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Eclipse Season
Eclipses typically take place in pairs, one solar (new moon) and one lunar (full moon) that occur approximately two weeks apart – and the two weeks between eclipses is known as “eclipse season”. The period between eclipses is a liminal realm, an in-between space. A void between the past and future. A time of shadow and illumination, when the nature of events is fated and transformational.
The Celestial Dance of the Sun, Moon & Earth
Eclipses are a predictable, regular cosmic alignment. Whilst ancient civilisations viewed eclipses as fear-inducing celestial omens, they are the natural ordered celestial dance of the Sun, Moon and Earth. A routine, and key part of the cycle of life that helps us to release what has ended and make way for new doors to open.
Eclipses are known for shaking things up and indicate a time when pivotal, memorable events are likely to occur (relationships begin or break-up/job or career changes/house move/secrets exposed). Eclipses open a passageway between the past and the future to stir up fated, necessary changes in our life, and the world.
And as such the energy is a little stormy and unpredictable. The events that unfold can seem to arrive out of the blue, and can leave us feeling jolted and confused, or caught off guard in a good way – wow-ed! Either way, the pace of change means life can suddenly feel like a wild ride, as we are navigating new, unfamiliar situations and are unable to fully see what is ahead.
Eclipses are a bit like a cosmic reboot. They redirect us and bring major changes we may otherwise be too fearful to make ourselves. They force us to take action or to react to situations, in ways that ultimately change the course of our lives, mostly in a magical way – even if it doesn’t seem like that initially!
Illumination is Interrupted
Eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon & Earth align with the Moon’s nodes, as it is the presence of the nodes that dictate where eclipses will take place. This is because the nodes are the point where the Moon, as she journeys around the zodiac crosses the ecliptic – the Earth’s path around the Sun – and thus it is at these moments of alignment that the Moon can block the light of the Sun resulting in a solar eclipse, & Earth can block the illumination of the Sun from the Moon bringing about a lunar eclipse.
The Karmic, Fated, Nodes of the Moon
The nodes are highly significant, and illustrative of themes involving fate, destiny, karma, the mysteriousness of life itself & the higher spiritual realms beyond the Earth planes. There is so much we don’t know or understand about life, but by contemplating what is taking place in the sky during eclipses we can sense how influential they are for us collectively & personally.
The two luminaries, the Sun & the Moon are the most visible celestial bodies in the sky. Both are vital and essential to life & our survival on Earth, and they are inextricably linked as illustrated by the lunar cycle which shows the relationship between the Sun & Moon, as the Moon dances around the entire zodiac in 27.5 days and meets up with the Sun at each New Moon roughly every 29.5 days.
Astrologically the Sun symbolises our sense of self & our self-expression and the Moon our emotions & instincts, how we act (Sun) & react (Moon).
Eclipses ~ Guidance from the Spiritual World to the Physical World
At a solar eclipse the Moon passes in front of the Sun, cutting off the illumination & warmth beamed out by the Sun. At a lunar eclipse the Earth blocks the light of the Sun from reaching the Moon, leaving her dark & veiled. Eclipses obstruct & disturb the energies of the Sun & Moon, which means they have the capability to stir things up for us on a physical, emotional & soul level. What is more, is that the nodes presence & involvement at eclipses signify that they are aligned with a divine, universal force more powerful than the Sun or Moon who are crucial to our existence & ability to live on the Earth.
Eclipses ~ The Conscious & the Unconscious Realms
At a Solar Eclipse the Moon dims and blocks the Sun, and our inner world, our unconscious – our instincts & intuition (Moon) – take precedence over our external world, our conscious thoughts & actions (Sun).
A new beginning/seed-planting/acceleration when our “self” is temporarily obscured and guided by our soul and when:
- Our logical mind pauses and our thinking feels cloudy.
- We need to recognise we don’t have all the answers at this moment.
- We need to trust our inner illumination as our external vision (judgement/certainty) is dimmed.
- We need to allow our soul-driven navigation to guide us through the uncertainty, changes and shifts.
- Our path in life is redirected and a new chapter in life begins.
- The changes and shifts in direction align us with our soul’s destiny and spiritual growth.
At a Lunar Eclipse the earth blocks the illumination of the Sun from the Moon, and our inner world (Moon), our emotions & fears that we usually consciously (Sun) conceal can potentially rise to the surface.
Endings, release, culmination and finality. An emotional eruption around all that is ending and all that has been concealed or hidden, what needs purging for our soul’s growth when:
- Our emotions flow without resistance.
- Our subconscious emotions become conscious.
- We have to face and release any bottled-up, frustrated emotions.
- Our emotions can be intense, volatile, overwhelming and impossible to contain.
- We have to confront and let go of emotional attachments to habits, people or situations that no longer serve us.
- The emotional storm passes and the emotional heat cools.
- An emotional breakthrough and inner realignment emerges.
- Raw, messy emotions turn into integrated wisdom.
- Our inner emotional stability is transformed, strengthened by surviving the emotional storm and illuminated by absolute truth.
Eclipses bring the invisible into visibility. Whatever has been dwelling in the darkness of our unconscious mind will come to light and come into our conscious awareness.
