ECLIPSE SPECIAL: Riding Your Dragons (See below.)

April 8, 2005 – APRIL 8: The NEW MOON passes across the face of the Sun for an annular/ total ECLIPSE.
Mainly visible in the South Pacific, some people in North and Central America will see a partial eclipse. Here in the Virgin Islands, nearly 68 percent of the Sun's diameter will be eclipsed, maximum eclipse coming at 6:22 p.m. AST, continuing through an unusual sunset. This is an unusual HYBRID eclipse, with the Moon at a distance to throw an odd, pinpointed shadow on the Earth's surface. (For more info, click here.)
We'll all feel its effects.
The mysterious power of an eclipse is compelling, even in these modern, electrically enlightened times. Eclipses line up with the nodes of the moon. Sometimes called the Dragon Head and Dragon Tail, the nodes are points of destiny where the path of the Sun crosses the path of the Moon. Some cultures imagine that a dragon is eating the celestial disk. It is good to beat drums so the dragon coughs it up. Dragons embody the creative forces of nature, like wind, rain, thunder and lightning, moving along ley lines, the power grids of Earth. We can see their huge backs surfacing above the ground in chains of hills and mountains. Dragon energy is potent, creative, usually beneficent, if unpredictable.
The Moon's nodes are indicators of karma and evolutionary direction, the interface of conscious and unconscious issues. They work in polarity, like the charged ends of a battery. The south node is often considered to represent conditions from the past that are resurfacing, both assets and liabilities. The south node has a familiar ring of dèjá vu. The path of least resistance, it is a natural release point. The north node, represents growth and learning, what brings us into this lifetime, what is becoming. It is like the subatomic energy fields that merge into manifestation. Incorporating both ends of the nodal polarity creates a heightened consciousness that allows us to naturally integrate the new awareness of the north node and channel it through the south node. With the participation of the north and south nodes, during eclipses we process a round of karmic conditioning, clearing a pathway toward further growth.
A SOLAR ECLIPSE takes place on a new Moon. The Moon and Sun join together in their heavenly union every month. Very rarely do we see this cosmic matrimony; normally it is an invisible joining in the darkness of the moon. During a solar eclipse, however, we can see the moon as it crosses the face of the sun — if we're in the right place at the right time. The path of a solar eclipse is narrow. Too dangerous or sacred for our mortal eyes to look upon, we must watch indirectly or through a filter to see an eclipse of the Sun.
A total eclipse is high drama. Imagine it this way: you are watching a video or DVD on your TV screen. The electricity goes off and the movie pops out of the machine. The electricity goes back on, and you push the movie back in, but it's a different movie!
In ARIES, a fire sign of initiative, invention and trail-blazing, this solar eclipse aligns with the Dragon Head—heading into unexplored vistas. Invisibly aligned with the Sun, Venus sparkles this eclipse with the Color of Love. Imagine Zena, Amazon warrior queen riding the dragon, following the cosmic call, taking a quantum leap in consciousness. She dares you to ride with her. From full integrity direct your energy to what will be most personally satisfying. Need the deepest desires of your soul. Dare to be Selfish, with the capital S, higher Self. Who else will be YOU!?
It requires a heightened level of self-awareness to fully engage eclipse energy.
The dark disk of the Moon outlines old patterns, instinctive reactions that pass across our lives like dark storm clouds, blocking the Sun. Saturn in Cancer can imprison us in fear or urge us to courageously step forth. Jupiter in Libra is on the South Node. Put your cards on the table, dialogue, negotiate a better deal in relationships personal and professional. New relationships may come into your life to help you move forward. Who rides that dragon with you?
During an eclipse, the seeds planted at the monthly New Moon emerge from deeper ground. Some seeds already planted are likely to shrivel before they blossom. The healthiest seeds will emerge and unfold, some at the Full Moon on April 24, a partial lunar eclipse that continues the change. The full effects of a total solar eclipse can take six months or even a year to reveal themselves.
We look into a circle of darkness, a mirror to our own inner wholeness or lack thereof. What will be revealed? It's up to you.
ECLIPSE READING: Finding the Dragons in your chart.
What are the implications of this year's only total eclipse for you? Astrological insights into the focus of new cosmic initiatives and the line of destiny in your chart. One hour: $88.
NEWS:
**The latest issue of THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER featured an interview with Jeff Jawer of Stariq.com, one of the pioneers of experiential astrology, acknowledged the contributions of Kelley and of Barbara Schermer in this field.
**Kelley Hunter will be a presenter at:
ISAR 2005: CONNECTING WITH UNIVERSAL DESIGN,
biennial conference, August 17-21, Indian lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Ill.
COME JOIN US! This is a warm and welcoming experience, with more than 100 top astrologers from around the world. Special participation this year by the Association of Young Astrologers (see http://www.youngastrologers.org). More info through Kelley Hunter or at www.isarastrology.com. If you register, please use code KH849 to let them know you heard about it from me!

Editor's note: Astrologer Kelley Hunter lives on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she leads stargazing nights. She teaches with Self Centre International at Caneel Bay Resort. Hunter earned her doctoral degree in an interdisciplinary combination of philosophy, cosmology and myth. She was recently named to the Board of the International Society for Astrological Research. To be on her e-mail list for monthly articles or for an astrology consultation, write [email protected]. Explore her Web site here