An eclipse is a powerful astrological signpost of change.  On this page I’ll talk about the eclipses coming up in 2009 and their meanings.  For background on what eclipses mean in general, what they are (astronomically) and how each eclipse usually has one or more Shadow Agents, look here:  Eclipses and the Shadow Agent.

January 25, 2009, Solar Eclipse:  “A Visit From The Flatterer”
February 9, 2009, Lunar Eclipse:  “Let Friendship Crack You Open”
July 7, 2009, Lunar Eclipse:  “Count Your Blessings & Accomplishments”
July 21, 2009, Solar Eclipse:  “Rearranging Your Inner Spaces”
August 5, 2009, Lunar Eclipse:  “Balancing Individual Creativity With The Needs Of The Group”
December 31, 2009, Solar Eclipse: “Inside The Pressure Cooker”

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January 25, 2009, Solar Eclipse—Where Do We See Our Shadows?
This eclipse falls in the sign of Aquarius, which means it shows us our shadow in the area of friendships.  We see our shadows when we spend time in groups and when we share ideas with like-minded people.  Our networks of friends show us things we cannot see about ourselves.  It’s a solar eclipse, so it’s marked by an external, real-world event (unlike a lunar eclipse, which is mostly experienced internally).

Details About This Eclipse:
Date: January 25, 2009
Time of eclipse: 11:55 PM PST
Type: annular solar eclipse
Visible in: Sumatra, Borneo, southern Africa, south-eastern Asia and western Australia
At: 6 degrees Aquarius
Shadow Agent: Jupiter

Does It Affect You Personally?
If your birthday is on any of the following dates, you most likely experienced this eclipse:
January 20-30
April 20-29
July 23-August 2
October 23-November 2

Script: A Visit From The Flatterer

The Shadow Agent for this eclipse is Jupiter.  Here’s a hint of what this eclipse might be like for those who experience its effects. . .

There’s a knock at your door.  You answer it.  Jupiter is there, dressed in party clothes.
You:  Can I help you?
Jupiter:  I’m here to boost your self-confidence.
Jupiter attaches a pump to your side and begins pumping you full of hot air.  You start to feel giddy.  You laugh and fall over a little.
You:  Hey, I feel good!
You dance around a little, unsteady on your feet.
Jupiter:  That’s because you are good!  Really good!
You:  Yeah, I’m great in fact.  I’m awesome!  I’m the best!
Jupiter:  Yes, there’s no one better!  You’re really under-appreciated, you know.
You:  Yeah, what’s up with that?  How come no one gets it about me?
Jupiter:  They’re fools.  Oh look—here are some people who get it about you.
Suddenly a flood of people pours into your house.  They praise and flatter you.  This goes on for a while.
You:  I don’t really know these people well.
Jupiter:  Yeah, but their opinions matter.  And they love you!
You enjoy the party for a while, then you begin to notice something a little strange.
You:  Hey, wait a minute, something feels a little uncomfortable around here.
Jupiter:  What, are your pants a little tight?
You:  Yes, that’s exactly it—how did you know?
Jupiter:  Because you’re too big for your britches!
He laughs and shows you the mirror.  Your image shows you are in fact bulging out of your pants and their seams are splitting.  Just behind your funhouse-mirror-fattened image, you spot a glimpse of your own shadow.
You:  Hey, what’s that?
Jupiter:  Your shadow, silly!  Arrogance and over-confidence in some area where you feel small.
You:  Sheesh!  It’s icky!
Jupiter:  Sorry—shadows are like that.  I have the answer, though.
You:  What?
Jupiter takes out a giant pin and pokes you in the side with it.
You:  OUCH!  Hey—what was that for?
Jupiter:  Find the right balance of humbleness and healthy pride and you’ll be all right.  I’ll be leaving now.
You:  Wait just a minute—you set me up!  That’s unfair!
Jupiter:  The Shadow Agent’s job is to show you your shadow.  I had to blow you up a little before you could see it.  Sorry it was uncomfortable.
Jupiter opens the door and leaves, quickly followed by the flood of unasked-for guests.  Your body slowly deflates, and along with it, your ego as you realize that friends that cater to excessive self-confidence are no more than flatterers.

