In 2023 we experience an overlapping transition, from the final chapter of big changes unfolding on the Taurus-Scorpio axis to the beginning of a new series of eclipses in Aries and Libra. Our final eclipse in Scorpio is on May 5 and we also have one more in Taurus at the end of October. Both are illuminating lunar eclipses or full moons that bring the series to a state of completion and heightened awareness.
Dates of this Eclipse Series
- November 19, 2021: Lunar Eclipse in Taurus Decan 3
- April 30, 2022: Solar Eclipse in Taurus Decan 2
- May 15, 2022: Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio Decan 3
- October 25, 2022: Solar Eclipse in Scorpio Decan 1
- November 8, 2022: Lunar Eclipse in Taurus Decan 2
- May 5, 2023: Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio Decan 2
- October 28: Lunar Eclipse in Taurus Decan 1
Lunar Eclipse 2023 Part 1: Scorpio Decan 2 (May 5)
Scorpio Decan 2: The 6 of Cups
This middle part of Scorpio is particularly nostalgic, drawn to the past, longing for the pleasures of childhood and simpler times. There is an innocent, playful quality recalling our inner child, and there can also be a strong feeling of innocence lost, yearning to return to that state of wholeness.
Co-presence with Mercury Retrograde
The eclipse is made even more intense with the addition of Mercury Retrograde, which has the effect of slowing us down and turning us inward. Mercury Retrograde can bring people back from the past, which could be particularly poignant with this past-facing Full Moon in brooding Scorpio.
As the Full Moon brings in big feelings, insights, and a sense of illumination or revelation about the past, we have a great opportunity for looking back, reviewing and processing. Take the time to write down your dreams, journal, or contemplate what’s on your mind now.
Sun-Uranus Conjunction
The Sun-Uranus conjunction on May 9 can have a freeing, shaking loose effect that helps us integrate changes after the eclipse. This aspect can be liberating but also potentially reckless. We may feel inspired to take bold action or rebel against the status quo, chasing freedom and excitement or to break out of a rut. Changes that take root and a new awareness that comes to light during the eclipse will likely lead to this itchy feeling of needing and desiring change.
Lunar Eclipse 2023 Part 2: Taurus Decan 1 (October 28)
Taurus Decan 1: The 5 of Pentacles
For the final culmination of this eclipse series, the Moon is focused on the 1st decan of Taurus, the Lord of Worry. There’s a final lesson here in making sure that we’re tending to our own basic needs. Will it be enough? Taurus is concerned with conservation for the long haul, even in a time of abundance we must ask, is our hard work now going to be feeding us in the Winter?
Co-presence with Jupiter in Taurus
Jupiter expands the effect of this eclipse with a great hunger and even greater expectation. Jupiter is turned inward, retrograde, moving slowly as he receives the Moon in a decan that the Moon rules. This brings spiritual benefits, wisdom, and inner growth. Despite the intense nature of a lunar eclipse, there are blessings to be gathered here.
During this time, Jupiter’s retrograding over the same degrees of Taurus as our Spring Mercury Retrograde journey (5-16°). Hone in on this area of your chart and examine how events in 2023 are helping you reimagine what’s possible here and grow into a new state of being in balance with the rhythmic give-and-take energy found in the middle decan of Taurus.
Mercury + Mars in Scorpio
This last eclipse may be in Taurus, but it’s not without its own strong Scorpio signature! Mars is at home in morbid Scorpio, where he loves playing creature of the night. This increases our focus and determination, driven by hunger and powerful desires.
Mercury conjunct Mars heats up communications. With the two in Scorpio, conversations can go deep. Get to the heart of what matters to you, what’s going to feed you and take care of your core needs. Information relayed and conversations had during and around the lunar eclipse can help set you on a new path. Purge and release what doesn’t work for you any more.
How Lunar Eclipse 2023 Energy Affects You
Curious how this year’s eclipses in April-May and October will affect you and your business or relationships? Schedule a blended Tarot and Astrology session with me and let’s explore what it means in the context of your chart.
