The Solar Eclipse of August 1, 2008 - Long Range Transfiguration, Tears of Joy

by Robert Wilkinson

The coming Solar Eclipse will have a very significant impact on us all. Eclipses shut things down, taking away elements of our lives no longer "true" for us. Leo is the sign of personal love, creativity, self dramatization, and heart-felt pleasures. Some form of these will be shut down, with the void sure to attract new forms of expressing this energy. Wherever this eclipse falls in our charts is where we can expect long term endings, but also relief, transfiguration, and the joy of knowing we've made it through the night.

This total Solar Eclipse occurs at 3:13 am PDT, 6:13 am EDT on August 1, 2008. It puts early Cancer rising in Southern California, mid-Cancer in British Columbia, early Leo rising in Miami, and mid-Leo rising in NYC. London and Amsterdam have mid-Libra rising, Tallinn late Libra, Istanbul early Scorpio, Baghdad mid-Scorpio, and Johannesburg late Scorpio rising. New Delhi has mid-Sag rising, Trivandrum has late Sag rising, and Bangkok has mid-Capricorn rising. Perth has mid-Aquarius rising, Melbourne has mid-Pisces rising, and Maui has mid-Taurus on the Ascendant.

In eclipse lore, where the Eclipse is visible will be where the greatest effects can be expected, lasting the number of years that the eclipse is long in hours. This total eclipse of the Sun is visible from a narrow corridor that traverses half the Earth.

The path of the Moon's umbral shadow begins in Canada and extends across northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia, Mongolia, and China. These countries will feel the Eclipse Effects most strongly in the immediate future. A partial eclipse is seen within the much broader path of the Moon's penumbral shadow, which includes northeastern North America, most of Europe and Asia.

A Solar Eclipse is a New Moon that has a longer effect than most New Moons. This eclipse will last a total of 1 hour 57 minutes, while its immediate effect on each place the total shadow hits will last from 43 seconds to about 2 1/2 minutes, depending on where you are. So this eclipse will have a profound effect on us for the next 2 years. The NASA site lists the "Central Duration" as 2 min 27 seconds, resulting in an Eclipse Effect for a short but intense time where it hits.

This New Moon has no significant forming aspects except a triseptile to Jupiter and a novile to Mars. So I would consider this an important lunation in bringing forth a new public spiritual impulse in all of us taking the forms of cooperation, or friendly competition.

It marks a fork in the road of destiny in how we relate the Cancer-Leo affairs of our lives to our Sagittarius-Pisces affairs, and we'll all be called to some collective-cooperative expansion. We shall experience life's goodness in areas of regeneration, with mid-October, late November, early December, and mid-January 2009 of particular importance due to transits triggering the eclipse effects.

Since this Eclipse occurs in Leo, it is the next step in the series of Eclipses in the Leo-Aquarius axis. We experienced the first one last February. You can find out more about that very important eclipse that kicked off the Chinese New Year of the Earth Rat in the related article, which I've linked at the bottom of this page.

There was a huge stellium in Aquarius in that February 2008 eclipse indicating a major concentration of energies in whatever house we have Aquarius active. It called us all to a higher expression which I outlined in Spiritual Astrology in January-February 2008 Pt. 2.

A brief look at what was said there:

Saturn is important since it's the worldly ruler of the Eclipse, with Uranus the Spiritual ruler of the Eclipse. These two are in wide opposition, showing a polarization between the two energies that will yield realizations as well as polarizations. Saturn is retrograde, thus still receding from its coming opposition with Uranus in Pisces beginning in August 2008. This is giving us all a reprieve for a few months from this polarizing energy between the forces of service and deception on a global level, and between the progressive dreamers and those who would enslave the future in an avalanche of details, worries, and criticisms.

We can use Saturn to express the Uranus in Pisces energies of rebirth within a collective setup, but will have to find a practical use for the times where we must wait wisely. Overall, it seems that we can make tremendous material progress as a result of this eclipse coming. A final note is that the Eclipse Venus is the degree of January's New Moon, so we should be capturing pleasing forms of protection and power over the next few weeks, as well as in years to come.

The Eclipse novile to Mars sets up spiritual realizations over the next 9-30 months every time a planet transits 9-10 degrees of Aries, Leo, and Sag, 19-20 degrees of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, and 29-30 degrees of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. So besides Jupiter triggering its own influence when it again traverses its eclipse degree in mid-October, you can expect major understandings and realizations when it crosses 19-20 Capricorn in November. It sure seems like this Autumn will be a major fork in the road of our spiritual understanding!

