This eclipse is exciting…and what a wonder to be able to see it in our lifetime. Still, there is a great deal of anxiety surrounding some of the aspects of it astrologically and there reflection of what is happening within us, both collectively and individually. The eclipse happens on the axis of the “me vs we” in the zodiac (tropical)…and points to the theme which is a bringing to the surface all of the shadow elements associated with our inner constellations that relate to developing a sense of ego/self and how we balance that with others. Sometimes people get stuck in the me phase of development and don’t seem to move very far from that. Life will inevitably bring up situations that will call us to bring forth our cooperative nature as we begin to form bonds and alliances with others. And then, there are some people for other reasons who get stuck in trying to make everything about pleasing other people…which is also toxic and undeveloped. This eclipse will call upon us to bring forth our shadow elements and really confront our own selfishness and ego nature…and whether we really have developed the ability to bond with others and balance the collective needs with our own.
Most likely, this will manifest in our relationships during the coming period (Venus is at 4 degrees Aries)…and signifies it’s time to get serious about things and look at the underlying truths that are operative in our lives…and take action to bring our outer world into closer alignment with what we really want underneath all of our narratives and issues. We are called to become more whole by integrating these elements and allowing them to empower us…only then can we be truly Liberated. Chiron is conjunct this eclipse, so there is implied healings that will need to be addressed and embraced as the true gift of what we are experiencing and learning in the life.
We should also bear in mind that beyond self, and personal relationships…the eclipse also calls into question the way nation states interact with each other globally…and calls us all to move into a greater awareness of our global unity and responsibility to the planet, to each other and to all Her creatures. We MUST rise above our petty differences and warped territorial instincts and learn to embrace each other. Of course that requires sacrifice on all sides, but mostly it just means giving up delusional superiority, the illusion of national sovereignty and an addiction on the part of cultures that are still developing (all of them) to become rooted in an unwavering commitment to the rights and dignity and equality of every person…every being.
Those most affected by the eclipse will be people who have placements/sensitive points in their natal chart at 18-20 degrees Aries…also 18-20 degrees Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The eclipse will create a trine to 18-20 degrees Leo and Sagittarius (I would call this a chaotic harmonious aspect though…such as benefiting from lessons integrated and learned.) Look to these placements in your own natal chart to see where these energies will play out and what they could mean for you personally.
The time leading up to the eclipse is a time sacred to Goddess Hekate, called the Deipnon. In many ways, I consider solar eclipses as an extension of Her sacred domain and power…as if She is exerting Her presence over the Heavenly gods by eclipsing the Sun and extending Her sacred time and space. Devotees of Her will find this a particularly powerful moment to honor Her…and to seek Her favor.
I work with Hekate but my primary Deity is Bastet, as many of you know (Glory to Bastet) She is a powerful protector and was thought to accompany the Sun God in His underworld journeys, being His daughter, and She would protect Him from the monsters that are hidden in the darkness. She protects those who love adore and honor Her, in the same way. An eclipse is a good opportunity to call upon Her and thank Her for Her powerful protection. Dua Bastet!
Also, 25 degrees from the Eclipse…some will be able to see the Comet (named the Devil’s Comet…because of the “horns” created in the corona of the comet). Comets and Eclipses were among the first signs in the heavens noticed by ancient astrologers and both were almost universally regarded as “bad omens” and malefic…and were thought to portend catastrophe, war and disaster. Let me say this about it…the Comets and Eclipses aren’t necessarily causative…but there is a principle of synchronicity at work in these things. People all over the world living in harmony with Nature instinctually understood that these were bad signs…as if the Universe was saying “Pay attention to these issues…it’s dangerous if you ignore them.” Hopefully we have gained enough wisdom to be able to final hear what They are saying to us.
An interesting aside: I am not a Christian Witch…but I was raised among baptists and snake handlers and eventually became Roman Catholic briefly in my youth. I came across the fact that this year, they moved the festival of the Annunciation which is normally on March 25th (remember the 1st eclipse (lunar) that occurred that day? It was a partial eclipse.) They didn’t want the feast day of the Annunciation to occur during Holy Week, for good reason…how confusing would that be? So they moved it to April 8th…the day of the eclipse…which I find interesting and strange in its own right. The festival of the Annunciation is when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and declared to Her that She would be the Mother of the Incarnation. In many ways, we too are being called to align with bringing forth a better world, where the Divine is seen as immanent. Not only in other people…but in all the living beings that make up the circle of Nature and Life. The Goddess wears many faces…Let’s make sure the one She wears in Ourselves is true, whole, conscious and fully connected to Source.
Blessings to all of you and Lots of Love,
Watch the Skies (but do so safely and responsibly)
Witch Joseph XOXOX