*   *   *   *   *

February 9, 2009, Lunar Eclipse—Where Do We See Our Shadows?
This eclipse, like the previous one, falls in the sign of Aquarius, which means it shows us our shadow in the area of friendships.  We see our shadows when we spend time in groups and when we share ideas with like-minded people.  Our networks of friends show us things we cannot see about ourselves.  It’s a lunar eclipse, so it’s marked by an internal, emotionally intense stirring up of feelings (unlike a solar eclipse, which is mostly experienced externally).

Details About This Eclipse:
Date: February 9, 2009
Time of eclipse: 6:49 AM PST
Type: penumbral lunar eclipse
Visible in: eastern Europe and Africa, Asia and most of North America.
At: 20 degrees Aquarius
Shadow Agents: Chiron, Neptune

Does It Affect You Personally?
I’d need to look at your chart to tell you that, but at least I can say that if your birthday is on any of the following dates, you are likely to feel this eclipse:
February 4-14
May 6-16
August 8-18
November 7-17

Script: Let Friendship Crack You Open

Remember, a lunar eclipse is likely to bring up strong emotions.  This particular eclipse may bring up emotions in response to unexpected kindness from friends, old wounds coming up or some sort of spiritual revelation.  The following script is just one possible way it could go.

There’s a knock at your door.  You answer it.  There’s a beautiful woman in long, flowing garments that seem to change color as she moves.  She smiles at you.
You:  Oh hi, Neptune.  Come on in.
Neptune flows in.  Her voice is musical.
Neptune:  I’ve invited some friends over.
You:  How is it I already knew that?
Neptune:  You are going to love them.
Suddenly, your house is full to bursting with people.  As you begin mingling, you realize that these are YOUR people.  They are interesting and you feel really comfortable with them.  Neptune finds you in the crowd and guides you to a corner where you watch the group together.
You:  I never knew it could be like this.  Every one of these people could be a really good friend for me.  How is it possible?
Neptune puts her hand on your head and as you feel her gentle pressure, a delicious emotion floods you from head to toe.
Neptune:  You’re discovering universal connectedness.  It’s the feeling all religions reach for, the sensation of being one with all beings and all things.  You are not separate.  You are a part of it all and you matter.
You begin to weep a little, amazed.
There’s another knock at the door.  You pull yourself together and push through the crowd to answer the door.  It’s another woman, only this one doesn’t look so friendly.
You:  Oh, it’s you, Chiron.
Chiron:  I’ve brought you something.
You:  No doubt.  Come on in, since you’re going to anyway.
You close the door and Chiron takes your elbow and leads you off to the side, where you can still see everyone.  Neptune joins you there.
Chiron:  Look at all these people.  You’ve been hurt by friends before, you know.
You:  How good of you to remind me.
Chiron rummages in her pockets and pulls out a ViewMaster.  There’s a card in it, with pictures.  Chiron puts it in front of your eyes.
Chiron:  Do you remember this?
You:  Uh, gradeschool.  Pretty painful.
Chiron presses the button.  The picture changes.
You:  Adolescence.  Worse yet.  Why do people have to be so mean?
Neptune: (gently) They aren’t always that way.
Chiron:  Exactly my point.
Chiron reaches into your chest and tears a hole in your heart.  Through that hole, your exposed heart suddenly feels everything even more intensely.  You try to stay objective, but you can’t.  Everyone in the room is looking at you with affection and knowledge in their eyes.  They see your pain and instead of pulling away, they radiate warmth at you.  These people know you, and they accept you anyway.  They seem to trust you and to expect that you will simply trust them.  It’s overwhelming and it hurts to take it all in.
You:  (dropping the ViewMaster)  These people aren’t like the ones from my past.
Chiron & Neptune in unison:  Nope.
You:  Then why does this hurt?
Chiron:  Because you’re healing.
Neptune: (nodding) Growth pains, my dear.
Chiron:  You can stop fighting it now.
You decide to make the most of this opportunity.  Into the wounded place in your heart, you let all the love and knowledge flow.  The rawness and pain increase until they are intolerable.  Just then, like a wave breaking, the pain and joy meet in the middle, creating an entirely new sensation.  You realize you are fully alive.  It fills you up and heals you like nothing has ever done before.
You:  Whoa.  What just happened?
Neptune:  You took charge of your pain.  Know what your job is now?
You:  Um, nope.
Chiron:  Now that you have this connection to all of humanity, really have it in your heart, go heal other people with it.
Neptune:  There are a lot of isolated people out there.  They need you.
While you fall gently into a chair, overwhelmed, Neptune and Chiron slip out the door.

