The Solar Eclipse of September 2006 In Virgo - What Does It Mean, and What Are its Effects?

by Robert Wilkinson

The Solar Eclipse will occur at 30 degrees of Virgo on September 22 at 4:45am PDT, just before the Autumnal Equinox at 9:04pm PDT the same day. This Solar Eclipse will free many of us from "a narrow destiny" if we hear and take the call and joyously rise to the occasions about to be presented to us. The quality of what will be offered entirely depends on our willingness to be trained and educated in ways appropriate to our individual mental-spiritual dharma. This will be an amazing eclipse that will affect us all for some time to come, since that's the nature of Solar Eclipses.

So we're about to finish up our training wherever late Virgo falls in our charts, and cut loose into new ideal ways of being. I spoke briefly about the coming eclipse in context with the recent Lunar Eclipse in the linked article. If you haven't already, check it out since it contains links to last Spring's Solar and Lunar eclipses and what they've brought all of us these past 6 months and will continue to bring us for some months and years to come. In that article I covered a little of what's up with the coming Annular Solar Eclipse which will affect us all for years, influencing what happens between now and 2012.

Later we'll see what NASA says about the coming eclipse. For now let's explore the astrological meanings behind the Eclipse configurations. To begin with since the Eclipse falls in the last degree of Virgo, one could say the Moon is void of course, but I wouldn't bet that the usual interpretations hold in the case of this eclipse. Mercury is important due to its rulership of the sign of the Sun and Moon, and we find it in a mutual reception with Venus in Virgo. Here's a link to how it influences each individual sign, so check it out once you're done with this article.

Mercury is on a degree of "constructive results of apparently destructive forces" that are the "stimulation to new accomplishment." Be happy in responding to your work as you also live out Venus' degree of using team effort and physical improvement "as prelude to inner integration" and a means to train and fix in a discipline that opens you to reconstruction.

This Eclipse will work as a Feeling-Deciding-Thinking sequence of response. It will require that we make sure our vision and information is up to date, and not just act and emote. Follow decisions with research, information that updates your understanding, and through that new experience you can move forward. Just don't get hung up on old ideas.

How the planets are proportioned in the chart determines the Jones Patterns. The Eclipse chart has elements of being a Bowl due to all the planets occupying half the chart with nothing on the other side, and with the Saturn opposition Neptune defining the axis of opposition, shows there will be major scooping up of life, based on past Neptunian karmas unveiling many things. Find much that can be given and received, lead with your discipline, and you'll wind up with courage, focus, and determination you never thought possible.

The planets could also be interpreted as a modified Seesaw, due to very strong oppositions between Leo, Virgo, Aquarius, and Pisces. Due to their being only 53 degrees 14 minutes between Neptune and Pluto it falls short of the ideal as stated by Dr. Marc Edmund Jones, formulator of the Jones Patterns, the Sabian Symbols, and a host of other pioneering efforts, astrologically and metaphysically. Still, the oppositional awareness and need for balancing opposing energies is in the Eclipse chart, so that element is there, along with the fact that if Neptune and Pluto are determining the span dividing the oppositions, they are very unpredictable due to anchoring the Grand Irrationality persisting for years.

For the most part, the oppositions are mitigated by planets that are in sextile and trine to the opposing forces. Thus the Saturn opposition Neptune is harmonized by Mercury in Libra, throwing positive energies into Aries. The Virgo opposition Pisces is helped by Jupiter in Scorpio, throwing harmonizing energy into Taurus. As Taurus is also the void of the Fixed T-square formed by Jupiter opposing the Saturn opposition, that sign shows us what we're all dealing with right now, for better or worse. Time to show all the best Taurus traits in our lives, and none of the worst. Keep it sweet and simple, focused and natural, and be more flexible, pleasant, determined, and durable as you capture the natural resource you need.

Other outstanding aspects are Saturn trine Pluto, Jupiter trine Uranus, Mercury harmonious to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, Venus harmonious to Jupiter, Saturn, and the New Moon itself, Mars favorable to Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto while triseptile Uranus, and overall there's a lot of harmony in the coming eclipse, with that building energy release through the Fixed T-square stimulating planets at 16-22 of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. If you have planets in that span, those will be the functions you need to take care of business directing your energies to more productive endeavors.

