Welcome to Aries season, the Vernal Equinox, and what many consider the astrological new year! When the Sun enters into the sign of Aries in the tropical zodiac, it marks the official beginning of Spring. All the connotations of birth, emergence, and growth fully present!
This year, the Spring season also marks the first set of solar and lunar eclipses in 2024 (the second set will be in the Fall). Eclipses this Spring will be in the axis of Aries and Libra, because the Lunar Nodes are currently transiting through those signs tropically.
About Eclipses
Eclipses are some of the oldest tracked astrological omens. One of the oldest records of eclipse omens is from the ancient Babylonian tablets called Enūma Anu Enlil. These tablets recorded all manner of celestial omens, including solar and lunar eclipses, lunar cycles, and weather patterns (THW 66).
Eclipses have been typically seen as a negative event in astrology. The Sun and Moon are the sources of light and life on Earth, so any disruption of them implied undesirable or unfortunate events. The Enūma Anu Enlil describes that during a lunar eclipse, the god of the Moon "mourns" and "cries" (THW 72).
As one of the oldest systems of prediction in the world, eclipses have tracked and been recorded for the majority of human history, so that we may understand and prepare for what is to come.
2024 Eclipses
Every year, we have a total of four eclipses, two solar and two lunar. Eclipses occur in pairs that span two weeks apart. So, there will be a solar and lunar eclipse within two weeks of each other and six months later, there will be another set of solar and lunar eclipses that occur within a two week interval.
20th tablet of Enūma Anu Enlil on eclipses omens, 7th century b.c.e. https://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/galileopalazzostrozzi/object/OmensBasedOnEclipses.html
Eclipses have been sorted into different categories of repetition that happen roughly every 18 years, which is called the Saros cycle. Therefore, every 18 years we have an eclipse where the Sun and Moon are roughly in about the same position. We can look back in intervals of 18 years to get an idea of what types of events were happening under the same eclipse series.
There are 19 different Saros series of eclipses. Each series started with a partial eclipse, and the original positions of the planets, Sun, and Moon in that eclipse provide some insight on themes of the following eclipses in that series. In 2024, eclipses occurring will be in Saros series 8.
-Lunar Penumbral Eclipse at 5' Libra: March 25 at 12:00:17 AM in PDT.
-Total Solar Eclipse at 19' Aries: April 8 at 11:20: 49 AM in PDT.
Both of these eclipses will be visible throughout much of the United States, which implies their impact and effect may be especially potent in this area of the world.
In Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark, Bernadette Brady gives a description of the energetic signature of the different eclipse series based on the placements of the original eclipse in the series. Saros series 8 North's first eclipse took place in the year 1501 and will complete in 2745.
The original eclipse was a Solar eclipse conjunct Saturn and squaring Uranus. According to Brady, hallmarks of this series are
"inventiveness and flashes of genius...the individual will have intuitive leaps, insights, good ideas, visions or vivid dreams. This new-found inspiration will pull the person away from his or her social life and relationship, thereby causing strain in the private life. This is a time when the person needs to be free, if only for a few weeks." (EAL 318-319)
The "flashes of genius" suggested here are very on par with typical expressions of Uranus, and I think this seems to correlate well with an important Uranus transit we are having shortly after this eclipse series, which is the Jupiter- Uranus conjunction. The exact conjunction will occur shortly after this eclipse series on April 20th, but the impact of their influence will last for a couple months before and after the exact moment.
Jupiter- Uranus conjunctions have historically been noted as moments where creative genius breaks through and incredible, ground breaking ideas are launched into the world. They occur roughly every 14 years, so this is a fairly uncommon alignment.
This eclipse period may be a beautiful time to marinate in your ideas and see if you're able to put together a new perspective, find new breakthrough ideas and epiphanies in the part of your chart where these eclipses will be hitting.
Themes by Rising Sign
Aries & Libra Risings: The Solar and Lunar eclipses will be occurring in your first house of self and seventh house of partners. Consider if there are identities that you're ready to release or take on, or people in your life you are ready to let go of, or making space for to enter. Pay close attention to dreams, visions, and insights you may have about yourself and partners during this time. Can you and they be a source of creative inspiration?