*   *   *   *   *

July 7, 2009, Lunar Eclipse—Where Do We See Our Shadows?
This eclipse falls in the sign of Capricorn, which means it shows us our shadow in the area of career.  We see our shadows when we are deeply immersed in career-building, ambition or neglecting ourselves for a long-term goal.  Some aspect of our work can show us our shadow during this eclipse.  It’s a lunar eclipse, so it’s marked by an internal, emotionally intense stirring up of feelings (unlike a solar eclipse, which is mostly experienced externally).

Details About This Eclipse:
Date: July 7, 2009
Time of eclipse: 2:21 am PST
Type: penumbral  (weak in intensity)
Visible in: eastern Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America, North America (except the extreme north).
At: 15 degrees Capricorn
Shadow Agent: Saturn (by harmonious trine)

Does It Affect You Personally?
If your birthday is on any of the following dates, you most likely experienced this eclipse:
December 31-January 10
March 31-April 10
July 2-12
October 3-13

Script:  Count Your Blessings and Accomplishments

You hear a knock at the door.  You answer it.  Saturn is standing there, an attractive middle-aged woman in a business suit.  She’s wearing glasses and looks tidy and streamlined.  She nods at you and steps in, seating herself as if she belongs.
Saturn:  So have you seen it?
You: Seen what?
She points to the floor behind you.  There, stretched out on it is a dark blotch which is slithering around your feet.  You jump, trying to get away, but it follows you.
You:  Ick!  Where did that come from?
Saturn:  It’s your shadow.  Everyone has one.  Hey Shadow, wake up!
Shadow:  Mmmph?
You:  Woah—it talks?
Saturn:  It does more than that.  Shadow, what do you have to say?
Shadow:  I’m strong.  I’m stoic.  I never whine or complain.  I suffer quietly in the background while others get the benefit of my efforts.  No, no, it’s all right!  I can take it—even though my health is failing.  I overwork because I care about the people around me and I care about doing things right.  I work towards a long-term reward and only endure the present because I believe the reward is coming.  I have deferred pleasure so long that I have forgotten how to have fun.
The more you listen to this, the more despondent you feel.  Saturn looks at you warmly, but you feel she is staring through your soul.  Suddenly you burst into tears.
You: I am so tired!  I work so hard all the time.  It seems like everyone but me gets the benefit of my work.  Sometimes I feel really hopeless.
Saturn: Do you feel that you haven’t accomplished anything of substance?
You:  Sometimes, yes, I feel that way.
Saturn: You have, you know.  Sometimes it’s hard to see, but you have.  Here, let me remind you.
She then waves her hand at a nearby mirror.  Suddenly it’s filled with images of all your accomplishments in the last 5 years.
Saturn:  Never forget that you have a great impact on your world.  What you do matters.
You sit and watch the images for a few minutes, remembering with pride all you have accomplished.  The pride fills in some of the empty places in your heart, until you can’t help but grin.
Saturn: You work hard.  It matters.
You:  Wow, it really does matter!
Saturn (smiling):  Now watch this.
She waves her hand again and a different set of images appears.
Saturn:  These are your blessings.  You don’t need to count them, but you do need to appreciate them.  The more of them you appreciate, the more they will multiply, until your life is so filled with blessings, you won’t be able to help seeing it on your own.  Notice all this in great detail.
You gaze at the images, reminded of all the good things in your life and all that you did to bring them closer to yourself.  You realize you have been taking a lot for granted and that many people don’t have as much as you do.
You:  Somehow I ended up with a pretty good life and never knew it.
Saturn: Your life is good in certain ways because you made it like that.  Instead of suffering, go out and make the rest of your life good too.
You sigh, lost in thought as Saturn quietly leaves, closing the door behind her.