On a final note, the New Moon North Node is on a degree that blesses us to go our own way, not expecting others to conform to a pulse from Divine Mind the same way we would. Also, we get to do our thing in our own way, and don't have to conform to another's expectations. To some extent this sanctions the passages, and shows us what is closing out in our lives. Pray, meditate, forgive, release, and merge into the compassionate ALL of the oceanic field that is Pisces, symbol of the great Ocean of Consciousness.

For those of you into what NASA has to say about eclipses, here it is, straight from the site:

The final eclipse of 2006 is an annular eclipse of the Sun. The track of the Moon's antumbral shadow begins in northern South America and crosses the South Atlantic with no further landfall. A partial eclipse will be seen from a much larger region including South America, the eastern Caribbean, western Africa, and Antarctica. The path of the annular eclipse begins in Guyana at 09:48 UT when the Moon's antumbral shadow meets Earth and forms a 323 kilometre wide corridor. Guyana's capitol city Georgetown lies just a few kilometres outside the path's northern limit.

Rushing east, the antumbra quickly enters Surinam where its capital city Paramaribo lies deep within the antumbral path. Maximum eclipse in Paramaribo occurs at 09:51 UT, the Sun's altitude is 5° and the duration of annularity is 5 minutes 1 seconds. Continuing into French Guiana, the capitol city Cayenne stands just 10 kilometres south of the central line. Maximum eclipse occurs at 09:53 UT as the Sun stands 8° above the eastern horizon during an annular phase lasting 5 minutes 42 seconds.

The southern edge of the antumbra briefly clips the north coast of Brazil before spending the next three and a half hours sweeping across the South Atlantic. Greatest eclipse occurs at 11:40:11 UT. The annular duration is 7 minutes 9 seconds, the path width is 261 kilometres and the Sun is 66° above the featureless horizon of the open ocean. The central track runs south of the African continent and nearly reaches Kerguelen Island before ending at local sunset (13:31 UT).

Comments

[dcu]

Robert: The womyns' new moon circle for this month would normally be considered the new moon of Libra. They did Virgo last month. So given that the moon ingresses into Libra one hour and fifteen minutes after the lunation and also that the Autumnal Equinox is later that day I advised my wife to go ahead and consider it the new moon of Libra. Obviously the fact that Hermes Trismigestus still rules the lunation makes him very prominent. You did note that Mercury and Venus are in mutual reception. What thinkist thou? Is it permissible to consider this the new moon of Libra? Or maybe Virgo. No wait, it is Libra. No, maybe it's Virgo. Please help we confused two Librans make up our minds. Muchas Gracias por todo, Amigo!
dcu and meu

[Paul]

11:45:04 UT - New Moon (29 vi 20' 6") - Annular Solar Eclipse :-)

[Robert]

Hi dcu - A "Blue Moon" is considered the second Full Moon of a month, or a given sign. This could be considered a "Blue New Moon" in that it's the second New Moon in the sign of Virgo. The first was at 1 Virgo, this one's at 30 Virgo. The next New Moon is at 29 Libra at 10:14 pm, October 21.

So I would call this (for the purposes of the womyn's New Moon circle) the "Autumnal Equinoctial Blue New Moon circle," an extraordinarily special and rare event welcoming in the coming season. This is also the New Moon preceding the "Harvest Moon" to come in two weeks, which as you know will be a HUGE Full Moon as it first shows on the eastern horizon. The Libra New Moon circle should be held around October 21. How's that for a reasonable accomodation?

[Sonia]

Robert,

I have this new moon jus a degree and a half away from my midheaven.. what does that mean?

[Robert]

Hi Sonia - It probably indicates an old way of presenting yourself publicly will end due to events that will open you to a wider destiny. If in the 9th house, it will shut down an old philosophy or view of your future and open new ones; if in the 10th, your profession will shift, and you'll have a new function or an entirely new professional direction.

[Sonia]

The eclipse is in the 10th house. I'll let you know what happens! Thanks!

