Both the Sun and the Moon infuse our day-to-day world with potent energies. If you follow the ongoing trajectory of these two planets, you already know this.(1) However, for some of us (myself included), it often helps to have a consistent astrological reminder for the occurrence of New and Full Moon lunations — what their symbolic astrological significations are — and how we can consciously apply this language to our individual and collective lives.(2)
Although every lunation is symbolically powerful, eclipses are especially so! In the mundane astrological world of countries, politics, etc., these super–intense eclipse lunations can be disruptive to stock markets, political agendas, and cause unexpected earth events.
Individually, if we follow the celestial dance between the Sun and Moon, we can know when and how to intentionally embark on important creative prospects and align with our soul’s evolutionary intent — our destiny.
Following is a brief description of all eight (waxing and waning) lunar phases. Please note that each one of these phases also relate to the lunar cycle that you were born under:
New Moon: This is the first phase of the lunar cycle and is generally an auspicious time to begin something new. Imbue your psyche with positive ideas, begin new projects, start new relationships, initiate new ways to be free and independent.
Waxing Crescent: During this period, you will want to continue to integrate the New Moon energies into your life. Give all your attention to nurturing the dreams that you began under the New Moon phase.
First Quarter: The focus now is for self-renewal, self-love, and self-confidence. Attend to your own needs and practice self-care.
Waxing Gibbous: A great time to continue with your creative ideas and initiate new artistic interests. Focus on being true to yourself. Relish in your unique authentic expression.
Full Moon: Refine your hopes, wishes, dreams, and desires. Focus on attracting love, friendship, and prosperity. Practice gratitude for all you currently have and celebrate your life.
Waning Gibbous: Use this time to attune to the needs of others. Altruism and philanthropic endeavors flourish now.
Last Quarter: Place your attention on your inner world: go within, meditate, journal, pay attention to your dreams — tap into your inner power!
Waning Crescent: Hidden secrets and knowledge are revealed. Past life memories and prophetic visions can arise.
Notes 1. Here is a website that tracks the phases of the Moon for your location. 2. For a reminder of the important monthly lunations you can sign up for my newsletter here.
November 24 – December 15 (22°35′ to 6°28′ Sagittarius)
Pre-shadow period occurs November 7 – 24 Mercury turns retrograde on November 24 at 6:43 p.m. (22°35′ Sagittarius) Stations direct on December 16 at 12:57 p.m. (6°28′ Sagittarius) Post-shadow occurs from December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Note: Times are approximate based on pacific time.
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth. Previous 2024 Retrograde Periods
April 1 – April 24, 2024 (27°13′ to 15°58′ Aries)
Pre-shadow period occurs March 18 – April 1 Mercury turns Retrograde on April 1 at 3:15 p.m. (27°13′ Aries) Stations Direct on April 24 at 5:54 a.m. (15°58′ Aries) Post-shadow occurs from April 24 – May 13, 2024
August 3 – 28 (4°06′ Virgo to 21°24′ Leo)
Pre-shadow period occurs July 16 – August 3 Mercury Retrogrades on August 3 at 9:56 p.m. (4°06′ Virgo) Mercury Stations Direct on August 28, 2024, at 5:12 a.m. (21°24′ Leo) Post-shadow occurs from August 28 – September 11
SOLAR — October 2, 2024 (Wed) 10°03′ Libra – 11:49 a.m.
*Note: Above times are based on pacific time.
2024 has two Solar and two LunarEclipses. These four Eclipses, along with several other important astrological events this year, are portending more of the same, change! 2024 is destined to be a time of great import, with major shifts, (such as Pluto’s movement into Aquarius) occurring on both the individual as well as the collective level. Watch for upcoming 2024 Eclipse details in my newsletter.
A Solar Eclipse occurswhen the Moon travels between the Sun and the Earth and Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. Lunar Eclipses occur during a Full Moon about two weeks before or after a Solar Eclipse (New Moon).
Eclipses are potent celestial events because they imbue our psyches with the essence and spirit of “a great mystery.” Humankind has long been captivated by Eclipses and their cosmic potential of revelatory happenings. Eclipses provide us with an opportunity to uncover areas of our life that were previously hidden and need our attention.
During an Eclipse the Sun and the Moon align with the nodes of the Moon, which astrologers often characterize as “Points of Destiny,” and therefore correlating the nodes with both our individual and collective growth. Solar Eclipses, in particular, provide opportunities for transformation — the ending of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. At an Eclipse, you can initiate a profound period of regeneration by aligning with your destiny and embracing any necessary changes that arise.
The darkening that occurs during an Eclipse has symbolically and historically been linked to the unveiling of something deeply hidden, an ominous secret, or the potential revelation of a great mystery.
Because Eclipses can be harbingers of great transformation and change they often coincide with unexpected earth events, stock market fluctuations, and political upheavals. On a personal note, emotions can become intense if they’ve been denied or repressed. New and important experiences or people can suddenly come into your life, and simultaneously, others may be removed. In general, changes are prevalent during Eclipses, so try to remain flexible and try not to judge anything that occurs as good or bad.
