Lunar Eclipse: Understand the Phenomenon and Its Astrological Influences

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to be cast onto the Moon. This temporarily darkens or gives the Moon a reddish glow, depending on the part of the shadow it enters.

When we observe a lunar eclipse from Earth, we can see the different phases of the Moon during the process. First, it may lose some of its brightness as it enters the outer part of Earth's shadow, called the penumbra.

Next, it may enter the darker part of the shadow, called the umbra, where the Moon can take on a reddish color. This is known as a Blood Moon. Eventually, the Moon emerges from the shadow and returns to its average brightness.

Technically, this is the explanation for the occurrence of a lunar eclipse. But have you heard that lunar eclipses can also have astrological influences?

In this article, we will uncover the intricacies of lunar eclipses, explore the astrological interpretations involved, and investigate how these events can - or cannot - influence your Natal Chart.

What is a lunar eclipse?

As we explained above, by definition, a lunar eclipse results from a precise alignment of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Astronomically, the Earth, in its orbit, positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, projecting its shadow onto the lunar surface.

Interestingly, this phenomenon occurs only during the Full Moon phase when the three celestial bodies align in a straight line in space.

To understand it better, imagine the Earth as the central point, with the Moon in its orbital path around it. When the Earth blocks the direct solar illumination that usually bathes the Full Moon, it's shadow is cast onto the Moon, transforming it into an eclipsed Full Moon.

In ancient societies, lunar and solar eclipses were interpreted in various ways. Many cultures understood these events as "messages from the gods" or representations of cosmic forces in conflict. The momentary transformation of the Full Moon into a darker hue was often linked to mythological narratives and mysterious omens.

Today, we understand lunar eclipses based on science and astronomical observation, but the fascination they evoke remains profound.

What Does a Lunar Eclipse Mean in Astrology?

In Astrology, a Lunar Eclipse can be considered an activator of other transits and a moment of reflection and discovery. The precise alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun creates a visual spectacle and carries a symbolic meaning.

While the eclipsed Full Moon is a meeting of light and shadow in the sky, it also reflects the dualities and contrasts corresponding to Earth.

This symbolizes the need to look within ourselves and confront the hidden parts of our psyche. It's a time to face what we often try to hide, allowing submerged truths to surface.

In terms of its influence on our lives, a lunar eclipse often brings up latent emotional issues and unresolved relationships. It's a period of evaluation in which we are favored to reconsider our choices and directions.

Just as the Full Moon is temporarily obscured, our understanding may also go through a period of darkness before emerging into a new level of clarity.

Ultimately, a lunar eclipse in Astrology represents an opportunity for self-awareness, reminding us that our inner journey is as significant as our outer path.

How Long Does the Influence of a Lunar Eclipse Last?

Similar to a solar eclipse, the time of influence of a lunar eclipse can be felt most intensely around the dates when it occurs - about 2 to 5 days before and after the event. However, its consequences can unfold until the occurrence of a new eclipse, which happens every six months.

Modern studies on eclipses have concluded that they tend not to be a singular event but rather a process unfolding over time. In other words, they are often perceived through small thoughts and actions that have significant meaning in the long run, especially when considering the entire eclipse cycle.

Lunar Nodes in the Formation of Eclipses

To understand this approach, it's essential to explain the fundamental role of Lunar Nodes in the occurrence of an eclipse.

The Lunar Nodes are the points of intersection between the orbits of the Earth and the Moon, so an Eclipse always occurs near this point, indicating the alignment of these celestial bodies.

Therefore, Lunar Nodes generally have a cycle of about 18 months - the time it takes them to enter a new zodiac sign. Thus, within one year and a half, it is very likely that an eclipse will occur in the same astrological axis, repeating its occurrence about 3 to 4 times (every six months).

This way, we have a unique time marker that forms a distinct pattern in our Natal Chart.

To better understand this relationship, let's take the example of the last axis of Eclipses, which occurred in Taurus-Scorpio:

11/19/2021 - Lunar Eclipse in Taurus
04/30/2022 - Solar Eclipse in Taurus
05/16/2022 - Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
10/25/2022 - Solar Eclipse in Scorpio
11/08/2022 - Lunar Eclipse in Taurus
05/05/2023 - Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
10/28/2023 - Lunar Eclipse in Taurus

In this case, we can see that we were under the influence of Eclipses in Taurus-Scorpio from November 2021 to October 2023. It was almost two years during which the same axis in your Natal Chart was being activated and questioned.

In this case, think about what was happening in your life on each of these dates. Is there a common theme among the events from one date to another? What were your concerns and anxieties during those moments? What happened to them? How did you overcome the challenges presented at that time, and what did you learn in the process?

