A total solar eclipse is expected on April 8, with the best viewing areas in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and Maine. Here is a review of eclipse lore. During a lunar eclipse the shadow of the earth passes over the Full Moon, and sometimes it is a total eclipse, sometimes only partial. It lasts for 3-4 hours, and the view depends on where you are in the world. I’ve seen a couple of really good ones. The moon is the color of blood.
A solar eclipse occurs at the New Moon, when the moon passes in front of the sun. The view may be total or partial and depends on where you are in the world. Last time we had a total solar eclipse, on August 21, 2017, we could see it in the early afternoon all across America. There was a lot of excitement and media attention. There were a few fair weather clouds here but we could still see it. I didn’t have the special solar glasses (which I recommend you have on hand) but I had a viewing box (made out of a shoe box), which worked.
Eclipses are lunations, which are the Full Moon (Lunar- Moon opposite Sun, and the earth’s shadow moves across the Moon) and the New Moon (Solar- Moon conjunct Sun, and the Moon moves across the Sun). Eclipses occur 3 or 4 times a year, in different parts of the world, and in pairs. A Lunar Eclipse is usually followed by a Solar Eclipse two weeks later but sometimes the reverse happens. This solar eclipse is preceded by a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 25.
What’s all the excitement about an eclipse? For one thing it’s fun to observe if it’s visible in your neighborhood. Once there was a total lunar eclipse visible on the east coast of the United States at dawn. I woke up to see it taking place, setting in the west, through my bedroom window. The clouds had cleared just in time. The view was even better for people in the Midwest and on the west coast. This was followed two weeks later by a partial solar eclipse.
The chances of seeing a total solar eclipse can be slim, depending on where you live and on the weather. Many years can go by before you see one. I observed a partial solar eclipse some years ago when I lived in Wyckoff, New Jersey. It took place around lunchtime when the sun was high in the sky. It was eerie because even though it was sunny there was a dark cast over the land. I looked down and the shadows of the leaves on the trees above me turned into crescent shapes on the sidewalk. It was very interesting and I never saw anything like it.
Eclipses may coincide with important life events, people leaving or a cycle coming to a close, if they occur in a strong sign in your chart. A very good example in my life was when my father passed away (October 2015). Shortly before his death there was an eclipse in Libra, his rising sign, which is also on my 8th house cusp (death, inheritance and transformation).
Down through history eclipses have caused great fear and excitement. They were believed to bring natural disasters, revolution or the death of a ruler or important person. This may or may not happen. Modern astrologers teach that eclipses bring closures, endings of cycles, the shutting down of a relationship or situation that has completed its purpose or outlived its usefulness. If a crisis happens it’s usually for a good reason. The influence in a personal chart lasts approximately three months for a lunar eclipse and approximately three years for a solar eclipse. This time, Aries people may be affected, if you have the Sun, Moon, Mars or ascendant in Aries. Important transits or progressions increase the chances that something will happen.
Reference: Celestial Navigation forecasts from November 2014 and February 2018.
Celestial Almanac: Aries New Moon April 8, solar eclipse visible on the east coast, so mark your calendars. Scorpio Full Moon April 24.
As mentioned above, the solar eclipse is happening in your sign. Events depend on what is going on in the real world, in front of you. Since it is also the New Moon, you can start over. There are new beginnings. Make a wish! New relationships may come along. Venus here increases the chances of that. Romance, the arts and creativity are favored. Mercury here is retrograde until April 25. Your plans may change, and don’t sign papers or commit to anything during this time. Have patience with other people.
The Jupiter Uranus conjunction is exact on April 17. Even though you have already felt the influence, something important could happen around that day. People with birthdays on or after May 11 will be especially affected. Just roll with it. You will have lots of energy. A new idea, a new project or a new adventure may by around the corner. Be optimistic. Watch the Scorpio Full Moon on April 24. Something may reach a climax or come to its conclusion on that day. Celebrity note: Shirley MacLaine will be 90 years old on the 24th!
