Eclipses, conjunctions, and even comets...!

The Comet Pons-Brooks, visible during the April 8th eclipse.

My computer calendar just announced that Comet Pons-Brooks is becoming visible starting tomorrow, April 6th. Wow! This is the first time I'm hearing about this event!

Approximately every 71 years, Comet Pons-Brooks, known for its distinctive shape reminiscent of "devil horns" and sometimes compared to the Millennium Falcon from "Star Wars," completes its orbit around the sun. As it approaches the sun, the comet becomes brighter and develops a tail.

In early April, this comet may be visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere. Particularly during the total solar eclipse on April 8th, those with a keen eye and knowledge of its location could potentially spot it even during daylight.

However, by April 21st (a day after the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction), as the comet reaches its closest point to the sun, it may become more challenging to observe. Following this, as Pons-Brooks moves away from the sun, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere will have their opportunity to observe the comet before it disappears from view, not to return for another seventy years.

The Comet Pons-Brooks presents a unique opportunity for both astronomers and astrologers, given its relatively rare appearance and its distinctive characteristics that capture the imagination. In astrology, such rare events can be seen as markers of significant energetic shifts or periods of awakening and transformation on a collective level.

Given its unique orbit and the visual spectacle it offers, especially with its "devil horns" shape that may remind some of the Millennium Falcon, Pons-Brooks could symbolize the breaking of barriers, innovation, and a push towards exploring the unknown. The visibility of the comet during a total solar eclipse could amplify its symbolic meanings, linking it to themes of revelation, hidden truths coming to light, or significant endings and beginnings.

In mundane astrology, the appearance of Pons-Brooks could be interpreted as an indicator of major societal changes, technological advancements, or pivotal moments in the collective narrative. The fact that it's visible first in the Northern Hemisphere and then in the Southern Hemisphere suggests a global influence, with different parts of the world experiencing its energies in slightly different contexts or times.

The challenge of observing the comet as it approaches its closest point to the sun could metaphorically reflect the challenges humanity faces in recognizing or acting upon transformative moments until they are upon us. As the comet becomes less visible and moves away, it could symbolize the passing of an opportunity for change or the need to integrate the insights and revelations it brought.

In personal astrology, the passage of Pons-Brooks could encourage us to reflect on our own paths of growth and transformation, especially considering the long period until its return. It’s a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the universe, inviting us to consider what we want to initiate or complete within this significant window of time.

These, of course, are deductions based on symbolism, since, despite being a celestial body, there isn’t much astrological information about comets. Personally, this is the first time I delve into this topic.

In historical and traditional astrology, comets were often seen as omens of significant events, such as wars, the death of kings, or natural disasters. Astrologers like Claudius Ptolemy in antiquity spoke about the effects of comets and other celestial phenomena on Earth.

If we view comets from a purely objective perspective, as "stones" with determined orbits that, as they approach the sun, deploy tails of light or energy, we might interpret them as symbols of transformation and revelation. Although at their core they are celestial bodies made of ice, dust, and rocks, their behavior and appearance when interacting with the sun turn them into fascinating phenomena for both scientific observation and symbolic reflection.

Transformation

Transformation is a key theme. The comet, in its journey through space, remains relatively unchanged until it approaches the sun, at which point it undergoes a spectacular transformation. This can symbolize how individuals or societies can remain constant or immobile until an external event (symbolized by the sun) catalyzes a profound change, revealing previously hidden or unexpressed aspects.

Revelation

The tail of light and energy that a comet deploys as it approaches the sun can be interpreted as a symbol of revelation. What was dark and frozen is illuminated, showing its essence and direction. In human terms, this can symbolize moments of clarity, where hidden truths or aspects of our personality or society are revealed under the pressure or influence of greater forces.

Cyclicity and Renewal

The determined orbit of the comet, which brings it close to the sun and then back into deep space, speaks of cyclicity and renewal. Just as the comet returns, the cycles of life, death, and renewal repeat in nature and the human experience. Comets remind us that after periods of introspection and darkness, there will come moments of growth and light.

Small Catalysts of Great Changes

Despite being relatively small compared to planets and stars, comets can have a disproportionately large visual and symbolic impact. This teaches us that even seemingly small forces or influences can catalyze significant changes, whether through direct impact or through the symbolism and inspiration they generate.

Viewing comets in this way allows us to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the universe, and how celestial events can reflect, inspire, or symbolize internal and external processes in our lives and cultures. The way a "stone" orbiting can become a spectacle of light as it approaches the sun reminds us of the hidden potential in all aspects of existence, waiting for the right moment to unfold.