On April 8, 2024 the Sun will be eclipsed by the shadow of the Moon. This in itself is not an unusual event; solar eclipses occur between two and five times every year. What makes this upcoming eclipse exceptional is that it is a total eclipse, and the path of totality stretches across the United States. The last time this occurred was in 2017, but the next time a total eclipse will be visible for a large swath of the U.S. is 2045.
For thousands of years primitive peoples feared eclipses; viewing the disappearance of the Sun and Moon were terrifying events for many cultures, representing an existential threat. Without understanding why the Sun and Moon disappeared, these were seen as the rejection of the gods. In fact, the word “eclipse” comes from the Greek word ekleípō meaning disappearance or abandonment. In traditional forms of astrology eclipses were feared as “bad omens” and many things were blamed on eclipses. This is still true in India where it is advised not to eat during a lunar eclipse which occurring to Sadhguru and other experts turns food into poisons.
Eclipses occur when a lunation (new or full moon) occurs near (up to 20º) the lunar nodes, the points in the sky where the Moon’s path crosses that of the Sun. These nodes represent gateways to the past and the future, and in natal astrology are extremely significant to spiritual development. Eclipses open doorways to release something of the past (when the eclipse conjoins the south node) or to open new portals to awakenings (when the eclipse conjoins the north node).
My approach to astrology is from a perspective of personal and spiritual evolution, and eclipses are an important part of this process because of their connection to experiences which change the course of our destiny. In my view, where fate is something which drives us from external forces, destiny is something that drives us from within. In an eclipse, especially if the degree of the eclipse hits sensitive points in our own natal charts, there is often a trigger which changes the course of our lives in ways that may be small but significant.
The eclipse on April 8th is a powerhouse of astrological significance. The Sun and Moon conjoin in Aries, exactly (to the minute) conjunct Chiron, with the North Node slightly behind. The significance of Chiron here as a tool to release the trap of victimhood cannot be understated. Aries demands that we emerge fully into our lives with courage and let go of any story that keeps us stuck in a prison of our own making. The Aries influence is tremendous here, with five planetary bodies all in that sign of fiery boldness. Yet all is not that simple: The engines are firing but the direction is muddy. There is pressure for something extreme to occur, but the pure force of Aries is hampered by confusion over the plan and insecurity that the hope will be realized. (Jupiter in exact aversion to lunation, Uranus also in aversion, Mars in Pisces conjunct Saturn in Pisces.)
It’s quite possible that this eclipse could bring about a major political event, especially in the U.S. where it is part of the Chiron Return in the U.S. chart. But that is something outside of our control; meanwhile we can utilize these energies to facilitate our own personal growth and ability to serve as a beacon of light. This solar eclipse, occurring at the New Moon, offers an opportunity for a new and courageous beginning; a study of our own conscious and unconscious desires and evaluation of how we can best move forward. All of these energies are shattering paradigms and forms of security, and this can be destabilizing for many of us. But the destruction is behind us, and there is only one way: forward.
Aries is the sign of pure creation and Will. At this eclipse, we must recognize that some things from the past are gone forever, but there is a bright future waiting once the storm clouds clear. What are the essentials that you want to bring into the new world, and how will you rebuild a happier future? These are the teachings from this eclipse.
Thank you so much for the heads up!!