This New Moon is notable as a central eclipse event because it is a total eclipse of the Sun in Sagittarius. It will span just under three and a half hours — from beginning, to maximum, to end point — with the whole process only obvious in certain parts of the world (principally Chile and some parts of Argentina, according to timeanddate. com). Locations in Antarctica, the southern part of South America, and southwest Africa may also experience what seems like a partial eclipse version, depending on how the weather affects visibility. Regardless, it is the symbolism of the total eclipse of the Sun that is most significant for us in this instance.

While it’s true that a total eclipse can still describe significant global shifts and tangible physical changes that may detrimentally affect whole nations and many of their citizens, it is worth remembering that one person’s disaster can be another person’s opportunity. In other words, there may be hope, in any situation symbolized by the eclipse, for new energy or redemption of some kind. After all, the basis of this cosmic scenario is a New Moon, under normal alignments of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

This exactitude of alignment that creates the shut-out light experience of the solar eclipse, with the three bodies configured as though in a straight line, is technically termed a “syzygy” — an astronomical word that developed in the 17th century to describe a conjunction, where two bodies are coupled or yoked together. The word is also used in anatomy in the context of describing twelve pairs of cranial nerves. “Syzygies are the nerves that carry the sense from the brain to the whole body” (Oxford English Dictionary). Such symbolism is not to be lost on astrologers who might view the Sun’s intelligence as the light force, carrying information to and from the body, which we could, in turn, see as represented by the Moon, with its feelings and emotional impulses running along the nervous system and the arteries.

So it is with our eclipse moment, involving the Sun, Moon, and Earth, bringing together forces that affect us, partly physically but also psychologically. Therefore, crucial areas of life will have greater sensitivity now and perhaps increased challenges to manage: business, work and finances, relationships, home and family life, and health. If we are to manage this intense period, we may need to hold on to our own light — our sense of promise, hope, creativity, and continuity, even in the context of experiencing pain, loss, change, or other tests and challenges. Our biggest task will be to recognize where we can continue to find or create unity, perhaps on a larger scale than ever before.

Sagittarius is key here, emphasizing the union of nations, cultures, and dreams so that there is a greater alignment and striving for transcendence. It may be higher knowledge, a higher love, more expansion across space, or a simple recognition that it’s important to be exposed to something new. It could be through travel, conversation, study, and the like.

With Jupiter is besieged between Pluto and Saturn — all in Capricorn — we may have to battle narrow thinking. With Saturn at the critical 29°, there is a sense of “do or die.” Mercury and the South Node are also conjunct the Lights, adding to the flexibility of Sagittarius’s mutable quality, yet reminding us to learn from — and not ignore — the lessons of the past.

The Sun’s light may be blocked during this total eclipse, but our memories and willingness to negotiate and find progressive solutions need not be. A trine to Mars in Aries from the Sagittarius grouping is a further reminder to use individual energy wisely, sending out positive arrows of communication rather than threats.

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.