As mentioned earlier, a lunar eclipse often represents a particular time to look at ourselves and our shadows. That being said, with each occurrence of a new eclipse on the same axis as the previous one, similar questions tend to be raised, inviting you to see other shadows that were not seen before but now from new perspectives.

However, to delve deeper into the analysis, you need to understand how this eclipse will interact with your Natal Chart, an explanation we will work on next.

What Are the Effects of a Lunar Eclipse on the Birth Chart?

Each person may experience the effects of a lunar eclipse uniquely in their lives, depending on their Natal Chart configuration. It's essential to understand that the influence of an eclipse is not based on a fixed and standardized formula but involves multiple factors.

Let's take the example of eclipses that occurred in the Taurus-Scorpio axis. If this axis is prominent in your chart with personal planets, the Rising Sign, or the Midheaven, the impact possibilities are greater. However, if this axis is not highlighted, the effects may be more subtle but still present.

Critical analysis plays a fundamental role in understanding the influence of a lunar eclipse. Observing the dates of events in your life and relating them to possible eclipse influences can reveal patterns and connections. This allows you to identify the most impactful eclipses and the particularly sensitive axes on your journey.

Each axis of the chart touched by the lunar eclipse carries specific implications.

How to Make the Most of a Lunar Eclipse?

The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for reflective pause, even if subtle. Paying attention to the signs and situations that emerge during this period is essential. These clues can illuminate the future path and offer opportunities for personal growth. It's a favorable time to assess old patterns, explore new ways of progress, and align with inner feelings and aspirations.

Additionally,it can be enlightening to focus on the astrological axis where the lunar eclipse manifests in your Natal Chart and the astrological houses it touches. Consider:

House 01 and House 07: Deal with issues of identity and personal relationships;
House 02 and House 08: Are related to things you value and changes in your life;
House 03 and House 09: Deal with learning and the quest for new experiences;
House 04 and House 10: Involve your relationship with your home and professional life;
House 05 and House 11: Relate to creativity and your relationship with groups, friends, and institutions;
House 06 and House 12: Deal with routines and internal psyche processes.

In summary, to understand and make the most of a lunar eclipse:

• Map the signs in which it occurs and the respective astrological houses in your Natal Chart;
• Identify if there are planets positioned in these areas and see if they are being activated in your life;
• Analyze the events in your life close to the eclipse dates and see if there is a situation that connects between one eclipse and another, and reflect on the consequences for your life;

With a sharp and meticulous approach, it will be possible to detect coincidences between the eclipse's traits and the events in your life, signaling a cycle of transformations in that area.

Lunar Eclipse in 2024

During the year 2024, we will witness two Lunar Eclipses, in Libra and Pisces, bringing with them a unique message of growth and introspection.

The first Lunar Eclipse of 2024 occurs in the sign of Libra, on March 25th, and highlights the need for self-analysis, especially regarding unresolved emotions and relationships.

The second, and last Lunar Eclipse of 2024, will occur in Pisces on September 17th, initiating a cycle in the Virgo-Pisces axis, which will invite us to deep introspection.

These eclipses emphasize the importance of balancing our interpersonal relationships and our internal journey. They encourage us to look beyond appearances, to value unity and the learning that comes through interactions with others, and at the same time, to dive into the depths of our emotions and dreams. These will be opportune periods to discern between illusions and reality, and to connect with one's essence, promoting the healing of old wounds.

To better understand the influences of these Eclipses in your life, it is necessary to know the location of the signs of Libra and Virgo in your Birth Chart, and follow the previous steps to understand their influence.

To learn more about the influences of the 2024’s Eclipses, you can access our complete article on the subject.

Next Lunar Eclipse

The next lunar eclipse will occur in Libra. There will be others in Virgo, and Pisces.

Remember that it's crucial to identify whether these signs significantly influence your Birth Chart and in which astrological houses they are located. This allows you to prepare for potential opportunities for change that may present themselves in your life.

03/25/2024 — Lunar Eclipse at 05° 13' Libra,
09/17/2024 — Lunar Eclipse at 25° 47' Pisces, 
03/14/2025 — Lunar Eclipse at 23° 58' Virgo, 
09/07/2025 — Lunar Eclipse at 15° 24' Pisces, 
03/03/2026 — Lunar Eclipse at 12° 51' Virgo,
08/28/2026 — Lunar Eclipse at 04° 51' Pisces,
02/20/2027 — Lunar Eclipse at 01° 59' Virgo.

Was this information helpful to you? If so, look at your Birth Chart and start observing the tips we shared here to better understand how the lunar eclipse can impact your life.