Trust the Transitions: The First Eclipse Season of 2023
Aries & Scorpio Eclipses, Taurus Season, and Mercury Retrograde
Eclipse Season #1:
April 19 & 20: Hybrid Solar Eclipse in Aries
May 5: Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
We have officially entered the first eclipse season of 2023! Eclipse seasons are when 2-3 eclipses occur within a 2-week period and are significant parts of the year because they initiate rapid personal/collective change, and illuminate what needs to be released in order to take our next steps. This eclipse season has been difficult to describe because the themes are many and some are contradictory. For instance, the astrology points to our sense of time feeling both swift and slow, and shows that we are birthing the new while simultaneously witnessing, and possibly grieving, the passing of the old. Transitions abound during this eclipse portal, and honoring right where we are in the present moment allows us to see the blessings and the beauty of all that has past and all that is making its way to us now.
A Hybrid Solar Eclipse in Aries
On April 19 at 9:12pm Pacific Time/April 20 at 12:12am Eastern Time a hybrid solar eclipse in Aries occurred. A hybrid solar eclipse is rare and typically only happens once every 8-10 years. This type of eclipse happens because the curvature of the Earth makes it look like two types of solar eclipses are occurring. Essentially, if you could see the hybrid eclipse, you would either see an annular eclipse or total eclipse depending on your location. This fact shows that hybrid solar eclipses initiate a time of pronounced transitions and perspective shifts. Keeping an open mind and bringing your most adaptable mindset to the fore is key at this time.
This rare eclipse took place at the 29th degree of Aries. This is the last degree of a sign and is called the karmic completion degree. When planetary alignments occur here, it signals a time to release, purge, and clear out anything that is stuck, stagnant, or out of alignment in our lives. The fact that it was a rare solar eclipse that happened at this degree only amplifies this energy.
Aries is the sign of the warrior, catalyst, leader, and pioneer. Aries represents courage, boldness, drive, and independence. Out of balance Aries represents violence, impulsivity/urgency, rage, and dominance. Repressing Aries energy makes it difficult to express anger, set boundaries, and speak up and use our voices. This hybrid solar eclipse is initiating us into balancing our Aries energy, so that we can tap into the gifts of this sign, which are expressing our anger in productive ways, speaking up for the self and others, taking courageous and aligned action, and growing beyond fears that keep us small.
Additionally, this is a special eclipse because it connects us to the last time we had an Aries solar eclipse at the 29th degree, which was on April 19, 2004 as well as the last time we experienced a hybrid solar eclipse, which was on November 3, 2013. Thinking back to where you were in 2004 and what you were experiencing as well as reflecting on any definitive turning points or transitions that occurred for you in 2013 to 2014 may shine a light on similar themes you are processing, working through, and/or healing currently.
This eclipse is also giving us a preview into future significant astrological alignments. This solar eclipse is the first in a series of Aries eclipses that will occur until 2025 and the north node will shift from Taurus into Aries on July 12 and July 17. The north node, also called the path of destiny, moves every 1.5 years, and the sign it shifts into represents where we most need to grow and evolve. In other words, from July 2023 to January 2025, the Aries sign will be the place of our greatest personal and collective transformation. All in all, this karmic completion hybrid solar eclipse shows that whatever is coming to an end right now is truly clearing the way for bright new beginnings.
The Last Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
On May 5 at 10:34am Pacific Time we will have a lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This will be the last Scorpio south node eclipse for 19 years. The south node represents the karmic past, an ending or completion, or a comfort zone that has become too restrictive that we’re being asked to grow beyond. This eclipse mirrors some of the meanings of the hybrid solar eclipse in that it represents cleaning house and letting go. It represents a time to release.
Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth, power, regeneration, the phoenix rising from the ashes, and the snake shedding its skin. We’ve been in an intense Scorpio portal since December 22, 2021, when the south node first shifted into Scorpio and the north node shifted into Taurus. Much could have happened in this time for you, so reflecting on these questions may help to illuminate how the Scorpio south node eclipses have helped you transform:
How have you honored the endings that have taken place in your life?
How have you faced your fears?
How have you surrendered control and worked with change?
How have you listened to your emotions and truly heard what they were communicating to you?
How have you listened and trusted your intuition and instincts?
How have you traversed your own personal underworld to meet the parts of yourself that have been disowned, ignored, or repressed?
Scorpio journeys can bring up heavy things to process, so it’s important to reflect on the last year and a half with self-compassion and forgiveness. The goal of the personal Scorpio journey isn’t perfection, it’s evolution. As this is the last eclipse taking place with the south node in Scorpio, and the north node in Taurus I want to share this quote by Cristen Rodgers that encompasses the lessons and gifts that these Scorpio eclipses have taught in the last 18 months, “I’ve died a thousand deaths, each time reinventing myself brighter, stronger, and purer than before. From the midst of destruction, I became the creator of myself. From the midst of darkness, I became my own source of light.”
To Keep In Mind
Just hours after the hybrid solar eclipse occurred, the sun moved into Taurus, initiating Taurus season. Then from April 21-May 14, Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus. Taurus is the sign of slowing down and taking our time. Mercury retrogrades also signal a time to slow down and review, revisit, and revise things. This slower pace contradicts the rapid change that eclipse seasons are known for. This conflicting energy encourages us to let go of impulsivity or urgency, take our time in making decisions (especially if we feel rushed or forced), keep our sense of humor close, and expect the unexpected. Lastly, avoid overscheduling or overcomitting during this eclipse season, and give yourself time to rest and space to move if you feel called.
Taking It Further
If you are familiar with your birth chart, look to where Aries and Scorpio are in your chart, paying close attention to any planets or angles you have in these signs, as this will show you how these eclipses are impacting you. A special note to anyone who has planets or angles that fall between 26 degrees to 29 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn or planets or angles that fall between 12 degrees to 16 degrees of Scorpio—this eclipse season may feel especially potent and could show that you are undergoing huge transformation at this time. Be patient with yourself and trust the process.
If you are interested in receiving an astrological reading to know how this eclipse season is influencing you personally, I am offering a special eclipse reading. This reading will only be offered during the month of May. Readings can be booked now. This reading will look at which houses these eclipses take place in for you as well as the planets that they are activating in your chart. This will highlight the areas of your life that are being initiated by profound change with the Aries eclipse and what is being brought to completion with the Scorpio eclipse. This reading is 1 hour and is $95.
Please note, in order to book the Eclipse Reading, you will need to have received one of my foundational astrological readings—either the 3 Keys to Your Chart Reading or The Foundational Natal Chart Reading (formally known as the In-Depth Natal Chart Reading). For more information about either of these readings, please visit www.natashakastrology.com/services
Please email kealoha.astrology@gmail.com if you would like to book a reading or if you have any questions.
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