Of all the cosmic events that occur regularly on the calendar, solar eclipses put on the most dramatic shows. Seeing a "ring of fire" in the sky during a solar eclipse or the eerie red-faced moon during a lunar eclipse is an unforgettable experience - but these phenomena are more than just astronomical wonders. From an astrological perspective, solar eclipses are powerful shakers and are associated with themes such as fate and fate. Understanding the meaning of solar eclipses can help you connect with and process these special celestial moments in more significant ways.
In astrology, solar eclipses are considered major harbingers of change. They bring fast-paced transformations, shocking revelations, abrupt endings and swift new beginnings to people's lives. The events that coincide with these unpredictable moon phases can be dizzying, which is why they're known for being chaotic and intense.
Solar eclipses are also important cosmic interventions that help to align us with our true path and connect us to our spiritual destiny. Many astrologers believe that the transformations that occur during a solar eclipse have a predestined nature - meaning that everything that happens was going to happen anyway , but the power of the eclipse allows things to unfold more quickly.
Solar eclipses always occur when the moon is new, and lunar eclipses always occur when the moon is full, so you can think of them as super versions of these lunar eclipses. But the astrological significance of a solar eclipse goes far beyond the standard new and full moon meanings. Here's what to know.
What is a solar eclipse?
By definition, a solar eclipse occurs when one celestial body blocks light from or reaching another celestial body. When we talk about solar eclipses, we're specifically referring to the positions of the sun, earth, and moon that line up several times a year to create a solar or lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when a new or full moon is perfectly aligned with the ecliptic (the sun's apparent path in the sky).
In its cosmic significance, when the Sun and Moon align with Earth to form a solar eclipse, they also align with two astrologically important points on the ecliptic called the North and South Nodes, also known as the "North Nodes" and "South Node." Lunar Nodes” or “Destiny Nodes”. These points correspond to fate, karma and spiritual purpose, so that’s why in astrology solar eclipses are also associated with these themes.
What is a solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon is exactly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking light from the Sun to the Earth (and these always occur at the same time as a full moon). When this happens, the sun, moon, and earth form a straight line. "Even if you can't see a solar eclipse from where you live, you can still feel its energetic effects," says certified astrologer and author Tenae Stewart.
What does a solar eclipse mean in astrology?
"Solar eclipses are noteworthy events in astrology," says professional astrologer and astrological researcher KristaLyn Vetovich. Vitovich said solar eclipses represent dramatic events and discoveries that are said to impact society and people.
Stewart said eclipses are also powerful portals of transformation. “They are about shadow work—the process of acknowledging, understanding, and choosing to release or accept one’s limiting beliefs or negative characteristics—and often unexpected change,” she says. "Depending on the sign in which they appear, they invite us to make changes in our lives and practice shadow work to embrace our own strengths and release that which does not serve us."
What is a lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth is exactly between the Sun and Moon, blocking light from the Sun to the Moon (and these always occur at the same time as a full moon). "It only happens during a full moon, when the sun and moon are exactly opposite each other in opposite signs," Stewart said.
What does a lunar eclipse mean in astrology?
"Like solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are portals of transformation," Stewart said. "In fact, they always appear in pairs - a solar and a lunar eclipse, about two weeks apart. Together they form 'Eclipse Season,' a twice-yearly journey into the underworld that invites us to transform And embrace your true self.”
How often do solar eclipses occur?
Solar eclipses occur four to six times a year, and they occur in back-to-back pairs. One always happens on the full moon and the other on the new moon. Sometimes, we even get three eclipses in a row. When we enter a period marked by two (or three) eclipses, we call it an "eclipse season," and there are usually two such periods per year.
Although eclipse season occurs approximately every six months, these eclipses are actually part of a longer cycle called a solar eclipse series. During a solar eclipse series, eclipses occur consecutively on a single "axis" of the zodiac wheel, which consists of two opposite signs (such as Cancer and Capricorn).
Eclipses will continue to occur in the same set of zodiac signs for about two years, and sometimes eclipse series will temporarily overlap. The constellations in which any given eclipse series occurs always correspond to the current ecliptic positions of the North and South Nodes. This means that every time the Lunar Nodes move into a new set of zodiac signs (which happens about once a year and a half), we are ending one eclipse cycle and transitioning to a new one.
What does the April 20 solar eclipse mean?
The solar eclipse on April 20 will be especially powerful. "This is the second consecutive new moon in Aries and our first solar eclipse in Aries in nearly 10 years," Stewart said. “This will be a powerful time to release and end generational cycles around anger, aggression, personal power and sovereignty, and the willingness to go after what you want.”
In 2023, we will move from Taurus and Scorpio to Aries and Libra. Vitovich said that as a result of these shifts, there may be unexpected changes and shifts in the realm of power and leadership.
"This can happen on a larger social scale, or even on a smaller community scale, [but] it's nothing to be afraid of," she said. "We've experienced solar eclipses before, and they happen often. You can even look back at the last eclipse in Aries — which happened nine years ago in 2014 — and see how themes from that time might come back to you now ”
The spiritual meaning of eclipses in astrology
As we enter eclipse season, we should be prepared for things to get raw and real, as these times can bring a lot of major life changes and emotional realizations. Some astrologers believe that solar eclipses have the power to merge multiple new or full moons into one, which is why things tend to change so quickly during these periods.
Solar eclipses are often associated with exciting new beginnings, twists of fate, and the arrival of unexpected updates. Lunar eclipses, on the other hand, are more likely to bring sudden endings, conclusions, or intense inner changes. Regardless, the fast-paced events of a solar eclipse—no matter how difficult and disorienting—help us let go of what no longer serves us and embrace truth, which allows us to move forward in a more spiritually aligned way.
Because eclipses are considered times of chaos and change in astrology, they are also not a good time to perform moon rituals, manifestations, or moon crystal charging, whereas we might perform moon crystals during a regular new or full moon Charge. Eclipse energy can be volatile and unstable, as it tends to shake things up quickly. During these times, rather than trying to set your own intentions, it is best to just listen to the universe and remain open to the realizations and events that are unfolding in your life. During eclipse season, everything happens for a reason, so pay attention to what's happening.
While it's true that solar eclipses can be tumultuous times, there's nothing to worry or fear. Rapid growth always comes with growing pains - after we complete any given eclipse cycle, we find that we have become stronger and more aware.
source:
Tenae Stewart, certified astrologer and author
KristaLyn Vetovich, professional astrologer, astrological researcher