*   *   *   *   *

July 21, 2009, Solar Eclipse—Where Do We See Our Shadows?
This eclipse falls in the sign of Cancer, which means it shows us our shadow in the area of emotions, feelings and our inner life.  The funny thing is, this is a solar eclipse, so it’s marked by an external, real-world event (unlike a lunar eclipse, which is mostly experienced internally).  So during this eclipse our inner life may be symbolized in the outside world by a physical event.  The eclipse may also stimulate events in Cancerian arenas, such as family (meaning both the family you grow up with and the family you create as an adult), the home or private sphere and one’s emotional life.  This eclipse is total, so it is likely to have a stronger effect on those it touches than the other 5 eclipses this year.

Details About This Eclipse
Date: July 21, 2009
Time of eclipse: 7:35 PM PST
Type: total
Visible in: northern India, eastern Nepal, southern China, in cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu and Shanghai.
At: 29 degrees Cancer
Shadow Agent: Uranus

Does It Affect You Personally?
If your birthday is on any of the following dates, you most likely experienced this eclipse:
January 13-23
April 13-23
July 16-26
October 16-26

The Shadow Agent for this eclipse is Uranus, acting gently by a harmonious trine.  Here’s a hint of what this eclipse might be like for those who experience its effects . . .

Script:  Rearranging Your Inner Spaces

You hear a knock at the door.  You answer it.  Uranus is standing there.  He’s a funny-looking guy, a little cross-eyed, wearing a beanie cap.
You:  I’ve seen you before.
Uranus:  I tend to bring the unexpected.
You:  Uh, yeah, I’ve noticed that.
Uranus:  Don’t worry, I’m acting by trine today, so this won’t be so bad.
He sweeps past you into the house and starts rearranging your furniture.  You’re amazed and more than a little taken aback. When he moves the sofa to a totally different spot, you interrupt.
You:  Hey—I liked that there!
Uranus:  You’d gotten too stuck in your ways.  This will be better.  Trust me.
You fall silent and watch.  In a few swift moves, suddenly he has made everything different.  You sit on the newly-placed sofa and notice that things look very different from this new angle.  They feel different too.  There’s a freshness and you don’t really know what it all means.
Uranus:  You have more space now.
You:  More of something, but I’m not sure what.
Uranus:  That should come clear within a few days.
You:  I’m going to have to get used to this.
Uranus:  Yep.  Sometimes people don’t know what they need until it happens.
You (still in shock):  I can’t tell if this is bad or not.
Uranus:  Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t.  You decide.
He tips his silly hat and goes.

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August 5, 2009, Lunar Eclipse—Where Do We See Our Shadows?
Today’s lunar eclipse places the Moon in Aquarius against the Sun in Leo, pitting the desire for individual self-expression against the group’s need to spread attention out among its members.  Mars acts as the Shadow Agent, mediating the Sun’s bid for individual attention with the Moon’s bid on behalf of the group’s needs.

Details About This Eclipse
Date: August 5, 2009
Time of eclipse: 5:55 PM PST
Type: penumbral (weak in intensity)
Visible in: People in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, western Russia and western Asia will see this eclipse begin.  People in Africa, the Middle East, Europe (except extreme north) South America and North America (except northwest) will see it end.
At: 13 degrees Aquarius
Shadow Agent: Mars in Gemini

Does It Affect You Personally?
If your birthday is on any of the following dates, you most likely experienced this eclipse:
December 31-January 10
March 31-April 10
July 2-12
October 3-13

Remember, not every eclipse touches everyone, but when it does, it’s usually noticeable.  A lunar eclipse is likely to bring up strong emotions.  This particular eclipse may bring up emotions relating to the polarity of individual vs. group.  The following script is just one possible way it could go.

