Eclipse season is now upon us. Astrologer Bernadette Brady defines eclipse season as a time-period of 36 days. This time-period begins when the Sun is 18 degrees away from the node to which it is transiting nearest by conjunction, and ends after the Sun has conjoined that node and moved another 18 degrees beyond it.
The significance of the node is that this is where the eclipses occur, when a new or full moon happens within 18 degrees of its location.
Since November 2018, the nodal axis has been transiting the signs of Cancer and Capricorn. So the Cancer and Capricorn houses have really been worked since that time. They have been stimulated and sensitized. In the Whole Sign House system, Cancer and Capricorn will occupy opposite houses, so that if one eclipse is happening in the 2nd house, the other is necessarily happening in the 8th house, and if one of the eclipses is happening in the 1st house, the other is happening in the 7th house, and so on through the houses.
While events associated with the impacted topics of life can transpire at the time of eclipse seasons, the soil is continuously being worked for the duration of the nodes’ transit through these houses. Eclipses represent concentrated energy that is bursting into an area of life. If there is any rigidity, anything lodged or stuck with respect to the house or planet topic, the eclipse energy surges through and can forcefully move it. While they can, eclipse-related events do not have to happen during eclipse seasons or at the time of the eclipse. But sometimes, uncannily something or someone is literally eclipsed for the duration of eclipse season.
The upcoming eclipses each have their own energies as shown by the planetary configurations at the the time of the eclipse itself. The moment of the eclipse can be observed much like a time of birth would be for an individual’s natal chart. The configurations can be assessed a number of different ways.
Looking at eclipses through the lens of the Saros cycle, we come to understand that eclipses belong to a family with many relatives, who each can be understood in light of their own individual characteristics. But in order to get a sense of the greater flow of significance of the eclipse, it behooves us to look at them all together. This echoes the idea that the events that occur during eclipse seasons are not isolated, random incidents, but emerge as peak elements of a nuanced story that unfolds over a longer timeline.
During this eclipse season, the peak events may reflect a great deepening, an upheaval, an exit, a cleansing, a purging, a possibly uncomfortable spate of clear awareness. With an emphasis on yin signs, this eclipse season offers an opportunity for reflection and inner connection.
July 2019 Eclipse Preview
Both eclipses occur in energetic cardinal signs Cancer and Capricorn. This eclipse set is likely to have to do with initiating new events, and energy that has the quality of being energetic and active. Things get moving. As both eclipses occur in yin cardinal signs. Both of these factors show that opening ourselves to receiving creates a container for helpful information to flow through and guide our way. Anything that is eclipsed is providing the opportunity for reflection, centering, and cleansing.
What To Do During an Eclipse
A Handful of Suggestions
* Keep an oil lamp lit – use ghee, sesame, or coconut and a cotton wick (ghee will stay lit longest)
* Stay inside during the eclipse itself. It is believed that exposing oneself to the rays of an eclipse can have malefic effects. Especially if one is being personally impacted by the eclipse (if your planets are being closely aspected by the eclipse)
* Do any sadhana or spiritual practice during the moments of the eclipse. It is also good to intensify sadhana or personal spiritual practices during eclipse season itself
* Keep a mantra playing in your home as often as possible, even when you’re not home. A mantra to Lakshmi is ideal, but any mantra of your choice is perfect.
What to do During Eclipse Season Generally
‘Tis the Season to be Thoughtful
