This eclipse is also the 4th and final Metonic cycle 19-year repetition. This is a cycle that was first observed and identified by Greek astrologer Meton in 432 BC. He saw that phases of the Moon repeat each 19 years, sometimes (not always) up to four times, in the same degree (or nearly, by minutes) of zodiacal signs. There's more about this in Moon Tides, Soul Passages, and you'll aslo find an eclipse table in the Appendix that enables, for one thing, a quick scan to identify these 19-year repetitions.

The earlier Metonic repeat years for this eclipse are 1950, 1969 and 1988. If you can think back on what was going on in your life then, you can get some valuable insights into what's happening now. The external events may be quite different, as might be expected, when each time you're 19 years older. But, if you reflect on it, usually some core theme can be understood. It may reflect the Pisces sign themes such as sensitivity, vision, empathy, spirituality, confusion, escapism, sacrifice, idealism, vulnerability, art expression, intuition...If the eclipse is to your Sun, your purpose in life is emphasized. If it is on an angle, such as I'm experiencing, the area of life associated with that angle becomes more signficant. An eclipse on the Ascendant (1st house cusp) opposes the 7th cusp and vice versa (personal identity vs close one-to-one relationships). An eclipse on the 4th house cusp opposes the 10th and vice versa (home and roots vs. career and outer world concerns). When we really think through and understand our past, we have a better handle on the present, and can then direct the future more effectively. I firmly believe that we, on a soul level, are the primary force in the "director's seat." Planetary cycles may reflect our lives and define trends, but within each of us is the power to choose. Even in the face of an event over which we have no apparent control, we have choice in how we will respond.

So, think about it—what was going on for you during those prior years of this eclipse. For me—as an example? When I thought about it (as I'm suggesting you do, too), I realized that each of those early years did fit a common theme, I was only 10 in '50, but it is (as I remember) when I first began to realize that I would not remain in the very small town where I lived, that I wanted more. And, it was when I focused strongly on the art that eventually became a primary means of my abilty to pursue my dreams. Both '69 and '88 were times of life-changing events, involving major changes in both home and career. Now? in 2007? I don't, at this time, envision moving cross-country again, but it appears that the little business I started to publish "Moon Tides" is moving me toward major changes in how I live and work beyond anything I'd anticipated for this stage of my life.

Ritual and meditation can always help us center and flow well within our lives, and spiritual ritual is especially at home within the themes of Pisces.

Ritual for the Solar Eclipse in Pisces

The eclipse ritual that I put in the last chapter of "Moon Tides" involved scanning for earlier 19 year repetitions, so I'll give you a glimpse of the book by suggesting that eclipse ritual in its variation for water. (In the book there are alternative variations for each element.) In preparation, I suggested:

If you need help remembering that past time, a diary, old photo album and an internet search can help you put your life events in context. Bring an item or two of memorabilia to your ritual, along with two candles, one for Sun (gold or yellow) and one for Moon (silver, ivory or pale blue). Play meditation music. First, charge your ritual circle with a tool of the element of the eclipse (in this case, water).

Face west for the invocation. Mix salt with water, visualizing as you do that you are creating the oceanic womb of Mother Earth. Carry your bowl of saltwater around the circle, sprinkling it as you go.

Now, meditate on your memories. Open your mind to deeper insights into what happened in the past. If there are painful memories, what was your part in them? Could you have handled things better? What did you do well? What did you do badly? If so, how might you have done it better? What have you learned? Can you relate any issues from the past to what is happening currently? If so, how will you appy hat you have learned to the present and the future? Write notes, if you wish. When you feel that the meditation has brought you the insight that will help you move forward, give thanks to the Moon and Sun for their assistance and then snuff the candles.

Spring Equinox, Sun at 0° Aries, March 20, 2007, 8:08 pm EDT

That's only four days from this writing, and as I look out my window at the snow that has been coming down fast and hard for the past few hours, Spring is not looking too promising! This may be another year when I'll have to build a snow bunny. Here's the one I build a few years ago, when we had a late snow:

For much more about the lore of Ostara, and for a Personal Ostara Ritual, follow the links to my articles on each, as published on the starcraftsob.com site.

First Quarter Moon
4 Cancer 43, 2:16 pm EDT

At this quarter Moon, we have another water sign and a Mars conjunct Neptune aspect perfecting at 1:50 pm. This does not sound like the best day for the decisive action that is generally called for with the First Quarter theme—unless perhaps your action (Mars) is directed toward something very Neptunian.

Ritual for First Quarter Moon in Cancer

For this one I'm not going to give you a suggested charm, but instead suggest that you make one up that is unique to your own intent. A short little rhyme or chant or saying that is easy to remember and repeat not only charges the moment, but is one that we can use again and again to commit to a course of action and reinforce it whenever we feel the need. So, give yourself a little time of leisure and meditation within this First Quarter Moon it relax in water (a nice warm bath) or with water (perhaps a cup of your favorite tea) while you fashion the words that will define your goal into a little rhyme you can easily remember. Yes, you can write it down, but make it easy enough so you won''t need the notes after a few repetiions and can repeat it, if only quietly to yourself, whenever and whereever you need the reinforcement. When you've got it, repeat it three times three! And use again and again, as needed.

Full Moon, 12 Libra 35, April 2, 1:15 pm EDT

Libra is the sign most associated with relating to those who are our close one-to-one relationships, and Full Moon, by its very nature of Moon opposing Sun and reflecting its full light, is an aspect of relationship. What is to be illuminated in that bright, full light is a balance of opposities. Mercury conjuncts Uranus the afternoon prior to Full Moon—April Fool's Day. It may be well to take extra care you avoid ending up the "fool" through jangling nerves in upsetting communication. On the upside Mercury-Uranus can reflect creative thinking and lively, sparkling communication. On the morning of Full Moon day, Venus squares Saturn. That's a short transit, but a much more sober one, and could reflect bruised feelings, especially if that lively thinking or talk provoked tension with others. In the case of Aries (Sun) and Libra (Moon), the balance of opposites in your relationship with a significant other may mean you need to figure out an acceptable balance between asserting what you'd like and being willing to compromise.

Ritual for Full Moon in Libra

An optimum ritual for this Full Moon might be a lovely candlelight dinner with a special someone—soft music in the background, and your attention to what your partner enjoys. Libra would like that!

If you're on your own, and especially if you did experience those jangled nerves earlier today, combine the Aries fire with Libran air in mediation. Play music that you like in the background, and reflect on what feels out-of-balance in your life and what you can do about it. As you realize what you must do, carve a symbol to represent it onto a candle of soft Libran pastel color. Anoint the candle with a good smelling oil, and when you are ready, light your candle as you make an internal commitment to do each thing you decided do as you carved your symbol of it. Continue in your meditation or a few moments longer as you gaze into the flame and resolve to carry out your plan create a better balance. Then snuff the candle, but keep it to relight for a few moments of meditation each night of the remainder of this lunar phase cycle.

On the final night of Balsamic Moon (April 16), as you relight the candle, take stock of what you've accomplished thus far. It's time now to let go of, and forgive yourself, if all you intend is not completed to your satisfaction. Be thankful for what has, and for the opportunity that arrives with Aries New Moon tomorrow to fire up your energy with fresh resolve and new plans! If you can be with the burning candle or make sure it is in a very safe place, this is the time to let it burn all the way down.