Eclipse. The word engenders awe. Somehow, the darkening of the Sun seems unnatural. Since ancient times, astronomer-astrologers have sought to predict and understand eclipse phenomena.

An eclipse is the obscuration of one celestial body by another. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial and annular. A solar eclipse can only occur during a New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are conjunct. During the New Moon, the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Strangely, the Sun's diameter is 400 times that of the Moon's and the Moon is about 400 times closer to the Earth than the Sun. This combination accounts for the moon seemingly covering the sun's disk as it passes between the Earth and Sun. Of course, eclipses don't occur during all New Moons. For the New Moon to eclipse the Sun, the Sun and Moon must occupy the same declination within one degree orb. Declination is the position north or south of the celestial equator, an extension of the natural equator beyond the boundaries of earth into the heavens. Furthermore, the sun and moon have to conjoin one of the moon's nodes within 18 degrees 31 minutes of orb. During a total solar eclipse, the entire disk of the Sun is temporarily blocked from view. The Moon's umbra, its complete shadow, sweeps across the Earth, darkening an area as wide as 167 miles in diameter, although usually considerably less. During a partial solar eclipse, when the Moon's penumbra (partial shadow) touches the Earth, only a portion of the Sun's disk is blocked from view. During an annular (from the Latin word meaning ring) eclipse, a ring of sunlight remains visible around the edge of the solar disk.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Full Moon passes into the Earth's shadow or umbra. Lunar eclipses can only occur during the phase of the Full Moon when the Sun and Moon oppose one another. A partial lunar eclipse, the umbra passing over a portion of the Moon causing a moderate darkening, can occur when the orb from the Moon's node is less between 6 and 12 degrees 15 minutes. If the orb is +/- 3 degrees 45 minutes a total lunar eclipse takes place. If you have ever witnessed a total lunar eclipse, you know how impressive is the phenomena of the gradual copper-red darkening of the Moon.

Particularly total solar eclipses can be quite dramatic and disturbing, especially in the geographical area most affected by the eclipse. Astrologer Robert Jansky, in his work, Interpreting the Eclipses, theorizes that the negative interpretation generally associated with eclipses in part is due to their effect on the Earth's electromagnetic field. The effect on nature is evidenced by the wild erratic behavior of birds and animals during the duration of the eclipse. During eclipses, the Earth becomes charged with many electrons, creating a negatively charged environment which he argues has a depressing effect, (the opposite of what occurs when one takes an invigorating shadow.)

A total eclipse of the Sun occurred over Yellowstone National Park on July 29, 1878. On June 8, 1918, in the midst of World War I, a total solar eclipse, dubbed the American Eclipse could be seen all across the United States. At 17 degrees Gemini, this eclipse conjoined the U.S. conceptional Mars (aggression) in the 7th house (foreign relations) as did an earlier eclipse in June, 1917 which occurred soon after the U.S. decision to enter the war. The Northwest was within the umbral shadow of the 1979 total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse to hit the mainland U.S.A. won't be until 2017.

Many peoples throughout the ages have recorded, both in fascination and in fear, their observations of eclipses. Different cultures have conjured colorful explanations to decipher this dramatic interruption to the cycles of day and night we take so much for granted. The ancient Chinese believed that the celestial dragon was swallowing the sun. They would create a great hoopla, banging on pans and shooting arrows in the air to scare the dragon away. To this day, the Eskimos of Arctic North America believe the Sun and Moon are temporarily leaving their positions to check up on things on planet earth. Tahitians believe the Sun and Moon are lovemaking during an eclipse.

A total solar eclipse occurred on May 28, 585 B.C. in the midst of a battle between the Lydians and the Medes, two Mideast nations at war for 5 years. Suddenly the day turned to night. They were so astonished that they stopped fighting at once and signed a peace treaty which they secured with a double marriage. The eclipse had in fact been predicted by the Greek astronomer Thales, but apparently these people hadn't caught the news.

Another battle whose outcome was affected by an eclipse took place on August 27, 413 in Syracuse during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians were about to retreat when they were startled by a total Lunar Eclipse. The commander, Nicas, consulted the soothsayers who saw the event as an ill omen and on their advice, he delayed his departure for almost a month. The delay gave the enemy sufficient time to regroup their forces and counterattack. They wiped out the entire Athenian army, including Nicas.

History and literature are replete with anecdotes of wise magicians and scientists using their knowledge of eclipses to intimidate and control ignorant peoples. In 1503, Christopher Columbus and his crew were stranded on the island of Jamaica. His ships wrecked, he and his men faced the danger of death by starvation. Initially, Columbus secured food from the natives by trading baubles and trinkets. When these ran out and the locals failed to bring forth the necessary food supply, Columbus called a meeting with the tribe to inform them that the Almighty was displeased with the way the natives were treating him and his men. In retribution, he informed them, God was going to rob the Moon. Columbus knew that a total lunar eclipse was about to take place. The date was February 19, 1504. As the Moon's light began to fade, the natives were terrified. They promised to bring forth all the food that Columbus desired if he would only restore the Moon. Columbus said he would have to confer with the Almighty. He announced just as the Moon began to reappear that they had been pardoned. The natives upheld their promise and eventually ships arrived from Europe to rescue Columbus and his crew.