Taurus & Scorpio Risings: The Spring eclipses will be taking place in your sixth and twelfth house axis, which impacts themes of physical and mental health, pets and animals. It may be especially important for you to regard your health this year, and consider if the habits you keep are helping or harming your health. You may feel the need to take stock of your routines and decide if you need to add or let go of certain work outs, foods, and habits. What creative insights could you gain around your inner struggles and physical blocks?
Gemini & Sagittarius Risings: Eclipses will be occurring in your fifth and eleventh house axis of creative work, hopes and dreams. You may be feeling the stir of new inspirations or noticing the well is running dry. Are there certain hopes, dreams or ambitions that you can release that might be holding you back from unlocking your creative potential? Could you be relying more on your friends and social groups or are there people in your circle you're ready to let go of? Keep an eye out for an strokes of creative genius!
Cancer & Capricorn Risings: Eclipses will be taking place in your fourth and tenth house axis of home and career. There may be some changes and adjustments ahead! You may be feeling pulled to spend more time at home, or less time at home to focus more on your career and public reputation. What parts of work and career can you release that may be holding you back? Or are you feeling stuck and ready to burst out into the world?
Leo and Aquarius Risings: Eclipses will be occurring in your third and ninth house axis of education and spirituality. You may be feeling called to do more learning or research in areas that are of passionate interest for you, or feel a spiritual awakening that you're ready to explore. Are there any beliefs about the world or your community and family, that may be ready to release? How would it be to share more of your new beliefs with others?
Virgo and Pisces Risings: Eclipses will be taking place in your second and eighth house axis of money and finances. There may be some big, important purchases in your near future -- whether it's paying off debts or acquiring new possessions. Is there something holding you back financially, and can you let this go in order to find yourself meeting your financial goals? Pay attention to dreams and visions that point you towards new ways to achieving the financial freedom you're seeking.
Don't know your rising sign and want to get more personal insight on eclipses? Book an astrology consult here:
Remediation:
Eclipses can feel exhausting. We all experience the world and our bodies differently, but I believe our bodies are all still connected to the Moon. The Moon's trials and tribulations are felt by us and through us. By following the Moon's movements with astrology, I've been able to gage how sensitive I am to the Moon's energetic ebb and flow.
I personally feel very physically affected about three days before an eclipse, and the feeling falls away once the eclipse passes. To me, this can show up as low energy and motivation, less appetite, heaviness and lethargy.
Here are some of the things I do that really help me when I feel the intensity of eclipse energy affecting me. If it feels good to you, you're welcome to try these too*:
Salt water bath. This is my number 1 tip, it helps me so much when I'm feeling the worst of eclipse side effects. Any type of cleansing and purifying rituals are helpful, but the inclusion of water and salts (both ruled by the Moon) can really help to soothe any physical effects. For me, taking a salt water bath will help me feel better for several hours and "take the edge off." (I got this tip from astrologer Sam Reynolds, thank you!) I typically use plain, unscented epsom salt, but sea salt or pink salts should also work.
If you don't have access to a natural body of water, or a bath tub, a salt water spray might be another alternative. You can make it yourself or buy one online. Many spiritual stores will also carry them.
Keep your blinds closed and curtains drawn. During an eclipse the Sun and Moon's energy is "corrupted", so some claim that avoiding direct light exposure can help lessen the effects and ward off the energy. However, life continues on, and sometimes being outside or in the light during an eclipse is unavoidable. You can also consider wearing hats or sunglasses outside, or covering yourself as much as possible. Light colors and especially white clothing can help.
Burn incense. I haven't tried this yet, but I am planning to try it this year and see how it goes! Certain incenses like camphor can supposedly lessen the impact or effect of the planet's energy on us, as well as clear negative energy in the home. I'm looking forward to trying this out and seeing if this is helpful.
Eclipses are an extraordinary phenomenon and people often make a point to go out and view them when they are visible, which their prerogative. Do whatever feels right for you!
May your eclipse season be restful and uneventful,
Michelle
*All advice is for entertainment purposes only. I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you have concerns regarding your health, please consult with a medical professional.
EAL: Brady, Bernadette. Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark. Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC. San Francisco, CA. 1999.
THW: Rochberg, Francesca. The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture. Cambridge University Press. New York, NY. 2004.