Cosmic powers continue to influence us—from the year’s first Mercury retrograde to the incoming total solar eclipse
As if Mercury retrograde wasn’t enough, now we have a total solar eclipse joining the fray to cosmically mess with us.
According to NASA, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon for certain parts of North America. The path of totality—the select area where the sun is obscured from sight—is set to pass by Mexico’s Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT on Apr. 8 (2:07 a.m. Tuesday for the Philippines) and will end around 5:16 p.m. NDT (3:46 a.m. local time).
Barring the unusual sight—which may be unsettling for some—a total solar eclipse presents little to no significance in the natural world. Not to mention, the totality is typically estimated to only last a few minutes for onlookers.
And yet, others may argue that the total solar eclipse is no mere visual treat. To some, it may come to heavily affect us. We don’t even have to see it, but how much it could influence us may depend on our zodiac sign.
Solar eclipses and astrology
New York City astrologer Rebecca Gordon shared in an interview with BuzzFeed that a total solar eclipse, in astrology, represents an incoming breakthrough in our lives. “Eclipses often bring a dramatic course correction in our lives such as the beginning of a new relationship, a job, or perhaps a move to a new location or the beginning of a new lifestyle.”
“Usually, they happen in areas where we have already ‘moved on’ though we are still ‘going through the old motions.’ The eclipse is a wake-up call for your body to catch up to where your soul is,” she adds.
Effects per zodiac sign
Bri Luna, a Los Angeles-based mystic, shared with E! News how the incoming total solar eclipse may affect the zodiac signs:
Aries: “This total solar eclipse is in your sign, empowering you to embrace your true self and ignite your passions to create a fresh start.”
Taurus: “The total solar eclipse highlights your inner world, urging you to release old patterns and embrace emotional healing for personal growth.”
Gemini: “The event activates your social sphere, inspiring you to connect with like-minded individuals and pursue new group endeavors.”
Cancer: “This eclipse affects your career and public image, encouraging you to step into your power and pursue professional success.”
Leo: “The total solar eclipse brings forth opportunities for personal growth and expansion through travel, education, or exploring new belief systems.”
Virgo: “The total solar eclipse stimulates transformation in your intimate relationships, encouraging you to release old patterns and deepen emotional connections.”
Libra: “This eclipse energizes your partnerships, urging you to find balance and harmony in your relationships and embrace new beginnings.”
Scorpio: “The event affects your daily routines and well-being, inspiring you to make positive lifestyle changes for your overall health and vitality.”
Sagittarius: “This eclipse activates your creativity and self-expression, encouraging you to pursue your passions and embrace your unique talents.”
Capricorn: “The total solar eclipse affects your home and family life, urging you to create a nurturing environment and strengthen emotional bonds.”
Aquarius: “This eclipse stimulates communication and learning, inspiring you to express your ideas, engage in intellectual pursuits, and connect with others.”
Pisces: “The total solar eclipse influences your finances and values, encouraging you to reassess your relationship with money and embrace abundance consciousness.”
Navigating through the cosmic forces
When you’re up against forces that are not only larger-than-life but out of your control, it can be easy to feel hopeless and powerless. But astrologist Amy Demure has some tips on how to survive the incoming eclipse:
- Don’t manifest and don’t take major action or plans. The energy will be chaotic and disruptive so it’s best to rest, relax, and do nothing.
- Being extremely emotional around this time is normal. Feel what you need to feel. Past traumas and negative memories will resurface since this eclipse is also aligned with Mercury in retrograde. Try to keep your emotions in check around others.
- This eclipse is not ideal for manifestation but it can accelerate your life into where you want it to go. Write down or think about the life you desire then do the same for what you think you need to let go of to obtain this dream.
In all honesty, each of these so-called astrologers has their own interpretations of how the eclipse may affect us. Some could turn out to be true, or more likely none at all. And yet, as with any superstition, these should be taken with a grain of salt—guides for introspection, not taken for fact. Gordon puts it best:
“In the ancient world, eclipses were feared and seen as omens of sudden change, which is not far from reality. It is crucial that you have extra space and time in your schedule around eclipses as things will fly in from left field. You will need room to respond to these new opportunities. Get more rest, take more time out for meditation, go on walks, and give yourself room to process these beginnings and endings.”