starworlds: Astroweather -- Eclipse Period

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Astroweather -- Eclipse Period

Eclipse Period December 21, 2010 - January 4, 2011

As I have been discussing since November, there has been an increasing alignment of malefic planets with the Galactic Center culminating in a Full Lunar eclipse on the morning of the Winter Solstice.

The 2010 Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 at 3:38 pm pst, which is 15 hours after the mid-point of the total lunar eclipse. It is the first time since 1991 that a lunar eclipse has occurred on the longest night of the year, and first time they have coincided in alignment with the galactic center in over 25,000 years.*

This overlap is a unique point in time during which we may receive waves of energy from the root of our galaxy. Each planet involved in the line up has translated this galactic shakti through its own unique field of action. And this lunar eclipse promises to integrate the information from the oldest quadrant of our galaxy coming through the Sun with the unpredictable and liberating effect of the oldest planet, Ketu, over the Moon. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open to a new evolutionary potential. But if we are caught in the lower expression of the nodes where fear of the dark and chaos feed the repressed psychic energies and get triggered and released collectively through calamity, we may block the this chance to shift karmic patterns consciously.

Eclipse Cycles

An eclipse is traditionally defined as an astronomical event in which one celestial object moves into the shadow of another. Here on Earth eclipses of the Sun and Moon occur in pairs every six months as the North and South nodes of the Moon align with the full Moon in a lunar eclipse or new Moon in a solar eclipse. Astrologers describe the two week period between the eclipses as a time filled with dynamic shifts and changes that have an effect on the following six months -- until the next eclipse period releases another round of karmic upgrades. The next two weeks may be intense, dizzying, and eye-opening for many of us as we shift up a notch on our spiraling and evolving paths.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Tuesday, December 21, 12:13 am pst

The first eclipse of this upcoming cycle is a full lunar eclipse at 12:13 am pst on December 21, 2010 in Gemini. A lunar eclipse occurs during a full Moon as the shadow created by the earth interferes with the peak illumination of the Moon. This shadow is represented by the North and South Nodes of the Moon, called Rahu and Ketu in Vedic astrology. The lunar nodes are the orbital nodes of the Moon where it crosses the ecliptic. The ascending node is where the Moon crosses to the north of the ecliptic called Rahu, and the descending node is where it crosses to the south, called Ketu. During this lunar eclipse, the Moon will cross the South Node, Ketu, and a shadow will slowly emerge over the lunar surface obliterating the light and eventually turning the Moon blood red.

Ancient sky watchers viewed this shadow as a dragon, or snake, who swallowed the Moon (or the Sun in the case of a solar eclipse) signaling major and sudden changes. There are many allegorical stories about the snakes and dragons of the lunar nodes. In Hindu mythology, Rahu is a snake that swallows the Sun or the Moon causing eclipses. According to legend, the the demon Rahu desired to drink from the god's cup of Soma, the divine nectar of immortality. The Sun and Moon alerted the gods, and before the nectar could pass his throat, Vishnu disguised as Mohini cut off his head. As Rahu had already tasted the divine elixir, the disembodied head remained immortal. Because of his desire for divine nectar, Rahu is associated with intoxication and is an indicator of obsession with power and fame (immortality). Rahu on a physical plane gives insatiable desire to achieve, to conquer, and to possess.

Ketu is what remains of the body of Rahu, the headless tail. The lost head symbolizes the loss of the thinking mind. The headless body may also represent an enlightened being who is freed from the thinking mind. As opposed to Rahu's affliction of the mind, Ketu can afflict the body. It is a moksha-karaka, indicator of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ketu can bestow great insight and healing ability, or it may place obstacles that ultimately change how one thinks. It brings spiritual tendencies, ascetism and non-attachment to worldly desires and ambitions, and it balances the materialistic compulsion of Rahu with its impulse to enlightenment.

A lunar eclipse differs in many ways from a solar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs at night and a solar eclipse occurs during the day, thus the effect of the shadows are more subtle as they extend and merge with the dark of night. The Moon represents the mind, the feeling body, and the collective consciousness. So an eclipse to the Moon brings up hidden or shadow issues that are not as defined or clear as its solar counterpart. Its psychic effects are unpredictable ranging from the gift of new insight to the release of repressed emotions.

