The Meaning of the Eclipse

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

SOLAR ECLIPSE

A solar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun in its orbit.

Solar eclipses only occur during the New Moon phase, and solar eclipses can be total or partial, depending on where you’re viewing them. Eclipses happen because the size of the Moon and its distance to the Sun are in just the right measurements so that when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, it blocks out the Sun completely (how freakin’ cool is that?!).

A total solar eclipse (when the Sun is completely covered) occurs somewhere on earth around every 18 months. Depending on the Moon’s orbit and where the eclipse is being observed, partial solar eclipses and annular solar eclipses can also occur. Solar eclipses play an important part when studying astrology, indicating the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, depending on the Sun sign and astrological house in which they fall in your birth chart.

LUNAR ECLIPSE

Unlike a solar eclipse which happens during the daytime, a lunar eclipse happens at night. This is when the Earth’s shadow blocks the Sun’s light from shining on the full Moon.

There are three types of lunar eclipses. A total lunar eclipse is the most dramatic, and this is when the whole Moon is covered by the Earth’s shadow, and seems to glow an eerie crimson.

A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth and the Moon are not quite lined up for total coverage. Lunar eclipses can bring you an understanding of your shadow side (your less desirable characteristics) and bring you deep insights about yourself and your life.

There’s also a penumbral lunar eclipse, but these are of little focus and have little impact on either the way the Moon looks, or your astrology chart.