Dear NightFall Astrology readers,
This week marks the official start of eclipse season, heralding a period rich with celestial significance. It kicks off with a lunar eclipse in Libra, prompting us to reconsider our relationships and personal boundaries. This is a time for letting go of what no longer serves our growth and embracing our true selves.
In the wake of the eclipse, Venus in Pisces sextiles Uranus in Taurus, injecting an element of surprise and innovation into our lives, particularly in financial and personal connections. This alignment contrasts with the eclipse’s introspective mood, suggesting unexpected opportunities and fresh dynamics in relationships.
As we step into this vibrant week of celestial activity, the initiation of eclipse season invites us to navigate changes with openness and curiosity. It’s a potent time for reflection, renewal, and possibly, unexpected turns that could lead to growth and transformation.
Delve into this week’s horoscope to uncover what the stars have in store for you during this dynamic entry into eclipse season!
I. Lunar Eclipse in Libra:
The upcoming lunar eclipse in Libra marks a critical juncture for introspection and the establishment of personal boundaries, signaling a period where many might find themselves disengaging from relationships or social dynamics that hinder their autonomy and self-identity.
To understand the gravity of this event, it’s essential to grasp the nature of eclipses. These astronomical phenomena occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align along the ecliptic—the apparent path of the sun across the sky—with this alignment bringing the sun and moon into either a new or full moon phase but with intensified energy. This particular eclipse is a supercharged full moon (and the annual full moon of Easter), indicating a time of culmination and emotional high tide. It’s a widely observed phenomenon that full moons correlate with increased activity, from higher admissions in emergency rooms to more bustling social scenes. The lunar eclipse amplifies these effects, often acting as a catalyst for significant endings or transitions in specific areas of life.
This eclipse, situated in the cardinal air sign of Libra, underscores leadership and initiation in social contexts. Libra’s influence does not narrow these endings to romantic relationships alone but extends to a broader spectrum of social interactions. With the eclipse occurring on the south node in Libra, there’s a heightened emphasis on releasing, concluding chapters, and letting go (of a series of events that have been triggered around the last solar eclipse in Libra of October 14th, 2023), as the south node is traditionally associated with the past and what we are moving away from. However, bear in mind that this culmination or letting go will be unravelling over the next 6 months; it isn’t a one-time event. Sure, there may be a catalyst event that takes place around the eclipse, but this is only the first domino of the entire set. Conversely, the north node, representing future direction and ambitions, complements this by pointing towards what we are consciously looking to increase in our lives.
This particular eclipse occurs with the sun in Aries opposite the moon in Libra without harsh aspects from other planetary bodies. However, its conjunction with a major fixed star gives it a mixed nature. Scheduled for March 25th, 2024, at 9 AM (CET), aligning at 5 degrees of Aries for the sun and 5 degrees of Libra for the moon. This positions the sun in the first decan of Aries, a sector ruled by Mars, emphasising the themes of conquest and assertive decision-making in the pursuit of personal independence.
The moon’s placement in the first decan of Libra, under the dominion of Venus, highlights a focus on fostering social harmony and peace, often steering clear of direct confrontation. This astrological placement suggests a leaning towards amicable separations or discreetly stepping back from unfulfilling social ties, marking a preference for a gradual and gentle release over sudden and harsh endings.
{ If you’d like to know where and how this Lunar Eclipse is showing up in your own chart and life,
order your personal “Lunar Eclipse in Libra” forecast HERE! }
The conjunction of the lunar eclipse with the fixed star Zaniah in the constellation of Virgo (04°50′ Tropical Libra) presents a fascinating astrological event, both on a personal and a mundane level. Zaniah, a triple star system situated on the upper left arm of the Maiden, carries the essence of both Mercury and Venus, blending attributes of communication, intellect, refinement, and love. This rare celestial alignment, especially during a lunar eclipse—a time when emotions and subconscious energies are magnified—offers a unique moment for introspection and transformation.
On a mundane level, this conjunction suggests a period where diplomacy and negotiations take centre stage in global affairs. Given its reputation for congeniality, order, and a lovable nature, alongside its potent association with Mercury (communication) and Venus (harmony), there could be a marked shift towards seeking peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue. This period might witness significant legal agreements or treaties, especially those aiming to address long-standing disputes or to enhance global cooperation.
In ancient astrology, eclipses were often viewed with trepidation, believed to portend events concerning kings and heads of state. With Zaniah’s involvement, there’s an implication that leaders could play pivotal roles in either fostering harmony or, if negatively aspected, in exacerbating tensions through unrealistic or deceitful negotiations. The emphasis on Virgo’s association with agriculture could also signal critical developments related to the environment, food security, and sustainable practices, highlighting a call to balance human needs with the health of our planet.
