The apparent orbit of the earth around the sun is the called ecliptic. Total eclipses of the sun or moon are only possibly when the moon in on the same plane as the earth’s position there and thus called an “eclipse.” This does not happen often, about twice a year, because the orbit of the moon is inclined at an angle of 5 degrees off to the earth. . Where the two intersect is called the Nodes, that was depicted on antique clocks with the same symbol as in astrology.