Each year there are four eclipses. Two occur during a new Moon, when the Moon blocks the Sun. Two occur at the full Moon, when the earth blocks the Moon. This month there will both kinds of eclipses. The full Moon lunar eclipse takes place on February 10 at 22 degrees of Leo and the new Moon solar eclipse happens on February 26 at 8 degrees of Pisces. The eclipse is most significant and impactfull when those degrees are occupied by a planet in one’s natal chart or if those degrees are on the angles of one’s natal chart.
In general, the full Moon is a time when our emotions tend to be both heightened and acted out. The new Moon is a good time for new beginnings to take place. Collectively, the full Moon eclipse can coincide with social or political changes that affect the masses. The new Moon eclipse tends to affect leaders of nations, usually in a way that leads to some kind of change of leadership for various reasons. It’s interesting that the new President of the United States was born at the time of a full Moon lunar eclipse. His Sun sign is Gemini, his Moon sign Sagittarius. In fact his Sun-Moon opposition is 22 degrees of Gemini-Sagittarius, exactly sextile and trine to the full Moon lunar eclipse this month. Sextiles are usually harmonious and supportive aspects, leading to the assumption that the full Moon this month could see him accomplish things that benefit the masses and improve his popularity. There are other aspects, however, that challenge that. First is the fact that transiting Saturn is exactly conjunct his natal Moon and opposing his Sun-Uranus conjunction. The former suggests that he may feel emotionally isolated and alienated. Sad. The opposition to his Sun suggests either powerful governmental forces in alignment against him and/or health issues. This transit lasts for most of the year.
Other aspects that could mitigate harmonious connection to the masses are an exact conjunction between transiting Mars and Uranus in Aries being opposed by Jupiter in Libra. This transit suggests abrupt action that could disrupt international relations, perhaps due to the beginning of a new conflict or the expansion of a pre-existing one. It could also bring about an intra governmental conflict over philosophy that could erupt around a Supreme Court nomination. In any case, impulsive arrogance and aggression could be exaggerated at this time by the full Moon lunar eclipse. In addition, transiting Pluto in Capricorn, which intensifies any conflicts with intense passion, is squaring this opposition. This pattern is called a T-Square. Integrating this T-Square into Trump’s chart we note that it squares his Saturn-Venus conjunction in Cancer very closely. Saturn can represent control, but also fear. This aspect in his chart suggests to me that he has a fear of being unloved (Venus) and may react to any restriction of his will or his policies by being extreme, inappropriate and bombastic in response to those people or forces who are resisting him. This of course is highlighted by his feelings of restriction, leading to emotional outbursts that could at least initially harm the masses. It could also create an atmosphere that could bring about health challenges for him.
Eclipses are unusual events. Even though we can know years and decades in advance about when they will occur, the fact that they occur so rarely each year suggests that it is difficult to predict what might occur specifically during an eclipse. We can make general assessments based on things such as the signs being affected and where the eclipse falls in a horoscope. In addition, it’s difficult to determine how long the effects of an eclipse will linger. Some astrologers maintain that the effects of a full Moon lunar eclipse could last several months, a new Moon solar eclipse could last a year or more. Noting how early in the new administration that this transiting T-Square highlighted by the eclipses is taking place (from prior to the inauguration until the end of March) we could assume that his term in office will at least begin in a very rocky way. This is not unusual for a new President. What is unusual is that the new President brings into office a history of erratic, extreme behavior. Putting a volatile person into a time frame of unpredictable events could be a recipe for inspired, visionary breakthroughs or absolute disaster that marks his administration for at least several months, if not a year or more.
