Eclipses are celestial events that have captured human imagination across time and cultures, whether they have been viewed with awe or fear. Throughout history, humans saw eclipses as times when the usual order was disrupted, leading to potential chaos or upheaval. In modern times, we understand that, while eclipses may disrupt our regular lifestyle and patterns, they also offer opportunities for significant growth and development.
Eclipses happen when the Sun, Moon, and Earth come into precise alignment, either blocking the Sun's light or allowing the Earth to cast a shadow over the Moon. A solar eclipse happens during a New Moon phase, when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, partially or completely blocking the Sun. A lunar eclipse is a Full Moon but ten times more potent and it happens when the Earth stands between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow over the Moon. While astronomers may describe this in terms of celestial mechanics, astrologers see eclipses as powerful moments that can prompt significant shifts in our lives.
Eclipses are potent and transformative portals that may bring dramatic shifts in our inner and outer worlds, or serve as catalysts for new beginnings or endings of an old cycle.
It is important to note that eclipses are never just singular events but belong to a larger narrative that plays out over time.
During an eclipse, you might feel pushed to make decisions that you've been putting off, or you find yourself in confrontation with truths you've been avoiding. Eclipse time often feels as if the universe opened a door, urging you to step into the next phase of our personal journey. The intensity that accompanies these decisions or realizations is often profound, as eclipses tend to magnify the emotional and energetic impact of the situations at hand.
The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Eclipses
During the time between eclipses, it’s not unusual to experience a heightened sense of awareness or a desire to turn inwards. This can manifest as a need to step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and find a quiet space for contemplation. People may experience a compelling urge to pause, reflect, and wait for what feels like an inevitable return to balance and light. Pause is a natural response to the eclipse's introspective energy, and it is essential to honor this need for personal space and tranquility.
Eclipses can bring about revelations related to our personal and global existence, which can be unsettling or comforting, depending on your perspective. It’s often during these times that we become acutely aware of the connection between our inner emotional landscape and the outer world's events.
The Theme of Release and Renewal
A full moon typically signifies a time to release, and this is further emphasized during a full moon eclipse. You may have heard advice to let go of what no longer serves you during these times. The idea is to make space for new growth by releasing old patterns, relationships, or beliefs that no longer serve your growth.
The act of letting go can take many forms, from the physical to the deeply spiritual.
Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh interprets "letting go" as releasing the mental constructs that limit us or stray us from our path to contentment and peace. These mental constructs are ideas, emotions, desires, or beliefs that we've built up over time. Recognizing and releasing these can be a profoundly liberating aspect of working with eclipse energies.
Furthermore, eclipses encourage us to assess the balance of give and take in our lives. If you find yourself pouring energy into a one-sided relationship or an unrewarding job, an eclipse may highlight the need for change. It encourages a reevaluation of where we invest our heart and effort, reminding us that our resources are precious and should contribute to our growth and well-being.
Finding Clarity During Eclipses
Eclipse seasons often drive us to seek solitude, offering a chance to step back and gain clarity. This period of retreat can provide the stillness necessary to reflect on our lives and the directions we are taking. In this quiet space, away from the noise and demands of our routine, we can more easily hear our inner voice and connect with our deeper desires and needs.
It is beneficial to embrace practices that ground us during these times—simple acts like disconnecting from digital devices, being in nature, or engaging in meditation. Remembering and reconnecting with the simpler things in life, such as the joy of a shared meal or the serenity of a quiet moment alone, can be profoundly nurturing.
Eclipses as Catalysts for Evolution
Astrologically, eclipses are seen as prime times for personal evolution. They are believed to accelerate our timelines, urging us to align more closely with our soul's purpose. As if the universe itself were guiding us, these events can spur us to make necessary changes or to bravely step onto new paths.
Astrologer Rebecca Gordon describes eclipses as the universe's way of making corrections in our lives. Solar eclipses, in particular, may act as resets, offering us a symbolic darkness (a time of solitude or introspection) before we are ushered into a new phase.
How Do We Navigate the Eclipse Season
Eclipse seasons demand patience as they often bring up more questions than answers. It's a time when we are asked to review and reflect rather than push forward with new initiatives. Questions that may arise include evaluating where we are versus where we need to be, understanding our true needs as opposed to our wants, recognizing areas of comfort that may have led to stagnation, and contemplating relationships that may need to conclude.
Ignoring these pivotal questions can lead to a sense of being stuck or out of sync with life's flow.
The eclipse season is a powerful reminder that our evolution is a continuous process, and when we resist the changes it brings, we might find the universe stepping in with its own dramatic solutions.
Understanding the Timing and Effects of Eclipses
The effects of eclipses can be immediate or unfold over time. It's essential to be mindful of the timing of these events. For example, if Mercury is in retrograde during the eclipse season, the full impact of an eclipse may not be felt until Mercury resumes its direct motion. This underscores the importance of the advice above: do not rush to judgments or actions during the eclipse season but instead allow the events to unfold naturally.
Eclipses in astrology surprise us with powerful moments of change, self-reflection, and evolution. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life and our place within it.
Whether this time is about releasing what no longer serves us, finding clarity in challenges, or stepping courageously into a new chapter, eclipses are pivotal stops on our journey.
In the dance of shadows and light, let eclipses be your moments of pause and contemplation, where you gather strength and wisdom for your next steps.
Embrace the shadows, for they are as much a part of your journey as the light is, and in them, you may find the brightest of beginnings.
If you need advice during any eclipse season, write to me, or schedule the consultation.