It is currently eclipse season, and in astrology that supposedly means a whole lot of chaos. The question is - why? We could talk about luminaries and the importance of the Sun and the Moon, but I want to talk about the real reason I think eclipse season is such a wild time - the nodes. Don't get me wrong, the Sun and the Moon are definitely a part of the equation, but I think we are underestimating a vital part of eclipses by consistently overlooking the role of the nodal axis.
I've heard a lot of reasons behind why eclipse season is so nuts. Some people say that it's because one luminary is expressing power over the other, as reflected in a lot of eclipse folklore. Some say that the time between eclipses (around a two week window) is a "vortex" or trial period of learning the lessons you need to learn. I think it's because the nodes are most likely to be direct during the four months out of the year that these eclipses happen. Let's take the most recent eclipses for March and April of 2024. March's lunar eclipse in Libra has the nodes direct 13 days out of the month. April's solar eclipse is close behind, with the Moon's nodes direct twelve days out of the month. (Source) You guys, that's almost half the month. The nodes are typically direct anywhere from 1-14+ days out of the month.
The higher end of that is during eclipse season, and the lower end of that number is when the transit Sun is square the sign of the nodes. Additionally, during the few months when the nodes are more direct than average, they are more likely to be direct when the Moon transits through the zodiac signs that the nodes are in. And I think that this is exactly why eclipse season is so "rough", especially for people with retrograde nodes. The nodes being direct is a much different, more forceful energy than that of the retrograde nodes. And having them direct so often, and for so many days at a time, can often feel "crazy" or hectic. It can feel as if the lesson from the nodes is particularly prevalent, or like it's being shoved down your throat. Combine that with the planets that symbolize the self and emotions, and you've got a storm coming your way.
But like... What does it really mean?
So we have a lot of theories on how to interpret eclipses and how long the effects of eclipses last. Some say it's just during the two week stretch between eclipses (or the body of the dragon, as some call it), and some say that the impact can last for sixth months, until the next eclipse. Some tie eclipses back to the previous time the eclipses happened in that particular zodiac sign, and some tie it back to the Saros cycle.
And then there's the whole discussion about what eclipses even mean in the first place. Is it a time of heightened emotions? A battle between the emotional and ego-driven sides of ourselves? The best time to manifest in the history of ever? A time of chaos, in which we need to find time to rest?
Let's clear all those thoughts away. Break everything down with me. The Sun represents our core self. Our identity. The Moon represents our emotions. The nodes represent lessons we need to learn, things we strive for, and things we need to let go of. An eclipse happens when the Sun is opposite or conjunct the Moon, and when both planets are conjunct one, or both of, the nodes. This upcoming solar eclipse in Aries has the Sun, Moon, and north node all conjunct. Here's the chart, for those of your interested:
If you are using the link above, scroll down a little bit to get the eclipse chart on the right hand side.
Now, I'm sure you're going to immediately notice a few things. The first is, "holy cow, that's a lot of Aries". The second thing is probably the Sun and Moon conjunct not only each other, but Chiron as well. The third is that the nodes are not direct or retrograde, but stationary. Stationary motion happens when a planet appears to be standing still, and not retrograde (backwards) or in forward motion. Traditional astrologers see stationary planets as debilitated or weak, but modern astrologers see stationary planets as some of the most powerful points in the chart - and I am inclined to agree with them. You can find more on the stationary nodes on Anthony Louis's blog here.
With so much energy in Aries, and with the Sun and Moon conjunct Chiron, we can interpret the eclipse in a variety of ways. We could see it as a renewal of self, a method of reinvention, or a new perspective on ourselves. Maybe it's a time where we stop ignoring what we've been putting off, about our relationships with ourselves and others, and make progress in those areas. The Aries / Libra axis is not just about the self and others, but also about fairness, justice, and action. Perhaps we take more hold of our relationships this way. Maybe it's a time of choosing ourselves.
So, what are your thoughts on the eclipse? Got anything planned? I've always wondered if eclipses only really impact those within the path of totality - which I am not fully in, but was in a few years back. This eclipse is only a partial one for me, where I'm at. I probably won't be watching it, and the only thing I've got planned is a doctor's appointment. I'd love to hear what you're doing!
Much love,
Abby