The ancient sages felt that the days just before and after Eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between Earth and the heavens is thinner during an Eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence.
This in the second Solar Eclipse within seven years of which the path of totality is occurring over the United States —beginning in Texas and ending in Maine. It’s also visible in Mexico and Canada. Here in the US (from Dallas, Texas), the Moon will cover the disk of the Sun for 3 minutes and 52 seconds.1
Monday, April 8, 2024 11:20 a.m. PDT 19°24′ Aries
One of the hardest things in life to learn are which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn. ~ Oprah Winfrey
This rare Supermoon Eclipse is garnering lots of attention here in the US! The last coast-to-coast Solar Eclipse to take place over the US was almost seven years ago (August 21, 2017) and the next doesn’t occur until 2045. Another important happening alongside this eclipse is a planetary lineup party — seven planets and a space–guest comet.2
A Supermoon occurs when it’s at its closest proximity to Earth, which will create a celestial awe-inspiring eclipse viewing for those fortunate to be under its path. Also, Venus and Jupiter should be visible with the naked eye during totality. However, viewing the other five planets and comet will be dependent on sky conditions and a good set of binoculars.
Moreover, per Michael Zieler’s astute map depiction below, overlaying the past three eclipse paths reveals two X Marks the Spot locations.3 The energetic power that is forming with these combined eclipses will potently emanate during this final of the three on April 8. Anyone living or visiting along the eclipse path and especially one of the X Marks the Spot locations will experience these frequencies the strongest. Let’s review the astrology.
Astrologically, eclipses are associated with our individual and collective patterning, as well as our future destiny. They offer profound opportunities to revisit the trajectory of our life and make course changes where desired. If there are areas in our life where we’ve felt stuck and unable to create movement then this eclipse in Aries can assist with creating important breakthroughs.
Additionally, the planets Venus, Mercury Retrograde, and Chiron are also in Aries with Chiron4 making an exact conjunction to the Sun and Moon at 19°24′. Any planet making an exact conjunction with an eclipse is both rare and important. In this case, Chiron’s exactness will ensure that his mythological wisdom will be emphasized.
The action-oriented, impulsive, and independent nature of the fire-sign Aries is correlated with cycles of desirous adventure and self-discovery. The half-horse — half-man Centaur, Chiron, is associated with wholeness and healing, as well as the rainbow bridge5 linking our external–material world with our inner–spiritual world. Chiron’s dualistic formis symbolic of our dual nature, specifically our higher and lower selves.
Spiritually, rainbows are associated with divine guidance because they occur with the presence of light. Interestingly, when Chiron is highlighted, rainbows frequently appear. Therefore, keep watch for rainbows of any form during this Supermoon Solar Eclipse! If one does gain your attention, you’ll know Chiron’s magic is calling you to symbolically walk across a bridge (or two).
Due to Mercury’s current retrograde cycle, old acquaintances and situations may revisit our lives. Use discernment and carefully evaluate how much attention you should give to these occurrences. Often, they are meant to remain in our rearview mirror as we decidedly move into the future we were destined to live. Keep an eye out for April 15–16 because retrograding Mercury will pass back over the eclipse degree at 19° Aries and join Chiron in the process. On May 4–5, Mercury — now in direct motion will once again pass over the eclipse degree. These dates may prove important for further reflection and refined action based on what was initiated during the eclipse.
Astrologers have studied Eclipses and their effects since the Babylonian Era and have found that they often coincide with Earth changes, modern stock market fluctuations, and political upheavals. Solar Eclipses have been associated with radical changes in governance, revolutions, and problems associated with the “king” or leader of the country they occur.
Eclipses always occur in pairs — the first, a Lunar Eclipse, occurred on March 25 during the Full Moon in Libra. The next pair of eclipses will occur on September 18 and October 2, 2024. The energies of an eclipse can be felt a couple of days before and after an eclipse.
The ancient sages believed that eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between earth and the heavens is thinner during an eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence.
References and Note: (All URLs were accessed in March and April 2024.)
The totality of an eclipse depends on where it viewed. For more on locations you can visit Space.com↩︎
The planet Chiron is also referred to as the Rainbow Bridge, because astronomically it resides in-between the orbits of Saturn (the physical realm) and the great awakener, Uranus (the higher realms). ↩︎
This penumbral Full-Moon Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Asia, North & South America, parts of Australia, and Africa. Because this is a partial eclipse, the Earth’s shadow will have a reduced darkening effect.
Monday, March 25, 2024 12:00 a.m. PDT 5°07′ Libra
If I love myself, I love you. If I love you, I love myself. ~ Rumi
Occurring just days of the spring equinox (March 19), the first eclipse of 2024 is assisting with the kickoff of the Astrological New Year! Most importantly, both the equinox and this Lunar Eclipse make alignments with the planet Pluto — residing at 1° Aquarius — a rare 225-year evolutionary marker (see more on this below).
