Eclipses are incredibly powerful astrological occurrences that happen four times a year, in sets of two (called “eclipse season”). These pinnacle moments catalyze what’s “destined to be” in such a way that next steps are made blatantly clear, especially when you’re in a period of doubt. DailyOM spoke with expert astrologers who define eclipses from astronomical and astrological standpoints, and explain what makes this year’s eclipses so different from the rest.
Welcome to eclipse season, the biannual period where back-to-back eclipses sow their usual chaos.
As we trudge through the aftermath of two major retrogrades — Mercury and Venus — you might feel like there are no surprises left. Haven’t we had enough? Nope! Due to their powerful nature, the October 2023 eclipses are bound to prove you wrong on that front. In fact, they’re likely here to close the chapter of whatever was stirred up during the summer’s dual retrogrades. Just ask an astrologer and they’ll likely say that eclipses are the most pivotal astrological moments of the year.
So get ready for the grand finale!
What Is an Eclipse?
Put simply, eclipses are just new and full moons. Solar eclipses happen during the new moon cycle, and like new moons, they are associated with new beginnings. Likewise, lunar eclipses happen during the full moon cycle, but are associated with endings.
What makes eclipses different from regular new and full moons are the shadows they cast due to their special alignment with both the Earth and the sun. A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun aligns right behind the Earth and casts a shadow onto the moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the opposite happens: The sun aligns right behind the moon and casts a shadow onto the Earth.
During some solar eclipses, such as the one on October 14, 2023, this creates a visual effect that you can see from Earth. “The moon will appear smaller than the sun, so it can’t block the entire view,” astrologer Lauren Ash tells DailyOM. “This results in a halo effect known as the ‘ring of fire’ that will be visible from our position here on Earth.”
According to NASA, the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, “begins in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT in the United States.” (And remember: It’s unsafe to look directly at the solar eclipse, so be sure to review the official safety guidelines to prepare for your solar eclipse in Libra viewing.)
Interested in learning more? Check out Embracing the Signs and Symbols in Your Life
What Do Eclipses Represent in Astrology?
Eclipses represent transformation. According to Ash, the shadow cast by lunar eclipses, lifting at the end of the lunation, symbolizes darkness being released in our life. For that reason, these lunations tend to guide us toward making incredibly sudden or shocking life changes. (Think: deciding to move to a new state without any friends or suddenly quitting a lifelong career.) “It’s a time that challenges you to let go of your need for control,” Ash says. “And if you’re holding onto things that are keeping you from reaching your full potential, eclipses come through to wipe the slate clean.”
Four eclipses occur a year, in sets of two (a lunar and a solar eclipse). Eclipses spend about 18 months in opposing signs of the zodiac wheel — helping you detox one or two areas of your life at a time. Opposite signs on the zodiac wheel — for instance, Gemini and Sagittarius — are supposed to represent two sides of the same coin.
While both Gemini and Sagittarius are associated with learning, Gemini and the third house represent learning about your more immediate surroundings while Sagittarius and the ninth house represent learning about your outer surroundings (such as the world, philosophy, cultures, and others). So when the eclipses hover within two opposing signs for an extended period of time, we get more than just one perspective. We experience both sides, and come out of it with a greater understanding of how we fit in. Thus, each eclipse is like a “performance review” that gives you feedback, delivers a challenge, and ushers you toward the next step in your 18-month-long life lesson.
The reason these eclipses bring such major changes is because they happen near the North and South Nodes, two points in the moon’s orbit. “In astrology, the North Node represents your soul purpose or destiny. It’s what you are learning to embody in this lifetime,” astrologer Tenae Stewart explains to DailyOM. “The South Node represents your blind spots and comfort zones that hold you back, but also your natural gifts and talents. It can even represent your past lives!”
Because eclipses occur near these karmic points, everything that happens during an eclipse means it’s part of our fated timeline. In some way, it’s a part of our destiny.
2023 Eclipse Dates and Meaning
Here are the dates of all the 2023 eclipses:
- Aries Solar Eclipse: April 20, 2023
- Scorpio Lunar Eclipse: May 5, 2023
- Libra Solar Eclipse: October 14, 2023
- Taurus Lunar Eclipse: October 28, 2023
The last two eclipses of 2023 are a Libra solar eclipse and a Taurus lunar eclipse. Ash explains that solar eclipses are about self-exploration and finding peace with your ego, which will help us usher in October with a healthy sense of pride. Lunar eclipses, like the one at the end of October, are about bringing what’s been hidden into the light, which makes clear the Taurus/Scorpio lesson we’ve been learning. “When a lunar eclipse darkens the skies, it’s your chance to dig deep and slay your demons once and for all,” says Ash.
If you’re holding onto things that are keeping you from reaching your full potential, eclipses come through to wipe the slate clean.
According to Ash, this particular set of eclipses is very important because they are moving us into a new 18-month cycle. The upcoming lunar eclipse represents the last lunation of the Taurus/Scorpio axis (which brought our focus to material growth) as the Nodes of Fate move into the Libra/Aries axis (bringing our focus to interpersonal relationships).
All About the October 14 Libra Solar Eclipse
The first eclipse of the Aries/Libra cycle occurred back in April in Aries, making this upcoming October eclipse the first Libra eclipse and the second overall in the cycle.
The meaning behind this eclipse can be derived from parallels found between independent Aries and partnership-oriented Libra. As an astrologer myself, I like to call this the “me vs. we” axis, because it focuses on how to balance self-interest and self-worth (Aries) with partnership and compromise (Libra). So, over the next 12 months or so, we’ll be finding our place on that spectrum among our personal relationships.
