Solar Eclipse Review – 22 July 2009

"Astronomers Studying an Eclipse," 1571 painting by Antoine Caron, oil on panel

On Wednesday, July 22nd 2009 (late July 21, if you’re in North America) the eastern hemisphere basked underneath the longest solar eclipse of the twenty-first century, reaching a maximum of 6 minutes and 39 seconds in some areas. Since the path of totality cut across so many major cities in Asia- Surat, Vadodara, Bhopal, Varanasi, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Hefei, Hangzhou, and Shanghai- this was likely the most widely-observed eclipse in human history.

The significance of this eclipse is striking enough in astronomical terms, and becomes even more so when we consider it from an astrological perspective as well. Three charts for the beginning, height of totality, and the eclipse end, are below:

Event chart for beginning of partial eclipse (C1), 22 July 2009

Event chart for eclipse totality point, 22 July 2009

Event chart for ending of partial eclipse (C4), 22 July 2009

First, this is an intense chart sequence, with no unaspected planets. Just a cursory glance notices, in addition to the required sun-moon-nodal conjunction:

• The eclipse occurs in the anaretic degree of 29 Cancer
• Moon in domal dignity (in its domicile, or sign it rules) in Cancer
• Mercury widely conjunct the eclipse point
• Pluto inconjunct the eclipse point
• The continuing Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune “detox stellium“
• Heavily aspected Uranus (trine eclipse, opposing Saturn, square Pluto, semi-sextile J-C-N)
• Four planets (Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), Chiron in retrograde
• At totality the chart is nearly devoid of fire, with little water except the luminaries, and heavy air emphasis
• Part of Fortune conjunct ascendant, within arc-seconds at totality
• North node goes direct near the height of totality

Where to even begin?

A great deal of discussion has taken place around the fact that this eclipse occurred on the anaretic, or 29th, degree of Cancer. This draws even more special attention to the position of both the sun and the moon in this chart; when a planet is on the anaretic degree of a sign, it’s rather like a “day of reckoning” for the area of life governed by that planet, in the context of the sign (and house, if relevant). This resembles a concentrated version of the cusp concept. However, rather than the influence of the following sign “bleeding in”, it is a reflective moment, a culmination of the influences and experiences of the current sign (in this case, Cancer) before transitioning to the following, contrasting sign (here, Leo). Also known as the karmic degree, it is a symbol of standing on a precipice, of nearly mastering a cosmic lesson.

Following this train of thought, we have both the sun (one’s identity, self-awareness) and the moon (needs and emotions) in the cardinal water sign of Cancer (protected emotional depths, home, nurturing). Since Cancer is ruled by the moon, the emotional context becomes even more heavily emphasized. This eclipse at this decree symbolizes at once a compromise, a balance, a struggle between identity and emotion, between being a singular creature and belonging to something bigger than one’s self, between self-protection and self-development. The anaretic degree is a pause for introspection, a take-home exam before moving on to the next lesson.

How are we, as humanity and as individuals, learning to balance our desires for self-determination and progress with our primal desire to preserve our homelands, homes, and family ties? How can the human race reach new heights while still meeting its basic needs? How can we achieve both greatness and emotional fulfillment?

Together with the anaretic issue, the strongly aspected Uranus, the nodes at 0 degrees, and the aversions of the semi-sextile and Pluto inconjunct the eclipse point give this chart some heavy, stressful karmic weight. The overall retrograde nature of the chart, and the lack of fire at the peak, point again to the introspective moment: this was a time for turning inward. Analysis and reflection were rewarded, rather than action. At the height of the eclipse, the nodes (which normally move in retrograde) also turn direct. This is not considered noteworthy for horoscopic purposes, but is another morsel for this very inward-oriented, retrograde event.

Uranus is also a symbol of transition, disruption, awakening, liberation… all concepts that resonate strongly with the idea of standing on a precipice of fate.

The Fool tarot card, corresponding to the planet Uranus

Like our eclipse, the Fool trump stands out with the planet Uranus (its traditional astrological link), the bright sun overhead, a strong air emphasis (yellow background), and suggestions of water (blue mountains). It is the first and last card of the tarot deck and visually represents the fateful journey into the unknown, making one’s own way in the world (albeit with baggage), and a certain air of naïveté; a fitting symbol for this event. Uranus also rules the sign of Aquarius, where it semi-sextiles the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune stellium. Change is coming, and we had all best understand, individually and collectively, what we want to become and what we need to maintain if we’re going to navigate it successfully.

So this was quite an event by both astronomical and astrological measures:

• Longest solar eclipse of the 21st century
• Nearly the theoretical maximum length of 7 minutes 30 seconds
• Possibly the best-observed eclipse in human history
• Moon in its domicile of Cancer
• Occurred on the anaretic degree of 29 Cancer
• Heavily aspected, retrograde event chart

Every observer and every follower of this event had a unique experience, and the intersection between the astronomical and astrological worlds is never clearer than during a solar eclipse. Astrologers tracked the event through NASA sites, live video and discussions, and precise calculations. Amateur and professional astronomers alike experienced very primal, emotional reactions to a pinnacle of scientific observation. The most heavily-populated region of the world experienced the longest eclipse of the century, turning many into lifelong eclipse chasers- both scientific and esoteric. Even astrology’s very foundation, the impact of earthly patterns and events, received a scientific boost: with the moon at proxigee, its closest yearly position to the earth, the gravitational pull of the moon is measurable. As students and teachers of astrology, our attention to detail, mathematical and statistical rigor, and documented research will be essential to bringing our field closer to its long-lost twin of astronomy. This exceptional solar eclipse will long stand as a noteworthy meeting between them both.

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Related posts:

1. Solar Eclipse – 21/22 July 2009
2. Lunar Eclipse – July 7 2009
3. Crab Season