PREVIOUS THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
May 26th to May 31st 2003
MONDAY MAY 26
Eclipse of the Sun
Heavenly alignments are most powerful when the two planets are moving together. Once they have started separating, we see them as a spent force. Unless, that is, they blot out each other’s light. The residual impact of an eclipse can last for weeks – though the build up remains the most tense time. Our tiny Moon is now getting ready to shut out the Sun, in some parts of the world, for a few moments on Saturday. For any Davids who now have a Goliath to conquer, the celestial symbolism is auspicious!
TUESDAY MAY 27
Eclipse of the Sun - Part Two
An eclipse leaves a “sensitive spot” in the sky. This can remain tender for several weeks. If, during that time, another planet passes the place where the eclipse occurred, it can fan the fading fire into a roaring flame once more. The solar eclipse this Saturday will be at the 9th degree of Gemini. In mid June though, both Mercury and Venus will reach the same part of this sign. Once the eclipse is over, tense dramas should stop for a while... but they may pop back up for a little ‘encore’ in a further fortnight or so.
WEDNESDAY MAY 28
Solstice query
Dear Jonathan,
I went to a Psychic Fair over the weekend. Several of the psychics I visited said the Solstice will usher in a new higher level of existence. We will go to sleep on the night of June 20 and wake up on June 21 completely different, in a completely different world. This will cause a lot of global problems as people try to adjust to higher vibrations. Can you see anything in the stars that indicates this happening?
Thank you,Toni. Oh Toni, how I WISH I could!
THURSDAY MAY 29
Solar Eclipse comment
Is it really worth trekking to the North West of Scotland, just on the off-chance that the clouds may part long enough, at some ungodly hour of Saturday morning, to reveal a rare cosmic event that only lasts for a minute or two? The meteorologists aren’t sure. Long-range weather forecasts are inconclusive. And I must be honest. While once, astrologers were very good at answering such questions, few these days are adept at the old techniques. All I can tell you is... I’m going to be there! - If you fancy the adventure, there'll be more detail tomorrow.
FRIDAY MAY 30
Solar Eclipse - Part Two
Here’s where and when you can catch the eclipse. (Data: Courtesy of NASA and Astronomy Now magazine)Normally, the big Sunrise of the year takes place on June 21. But this year is different and special. Tomorrow morning, the moon will pass in front of the face of the sun... just as it is rising. This is just as rare, and powerful as the great eclipse of 1999 that had millions flocking to Cornwall. Yet it is drawing little attention. Maybe that’s because the epicentre of the event is in faraway Scotland. But wherever you live in Britain, you should be able to see something of the show. Set your alarm for about 4.30am, then look to see where the Sun is coming up. All you need is a clear view of the horizon. Go up a hill if you can for the Sun will be very low down. SAFETY NOTICE
If the sky is bright and clear, be very careful not to look directly at the Sun. Get a small hand mirror. Angle it towards the Sun and then hold up a piece of card so that the mirror can 'project' a reflected image of the eclipse on to it! It's not as fiddly as it sounds and it looks amazing. Special eclipse glasses are on sale at Scottish tourist information offices (in Durness, Wick, Thurso and Betty Hill) for £2. Or you can use heavy-duty Arc welding glasses (look under Welding equipment in Yellow Pages). Sunglasses are not enough! Some people feel that if the Sun is hidden behind thick shifting cloud it is safe to glance briefly at it. This though, is still dangerous practice. And if the cloud suddenly parts, you absolutely must STOP LOOKING AT ONCE! For more information, visit NASA WHAT IS AN ANNULAR ECLIPSE?
Annular means ‘with a ring around it’. The Moon when viewed from North West Scotland will fit neatly inside the Sun giving a ring of fire round the edge. If you are a really long way North, you may see the Sun looking slightly flattened. You may also see ‘Bailey’s Beads’. Little globules of light, at the very edge of the sun. FANCY A TRIP NORTH?
It’s not too late to pile the kids in the car and drive up through the night. National rail enquiries (08457 484950) has details of trains to destinations on our map. The Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board has an Eclipse page here, listing B&B accommodation. Or take a tent – Durness camp site still has some availability. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Each of us will feel the impact in a different way... as you can see if you look at your forecast today. And what does it means for the world? Well, I’ll be in a better position to prognosticate once I have seen it. I shall be watching from the Callanish Stone Circle on the Isle of Lewis. I’ll tell you how it went on Monday.
SATURDAY MAY 31
Solar Eclipse - Part Three
Early this morning, just as the sun was rising, you could have seen a solar eclipse in north-west Scotland. That tells us plenty about the kind of week ahead. A time when the light of old logic is plunged into darkness by the arrival of new information. Happy Birthday!
Noah Wylie (Gemini born June 4, 1971) Some say that Gemini is the bargain basement of the zodiac. With everyone born under this sign, you get two people for the price of one. That’s unfair, but Geminis do pitch the tent of their personality between two trees far apart. Thus, some see them as volatile, others as versatile. Noah Wylie, who turns 32 on Wednesday, has done well so far with his ability to adapt. He will do even better soon.
Happy birthday also this week to: Today May 31; Clint Eastwood (73) and Brooke Shields (38), Tomorrow June 1; Bob Monkhouse (75), Edward Woodward (73), Morgan Freeman (66) and Alanis Morissette (29), Monday June 2; Stacy Keach (62), Tuesday June 3; Tony Curtis (78) and Suzi Quatro (53), Wednesday June 4; Angelina Jolie (28), Thursday June 5; Ken Follett (54) and Mark Wahlberg (32), Friday June 6; Sandra Bernhard (48) and Bjorn Borg (47).
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