February 2008 features a Solar eclipse in Aquarius on 2/6 and a Lunar eclipse in Virgo on 2/20. As the Sun pertains to the energy of the present moment and the Moon concerns the past, eclipses foretell a confrontation with the unconscious. What exactly is needed in order to bring the unconscious into awareness? Is it confrontation, consequences or a moment of brilliant clarity? These events tend to catalyze major shifts. They are emotional events that often stimulate breakdown and potential breakthrough.

The opportunity to make quantum leaps in one's spiritual growth is possible. Since the energy is so concentrated at these times, sudden realizations or peak experiences that lead to immediate changes are frequent. Eclipses correlate to such things as breakthroughs in therapy, cessation of smoking or finding a soul partner. At the other end is breakdown, when issues come to a head and can't be ignored. Unfortunately, people may become overwhelmed around eclipse times and act in imprudent ways: adultery, suicide, dangerous behaviors, break-ups or unpacking and trying on previously unconscious parts of the psyche.

At a solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and Sun, temporarily blocking our view of the Sun. Unconscious material from the past (Moon) is obscuring, or taking over the present (Sun) moment. The potential to behave irrationally or be overwhelmed by unresolved needs is probable. At these times, the past is brought directly into the present.

With a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and Moon. The shadow of the Earth hides the Full Moon--we see it disappear for a couple of hours. The Full Moon is a time when emotional material from the past is at its greatest strength. Lessons are brought to evolutionary focus or even crisis. The difference between the lunar and solar eclipses is that lunar eclipses tend to be played out more relationally.