Eclipse 101
Eclipses have always held a special place in astrology. Ancient cultures viewed them as powerful cosmic events, often filled with mystery and symbolism. Even today, eclipses carry significant astrological weight, marking periods of change, revelation, and transformation.
There are two main types of eclipses: solar and lunar, and each has its own energy and impact. Solar eclipses occur during a New Moon, while lunar eclipses happen during a Full Moon. While the astrological meaning of these events may vary, they are both seen as catalysts for change, pushing us to let go of the past and embrace the future.
Solar Eclipses: A Time for New Beginnings
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun's light. Astrologically, solar eclipses symbolize new beginnings, shifts in identity, and a fresh start. They tend to mark major turning points in life, often involving external events or changes that set us on a new path.
When a solar eclipse occurs, it often highlights areas where we need to take action or initiate a significant transformation. It’s a time when the energy of the New Moon is amplified, giving us the opportunity to set intentions that align with our true purpose.
Common themes around solar eclipses include:
New opportunities or projects
Career changes or shifts in life direction
Revelations about your identity or personal goals
Breakthroughs in personal development
Lunar Eclipses: Emotional Revelation and Release
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. In astrology, lunar eclipses are associated with endings, emotional clarity, and releasing what no longer serves us. These are Full Moon eclipses, which means they bring situations to a head, often forcing us to confront deep emotions or unresolved issues.
Lunar eclipses are times of heightened emotions and can bring to light what’s been hidden or ignored. Whether it's relationships, habits, or old patterns, lunar eclipses often push us to let go of what’s no longer aligned with our growth.
Common themes around lunar eclipses include:
Endings or closure in relationships
Emotional breakthroughs or heightened sensitivity
Insights about past patterns or behaviors
Letting go of old fears or attachments
The Eclipses’ Cycle: A Journey Through the Zodiac
Eclipses occur in cycles, shifting between two opposing signs of the zodiac for about 18-24 months. This cycle is linked to the lunar nodes—points where the Moon's orbit intersects with the Sun's path (the ecliptic). The North Node represents where we are headed, while the South Node symbolizes what we are releasing.
Each eclipse cycle focuses on specific life themes that correspond to the signs hosting the eclipses. For example, when eclipses occur in Taurus and Scorpio, themes of security, transformation, and emotional depth are likely to dominate. If the cycle is happening in Aries and Libra, it may focus on themes of independence, relationships, and balance.
The signs that host the eclipses shift every 18 months, creating a new focus for collective and personal growth. You’ll notice patterns emerge during these cycles, with significant life events happening in the areas ruled by the signs where the eclipses take place.
The eclipse pairings are Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius, and Virgo/Pisces.
How to Find Eclipse Effects in Your Birth Chart
To determine where an eclipse may impact you personally, it’s helpful to look at your natal chart and identify where the eclipse is occurring by sign, house, and degree.
Check the Eclipse Sign: Find out what sign the eclipse is in. This gives you an idea of the overarching theme. For example, if an eclipse occurs in Leo, it might highlight creativity, self-expression, or leadership.
Look for the House: Next, locate the house in your chart where the eclipse sign falls. Each house in your chart represents different life areas—such as career (10th house), relationships (7th house), or home (4th house). The house will show you the specific area of life where the eclipse's effects are likely to play out.
For example:An eclipse in your 1st house may prompt personal transformations or shifts in your identity.
An eclipse in your 7th house could highlight relationships and partnerships, bringing revelations or changes in how you relate to others.
An eclipse in your 10th house might trigger career shifts, changes in public image, or new professional opportunities.
Check the Eclipse Degree: Eclipses are most potent when they align closely with a planet or point in your chart within a 5-degree orb. This means if the eclipse is occurring at 15° Taurus, you’ll want to check if any of your natal planets, angles (Ascendant/Descendant, Midheaven/IC), or lunar nodes fall between 10° and 20° of Taurus (or in fixed signs like Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius). The closer a planet or point in your chart is to the degree of the eclipse, the stronger the impact.
Consider Planetary Aspects: If the eclipse makes a close aspect (especially a conjunction, square, or opposition) to any of your natal planets, the effects could be even more significant. For example, if an eclipse closely aligns with your natal Venus, you may experience changes in relationships or financial matters.
How to Navigate Eclipse Energy
Eclipses can feel intense but are also opportunities for growth and realignment. Here are a few ways to work with eclipse energy:
Be Open to Change: Eclipses often push us to step out of our comfort zones. Even if the changes feel disruptive, they usually align us with where we need to be.
Embrace Release: Lunar eclipses are especially good for letting go of anything no longer serving you. Whether it's emotional baggage, old patterns, or limiting beliefs, it’s time to clear space for new opportunities.
Set Intentions: Solar eclipses are powerful times for setting long-term intentions. Think about what you want to create or where you want to go, and use this energy to plant seeds for the future.
Give Yourself Space: Eclipse energy can be overwhelming, and it’s common to feel more sensitive or tired during these times. Allow yourself time to reflect, rest, and process the changes unfolding.
Astrologically, eclipses are like cosmic checkpoints, pushing us to grow and evolve. Whether it’s the fresh start energy of a solar eclipse or the emotional clarity of a lunar eclipse, these events are powerful opportunities to realign with our purpose. By paying attention to where the eclipses fall in your chart and considering the degree of the eclipse, you can better understand what areas of your life are being activated—and how to make the most of this transformative energy.
Eclipses mark turning points, but their full effects often take months to unfold. Stay open, be patient with the process, and trust that the universe is guiding you toward what’s next.