The eclipse is at 7' 55 Pisces, conjunct Jupiter ("Mr Jolly" ...planet of benefits and growth, SO happy in it's sign of exaltation, and interestingly enough also ruler of religious beliefs, which is a focus of the Mideast problem) and square Pluto (planet of turmoil and transformation, sitting in Mr Jolly Jupiter's SIGN!). Hidden, but involved in this eclipse because by declination there is a parallel, is Mercury our planetary Messenger Imp, creating and fostering negotiation, contract, and communication. The positive translation of this eclipse on a general level would be an ending, an elimination of the unwanted through the threat of turmoil (which is communicated quite clearly), that creates something of permanent benefit and protection.

Eclipses always occur near the Moon's Nodes--and the Nodes have much to do with current events. In your own chart you can see where and how you relate to the present world rhythms by observing your Natal Nodes, and the Transitting Nodes.

If you have a birth planet or important point in strong aspect to the Eclipse degree, you may have an awareness of a shift in focus developing right now. You may find something in your life "coming to a head" just as the situation in the Mideast develops.

I bring this up because I had a call on February 18, 1998 from someone whose husband was presented with a "promotion" during the week---however, he was very unhappy as it will mean an "ending" of his travel on behalf of the company, and elimination of his bonus package that the travel creates. Thus, this promotion means less money and actually a demotion from his viewpoint. He dreads sitting in an office all day long, trapped in humdrum routine, and also feels the company is subtly trying to force him to take early retirement to get "rid " of him. (Another Pluto phrase: "to get rid of", "to eliminate") Especially upsetting was that this "command" (Pluto word, " coercion") to begin being a desk jockey came right on the heels of his 55th birthday. And the company expects him to start with very short notice---March 1. The man has reacted by ordering all the information on his retirement and pension package, sending resumes elsewhere, and starting a process to leave his company rather than be forced into a position he will dislike and that does not offer any further opportunities.

He intends to threaten them with retirement unless he keeps his present position. And fully intends to make good the threat. ( ...shades of the MidEast situation---threats!)

The wife is concerned this is not his best move, as she questions losing their security from this employment. Her question was whether he should go with the changes or fight to retain his present position.

I won't post the chart as that is confidential but the man's PROGRESSED Saturn sits at 8' 32 Gemini in his Progressed 10th house, opposed by Transitting Pluto, and in strong focus with this eclipse. 6' 50 Pisces sits on his progressed 7th house, within one degree of the eclipse point. Transitting Saturn is exactly on his Natal MC also pointing to serious considerations of his career path, and possible limitations.

This eclipse hits him in the angles of his progressed chart forcefully. This eclipse brings the Pluto transit to his awareness, dramatically, even though the aspects have not achieved exactitude. Angles are points of manifestation on a material plane. Remember, T. Saturn sits on his Natal MC also.

Saturn often means the career and reputation in a chart, wherever it is located, and Saturn is in his progressed 10th house of career, too. Pluto means abandonment, endings, a turmoil and transformation. The two come together by way of an opposition, an aspect that builds to a climax.

The strong Jupiter aspect in the eclipse tells me he can "cash in" with his pension and retirement package, and achieve permanent, long lasting benefits. His natal Venus is at 10 Pisces, in the 8th house (house of insurance, big money, and pensions!). Jupiter has not quite made it to that point by eclipse time, but it's close, and definitely in orb!!! "Cash In time for best benefits"!!! (and his Natal Venus is trine Jupiter, too, so definitely the way to go!!)

Pluto opposing his progressed Saturn tells me that no matter what, it is time to abandon this "old" career and his current position within the company---if he doesn't do it now, it will be forced upon him later this year when Pluto makes the contact exact. Transitting Jupiter, the Jolly Guy who showers good fortune and plenty, will not be there at that time to support his natal Venus and the financial picture. Time has come to end one career to begin another.

The eclipse forces this to a head, to a decision--a window of opportunity to take a step from which there will be no turning back.

Final decision: Take the pension, and move to a new company, OR negotiate better terms for the pension for the future (Jupiter) to offset the loss of bonus, and accept the offered unilateral move. Of these choices, moving to a new position elsewhere will be best for his health, (our health is so often linked to our work) because if he stays there resentment (Saturn) may color his work---a clean break may be best.

The Short Analysis: Abandon (Pluto) the Past Foundation (Saturn), and take the benefits (Jupiter)------don't try to cling to the old position.

By Bette Denlinger, all Copyrights reserved 1998