Solar Eclipse 2023: Aries + Libra

Solar Eclipse 2023

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)

Solar Eclipse 2023

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!

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April 2023 Astrology: Solar Eclipse

april 2023 astrology

April 2023 Astrology Overview

April 2023 Astrology brings in a Full Moon in Libra followed by a Solar Eclipse in Aries. There’s a special emphasis on the Aries/Libra axis at this time. Themes of independence, balance, and interpersonal relationship dynamics are prominent. In between these lunations, we have a fortunate, growth-spurring Jupiter Cazimi — also in Aries!

Venus enters social Gemini, while Mercury enters hard-working Taurus and stations retrograde, just in time for Taurus Season. Let’s dig in beginning with the current lunar cycle, which started on March 21 in Aries decan 1.

The Full Moon in Libra (April 5)

The Full Moon in Libra decan 2 (the 3 of Swords) is in direct conversation with the wounded healer Chiron. This continues to bring up Chiron in Aries wounds around independence, leadership, worldly desires/goals/ambitions, warrior mindset, self-assertiveness, anger/frustration, etc.

In Tarot, the middle decan of Libra is associated with the 3 of Swords, Lord of Sorrow. There’s a pessimistic or cynical side at play, but it’s more about having realistic expectations and being ground in reality — even when the truth is hard to face. There can be issues around relationships causing separation, loss, or disruptions that can throw us off. It’s important to not lose sense of yourself in these situations and to keep a clear head.

Continue reading April 2023 Astrology: Solar Eclipse