Prenatal Eclipses and Lunations in Natal Astrology

by Hakan Kirkoglu

We are born into cycles and needless to say, the lunation cycle plays an important role in understanding the major themes unfolding in our lives. The Sun and the Moon, the lights, are our cosmic father and mother. Their rhythmic conjunctions and oppositions through the Zodiac seem like patterns of tapestry behind our natal charts. Indeed, our natal chart itself is just an instant in the infinity of this cosmic interplay. However, we usually skip this fundamental information and jump directly to our natal chart which in fact is only the tip of the iceberg.

In this piece of work, I am going to propose that you take a look at these prenatal charts which provide us with enormous background information when we try to understand the inherent capacity of our natal chart. Indeed, we do not have only one chart but at least 2 more important charts that precede our birth. These are the prenatal solar eclipse (which can be seen as superlunations) but also the new moon or full moon that occurred just before our birth. I look at these charts as the incarnating soul and its specific dress. Whether you may or may not like the idea of incarnation, you can simply take this model of thinking for its practical application in a natal study such that there exists three hierarchical charts: prenatal solar eclipse at the top, the previous lunation chart in between the birth chart and the solar eclipse.

But before some examples, let’s go over specifics of these prenatal charts. Throughout these cases I have been studying, it is seen that the prenatal solar eclipse charts are like umbrella charts laying out the major life themes and are essential points of our life experiences. The sign and the house of the eclipse in that chart indicate experiences and ways of being/becoming in the entirety of one’s life. Thus, an eclipse in Leo, for example, reflects one’s natural motivation for shining out and becoming a center of energy or may perhaps represent a father figure. However, the aspects made by the eclipse, especially conjunctions and hard aspects show the opportunities and tension points arising through these expressions. For example, a square aspect from Pluto to the eclipse degree would indicate great struggles and transformational experiences which one is to face up to in order to realize their own potential. I think a prenatal solar eclipse is like an agreement of the soul before its incarnation. It could be a general description of one’s dharma. It can represent the ways toward one’s spiritual journey. The sign/house placement and aspects made by the eclipse and the rest of the whole chart itself provides detailed information about experiences, needs and choices in such a direction.

Importantly, the direction of the eclipse should be noted. An eclipse would be either on the North or the South node and there is a difference between this polarity. An eclipse on the North node seems to be more in tune and straight forward in finding one’s challenges while an eclipse on the South node presents a much more backward pull and resistance in one’s progression. Usually I find that a South node prenatal eclipse is like shouldering much more weight and a certain struggle to be free from one’s own obstacles whether self-created or seemingly as external blocks in life.

Moreover, the type of the eclipse is also relevant. According to Rose Lineman, total eclipses indicate intensity, concentration and full vigor in terms of the sign/house are concerned whereas partial ones are much lighter in this regard. Lineman also writes that an annular eclipse presents crucial and original opportunities which can be capitalized in life in different settings. (1)

A detailed layer of astrological information on the prenatal eclipse can be gleaned from the prenatal lunation, new moon or full moon, depending on the phase of the natal moon. The lunation charts are essential horoscopes to understand our earthly conditions and I liken them to the dress that the soul wears. If our natal chart is directly linked to the body itself, our physical being, the prenatal new moon/full moon would show environmental factors as well as supportive/challenging conditions. In this regard, especially the rising sign of the prenatal lunation, it acts like a second ascendant which equips us with certain qualities/assets that we can use in our dealings with the world. Hence, it is more like “a dress”, or may be “hardware” that provides us certain capabilities and environmental fittings. This could be related to easiness or hardship such as opportunities or lack of support given in one’s early familial or inherited conditions.

It is especially crucial to look at the sign/house as well as the degree of the lunation. Hellenistic astrologers urge us to look at the term (confine, bound) ruler of the lunation degree. For example, if Mars is the term ruler of the lunation, this would indicate much struggle and challenging conditions which could result in bravery or a reckless attitude in one’s environment whereas Venus could provide much more soft, satisfying and supportive environmental conditions. The term ruler of the lunation seems to provide advantageous or disadvantageous familial or environmental conditions. This planet also represents how we tackle and approach to certain issues of life.

