Eclipses are opportunities for resets to our system. Think of them like an on-off switch that fixes a glitch. Sometimes, this restart is chosen. Sometimes, it is forced. Either way, it is important.
This is a Full Moon Lunar eclipse where the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sunlight that usually illuminates the Moon. This particular eclipse is known as a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, which means the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbral or outer part of its shadow. The Moon may appear slightly darker during a penumbral eclipse, and the effect is subtler than partial or total eclipses.
Eclipses are extra potent because they dance with the North and South Nodes of the Moon, the fate makers and destiny shapers of the zodiac. Thus, when eclipses occur, fate-based or destined opportunity can have an influence. In other words, life events happen that require conscious attention. Consequences to past choices or actions occur. Culminations. Endings. Beginnings. Insights. Our job is to explore the course correction with curiosity and openness. Any solutions we have tried previously got us here- and here probably isn’t working. Thus, new solutions require a new way of looking at the same problem.
Since this is a South Node eclipse, there is sure to be some mud stirring. No doubt, we have been taking a deep dive into shadowy Libra terrain since July of 2023. Shadowy Libra can look like codependency, maintaining peace and harmony at the expense of the individual. It can look like imbalanced scales of justice or a lack of consequences due to privilege. It can also look like confusion or analysis paralysis, where too much information clouds any needed side-taking. South Node Libra generally fears conflict or taking a side, choosing “peace” that isn’t truly peaceful. Because what isn’t faced reoccurs, and without sides, anything can become acceptable.
The goal, of course, is to choose sides well. This Lunar eclipse reveals just that. For a moment, when the light of the Libra Moon is blocked, all that is left is the Sun, the North Node, Chiron, and Mercury, all in Aries. Not only that, but Mercury is also in its set-up phase for its retrograde cycle in Aries. While the focus and medicine is Aries energy, we are tasked with grasping the high destiny of this force rather than the reactive shadow side.
A healthy Aries is supported by a sturdy, authentic sense of self. It is grounded in soul esteem and sturdy boundaries. Aries is the courage to assert, not react. Thus, a healthy Aries is about the correct use of authority, power, passion, anger, and conflict. Which means it is also easy to get wrong. Because those Aries qualities are amazingly poignant when standing for and channeled through those causes that highlight the best in us and are woefully dangerous when they are not. Authentic self-expression is not meant to be without guard rails, a free-for-all of reactive thoughts or opinions. In the words of psychologist Adam Grant, “Authenticity is not about expressing every opinion you hold. It’s about ensuring your voice reflects your values. If you prize respect and kindness, your comments shouldn’t be filled with contempt or cruelty. Ideas are worth sharing when they reflect your ideals.”
This concept is further exemplified by the Sabian symbol for this Moon, “A Square Brightly Lighted On One Side,” contrasting both the light and shadow. This duality is not vague but a clear suggestion of a distinct point of required delineation. The square shape itself symbolizes stability and a balanced structure, reminding us to let those sturdy forces inspire any side-taking rather than imbalanced toxic polarity or hate.
Embracing Aries means standing in our integrity, using anger and passion as a force of creation rather than destruction. It is about remembering to think before we speak, making sure it is not our reactive parts running the show. We must also spot reactive conflict and call it out for ourselves and others. We must turn away from conflict entrepreneurs who peddle their wares of divisiveness even when gravity pulls on a convenient narrative. Even when it entertains us. Even when it makes us feel special- like we have all the answers and are on the “right” side. Because it must be noted if we find ourselves on the side of reaction- i.e., name-calling, bullying, contempt, hate, grift, conspiracy theories, “othering” another, we are taking the wrong side.
Aries represents those inner and outer warrior parts that pick the side of a true rebel. It awakens a warrior’s spirit in all of us along with those hallowed warrior principles of sacrifice, integrity, honor, honesty, and discipline so we can fight the noble fight, rise to call out injustice, and set necessary and healthy boundaries via assertion, not aggression.
Somewhere in your life, you are being asked to look deeply at what you stand for and how you use that force of both leadership and drive. There are powerful power pivots of potential here for you to claim.
So, expect to be challenged. Expect to have to take a stand. Expect to have to make hard choices between what you might want and what is showing up, between what is easy and what is right, between old stories and habits and more authentic ones. Expect to have opportunities to lead and, in the process, reignite your authentic path of purpose.
Summon the noble warrior and fight the noble fight.
“Whatever you are physically…male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy–all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. All those other things, they are the glass that contains the lamp, but you are the light inside.”
~Cassandra Clare
~This Full Moon occurs at 5° Libra.
~Photo by Xuan Nguyen on Unsplash
~Want to know what this time is revealing for you? Contact me, for more information.
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