Annular Solar Eclipse - The Next Big Step

A significant  Annular Solar Eclipse occurs over Africa and Asia on January 15th. At greatest eclipse, annularity totals 11 minutes and 8 seconds. This is the longest solar eclipse until December 23, 3043.

This particular event is quite complex. Hence, I have provided additional background content for anyone wanting more information. For those wanting to "cut to the chase", I've provided a synopsis a few sections down titled The 411 - Reader's Digest Version

Eclipse dynamics:

As with every total or annular solar eclipse, and total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in direct alignment at the maximum eclipse moment. This is called "syzygy" (pronounced sizz-a-gee) - a gravitational alignment of 3 or more celestial bodies. Incidentally, this was my oldest daughter's favorite word when she was in grade school, due to its lack of a vowel and spelling difficulty.

Adding to this alignment, the Earth reached recently its closest orbital point to the Sun (perigee was Jan 5), while the Moon at the eclipse will be close to its farthest point from Earth (apogee). Combined, these dynamics produce a Moon only 92% of the Sun's disk. This means the Moon takes longer to travel across the face of the Sun resulting in a very long annular eclipse.

Long duration eclipses symbolically represent a deepening of vibration and intent. Occurring in late degree Capricorn, this eclipse points its laser-like intensity toward Capricorn themes of finance, industry, rules, authority, politics and self-sufficiency.

Timing:
--Shadow of the Moon first touches the Earth on the 14th in Hawaii at 6:10 PM (HST); 8:10 pm Pacific Time (PST); and on the 15th at 4:10 AM Universal Time (UT).
--Greatest Eclipse occurs on the 14th at 9:06 PM HST; 11:06 PST; and the 15th at 7:06 AM UT
--Moon Shadow leaves the Earth on the 15th at 12:03 am HST; 2:03 am PST; 10:03 am UT

Eclipse Track:
Begins at Sunrise in the heart of central Africa - center of shamanism and mysticism
Crosses the Indian Ocean, where greatest eclipse occurs near the Maldive island chain
Passes over the Maldives, Southern India and Sri Lanka - strong spiritual vortices
Crosses Southeast Asia, and Central and Eastern China - emerging financial and industrial powers

The Chinese part intrigues me, as it crosses some of the same eclipse path from last July's major eclipse. Because of this double barrel effect, China's role in the evolving Capricorn mythos takes on greater significance.

Eclipse ends just north of Shanghai, China at sunset. Have a look here for a Google map tracking the eclipse path. Also, here's a video we created showing the Moon's transit across the Sun disk.

The shadow effect sweeping the Earth, amplifies the geophysical matrix along the eclipse track. Usually, within 6 months to a year or so, this amplification results in Earth changes (earthquake, strong storms, etc.). For example, the South Pacific came under the intense shadow effect of this past July's solar eclipse. In turn, over the last few months, this area has seen major earthquakes, cyclones and tsunamis.

The 411 - Reader's Digest Version 
For anyone not inclined to know the specific details, this eclipse has all the symbolic makings of initiating a deeper alteration of how society functions on an economic, political and social level. Eclipses are seeding points for the coming 6 months to a year. What do you want to seed this day? My suggestion: given the intensity of the 2010 wave now building, take the time to create clear, heart-centered, and logical intentions at the eclipse for how you want to manifest, serve and reorganize your life (Capricorn themes) in 2010 and beyond.

The 411 detail version - for your inner Virgo 
- Go here to see the Eclipse Natal Chart. This Guide supplements the following information:

Capricorn to the Max!
Major lineup of planetary elements in Capricorn on Eclipse day. This includes: 
--Mercury Retrograde and Pluto together and square Saturn in Libra - transforming how we exchange information and ideas, as well as our economic belief structure within the context of equal, conscious partnerships (Libra).  

--Sun, Moon, Venus and North Node together - an intention to redesign our economic and political structure through the inclusion and integration of the Feminine vibration (Venus) in our decision making process. North Lunar Node signals a new gateway. As this stellium of planetary aspects are in the higher degrees of Capricorn (20 to 29 - spiritual zone), their influence imbues this overall vibration with a higher frequency and spiritual direction.

