Anytime there are two eclipses in one calendar month, you can expect the vibes to be intense as hell. This October’s back-to-back moon moments are no exception. The first of the two, the upcoming annular solar eclipse, in particular, is bound to make major waves because it’s the very first eclipse since the South Node shifted into Libra back in July, which spelled big changes for every zodiac sign. This means you can expect everyone to be affected by the 2023 “ring of fire” solar eclipse in monumental ways. New season, new South Node movement, new territory.
This is the second Eclipse Season of 2023, and with both Eclipses ruled by the planet Venus, our connections and bonds are all up for change. The Sun and Moon will conjoin at 22 degrees, in the partnership-oriented sign of Libra. Even if you can’t see it, this solar eclipse will initiate new connections, partnerships, and unified endeavours in the birth charts of every zodiac sign, inspiring everyone to seek out those that are open to fair and balanced dynamics. If your relationships have been out of whack, expect this rare solar eclipse — which will be the last of its kind until 2046 — to bring powerful new beginnings to the area where you’ve found it difficult to keep the peace.
Eclipses are, by nature, not always easy. They require some sort of sacrifice in order to bring their gifts. Everything is amplified, expanded, more intense. For those of you with planets between 21 and 23 degrees of the Cardinal signs – Libra, Aries, Capricorn or Cancer – this is going to be a very impactful period. Over the next six months up to two years, powerful shifts are on the cards.
Collectively, this Eclipse is about fine-tuning your relationships, and deciding which ones are working for you, and which ones aren’t. Sometimes, in order to balance the scales, you have to have to completely let go. For example, some relationships may end so that better, more balanced connections can take their place. Fortunately, since this is the very first eclipse in Libra, the story is just beginning to unfold. As the eclipses continue in Aries and Libra until 2025, you’ll be able to cultivate connections that aren’t one-sided and support your desire for true partnership.
Mercury conjunct this lunation, bringing the energy of diplomacy and compromise, qualities which will go far to help navigate through the trickier moments. Venus, the ruler of this Eclipse, is angled to Saturn in a tense opposition, inviting us to balance give and take, to dig deep, find our true value and ask for what we are worth.
This Eclipse also has an applying square to Pluto, and is in what’s known as the degrees of ‘Via Combusta’ (15 Scorpio – 14 Libra). The square with Pluto is indicative of traumas and wounds coming up to the surface – wounds that have to be faced and healed. Enlisting the help of a relationship mediator, psychologist, or healer may be just what we need to clear the slate and start actively working with our relationship issues. It may also be important to acknowledge any personal or co-created wounds we have with friends, exes, partners or other people, so that we can make some concerted progress.
Yet, with Pluto, there’s the chance that we have to first destroy and purge in order for any transformation to happen. It’s not a pretty process, but it is the way of nature. It’s always darkest right before dawn, and facing our shadow will ultimately empower us.
Via Combusta means ‘The Fiery Way’. Mainly used in Horary (question-based) Astrology, this rule can also apply to describing the energy of an Eclipse. This may reflect a time where we feel particularly agitated, and because of this, we need to take some serious time for reflection before we take any sort of action. Libra’s greatest strength – and weakness – is decision -making. Looking at a relationship situation from all angles, in a fair, rational and level-headed manner – are exactly the qualities we need to access, qualities that are readily available.
This Eclipse is also only two degrees away from the Fixed Star Spica, which offers a potential way out of the drama. Spica is one of the luckiest” Stars in terms of Astrology, also named the “Fortunate One”. This brings us all the opportunity to act with dignity, gain the support and help of our friends and initiate artistic or altruistic projects which ultimately give us the gift of success. This is one of the more positive elements of this Eclipse, and tuning into it will help us find our way through this intense and ever-changing period.
ARIES
Every relationship needs a tune-up every now and then, and what better time to balance the scales than during October’s eclipse season? Working together in—or opting out of—partnerships is the critical focus of a solar eclipse and new moon, both in Libra, on 14 October. This is a South nodal eclipse which signifies endings and releases. You cannot move forward until you let go of entrenched habitual patterns detrimental to relating. The eclipse is illuminating your house of personal and professional relationships. Venus rules both eclipses this season and in Virgo, she is the queen of specificity. It is wise to stay in the present moment and be detailed regarding your needs. First, you've got to take inventory of your patterns and what you need to let go of, perhaps a relationship or a way of being that no longer serves you. This solar eclipse will invite you to turn over a new leaf; one that promotes mutual support and balanced romantic affairs.