Indeed, the aspects made by the lunation degree, whether it is supported by benefics or harmed by malefics indicate critical information about circumstances and potentials in our engagement with the larger world.

I also carefully look at the house position of the lunation according to the part of fortune. Since the part of fortune is related to one’s lot, one’s given conditions, the house position in relation to the part of fortune might highlight certain areas of life that provide support or hindrance or at least it could be related to one’s given conditions, e.g. luck/fortune in life. For example, the prenatal lunation which is in the 4th house in relation to the part of fortune, can reflect support or importance of the father, land and familial conditions.

These factors are important ingredients when we deal with prenatal charts and some examples below help us to arrive at more practical conclusions that go beyond the frontiers of usual natal interpretation.

Examples: 1) Mohandas Gandhi

Let us look at the prenatal eclipse and lunation charts of the spiritual and political leader, Mohandas Ghandi, the founder of modern India. He was born on October 2nd, 1869 in Porbandar at 8:36 am. (Thanks to Gopal Bhattacharjee for providing me with his birth hour. (2))

The very first thing that draws our attention that his prenatal eclipse was a total eclipse in the sign of Leo which is self explanatory. A prenatal eclipse in Leo strongly suggests that he was born to shine out his personal powers and creativity as well as being an example of a father figure.

Eclipses in Leo produce determination, managerial talents and a certain centredness being a fixed fire sign. Moreover, this is a total eclipse which is more focused and intense and it is closely aspected by two outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, as well as both social planets, Jupiter and Saturn. Indeed this combination of higher energies eventually bring extraordinary dimensions and a dharma which is highly integrated with massive social and political changes and aspirations. We need to note that the prenatal eclipse sign of Leo is also in the 10th house as well as on his midheaven. Thus he was able to carry such enormous collective powers through his standing in the community and adherence to certain political principles. His Libra natal Sun in the 12th house provided him with the ability to carry out such gentle but strong personal power and inner faith via collective movements and thus he become the change and transformation himself.

He also had a very close Pluto square aspect to that eclipse whereas Pluto and Jupiter are just opposed to the Ascendant point in his natal chart. These configurations reflect his clash with manipulative powers beyond his control and will as well as using such power in transforming himself into a powerful agent via his own personal example. Moreover, Neptune in a natural trine aspect to the eclipse, which is from Aries to Leo, adds personal leadership and strong charisma but also spiritualism which he was able to convey to the masses. Indeed, his natal Neptune is also seen to make a trine aspect to the midheaven degree in Leo.

Jupiter-Pluto combinations are related with extraordinary powers and transformation, especially when they are related to the luminaries in the chart. Such massive powers are indeed very dangerous and certainly oppressive when we are faced with them. Indeed, this potent conjunction seems like materially very rich empirialist powers and the T-square aspect with Mars as Ascendant ruler and the Moon on the midheaven clearly reveal his calm determination and peoples’ power in tackling such massive forces.

There is a North node eclipse in the 2nd house and it is also conjunct with skillful Mercury. While the North node eclipse puts him on a right track in his journey, Mercury enables him to put his own ideas and negotiations successfully having considerable support, (2nd house) which derives from his own personal power and convictions. (Leo). Moreover, Mars in Libra is closely sextile with the eclipse itself and the same Mars is quite close his natal Sun.

It is also interesting to note that both eclipses and the prenatal lunations (full moon in Pisces in this case) have Cancer rising with Uranus. Cancer is the natural sign of people, with qualities of belonging, family, protection, nationality and care. In this regard, with Uranus which is just on the Ascendant degree of his prenatal lunation, he was also symbol of awakening and liberty among his people, both in nationwide and international stances. Uranus is both on the Ascendant and in trine aspect to the lunation.

Looking at closely to his prenatal lunation chart (27 Pisces, in the 9th house) which gives information about his capabilities and soul dress, there is enormous amount of the water element providing understanding and closeness to human suffering. Pisces in the 9th house indicates universal concerns and a selfless attitude. Moreover, both Uranus and Neptune are on the angles of the chart, indicating a powerful generational impact on his immediate environment. I usually find that extra Saturnian planets on the angles in the lunation chart bring extraordinary potential to become an agent for major or even radical change on a massive scale.

