Eclipse, Solstice and Mercury Retrograde

RARE LUNAR ECLIPSE & WINTER SOLSTICE:  For the first time in many years, northern winter is beginning with a total lunar eclipse.  On Dec. 21, 2010, the date of the northern winter solstice, the full Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, turning the lunar orb a delightful shade of coppery-red. Sky watchers in North America are favored with an overhead view as the eclipse unfolds on Tuesday morning between 02:41 am and 03:53 am EST. Visit http://spaceweather.com for full coverage of the event including live webcasts, observing tips, and a look at the surprising connection between lunar eclipses and Earth's climate.

Is this rare? It is indeed, according to Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory, who inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years. "Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is Dec. 21, 1638," says Chester. "Fortunately we won't have to wait 372 years for the next one...that will be on Dec. 21, 2094."

The winter solstice is the beginning of the sign of Capricorn, which is, astrologically, the first day of winter. It is also the day when more light begins to shine. The eclipse was in the last degrees of the sign of Sagittarius. You know that a full Moon brings crazy situations; in the sign of Sagittarius, the situations would be travel, higher education, diplomacy or foreign relations. An eclipse intensifies any full-Moon situations. An eclipse also repeats every 19-1/2 years, so the last Sagittarius eclipse was December 21, 1991. 

An eclipse emphasizes the full moon craziness, but it also can forecast happenings for nations. What did happen, that goes along with the peacemaking trait of Sagittarius, is that North Korea backed down from attacking south Korea over their war games. This is a good portent. Mercury was in a stressful relationship with Uranus and Jupiter before the eclipse, indicating North Korea’s exaggerated belligerence. Mercury then traveled into a good relationship with Neptune, indicting an opportunity for enlightenment or understanding of consequences, and they backed down. 

The lunar eclipse was in the last degree of the sign of Sagittarius, in the same sign as retrograde Mercury. The sun quickly traveled into the sign of Capricorn, bringing in the first day of winter, when the sunlight begins to increase.

How about you personally? If you have a planet, your ascendant or midheaven in a 28, 29 or zero degree, the eclipse will have a relationship or aspect to your planets. What planet or point is aspected, and what the aspect or relationship is reveals what would have happen. Transiting Pluto was in the 28th  and 29th  degree of Sagittarius and zero degree of Capricorn from December 2007 through October of 2009. You would have had focus dates or hits from Pluto during that time; again, the results depending on the details. The eclipse on December 21, 2010 would have triggered whatever happened during Pluto’s transit and relationship to your planet and end the situation for good.

All in all, an eclipse usually triggers  something dramatic. Besides North Korea, the wiki-leaker was indignant that someone leaked his doings to the press.

You would experience changes in travel plans during the two days of the event: December 21 and December 22. Since Mercury is retrograde, please double check and triple check your plans before you think they are final. The Astrology Tip of the Day has some information, too. 

Personally, Sagittarius would experience an urge to do something fun, erratic and maybe pushy, resulting in resistance. Gemini could experience opposition from partners. Virgo and Pisces could experience irritating or challenging situations. Aries could offer creative ideas to solve the situation, Leo could draw Sagittarius and Gemini into an opulent party. Libra could cooperate and bring balance, Aquarius usually sees the larger picture and could suggest what they know to bring about clear thinking and harmony. Cancer could soothe feelings, Scorpio could manage the entire situation. Capricorn and Taurus would be neutral. 

For your personal guide to the December 21 celestial event, contact Patty.