“The Aries solar eclipse back in April had everyone focused on independence, self-determination, and grit,” Ash says. “Now, this solar eclipse in Libra will ask you to focus on how you connect with others, what you give and get in relationships, and overall focus on finding more balance in your life.”
As the months go on, we’ll be flip-flopping back and forth in this Aries/Libra axis. And depending on where Aries and Libra occur in your chart, your attention will be placed in that area of life.
Signs Most Affected by the Libra Solar Eclipse: Libra, Aries, Capricorn, and Cancer
Libra: Stewart starts off by saying anyone with major Libra or Aries placements in their birth chart — particularly sun, moon, rising, or North/South Nodes — will feel this eclipse the most. In particular, Libras will be asked to identify where their people-pleasing patterns are showing up and are being encouraged to release more toxic relationships. Since this eclipse is sitting in Libra’s house of ego and self, it’s giving Libras the opportunity to think of themselves first (for once!).
Aries: Since Aries is located on the opposite side of this eclipse, the new moon is sitting in the house of long-term partnerships. This means there’s a new perspective around relationships — particularly around viewing relationships as a strength, not a detriment to one’s independence. “Aries will be asked to get more grounded in their own sense of self, while still noticing the ways that they receive essential support from those around them,” Stewart adds.
Capricorn and Cancer: Ash explains that while Libra and Aries will feel this eclipse the most, the other two cardinal signs, Capricorn and Cancer, will also experience some life shifts. Capricorn will be encouraged to broaden their family outlook and perspective, while Cancer will be pushed to create new business goals, partnerships, and career changes.
Other Zodiac Signs
Stewart gives a brief overview of what the rest of the signs should expect during the Libra solar eclipse.
Taurus: You’ll start to get a sense of what new challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
Gemini: Notice how your creative spark and inspiration begin to transform.
Leo: There may be some secrets revealed in your relationships.
Virgo: You’re preparing to release any connections or people-pleasing keeping you from abundance and pleasure.
Scorpio: Allow this to be a shadowy time where you prioritize rest.
Sagittarius: You’re feeling especially fired up and called to liberate others from oppression.
Aquarius: You are desiring to share more of your own message and wisdom, rather than just uplifting others.
Pisces: You are about to undergo a period of deep transformation. Notice the shadows that arise and greet them with love.
All About the October 28 Taurus Lunar Eclipse
This marks the end of the previous 18-month eclipse cycle on the Taurus/Scorpio axis (the last one in Taurus until 2031!). Think of this moment as the grand finale of your favorite TV show, as this is going to finalize the end of a long, dramatic chapter in your life, Ash explains. “This Taurus eclipse will feel very emotional, making it a good time to release any pent-up anger or frustration you’ve been holding onto.”
According to Stewart, this axis is very focused on pleasure — Taurus rules the body and indulgence, while Scorpio rules sex and taboo affairs. This axis is also associated with life (Taurus) and death (Scorpio). So, the end of this cycle is going to represent something in your life that you’re no longer going to give “life,” energy, or pleasure to. It’s something that you realize you’ve outgrown or is no longer important.
In general, Ash notes that whatever life themes Taurus and Scorpio occupy in your birth chart — whether it be love, career, family, or self-expression — will start to feel lighter, optimistic, and more hopeful since the eclipses first began in November 2021.
Signs Most Affected by the Taurus Lunar Eclipse: Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Leo
Taurus: Anyone with their sun, moon, rising, or South/North Nodes in Taurus or Scorpio will feel this eclipse the most. But for Taurus natives specifically, the lunar eclipse is occurring in your house of ego and self — which means that a shedding of the “old you” is bound to happen. “Taureans will be asked to embrace their sensuality and self-love with renewed fervor,” says Stewart.
Scorpio: This particular eclipse is the last chapter in this volume of Scorpio’s love life. The last two years have seen major ups and downs for you in your partnerships. But Stewart reassures, “Scorpios will likely be breathing a sigh of relief as the pressure of the last two years finally lessens!”
Aquarius and Leo: Of course, Taurus and Scorpio placements will feel the eclipse the most. However, Aquarius natives will feel closure in their career, whether it be releasing an old career path or getting back to work after a long hiatus. Leo natives, on the other hand, will feel this closure in their family zone, which could indicate the release of giving too much or seeking out approval from family members.
Other Zodiac Signs
Here’s a brief overview from Stewart on how the rest of the zodiac signs will fare during this Taurus lunar eclipse.
Aries: The pressure is lifting a bit from the past couple of weeks; embrace comfort.
Gemini: Your intuition is popping off! Embrace the intuitive hits you feel in your body.
Cancer: Embrace the support and comfort you receive from your communities.
Virgo: Embrace comfort and pleasure in your explorations. Book that first-class ticket if you can!
Libra: Look back on the last two years and notice how your relationships to your body and to money have transformed. New roads lie ahead.
Sagittarius: Find ways to add more pleasure and rest into your daily life. You deserve it!
Capricorn: Enjoy the ways that play, pleasure, and sexuality have become more available to you recently.
Pisces: Speak up for your desires and needs in a grounded way.
The Gist
Eclipses are the “checkpoints” we need in order to continue growing. Since eclipses represent reference points in our greater life story, they tend to bring in old baggage and stir up new challenges.
While the experience can be dramatic, remember that it is ruled by fate. Whatever situation, people, or chaos comes into your life at this time has a purpose. Your mission is to identify what that purpose is.
