The current eclipse season runs from October 13 – November 17. This period is defined as the Sun being within 18 degrees of the North or South Node. Any New or Full Moon within this period will be an eclipse.
Eclipse Magic
New or Full Moons that occur closer to the middle of eclipse period are more likely to be total eclipses. Eclipses that fall closer to the edges of this period are smaller eclipses.
New or Full Moons that occur early in eclipse season are further away from the Nodes; New or Full Moons that occur towards the middle of eclipse season are closer to the Nodes. It’s the alignment of either a New or Full Moon with the Nodes (within 18 degrees) that creates an eclipse.
This eclipse season there are two eclipses. The first is a Full Moon or Lunar eclipse in Aries ( Oct 18/19 ). The second is a New Moon or Solar eclipse in Scorpio (Nov 3). Interestingly, both these eclipses are ruled by Mars, which is in Virgo for both eclipses.
Eclipses don’t work in isolation.
They activate specific degrees in the Zodiac (so not all Aries are influenced by this week’s eclipse, only those with planets or chart points at 24 – 26 Aries, where the eclipse occurs). In addition, each solar eclipse belongs to a larger group known as a Saros Series.
Aries Lunar Eclipse – Short Cycle
The Aries lunar eclipse activates 25 Aries and 25 Libra, so if those degrees are important in your chart (perhaps your Asc, MC, or Moon are placed there), you’ll be most influenced by this eclipse. This also includes anyone whose birthday falls within 24 hours of the eclipse.
Since this eclipse occurs relatively early in eclipse season it’s a partial or less intense eclipse. It does however provide a preview of a more total eclipse occurring at the same degrees (25 Aries/Libra) in April 2014. The April 2014 Libra Lunar eclipse is closer to the middle of the eclipse season (which means the Full Moon is closer to the Nodes, and thus more potent).
The repeat activation of these two eclipses in Aries and Libra links mid October 2013 to mid April 2014, as if the first is a preview to the second.
Scorpio Solar Eclipse – Long Cycle
The Scorpio solar eclipse activates 11 Scorpio, and if you have planets or key chart points between 10 – 12 Scorpio you’ll be most touched by that eclipse. In addition, if your birthday is Nov 2 – 4 (the eclipse is Nov 3), you’ll be especially sensitive to this eclipse.
The Scorpio solar eclipse belongs to Saros Series 16 North. Bernadette Brady writes “This is a gentle family of eclipses which brings a sense of inspiration or the illumination of ideas.” Eclipses occur in each Saros Series every 18 years. The last Saros Series in this family of eclipses (16 North) was October 1995. This suggests November 2013 activates reflections of October 1995.
Eclipse Ruler – Mars in Virgo
For every eclipse an ‘eclipse ruler’ is identified. Typically this is the planet which rules the sign in which the Moon is placed at the time of the eclipse. Coincidentally, both the Aries Lunar eclipse and the Scorpio solar eclipse are ruled by Mars, who is in Virgo for both eclipses.
For extra insight into these eclipses, it’s worth observing the placement of Mars in Virgo. As eclipse ruler, Mars sets the tone for how the eclipse energies are directed or manifest.
At the Aries Lunar eclipse Mars is at 2 Virgo, in the terms – and sign – of Mercury. This is a thinking Mars, so efforts must be dictated by thoughts, plans or information. Mars in Virgo makes no direct aspect to the Aries Lunar Eclipse, so they may be a level of disconnect.
The Aries influence seeks action and progress, which can turn reactive or even volatile in the negative. Mars in Virgo wants to direct energy into a practical plan. Keeping yourself grounded can lead to productivity under the Aries Lunar eclipse, but you’ll need to ‘plan your work and work your plan’.
At the Scorpio Solar eclipse Mars is at 11 Virgo, in the terms of Venus. This is a Mars less focussed on separation and more interested in bonding or peace making. From 11 Virgo Mars also makes a direct aspect, a sextile, to the eclipse itself (at 11 Scorpio). This suggests the possibilities aroused by this eclipse are more likely to be made manifest. There is direct connection and energy between the eclipse ruler and the eclipse itself adding to the potency and sense of possibility.
Do you work with eclipses? Can you see how or where they may activate your chart? Love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
For more on eclipses, pop over here.