Other significant forming aspects of this Eclipse not involving the Sun or Moon include Mercury quincunx Jupiter and sesquisquare Pluto, Venus in close opposition to Neptune trine Pluto, Mars opposition Uranus triseptile Neptune, and Jupiter trine Saturn.

Taken together, these show we will have to "retire" from some things at the end of a quest while showing courage as we rehearse patterns to come, and the coming months will again bring a "supreme realization of a life ambition" for those who have practiced their excellence and stayed open to more information. Take nothing for granted, skillfully display your enthusiasms, and find ways to exploit human maladjustments in terms of their larger significance.

Of note is that in our Gemini and Virgo areas we'll experience inner growth and through contemplation we can find serenity and peace of mind, while our Taurus and Libra areas will require more self-control and self-sufficiency than before now, as well as Spiritual strength and knowledge in facing consequences of past actions.

Aries and Scorpio areas in our charts will challenge our ability to be cooperative, encouraging, and cultivate group consciousness within a sustaining social setup. Sag and Pisces areas will require more tenderness and care, regeneration, and wise administration, while Capricorn and Aquarius areas need self disciplined initiative in demonstrating some skill to cultivate the superior elements in our Being. All of these challenges will come forth between now and early 2012 as skills to be used during our process of transfiguration.

This eclipse is a SeeSaw Jones Pattern. This shows the need to stay centered and not get marginalized, and triangulation is the means to resolve polarizations and oppositions. Due to the abnormally wide empty span between Uranus and the Lunation, remember to find the right balance in circumstances that are out of balance.

Other than the mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune, the Sun is the final dispositor of all the planets in the sky. This can help us integrate and illuminate all the areas of our life through the power of the Sun in its own sign.

Saturn and Mercury are the next strongest planets, again indicating that as we retire from old dramas we can focus our energies on self-directed disciplines of creative self-expression. And of course Jupiter is still harmonizing the oppositional tensions between the Virgo planets with Uranus, showing that as we figure out what we care about and what needs to be nurtured, awarenesses important for future practical effectiveness will come forth. Thus the forming oppositional tension between Saturn and Uranus can be focused in harmonized understandings helping us target new needs and new lifestyles.

From the revamped (and somewhat hard to navigate!) NASA Eclipse site, a link to "Eclipse Predictions" which has nothing to do with astrology, but rather when it impacts various points on Earth and for how long.

A reminder - we are still very much under the influence of past Eclipses, both Solar and Lunar. For your renewed consideration, some past articles that can explain the quality and length of their influence:

The Solar Eclipse of February 6-7, 2008 in Aquarius

More on the Jan-Feb 2008 Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius Eclipse Triggering the Grand Irrationality

The I Ching Comments on the Aquarius Solar Eclipse of February 6-7, 2008

Long Range Astrology - The February 2008 Lunar Eclipse in Virgo-Pisces and What It Means.

Long Term Feb 2008 Virgo-Pisces Lunar Eclipse Effects Pt. 2 - Scientific and Spiritual Approaches

A review of The Solar and Lunar Eclipses of August and September 2007 is also very important since these Eclipses are still in full effect in all our lives in a big way. It may explain why some areas of our lives have been shut down the past year and will continue to be over the next few years. In the article you'll also find links to other articles about past Eclipses that still impact us.

Of course I'll be composing more about the coming Eclipses for your consideration, including the coming Lunar Eclipse occurring 4:49 pm PDT August 16 at 25 Aquarius-Leo. This will be a very important Eclipse since the Moon conjuncts Neptune triggering The Grand Irrationality. This will reinforce the effects of the Solar Eclipse of February 2008 which also has triggered the Grand Irrationality for a long time to come.

While I cannot comment as to how these Eclipses will impact each individual chart, I will suggest you take a look at what house it falls in, and how 10 Leo aspects your planets. That will show you what will be built, what will be released, what will be understood, where the transfiguration will occur, and where the forks in the road of your destiny are already happening thanks to Jupiter's influence.

© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Lori]

Hi Robert,

What house in my chart will the Eclipse fall into? It would follow the theme of the past 7 months for me which have been a continuum of space clearing, clutter clearing, letting go of the old, making room for the new etc. I am also natal moon in Leo. The past 3 years have been the transformation and renewal cycle.

Thanks for being there!

