The united observations of Astrologers in every age and every clime confirms this opinion, and the student himself can easily prove it.
In Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos, we find the following rules laid down in regard to eclipses.
“In all eclipses of the Sun and Moon and especially in such as are fully visible, the place in the Zodiac where the eclipse happens is to be noted; and it must be seen what countries are in familiarity with that place… and, in like manner, it must be observed what cities are under the influence of the sign in which the eclipse happens, either by means of the Ascendant and the situation of the Luminaries at the time of their foundation… Whatever countries or cities shall be thus found in familiarity with the ecliptical place will all be comprehended in the event, which will, however, principally attach to all those parts which may be connected with the identical sign of the eclipse, and in which it may be visible while above the earth. ”
Further it has been found that the effects of eclipses falling in the Fixed signs (♉, ♌, ♏, and ♒) will have a very lasting effect; those that are formed in Cardinal signs (♈, ♋, ♎, and ♑) will be brief and soon over, while those that are formed in Common signs (♊, ♍, ♐ and ♓) will commence sooner, and last longer, but that their effects will be liable to interruption, that is to say, they will continue, for a time, suddenly cease, and then commence again.
Now as regards the effects of eclipses, the sign position is first to be taken into account.
1. Eclipses in Fiery signs. These threaten the destruction of cattle and sheep, exile or imprisonment or murder of some king or notable person, or great ruler. Much discontent and dissension among the people. Movements of armies, fighting, fires, fevers, pestilence, and scarcity of the fruits of the earth, especially in those regions affected by the eclipse.
2. Eclipses in Earthy signs. These foreshadow a scarcity of corn and products of the earth by drought, and cause earthquakes, mining disasters, and great agricultural depression.
3. Eclipses in Airy signs. Famine, sickness, pestilence, and tempests and stormy winds hurtful to mankind.
4. Eclipses in Watery signs. These denote much mortality among the common people, great destruction of fowls and fishes, and such things as live in or near the sea.
The strength of the planet ruling the sign in which the eclipse falls should be considered, and its position in the figure of such eclipse duly noted, for the significations of this planet will principally appear.