The other indicators to look for are the term ruler of the lunation and the lunation house position in relation to the part of fortune. As the lunation occurred at 27 Pisces, this gives us Mars as a term ruler, which is a malefic in nature. Hence, his life themes are full of conflicts, survival and competition. His natal Mars in Scorpio in the 1st house seems to provide him great amount of determination and charisma in this regard. The lunation in Pisces falling into the 3rd house in relation to the Part of Fortune remind us that he was able to find good chances of communicating his universal concerns and worldview.

It would be also meaningful to look at the prenatal eclipse and the lunation charts’ Ascendant in relation to the natal chart. We can understand a certain easiness or stress in carrying soul development in our daily life which is indicated in the natal chart. In Mohandas Gandhi’s case, the prenatal eclipse Cancer Ascendant falls into the 9th house where certain philosophies and worldview are a paramount influence on his soul journey. The same also holds for the relationship between prenatal lunation chart and the natal.

2) Che Guevara

Another example using prenatal eclipse and lunation charts in natal analysis would be the life themes of another revolutionary leader Che Guevara. Che Guevara was born on May 14th, 1928 in Rosario, Argentina (3).

His prenatal eclipse occurred on December 23, 1927 which gives a partial eclipse in Capricorn, on the South node. Eclipses in Capricorn reflect issues around with authority, paternal figures and affairs in state matters, building long lasting works as well as rules and restrictions. As this is an eclipse on the South node, one would expect more challenging sides of the Capricorn nature. Moreover, if we look at the eclipse chart itself, the degree of the eclipse is just on the IC point hence in connection with midheaven in Cancer, reinforcing themes around people needs, nationality, security and homeland. Indeed, life patterns of Che Guevara revolve around a struggle with these concerns.

Although out of sign aspected, the eclipse degree is closely aspected with Jupiter/Uranus conjunction as well as Neptune. Chiron too is in partile trine to the eclipse degree. All these aspects suggest his involvement with courageous determination and revolutionary movements, as well as Neptunian ideals. On the other hand, the eclipse ruler, Saturn, is seen conjunct with both the South node and Mars which probably reflects his stern and highly ideological stance which has resulted in much enmity and an unfortunate end. He was shot during a battle by the Bolivian army at the age of 39 near Higueras, Bolivia.

As the sign of Capricorn is situated in his 10th house in the natal chart, apparent Capricorn themes, such as administration, stately matters and difficult tasks are easily noticeable. Once again, we find Saturn in the 9th house conjunct with South node.

Like Mohandas Gandhi, both Che Guevara’s prenatal eclipse and lunation charts have the same rising sign. In this case, it is Libra. This is the sign of diplomacy, negotiating powers and attractiveness.

His prenatal lunation was in Scorpio, the sign of transformation and determined struggle, in the 2nd house which highlights one’s resources, as well as talents and values. The lunation degree in Scorpio is aspected by Mars in Pisces (idealist actions, self-devotion and martyrdom) and Pluto in Capricorn (fighting to survive in politics) It is as if Che Guevara’s soul dress is decorated with decisive emotional devotion, idealist actions as well as a very strong determination against hardship. In the meantime, Mercury, which is conjunct with the Sun, also connected with the lunation degree, shows how his ideas and aspirations were entangled in his life capacity.

Mercury is also pivotal being the term ruler of the prenatal lunation at 14 degree of Scorpio. In such a position, Mercury provides an outlet to use a wide range of talents, versatility and communicative abilities. Following the Cuban revolution, he was a diplomat on behalf of the revolution as well as a nationwide promoter of the literacy movement.

On the other hand, his prenatal lunation in Scorpio is in the derived 8th house from the part of Fortune. Evidently, his soul dress and life circumstances have strong 8th house flavor. His life denotes a constant struggle against the adversities and life-threatening situations. In a way, he was always playing with fire and facing death.

