Discover the meaning of Solar and Lunar Eclipses in astrology. Learn how Eclipse Season impacts transformation, karmic cycles and your spiritual growth. 

If you’d rather watch than read, I recorded a full YouTube breakdown on Solar and Lunar Eclipses. Check it out below, then keep scrolling for the complete written guide.

The Mystery of Eclipse Season

Eclipses have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Ancient astrologers observed them with their naked eye, interpreting them as omens and dramatic interruptions in the sky signaling divine messages like the death of a king or major changes in an empire. In modern times, we understand both the astronomy and astrology of eclipses in detail thanks to our ancient ancestors' research as well as advances in space exploration and discovery. 

Whether you're gazing up (through protective eyewear, of course) at the ring of fire during a Solar Eclipse, or watching the Moon turn bright and full during a Lunar Eclipse, these events are charged with power in astrology. How are Solar and Lunar Eclipses different from a New or Full Moon? And how can we navigate Eclipse Season consciously? This guide explores Eclipse Season, so you'll not only understand the details of how they happen but also the deeper energetic shifts they bring to our lives. 

What Is a Solar Eclipse? 

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight. Solar Eclipses can only occur during a New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are aligned in the same zodiac sign. Astrologically, they usher in new beginnings, release, and change. They are also considered malefic, producing karmic endings and potential crises.

Depending on the alignment, Solar Eclipses can be: 

1. Total Solar Eclipse – The Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow across Earth. These are rare compared to other Solar Eclipses. 

2. Partial Solar Eclipse – The Moon covers only part of the Sun. 

3. Annular Solar Eclipse – The Moon is slightly farther from Earth in its orbit, so it doesn't fully cover the Sun, leaving a bright "ring of fire." 

4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse – A rare eclipse that shifts between an Annular and a Total Solar Eclipse, occurring only about once a decade.

What Is a Lunar Eclipse? 

A Lunar Eclipse happens when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the Moon's surface. Lunar Eclipses can only occur during a Full Moon, when the Sun and Moon are positioned in opposite zodiac signs. Astrologically, they can feel either malefic (challenging) or benefic (supportive) depending on the condition of the Sun and Moon, their aspects and how they interact with your natal chart. Lunar Eclipses often bring hidden truths to light, help release what no longer serves us, and mark the culmination of cycles that are ready to close.

Depending on the alignment, Lunar Eclipses can be: 

1. Total Lunar Eclipse – The Moon is completely shadowed and sometimes appears red (Blood Moon).

2. Partial Lunar Eclipse – Only part of the Moon is covered.

3. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse – A subtle dimming occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow.

Why Do Eclipses Happen in Cycles?

Eclipses don't occur every month, even though we experience a New Moon and Full Moon regularly. For an eclipse to take place, the Sun, Moon, and Earth must align closely (within 10 degrees) near the North and South Nodes of the Moon – also called the Lunar Nodes. These are the two points where the Moon's path crosses the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun). 

The Role of the North and South Nodes of the Moon

In astrology, the North and South Nodes of the Moon are not physical celestial bodies, but mathematical points that represent destiny (North Node) and release (South Node). Astronomically they are simply the intersection points of the Moon's orbit with the Sun's path.

1. The Nodes of the Moon shift backward through the zodiac, spending about 18 months in each pair of opposing signs. 

2. It takes roughly 18 to 19 years for the Nodes of the Moon to make a full cycle through all 12 zodiac signs.

3. This means eclipses repeat in similar zodiac areas every 18 to 19 years, often bringing echoes of past themes into the present.

Eclipse Seasons

Because the North and South Nodes are always opposite each other, eclipses come in pairs. A Solar Eclipse is typically followed by a Lunar Eclipse about two weeks later, forming what astrologers call an Eclipse Season. These seasons occur roughly every six months, whenever the Sun is close enough to a node to align with the Moon. 

During Eclipse Season and the six months that follow, events often feel accelerated, karmic, or destined, especially for those who are experiencing eclipses on their Sun, Moon or Ascendant. This is because the alignments activate the symbolic energy of the North and South Nodes of the Moon. 

The Metonic Cycle

There's another important layer of eclipse timing: the Metonic Cycle. This is a 19-year period after which the phases of the Moon repeat on the same calendar dates. Practically, this means eclipses often revisit the same zodiac degrees every 19 years, bringing long-term cycles full circle. 

For example: if you experienced a powerful eclipse in a certain zodiac sign or degree 19 years ago, you may notice similar themes or life events re-emerging when the cycle returns.

How to Work With Eclipse Energy

Astrologers advise against doing spell work, manifestation techniques or rituals on the day of eclipses because the energy is unpredictable. Instead, the best approach is one of surrender, observation, and release. 

Supportive Practices During Eclipse Season: 

1. Rest and ground. Prioritize your nervous system with rest and grounding practices.

2. Journal and reflect. Track themes, emotions and repeating patterns.

3. Release control. Allow events to unfold without being tied to any outcome.

4. Breathwork and meditation. Take the day to practice breath or simply meditate using a meditation track like the Black Moon Lilith Dark Feminine Affirmation & Sleep Meditation.

5. Tap into astrology and the cards. Book an astrology and tarot reading and see how eclipses affect you.

The Esoteric Nature of Eclipses

Eclipses symbolize the dance of shadow and light, inviting us to accept impermanence, transformation and the beauty of cycles ending and beginning. Together, they remind us that growth requires both beginnings and endings.

1. Solar Eclipses encourage us to embrace new beginnings and step into the unknown.

2. Lunar Eclipses encourage us to release the past and embrace the uncertainty of the future.

Embracing Change

Eclipses are some of the most powerful astrological events of the year. They're moments to surrender, not control. Whether through sudden endings, unexpected beginnings, or deep emotional revelations, eclipses accelerate our alignment with destiny. By understanding eclipses instead of fearing them, we can move through the season with awareness and patience. 

Ready to dive deeper into Eclipse Season? Join my semi-annual Shadow & Light Eclipse Season Workshop, where we dive into how these cosmic gateways activate your personal chart and life path. RSVP here

About the Author

Adama Sesay is a professional astrologer, author of Black Moon Lilith Rising: How to Unlock the Power of the Dark Divine Feminine Through Astrology, and the Black Moon Lilith Cosmic Alchemy Oracle (Hay House Inc). Known for her powerful insights on astrology, shadow work, and spiritual empowerment, Adama blends ancient astrological wisdom with practical guidance to help others rise into their authentic power through her writing, podcasts, audios and books.