As you may recall, eclipses typically occur in pairs within two weeks of one another. You may also have heard that the second eclipse of this pair — a Total Solar Eclipse — is occurring on April 8 in the sign of Aries, traveling over the United States.
Eclipses occur when they align with the Astrological Destiny Points (the nodal axis of the Moon). As these celestial points revolve around our horoscopes, they bring about inner and outer revelations that support our soul’s intentions and evolutionary growth. Therefore, eclipses offer profound periods of regeneration when we choose to align with our destiny and embrace needed change.
Eclipses have the power to unveil and bring light to previously hidden conditions, i.e., political, geological, collective, and individual. Therefore, remain vigilant during this eclipse season1 and watch for important opportunities to transform your current understanding of life that can lead you and the world into its next evolutionary chapter.
When an Eclipse occurs in the sign of Libra, we’ll see that relationship themes are garnering our attention, specifically the balance or imbalance therein. Are we able to maintain our individuality while embracing partnership? Are we able to receive love or do we push it away? Are our needs being met? If we do become aware of imbalances, this eclipse will inspire us to strive for harmony and balance within our important relationships.
From our soul’s perspective, balance can equate to karma and/or a balancing of the evolutionary scales. Sometimes this happens quickly as in instant karma but in more challenging soul lessons it can take many incarnations. And most of us would agree that there is no better learning space for a soul than Libra’s domain — the partnership arena. From a Libran perspective, all relationships provide endless opportunities for further evolutionary growth — whether that relationship is with a business colleague, friend, family, or a significant other.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the planet Pluto — the individual and collective astrological significator of our soul’s evolutionary journey — is involved in this eclipse. Currently at 1° Aquarius, Pluto is at a critical-juncture point as it slowly prepares to retrograde and move back into the final 29th degree of Capricorn on September 1, before making its close to 20-year sojourn through Aquarius on November 19.2
Lastly, Pluto’s current location at 1° Aquarius is givingus a sneak–preview of what’s possible when it settles into Aquarius uninterrupted. Therefore, pay close attention to what is being revealed to you during this eclipse and let these powerful energies inspire you to dismantle outmoded barriers that have kept you from your true dharma — your earthly purpose and soul’s destiny.
Reference and Note
Eclipse seasons are believed to be in effect for a few days before the first eclipse (March 25) until a few days after the second eclipse (April 8, 2024). The ancient sages believed eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between Earth and the heavens is thinner during an eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence. ↩︎
Click here to learn more about Pluto’s transition from Capricorn into Aquarius. Following are the dates for Pluto’s back-and-forth movement between Aquarius and Capricorn, which began on March 23, 2023, and will end on November 19, 2024: Aquarius: March 23 – June 11, 2023 Capricorn: June 11, 2023 – January 20, 2024 Aquarius: January 20 – September 1, 2024 Capricorn: September 1 – November 19, 2024 Aquarius: November 19, 2024 – January 19, 2044 ↩︎
“When wolf shows up, it is time to breathe new life into your life rituals. Find a new path, take a new journey, take control of your life. You are the governor of your life. You create it and direct it. Do so with harmony and discipline, and then you will know the true spirit of freedom.” — Ted Andrews, Animal-Speak
Thursday, January 25, 2024 9:54 a.m. pacific time 5°14′ Leo
It was during the first Full Moon of the yearthat the “Wolf Moon” attained its status by native peoples as wolf packs howled hungrily outside their snow-laden villages. Moreover, ancient wisdom keepers viewed wolves as spirit animals of the Dog Star, Sirius. Many Astrologers and ancient cultures also credit Sirius as the original home of our ancestral teachers. In fact, Sirius is referred to as the “home of the gods” by the Egyptians of antiquity and is still considered so by the Dogon tribe in Africa.
Marking an auspicious timeto access your inner passion, this first Full Moon of 2024 occurs in the courageous sign of the lion — Leo. Ruling over our hearts, Leo emphasizes action that aligns with our true heart’s desires. It represents the “I AM” consciousness of creative actualization, which encourages greater levels of confidence and self-love. Connections with our inner child, play, and romance are also themes of Leo’s fiery domain.
Additionally, potency and power dynamics are dominant during this lunation because the reflective light of the Sun onto Earth is increased by the close alignment of theplanet Pluto in the sign of Aquarius. These powerful Aquarian–Plutonian energies will encourage us to find creative ways to blaze new paths that allow us to transform and liberate ourselves and others from the status quo.
The Leo–Aquarian themes of this Full Moon can provoke radical new ways of thinking. We can feel inspired to dismantle outmoded barriers that have kept us from our true dharma — our earthly purpose and soul’s destiny. A Full Moon in Leo only occurs once a year so tune in and be aware of what’s arising within your beingness and remember, the common Aquarian axiom “expect the unexpected” will be in the air.
Leo Full Moon Key Words: I Am, creative actualization, passion, purpose, leadership, romance and love affairs, generosity, playfulness and the inner child, heart consciousness, pride, self-love.
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