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ECLIPSES - Part 2

Ecliptic Patterns: (continued from previous page)

There is always, at the minimum, one eclipse season (family) per calendar year. When there is more, it is due to the shift of the Eclipse season over time, since the "Season" is approximately 350 days long. Because of this, it is quite possible to have two families of Eclipses present themselves within the 365.25-day calendar year. We last saw this shift occurring during the calendar years of 2000 and 2001.  The next time we will see this shift occur will be between 2011 and 2018.  

There are 19 Eclipse families present and accounted for. On the Solar side, there is one from the North and one from the South. The same holds true for the Lunar side with one from the North and one from the South. A Solar Eclipse and a Lunar Eclipse may share the same Series number, but each will be distinctly different, having originated at vastly different times and circumstances. Rose Lineman, in her book, "Eclipse Interpretation Manual" (1986), compiled information based on her extensive research of the subject. With the exception of a few minor errors, she was able to track the majority of the Solar Eclipses and describe their characteristics. She did not include the Lunar Eclipses but still provides excellent advice on the overall topic. I have included the astrological series numbers below.

Lunar Eclipse:

A Lunar Eclipse will only be observed during a Full Moon and is caused by the Moon passing into the total shadow of the Earth; the umbra. A partial eclipse can occur when the Moon passes through only a portion of the umbra. Another type of partial eclipse is a penumbral eclipse.  This is the result of the Moon passing through a partial shadow cast by the Earth; the penumbra. During a penumbral eclipse, we may not even see the effects of the eclipse.  The color of the Moon may change a little without much else being noticeable to the human eye. Not a very dramatic effect. The neat aspect of a total eclipse, or even a partial eclipse, is the fact that anyone in the world can see it if the eclipse occurs while it is dark (and cloudless) in their portion of the world.

Solar Eclipse:

A Solar Eclipse will only be observed during a New Moon. In basic terms, this is when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.  As the Moon becomes aligned between the Earth and the Sun, it is capable of blocking the Sun's rays and casting a shadow on the Earth. Solar Eclipses will only be observed within a narrow zone or band on the Earth.  Even though the Sun is massive, in comparison to the Moon, the Moon will appear to be almost as large as the Sun because it is much closer to the Earth and capable of totally blocking the Sun's rays for a very short amount of time.  This is why a total Solar Eclipse can be viewed only from certain areas (in the direct path of the eclipse).  The Moon is not fixed in distance from the Earth, so we are more likely to observe an annular (appears smaller than the Sun) or most likely to observe a partial eclipse. Almost like the total Solar Eclipse, an annular eclipse is observed when there is a thin strip of light from the Sun surrounding the Moon. The effect is very awe-inspiring to see. A partial Solar Eclipse is noted when the Moon obstructs only a section of the Sun, giving the appearance of a crescent.  (Note - never look at a Solar Eclipse without proper protective eye covering to prevent blindness from occurring. Sunglasses are not strong enough to protect your eyes from the powerful rays during a Solar Eclipse. On the other hand, a Lunar Eclipse is always safe to look at without damaging your eyes.)

Solar Eclipse Maps 2000 - 2005

Solar Eclipse Maps 2006 - 2010

Read about the astrology factor of the Eclipses in relation to your natal chart.

A list of recent and future Lunar and Solar Eclipses can be found below. Additional information, including maps of where the Eclipses can be observed is found at: Eclipses Looking for more Eclipse information to gnaw on? Read this excellent piece about Stonehenge and the potential prediction of Eclipse Patterns. Ancient Predictions of Eclipses