The Astrology of Eclipses: What Each Type Means and How to Read One
Quick Reference: Eclipse Astrology
- Solar eclipse: always at a new moon. Read as a beginning, a seed planted.
- Lunar eclipse: always at a full moon. Read as a release, an ending, a revelation.
- Eclipse season: two windows per year, roughly 6 months apart.
- Sign matters: the zodiac sign the eclipse falls in shapes the theme.
- South Node vs North Node: south node eclipses release the past; north node eclipses pull forward.
- 2026 eclipses: see calendar inside.
In astrological tradition, eclipses are treated as the most charged events of the calendar. Solar eclipses are read as catalytic new moons, planting seeds for the next 18 months. Lunar eclipses are read as charged full moons, surfacing what was hidden and demanding a release. Here is how each eclipse type is read, why the zodiac sign and lunar node matter, and what the 2026 eclipses bring.
Solar vs Lunar Eclipses
A solar eclipse happens at a new moon (moon between Earth and sun). A lunar eclipse happens at a full moon (Earth between sun and moon). Both require a precise alignment of the sun, moon, and the lunar nodes (the two points where the moon’s orbit crosses the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun).
- Solar eclipse: the sun is briefly hidden by the moon. Astrologically read as a beginning, a seed, a fresh chapter. Effects extend 6 months to 18 months forward.
- Lunar eclipse: Earth’s shadow falls on the full moon, often turning it red. Read as a release, an ending, a revelation. Often surfaces what has been hidden.
The Lunar Nodes Matter
Eclipses come in pairs along the lunar node axis, which shifts zodiac signs roughly every 18 months. The current axis tells you which themes the eclipse cycle is foregrounding.
Eclipses near the south node (the descending node) are traditionally read as releases of the past, things being shed or completed. Eclipses near the north node (the ascending node) are read as pulling toward growth, new commitments, a turning point.
Reading by Zodiac Sign
The sign an eclipse falls in colors the theme. A Cancer eclipse foregrounds home, family, and emotional foundations. An Aries eclipse foregrounds identity, initiative, and self-assertion. A Libra eclipse foregrounds partnership, balance, and one-to-one relationships. The Almanac’s monthly horoscope pages walk through each sign’s eclipse window in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do eclipses happen?
Four to seven eclipses per year (solar and lunar combined), in two seasons about 6 months apart.
Are eclipses bad luck in astrology?
Not bad luck, but charged. Astrological tradition treats eclipses as catalysts, when life changes that were already in motion accelerate.
Should I do anything special during an eclipse?
Many traditions advise against starting major new commitments on eclipse days, especially solar eclipse days. Wait a few days for the energy to settle. Lunar eclipse days are often used for release rituals.
Where can I see the next eclipse dates?
The Almanac publishes the full year’s eclipse calendar each January. Solar and lunar eclipse times, paths, and zodiac sign placements are all included.
Kyle Thomas
Kyle Thomas is an expert astrologer who writes for The New York Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Marie Claire, Elite Daily, Bustle,and more. He has been featured on Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment, NBC and ABC television. Kyle is globally recognized as a "celebrity astrologer" for his guidance of well known actors in Hollywood and prominent business executives, but he also loves sharing his comic insights with everyday people. His work explains how astrology influences lifestyle and trends worldwide. Learn more about him at KyleThomasAstrology.com.
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Where can I find out what my natal sun is
Hi Martha, We suggest finding your natal Sun (and other astrological chart information) here: https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php. If you have any more questions, please let us know!
My natal Sun is 23 Virgo, square Saturn at 19 Sag. The March 2025 total eclipse falls within seconds of my Sun. What significance (generally) is transiting Saturn conjunct the Sun of an eclipse? It’s a really tight orb….
Diane, we would love to share more with you. Due to the personal nature of this information, it would be best to discuss this directly via email. Direct correspondence on this level is reserved for our Members. Here is the sign-up link: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/online-memberships. After purchasing, please respond to this thread by leaving another comment and we will contact you.
What if libra isn’t in your chart?
Everyone has every sign in their chart, even if it is “empty” (aka no planets in it) look at your birth chart (the circular graph, don’t use costar) and look to which house libra isin. then use the guide above. cheers
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about this, K! One of our favorite things is seeing how readers share wisdom with each other. Best wishes!