Watch the complete Saros 121 historical analysis. Skip to 8:30 for the 1935 eclipse analysis.
| Timestamp | Eclipse Year | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 | 944 AD | Saros 121 origin & recap |
| 1:40 | 1917 | WWI armistice — one day after eclipse |
| 4:10 | 1990 | Mandela freed, Berlin Wall, Cold War end |
| 6:30 | 1972 | Five major diplomatic breakthroughs |
| 8:00 | 1899/1954/2008 | Hague Conference, US-Japan pact, G20 |
| 8:30 | 1935 ⬅️ | Appeasement warning |
Saros Series 121 and the Mitra Legacy: The December 1935 Eclipse
Event Date: December 25, 1935 (Annular Solar Eclipse, Saros 121 Member #56) Eclipse Position: Mitra (Tropical Taurus) - The sign of friendship and potential Analysis Date: January 2026 Key Focus: Peace attempts and alliances during the rise of fascism
Executive Summary
When the December 25, 1935 solar eclipse occurred as member #56 of Saros Series 121 in the sign of Mitra (Tropical Taurus), the world stood at a precarious moment in history. The year 1935 saw the rise of fascist aggression (Italy's invasion of Ethiopia), German rearmament, and the faltering of the League of Nations. Yet, even as war clouds gathered, the spirit of Mitra manifested through multiple attempts at peace-building, alliance formation, and economic friendship between nations.
This analysis reveals how Mitra's energy — the friend who creates concord and social harmony — emerged through trade agreements, peace proposals, mutual assistance pacts, and neutrality legislation. While these efforts would ultimately prove insufficient to prevent World War II, they represent genuine attempts to build frameworks for cooperation in an increasingly fractured world.
Key Finding: Mitra's Struggle Against Gathering Storms
1935 was a year when attempts at friendship and peace contended with aggression and appeasement. The Mitra-themed events of this year reveal the tension between cooperation and confrontation that characterized the interwar period. Unlike 1899 (Hague Conference) or 1917 (Russian armistice), 1935's Mitra manifestations were more partial and ultimately insufficient — but they were genuine attempts at building bridges.
The December 18, 1935 Trade Agreement: Economic Friendship
Historical Context
Just seven days before the December 25 eclipse, the United States and Honduras signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement on December 18, 1935. This agreement embodied Mitra's principle of economic friendship through mutually beneficial commerce.
The Agreement Details
Key Provisions:
- Reciprocal tariff reductions between the US and Honduras
- Expanded trade relations in agricultural products
- Economic cooperation framework
- Part of broader US policy to strengthen ties with Latin America
Mitra Themes Embodied:
1. "The Friend Who Creates Concord Through Commerce"
The agreement created economic concord by:
- Reducing trade barriers
- Creating mutually beneficial exchange
- Building economic interdependence
2. "Healthy Neutrality in Economic Relations"
- Not a political-military alliance
- Voluntary cooperation without coercion
- Respect for each nation's economic sovereignty
3. "Dynamic Social Circles"
- Trade relationships that could evolve naturally
- Not permanent or rigid, but framework for ongoing friendship
- Embodied Mitra's teaching that relationships develop organically
Historical Significance
This agreement was part of Secretary of State Cordell Hull's reciprocal trade program:
- 17 trade agreements signed under FDR administration
- "Good neighbor policy" toward Latin America
- Attempt to build economic stability through trade
Mitra Connection: Hull believed that trade reduces conflict — a profoundly Mitra principle. Economic friendship creates "healthy circles of interdependence" that make war less likely.
The Hoare-Laval Pact: December 8, 1935
The Failed Peace Attempt
December 8, 1935 — Seventeen days before the eclipse — British Foreign Secretary Samuel Hoare and French Prime Minister Pierre Laval secretly negotiated a peace plan to end the Italo-Ethiopian War.
The Plan:
- Partition Ethiopia between Italy and Ethiopia
- Italy would receive two-thirds of Ethiopian territory
- Ethiopia would retain a "rump state"
- "Economic concessions" to Italy in the remaining territory
Mitra Themes (However Flawed)
The Complicated Legacy:
While the Hoare-Laval Pact is historically condemned as appeasement, from a Mitra perspective it represented:
1. Attempt at Conciliation
- Sought to end the war through negotiation
- Prevent further loss of life
- Find compromise rather than continued fighting
2. "Social Circles" Reconfiguration
- Proposed redrawing boundaries to accommodate Italian claims
- Attempted to create new framework for coexistence
- Reflected Mitra's teaching that relationships can evolve and change
The Fatal Flaw:
The plan betrayed Ethiopia — a League member and victim of aggression — to reward Italy's invasion. This violated Mitra's core principle of "friendship based on mutual respect" by sacrificing one party to appease an aggressor.