[virginia]

Robert -
I have the solar eclipse in the first degree of my natal fifth house, 3 degrees from my progressed Mars. any insight?

virginia

[MBOSTON]

I have Pluto in Virgo in 11th house along with true node 6 Virgo 45' 39" I have had a wierd and devastating experience with a boyfriend and sister. Any insight?

[Robert]

Hi virginia - well, it could mean many things. It probably falls in the zone connecting your 4th and 5th houses, thus affecting how you have related to children and creativity in the past. The Mars contact would mean that whatever hassled you back when your P Mars was at 30 degrees is about to leave your life, or that in some way you will understand its function differently in the future. For ex, if you're a Taurus Asc, then Mars rules your 7th and 12. It could show that your prog. way of regarding the things of these houses will be shut down, such as ending old pleasures with your partner or old motives/self-undoing behavior.

[Robert]

Hi MBOSTON - Sorry, not enough info to hazard much of a guess. What you describe could be any number of factors.

[Rafael]

My birthdate is 6/22/48 8:08pm Seattle. I'm in Saturn return and in a crisis regarding a job... or the lack thereof. So basic survival is an issue although spirtually I'm in good shape. Any comments?

[mboston]

OK I was born Jan 24 1961 94w55, 39n19 at 12:58 am Can you comment on the above? Thanks

[Robert]

Hi Rafael - Since June you should be seeing a greater vision which involves traveling, learning something wider, or moving to somewhere else. Jupiter can bring you "unexpected good fortune," so follow that now with Mercury and Mars in Libra and you should be getting major results by December. The Lunar Eclipse Sun was right on your Mars, so focus on your "will to wholeness" to break up old complexes. Pluto opposed your Uranus conjunct your Jupiter shows you must allow the old to give way and let go of taking anything for granted, and since Saturn is trine your Jupiter and sextile Uranus, see the big picture, detach, and try to radiate friendliness. Get a larger perspective, and use the next few weeks to adjust and focus to attract what you need. It all starts with an idea. You may want to read (or re-read this article I posted on this subject, as well as the one on the same subject the next day addressing astrological factors.) Good luck on targeting the next professional chapter in your life.

[Robert]

Hi mboston - Visionary hearler with Neptune on your Mercury, your Moon (closest relations) has been the focus of the Grand Fixed T-squares and Crosses I've been speaking of these past many months. Uranus the revolutionizer is favorable to your Capricorn planets and Venus, though transiting Saturn will be making a Yod for the next few weeks with your Saturn sextile Venus, triggering your Uranus. Expect many expansions through sacrifice, along with gifts being revealed in Nov-Dec this year. Right now Jupiter is your friend, so decrease temperamentalism, get focused, and remember that as long as Saturn is in your solar 7th house, you're getting lessons in how to be wiser in all your relational matters. Your sibling relations are growing more explosive, due to Pluto opposing your Mars down the road. Of course, Saturn on your Uranus is crystalizing your genuis, uniqueness, and sense of the larger light.

[Lianmeng]

Dear Robert,

Like Sonia, the new moon is very near my mid-heaven (Libra 3.30) in the 9th house, and even nearer my Pluto (Libra 1.15) also in the 9th house.

My Pluto trines with my Neptune (Saggitarius 2.39) in the 12th house and on the ascendant (Saggittarius 5.34), and trines also with Venus (Cancer 29.33) in the 8th house.

Additionally, Pluto squares with my Jupiter (Saggitarius 28.46) in the first house which, in turn, is in quintile to to Venus - I think.

The above are the bunch of planets which are in very early or very late degrees of signs in my chart -is this the constellation that the solar eclipse will trigger? With what effect?

My birth data is Oxford, UK, 7 September 1972 14.11 (British Summer Time) - just in case a chart makes for easier reading than the list of planets I've provided above.

Thanks in advance,
Lianmeng

[Robert]

Hi Lianmeng - Actually, you have Venus trine Neptune and Ascendant, with Pluto and MC throwing sextiles to Venus, Neptune, and Asc. You have a Venus quincunx (150 degrees) to Jupiter. Though you have Jupiter square Pluto in natal chart, Pluto is conjunct your Jupiter right now, purifying and intensifying that part of your life. Pluto has also been biquintile your Venus, though it will quincunx your Venus in a few months.