Script:  Balancing Individual Creativity
With The Needs Of The Group

You hear a knock at the door.  You answer it.  Mars is standing there.  Funny how he seems to be in motion, even when he’s standing still.  He’s a little bit hyper.  Behind him stands the Sun, a jolly looking man in a bright orange jacket.  And behind the Sun stands the Moon, a mousy woman wearing gray.  They all seem to be having an argument between them, which continues as they enter your house.
Mars (to the Moon):  Do you have trouble being seen in groups?  Do you struggle to get the attention you deserve?  Does it make it hard for you to take action?
The Sun (also to the Moon):  Some part of you wants to take center stage.  You know you do.
The Moon:  Yeah, maybe that’s easy for you to say.  You’re comfortable receiving attention.  But what about all the other people who deserve attention and aren’t getting any?  Sometimes it’s important to back off and let someone else get a chance.
Mars:  The logical thing to do is to back off sometimes and to start conversations so everyone can be heard.  Then there will be room for the individual and the group too.  Don’t you see?
The Sun:  Mars, you get a little weird when you’re in Gemini.  All talk and no action.  Where’s your drive, your initiative?
Mars:  When I’m in Gemini, I find I have to think before I act.  Otherwise I just fritter my energy away in nervous activity that accomplishes nothing.
The Sun:  Hrumph.  Look, my point is, I’m just not willing to make myself small to make other people comfortable.  It’s important to express oneself in life.  Individual creativity is crucial to the community.
Mars:  Why don’t you shut up and give the Moon a chance to speak?
The Sun:  Since you ask directly, instead of covertly, sure, I’ll shut up.  Moon, what do you have to say?
The Moon bursts into tears.
Mars:  Now you’ve gone and done it.  He pats her back awkwardly.  There, there—it’s not so bad, is it?
The Moon:  I was just thinking of the Star Trek moment when Spock is dying and he says, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few—or the one.”
The Sun:  Outrageous!  That’s a ridiculous notion, promulgated by a few who want to interfere with self-expression!
Mars (through clenched teeth):  Zip it!
The Sun actually becomes noticeably smaller.
The Moon:  When one person’s self-expression becomes too large, it takes away from the voices of others.  If the individual is willing to diminish himself just a little, so many more perspectives can be heard!
The Sun:  But not at the cost of squashing the individual!
The Sun here gets so large that the Moon begins to fade away.  Mars places himself between them as the Moon starts to breathe heavily, as if she’s having an asthma attack.
The Sun (to the Moon):  Why do you have to be so passive aggressive?  All I want is space to be myself.
Mars:  You need a little more awareness of your impact on others.
The Sun:  I’m not the only one!  She needs to get that groups are made up of individuals, all of whom have an impact.  And if the individual is stifled out of fear of expressing himself, the group suffers.
Since the argument has turned into a shouting match, you stand on a chair and interrupt.
You:  Quiet, everybody!
There’s silence.  You actually have their attention.
You:  I want to know why you are all here.  Why are you arguing in my home?
Mars:  Isn’t it obvious?  We have a message for you.
You:  You do?  All of you?  Together?
The Sun nods and the Moon stops breathing heavily long enough to nod also.
You:  Well, out with it then!
Mars:  It’s that you need to let your creativity be guided by what the group actually needs.  Are you giving what you want to give, what will feed your ego rather than what will serve the collective best?  Let go of the need to stand out from the crowd.  Instead, allow yourself to be embraced by your networks of like-minded people, let your soul find a home and a purpose there.  Serving that will fill a place in you that ego never could.
The Sun:  Hmm, now there’s some food for thought.
The Moon actually breaks into a smile.  The three of them leave quietly, while you meditate on their message.