Public Outcry:
When the plan leaked in December 1935:
- Massive public condemnation in Britain and France
- Hoare was forced to resign
- The plan was abandoned
- Mitra's light dimmed as peace-through-appeasement failed
Mitra's Lesson:
The failure of Hoare-Laval teaches that not all attempts at concord honor Mitra's principles. True friendship requires reciprocal respect, not sacrifice of the vulnerable to appease the aggressive.
The Franco-Soviet Treaty: May 2, 1935
The Mutual Assistance Pact
On May 2, 1935, France and the Soviet Union signed a Treaty of Mutual Assistance — a direct embodiment of Mitra's principle of friendship through alliance.
Key Provisions:
- Mutual defense commitment if either party was attacked
- Specifically aimed at containing Nazi Germany
- Consultation mechanism for responding to aggression
- Five-year duration (renewable)
Mitra Themes Embodied
1. "The Friend Who Creates Concord Through Alliance"
- Two former adversaries (France and Bolshevik Russia) now allied
- "Friendship of necessity" against common threat
- Created framework for mutual support
2. "Guardian of Sacred Commitments"
- Binding treaty obligations to defend each other
- Formalized friendship through legal commitment
- Both parties pledged to honor the alliance
3. "Multi-Ethnic Cooperation"
- Bridged ideological divide (communist vs. democratic)
- Different systems cooperating against common threat
- Reflected Mitra's ability to create harmony across differences
Historical Significance
The Broader Context:
- Part of French collective security strategy
- Sought to encircle Nazi Germany with alliances
- Complementary to Czechoslovakia and Polish alliances
The Limitations:
- Treaty was ratified too slowly to deter Hitler
- Lacked military planning for cooperation
- Soviet mistrust of Western commitment
Mitra Perspective: The treaty embodied Mitra's energy but was insufficiently realized. The potential for friendship existed, but the commitment was not strong enough to prevent conflict.
The Anglo-German Naval Agreement: June 18, 1935
The Controversial Friendship
On June 18, 1935, Britain and Germany signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, allowing Germany to build a navy up to 35% of British tonnage.
Key Terms:
- Germany could expand Kriegsmarine to 35% of Royal Navy
- Submarines permitted up to 45% of British submarine force
- Germany accepted British naval supremacy
- Britain unilaterally recognized German right to rearm
Mitra Themes (However Problematic)
The Attempt at Accommodation:
1. "Creating Concord Through Agreement"
- Bilateral settlement of naval rivalry
- Avoided naval arms race through agreement
- Created framework for predictability
2. "Respect Through Recognition"
- Britain acknowledged German rights
- Sought to integrate Germany into international system
- Attempted friendship through concession
The Fatal Problem:
The agreement violated the Treaty of Versailles and bypassed France and Italy (Britain's WWI allies). It represented:
- Unilateral appeasement of Nazi Germany
- Undermined collective security
- Encouraged Hitler by showing Western disunity
Public Reaction:
- French outrage at being excluded
- German satisfaction ( diplomatic victory)
- International criticism for appeasement
Mitra's Lesson:
Friendship requires consistency and trust. The Anglo-German Naval Agreement sought concord but sacrificed trust with allies to accommodate a potential enemy — a violation of Mitra's principle of "healthy neutrality between friends."
The US Neutrality Act: August 31, 1935
Peace Through Non-Entanglement
On August 31, 1935, the United States Congress passed the first Neutrality Act, aiming to keep America out of foreign wars through legislated neutrality.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibited arms exports to belligerent nations
- Banned American ships from carrying war materials
- Established "cash-and-carry" principle for non-military trade
- Mandatory embargo when president declared war exists
Mitra Themes Embodied
1. "Healthy Neutrality" in Its Purest Form
- Refusal to take sides in foreign conflicts
- Non-interference principle
- Respect for all nations' sovereign choices
2. "Peace Through Non-Involvement"
- Avoiding entanglement in others' conflicts
- Preserving friendship with all by not favoring any
- Declining to export instruments of war
3. "Social Circles That Don't Dominate Others"
- America choosing limited engagement over imperial ambition
- Voluntary restraint on power projection
Historical Context:
The Neutrality Acts reflected:
- WWI trauma (America's involvement 1917-1918)
- Isolationist sentiment in US public opinion
- Desire to avoid European conflicts
The Mitra Paradox:
While embodying Mitra's principle of neutrality, the acts:
- Failed to distinguish aggressor from victim
- Treated all sides equally regardless of moral context
- Undermined collective security by refusing engagement
Mitra's Lesson:
Neutrality can be "healthy" or "avoidant." True Mitra energy engages with the world to build concord, while avoiding conflict. The Neutrality Acts avoided conflict but also avoided engagement — a partial manifestation of Mitra's energy.