Long ago, the ancient Chaldeans discovered that eclipses occur in repetitive cycles. These are known as Saros Cycles. Saros means repetition in the ancient Babylonian tongue. Once the Saros cycles were discovered, eclipses could be predicted accurately centuries in advance. In 383 B.C., Cidenas observed that an eclipse returns to its same place in the heavens after 223 lunations, or approximately every 18 years, 11 days. The Chaldeans may have been aware of the Saros cycle as early as the 6th century B.C. Accurate tables of eclipse phenomena have been recorded since 747 B.C..., the so-called era of Nabonassar. In 432 B.C., the Greek astrologer Meton observed a 19- year repetitive cycle, later dubbed the Metonic cycle, in which an eclipse would occur in approximately the same degree of the zodiac it had occurred 19 years previously. Despite the fact that 23 percent of eclipses don't fit this pattern, the Metonic Return is an important tool in eclipse horoscope interpretation.

The famous astronomer-astrologer-geographer Ptolomey, c. 100 to 165 A.D., observed eclipses and Saros cycles to determine their effect on the horoscope of a certain city or kingdom. Much of his keys to eclipse interpretation are still used today.

That eclipses trigger wars, political events, and natural phenomena is certain. Astrologers have pointed out the correlation between earthquakes and eclipses. In his record of the Peloponnesian War, the Greek historian Thucydides relates that earthquakes and eclipses of the Sun which came to pass more frequently than had been remembered in former times. On Sept. 16, 1978, an earthquake took place in Iran just 3 and a half hours before a total lunar eclipse was visible there. 25,000 people were killed. Desert Storm took off with a solar eclipse at 24 degrees Capricorn on Jan. 15, 1991.

In Revelation 6:12, we read: And I behold when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the Sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the Moon became as blood.

The people of Nineveh must have shuddered when they heard through the prophet Amos, I will darken the earth in the clear day. We have historical confirmation of this eclipse event recorded in the Bible (Amos 8:9). A Nineveh scribe recorded the event, drawing a line across his tablet to denote its importance. The date was June 15, 763 B.C.

We now know that eclipses occur in sequences; solar and lunar eclipses occur within two weeks before or after one another. Sometimes three eclipses occur in a sequence, two solar and one lunar or two lunar and one solar eclipse. About 165 eclipse sequences take place during an average lifetime. When a sequence activates a sensitive point in the natal chart, the influence can last up to a year and be reactivated by key transits and future eclipses. Some astrologers claim that a knowledge and understanding of prenatal eclipses provides the missing key in your natal chart analysis. Lifetime eclipse cycles are charted not from the first eclipse after birth but rather from the last solar eclipse prior to birth.

To determine how an eclipse will impact your life, consider the affairs of the house in which it occurs in your natal chart. These will be emphasized during the time of influence of the eclipse which lasts from 6 months to one year. Note not only the house the eclipse highlights, but its polar opposite as well. Note if the eclipse conjoins or opposes a planet or significant point or major configuration in the natal chart. A conjunction to the Sun, Moon or Ascendant can denote a milestone in the life, positive or negative. Some astrologers believe that an exact conjunction to the Sun from a Solar Eclipse signifies the dark night of the soul, a time when one stands on one's own light. At times, however, the more negative aspects of the Sun sign seem to be eclipsed during the time of influence, allowing a greater opportunity to conquer knotty problems.

At 00 degrees Scorpio, the October 24 eclipse of the Sun will be a total eclipse. The eclipse belongs to the Saros Cycle 16 N (for north node) which began on Feb. 25, 1599 with a partial eclipse at 6 degrees Pisces. Other eclipses belonging to this series in this century occurred in 1977 and 1978 and 1959 and 1960, in 1941 and 1942, in 1922 and 1923. The effect of this eclipse may be far-reaching and emotionally intense for individuals as well as for nations. The United Nations will face major crises within the next 12 months since its Sun is at 01 degree Scorpio. Beware of Scorpio's tendency toward self-destructive behavior, often tied to subconscious or unconscious anger. A time to forgive and forget. The eclipse can trigger emotional explosions, releasing anger which has been stuffed. Finances or things shared in common relate to Scorpio, whether a bank account, a house, or the custody of children. Scorpio tends to see things in terms of black and white. While you may have to make major changes in the areas affected by this eclipse by eliminating certain conditions in your life, remember the middle way. Avoid extremism. On the positive side, you may revamp areas of your life, feel weights lifted, experience regeneration.

At 14 degrees Aries, the Oct. 8 Lunar Eclipse resonates with the April 15 Lunar Eclipse in Libra. Aries/Libra compels us to seek greater balance in important relationships, to harmonize mine and thine, to fulfill personal needs and still meet the demands of relationships. Relationships reflect sense of self. The house position the eclipse falls in will describe where you may experience interpersonal conflicts, legal problems, or be prepared to meet someone halfway.

Lifetime eclipse cycles are charted not from the first eclipse after birth but rather from the last solar eclipse prior to birth. Some astrologers claim that a knowledge and understanding of prenatal eclipses provides the missing link in your natal chart analysis, a major key to karmic cycles and ties.