3) Steve Jobs

Our final example is Steve Jobs, who was born on February 24, 1955 (4). He also had a Capricorn prenatal annular solar eclipse but this time on the North node.

He has only the Sun in Pisces with the new Moon in Aries, in the 8th house. Annular eclipses, according to Rose Lineman, represent opportunities in life and a certain ability for success based on opportunities presented if used constructively. As he had Virgo rising both in the natal and prenatal eclipse chart, Capricorn falls into the 5th house which denotes creative power, natural talents and risk taking. Moreover, having Capricorn in this house, one might utilize his creativity in design and style especially in the industrial or corporate world. Indeed, he had Venus in Capricorn in the 5th, as well as an eclipse conjunction with Mercury in the prenatal eclipse chart. His eclipse ruler Saturn in Scorpio also posited in the natal 3rd house (in partile sextile with Venus) which is closely related with design and intellectual field. Although in out of sign aspects, prenatal eclipse degree is aspected with Neptune and Pluto.

Mercury is also accentuated as it is also the term ruler of his prenatal eclipse degree like Che Guevara which grants widespread intellectual and practical abilities. Jobs’ natal Mercury was also stationary retrograde in the 6th house Aquarius which further emphasizes such a hardworking mental outlook being his both Ascendant and midheaven ruler.

When we look at his prenatal lunation chart, Pisces and the water element is much more evident, especially in comparison to the Virgo rising natal chart. Pisces tells us that he was a dreamer who devoted himself selflessly to certain goals and in continuous idealization to the point which he could undermine his own health. Such idealization might also be linked with a close trine aspect between the lunation and Neptune. Having the lunation degree with the Ascendant in the same sign helped him to use his luck through his own personality as a example. Meanwhile, the ruler of both the Ascendant and lunation, Jupiter, is also conjunct with Uranus in the 5th house. Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions are strongly related with innovative abilities and breakthrough consciousness. This conjunction is both emphasized in his natal and prenatal lunation charts.

Some conclusions

I have indicated that we do not have only a natal chart but three inter-related charts. Although the natal chart highlights solid information about our being in this physical world, prenatal eclipses and lunation charts superimpose a grand narrative on natal charts bringing vital information about the intentions of the soul and earthly capabilities. A thorough analysis needs to include such diversified dimensions, both confirming and contrasting directions which are materialized in our story.

Notes:
1 Rose Lineman, Your Prenatal Eclipse, AFA, 2000
2 The birth time of Gandhi was given to the author by the Indian astrologer Gopal Bhattacharjee. The time differs from the entry in Astrodatabank which is given Rodden rating C (rectified from approx. time). It is currently impossible to find out where or how Bhattacharjee got the alternative birth time.
3 Astrodatabank, Rodden rating B
4 Astrodatabank, Rodden rating AA

Image sources:
Lunations: IVCCN collage
Charts provided by the author

Published in: ivcconference.com/constellation-news/, 2018.

Author:
Hakan Kirkoglu, D.F.Astrol.S – ISAR CAP, has been a leading figure of Astrology in Turkey as a consultant, teacher and writer. Recently, he completed his second MA degree with a thesis on Astrology. He wrote the first Turkish psychological astrology book in 1991 (Astroloji Zamanları) and he is a prize winner of Faculty of Astrological Studies in 1997 gaining his Diploma with the Veritas Award. His book Goklerin Bilgeligi has introduced traditional astrological concepts first time in Turkey in 2005. Later his book on prenatal eclipses (Ruhun Yolculugu) has received much attention. He began lecturing internationally since 1999 and participated in international conferences in UK, USA, Poland, Australia, Serbia and Greece. Hakan Kirkoglu pioneered and became an example of sound astrological education in Turkey providing regular courses which have been transformed into the internationally recognized School of Wisdom of Sky. His research in Astrology covers history of ideas, traditional astrological concepts, esotericism as well as political/mundane astrology. He is vice president for ISAR in Turkey.
Website: www.hakankirkoglu.com, www.astrosummercamp.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hkirkoglu
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