There are a number of ways to interpret an eclipse.
Arguably the simplest approach is to focus on the house in your natal chart that the eclipse falls in, or activates.
To do this, find the house that holds 25/26 Aries and Libra (the most recent Lunar eclipse degree), and the house that holds 8 -9 Taurus (the solar eclipse). The topics associated with theses houses in your chart show the themes and topics you’ll deal with during the eclipses.
Looking to the future or glancing back?
Next you might consider whether the Moon’s placement at the eclipse is with the North or the South Node. The Nodes are always involved with eclipses – it’s the influence of the Nodes that turns a regular or ‘normal’ new or full moon into an eclipse. (For more on the anatomy of an eclipse, check out this post ‘Eclipse Fact Sheet‘.)
The Libra Lunar eclipse of April 15 was a North Node eclipse. This means that at the time of that eclipse the Moon was closest to the North Node. The North Node represents the future and can provide clues as to where you’re headed. The North Node symbolises what lies ahead, and sometimes to get there we have to step out of comfort zone, or dive into unfamiliar territory. It can be exciting and unnerving all at the same time.
The Taurus Solar eclipse of April 29 is a South Node eclipse. This means the Moon is closest to the South Node and themes to do with the past, release or letting go can be highlighted. A South Node eclipse can bring people or situations from the past into the present, with the goal of inspiring growth or helping you resolve an old issue.
Who’s The Boss?
Another approach involves considering the influence and placement of the eclipse ruler. The eclipse ruler is the planet which rules the sign the Moon is in at the time of the eclipse.
For both the eclipses in this current eclipse season (April 2014), the eclipse ruler is Venus (both Libra and Taurus are ruled by Venus). In addition, Venus was/will be in Pisces for both these eclipses too. Pisces is the exalted sign of Venus, which is one of her happy/favourite places.
So the Taurus solar eclipse (and the recent Libra lunar eclipse) are both ruled by Venus, who at the time of each eclipse, was/is strongly placed in Pisces.
This means the Lord or ruler of the eclipse is generally acting in a positive or benefic way. It doesn’t mean everything that happens now is good – astrology, like life, is not that simple – but it does act as a protective influence.
Venus in Pisces does good because doing good is the right thing to do.
This is a compassionate, inspiring and intuitive placement that places great emphasis on people, relationships and kindness.
Even if you’re dealing with difficulties, can you see how what’s happening now is an essential stepping stone on your journey? Are you aware of any especially sweet or blessed experiences?