Total Solar Eclipse: July 22, 2009
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth so that the sun is totally covered (eclipsed). This can only happen at a very specific time – during a new moon when the sun and moon are in conjunction (as seen from earth). Up to five of these eclipses can happen during any given year. Total solar eclipses exist only along a narrow corridor of the moon’s umbra (the darkest part of the shadow, where the source of light – in this case, the sun – is completely concealed by the occulting body – in this case, the moon).
When will the total solar eclipse occur?
The next total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009. It is the second of three eclipses that will occur this summer – the others being the lunar eclipse that occurred on July 7th, and the lunar eclipse that will be occurring on August 6th.
How long will the total solar eclipse last?
This total solar eclipse will be the longest of the 21st century, lasting six minutes and thirty-nine seconds. The effects of the total solar eclipse can be felt for up to 3 ½ years. Events that are triggered by an eclipse can take up to six months to fully manifest.
Where can it be seen?
You will be able to see the eclipse only along a narrow corridor running through northern India, eastern Nepal, southern China and the Pacific ocean. There is an incredible animated map of the solar eclipse that can be seen here: http://www.shadowandsubstance.com.
Caution:
You must use proper equipment and techniques to look at a solar eclipse. Looking straight at it with the naked eye will cause damage to the retina. There could be permanent damage and severe visual loss.
History:
Total solar eclipses are a spectacular natural phenomenon – one that people travel long distances to see. In ancient times certain cultures attributed solar eclipses to supernatural causes, and they were frightened by them. (With man’s dependency on the sun, it is easy to see why there would be intense fear when the sun suddenly disappeared.)
What does a total eclipse mean?
Eclipses in general are all about change (as if we weren’t having enough of that already!). A total eclipse is all about endings and new beginnings – about releasing the past and walking through the gateway into the future.
What sign is this eclipse in?
This eclipse is in the last degrees of Cancer, just before the Sun enters Leo. We are being given the opportunity to learn the lessons that are associated with Cancer, and to bring to a close any Cancerian issues in our lives. With Cancer, we are talking about our emotional self, about romance and relationship, dreamtime and intuition, and psychic vision.
What issues are we looking at?
We are looking at our ability to nurture others, our ability to nurture ourselves, and our ability to accept nurturing from others. We need to open our hearts and allow ourselves to heal. The need for change brought on by this eclipse also ties into the major changes that our planet is undergoing ecologically, as well as the economic crisis that we are currently facing.
Which signs will be most affected?
Those with their Sun in Cancer, or with Cancer rising, will be most affected by this eclipse. Those with their Sun in Capricorn, or with Capricorn rising will also feel the effects of the eclipse more strongly than most because the constellations of Cancer and Capricorn are opposite each other and in direct alignment with this eclipse.
Actions that we can take:
1. Look at who and what your are nurturing.
2. Look at why you are doing the nurturing.
3. Look at whether you are currently nurturing yourself.
4. Look at where you need to be nurtured.
5. Look for opportunities that will allow you to break away from old patterns.
Bringing ourselves into balance:
Cancer is a very emotional sign, and deals with matters close to the heart. There needs to be a balance between nurturing others, nurturing ourselves, and allowing ourselves to be nurtured by others. A life that is out of balance is a life that is not functioning well.
Major Changes:
The changes that we begin to see within ourselves because of this eclipse will also be seen by others. Expect that there will be a change in all of our relationships – business and personal.
Expect the shadow side to come out – that which has been hidden must be brought out into the light and dealt with (remember those endings and new beginnings!).
Effects of the solar eclipse by sign:
Aries: This is a time to rest and nurture yourself. You may scale back your life a bit until your vitality returns.
Taurus: Your self-worth comes into the picture, and you may find yourself testing your relationships. You will be dealing with family issues.
Gemini: Whether you are ready or not, a change in finances is forcing you to deal with issues that you have been putting off. Perhaps you are undervaluing yourself?
Cancer: You get to do a total life review, my friend! This is good – a time to let go of what no longer works, and make room for something new.
Leo: The focus for you will be on two areas: your career, and your spiritual quest. Live in the now – learn from the actins of others.
Virgo: Pay attention to changes that can be made at work to make things work more smoothly, and be open to exploring new ideas.
Libra: This is a time to take those walls down and be less concerned with protecting yourself. Find that balance between the need to protect yourself, and ecstatic optimism.
Scorpio: The focus for you is on career. Let the dust settle before you lose faith!
Sagittarius: Finances are front and center – especially joint finances. Dream the big dreams – the way to achieve your goals is within your grasp!
Capricorn: Relationship will be front and center for you. Needs that you are either unaware of, or simply not expressing, will be coming into the open.
Aquarius: There will be some changes within your work environment, but they will prove to be positive ones. You feel good about life, and have the ability to see things clearly.
Pisces: Romantic relationships are in the fore front. Expect some changes at work, as well as some changes in how you take care of your physical health.
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