The good news is that with all the potential for unexpected upheaval this month, there is an abundance of energy that facilitates change. We can either stand by and watch changes wash over us, for better or not, or we could jump in and seek to be initiators of change. We need, however, to avoid precipitous change that is born of reaction, fear or feelings of being unempowered. The transits at this time give us the freedom to just go do whatever. Full speed ahead. However, by exercising our free will, we can act with patience and deliberation. We can combine the inspiration of Uranus with the wisdom of Jupiter. Saturn is in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy. We can strive to clearly define a philosophy that activates our higher self and provides a conscientious sense of responsibility to our actions. Integrating these qualities into revolutionary action can be a formula for implementing affective, beneficial changes both in our lives and those whom our actions touch.
Aries: One of the strengths of Aries is its ability to courageously start new things. One of its weaknesses is its ability to maintain what it starts. This month brings an abundance of energy to get things going. Growth for you comes from having the patience to develop a plan before diving into anything. Without follow through you could put a lot of energy into something and wind up spinning your wheels and going nowhere.
Taurus: Although you may normally prefer being methodical, the energy this month prods you to be spontaneous. One of the best ways to put this energy to work is through creative expression. Visual art is particularly supported, but anything that provides an opportunity to express yourself in new ways could also lead to new insights into the person you are.
Gemini: Lots of new information available to you this month. You could respond with your usual curiosity and desire to share what you know. Growth, however, comes from being able to put pieces of information into larger contexts of understanding that can illumine both your mind and that of those with whom you communicate. Similarly, be selective about what you take in. Otherwise your overactive mind could get scattered.
Cancer: Since the Moon is your ruling planet, you may be more personally affected by the eclipses than other signs. The full Moon lunar eclipse on the 10th could bring a drive to be expressive of your inner world, possibly through creative expression. The new Moon solar eclipse on the 26th could bring clear insights into that world as well as feelings of spiritual inspiration.
Leo: The full Moon in Leo on the 10th heightens both emotional self-awareness and a tendency to act out those feelings. Sometimes fear of embarrassment can cause you to withhold being too emotionally open. This could lead either to suppression or acting out. Growth for you this month comes from feeling your feelings and letting others, who care, know what they are.
Virgo: Early month challenges give way to both mental clarity and social harmony later on. The challenges could come from family, either children or romantic partners. Unexpected changes or breakdown in communication create the stress. Resolution can come from being more understanding of others as well as expressing yourself more succinctly. In these ways you could be a source of inspiration.
Libra: This is a good time to initiate new behaviors in an ongoing relationship. You may often feel more comfortable allowing others to take the lead. Growth for you this month comes from expressing your needs, desires and directions you would like the relationship to take. Being self-affirming can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment in the relationship and well-being within yourself.
Scorpio: Your co-rulers, Mars and Pluto are both under stress this month. The combination can be useful for personal transformation and acting on what you are changing. However, there may also be tendencies to be either too abrupt or volatile in either the changes or their expression. This is a time when intense physical activity could provide outlet for your intensity while siphoning off excess energy at the same time.
Sagittarius: With volatility all around you, you may seek the role of peacekeeper. That is a noble intention, but be careful. If you help others to see different points of view, that could help them to learn and understand, whether they with each others’ perspectives or not. If you try to get others to agree with you, you will probably be met with resistance if not hostility. Growth comes from being a mediator, not a judge.
Capricorn: While the world may seem to crumble around you, or at least be jerked around unexpectedly, you may find yourself to be a rock of clarity and stability to others. Growth can come from knowing who, why and for how long your service is comfortable to you and appropriate to the situation.
Aquarius: A long period of inspired changes and liberating choices reaches a pinnacle this month. Growth can come from acting as a calm and centered way shower rather than an enlightened know it all. You can be someone who helps others to see a clear big picture that can be beneficial to them. Let others come to you and ask for the guidance rather than just offering it spontaneously and unbidden.
Pisces: The new Moon solar eclipse on the 26th will be in Pisces. This can provide a marvelous opportunity for spiritual and creative inspiration. In turn this can lead to a new, emerging sense of self that is both clear and positive. Your actions, either artistic or social can reflect that and bring positive response and support from others.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness and The Astroreader. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. Contact Rio by email, ri*@st*********.com.
