Dear NightFall Astrology readers,
The upcoming eclipse season in April and May 2023 is expected to bring powerful and chaotic energy to our lives and the world around us. Eclipses have been observed and studied for centuries and hold significant symbolism in our lives.
To make the most of this tumultuous period, we need to understand the energy that accompanies eclipses and how we can navigate it to our advantage. In this discussion, we will explore the mystical energy of eclipses, their mythological origins, their astrological significations, and their potential impact on our lives in general.
I. The Power and Significance of Eclipses
Eclipses are celestial events of rare and wondrous magnitude when the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth align in an intricate dance that brings about the obstruction of light. These moments of darkness and light hold great significance, acting as potent catalysts for change and transformation.
The precise definition of an eclipse is when light is obstructed, and this occurs when the Moon lines up between the Sun and the Earth, causing darkness. Conversely, when the Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun, a burst of light floods the sky, often in dazzling shades of red or brilliant yellow.
Solar eclipses are the outcome of the Sun, Moon, and Earth aligning to create darkness, while lunar eclipses occur when the Moon, Earth, and Sun align to create brightness. These events are akin to New or Full moons, respectively, but with the added intensity of the obstruction of light (syzygy).
Eclipses represent a significant beginning or ending in a particular area of your life, acting as a potent catalyst for change. Rather than being viewed as singular events, they should be seen as part of an entire cycle of transformation.
The energy that accompanies eclipses is an enigma that never fails to provoke us. This is partly due to the fascinating myth of Rahu and Ketu in Vedic astrology, which tells the tale of a dragon named Rahu who craved the nectar of the gods, which would grant him immortality. Upon obtaining it, Rahu was punished by being cut in half, his head remaining as Rahu, still pursuing his ambition, and his body from the stomach downwards becoming Ketu, representing the past, release, and more tired spiritual energy, rejecting worldly matters.
{ If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating myth of the Lunar Nodes and their astrological symbolism,
check out my exclusive article on the subject here! }
By understanding this, you can recognise why certain events may feel more fitting or not, as the eclipse’s energy sets off a chain reaction of change in your life. As such, these celestial events offer a potent opportunity to transform your life and align yourself with your highest purpose.
Now, if you examine the eclipse periods that occur every six months, you will find that these are incredibly pivotal times of the year.
For instance, consider the eclipses that occurred in 2020, which took place during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, and the uprisings surrounding the December elections.
Similarly, 2021 has seen its share of upheaval, with the escalation of the Ukraine war and various natural disasters striking in April and May.
Moreover, protests and uprisings in Iran around Masha Amini’s death have been adding fuel to the already charged atmosphere since the last set of eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio in October and November 2022.
And more recently, after several weeks of protests against President Macron’s highly unpopular pension (government money falls under the sign of Scorpio) reform bill, it was promulgated into law this morning at 3 AM (CET) , April 15th, 2023.
We also have the ongoing trial against former US President Donald Trump (he was born during a lunar eclipse), who was indicted recently on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records (the April 20th hybrid eclipse falls into his 9th and 10th houses ruling legal and moral matters and his career, respectively).
II. The Energy of Eclipses and How to Handle It
Eclipses are not typically the most favourable times for us to initiate or conclude something with our own will. Allow me to emphasise: eclipses are not usually fitting for us to begin something of our own volition. This is because the sheer magnitude of the energy present during these occurrences is likely to sweep up our individual efforts and spit them out like a discarded matchstick. It’s akin to thinking, “Oh, there’s a massive wildfire, why don’t I light a match with this?” Needless to say, it’s not the most advisable option, nor will it be an enjoyable experience.
This is not the kind of thing where one can simply throw caution to the wind and say, “I don’t care; let’s do it.” No, it’s more like jumping into ice-cold water – while one may choose to do so, it’s not something I would actively encourage. If you do decide to take that leap, well, more power to you. But I won’t sugarcoat it and claim that it’s a transformative and emotional experience. In reality, it’s often a chaotic, destructive, and demonic one.
In sum, I suggest taking a step back and chilling out during eclipse periods. Live your life as normally as possible, and try to avoid any major occurrences. Of course, there will be those who have planned events during these times – anniversaries, travels, graduations, and the like. But for most of us, we’ll simply continue our daily routines, aware that an area of our lives may be experiencing a major new beginning or ending with the solar and lunar eclipses, respectively. These chapters begin around the time of the eclipse, and it’s up to us to recognise and embrace them as they unfold.
