FEBRUARY ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE

An Overview of the effects of the first Solar Eclipse of 2008...

Here is a brief outline of the effect of the Solar Eclipse and the areas of life most likely affected….For more information on the Lunar Eclipse, follow the link to the relevant page or go to the February 2008 Eclipse overview page.

Annular Solar eclipse in Aquarius

Solar eclipses emphasise the masculine or yang aspect and is therefore associated with males, father-figures, authority, self-awareness and self-expression, the ego. The focus in energy is generally outward and therefore more likely to manifest in the form of external events.

Date:     7 February 2008

Sign:      Aquarius

Aquarius is a fixed air sign and is associated with friendships, androgyny, humanitarianism, honesty, loyalty, originality and inventiveness, independence and intellectual genius. Negative Aquarius characteristics include: rebelliousness and perverseness - being different or controversial just for the sake of it, stubbornness and intractability, unpredictability and being too unemotional and detached.

Moon phase:      New Moon

Because an eclipse happens between the sun and the moon, there will always be a moon phase involved! Solar eclipses always occur at New Moon because this is when both luminaries are on the same side of the earth. New Moon are linked to new beginnings or a change in direction.

The blending of opposites

The first eclipse to begin 2008 is an annular solar eclipse on the 7th of February. During a solar eclipse, which always takes place at the new Moon, we can expect to see events played out in the world that call for change or a reassessment by us which may mark a crossroads or aha moment in our lives. This year, we change eclipse families, moving from the Pisces-Virgo family slowly into that of Aquarius-Leo. As a result, we can expect a shift in mood as we move from the slightly more introverted combination of water and earth to the much more volatile and excitable air-fire elements.

On the 7th, the sun-moon conjunction that is characteristic of solar occultations, will take place in the sign of Aquarius. Thus, expect outer events to probably have an airy nature, that is, be related to the intellect, ideas, travel or communication. Aquarius is a sign very much concerned with individuality as well as that individual's role in society. Aquarius is known as a humanitarian sign so we can expect these airy events to concern either the process of individuation and the journey towards one's authentic self, or to concern one's relationship to the group - be that group a bunch of friends, a sports team, a political party or society as a whole.

Astrologically, Leo is the natural ruler of the Sun. Given that the solar eclipse takes place in the sign exactly opposite Leo on the zodiac wheel - Aquarius - we might expect this solar eclipse to plant the focus firmly on relationships of all kinds, but particularly how we relate to people on a one-on-one level. Relationships that are especially in the spotlight are one's romantic partner, as well as close business associates. Perhaps its time to re-evaluate what you want from these relationships  - are you too idealistic and expect too much? Do you communicate your needs well to your significant other? How often do you let them know how much you appreciate them? Is a relationship stifling your sense of self and if so, can it handle the adjustments required to make it more authentic? These are just some of the questions that may arise at this time. Bear in mind that eclipses bring up themes that are meant to be played out over a 6-month period, so don't feel you have to rush to take action or make up your mind, though of course, being a time of wild card activity, snap decisions are not unheard of! Aquarius also rules the lightning bolt so expect the unexpected!

Also in the mix are Chiron, Mercury and Neptune which are all within a few degrees of the sun and moon during this astrological event - that's a lot of activity in one sign! Let's look at each planet and how it might add another layer of meaning to what unfolds in the coming months:

• Mercury - the planet of communication, self expression, commerce and the intellect, forms a conjunction with Chiron, the asteroid associated with healing, vulnerability and mentoring. Together with the solar eclipse, they could mean that an old wound, possibly linked to relationships, might be healed through discussion, or that you could decide to contribute to your community by teaching under-privileged children or getting involved in a mentorship programme.

• Neptune, the planet of spirituality, dreams, drugs and deception, will be orbiting within four degrees of the eclipse, which could add a romantic overtone to a surprise date, or could add a spiritual element to the mix. Do watch out for Neptune's slightly shady side though which means that people or opportunities are not always what they seem.

 And now for a more breakdown of what the eclipse might mean for you sign by sign...

Areas of life affected
Below is a list of the likely areas of life highlighted or influenced at this time by the solar eclipse, classified according to sign. You can also cross-reference this by looking at the entry for your rising sign or Ascendant.

Aries
Eleventh house of friendships, groups, clubs, personal objectives & aspirations, invention & unique insights, detached observation, scientific study, the need for independence or to belong, humanitarian endeavours, taking a stand against misuse of power, the study of alternative or esoteric systems such as astrology, mass communication including the media

Taurus
Tenth house of ambition, fame, honours and public life, career or profession, reputation, obligations & responsibilities, desire for power or status, gaining or falling from positions of power, relationships with authority, bosses or government, parents, especially father, political life

Gemini
Ninth house of expansion, long-distance travel & adventure, higher learning, lecturing, personal, philosophical or religious beliefs, contact with foreign cultures, people or organisations, publishing, the search for meaning, cultural values and trends, the law

Cancer
Eighth house of sex, power, death, inheritance, taxes, shared resources (including taxes, insurance, alimony), large financial institutions e.g. banks & big business, dramatic personal transformations, antiques, reincarnation, regeneration, psychic abilities, the occult, parapsychology, extremes

Leo
Seventh house of personal relationships, marriage, enemies, business partnerships, diplomacy and compromise, justice, fairness, balance, desire for social interaction and cooperation, need for peace, harmony and moderation, the reactions of others to personal action

Virgo
Sixth house of health, personal habits & hygiene, job, work environment, colleagues, employees, trouble-shooting, dealings with the medical profession, occupational health & safety, detailed work or responsibilities  

Libra
Fifth house of creativity, natural talents, pursuit of pleasure, hobbies, sports, romance, new relationships & sexual involvements, children, pregnancy & childbirth, gambling, the entertainment industry, social popularity (or lack of it)

Scorpio
Fourth house of home and domestic life, family members, activities and influences, motherhood and relationships to mothers or primary care-givers, food & nourishment, conditioned responses and ingrained emotional attitudes

Sagittarius
Third house of communication, speech, thinking, ideas, study (especially early education or school), teaching, siblings and relationships with brothers & sisters, neighbours and one's local community, logic, day-to-day decisions, the intellect and thought processes

Capricorn
Second house of money & finances, personal wealth, personal resources (including skills) real estate, values, desire for material status or security

Aquarius
First house of self-esteem, self-expression, personal decisions or actions, physical appearance, physical vitality, new areas of personal experience

Pisces
Twelfth house of the unconscious, hidden activities or things done in seclusion, confinement (and therefore also hospitals, prisons and mental institutions), secrets or private matters, spiritual activities (including meditation, mystical experiences), intuition & dreams, empathy towards others and therefore the caring professions, the creative imagination & escapist tendencies, drugs, self-delusion, neurotic tendencies, the cinema and the acting profession

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