TAURUS
October eclipses initiate a new cycle while wrapping up a pivot two-year cycle. A New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra, the first in a decade, arrives on 14 October. This South Node eclipse brings attention to the past; habitual patterns that no longer serve you must be broken before you can move forward. And this eclipse will give you the opportunity for a cathartic and profound clearing or releasing of negative patterns. Taurus, you are prone to indulge, but this can be problematic if it is detrimental to your health. View it as a sacred gift and prioritise your health, as your life is precious. Fortunately, Venus in Virgo is the ruler of the eclipse—she is health-oriented, detailed and disciplined. Moreover, you’ll be urged to embrace the satisfactions that come from the most mundane parts of your world. This could look like enrolling in a new training program, or setting time aside for socialising with your colleagues after work. While you’re typically a fan of treating yourself in big ways, this eclipse will be an opportunity to find joy in what you’d usually overlook.
GEMINI
Eclipses are unpredictable wildcards of change, inspiring us to become better versions of ourselves. For the first in a decade, A New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra arrives on 14 October. As you stand at the crossroads of immense personal change, processing the past will be necessary. One effective way to tackle this is through creative expression. With this lunation you can maximise opportunities for rich fulfilment through being creative and just having fun with it all. Have you overly acquiesced or not communicated your needs in creative collaborations or romances? Gemini, this is the time to liberate yourself as this powerful eclipse allows you to break habitual patterns of relating that no longer serve. Venus in Virgo rules the eclipse and boy, is she precise! Be specific with your needs—there is no need to dim your light. And of course the timing is just right for greater fertility—literally and figuratively.
CANCER
Cancer, this eclipse is all about friends and family—a topic you obviously could dote on for hours or even days. This South Nodal Solar Eclipse arrives on October the 14th in Libra (which is also a New Moon) and brings your attention to the past, unresolved emotional hurts or habitual patterns detrimental to relationships. They need to be released. It is a New Moon, yet you cannot move forward until you face unfinished issues. Activating your 4th house of home, family and inner sanctuary, reminds you that harmony at home is essential to your wellbeing. Do you overly compromise? Avoid your needs or a problem to keep the peace? Be honest with yourself. This Eclipse is ruled by Venus in Virgo and she is the queen of specificity. Be detailed when it comes to your needs. South Nodal eclipses create an opening for profound clearing and releasing of negative patterns. It's a gift, no matter how challenging. Because you're a homebody; your inner sanctuary is where you nurture and recharge. It is a reflective time so stay in, beautify your home and spend time alone. This eclipse cycle occurs every 18.5 years—don't waste this precious opportunity to heal.
LEO
Finding common ground again through constructive dialogue to end this conflict is possible—maybe even unavoidable—during the solar eclipse and new moon in Libra on October the 14th. Eclipses are catalysts for change, unpredictable, disruptive—exciting game changers, to say the least. It is on the South Node, which signifies endings, releases or letting go. You are not exempt. Do you communicate your needs clearly or overly compromise or do you people please or charm others to get your way? The key to this major lunar event is balanced thought and negotiation, which would aid you in both making decisions personally and discussing them with your near and dear ones. Venus in Virgo rules the eclipse and she is crystal clear and precise. Be detailed and specific in communicating your relationship needs and be real with yourself. South nodal eclipses are potent for clearing and releasing negative thinking, truly a gift from the heavens.
VIRGO
The ebb and flow of money has perhaps been the sharpest point of imbalance in your oh-so-meticulously nurtured life this year. A chance to completely revolutionise your relationship with income and earning money could land in your lap on 14 October, thanks to a major solar eclipse and new moon in Libra. Your prospects for increasing cash flow are tremendous, whether that be with a whole new gig, a sweet pay raise, or a rewarding side hustle. This lunar event in the South Node signifies endings…and the need to let go before you can move forward. Take an honest assessment of how you communicate your needs about money. You’ll find that tricky (but essential) in business and personal partnerships. It’s also time to take a look at how you spend your money—prepare for your values to shift in a positive way. You’ll find yourself wasting less (on what doesn’t add meaning) and investing more in what really matters. Venus in Virgo rules this eclipse: Be specific, analyse your budget, set your financial goals, communicate your needs clearly and know your worth, Virgo!