Comparative Analysis: 1935 vs Previous Saros 121 Members
Evolution of Mitra Manifestation
| Aspect | 1899 | 1917 | 1935 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Context | Pre-WWI hopes | WWI total war | Rise of fascism |
| Success Level | High (Hague Conference) | Medium (armistice temporary) | Low (attempts failed) |
| Mitra Quality | Institutionalized peace | Emergency ceasefire | Contested appeasement |
| Geographic Scope | Global (26 nations) | Belligerent parties | Primarily European |
| Longevity | Lasted until WWI | Lasted until March 1918 | Mostly failed by 1939 |
Pattern Recognition
944 AD: Mitra in peace and prosperity 1899 AD: Mitra building peace institutions 1917 AD: Mitra creating ceasefire in darkness 1935 AD: Mitra struggling against aggression
This reveals an important truth: Mitra's energy manifests differently in different contexts. In 1935, as fascism rose and collective security faltered, attempts at friendship faced unprecedented obstacles.
Why 1935 Matters
Despite the failures, 1935 demonstrates:
- Mitra's Persistence: Even in dark times, peacemakers continued trying
- Multiple Pathways: Trade, alliances, peace proposals, neutrality
- International Desire: Many nations genuinely wanted cooperation
- The Complexity: Friendship vs. appeasement, concord vs. compromise of principles
The Broader Context: Mitra in a Fracturing World
The Challenge to Mitra's Energy
1935 presented unique challenges:
The Rise of Aggression:
- Italy invaded Ethiopia (October 1935)
- Germany remilitarized (in violation of Versailles)
- Japan expanding in Manchuria (since 1931)
The Failure of Collective Security:
- League of Nations proving ineffective
- Economic sanctions against Italy (too weak)
- France's alliances fragmented and uncoordinated
The Appeasement Trap:
- Western powers conceding to aggressors
- Sacrificing principles for temporary peace
- Undermining trust between allies
Mitra's Partial Victories
Even in this challenging context, Mitra manifested through:
1. Economic Cooperation:
- US-Honduras trade agreement
- Reciprocal trade programs (17 agreements under Hull)
- Economic interdependence as stabilizing force
2. Alliance Frameworks:
- Franco-Soviet Treaty (attempted collective security)
- British alliances with Eastern Europe
- Recognition of mutual interdependence
3. Peace Proposals:
- Hoare-Laval Plan (however flawed)
- League sanctions process (however weak)
- Diplomatic efforts to resolve Ethiopia crisis
4. Neutrality as Non-Violence:
- US Neutrality Acts (refusal to participate in war)
- Conscientious objection movements emerging
- Peace advocacy by religious and civic groups
Theoretical Implications: Mitra in Decline?
Is Mitra Weakening?
Comparing Saros 121 members suggests a pattern:
944 AD: Strong Mitra manifestation (treaty lasted centuries) 1899 AD: Strong Mitra manifestation (Hague institutions lasted) 1917 AD: Medium Mitra manifestation (armistice temporary but significant) 1935 AD: Weak Mitra manifestation (attempts largely failed)
Possible Explanations:
- Deteriorating World Context: Each cycle facing greater challenges
- Approaching Series End: Member #56 of 71 — waning energy?
- Karmic Pattern: Success of earlier members creating complacency?
Alternative Perspective:
Perhaps Mitra is not weakening but facing greater resistance:
- Fascism rejects Mitra's principles
- Appeasement corrupts Mitra's authenticity
- Cynicism undermines faith in friendship
The "Productive" Eclipse Under Pressure
Ernst Wilhelm called Saros 121 "productive and useful." Does 1935 contradict this?