The Darkness & the Light
Eclipses bring about the darkness within which something is brewing behind the veil between this world & the spiritual world. And whatever is concealed, what we can’t yet see or understand, will at the right moment surface into the light and our conscious realisation. Eclipses force us to have a confrontation with parts of life that have been ignored – buried emotions, habits, relationships, jobs, situations – what needs to change and we no longer need – as it does not support our growth. Or astonish us with an unexpected new love, marriage proposal, financial windfall or amazing opportunity.
Which means eclipse season can be disorientating, as our vision is obscured and we can’t fully make out what is ahead.
How Eclipses Light the way from the Past to the Future
During eclipse season we enter a significant, powerful time span when the past, present & future cross paths. A time when divine, spiritual, universal forces step in to nudge us onto our fated, destined path ahead. And by nature bolts from the blue are unexpected, so what takes place can happen rapidly and be action-packed.
Fate & Free Will
Eclipses reveal the never-ending dance in life between fate and our free will. Illustrate how in life we have choices, how we can direct or negotiate with some things, but that we can also meet circumstances that we have to surrender to.
This is why on our journey through life, during eclipse seasons we may at times have the impression of feeling like a passenger, instead of the driver, as our fate – our souls plan for this lifetime – enters into the picture.
We may welcome these changes or encounter them as shocking & chaotic. As for something new to be created & manifest in life an old scenario or pattern of behaviour is going to be disrupted & ultimately dismantled. But all in all, these twists of fate propel us on the way towards our destiny – what our soul wishes to experience & learn about in this lifetime.
Eclipses are a gift from the divine to help guide us towards our destiny. And, within the bounds of fate we also have room to manoeuvre – our free will. As while fate provides the destination, we have free will to decide how we handle and navigate our journey.
Fate brings changes, but the outcome is flexible as we can consciously co-create our future with the free will choices we make. Fate deals us the hand of cards, but how we play it, is up to us. If we lose our job, it is our choice how we react and handle it and helps to co-write our next chapter.
Fate also importantly reminds us that what we are meant to have, what is truly ours – we can’t possibly lose or avoid!
Check your Natal Chart for Eclipse Influence
Eclipse events don’t necessarily happen on the exact day, they can happen up to a month before or after. The eclipse degree also remains sensitive, and indicates an area of life undergoing a transformation for up to 6 months for a lunar eclipse, and 2 – 3 years for a solar eclipse.
Eclipses that significantly activate a personal planet/angle in our natal chart are linked with the big, meaningful happenings in our lives. A powerful narrative of change.
When no close aspects to a personal planet/angle are formed the effects of an eclipse are far more subtle. The house in our chart where the eclipse falls indicates where in life a chapter is ending, changing or beginning – essentially what situation/issue is under the spotlight for us. The eclipse influence may bring us only a very slight shift in an area of life.
- Eclipses work as pairs. Find the exact sign and degree of the eclipses.
- Solar or Lunar Eclipse: A solar eclipse is a new beginning in an area of life, a lunar eclipse an ending.
- North or South Node Eclipse: A north node eclipse is future-orientated, opens doors to new beginnings, a south node eclipse is about letting go of something from the past.
- Check which houses in your natal chart the eclipses fall in: For example if the eclipses fall across the 10th/4th house axis, career (10th) and family/home life (4th) are the areas of life in focus.
- Check for aspects: An eclipse that is within a 5° orb of a personal planet or angle the influence is going to be much stronger and far more visible in our life. For example a solar eclipse in a positive aspect to our 10th house Sun is an opportunity for a new beginning in our self-expression, perhaps a career promotion.
Navigating Eclipse Season
Observe the shifts with awareness:
- Eclipses are most significant to us personally when they touch and thus activate a natal planet.
- Eclipses signal the beginning or end of a cycle of development in our life. One chapter ends, and a new one begins.
- Eclipses mark important life changing events in life. Fated turning points.
- Eclipses bring us opportunities for greater awareness about ourselves and our relationships.
- Eclipses bring us the opportunity to change and evolve. Updates and upgrades.
Consciously align with eclipse energy:
During eclipse season the energy is intense and time can feel out of sync. We may sense life is not flowing as normal, feel not quite ourselves, and find that our usual sleeping, eating and health routines go out the window.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Observe, don’t initiate.
- Flow with changes, don’t struggle to keep what is ending.
- Remember we are all feeling the energy and tension, so avoid getting into disputes – people can be reactive and volatile.
- Eclipse energy is physically draining so we need to protect our energy. Allow time to rest, and try not to take on too many commitments.
- Clear old, negative energy to make way for new beginnings. By burning/smudging with sage to cleanse our own energy field and home. Throw away or donate material clutter – old paperwork/clothes/any unwanted items.
- Don’t take any major decisions, let the dust settle first.
- Make time for reflection about what is ending and changing. Helping us illuminate what needs to/has altered in our heart and mind, our beliefs, behaviour and actions.
- Avoid manifestation rituals (new moon intentions/crystal charging) as eclipse energy is by nature chaotic and so the results from rituals are unpredictable.
- Have trust in the eclipse process, that the universe is manifesting for us, and what is fated to be for us – will arrive!