Mars in Pisces all month affects your career. Even though Pisces is a passive sign, you are more motivated and ambitious. Use the energy to your advantage, especially if you are doing something to help others. A dishonest or selfish motive will end in failure. Don’t take short cuts. No cheating. Also be careful with food and drugs. Mars will conjunct Saturn April 14, then conjunct Neptune April 29. Those days will be important to watch. Saturn may slow things down, but it’s good for concentration and hard work.
With the Sun in Aries you will get more attention in your profession. You may promote yourself or get some public exposure. Jump on this. The arts and social media are favored. With Mercury Rx communications may be a little off but this will pass. Try a different tack. Mars in Pisces is good for your sign. Energy flows more evenly. Travel is favored. Plan a trip this month, to some place with water. Cancers like that. A lake, beach or a cruise in a warmer climate.
The Jupiter Uranus conjunction bodes well for your career, as well as changes at home, because of polarity. I know a Leo lady whose books are now on display at the library. Increased visibility. She is also getting ready to move to a better place. Everything happened kind of fast recently. Jupiter and Uranus are right on top of her midheaven. I’m excited to share this because it is a perfect example. Mercury Rx in Aries brings delays or a detour in travel. Have plan B ready. Venus is here too, and that’s a good thing. As for the eclipse, well, who knows?
Mars, Saturn and Neptune in Pisces will have various influences on marriage, one-to-one relationships and business affairs. Mars is the main one to watch. There are misunderstandings and conflicts, or on the contrary, excitement and passion. It could be terrific, especially the making up part. Pisces is a gentle, more subtle sign, not as physical as the other signs. Also make sure you are both being honest with each other, not sneaking around or hiding something. With the eclipse in your 8th house, someone close to you will leave.
The eclipse will impact the areas of marriage and partnerships. You or your partner may leave. A relationship or situation could change. But this won’t happen to everybody. It all depends on your personal plan. It may not be so drastic. A new relationship may begin, or you might get engaged. Venus here is nice for romance. Because of Mercury Rx, don’t sign anything, especially if business is involved. If you want to get married do it after Mercury stations at the end of the month.
Keep an eye on that Jupiter Uranus conjunction on April 17. If nothing has happened all year, something could happen now, in business or marriage. The Sun in Taurus is putting a focus on these affairs. There is a reason for everything. A long term marriage or relationship may suddenly come to an end. But don’t worry, it depends on your personal plan. Or, you might get married on a whim. This is a typical transit for elopement. Watch the Scorpio Full Moon April 24.
Mars is in the sign of the home fires all month. Do spring cleaning, organizing and renovating. I know a Sag who is completely re-doing his basement. The Sun, Venus and Mercury in Aries will activate your social life. Lots of things are happening with sports, children’s activities and friendly get-togethers. Romance is definitely favored. With Mercury Rx, communications may be a little off. Organize files and clean closets. You may find something you had lost.
The eclipse will impact your home life and family if it does anything. Close family members or siblings are moving out. There may be a permanent change in your home life, such as downsizing or moving to another place. Elderly parents may retire to Florida, for example. These things are just a part of life. With Mercury Rx, you know the drill. Put some projects briefly on hold and don’t sign papers. Since it is a New Moon, make a wish and turn a corner.
Read about Leo. Jupiter and Uranus have probably already affected your home life. Because of polarity, your career may take off or there may be an exciting new development. The 4th house and midheaven (10th house) make up the career axis. I myself have had new employment or recognition under a 4th house transit. I once won a prize for art when the Sun was on my 4th house cusp. Watch the Scorpio Full Moon April 24. A good day. You may reach your goal or finish a project. The eclipse will bring changes in friendships and group activities.
Mars here all month will give you more energy, even though this is kind of a lazy sign for Mars. Find useful things to do, especially to help others. Your health improves. Work out more. Walking, swimming and yoga are good for you. Mars will conjunct Saturn April 14. Even if things slow down, this transit is good for concentration and focus. Mars will conjunct Neptune April 29. Avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. A secret may be revealed, so be sure you are above reproach. Mars works best here when you are lending a helping hand or doing charitable works for others.