We’re about to venture into our first eclipse season of the year! The first solar eclipse 2023 delivers is in Aries, and in October we’ll have another in Libra. This year’s lunar eclipses, meanwhile, are in Scorpio and Taurus.
How does a solar eclipse differ from a lunar eclipse in astrology? Solar eclipses fall on the New Moon and bring a major transformative change, a sharp ending and beginning, often acting as a call to action in our lives. In contrast, lunar eclipses fall on the Full Moon and are more about an emotional awakening or inner revelation.
Eclipses are not a good time to do magick or to start new projects. It’s best to lay low and process the changes at work within and around us. Give a couple days padding for important affairs if you can.
Solar Eclipse 2023 Part 1: Aries Decan 3 (April 19)
The first eclipse gateway we walk through in 2023 is in the passionate 3rd decan of Aries. This is the 4 of Wands in Tarot, Lord of Completion, which is ruled by the benefics, Venus and Jupiter. A celebratory card, it represents a joyous occasion and a rite of passage. It marks the completion of one chapter and the commencement of a new adventure that awaits us.
This rather positive card comes up when there’s an important event recognizing a rite of passage: graduations, weddings, and birthday parties are prime examples. With each of these kind of events there’s a sense of finality or completion paired with the promise of a new beginning. Thematically this is very apt at describing Solar eclipse energy in general.
The Sun and Moon are in the urgent last degree of Aries, too. This is already a very fervent, compelling energy with the third decan of Aries. Being in the last degree adds some heat and intensity.
A caution for this fiery eclipse is to avoid burning too hot and too fast. Burnout is quite possible when we get wrapped up in the heat of the moment. This can be a strong party vibe, or an anxious feeling that what we hunger for most must happen right now.
But in the morning when the Sun goes into Taurus, we’re going to be more aware of a need for conservation and slowing down. Mercury stationing retrograde in Taurus at the same time will cut the party short as well, counseling rest. We’ll be reminded that this is only the beginning, and we have to pace ourselves!
What is it Building Toward?
If this is a new beginning, then what is it building toward? We can look in two places for the answer to this: the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5, and the Full Moon in Aries on September 29.
Ultimately building toward the Aries Full Moon at the end of September, this follows the notion that we have 6 months to develop something new in the area of our charts ruled by Aries. That Full Moon is in the first decan, so really it’s a culmination of our last New Moon on March 21! That’s right, we’re blessed with two New Moons in Aries in 2023, King of Starting Things. This can really jumpstart our Aries healing journey and encourage us to be a little more selfish or to take the lead.
Both Aries and Scorpio are ruled by Mars. Right now Mars is in the middle decan of Cancer, which he has some rulership over. Here Mars is more protective of those he loves. Everything that we’re doing, the risks we’re taking and the new paths we’re forging, is all for love.
Mars rules this eclipse also by the fact that the chart has Scorpio rising (locally). This points us back to the fact that the Lunar Nodes are not yet in Aries/Libra, and we’ll have one last eclipse in Scorpio on May 5.
Hunger, drive, passion, and ambition are all part of the equation. Mars is squaring Chiron, only adding fire to the fact that we’ve had so much Chiron in Aries action lately. Really driving home the fact that we need to pay attention to and nurture ourselves in the Aries section of our personal astrology landscapes.
Mercury-Uranus Conjunction in Taurus
The conjunction of Mercury and Uranus should not be overlooked. Mercury doesn’t quite get there until after the Retrograde, though. The exact conjunction will happen June 4 at 20° 24′ Taurus.
Mercury-Uranus is great for opening up the mind. There’s also a liberating effect here, which Aries get can onboard with. It’s mentally stimulating, encouraging innovation and experimentation. We benefit from exposing ourselves to the unexpected, and mixing up the pattern. Real-world, in-person experiences that incorporate all of the senses can lead us to break-through moments during this eclipse.
Copresence with Jupiter
Jupiter is right here with this first eclipse in Aries. Since he moves so quickly through the sign, already in Taurus for most of the year by May, this is the only Aries/Libra eclipse that we’ll have with Jupiter present. Jupiter will be involved in the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus in late October as well.
With Jupiter co-present, this can bring in some benefits and positivity, but it can also just act as a way of making the eclipse bigger in magnitude. Jupiter in Aries decan 3 wants to celebrate, initiate, and experience to the full height of his ability. Just watch for excess.
Solar Eclipse 2023 Part 2: Libra Decan 3 (October 14)
The second solar eclipse of 2023 is in the 3rd decan of Libra, the 4 of Swords. Directly opposite April’s festive eclipse, this emphasizes the need for rest, stillness, and meditation. Ruled by Jupiter and Mercury, this decan in the Tarot is known as the Lord of Truce, or the Lord of Rest from Strife.
This chart also has Scorpio rising, with Mars in Scorpio to boot. Mars is trine Saturn in Pisces as well, emphasizing the Water element and helping us to work diligently on heart-felt issues. As the Eclipse is in relationship-oriented Libra, a dedicated heartfelt approach may be just what’s needed. There may be a lot of angst here, with both malefics in some of the more moody parts of these watery signs.
Mercury Opposite Chiron
Mercury’s directly applying to an opposition with wounded Chiron in Aries. This could bring up some issues with communication due to our past wounds and injuries, but it also presents an opportunity for healing by putting ourselves out there despite what we’ve been through.
What Does It Build Toward?
This energy builds toward the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on October 28. It also builds toward the Full Moon in Libra on March 25, 2024 which is a Lunar Eclipse as well (in decan 1, the 2 of Swords, associated with decision-making and diplomacy).
What Does Solar Eclipse 2023 Energy Have in Store for You?
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This is amazingly informative! Astrology is probably the weakest area of my magickal training and I’m learning so much from your blog and IG posts. Thank you! 🙏
Awesome, Justin!! It’s my pleasure; so glad to be getting into a groove with writing again. I’m very grateful for you and happy to be of some help to you on your astrology journey! 😍❤️