This Aries season, we are gifted with a total solar eclipse on top of a Super New Moon on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, turning light into darkness.
So, what’s an eclipse? Here’s the sciency-version:
Eclipses occur when the sun, moon, and Earth come into alignment. How they line up can cause two types of eclipses: a lunar eclipse or a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens during a new moon and a lunar eclipse happens during a full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking our view of at least part of the sun (partial eclipse) or completely blocking the Sun (total eclipse). A lunar eclipse happens during the full moon phase, when the Earth's shadow blocks out our view of the moon.
The Sun is the largest object in our solar system. Its diameter is about 865,000 miles (1.4 million kilometers). Its gravity holds our entire solar system together – keeping all planets and other debris in orbit around it. The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, but the Moon is about 400 times closer to Earth. This means that to us earthlings the Moon and Sun appear to be about the same size in the sky, which allows us to visually experience these eclipses.
Significance of eclipses:
Throughout history, eclipses have been seen as a disruption of the natural order of life. Back in ye olden days, people feared eclipses and blamed any negative occurrences on them. Thankfully, now we have a lot more research on eclipses and can predict when they will occur, giving everyone ample opportunity to prepare for the change in energy. Modern Astrologists believe an eclipse is a life-changing time to seek change and usher in evolution. Eclipses are fated events, tied closely to the nodes of destiny.
In astrology, solar eclipses serve as a portal for spiritual evolution, mirroring the soul's journey toward enlightenment and self-actualization. When the sun, symbolizing our heart's desire and egoic expressions, is eclipsed from Earth's view, it's a message that you can't ignore your feelings and emotions in favor of your ego or pride.
During a lunar eclipse, your emotions and subconscious patterns are usually revealed. During a solar eclipse, your desires and ego or pride surrounding those desires will be revealed.
On the days around the eclipse, we may experience some significant reality checks. We will feel an urgency to confront our current reality with courage and excitement for change. An eclipse urges us to reach the higher vibrations available to us. Each zodiac sign has a high side and a low side. Aries is the warrior of the zodiac. This sign can lead us to our willpower, courage, and motivation. It can also lead us to frustration and anger.
This solar eclipse is an opportunity to look at how the low side of Aries is blocking your evolution. It’s a time to become aware of how you may be fighting yourself or at war in your own mind. Are there certain behaviors, beliefs, or patterns that are fighting your growth and desires? Or do you feel there are parts of yourself fighting for attention or even survival?
Aries also encourages you to become aware of how you are battling yourself. You may be consciously or unconsciously fighting to overcome your obstacles or fighting against self-doubts that hold you back. This eclipse invites you to feel how you can align with support to overcome your blocks instead of feeling like you need to battle all the time.
Mercury in retrograde paired w/ the eclipse:
Mercury is in the microwave right now (as one of my best friends loves to say, which always makes me laugh) – You may be hearing all the buzz about the planet Mercury having recently gone retrograde. Mercury’s retrograde journey is from April 1 to April 25. This means that many past situations, issues, circumstances, etc. may resurface during this eclipse time. We need to be prepared to take action toward making our lives better rather than resisting the challenges the Universe is bringing. Go through it, and most importantly, grow through it.
Mercury’s retrograde brings us the opportunity to reprocess events of the past so that we can release them. Mercury retrograde allows us to have deeper conversations with ourselves, and paired with this solar eclipse, this retrograde will likely shed light on what is holding you back from your next stage of evolution. It can show you where you need to detach and where you need to focus.
North & South Nodes – The Nodes of Fate / Destiny
What Are the Nodes of Destiny?
The Lunar Nodes of Destiny depict the journey that we go through for the approximately1.5 years the nodes orbit two opposite signs. The nodes work in pairs, and the Aries-Libra axis is currently being aspected. Astrologically, the Lunar Nodes of Destiny show us where our karma is. The North Node of Destiny (what we are moving toward), currently in Aries (and has been since July 17, 2023), tells us that we must pull in more endeavors that focus on ourselves. It’s teaching us that it's ok to be selfish and to put ourselves first. The South Node (what we are moving away from) of Destiny, which is in Libra, is pushing us to release outdated relationship beliefs. With the North Node in Aries, it's all about connecting with what we love, what speaks to our heart on the soulful level. And because The South Node is in Libra, it is pushing us not to overthink and stop trying to make things work that aren't.
The North Node in Aries is collectively pushing us towards embracing autonomy and personal growth, while the South Node highlights past behaviors and relationship patterns that need to be released, such as over-reliance and codependency. A call for assertion, courage, and leadership, this eclipse will support us as we pursue our goals with renewed vigor and determination. Aries is, after all, the first sign of the zodiac, so consider this a powerful opportunity to start a new or perhaps even reinvent outdated aspects of your life.
How to Embrace this solar eclipse:
Go out and view this rare occurrence (with protective eyeglasses, of course) if you happen to be in the path of totality. This is a whole separate topic that I will not delve into here, but if you are interested in learning more about the eclipse and the path of totality, check out this article which gives a lot of really great information. https://nso.edu/for-public/eclipse-map-2024/
Take time to look up your birth chart. Moonology.com and astro-charts.com are two great resources for birth charts and many other horoscope astrology related topics.
Take time to meditate or practice some breath work techniques. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Sama Vriti (box breathing) would be excellent pranayama practices during this eclipse to provide emotional balance and clarity. Do a yoga practice (See below for a short but sweet yoga sequence you can do at home to connect with the Aries energy of this moon)
This is the perfect time to quantum jump. At the time of this eclipse, a portal is opening up for you to quantum-jump into the next chapter of your life. The way to access this portal is to spend the week in as high-vibrational a state of being as possible. Spend time in nature, chant, meditate, do what makes you feel good.
Sound baths are a wonderful meditative experience to immerse yourself in during eclipse season.
Journaling is a wonderful activity for moon rituals or really anytime. Whatever you choose to do for this eclipse, do it with intention and peace in your heart.
Pull some cards or have your cards read for you. (We have a wonderful intuitive team that can help you with this)
Eclipse energy can feel very intense and challenging, but the end result is usually always for the best and works out.
ARIES YOGA SEQUENCE:
For confidence, courage, and igniting your inner fire.
Easy seated pose
Begin with some neck & shoulder rolls; stretching the arms up overhead
Come into tabletop position
Cat / Cow stretches
Downward Dog
Low Lunge (both sides)
Malasana / Yogi Squat
Sun salutation A
Warrior II
Goddess
Wide legged forward fold
Warrior II (other side)
Goddess
Sun salutation A
Warrior III
Bridge
Shivasana
CRYSTAL PAIRINGS for the solar eclipse:
Smoky Quartz - Smoky Quartz provides stability and resilience during times of change, making it an ideal companion for the eclipse.
Amethyst is a stone of protection and intuition. Amethyst vibrates at a high frequency creating a bubble of spiritual protection around you. It purifies the mind and clears negative thoughts, which releases stress and brings a calming energy.
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