*    *   *   *   *

December 31 Lunar Eclipse:  Where Do We See Our Shadows?
This lunar eclipse brings strong emotions and nostalgia to pressure as the sensitive Moon in Cancer is pitted against the tough-minded Sun in Capricorn.  Saturn and Pluto act as Shadow Agents, bringing in themes of integrity and intensity.

Details About This Eclipse
Date: December 31, 2009
Time of eclipse: 11:13 AM PST
Type: partial (weak in intensity)
Visible in: People in Asia, Australasia, Europe and Africa will see this small sliver of an eclipse.
At: 10 degrees Cancer
Shadow Agents: Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn in Libra

Does It Affect You Personally?
If your birthday is on any of the following dates, you most likely experienced this eclipse:
December 26-January 5
March 25-April 5
June 27-July 7
September 28-October 8

Remember, not every eclipse touches everyone, but when it does, it’s usually noticeable.  A lunar eclipse is likely to bring up strong emotions.  The following script is just one possible way it could go.

Script:  Inside The Pressure Cooker

You hear a knock at the door.  You answer it.  Saturn is there:  he’s a serious-looking older man in a dark business suit, wearing a power tie.  Next to him is Pluto, the Alchemist, in a long, black robe spattered with various chemicals.  Pluto is carrying a large pot.  Something seems odd about that pot, but before you can argue, both of them sweep past you and head for . . . your kitchen??
You:  Wha?
Saturn:  Sit down.  Shut up.  Do as you’re told.
You:  But this is MY house!
Pluto:  You’re not in charge here.
Saturn pushes you into a chair and actually ties you to it while Pluto gets busy at the stove.  Once Saturn has finished restraining you, you can begin to see what Pluto is doing.  He’s put the giant, black, cast-iron pot onto the stove, added a lot of some strange-smelling liquid and is turning the heat up.  Way up.  You notice it’s not so much a pot as it is a cauldron.
You:  You’re not going to hurt me, are you guys?  What did I do wrong?
Saturn:  Nothing.  This is just how we roll.
The pot is now boiling.  Pluto begins to walk around the house and grab particular items to put into the pot.
You:  Hey, that’s my favorite shirt!  I aced a job interview in that shirt!
Pluto:  Does it have sentimental value?  In it goes!
You:  Oh no, not that photograph—that’s the only memory I have of her!  Damnit, will you fiends stop?
Saturn:  Who are you really?  Have you thought about it?  Where’s your integrity?
You:  I don’t know what you mean.  You guys are just torturing me.  What gives you the right?
Saturn:  You are the amalgam of all things that have every happened to you PLUS the essential ingredient.  The thing that makes you different from every other human being alive.
You:  What’s that?
Saturn:  What you DID with what happened to you.  That one single driver inside you that decided what to do with all the things that happened.  Did you achieve or fail?  Did you love or hate?  Were you a whiner or were you heroic?  That moment of decision—how you act under pressure—is the crucial ingredient.
Saturn reaches into your chest and grabs your heart, pulling it out.  You have no idea why you’re still alive as he tosses it into the pot.  Pluto claps on the lid and seals it tightly.  Belatedly you realize it’s not an ordinary pot—it’s a pressure cooker.  As Pluto turns up the heat under the pot, the pressure increases until you think your heart will explode.  All the feelings, sensations and experiences you’ve ever had are suddenly compressed together with enormous force.  You realize there are few moments in which you made the heroic choice under pressure.  You want to die but find yourself alive anyway, and open your eyes.
Saturn:  You must change your life.
Pluto:  Got it?
You:  unh.
They pack up the pot and go.

*   *   *   *   *

That’s it for 2009’s eclipses.  2009 ended with a bang, didn’t it?  Next year there will be only 4 eclipses, but one’s coming right up on January 15.  I’ll post details about it then.

Art provided by Kristin Plescow.