Destructive Eclipse (hypothetical):
- Would correlate with direct escalation, immediate war
Productive Eclipse (Saros 121, 1935):
- Delayed conflict (appeasement bought time)
- Created frameworks (for future use)
- Maintained channels (diplomacy continued)
The Assessment:
1935 was less productive than previous cycles, but still created structures and precedents:
- Trade agreements that endured
- Alliance commitments that would be tested
- Peace mechanisms that would be revived post-WWII
Legacy and Impact: The Long-Term Mitra Effect
Immediate Impact (1935-1939)
Economic Sphere:
- Trade agreements continued and expanded
- Reciprocal trade became US policy model
- Economic interdependence deepened globally
Diplomatic Sphere:
- Alliance commitments tested but not entirely abandoned
- League mechanisms weakened but not destroyed
- Diplomatic channels remained open
Moral Sphere:
- Peace movements gained strength
- Conscientious objection increased
- Appeasement discredited as strategy (post-1938)
Long-Term Legacy
Post-WWII Revival:
Many 1935 Mitra-inspired frameworks reappeared:
- United Nations (1945): Revived League of Nations collective security ideal
- NATO (1949): Institutionalized mutual assistance (Franco-Soviet concept)
- GATT/WTO (1947/1995): Institutionalized reciprocal trade
- Human Rights Law (1948): Enshrined principles beyond appeasement
The Mitra Lesson Learned:
The failures of 1935 taught valuable lessons:
- Appeasement ≠ Mitra (true friendship requires principle)
- Collective security needs teeth (commitments must be honored)
- Economic interdependence matters (trade creates peace)
- Institutions require backbone (League needed enforcement)
Conclusion: Mitra's Light in the Gathering Storm
The December 25, 1935 solar eclipse in Saros Series 121 occurred during a period of rising aggression and failing peace mechanisms. Yet Mitra's energy still manifested — through trade agreements, alliance treaties, peace proposals, and neutrality legislation.
However, unlike the more successful manifestations in 944, 1899, and 1917, the 1935 Mitra events were largely insufficient to prevent the coming catastrophe. The Hoare-Laval Pact betrayed Ethiopia, the Anglo-German Naval Agreement appeased Nazi Germany, and the Franco-Soviet Treaty lacked the commitment to deter aggression.
Key Findings
- December 18 US-Honduras Trade Agreement — Economic friendship through commerce
- December 8 Hoare-Laval Pact — Flawed peace attempt that collapsed
- May 2 Franco-Soviet Treaty — Mutual assistance alliance against fascism
- June 18 Anglo-German Naval Agreement — Problematic appeasement of Germany
- August 31 Neutrality Act — US attempt at non-entanglement
The Continuing Relevance
As we approach February 17, 2026 (Saros 121, member #61), the legacy of 1935 offers cautionary insights:
"This eclipse can help countries realign to live as something that you would actually be proud and you would want to live in."
— Ernst Wilhelm on Saros 121
December 1935 teaches that not all attempts at concord honor Mitra's principles. True friendship requires:
- Mutual respect (not sacrifice of the vulnerable)
- Consistent principles (not selective appeasement)
- Genuine commitment (not empty promises)
- Courage to uphold values (not expedient compromise)
Mitra's Enduring Wisdom
The events of 1935 remind us of Mitra's core teaching:
"Mitra's social circles are not meant to be permanent; they evolve naturally. Learn to appreciate the healthy neutrality in friendships, where bonds form and dissolve without excessive attachment."
The challenge of 1935 was that friendships were dissolving (League unity collapsing) while new alliances forming (Germany-Italy-Japan Axis) were based on domination, not Mitra's principle of mutual respect.
As Saros 121 continues its journey, may the lessons of 1935 remind us that Mitra's friendship requires both warmth and backbone — the warmth to reach out to former adversaries, and the backbone to uphold principles that make genuine friendship possible.
Sources and References
Primary Historical Sources
-
Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS), 1935
- Multiple volumes documenting diplomacy
- Trade agreements and negotiations
-
League of Nations Archives
- Documents on collective security efforts
- Sanctions against Italy (1935-36)
-
Treaty Texts
- Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance (May 2, 1935)
- Anglo-German Naval Agreement (June 18, 1935)
- US Neutrality Act (August 31, 1935)
Historical Research
- "Collective Failure: The League of Nations and Sanctions"
- "The Hoare-Laval Plan" by J.C. Robertson (1975)
- "The Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935" by R.A. Best Jr.
- "Neutrality Acts of the 1930s" — National WWII Museum analysis
Digital Resources
- History.com: Neutrality Act documentation
- Wikipedia: Comprehensive articles on all major events
- JSTOR/Academic Journals: Scholarly articles on 1935 diplomacy
- Avalon Project (Yale): Treaty texts and historical documents
Astrological References
- "February 17, 2026 Solar Eclipse Analysis"
- "Saros 121: 944, 1899, 1917 Analyses" — Previous members
Analysis Completed: January 25, 2026 Research Method: Historical analysis of 1935 diplomatic events Confidence Level: High (extensive documentation available) Astrological Interpretation: Based on Aditya Zodiac system and Mitra's attributes
"Providing for the prohibition of the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war to belligerent countries..." — US Neutrality Act, August 31, 1935
"The pact proposed to partition Abyssinia and thus partially achieve Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's goal..." — Hoare-Laval Pact, December 8, 1935
May the failures of 1935 teach us to build friendships on principles that endure.