Lori

9-21-1957
Coalinga CA
11:19 am

[Quis]

Hi Robert,

The solar eclipse will conjunct my natal Jupiter - rx at 8.43 Leo - in the 11th house (cusp 4 Leo). Jupiter disposits my 3rd house Sun, rx Mercury (trine), Neptune and Mars in Sagittarius, and squares chart ruler Venus in Scorpio.
Is there something I'm supposed to be learning here? :)

[donna]

when i get to this site i almost always feel that i've walked into a graduate level classroom - as a freshman - and that i only get every third word, or so. but since i want so very much to "get it" i read the same post a couple of times in hopes that more of it will stick.

part of this post got through. maybe i'm starting to get it - which probably means i'm not.

however - after looking over my natal with transits chart, for this eclipse, i'm wondering if my Saturn at 9 degrees Aquarius is close enough to warrant a closer look and awareness.

thank you so much for the education.

[sangeeta]

Hi Robert,
Thanks for the uplifting article. Like Lori, I too have been in the process of letting go and have been travelling on the highway of transformation for the past 2 years. How will the eclipse affect me?

Would love to hear from you.
Sangeeta
My birthdate is:11th Jan 1965 at 6am
Birthplace:Delhi, India

[Sharrin Jane-Grey]

Hello Robert,
Just a simple question - I was born at the exact degree of the up-coming August solar eclipse in 1956. I cannot imagine what the possibilities are, here. Its a little off-putting. Do you have any opinion on this? Thank you for your wonderful site, by the way.
Sharrin

[Matt]

Hi Robert -

I've read elsewhere that the eclipse will be particularly potent for those who will have it in hard aspect (conjunction, opposition, square) to points on their chart, especially their Sun. But what about for those of us who have this eclipse in supportive aspect (trine, sextile) to their natal Sun?

Thanks,
Matt

[Christine John]

Hey Robert,
The one question I have is on my dynamic report will I be able to see what number Leo is in? My moon is Leo as I am aqurius with rising Cancer. If you get a moment that would be great! Hope all is well. We should get in touch for another meeting. Love, Light and much Laughter!
Christine J.

[Jan]

I hope for those happy tears of joy, having just completed the long Sat-return process. Maybe this will be good to be nestled in my 4th house Leo, with natal Pluto and the visiting kids.
You do inspire me, Robert... gracias!

[pamela]

For those interested in the sabian symbol for the upcoming eclipse concerning 9 degrees Leo:

''Glass blowers shape beautiful forms with their controlled breathing.''

[Alison]

Hi Robert,

I posted before about me (Pisces) and my boyfriend (Leo)being affected by the eclipses over the past 9 years (he first told me he loved me on the eclipse in Leo August 1998 and our first kiss was Feb 1999 eclipse. He told me he was unhappy on the lunar eclipse August 2007 and moved out on the solar eclispe on Sept 2007, which hit my sun exactly). We have remained in close contact (daily) platonically though eversince. He sometimes calls every day, I see him every week and have done since the February eclipses this year. I have been hoing to reconcile with him.

The coming Lunar eclipse is in my 7th house, so I can only assume that this will be the end of our journey and 'eclipse' him from my life, we wont reconcile.

My Moon (28'11)and his Sun (28'19)are exactly conjunct there in Leo, the solar eclipse 16 August is not far away, in my 7th house still. Is it close enough to conjunct our planets at 28 ish Leo? Any idea what these two eclipses in the 7th mean for me, and the solar eclipse falling on our "Cosmic Marriage" conjunction??

[Eme]

I'm extremely excited since the eclipse occurs on my birthday! I'm taking it as a good omen.

[Quis]

Lori i looked up your chart. The eclipse will be in your 9th house, where Leo is intercepted. It falls 2 degrees from your natal Uranus.

[Amy]

Can anyone tell me where the eclipse will fall in my chart? 2/26/1974 10am Seattle, WA.

I'm pretty sure it's big, because I've been freaking out! It feels like major transformation time, but so many uncomfortable emotions are making it hard to sort out -very intense. Thanks for any info.

~Amy

[Quis]

Amy - the eclipse will be on the cusp of your 5th house. And you've got transiting Saturn opposing your Sun right now too.

[catherine]

Both my birthday and ascendant are in leo (july 31, 1974). I have seen so many events in my life happen in the last two years that already seemed a lifetime. What should I expect with the solar eclipse in Aug 1?

On the other hand, I've just remembered that a close friend of mine who had been suffering with failed kidneys and is on dialysis; her birthday (aug 1, 1975) falls on the eclipse. Can anyone shed light on the effect of the eclipse on her? Thanks so much..

Catherine

[Lyzette]

Greetings Robert, Question, I have both Leo (3 degrees) and Pluto (27 degrees) in my natal 9th house along w/my MC in Leo (29 degrees)-- will the upcoming eclipse in Leo hit my 9th house or my 4th house? I'm still trying to understand this. Taurus (sun), Scorpio (asc) sagittarius (moon).