On a personal level, the lunar eclipse conjunct Zaniah offers a profound opportunity for growth, particularly in the realms of relationships and self-expression. This alignment encourages a reassessment of how we communicate and connect with others, urging us to let go of patterns that no longer serve our highest good. The energy of Zaniah, with its Venusian love for order and refinement, prompts a harmonizing of our personal environments and relationships, guiding us towards more fulfilling interactions.
The aspect of worry and loss through legal and Venusian affairs, as mentioned in the interpretations, suggests that this period could also bring challenges that test our values and commitments. These challenges might manifest in the form of disputes or misunderstandings requiring careful navigation. The emphasis on negotiation and seeking peace underscores the importance of approaching such situations with empathy and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
On a health note, Zaniah’s rulership over the intestines highlights the importance of paying attention to our digestive health and the role it plays in our overall well-being. Stress and emotional turmoil can have a direct impact on gut health, reminding us of the deep interconnection between our emotional states and physical health.
Moreover, the last time a similar lunar eclipse in Libra happened was on March 23rd, 2016, only this time with the North Node. So, think back on that period of your life (March/April 2016) because the events that will correlate with the current eclipse will be similar in nature, only with an element of decrease/letting go (South Node) instead of increase (North Node). In both cases, there’s disruption, as this is the very nature of eclipses.
Let us briefly take a look at what were the main world events surrounding the lunar eclipse in Libra that happened in March 2016:
- March 21st: The International Criminal Court finds former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the first time the ICC convicted someone of sexual violence.
- March 22nd: Brussels bombings: Suicide bombing attacks at Brussels’ Zaventem airport and Maalbeek metro station kill 35 people and injure 300 more.
- March 24th: Ex-Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić is sentenced to 40 years in prison after being found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian War.
- April 1–5 – 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh clashes: Clashes occur along the Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact with the Artsakh Defense Army, backed by the Armenian Armed Forces, on one side and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the other. The US State Department estimates that a total of 350 people have been killed in the clashes, which have been defined as “the worst” since the 1994 ceasefire.
- April 3 – The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung publish the “Panama Papers”, a set of 11.5 million confidential documents from the Panamanian corporate Mossack Fonseca that provides detailed information on more than 214,000 offshore companies, including the identities of shareholders and directors including noted personalities and heads of state.
- April 8 – Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (dated March 19) is published in the Vatican; it appears to amend the Roman Catholic Church’s position on the availability of sacraments to Catholics who have divorced and contracted a civil remarriage.
- April 16 – A 7.8 earthquake strikes northwestern Ecuador, killing 676 people and injuring over 6,000. Widespread damage was caused across Manabí Province, with structures hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre collapsing.
The events around the last lunar eclipse in Libra on March 23rd, 2016, when it was aligned with the North Node, showcased a series of disruptive and challenging occurrences worldwide, ranging from acts of terrorism to natural disasters, significant legal judgments, and revelations of financial corruption. Given the South Node’s emphasis on decrease, release, and sometimes the need to let go of outdated structures or beliefs, we can anticipate the following potential themes and implications for the 2024 eclipse:
1°) International Justice and Legal Accountability:
The convictions of Jean-Pierre Bemba and Radovan Karadžić around the time of the 2016 eclipse highlighted themes of justice and accountability. With the South Node involved in 2024, there may be a continuation or conclusion of major international legal proceedings, possibly leading to a decrease in impunity for crimes against humanity and war crimes. This could also signify a period where the collective focus shifts towards reconciling with the past and addressing unresolved issues of justice and accountability.
2°) Terrorism and Security:
The Brussels bombings in 2016 marked a significant moment of violence and terror. With the South Node’s influence, the upcoming eclipse could indicate a period of reflection and perhaps a decrease in the intensity of such attacks, as efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and improve international security cooperation are emphasised. However, the disruptive nature of the South Node may also bring unexpected challenges (as shown by the recent ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow on March 22nd) in these areas, requiring innovative approaches to conflict resolution and security.
3°) Conflict Zones and Peace Efforts:
The Nagorno-Karabakh clashes in 2016 were a reminder of the enduring conflicts that exist around the globe. The South Node eclipse in Libra might encourage a decrease in hostilities through diplomatic efforts, highlighting the need for peaceful resolutions to longstanding disputes. Yet, the path to achieving these resolutions could be fraught with the challenges of letting go of old grievances and finding a new balance in power dynamics. Update: This horoscope was written on March 24th, 2024, and on the day of the eclipse, March 25th (a few hours later), the UN Security Council voted a ceasefire Resolution in the Israel/Gaza conflict).
You can also read my previous astrological analysis regarding this conflict here.
4°) Financial Transparency and Reform:
The publication of the Panama Papers during the last Libra eclipse cycle exposed widespread financial secrecy and corruption. The 2024 eclipse, with its South Node emphasis, could push for a decrease in financial opacity and malpractices, urging global efforts towards greater transparency and ethical financial practices. This period may also reveal further instances of financial misconduct, prompting a collective reassessment of values related to wealth and power.
