Comfort Zone Ejector Seat

It's almost time for that impressive astronomical light show otherwise known as eclipse season. First is a hybrid solar eclipse, taking place on 20th April at 04:12 UT; this is followed up by a penumbral lunar eclipse on 5th May at 17:33 UT*.

Astrologically, these phases can be pretty intense, as if time were compressed and everything happening at once; the decisions made during them can be far-reaching and potent. In order to harness the power of an eclipse window, it is useful to understand where we are in our present life, where we seem to be headed, and where we would like to be - in every sense. As possessors of free will, we are capable of turning certain circumstances to a variety of possible accounts. For the two weeks in question, that ability may get an extra boost.

The solar eclipse in particular will have a number of remarkable qualities. Firstly, it occurs in the last degree of Aries. The last degree of any sign can be somewhat antsy in nature, owing to the sense of waiting for the 'new' sign to show up. One may feel subject to an unalterable deadline. Secondly, the eclipse takes place tightly square to Pluto, which recently entered Aquarius and will be stationing retrograde on 1st May, during the fortnight in question. Thirdly, Mercury itself stations retrograde on 21st April**.

All three phenomena are likely to increase the discomfiting and tense nature of the eclipses. We might experience inner conflict, uncertainty over quite how to proceed, a feeling that we need to wait for circumstances to align more favourably before we take action. Admittedly, the sign of Aries can manifest rather recklessly at times, and it is wise to be cautious of that tendency, and of reaching conclusions too quickly.

However, discomfort and discouragement are not the same thing. Necessary changes of perspective, of systems and of situations rarely take place without some stretching of mind, body or soul, without to a certain degree leaning into the unfamiliar or the daunting. The solar eclipse chart is inviting us all to do exactly that. You may wish to examine the areas of life where you are feeling particularly stuck, or lacking in options. Perhaps you've overlooked an opportunity or a possibility to expand your horizons; perhaps you've had an audacious-seeming flight of fancy, which you've then dismissed as impossible? Well, this chart is inviting you to revisit those ideas with an open mind.

The limits we face are not always immovable. This is especially true of those we make for ourselves, and for one another. During the next couple of weeks, it'll be easier for all of us to look beyond them.

I don't have much to add on the lunar eclipse chart, though I will post images of both below. It does indicate a trial passed, a moment of harmony, gathering strength and reflecting; a brief interval before the next act. Also, it occurs pretty much exactly halfway between the Aries equinox and the northern solstice, at a moment some call Beltane and our Southern friends may call Samhain. This is one of those spokes on the year's great wheel, at which the turning of the seasons is most apparent and the air tingles with possibility. Visiting some area of natural beauty, observing and absorbing, may prove particularly inspirational.


* Congratulations to anyone reading from Australia, Indonesia or Timor-Leste: you'll get to see both of them...assuming it isn't cloudy.

** The circumstances of this event are worthy a post all to themselves, which your humble astrologer hopes to write next.

Full charts of both forthcoming eclipses.