In Astrology an is actually quite simple to understand. Like the earth blocks the light from the sun in a solar eclipse then so in astrology the energy of the sun is obscured. The same occurs in a Lunar Eclipse when the earth is casting its shadow on the moon it also obscuring the energy of the moon. It obscures what would normally be seen. Situations are in shadow. This is often construed as a time to watch-out, to expect a cover-up because details may be hidden and we do not see the full picture. This is why Astrologers often warn their clients to avoid making big decisions for the three days around any eclipse.

Of course, an eclipse may not always be negative. It will depend not only upon which sign it falls in but also any particular aspects it may be making it to other planets at the time. These issues will be relevant to all of us. How any particular eclipse is going to affect each of us personally will depend upon each and every person’s own unique birth chart. People born with the sun and/or moon in Cancer will be strongly affected by any eclipse because those born under the sign of Cancer are ruled by the Moon.

What is an Eclipse

There are between four to six eclipses a year. The word Eclipse comes from the Ancient Greek word for “darken”, ie when we are left in the dark. An eclipse is when either the moon is between us and the sun ie a solar eclipse or when the moon is in our shadow. Astrologically this means that nothing is clear.

Lunar Eclipses

This happens when the earth is exactly between the sun and the moon and is often referred to as an “opposition. Lunar eclipses usually give us insights into or unconscious or what Carl Jung referred to as our “shadow”. The human parts of ourselves of which we are often in denial. The angry, jealous parts of ourselves. Owning and accepting our shadow side is an important part of personal and spiritual development, self-realisation and enlightenment, after all, we are human and all those “shadow” aspects can be transformed with the power of love.

Solar Eclipses

These happen when the moon gets between the sun and the earth, astrologically known as a conjunction. During this time the moon either totally or partially blocks the sun and as such either wholey or partially blocks what we see. As humans, we have a tendency to only look at what we can see, that which is illuminated, so to speak. This often limits our perspective on ourselves, our opportunities and your world. Solar eclipses can force us to consider options we would never usually even notice let alone consider or explore.

What we do know is that Eclipses always bring change and change is usually a good thing in the longer term even if it seems horrible in the shorter term. Sometimes we need a Cosmic kick up the backside to stop us procrastinating and staying in our comfort zones, regardless of how bad life actually is. At these times, the planets are on our side and give us an extra boost to transform ourselves and our world. See here for how to take advantage of the energy of an eclipse to transform your life for the better through personal and spiritual development.