5°) Cultural and Ethical Shifts:
Pope Francis’ “Amoris Laetitia” represented a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s stance on divorce and remarriage. The upcoming eclipse might bring about a further decrease in dogmatic approaches to morality and ethics, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of complex social and personal issues. This could extend beyond religious contexts, influencing broader cultural and ethical norms.
6°) Natural Disasters and Environmental Awareness:
The 2016 earthquake in Ecuador was a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of human societies to natural forces. The South Node’s role in the 2024 eclipse could highlight the importance of decreasing environmental degradation and improving disaster preparedness. It may also bring attention to the need for healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of such events, with a focus on sustainable and resilient community practices.
{ If you’re interested in learning more about eclipses from a symbolic & practical point of view, check my article:
“Your ultimate guide to Eclipses!” HERE ! }
With Mars, Saturn, Venus, and Neptune all residing in Pisces during this eclipse, there’s an overarching theme of serious, emotionally charged decisions being made. This stellium of planets in Pisces—a sign associated with fluidity, spirituality, and artistic expression—highlights the necessity of tough yet spiritually guided choices. The combination of Mars and Saturn in this sign speaks to disciplined action taken for emotional or spiritual reasons, while Venus and Neptune together promote harmony and idealism.
Moreover, the approaching conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus signals a period of breakthroughs and rapid evolutionary changes, reinforcing the transformative potential of this eclipse. This cosmic event may not directly precipitate immediate changes but sets the stage for profound realisations and shifts in perspective.
It’s also worth noting that with Chiron and Mercury near the North Node in Aries, there’s an undertone of vulnerability and openness in communications and decisions made during this time. This placement suggests that the choices leading to endings or transitions are deeply felt and carry significant emotional weight, emphasising the personal growth and healing that can emerge from such pivotal moments.
Finally, the eclipse sweeps across parts of Antarctica, the western half of Africa, western Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Americas, the Pacific Ocean, Japan, and the eastern half of Australia, and these are the areas where peak activity will be seen around the time of the eclipse.
This lunar eclipse in Libra is more than a celestial event; it’s a call to introspection, to reevaluate our connections, and to make space for more authentic expressions of ourselves. It’s a reminder of the power of endings as catalysts for new beginnings, urging us to move forward with clarity and purpose.
This lunar eclipse will be felt most intensely by Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn placements, particularly if you have planets and/or important chart points around 5 degrees of these signs (give or take 1-5 degrees).
II. Venus sextiles Uranus:
Following the intense lunar eclipse, we’re presented with a compelling celestial scenario from March 26th until March 30th, peaking on March 28th. Venus, currently exalted in the empathetic and intuitive sign of Pisces, forms a sextile with Uranus in Taurus. This setup suggests a period ripe for unexpected yet favourable developments in personal finance and relationships, offering a contrasting dynamic to the introspective themes ushered in by the eclipse.
Financially, be on the alert for sudden opportunities that could bolster your economic standing. These opportunities might emerge from unconventional sources or through unanticipated means, underscoring the need for an open-minded approach to new financial prospects.
In the domain of relationships, this week could spark new connections or reinvigorate existing ones with unexpected elements of novelty and excitement. For those not currently in a relationship, surprising encounters in everyday situations could lead to significant connections. Meanwhile, individuals in partnerships might find value in exploring new, unconventional activities together, injecting a sense of adventure into their bond.
Moreover, this period encourages a collective reevaluation of what we value, propelled by the reflective insights triggered by the recent eclipse. There’s a noticeable shift towards appreciating simplicity and sustainability, highlighting a collective desire for change in our personal lives and societal norms.
Navigating this week, the blend of Venus in its exalted state in Pisces with the innovative energy of Uranus in Taurus calls for flexibility and a readiness to embrace change. Following the eclipse’s call for introspection and reassessment, the Venus-Uranus sextile provides tangible avenues to act on these reflections, particularly in managing resources and enriching personal connections. Keep an eye out for the unexpected, and be prepared to adapt to positive shifts in both your financial situation and relationship dynamics.
This sextile will be most favourable for Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, and Capricorn placements.
Thank you for reading.
Fuel my caffeine addiction and spark my productivity by clicking that ‘Buy me a coffee’ button—because nothing says ‘I love this blog’ like a hot cup of java!
Buy Me a Coffee
Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~
Remember that this is a general horoscope and is NOT your personal one. If you’d like to know what your birth chart says about your personality and your life’s purpose or discover what the upcoming astrological alignments mean specifically for you, you can:
(i) Purchase one of my super concise & accurate mini-readings that will answer your most pressing Astro questions within 5 days max!
(ii) OR book a LIVE consultation with me.