certain areas of the globe.
The SYMBOLISM --- WHAT does it MEAN ??
Eclipses have, in many cultures, inspired fear and were seen as dire omens.
A common image is that of a dragon swallowing the sun or the moon.
These fear-based beliefs are not the case for all peoples, however.The Tahitians saw eclipses as the
lovemaking between Sun & Moon.
Eskimos and other Arctic tribes considered them as
Sun and Moon stepping down from their usual places,
in order to check on how things were going here on Earth ~
thus a symbol of divine providence.
Cambodians viewed eclipses as variously favorable or unfavorable,
depending on different factors.No matter the myth,
eclipses continue to inspire awe and fascination.The ancient rule was that the effects of a Solar eclipse
last as long in years as the eclipse lasts in hours; of a Lunar eclipse, a month for every hour.
From a Figure cast for the moment of commencement of the eclipse,
events were deduced as affecting countries ruled by the ascending Sign,
based upon the strength of the planets in the Signs and HousesSome modern authorities consider that the countries which lie within the eclipse shadow
are probably those in which the events signified by the eclipse will be felt.
In the personal chart, the eclipse is most powerful when it falls upon the birth position
of a planet, luminary, or ascending degree.
Traditional astrological symbolism has, for the most part,
considered eclipses as something difficult as well.
This unfortunate & unnecessary view tends to linger in our collective unconscious.
Yet it is much more fruitful to
TUNE INTO the new vision
suggested by the meta-physical & holistic movements.
We thus cultivate a more enlightened view
of these cosmic & natural cycles.In general, at the full moon there is an awakening of the deeper, hidden layers of our psyche,
and emotional-psychic sensitivity and receptivity run strong ---
but so do the fearful, shadowy elements of our inner world.
Eclipses amplify this lunar energy, and we may be particulary in tune with
our deepest aspirations and wishes.
And we are given this occasion, at the eclipse,
to envision what is blocking us, what we can release,
and the source of our fears or shadows,
especially in regards to the domains being eclipsed:This particular eclipse highlights the axe of 3rd-9th signs -
* our communications and exchanges with others
* our belief systems and way of perceiving the world
* our desire to learn, reach, stretch and find meaning
* our capacity to get the big pictures along with the pieces of the puzzle contained withinShadow may temporarily obscure travel & educational plans, international relations, correspondance, information ...
Stay alert!
In this spiritual, more global approach, eclipses are not isolated events,
but underline the nodal cycle of the Moon.
It is this cycle which defines the meaning.
Eclipses are thus moments of great importance
in the unfolding of the cyclic Cosmic Plan,
and they affect all of us, whether or not we realize it,
and even if they are not visible from our Earth Location.Note: Eclipses are especially important when they fall on an occupied point in the birthchart.
In these cases they usually provoke obvious wake-up calls and major confrontations.We arrive at a moment in the cycle
which is favorable to the process of Co-Creation:
the opportunity to use Past and Present
in order to build a Future
on a more liberated & creative base,
& more attuned to our Spiritual potential.
There are various ways of exploring this symbolism:
For example, astronomically:
the Moon is eclipsed by the Earth,
which comes between Moon and the light of the Sun.
If Moon represents dreams, emotions, liquids, our inner world, family-tribe, etc,
and Earth represents our grounded reality, nature & body,
and Sun is our ideal, spiritual light, hope and vision...
What does this suggest to you?Another look at Sol-Luna :
Sun (clear, obvious, rational, light-of-day, visible/ heat / center-individuality /authority/ETC )
eclipses, covers or makes disappear
Moon (emotions/ women,mother-child, belly-breasts / inner peace, inner world, security, home, family, tribe, ETC)
This is a very Focusing eclipse energy.
Whether or not it is experienced as "easy",
the symbolism clearly points to an accent on the NOW
and the need to live in the Light of the Present,
overcoming the negative pull of destructive reactions and behavior patterns.
STEVE NELSON reminds us:
" ... Eclipse above is elimination / transformation below.
Eclipsing Moon clears emotional shadow, Sun crossing South Node (dragon's tail) eliminates ego patterns
Energy flows 3 days from Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and sudden flashes of inspiration."
Alexander Ruperti, a humanistic astrologer, notes:
Because the moon is cut off from the light of the sun,
there may be a temporary "darkening" of
the inner states, feelings, general psyche & capacity for adaptation.
Repressed psychic or emotional energy & material may surge forth
and temporarily "submerge" our conscious awareness.
At best, this confrontation will lead to karmic fulfillment or clearing,
and liberation from past indulgences.
He adds that lunar eclipses are an occasion to
adapt differently to life, to change the quality of the relation we have
with others & our environment.
...beginning and final phase of a lunar eclipse...
eiLight's final advice:
Running into Shadow and Polarity might mean tension,
but it doesn't mean disaster if we cultivate Quality awareness=>
Detachment, equinamity, and paying attention
to our acts, words & inner states.Some call this a perfect RE-BOOT moment .
objective vision and
enlightened change or adaptation.
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