Eclipses come round twice a year, with a Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon) and Solar Eclipse (New Moon) two weeks apart, followed every six months by the same pair. The Solar Eclipses fall into different Saros Series which have their own theme.
On individual charts, the eclipses fall in a particular house and may aspect – conjunction or opposition – natal planets or the chart axis. Since eclipses are Nodal experiences – driven by the movement of the North/South Nodes – they bring challenges to individual development. The South Node represents what is familiar, our unevolved selves, into which we tend to retreat as the line of least resistance – the road to nowhere. The North Node is the unfamiliar towards which the individual must strive if they wish to be fulfilled.
Eclipses can bring crises as a way of forcing change especially if lessons have not been learned and challenges ducked. There is usually a sense of heightened awareness or trepidation when they come round.
The up and coming April Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees Aries is being hyped because its path runs across North America. But is not an especially difficult Saros Series (see post 20th March 2024).
Previous Solar Eclipses around this degree occurred on April 2005 (19 Aries); April 1986 (19 Aries); April 1978 (17 Aries); April 1959 (18 Aries). October 2004 (21 Libra); October 1996 (20 Libra); October 1977 (19 Libra); October 1958 (19 Libra).
Eclipse conjunct natal Sun is a wake-up call, indicating a new path must be chosen, old attitudes junked, a definite decision to let go what is familiar and find the courage to reorganize priorities and make a fresh start. Burying head in sand is only likely to bring forced change, so best get in front of the curve and volunteer.
Eclipse opposition natal Sun – mistakes need to be faced and acknowledged. Finding a new perspective will bring a chance to get off onto a better footing.
Eclipse conjunct natal Moon – will bring into focus Moon areas such as family, mother figures, the past, close relationships, the connection to the individual’s community in terms of public image, sometimes health, what brings safety and security. It will prompt a reevaluation of the past and a need to alter habitual ways of approaching problems. Given the Moon’s nurturing qualities, it could feel as if foundations under a life are shifting.
Eclipse opposition Moon – it may put strain on close relationships with emotional over-reactions. Moving away from the past will help in the long run and more significantly realizing what old emotional patterns need to change.
Eclipse conjunct Mercury – upsets familiar attitudes, opinions, beliefs and ways of looking at the world to force a rethink. Brings added curiosity. Getting out of an intellectual rut.
Eclipse opposition Mercury – communication muddles as loose ends fly around. Effort will be need to maintain order in thinking and in organization. Time to get a grip and get jolted out of familiar ways of looking at life.
Eclipse conjunct Venus – can bring an emotional or financial crisis, feeling isolated for a while, but also a hint that indulging yourself is not a sin.
Eclipse opposition Venus – feeling separated from appreciation, indulgence or a close relationship. Being tolerant, compromising and thinking of other people’s needs, not your own is required.
Eclipse conjunct Mars – will press a red button on energy and anger. If normally over-active, then will need to slow down but for the meek and mild will be a time to find a backbone, put down limits and indicate displeasure at being pushed around.
Eclipse opposition Mars – argumentative, uncompromising, revitalizing. Needs to be handled with caution since an urge for thrills and excitement can cause trouble.
Eclipse conjunct Jupiter – over optimism can be a problem since Jupiter’s tendency to extremes gets out of hand. Need to double check and take nothing for granted.
Eclipse opposition Jupiter – questions of trust come into focus. Have you relied too much on an unreliable friend/institution/belief. Sorting out what to put your faith in and what not is crucial.
Eclipse conjunct Saturn – chickens come home to roost and the price must be paid for past actions. Taking responsibility is key where Saturn is involved. Be realistic and get a grip.
Eclipse opposition Saturn – getting landed with added responsibilities, including for other people’s actions. A need to face up to fears and have a good clean out.
The outer planets are probably less noticeable in effect but worth paying attention to with a hint of problems when the attributes of the planets are ignored. Uranus can offer liberation or if avoided restrict freedom. Neptune points to deeper spiritual understanding or self-deception. Pluto – opportunity for transformation which if ducked leads to stagnation/decay.
Eclipse conjunct Ascendant – a change in image is required, how others see you, whether in changing job, relationship status, wardrobe and appearance.
Eclipse conjunct Descendant – need to be less self-sufficient and more adaptable to make close relationships work, otherwise a separation may occur.
Eclipse conjunct Midheaven which rules career and direction in life – will bring a rethink of how best to fulfil your inner potential by walking a path that suits you. Can precipitate a career change or just a fundamental revaluation of your life’s direction.
If the eclipse falls near your North or South Node it is a key staging post in your development (or should be). The Nodal Returns occur at approximately 18, 37, 55, or 74 years of age. This is when a Solar Eclipse is around the conjunction to the North Node. It will be a time to reconsider your priorities and get yourself onto the right track.
The Nodal Half Return at approximately 27, 46, 64 or 83 years of age will occur with the Solar Eclipse around a conjunction to the South Node. You may be tempted to slide backwards into familiar habit patterns. But more helpfully you can explore the better qualities of the south node without going into reverse gear.
Eclipses through the houses see: Eclipses on top bar or:
https://www.thedarkpixieastrology.com/the-new–full-moons.html