The Jan. 26 Solar Eclipse

The distinctive feature of an annular solar eclipse, is the ring of light around the Moon, as it passes between the Sun and the earth. This phenomena is a result of the Moon being at it's greatest distance from the earth(apogee), at the time of the eclipse.

Although the ancients saw an eclipse as a malefic influence- we are wise to look at each lunation individually, and make judgments with an eye to the specifics. Because the Jan. 26 eclipse falls in Saturn ruled Aquarius, I think the astrologers of old might portend negative consequences- which in some cases, is probably a valid prediction. For instance- this eclipse conjoins the radix Sun of India's Republic chart(1/26/50, 10:15 am), and the Feb. 9 lunar eclipse hits the Sun of India's Independence map(8/15/47, 12 am). And with the General Elections only a few months away, the eclipse activation of the Sun(leadership) in both national charts, does not bode well for the party in power. As always, context is a crucial factor in interpretation. Eclipses don't occur in a vacuum. (Note, the total solar eclipse of Aug. 1, 2008, did portend the violent attacks of November in Mumbai.)

The Jan. 26 solar eclipse falls in the sign of Aquarius, along with Jupiter, the Node, Chiron, and Neptune. The conjunction with benefic Jupiter is a key factor in determining the eclipse potential, and suggests a more favorable turn of events, than would otherwise be forecast- although, Jupiter symbolizes big things, and big isn't always good. The strong emphasis on Aquarius speaks to the progressive and altruistic possibilities that lie before us, as we move forward with a new administration in place, and a glimmer of hope in our hearts. While the eclipse on the USA's(7/4/1776) South Node, alludes to endings of some sort, that are linked with past actions or conditions. The financial implications of the eclipse-Node contact are shown by the Sagittarius rising(Sibly) version of the US chart, with the South Node in the 2nd house. Moreover, the spiritual direction(South Node) of America is receiving impetus from the eclipse, which also opposes Mr. Obama's natal Sun in Leo. (The Aug. 1, 2008 eclipse occurred 3 days before his birthday.)

The eclipsing of the Sun's light represents the death or end of one phase of development, and the light's return signifies a rebirth or fresh start to a new cycle of growth. The eclipse puts an emphasis on whatever planet it conjuncts or opposes, and whatever house it falls in. Again- as eclipses are not lone factors, one must consider the condition of those planets/houses being activated. And of course, a solar eclipse will often require a trigger some time later, to set-off it's latent power. In this case, transiting Mars will cross the eclipse degree around Feb. 12/13.

Another way to understand what an eclipse might mean for a particular place, is to note if there are any planets on the angles(points of manifestation), as these will tend to color events with their own energy. A good example in this regard, is the big Saturn-Uranus opposition on the eclipse meridian at Jakarta, Indonesia, which suggests some extreme weather or natural disasters in that region. And it should be duly noted, that the path of the eclipse passes over Indonesia. If the Jan. 26 eclipse is not activated by transiting Mars on Feb. 12/13, the Full Moon of April 9, 2009, may trigger the latent power of the eclipse and it's ruler Saturn, which is sharply placed at Jakarta.

The Greek astronomer Meton of Athens observed that a period of 19 tropical years is almost exactly equal to 235 synodic months, and so eclipses repeat at the exact same degree every 19 years('Metonic cycle'). The Jan. 26, 1990, eclipse occurred at 6-7 degrees of Aquarius- precisely where the current eclipse falls. One might reflect back on that period to understand the possible effects of this months eclipse.

The Jan. 26 solar eclipse is a member of Saros series 131 that began Aug. 1, 1125, and ends 1244 years later, on Sept. 2, 2369. Interestingly- the first eclipse in this series at 15 Leo, was powerfully placed(conjunct the IC) at the US capital- while the eclipse angles are the same as President Obama's relocated chart for Washington, DC. Therefore, the current solar eclipse may have some special significance for the US and President Obama, if we consider the Saros series to which it belongs, as an interpretive factor.

Excellent Eclipse graphics:
Shadow & Substance

Astrology on the Web:
2009 Eclipses

Annular Eclipse of the Sun- Jan. 26, 2009:
Eclipse maps & animation

Saros Cycle

Jupiter in Aquarius

Jupiter's 2009 passage through Aquarius will tend to bring out the best qualities of that sign. And the USA will certainly play a leading role in the expression of Jupiter's vibration, and also, the birth of a new world order, reflected by the signature Saturn-180-Uranus. The first exact opposition occurred on Nov. 4, with Obama's stunning election victory, that changed the whole landscape. And the second opposition is Feb. 5, soon after Obama takes office.

Jupiter entered Aquarius on Jan. 5, at 10:42 am, EST. The chart for this ingress('entering into') in Washington, DC, shows Jupiter, Mercury, and the Moon's North Node, in the 11th house of friends, 'hopes and wishes'. (This is the house most associated with Aquarius- the 11th sign.) And Jupiter rules the Pisces Ascendant, where radical Uranus is rising, in opposition to Saturn. In other words- the key aspect of these times, is on the horizon at the US capital, as benefic Jupiter changes signs.

This synchronicity is rich in symbolism, as Jupiter- ancient ruler of Pisces, will be happier in Aquarius than Capricorn, and so Uranus(in Pisces) will also benefit from this energetic shift. And Uranus is stirring an awakening in the collective spirit even now. Moreover- Saturn(ancient ruler of Aquarius) in Virgo, suggests practical application or refinement for Jupiter's expansive drive, so progressive innovation and altruism(Uranus), can manifest and take shape in the real world.

The planet Saturn- ruler of authority, time, and responsibilities, moving through Virgo- is the anchor holding the celestial energies together, and honing their focus at this point in time- especially Jupiter, newly in Saturn-ruled Aquarius.

Jupiter in Aquarius

Jupiter and Ganymede