Yes, the Solar eclipse will be sextile your Venus, form a wide sextile (close bielftile) to your Neptune and Asc, square your Jupiter, and of course conjunct your Pluto. All of these will be impacted, for the most part harmoniously. I believe that the eclipse square transiting Pluto on your Jupiter will bring new adventures, openings, opportunities.

It is also very important that the Lunar Eclipse Sun conjuncted your Sun, since you will be letting go of old work, worries and ways of seeing the light while embracing newer, wider, more universal ones (eclipse Moon in Pisces). No doubt you have some things leaving, and in their place will come other illuminations. FYI, you have the potential to attain high honors and recognition this life in some form of public service. Follow your intuition and imagination, and your willingness to take care of details efficiently should bring you Light, Truth, and a very abundant life.

[Ro]

Hi Robert

I realise you could spend your whole time answering posts, so I will be brief. I like your site, and notice a Buddhist touch?

My natal sun is 29 degrees 28 minutes Virgo (UK 23 September 1955; 10th house). I'm in a period of intense turmoil - a bit lost; relationship and family issues. Seems pretty big, this eclipse (with the lunar standstills) and blue new moon and opposite Aries point etc etc... Any insights/advice?

With thanks

Ro

[Ro]

PS
Natal Venus close by natal Sun... Ro

[Laurie]

This new moon solar eclipse is an out of sign conjunction with my natal Pluto (1 degree Libra) in my 6th house. This is also conjunct my "point of death" (2 degrees Libra) and in opposition to my natal Mars(6 degrees Aries in the 12th). Taking extra safety precautions is a priority right now for me...any insights?

[Laurie]

p.s. it might be important to note i have cancer sun and moon and was born during a new moon solar eclipse.

[Don]

A stainless steel spoon is usefull and brilliant. The soon faced up-side-down appears useless and dull. However, witness a "Kato" construction truck.

From a man with nothing below the horizon...love to you all. I havn't a choice but to announce publically...I begin my diggers desent.

Robert- thanks for being my friend and my helper. When I get down I know "the helper will come" from the warrior-man with love in his heart.

[Chickie]

Dearest Robert,

The solar eclipse will be on my South node 0 libra. It will also square my venus in cancer. I have an x whose is a Lion with saturn in 29 pisces with venus, mars at 7,11 cancer, first house. Dell says on 9/23 an ex may return. Should I possibly think about losing a few lbs. in case the lion should decide to return so that I may finally get to sing my Leonine version of "It's Too Late" with Italian Hutzpah? Cut to chase, will this affect my 7th house relationship issues?

Any wisdom to spare, my friend?
c

[Richard]

Hi Robert,

Loved the articles I found here. My natal Mars is 29 degrees Virgo - right smack where the eclipse will be happening. Birth was October 12, 1955 2:03PM Akron Ohio. I see Jupiter entering my tenth house soon and my business definitely could use a shot in the arm and fast! It definitely went into the toilet about 18 months ago. So I would appreciate some insight into the next couple of months.

Richard

[Robert]

Hi ro - Well, it's important to remember Buddha was a Taoist. Anyone who spends time searching for truth will inevitably be led to some of Siddhartha's points of view! Seems like that's what life on this Earth is about. I believe this eclipse will cast light upon your Sun and Venus, and all areas ruled by them. Could be that whatever is taken away will help your light to shine brighter. And Saturn's influence of the past year will give way to Jupiter's wide vision and learning for the next 12 months. Should be a very productive time ahead.

Hi Laurie - The eclipse Sun will stimulate your Pluto, not necessarily a bad thing, but it clearly will remove elements of your life you no longer need while opening you to deeper seeds. Much depends on the others aspects made. Part of Death involves all kinds of "deaths," not merely one's own. And of course, take care with Mercury, Mars, then Sun opposing your Mars. The opposition to Mars can be difficult, but also a point of correction and a time to measure the effectiveness of how you apply your very powerful Aries energies. And of course, this happens every year! The coming Sagittarius transits will be very good for/to you.

[Ro]

Thank you, Robert, for taking the time to answer. Has been seeming like many things might come to endings with an eclipse right on my natal sun; am remembering that also means beginnings! Your insight was very positive - much needed!

Ro