SEPTEMBER 2024 : EQUINOX AND ECLIPSE SEASON
Summer’s now drawing to a close. Fall is on the horizon. (Cue spice-laden fall drinks and crisp winds stirring up multi-colored leaves.) I love those drinks and the fall leaves, but we’re going to focus on the cosmic Sun and Moon show happening in September and early October.
September promises to be an exciting transition with the full Moon in Pisces (25º) in a partial lunar eclipse at 7:45 PDT. Due to the eclipse, this fall equinox also ushers in the second eclipse season of 2024. Each seasonal equinox occurs at either the 0 degree point of Libra (fall) or Aries (spring). These are the balancing points in the Sun’s path where the hours of day and night are equal; equinox is a Latin word meaning “equal night.” The 0º point also corresponds to the Earth’s equator. On the day of the equinox—September 22—the Sun is directly aligned above the equator, meaning it rises precisely at due east and sets precisely at due west. The equinoxes represent balance in all things. Here’s an illustration I drew to show the Sun’s annual path.
Eclipses Ahead
This year, on September 17th, five days before the fall equinox, the partial and second lunar eclipse of the year occurs. (The first lunar eclipse happened on March 25—five days after the spring equinox.) Remember that lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is full. The Earth’s shadow blocks light from the Sun to the Moon. A solar eclipse occurs with the new Moon. The eclipses encompass one full Moon cycle, and we normally get two pairs of eclipses a year. The last eclipse of 2024 will be an annular solar eclipse on October 2nd at 11:46 AM at 10º Libra.
September’s full Moon eclipse is at 25º Pisces, opposite the Sun at 25º Virgo. This lunar eclipse forms a cool aspect pattern–a beneficial kite figure–with the point of the kite being the Moon and Neptune conjunct. The Virgo Sun is the kite spine, and Capricorn Pluto with Taurus Uranus form the kite wings. A kite pattern is formed from a grand trine (in this case an Earth grand trine) with double sextiles (Neptune & the Moon to Uranus & Pluto) and an opposition (Sun to Moon /Neptune).
The eclipse pattern itself is switching out of the cardinal signs of Aries and Libra and into the mutable signs of Pisces and Virgo. This eclipse isn’t about initiating something; rather it’s about checking in with our intuition, receiving insights, remaining nimble in action, and accepting help from others–even spiritual help. This Pisces eclipse can bring some grace and harmony into your life and remind you not to “sweat the small stuff” all the time.
Because the Pisces full Moon is a partial lunar eclipse (meaning the Earth’s shadow only partly obscures the Moon), its collective effects are generally milder. Take a look at this cool NASA video showing the astronomy of lunar eclipses. Solar eclipse energies are stronger and last much longer. Lunar eclipse effects are said to stay around for approximately two months. For solar eclipses, the effects last up to six months.
The October Libra new Moon /annular solar eclipse highlights connection, thoughtful conversations, and actions for the greater good around beauty, truth, and justice. Because Libra is a cardinal sign, it wants movement, elegant yet actionable ideas, and working together. This “ring of fire” eclipse will only be visible in Argentina and Chile. However, we don’t have to see it personally in order to view its effects. Eclipses always involve the whole planet.
Working with Eclipses
If you’d like to proactively work with the eclipses, the milder lunar eclipse is a good place to start! Since we’re in Virgo season, here’s a handy eclipse suggestion list.
- For this (and any) eclipse, pay attention to what occurs in the collective and in your own life.
- During the 10 days before and after the eclipse (September 7-27), take some notes regarding any event or experience that appears memorable, unexpected or, maybe, “fated.”
- Especially for anybody whose birthday occurs between Sept. 7-27, paying attention to what shows up in your life can indicate important themes in the year ahead for you. (More details on that connection is yours through a solar return reading!)
- Any memorable or unpredicted event or experience prior to the eclipse carries the energies of change. Therefore, if you must decide on something important in the days before the eclipse occurs, be aware that your plans regarding that decision may change a lot or shape-shift. (Due to the solar eclipse occurring soon after, recognize that September may contain more surprises than you expect!)
- And feel free to a) just observe the lunar eclipse happenings, b) pay attention to both eclipses and jot quick field notes, or c) simply go out at night and gaze at the Moon.
For October’s annular solar eclipse the main list is same. However, here’s the key dates:
- Write down your event / experience notes from September 22 (the equinox) through October 12th.
- Especially for anybody whose birthday occurs between Sept. 22-Oct. 12, paying attention to what shows up in your life can indicate important themes in the year ahead for you. (More details on that connection is yours through a solar return reading!)
- Yes, there’s an overlap during September 22-27. Because the lunar eclipse happened, I recommend focusing on any memorable, unexpected events / experiences because they will reflect the time prior to the solar eclipse.
Let me know if you did this eclipse awareness exercise! I’d love to know what happened, and if / how it affected your life. Send me a message or respond with comments below!
