It's eclipse time! Every year we have 2 pairs of eclipses that are approximately 6 months apart. An eclipse is a powerful New or Full Moon, the influence of which extends until the next set of eclipses. This month's Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse. It is the first in the Pisces - Virgo eclipse family. As with everything in astrology, eclipses come in cycles. Typically there are 6 eclipses that occur in each family - 3 solar (New Moon) eclipses and 3 lunar (Full Moon) eclipses. They come in pairs of a New Moon (solar eclipse) and a Full Moon (lunar eclipse). 

Eclipses along the Aries - Libra axis began in 2023. These eclipses focused on the self (Aries) and our relationships with important others (Libra). The theme is on who we are as individuals; our purpose and unique expression. That self-awareness can then be extended to include our significant relationships. These eclipses encourage honoring both ourselves and our important others in close relationships.  

We are moving from Aries - Libra family to the Pisces - Virgo family. The eclipses of Fall '24 are transitional. This Lunar Eclipse is of the Pisces - Virgo family; the companion Solar Eclipse coming on October 2 will be in the Aries - Libra family. This shift moves the spotlight from the self (Aries) and significant others (Libra) to your spirituality and awareness of connection to something larger (Pisces) and your desire to add value,  be of service and leave the world better than you found it (Virgo). Because it is a lunar eclipse that starts this shift, your attitudes towards these themes will be reflected to you through others. Relationships are mirrors, especially under eclipses.  

This Lunar Eclipse, like all Full Moons, will bring things to light. The Sun at 25 degrees of Virgo is shining on the Moon at 25 degrees of Pisces. Neptune, ruler of Pisces, is conjunct the Moon at 28 degrees of Pisces. Neptune rules Pisces, so the combination of the Moon and Neptune amplifies the Pisces qualities. The emotions and emotional needs (Moon) are interwoven with spirituality (Neptune) and recognition of being part of something much larger and mystical than the regular day to day (Pisces). 

Neptune brings creativity and sensitivity. Intuition will be strong under this eclipse. That said, Neptune can also bring an element of deception. Notice if you are rationalizing your feelings about something or someone. Are you being honest with yourself? Is there a victim/savior pattern going on? Do you feel the need to be rescued or to save another? Are you investing more energy in someone than they are willing to invest in themselves? Are you so focused on the potential of a situation or a person that you ignore your feelings or expend all the effort? Are you committed to your priorities? Where is your energy being directed? 

Under this Lunar Eclipse, you have the opportunity to integrate your soul's wisdom into your human life. That's what the Pisces - Virgo axis is about. Put another way, use this time to direct your imagination and creativity (Pisces) in practical ways that improve the flow of your life (Virgo); to consistently practice (Virgo) your values and awareness of your part in a bigger plan (Pisces); to integrate body (Virgo) and spirit (Pisces) to serve both the physical (Virgo) and spiritual sides of life (Pisces); to bring 'big picture' awareness (Pisces) to the responsibilities of daily life (Virgo) so practical (Virgo) spirituality (Pisces) is expressed in the world.

Jupiter at 20 degrees of Gemini is making a wide T-square to the Sun and Moon/Neptune. Jupiter brings more of whatever it is involved with. In Gemini, it brings more information, more conversation, more opportunities to build connection with others. For every new friendship that might blossom with Jupiter in Gemini, there is also the possibility of lots of words with no substance. Gemini energy hates to appear uninformed. In its higher expression, it fosters curiosity and a desire to learn. In its lower expression, it makes things up - lots of words without substance. 

The pressure of the T-square is to balance practical spirituality with the desire to be accepted in social groups. It can be uncomfortable to hold yourself to a high standard and choose to demonstrate your values consistently in your behaviors. You need to decide what version of yourself you are going to embrace - the one that others are more comfortable with, or the one that is aligned to your vision of who you want to be.

Bringing in Sagittarius energy can help alleviate some of the tension. Sagittarius wants to grow, to explore new ideas and cultures, and to deepen understanding of the world. Consider if it's time to learn something new, to connect with a completely different group in an open, friendly way. It might be time to investigate different belief systems. Seek out alternative perspectives.

This eclipse comes with a grand trine in earth signs, as Pluto at 29 Capricorn trines Sun at 25 Virgo and Uranus at 27 Taurus. Trines are easy, flowing aspects. This grand trine supports building foundations upon which to ground our new vision for what we want to create in our lives. We are clearly being shown the patterns we have outgrown. It is becoming increasingly uncomfortable to stay in situations that don't reflect our values and priorities. This is the opportunity to build new foundations for the life you want. Are you willing to commit to yourself? 

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” — Cynthia Occelli