There is also a difference between the effects of a Ketu eclipse and a Rahu eclipse. Rahu is the natural enemy of the Moon, and brings more inimical effects to the Moon than Ketu. Rahu's disturbance is that of illusion. Ketu's disturbance is that of dissolution, which ultimately brings enlightenment.

Ketu is the oldest planet and head of all the stars and planets. As the oldest planet, Ketu reflects the original primordial forces of chaos and disorder. Its energy is erratic and sublime, sometimes contacting, often dissolving. Thus it represents extremes, such as creation and destruction, beginnings and endings. It is an enemy of the Sun, and as the Negative Sun may bring self-doubt, lack of confidence and self worth, or its extreme opposite megalomania. Ketu is always concerned with the past, and is what attaches us to our roots in the form of family and ancestors. Under this lunar eclipse we may witness a sudden event that uproots the status quo in order to bring an ending and new beginning that is more in line with the evolutionary impulse coming from the galactic core.

Ketu is transiting the galactic anti-center in the sign of Gemini, the constellation of Orion, and the nakshatra of Ardra, which is ruled by Rahu. As this is a Ketu eclipse of the Moon in a Rahu nakshatra, we may expect to see even more karmic patterns surface as the nodes are intertwined in their own symbolic spirals along the axis of the Milky Way. Ardra translates as "moist one" and is often depicted as a tear or rain drop, but its main symbol is a diamond. As Rahu is concerned with the future, this nakshatra releases one from the past through a series of stormy events. It is a nakshatra most associated with calamities. Ardra's depiction as a tear drop indicates sadness created by this tumultuous weather. We may expect to see flooding and disasters associated with extreme weather. Ardra is ruled by the storm god Rudra, the tranformative aspect of Shiva, and its power is yatna shakti, or effort. Struggle brings rewards. Like the clearing of the air after a spring thunderstorm, Ardra promises clarity and a new start.

Ardra is located in the constellation of Orion and contains the fixed stars Betelgeuse and Sirius. According to Bernadette Brady, Betelgeuse is one of the great stars of the sky and its influence can bring unbridled success without complications. And Sirius is a blue star associated with sacrificial themes in many ancient and modern traditions, such as ancient Egyptian and modern Masonic mysteries. Sirius also figures prominently in UFO lore and ancient alien theory. Just this week CNN reported that Israel shot down a UFO over a nuclear power plant. There are theories that aliens are preventing humans from exploding any more nuclear weapons which open up tears in space allowing being from other dimensions to flow in. Could this lunar eclipse also bring in new information from our Sirian ancestors? The Disclosure community has been waiting for an announcement that would change the world on a global and galactic level. This might be it.

Ancient Vedic seers wrote about a companion star to our Sun, which may in fact be Sirius. Our Sun's proximity to it marks the four yugas, or world ages, or stages of consciousness as illustrated in this video from Walter Cruttenden's Great Year. Thus Sirius is also connected to the cyclic development of consciousness.

Ketu will begin its obfuscation of the Moon as it reaches Fullness in the nakshatra of Mrigashira and then shifts to Ardra before the midpoint of the eclipse. Although Mrigashira is ruled by Mars, it is a gentle and peaceful nakshatra as depicted by its symbol of a deer's head. Another symbol for Mrigashira is a pot full of Soma, the celestial nectar of the gods that gave Rahu and Ketu immortality. Its deity is Chandra, the Moon god, who is also called Soma, and who in this case will be receiving Ketu's glance. Ketu may dissolve the peace, but may also distribute the divine drink of Soma, also called amrita. Georg Feuerstein, author of The Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga writes that Amrita means "nectar of immortality," referring to the nectar of immortality that trickles down from a secret center in the head and is wasted on ordinary people because its secret is not known to them. This amrita nadi, or 'conduit of immortality' is said to manifest at the time of full enlightenment creating a link between the ascending sushumna and heart center. The energetic line up on the sushumna of the Milky Way may release cosmic amrita through this lunar eclipse. Perhaps even ordinary people will feel its euphoria.

Eclipses have the strongest effect on the area where it is visible, which in this case will be over most of North and South America. At the instant of greatest eclipse the Moon will be near the zenith for observers in southern California and Baja Mexico. The end of the total eclipse will be visible rising at sunset for Japan and northeastern Asia.

