Saros Cycle

What it is

Saros is a cycle of 18 years 11 days 8 hours — after which Sun, Moon, and Earth return to nearly the same geometry. So similar eclipses repeat in "families" every 18 years. Ancient Babylonians discovered this through observation; we call Saros series "families." Every eclipse we live is part of a Saros family, and a family lives up to 1,300 years — birth, maturity, end. Saros 145 (a total eclipse in December 2020) continues to 2090.

Astrological reading

Astrologically the Saros cycle is "history's repeating theme" — what you lived 18 years ago today returns in this eclipse (different form, same engine). Personally: a major decision made under that eclipse 18 years ago, the theme of that life-stage, returns today in different clothing. Collectively: similar historical events 18 years apart aren't coincidence — they're this cycle's mathematics.

Practice

On eclipse day, try to remember 18 years ago: what did you live through, which decision matured? How is that theme seeking a different shape in this eclipse? This awareness alone carries years of change-power for most people.

Themes

• 18-year repetition
• collective theme
• generational memory
• historical current