The Astronomy
An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at a Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow. The closer the Moon is to the center of the shadow, the more total the eclipse. A lunar eclipse is visible wherever the Moon is above the horizon.
If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon would be completely black during a total eclipse. Instead, the Moon can take on a range of colors from dark brown and red to bright orange and yellow. The exact appearance depends on how much dust and clouds are present in Earth's atmosphere.
The lunar eclipse on December 31 is a minor partial eclipse, which is barely visible and only from the Eastern Hemisphere.  The Moon's path through Earth's shadow
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The Astrology
A lunar eclipse is a time of beginnings, endings, exposure and major changes. It always has something to do with "relationships". The changes are tied to how we relate and will have a lasting impression. Emotions run high, causing upsets and feelings of disorientation. Actions taken often do not have the expected results, but they do bring awareness and enlightenment. The energy of an eclipse is at its strongest during the two days before and three days after its occurrence.
At lunar eclipses we: merge, unite, announce, contact, present ourselves, bring something out into the open, make decisions, engage, rise to the challenge, make an effort, change, get a new perspective, join with others, take on greater challenges, travel at a faster pace, feel restless, feel pressured by deadlines and a buildup of emotions, and experience excitement and crisis.
During a Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are in opposition, also called the Full Phase, indicating the linking of soul to spirit and awareness of purpose gained through relationship with another. A lunar eclipse is a supercharged Full Moon. The blocking of the Moon's reflection of the Sun's light by the Earth suggests that our material viewpoint stands in the way of our "seeing the light". It serves as a reminder that we need to realize how we are held in the dark by virtue of our perspective.
The Sun is at the 11th degree of Capricorn and the Moon is in Cancer during the minor partial lunar eclipse on December 31. Business leaders and political authorities are out of balance with the needs of the public. Concern for maintaining the status quo can undermine national or familial security. The challenge is to be nurturing while attending to responsibilities.
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The Sabian degree symbols for this eclipse suggest that this time calls a sense of humor. Laughter not only provides relief from the harsher realities of life, but also reminds us not to be unduly impressed by tradition. Objectivity and intellectual freedom can accelerate social evolution. The test is to capitalize on skill and opportunity without being blind to sociocultural realities.
Events associated with this eclipse had their origin in July 2008, were triggered into action last April and will resurface for completion beginning in October 2010. The last time a lunar eclipse occurred at this degree was over 300 years ago in 1694. There was a Solar Eclipse at this degree on July 1, 2000. It is conceivable that the lunar eclipse on December 31 will bring some insight to events that took place during the summer of 2000.
The eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects. However, if your birthday is around Jan 30, Feb 13 or 28, Mar 30, Apr 30, May 16 or 31, Jul 2, Aug 2 or 18, Sep 2, Oct 3, Nov 2 or 17, Dec 2 or 31, you will definitely have an emotional response. If it makes any contacts to a planet or personal point in your chart, your experience of the eclipse will be heightened. Consult with an astrologer for a personalized discussion of the energies activated in your chart