[mary]

I am an aquarius (sun and rising), taurus (moon). mercury, mars and the moon are exalted. my sagittarius is in jupiter. Leo and Uranus are both in my 6th house.
I have a fixed t-cross (aquarius opposing uranus and leo) which is squared by my moon.
what does this august 1st eclipse mean for me?

[Ben]

hello everyone,
Any particular thoughts for someone who has their rising sign at 9 degrees Leo? The eclipse falling right on it. It is particularly interesting because I live in Washington DC. The Ascendent for Washington during the eclipse is exactly 9 degrees Leo. Looks like the eclipse might particularly effect me. Yikes.
Born July 28, 1980 6:08am in Las Vegas, NV
thanks. Ben

[Shelly]

I was born on Feb 6, 1980. Just wondering what type of effect the upcoming eclipses will have on me. I have pisces rising. thanks

[Robert]

Hi all - I cannot possibly give the interpretation about this eclipse for each chart. Too many possible manifestations. That said, I'll try to give a few suggestions. First and foremost, there was an eclipse at this degree August 1, 1989. Think back on what was eliminated from your lives for several years after that point, as it may help to offer indicators as to how this one will work.

Hi Lori - It falls in your Solar 11 house, eliminating old friends and ambitions over the next few years. As per Quis' comment, in your 9th it shows the end of an old future and the opening of a new one, as well as the shutting down of an old "spiritual" understanding related to your Uranus.

Hi Quis - An old way of doing your Jupiter will end over the next few years. 11 house is same as the above comment. The endings will put the brakes on your old Venus function while offering you renewed understandings and harmonized points of view through Mercury trine. Whatever Jupiter disposits will go through endings as well, but remember that these endings will result in transfiguration and joy that we've made it through the night in some way.

Hi Donna - Well, hang in there and I'm sure you'll learn more and more each time. Mostly what I write is the same as my personal counseling sessions with clients. Listen to the tape a few times, and more and more gets clearer with each listen. Yes, your Saturn will be impacted, probably through a new externalization of responsibility or duty. Each sign externalizes through its opposite, so your Leo way of showing your Saturn to your world will undergo a change.

Hi Sangeeta - It falls in your Solar 7th house, so the types and levels of equal relationships will be directly impacted. You may lose a Cancer/Leo person in your life, but I also have no doubt you'll attract another more appropriate to who you are now as opposed to who you used to be.

Hi Sharrin - That would indicate an old way of integrating your light/life will end, and you'll be appropriately transfigured. Someone I'm very close to has an August 1 birthday, and I'm sure her life will transfigure, since she's already in dynamic motion. Remember the growth is in the sign of Aquarius and whatever house it falls in your map. And of course, since all eclipses shut something down, expect the houses ruled by Cancer and Leo to be affected, as well as any planets in those signs (which includes your Uranus!) And you're most welcome. Thanks for your praise of the site.

Hi Matt - Well, ALL eclipses are "potent," regardless of aspect. A square can be a useful brake and turning point, a trine can be a comfortable understanding that doesn't lead to growth. Usually conjunctions mark major new beginnings. This eclipse falls on my Ascendant, as did another one like this at 10 Leo in Summer 1989. That one opened an 18 year period of working and then living in California. Did my old life in Austin end? Yes. Was it "bad?" No.

Necessary endings lead to powerful beginnings and manifestations of destiny if we ride the wave rather than resist it. I had been in a period of deep grief, and the 1989 Leo eclipse ended that phase and opened me to a whole new healing process and work that resulted in my sponsoring a bunch of men's gatherings and a national media event that opened the door for thousands of men to express their feelings. And yes, it trined my Sun, as does this one, so I am again expecting a very harmonious beginning of a long chapter in my life.

Hi Christine - It falls in your first house, favorable to your Sag planets and square your Saturn. I won't be back in NY for a while, so if you want another session just email me at the address on the left hand links and we'll go from here.

Hi Jan - I have no doubt that though things end, some endings are a blessings. Reference my comment to Matt re: the similar eclipse of 1989. My intense grief resolved itself within 2 years of that eclipse, and I was making money and having fun in sunny SoCal hitting the beach on a regular basis. It will shut down an old 4th house manifestation, and you'll know you've made it through the night in some important way, if only through resolution of early childhood matters of the heart. Very glad you find inspiration!

Hi pamela - Sorry, but 9 degrees Leo + any minutes = 10 Leo. "Early morning dew sparkles as sunlight floods the fields."

