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All data are computer generated for the Moon's position in ecliptic longitude using Matrix's BLUE*STAR software, for lunar apogee and perigee as calculated by Home Planet (listed in the Astronomy Section of Astropro's NetSelect Directory). |
If you're familiar with the SuperMoon concept (introduced to the astrological community with my 1979 article for Dell Publishing Company's HOROSCOPE magazine), you already know that I have described a new or full moon which coincides with lunar perigee as an important indicator of extreme tides on Earth. (See Century 20 (CE) SuperMoons for more.) But what of perigee as a thing in itself, regardless of any association with a new or full moon? The table above lists all of them for 1999, along with the opposite point in the lunar orbit (apogee, maximum distance from Earth).
Perigee means closest approach to Earth. As I pointed out in my 1979 article, there are hints dating back to Ptolemy (2nd Century CE) that the Moon's perigee is a time of magnified lunar influence on Earth. After all, at lunar perigee the Moon is closest to Earth and therefore its apparent motion as seen from our home planet is greatest. In other words, the Moon is 'swift in course' at such times, to use an archaic astrological term. Regarding the significance of the planets (a term he used to include Sun and Moon, following the practice of his time), Ptolemy advocated paying special attention to any planet "when it may be oriental, swift and direct in its proper course and motion – for it has then its greatest power."1 (Emphasis added.)
A lunar perigee can't match a SuperMoon in terms of tide-raising power, and won't even measure up to an ordinary new or full moon in that respect. These factors, after all, combine Sun, Moon and Earth in alignment (with the added element of lunar perigee included in the case of a SuperMoon). Lunar perigee on the other hand is only a particular class of Earth-Moon alignment. But consider the calamitous January 25, 1999 Colombian earthquake, which struck at 6:19 PM UT on that date – within 30 hours of the January 26 lunar perigee. Coincidence? Perhaps. Consider the dates listed above for the rest of the year, and watch the seismic results in the news of the day. I'm guessing that within plus or minus 30 hours of lunar perigee, you'll see a greater than usual number of significant seismicity (Richter 5 or greater quakes, volcanic eruptions) and meteorological events (strong storms). Decide for yourself.
And here's something else to observe and test. Within the 30 hours-either way time frame, lunar perigees may signify a general excitation in living things: an upwelling of emotion, excitability, restlessness, etc. Conversely, within the same time window, lunar apogee may indicate just the reverse: a sense of calm, or even listlessness.
None of the above is stated as a postulate or prediction. Frankly, I have only been watching lunar perigees since the fall of 1998. What I have observed so far is suggestive, but far from convincing. As I say, decide for yourself . . .
- 1Ashmand, J. M. trans., Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos. North Hollywood CA: Symbols & Signs, 1976, p. 39.
copyright ©1999-2000 by Richard Nolle all rights reserved |
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Richard Nolle, Certified Professional Astrologer phone or fax 480-753-6261 - email rnolle@astropro.com Box 26599 - Tempe, AZ 85285-6599 - USA on the World Wide Web at http://www.astropro.com |
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