LIBRA
There isn’t an aspect of your life that October’s eclipse season won’t touch. On 14 October, a solar eclipse and new moon occurs in Libra, rocking your world with a powerful new beginning. Life as you know it—including how you present your identity to the world—may change dramatically. This New Moon Solar Eclipse on the South Node signifies endings, releases and letting go. For you, that’s an invitation to gain profound insight and to let go of parts of yourself that no longer serve you. Your nature is to seek harmony, yet it can be detrimental if you overly compromise and do not communicate your needs. Now is your chance to release and break free from entrenched patterns. What will you do with this gift? Let go of the things that dim your light and you’ll begin a transformation. Venus in Virgo rules this eclipse and she’s the queen of specificity. Being detailed and precise in communicating your needs brings healing and authenticity to how you relate. Be sure to nurture yourself during this reflective time, even if that means turning down an invitation or two. Don’t be surprised if you spend a few days feeling less vital…that means the profound shift is starting. How exciting!
SCORPIO
Furthering your projects will be an inside job, one that requires personal motivation and savvy strategy. A solar eclipse and new moon fall in Libra on 14 October, providing a healthy balance for bringing that bubbling internal energy out into the external to manifest toward your goals. What some perceive as cunning is just simple smarts to you, Scorpio. During this lunation, you may set out to make some changes to your habits or behaviours, particularly the ones that may be working against you. Venus in Virgo rules the eclipse, taking a detailed inventory of what needs to be released. You’ll seek new ways to prioritise pleasure behind closed doors. Although this may not be an incredibly social day for you, you’ll probably reflect on the ways you can overcome any internal struggles in order to better connect and relate to the people around you.
SAGITTARIUS
October is eclipse season, and you’re always up for an adventure. Buckle up for an unpredictable, game-changing time of transformation. The Solar New Moon Eclipse in Libra on October the 14th will ignite your house of friends and aspirations. Because this eclipse is on the South Node, it signifies endings and releases. Sometimes, you’re only as good as the company you keep. Think about what drags down your relationships—poor communication, bad habits, patterns of dysfunction. This eclipse is your chance to release those areas of tension. Sagittarius, where have you compromised too much or neglected your own needs? Venus in Virgo rules the eclipse, and she’s the queen of specificity. Take her lead and be detailed in communicating your relationship needs. This may spell the end of some friendships and new, rich appreciation for others. New beginnings inherently mean letting go of the past, and trust me—exciting possibilities lie ahead. Two is better than one when it comes to getting ahead!
CAPRICORN
October's eclipse season will change your world! The first solar eclipse in a decade, in Libra, arrives on 14 October. This mighty event highlights your professional life, inviting new opportunities and beginnings. First, you have to release the past before forging ahead into the exciting unknown. Since this eclipse is in the South Node, it represents letting go of past identities and expectations. Venus rules the eclipse, so it’s about relationships. Let’s talk about work relationships, though: Your career is essential to who you are, you’re a commanding force, you strive for harmony on the job. However—how have you put yourself last amid all the compromise and manoeuvring at work? It’s time to communicate your needs, and Venus is here to help. She rules the eclipse and is all about specificity, so be precise expressing what you need and expect moving forward. Now (during this South Nodal eclipse) is the time to clear and release those negative patterns, and the sky will be the limit. When the new beginning starts you’ll be in it to win it.
AQUARIUS
This October eclipse season is time to expand your mind, Aquarius! This solar eclipse in Libra is the first over a decade. This event will activate your thirst for adventure, wisdom and spiritual pursuits. It’s time to take the trip, read the book, dive into the spiritual practice you’ve had your eye on. There never seems to be a time when you’re not seeking expansive horizons, but this month your pursuit for higher learning is magnified by a solar eclipse and new moon in Libra on October the 14th. Practically anything you do with the intention of becoming more knowledgeable is supported, and could even be profoundly spiritual. Teaming up with your partner or sweetheart makes this learning experience doubly profound. Since Venus (Miss Specificity) in Virgo rules this eclipse, be detailed and precise about how you move forward. Take the opportunity to relate your needs with travel partners, gurus and life mentors.
PISCES
Eclipse season is here—ready to break some patterns? Eclipses disrupt the cosmos and jar us into becoming better versions of ourselves, if we let them. A solar eclipse in Libra arrives on October the 14th (the first over a decade) igniting your house of finances, shared resources and intimacy. It is a South Nodal eclipse, which signifies endings and releases. This celestial event gifts you with profound insight, inspiring you to to shift entrenched, habitual patterns around money and relationships. Pisces, where do you compromise, people-please or skirt the issue to avoid conflict over money or intimacy? It is time to clear and release your negative patterns. The Solar Eclipse usher in a key development in untangling your finances and easing your overwhelm. Income provided by your partner or spouse could positively tip the scales, or you might get a leg up with passive income, a loan, or a line of emergency credit. Venus (the queen of specificity) in Virgo rules the eclipse, so follow her lead with detailed and precise communication about your needs.