Hi Alison - We're all affected in many ways by the four eclipses that happen each year. Lunar eclipses have an effect measured in months, while Solar eclipses have effects measured in years. Perhaps it is the end of the old uncertainty, which is a relief in itself, whether it turns out as we wish or not. I suspect it's time for both of you to see the dance differently, so it's resolved one way or another. Your Moon on his Sun is a powerful contact that shows a natural affinity. It's a bit wide to be considered conjunct your lights, but falling in the 7th it would show an old way of being equal or unequal is over, and you'll find a new way of shining your light in relationships that are more suited to who you are now than who you used to be.

Hi Eme - Given the lack of hard aspects in this eclipse, it should shut down old parts of your life while allowing you openings that help you see that you've made it through the night. It will certainly transfigure your life in dramatic fashion! Also, Jupiter in close triseptile to your Sun through October should be showing you important forks in the road of your expanding destiny in the house Jupiter transits.

Hi Amy - In your 5th house, you'll end old pleasures and ways of expressing yourself; in your Solar 6th house, you'll find new heart service as old work or ways of being subservient end. As was noted, you've mainly been dealing with Saturn opposite your Sun since last September, which has allowed you to mature in your interactions and move away from being controlled by circumstances or old fears in relationship.

Hi Catherine - You're entering a peak year, so you will be bringing many things to completion and find tremendous fulfillment. And as things complete, then we move forward into new things. As for how it could manifest conjunct the Ascendant, please read above what it did for me after 1989. Perhaps it marks the end and relief for your friend of the kidney problem, though it's almost impossible and not the best thing to do such detailed analyses in a comment stream.

Hi Lyzette - If you have Leo MC, then this eclipse will fall in your 9th, unless you have an extremely narrow 9th house. Welcome to new spiritual awarenesses that will bring transfiguration to your life. Accept any possibilities of higher education or travel, since these will also bring forms of relief.

Hi Mary - 10,000 things. An old form of expressing your uniqueness or genius is over, with a new way of externalizing your light to come. Expect new work, new service, new relationships with different motives than before. Your old comfort zones may be challenged, but take heart and play more. Try to apply yourself productively when you most want to make excuses, find grounded ways to express your genius, and try not to frame things as "either-or," but rather "both-and." Don't let wants and needs get confused, and use your organizational ability to compartmentalize your various life areas so one doesn't interfere with another.

Hi Ben - Well, as I wrote earlier it falls on my Ascendant, and the last time it did I entered a very enjoyable 18 year period of my life that opened many doors and changed my life and self image forever. Right now you're beginning a whole new long cycle which won't be clear until Autumn 2009. Go with your Saturn return changes, and reflect on how you're emotionally a much different person than you were even two years ago. This time is about leaving the old behind, and embracing "the unlived life" with all its possibilities. Please re-read my article on the Saturn return in the archives to find out more how to best greet what you're moving through the next two years.

Hi Shelly - It will affect your work and relationships. Of greater importance is you're going through the Saturn return which will change your sense of self and purpose forever. You also should read my article so you can use the time to best effect.

[Carrie]

Hi Robert,

My MC is at 11 Leo 57. Would you translate this weeks eclipse to my chart as being H9 or H10? I have saturn conjunct pluto coming up on 22 August at 10 Virgo 18 also in H10 so I am mentally gathering myself in preparation for that one. Do you think these two events are going to be related?

Needless to say I have been reading a lot of excellent material on your site today!

[Alexandra]

Life is definitely about to change. I sometimes feel like I'm watching a big wave coming in but at others I'm not so sure. It feels like a shift to family, to domestic life, and less focus on myself and my own creative and intellectual interests. I would love to hear how you see it though Robert if you still get a chance.
Nov. 13, 1966, 10:53pm. Leo Asc (14°25') and a Sag Moon. Also, Leo in 12th house Natal Jupiter (04°23').
Have no idea what house the eclipse will be falling in either.
Namaste -
alexandra

[sangeeta]

Thanks Robert for your help...i understand the essence of what you are saying but I dont have either a Leo or Cancer person in my life...but one thing is clear, all is changing and changing very rapidly.

Alison, you and I both have the same advice from Robert...wishing you well on your journey.

Love
Sangeeta

[cathy]

Hi,

I was born 2-11-64 in Chicago, IL. I have a stellium of planets in Aquarius. I have been feeling neptunium effects for many years. I am ready for change. I have a 9 degree libra rising, a 5 degree Aqu moon in the 4th, 22 aqu degree sun, 23 aqu mars, and 25 aqu saturn in the 5th house. What do you suppose I might experience at eclipse phase. I have been a single parent since 2002. Life has been bogged down with little money and lots of responsibility. You think this might change??

[Quis]

I can see how that might be connected to finishing a graduate program and finally being done with school -- time to find new outlets of expression for all that stuff. Interesting about Venus... May you be blessed, Robert, thanks.