Lunar and Solar Eclipses Part Two

Eclipses - Part 2

When is the Next Eclipse?

A table is at the bottom of this page

Ecliptic Patterns: (continued from previous page)

There is always, at the minimum, two eclipse seasons (in one family) per calendar year. When there is more, it is due to the shift of the season over time, since the "family" is approximately 350 days long. Because of this, it is quite possible to have two families 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. You can see by the tables below, that the node families are grouped by color (pale to bright based on number). The last eclipse of the year (one for lunar and one for solar) will be underlined in the chart.

There are 19 node 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 ['SE'] and a Lunar Eclipse ['LE'] 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 'SEs' and describe their characteristics. She did not include the 'LEs' but still provides excellent advice on the overall topic. I have included the astrological series (node family) numbers in the table below.

Lunar Eclipse:

A 'LE' 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. This is the result of the Moon passing through a partial shadow cast by the Earth; the penumbra. During a penumbral, 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, 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 'SE' 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. 'SEs' 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 'SE' 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. Almost like the total 'SE', an annular 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 'SE' is noted when the Moon obstructs only a section of the Sun, giving the appearance of a crescent. (Note - never look at a 'SE' 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 'SE'. On the other hand, a 'LE' is always safe to look at without damaging your eyes.)

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

Solar Eclipses through the houses

Lunar Eclipses through the houses

Lineman, R. Eclipse Interpretation Manual. American Federation of Astrologers, Tempe, AZ (1986).
Littmann, M., Willcox, K. & Espenak, F Totality; Eclipses of the Sun, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, NY, NY (1999).