Astrology Solar and Lunar Eclipses

image of a woman in a red dress reading astrololgy in front of an eclipse moon

All eclipses whether lunar or solar, partial or total, are about change and transformation. They force us to confront our own shadow nature or dark side. Eclipses are a sign from the Universe that change will soon visit us on the Earth plane. That change doesn’t always occur on the exact date of the eclipse, sometimes it is weeks, months or even more than a year before or after the eclipse that something major happens. The power of solar eclipses normally lasts longer than lunar eclipses but that doesn’t mean that lunar eclipses are less potent. In fact, they may be more potent over a shorter period. An eclipse can be connected to the original source of events, but sometimes it takes the power of another planet passing over the same spot for the effect to be fully realised.

Differences between Solar Eclipses and Lunar Eclipses

Solar Eclipses

The Moon is between the Sun and the Earth when it temporarily shields the Sun, so here on Earth we can’t see it. It is a New Moon (aka a Dark Moon). Although we should never physically look at an eclipse, spiritually we should look and explore the effects of eclipses. Spiritually speaking we lose consciousness and move into the realm of the dark unconscious. Thinking can become confused, we don’t see as much and may draw incorrect conclusions. It’s as if we’re in a bit of a fog. We are forced to ‘feel’ our way through rather than see where we’re going. This has the effect of causing us to rely on our other senses rather than visible evidence right in front of us. If you rely mostly on your analytical and cognitive abilities, then you will be more adversely affected than someone who is more holistic and relies on physical feelings, emotions and spiritual insight. Solar eclipses are akin to the masculine principle, being active, expansive, transmitting, positive polarity and being ‘right’. Solar eclipses are also more related to external events. Something happens in the outside world then we think, plan, react or better still respond, taking some kind of action. We expand our awareness of hidden dark things and bring them to the light of conscious awareness. This is a gift, even though events at the time may suggest otherwise.

Lunar Eclipses

The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, often causing what is known as a ‘Blood Moon’ or a ‘Hunter’s Moon’. This is actually the shadow of the Earth upon the Moon. It’s quite an eerie event, if you’ve ever noticed the red to brown tones of the Moon during this time. At this time, we are most in touch with our own subconscious darkness. Famous psychiatrist Carl Jung called this the “shadow self” which is that powerful part of the subconscious of which we’re normally unaware. Lunar eclipses relate to the feminine, being receptive, magnetic, being left, negative polarity, destruction and darkness. They are more likely to cause inner turmoil and dark emotions to surface. When dark forces come up, resist the urges. Some may feel revenge is a meal best eaten cold, in other words, revenge is plotted but delayed until the most efficacious time to act. It is a strange dark place where opposites reign supreme over our conscious wishes. It is powerful and it can control us if we don’t make efforts to work with and integrate this energy. If we communicate and safely express our emotions, we can eventually take the edge off the darker aspects, so they no longer control us. It’s not all darkness and gloom however, there are also spiritual gifts deep down in the shadow self, some of which we are unaware of. These can be redeemed when working with the subconscious self and eclipses can help in this regard.

2018 Eclipse dates

Full Moon Eclipse  1. Full Moon Lunar 

31st January 2018 1:27 pm

11° Leo 37′

Fire – Divine Feminine. Powerful emotions rise to the surface. Motherhood, love, passion, huntress energy, creation and destruction, dark mother energy. Who is Queen of the jungle? Who is boss lioness? Absorbing reality, not immediately acting. Major shock. Wait in the dark and see.

partial solar eclipse  2. Partial Solar 

15th February 2018 9:05 pm

27° Aquarius 08′

Air – Trying to plan and strategise, confused logic, friends and groups. Stubborn, restrained emotions. Who wins? Trying to draw conclusions but not seeing the clear full picture.

partial solar eclipse  3. Partial Solar 

13th July 2018 2:48 am

20° Cancer 41′

Water – Unbridled, unrestrained emotions. Flowing water dirty then clean. Relationships, moon, motherhood, children, home life being affected.

