Virgo New Moon (Solar Eclipse) - September 11, 2007

A Solar Eclipse occurs during a New Moon when the Moon's path intersects with the ecliptic, or the apparent path of the Sun from our perspective on Earth. In essence, the Moon is near-exactly between the Sun and Earth, like a game of monkey-in-the-middle. Luna blocks Sol's light for a moment, and the Sun's rationality is "eclipsed" by the Moon's unconscious, emotional drives. Virgo agrees with Apollonian logic, as this Mercury-ruled sign loves to analyze and organize. Virgo is not so comfortable with the illogical Moon. This sign is too quick to rush in and make sense of the Moon's dreamy images.

The Moon is the body, though, and health-conscious Virgo feels at home improving the vessel that contains our soul. But if you're thinking that this Virgo Solar Eclipse provides the perfect opportunity to start a new exercise regimen and eat healthy, you are sorely mistaken. In fact, any efforts you make towards spending a peaceful hour or two alphabetizing your vitamins and herbal supplements will be sabotaged by Uranus, whose sole intent is to make you take Ginkgo when you meant to ingest Guarana.

The planet of surprises and sudden turnarounds is in Pisces, opposite the Virgo New Moon. Uranus lives to disrupt, and control-freaks like Virgo are one of this planet's favorite targets, for rigidity is anathema to the principle of revolutionary ideas and unconventional acts. Yes, it is time to think about ways to improve your health and attend to workplace issues (especially now that Saturn has entered this sign), but Uranus wants you to work in a novel twist to your approaches. Don't just follow the latest diet fad or rely on tried-and-true tips on how to get along with your colleagues. Think outside the box! If you don't, Uranus will find a way to subvert your plans. An offbeat spoken-word artist will sit in the cubicle next to you, spouting inventive rhymes while you're analyzing your spreadsheet. Take a step back and imbibe the images emanating from your LCD screen. Your Excel document is nothing more than pixels which are recognized as patterns by your Virgo mind. Cells, borders, numbers ... once you see they're just dots, you're free to read the Microsoftian Illumunita on your PC, and you're a click away from Nirvana.

The Fine Print: This New Moon occurs at 18 Virgo. Natives with planets or angles between 16 and 23 degrees of mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) will feel this the most. Mars in Gemini is also involved in a T-Square with the New Moon and Uranus -- Uranus-Mars squares are notorious for impulsivity and recklessness, so wear a helmet when you ride your bicycle.

Note to Commenters: I am unlikely to respond if you include your stats and ask what this eclipse will mean for you. There are usually just too many inquiries to respond to, and I already give away enough for free. You are more than welcome to share your fears, expectations, reactions and experiences. Just be aware that I'm more likely to be engaged in comment section dialogues about the general meaning of the eclipse.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces - March 18, 2007

Sometimes I listen to progressive metal, a hybrid of art-rock and heavy metal with guitar lines so low and loud, they shake every molecule of your body. Yet this music also includes all the pretentions of serious musicians intent on including odd meters and contrapuntal melodies -- not to mention lyrics about ancient civilizations and occult claptrap.

This solar eclipse is kind of like art metal. The Sun and Moon are conjunct (a New Moon ) in ethereal, musical Pisces, but in a tense square -- a 90-degree angle -- to Pluto, lord of the underworld. We plant our dream-seeds into the fertile earth, just a few days before spring, with the chthonic power of nature forcing our fantasies to either survive or perish.

Pluto drags our transcendent urges into the nether regions of our psyche, confronting us with our devils and demons. One spiritual downfall (to which Pisces is prone) is the propensity to meditate for hours on end, revelling in bliss states to escape one's very real problems here on earth. Altered states of consciousness are not ends in themselves, strivings to experience mental fireworks and out-of-body experiences. Rather, the "work" is useful insofar as it helps us to be more compassionate beings in daily life.

The elements of Self we have cast off into the recesses of our unconscious cannot be avoided, especially with Pluto blocking our path at the intersection between heaven and hell. An attempt to paint, write music or sit zazen releases all the twisted, dark images that have been rooting around in the basement. They can no longer be avoided. Instead, incorporate them into your art. Black paints, harsh power chords, chaotic dance moves ... unleash the hell-fire of Self and channel it into your spiritual strivings, creating the humus to bring your dream-seeds to life.

The Fine Print: This New Moon occurs at 28 Pisces. If you have personal planets or angles between 25-29 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) or 0-2 degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), this Solar Eclipse will have a strong impact over the next year. Look to the houses containing 28 Pisces and 28 Sagittarius to see which areas of your life will be affected.

Related posts:

• Fear of an eclipse
• How to prepare for an eclipse