Together, these two combinations add a unique intensity to this eclipse.  Multitude Capricorn aspects brings a laser-like focus to Capricorn themes of rules, laws, structure, finance, authority, patriarchy, work, career and achievement. Through Universal Synchronicity, the recent movie Avatar brings the same type of intensity and shadow or darker side about these very patriarchal themes to the world consciousness. The matrix is getting primed for an upgrade.

Inner Planetary Dance:
Retrograde Mercury being at interior conjunction (between the Earth and Sun) brings us new information about the new evolving mythos of Capricorn for consideration, debate and integration. Venus at Superior Conjunction (Sun directly between Earth and Venus) symbolically hides behind the Sun to receive new directions for how the sacred feminine participates in this emerging Capricorn wave. As we have witnessed, the existing destructive, patriarchy eventually implodes and fails if devoid of the feminine vibration.

Retrograde Shifts: 2 days prior to the eclipse, Saturn, the ruling planetary energy for Capricorn, begins its reverse motion at 4 degrees Libra. By May 30, it has moved back to 28 degrees Virgo and an opposition date with Uranus.

Since Saturn moved into Libra in October, it has been a crystalizing force for aligning with your own inner authority (Capricorn theme), especially in relationship (Libra) to others in your life. As it begins its 4 1/2 month journey to 28 degrees Virgo, discoveries over the past 3 months about the integrity and strength of your inner power are now internalized (retrograde) and integrated, if you so choose - remember, this is about your "inner authority".

Meanwhile, moving in the opposite direction, Mercury ends its retrograde on the 15th shortly after the eclipse. This forward movement begins to free-up information and events of the prior 3 to 5 weeks. Through February 4, when Mercury crosses over its retrograde point at 22 Capricorn, there will be a noticeable shift in available energy, especially in Capricorn's political and industrial realms. The direct motion period usually repeats events of the retrograde period to see what lessons have been learned. So look for more tumultuous winter weather and other geophysical events (e.g. today's very intense 7.1 earthquake near Haiti), and surprising political developments (there have been a number of them over the past 5 weeks, including health care, political scandals, and retiring politicians).

Moon's movement into Capricorn:
Moon enters Capricorn on January 12/13 and immediately triggers an emotionally based and challenging dynamic with Pluto, Mercury and Saturn. Pay attention to Capricorn type events on the 12th and 13th, as they will provide context for the shadow side of this eclipse. Health Care debate and negotiations in the US Congress would be one example. There will be others.

As the Moon continues its movement in Capricorn, the information derived from the opening encounter is shared with Sun and Venus on Eclipse Day.

Jupiter into Pisces:
On the 17th, Jupiter ends its year-long journey through Aquarius, moving into the transpersonal realm of Pisces, and one of its ruling signs (Sagittarius is the other). Jupiter in Pisces sets a transpersonal Piscean theme for 2010 - compassionate and heart-felt service in the world. Its one-year run through Pisces also heightens emotional sensitivity.

Specific to the eclipse energy, 4 hours after Jupiter arrives in Pisces, the Moon filled with eclipse information, enters Pisces to provide Jupiter with information relative to the significant astrological events occurring this summer. As Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and in part focuses on karmic completions, the Moon might share with Jupiter how the old Capricorn reality will come to an end.

And finally, the Mars effect:
Last July's major eclipse included a potent south lunar node at 0 degrees Leo (Node points are Gateways). This is the same degree Mars returns to on March 10th during its current retrograde motion. As this annular eclipse is almost directly opposite July's eclipse point (25 Capricorn versus 27 Cancer) the Mars theme of discovering one's inner heart-felt passion weaves its vibration into the evolving Capricorn structure.

Summary:
Given the complexity of this Eclipse's many aspects, the information I present here, and possible effects or outcomes, are designed to help shape the conversation about this significant event. However, as is always the case with the Universe, the actual form and content emerging from this event have yet to be scripted. We are in possibility realm now. Further, New Moon periods are high manifestation times. An eclipsed Moon offers the opportunity to erase the slate and start anew. Seeding clear, grounded, logical, heart-felt intentions on Eclipse Day supports this process.

We are the creators and dreamers of our reality. We are the answer to our own prayers. May your heart-felt intentions seeded on the Eclipse be your guide as you surf the Cosmological Waves of 2010 and beyond.

Aloha from the Tropics
Starman, Joseph Mina
©Gemini Awakening 2010, all rights reserved

photo Annular Eclipse, San Diego 1992 by Dennis Mammana