Full Moon Eclipse  4. Full Moon Lunar 

27th July 2018 8:20 pm

04° Aquarius 45′

Air – Secrets, subterfuge, spying, dark hidden things, plotting and scheming. Planning thorough revenge. Friends and groups.

partial solar eclipse  5. Partial Solar 

11th August 2018 9:58 am

18° Leo 42′

Fire – Action and/or reaction. Asserting dominance. Striking out. Strength, kill or be killed. Alpha male. Lion – King of all he surveys.

You will see 2018 gifts us five eclipses – two fire, two air and one water sign. An eclipse magnifies energy, it’s like a Supermoon on caffeine. It forces us to wake up, go down a path and take action at some point. An eclipse shakes us turbulently to the core in order to effect change. Earthquakes sometimes occur around eclipse times.

Cancerians will feel lunar eclipses intensely as they are ruled by the Moon whereas Leos will feel solar eclipses intensely because they are ruled by the Sun. In 2018 the only solar eclipse in Leo occurs on the 11th August. As there’s only a solar eclipse on 13th July for Cancerians and no lunar eclipses in Cancer this year, they will be just like the rest of us in what they feel in terms of intensity. If your birthday occurs on an eclipse or if an eclipse occurs in your sign, you are also likely to feel it more intensely.

Fire Sign Eclipses

If an eclipse is in a fire sign like Leo on the 31st January, there’s likely to be passion and fiery emotions such as frustration and aggression. Leo is about being dominant and in control. The 31st January lunar eclipse suggests something powerful happens causing great emotion but nothing may be done about it immediately. Then on 15th February a solar eclipse occurs causing the male principle to act. There could be a precursor event in January which is then more powerfully dealt with later. Likewise with all eclipses, the solar is more about action whilst the lunar is more about integration of experience.

Air Sign Eclipses

Air sign eclipses such as the eclipse 15th February in Aquarius are likely to involve the realm of the mind. Aquarius is about innovation, technology, analytical ability, science, practicality and being independent. Great care is needed as we often think we know when in fact we can’t see the full picture. Logic and analytical thinking may be compromised and confused and Aquarius especially doesn’t enjoy that. Networks, groups and friends may be involved.

Water Sign Eclipses

Water sign eclipses such as the eclipse 13th July in Cancer are more likely to be about the rise and expression of repressed emotions and subconscious contents. This can make a mess of home and family life if one is not careful how they express their feelings. Mother, children, siblings could all be involved in family arguments at this time. Partners could be playing the role of mother, are similarly affected. Keep a button on your mouth and remember “lose lips sink ships”.

Earth Sign Eclipses

There are no Earth sign eclipses in 2018 but if there were, they would be either Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn. An Earth sign eclipse would be causing issues in finances, business, health or have some physical aspects.

Where is the Best Place to See an Eclipse?

Even if an eclipse is not visible from our location, we are still affected by its energy regardless of where we are on the planet. Wherever you are, only watch eclipses using special approved eye wear. Maps coming soon for below!

1. Total Lunar Eclipse 31st January 2018

Most visible in Australia, China, Russia, North and South Korea, Japan, Northern Canada and Alaska. As usual for a lunar eclipse, a blood Moon (or the hunter’s Moon) will be visible. Its spiritual meaning revolves around the cycle of life, death and rebirth.  A hint of things to come after being forced to let go of the past.

2. Partial Solar Eclipse 15th February 2018

Most visible in Antarctica and South America.

3. Partial Solar Eclipse 13th July 2018

Most visible in Northern Antarctica and Southern Victoria and tip of Southern South Australia.

4. Total Lunar Eclipse 27th July 2018

Most visible Antarctica, Africa, Middle East, Middle Europe and Far East Asia.

5. Partial Solar Eclipse 11th August 2018

Most visible in Russia, Greenland, Newfoundland, Northern China, South Korea and North Korea. A so called righting of wrongs. Delayed revenge.

Want to find out more about Planetary Influences?

Click on the link below!

Mercury Retrograde