Astrological traditions view eclipse cycles as a karmic time periods in which the obscuration of the luminaries brings out psychological disturbances, political unrest, shadow issues, and fear. The planet of moksha and final liberation, Ketu, aspects this lunar eclipse from its position in the planet of manifestation, Rahu's, tearful nakshatra, Ardra. As tears of a sorrow release emotional build up, they cleanse the eyes and give clarity of perception. So while this intense eclipse period may release forces that inflict pain and suffering, it is important to remember it is a result of us being out of alignment with the divine. Moreover Gemini is often described as the sign of debilitation for Ketu, so its energy may not be as intense and destructive as it would be in signs like Sagittarius. This makes the planetary line up of the Sun, Mars, Mercury, and Pluto in Mula even more striking, and under its light presents opportunities to return to god-realization as promised by this nakshatra. But first we must surrender to the "Moon shadow" to receive this intense galactic light, let go of what is not working, and allow new life to emerge.

Namaste!

Here are some Soma mantras to celebrate this Full Moon Lunar eclipse:

* Actually I was wrong about this date. I had looked at other references and dates for an eclipse on the solstice, but could not find one. But this morning (12/18/10) the US Naval Observatory posted this previous date of a lunar on the Winter Solstice at Spaceweather.com The lunar eclipse of Dec. 21st falls on the same date as the northern winter solstice. Is this rare? It is indeed, according to Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory, who inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years. "Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is Dec. 21, 1638," says Chester. "Fortunately we won't have to wait 372 years for the next one...that will be on Dec. 21, 2094." On December 21, 1638 the Sun, Mercury and Rahu were in Mula opposite a Moon in Ardra. Even though the Sun was in Mula, it was still a good 6 degrees from the galactic center. And the brief post didn't say if it was a full lunar eclipse.

Update: Lunar eclipse effecting weather in US

and in Europe travel is disrupted by winter storms
Click here

Australia gets snow in Winter
Click here

Japan Earthquake 2010: Strong Quake Prompts Tsunami Warning
Click here

Interesting take on eclipses and earthquakes by Bill Deagle

Worse winter weather ever in CA
click here

7.3 earthquake hits in Pacific Ocean near Vanuatu, Tsunami warning
Click here.

Biggest blizzards in decades hits the East Coast stranding thousands of holiday travelers Click here

2 comments:

Unknown said...: Hi there, I read your blog with great interest. I'm worried that I did not know this information until maybe an hour before the eclipse began. I tried to share this information with my family and was disappointed by their lack of interest. Especially since 1.)my name is Audra and 2.)for purposes of raising children with respect for all, I created a month long holiday celebration that honors all humans and their legends and myths. My worry is, that I spent too much time with my feelings hurt to meditate alone and with my family on such an important event. I want to let this go. Can you help me?; January 5, 2011 at 9:19 AM
stargurl said...: Dear Audra,

Astrology is just one lense to view the events of life and begin to understand the multiple layers of information being shared by the "grand architect." Even those who show no interest will be blessed by the energy of the stars. Do not allow their discomfort stop you from enjoying the ride.

Blessings to you and all mothers who share in the creative work of the Mother.

Shanti, shanti, shanti!; January 5, 2011 at 9:39 AM

Aum saraswateye vidmahe, bramputriye dhi-mahi, tanno sarawati prachodayat

Saraswati is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self." Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.

What is the Difference between Vedic and Western Astrology: 23 Degrees, Nakshatras, and Sidereal

Twenty-three is my quick answer to the question: "what is the difference between Vedic Astrology and Western astrology?" I don't mean to be cryptic, but 23 degrees is literally the difference between the Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs. It is called the Ayanamsha -- in Sanskrit ayana meaning solstice and amsha meaning portion -- and it refers to the difference between Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs.

The zodiac is a ring of constellations often referred to as signs, such as Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus. It is a cosmic clock around which our solar systems operates and how astrologers measure cycles of time. Most people do not realize that there are two distinct zodiacs. Vedic astrologers use the Sidereal zodiac and Western astrologers use the Tropical zodiac. The Sidereal zodiac is based on observations of planets lining up against the backdrop of the fixed stars. It is oriented to the center of the galaxy. On the other hand, the Tropical zodiac is based on the relationship between the sun and earth. It is oriented to the equinoxes. In Western astrology the spring equinox sets the beginning of the Tropical zodiac at 1 degree Aries, even though the sun is astronomically traveling in the light fields of Pisces. In other words, it does not correspond to observable position. Vedic astrology is called Jyotisha in Sanskrit, meaning the science of light, and Vedic astrology describes how the light emitted from the stars effects us. When Western astrology was in its early stages, the two zodiacs may have lined up; but over time the two moved apart approximately 50 seconds per year to the current 23 degrees of separation (even that number is debated, but the standard of India, the Lahiri ayanamsha is 23 degrees 10 seconds).