The ramifications of a single event can often reach far beyond its immediate impact. For instance, being let go from a job may leave you unemployed and force you to question your entire career path. And while the idea of owning a home may seem straightforward, the process of acquiring one often involves signing a lease, moving great distances, and beginning anew. These significant life changes are often brought about by the eclipses in our astrological charts, which reveal how global events are manifesting in our personal lives.
During these periods, it is wise to exercise caution before embarking on new endeavours. The changes that are signalled by the eclipses are powerful, and it is best to allow them to unfold organically rather than trying to force the issue. To do otherwise is to court disaster, like igniting a match in the midst of a raging wildfire or attempting to surf during a tsunami. It is important to be patient, continue living your life, and allow the eclipses to make the necessary changes in their own time.
Check your astrological chart and examine the Aries ,Taurus (the upcoming solar eclipse on April 20th is hybrid as the North Node is in Taurus, but the Sun and the Moon are at 29° of Aries), and Scorpio houses (lunar eclipse in 14° degrees of Scorpio on May 5th, 2023).
You will see that a new beginning is set to take place at the end of April in the former, while the latter will experience a sudden and massive ending at the beginning of May. Events outside your control will wreak these changes, and allowing them to unfold without resistance is best. Remember, the power of the eclipses is immense, and they are best left to do their work in their own way and in their own time.
{ If you’d like to know how the upcoming Solar & Lunar Eclipses in Aries & Scorpio are playing out in your own chart and life,
order one of my super concise mini-readings ! }
The Eclipse energy is continuous and chaotic, particularly when it occurs on the North Node. When an eclipse transpires on the North Node, it indicates heightened ambition and disruption. Conversely, when it occurs on the South Node, it typically signifies more tragedy and endings, suggesting that attempting to embody this energy in everyday life is not recommended. However, if your life goal is to terrorise or destroy something hypothetically, you could use the Eclipse energy. Still, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this under any circumstance.
Furthermore, if you believe in partial determinism and want to exercise your free will, be careful with rituals, astrological or magical remedies, and any other practices of the sort.
These should not be taken lightly or irresponsibly, whether or not it is eclipse season. Practising the occult science of Magick to “alter one’s fate” is reserved for its adepts and initiates and can have catastrophic consequences if practised without the necessary high-level knowledge, chastity, and morality. The best “remedy” is prayer.
{ Check my article entitled “Astro Philosophy: Free Will, Determinism, & the Causal vs Reflective Nature of Astrological Interpretation”
for an in-depth study of the matter. }
III. The Historical and Symbolic Significance of Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Throughout history, solar eclipses have been associated with the downfall of kings, as they have often been usurped during such events. The significance of solar eclipses lies in the fact that they represent a significant new beginning, with the Sun embodying themes of royalty, new beginnings, and usurping as a new ruler emerges. In this way, a solar eclipse can mark the end of one era and the start of another, with a new leader taking the reins.
In contrast, lunar eclipses signify a collective ending in the world, bringing closure to cycles and opening new doors for new beginnings. Lunar eclipses have a more inward and reflective energy than solar eclipses, as they signify the need for introspection and the completion of old cycles. They offer a chance to let go of what no longer serves us and make way for new beginnings.
Despite their mystical allure, it is advisable to avoid making major life decisions during an eclipse more than at any other time. While retrogrades like Mercury or Mars may be mere inconveniences or require a few do-overs, eclipses are a different story. These chaotic and unpredictable events make it best to avoid them, as the effects can be far-reaching and long-lasting. The energies during an eclipse can be intense and disruptive, and it is best to focus on inner work and reflection during this time rather than making big moves in the outer world.
The upcoming eclipse season in April and May 2023 presents an opportunity for us to tune into the energies of the cosmos and make the most of this time for personal growth and transformation. By paying attention to the symbolism and energy of solar and lunar eclipses, we can gain insight into our own lives and make decisions that are aligned with our highest good. While it is important to approach these events with caution, they can also be a powerful catalyst for positive change if we are open to their transformative energy.
In conclusion, I do not wish the confusion and chaos that often accompany an eclipse upon anyone. It is best to proceed with caution during this time and be mindful of the energetic impact that these celestial events can have on our lives.
I hope that paints a clear picture of what to do during an eclipse. Chill out, comfort yourself, and live your life normally. To gain more context on where world events may start, look at where the eclipse is happening in your chart. A solar eclipse signifies a huge new beginning. In contrast, a lunar eclipse indicates a huge ending that will last for over the next six months and be revised with new development in the next eclipse cycle, which occurs every six months.
Feel free to come back to this article whenever you need a deeper reminder of the meaning and symbolism of eclipses in astrology!
Let me know your thoughts and/or eclipse experiences in the comments below!
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Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~
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