Retrogrades and Eclipses in 2012
By Dikki-Jo Mullen, Astrologer
Celestial patterns contain keys which will open the deep mysteries that explain life on Earth. Among the most dramatic messages are those of the eclipses. From very first astrological records, dating back thousands of years, eclipses have been linked to surprises and transformations. Eclipses occur when the shadow of one heavenly body falls across the lighted face of another. The transitory blockage of illumination is called an eclipse. The most influential of the eclipses will involve the Sun or Moon. Rarely Mercury or another planet can be observed in an eclipse. The eclipse of a planet isn’t as dramatic in appearance or significance as an eclipse of the Sun or Moon. An exact alignment with the Earth is involved in solar and lunar eclipses. Potent aspects, in the form of exact conjunctions or oppositions, bring turning points at the time of an eclipse. When the glow of the Sun or Moon is shadowed or (in the case of a total eclipse completely extinguished) the temporary time of darkness fosters growth. A perfect key word for an eclipse is changes. With an eclipse the times are unsettled, even uncomfortable. However eventually all will be improved as the eclipse passes. That is because that which has outgrown its form is replaced and updated. Progress results. The path of an eclipse relates to the two nodes of the Moon. The nodes are points where there are intersections between the Moons orbit and the plane of the ecliptic or Earths orbit. The distance from the zodiacal degree of a New or Full Moon to the degree of the nodes indicates whether there will be an eclipse and also whether it will be a partial or a more powerful total eclipse.
Those eclipses which are at the North Node of the Moon are thought to be more favorable than the eclipses conjunct the South Node. Take note if the degree of an eclipse is within three degrees of a planet in the birth chart. It will amplify the inherent promise of that planet by house, sign and natal aspects. An eclipse taking place within three days of the birthday augers an interesting year. Because it is in conjunction with the natal Sun, a birthday week eclipse can mean a move or job change or new cycle in personal life. The Solar eclipse will always occur when the New Moon is new, with the Sun and Moon in the same sign. A Full Moon eclipse is when the Sun and Moon are in opposition. The two great heavenly lights will confront each other exactly, facing from opposite sides of the zodiac.
It is prudent not to force issues during an eclipse. Instead, first observe how all is going, then respond. The disappearance of the luminary has been associated with its symbolic passage through the mouth of a monster in earlier times. Today we realize that an eclipse still shows a walk into a shadow realm. When the light returns different perspectives can be expected. This will lead to a new slant on things. Eclipses figure prominently in esoteric and spiritual astrology. Three months before an eclipse be alert. There is a hint of whats to come. Changes are in the air. For a year or so afterward, the specifics unfold.
Eclipses in 2012
Eclipses generate changes and surprises. A birthday within three days of an eclipse augurs a time of growth. Check your horoscope for planets within 3 degrees of an eclipse. They will be activated in new and dynamic ways. There will be four eclipses this year, one total and the others partial.
May 20, 2012 New Moon Solar in Gemini, south node partial
June 4, 2012 Full Moon Lunar in Sagittarius, north node partial
November 13, 2012 New Moon Solar in Scorpio, north node total
November 28, 2012 Full Moon Lunar in Gemini, south node partial
A total eclipse is more influential than a partial.
North Node eclipses are thought to be more positive than South Node.
Retrograde Planetary Motion
The ideal way to understand retrograde motion is simply to think of words starting with the prefix re. Retake, reevaluate retrace or revamp are some of many examples. To make a retrograde cycle beneficial, it is important to make the best of that re repeating energy. When moving retrograde, a planet seems to turn in reverse and go backwards. Of course, this is an optical illusion created by the planets speed of travel relative to the Earths rate of motion. Nevertheless, the impact of a retrograde is very significant. It promises a shift in established situations. There can be a chance to overcome a mistake or to turn a disappointment around to become an advantage. The past resurfaces to influence the present course of action. All that is ruled by the retrograde planet will be most impacted.
The illusion of apparent backward planetary motion is created by the Earths speed relative to the other planets. Astrologically it assures a change of pace.
Mercury Retrograde
Three or four times yearly, retrograde Mercury affects technology, travel and communication. Those who have been out of touch return. Complete old projects, revise, review, and tread familiar paths. Gemini and Virgo will be affected.
March 13 – April 5, 2012 in Aries and Pisces
July 15- August 9, 2012 in Leo
November 7- 27, 2012 in Sagittarius and Scorpio
Venus Retrograde
Venus retrograde influences art, finances, and love. Taurus and Libra will be affected.
May 16 -June 28, 2012 in Gemini
Mars Retrograde
The military, sports, and heavy industry are impacted. Aries will be affected.
January 24- April 14, 2012 in Virgo
Jupiter Retrograde
Large animals, speculation, education, and religion are impacted. Sagittarius is affected
October 5, 2012 – January 31, 2013 in Gemini
Saturn Retrograde
Elderly people, the disadvantaged, employment and natural resources are linked to Saturn. Capricorn will be affected.
February 7, 2012 – June 26, 2012 in Libra
Uranus Retrograde
Inventions, science, electronics, revolutionaries, and extreme weather relate to Uranus retrograde. Aquarius is impacted. July 14 -December 14, 2012 in Aries
Neptune Retrograde
Water, aquatic creatures, chemicals, and psychic phenomena are impacted by Neptune retrograde. Pisces will be affected.
June 5- November 12, 2012 in Pisces
Pluto Retrograde
Ecology, espionage, birth and death rates, nuclear power, past lives and mysteries relate to Pluto retrograde. Scorpio will be influenced.
April 11 – September 19, 2012 in Capricorn
(Thank you to The Witches’Almanac for their gracious permission to reprint this feature.)
I hadn’t looked at the eclipes for this year yet. The n node in Sag will oppose my Gemini Uranus in the 4th on my IC. The S node eclipse at 6 Gemini will be conjunct Alans 9 degree Moon.
Sounds like lots of changes.
Thanks for the great information.
Adrienne
others can surprise you this year!