Vedic astrology is considered by scholars to pre-date Western astrology and is the only system that has accounted for the precession of the equinoxes. What is the precession of the equinoxes? The answer to that involves another occurrence of the number 23 (those familiar with the enigma of 23, like LOST and RAW fans, may find this amusing). Because Earth's axis is tilted 23° 27' in its orbit around the sun, its equatorial plane is tilted with respect to the ecliptic plane, the plane created by Earth's orbit. These two intersecting planes create an intersecting line called the vernal axis that occurs on the first day of spring, or Vernal equinox. As the Earth spins on its axis, its axis wobbles (precesses 50.3 seconds of arc per year or 1 degree every 71.6 years) very slowly over a period of about 24,000 to 26,000 years. As this occurs, the pole of the Earth inscribes an arc in the heavens called the precessional arc. The Earth's pole aligns with different stars throughout the precessional period. The current pole star is Polaris. Approximately 13,000 year ago it was Vega, one of my favorite stars. Earth's precessional cycle is also referred to as Earth's Great Year in the alchemical tradition, World Ages, or Yugas in the Vedas. David Frawley describes it a one year in the life of humanity.

In Vedic astrology there is a line of thought that suggests this 24,000-26,000 cycle (and even wobble of the earth itself) maybe be generated by a grand cycle of our sun with a companion dark star. Modern astronomy is studying this possibility as well. The ancient Vedic seers divided up the cycle into four world ages: the Satya(Truth or Golden), Treta (Third or Silver), Dwapara (Third or Bronze) and Kali (first or Iron) Ages. Each age describes a stage of awareness for mankind in which consciousness ascends, descends, and ascends in unending cycles perhaps due to the influence of this yet to be discovered companion star. Although New Age philosophers have described humanity as entering the Age of Aquarius, astronomically speaking that will not happen for approximately 300-400 years.

According to Vedic thought, the cycles of ascending and descending consciousness are connected not only to our rotation around a companion star, but also our cycle around the galactic center. According to David Frawley, "Vedic astrology orients the zodiac to the galactic center, or the central galactic sun, whose influence comes to us through fixed stars of the constellation Sagittarius." The galactic center is like our cosmic belly button -- it is sometimes called Vishnunabhi, or the navel of Vishnu-- the point from which our galaxy grew and expanded. Many ancient cultures studied and recorded their observations about this area of the night sky, including the Mayans whose calendar marks an astronomical event of our winter solstice aligning with the galactic center in 2012. It's like the earth's pole or antenna will be aligned and open to receive message from the source itself. [H]ohm is calling.

One of the most brilliant developments of the ancient Vedic seers was to further divide the zodiac into more identifiable parts. They did this by creating the Nakshatra system. In Sanskrit Nakshatra means lunar mansion. As the moon travels through the entire zodiac in 27-28 days, the ancient seers ascribed a Nakshatra for each day simplifying its location. Although too vast a subject to go into in this post, it is interesting to point out that the name for the Nakstratra that marks the galactic center is Mula, meaning root or source.

Another difference between Western and Vedic astrology is the modern use of non-observable planets and asteroids. As a Neo-Vedic astrologer I do consider some of the outer planets when I look at a chart, but I tend to be more interested in the fixed stars and Nakshatras. I marvel at how Western astrologers bring in new astronomical discoveries to their chart interpretations. Basically I see Western charts as a map of the same terrain as a Vedic chart, but indicating different types or levels of information. It's like comparing a topological map with a road map. I don't need to know the difference of elevation between Broadway and 3rd Avenue, but I might like to know the street number of Benaroya Hall. It all depends on what type of information one is seeking. Vedic astrologers come from a tradition and philosophy that focuses on the four aims of life: dharma (purpose), arthra (attainment), kama (desire),and the most important moksha (liberation). Western astrology is enriched by many diverse traditions and the information gleaned from it may be quite extensive and more suited for the modern mind. But for me, I've always been drawn to the stars in the night sky and have felt them speak to me in the language of light. And as Jyotisha is the science of light, it is the tool and filter I use to translate this information.

For a good video overview on precession click here.