Each year there are four eclipses, two lunar and two solar. They always come in pairs and within two weeks of each other. A lunar eclipse takes place at the time of the full Moon, when the Moon and Sun are directly in opposition to each other. Within two weeks of that event (prior or subsequent) the new Moon solar eclipse occurs (when the Moon and Sun are conjunct). The word eclipse means to hide or conceal. From ancient times astrologers/astronomers (originally they were one and the same) knew of eclipses, plotted when they would occur and noted the events that took place during and after an eclipse. Because they are relatively rare, it was assumed that they would indicate events that would also be unusual. Originally it was felt that the lunar eclipse would presage events influencing the common person, whereas the solar eclipse would suggest things affecting the monarch.
In modern times the focus is on the signs that the eclipses take place within and the events that those signs indicate. We are also concerned with the length of time of the influence of the eclipse as well as the periods within that timeframe when unusual events are most likely to take place.
This month the lunar eclipse takes place in Pisces on the 7th. Pisces is a water sign and is co-ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. The influence of Neptune, in the mundane sense, is oriented toward things that are hidden, obscured or mysterious. A lunar eclipse in Pisces is likely to reveal information that had previously been hidden (such as in a political context) or mysterious (such as in something pertaining to the cause of an illness or the discovery of a drug that might cure one). Neptune currently is transiting through Aquarius, a sign oriented toward collective humanity. So we might assume that whatever is revealed during and after the time of this eclipse could affect the masses. In the chart of the United States, Neptune is located in the 9th house which pertains to churches and schools. There could be revelations about events or activities pertaining to either of these institutions. Pisces also deals with institutions such as prisons and hospitals. Events or information pertaining to either of these places could be revealed as well. Pisces also pertains to drugs. So this eclipse could uncover a scandal in the pharmaceutical industry or uncover some type of illegal drug operation that is fairly widespread. Jupiter resides in the US' second house, which pertains to resources and finance. It's possible that a financial scandal could come to light or that the financial security of the United States is altered in some way. One of the things that eclipses indicate is that a transition is beginning.
Pisces is a water sign and as such the influence of this eclipse could suggest problems coming from that element such as excessive rain, storms or hurricanes.
The new Moon this month is in Virgo on the 22nd. Virgo is an earth sign and is ruled by Mercury. Virgo specifically pertains to public heath, environmental factors and the harvest. The eclipse could suggest drought, limited harvest or even severe earthquake. Mercury is in the US' eighth house, which, similar to the second, can involve finances.
So it would not be surprising the eclipses of this month triggered significant changes in the US economy.
It's also interesting that as Virgo deals with health, Pisces pertains to drugs. The themes are similar and could suggest that we are about to experience a major health problem, or the discovery of a means of eliminating a health problem. With regard to the environment is there going to be some type of disaster affecting masses of people or a reinvigorated environmental movement oriented toward preserving the health and well-being of the earth?
Another significant issue with eclipses is their duration. The events that a particular eclipse presages are not limited to the time of the event itself, or even a few days before or after. It has been theorized that the influence of a solar eclipse can last up to 3 ½ years, while a lunar eclipse up to six months. The three planets that are most influential in triggering the potential of an eclipse and ending it are Mars, the Sun and Saturn. Mars and the Sun are the triggers. Whenever these planets conjunct, square or oppose the degree of the eclipse is when events are most likely to occur. Mars will conjunct the degree of the solar eclipse in April 2007 and again in April of 2009. The Sun activates the degree of the solar eclipse every three months thereafter.
Saturn's influence is to limit. In this case it can bring a halt to the affects of an eclipse. Saturn will conjunct the degree of the solar eclipse in October 2009.
It's interesting to note any planet that is aligned with the Sun or Moon during an eclipse. This month Uranus is conjunct the Moon during the lunar eclipse. Uranus can bring extreme and unexpected changes. In the chart of the United States Uranus is on the edge of the seventh house (partners). It's possible that an unpredicted change in our alliances or an unexpected act on the part of an ally shifts something significant in our relationship or in world affairs. In George Bush's chart Uranus is transiting his 8th house. This could suggest that something unexpected could be revealed about his finances or his involvement with drugs or alcohol (Pisces). In any case, the presence of Uranus adds a little spice to an event.
Aries (March 21-April 20