Lunar And Solar Eclipses: April 20, 2023 Is The Next One To Observe!

An eclipse is the apparent disappearance of a star A due to the interposition of another star B between the light source C and this star A. In astrology, we regularly talk about lunar and solar eclipses that we observe from Earth. We encounter at least 4 eclipses (2 solar and 2 lunar per year) but we can go up to 7 eclipses (solar and lunar combined) per year. The eclipse phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are almost aligned!

1. What is a lunar eclipse? Here's the definition

A lunar eclipse forms whenever the Moon is in the Earth's shadow. So, if you were on the Moon at that time, you would not see the Sun at all because of the Earth. This pattern occurs only during Full Moon, when the Moon is in opposition to the Sun.

Lunar Eclipse - Sun / Earth / Moon

2. What is a solar eclipse? Read the definition here

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is positioned in front of the Sun, completely or partially obscuring the image of the Sun from the Earth. This pattern can only occur during the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are conjunct ("next to each other"). Even though the Moon is much smaller than the Sun, it’s also much closer to the Earth. This means it can obscure the Sun because an object is always bigger when it is closer to us.  

Solar Eclipse - Sun / Moon / Earth

An eclipse can be total or partial:

• When the light source is completely blocked by the eclipsing object, it is called a total eclipse.
• If the star that eclipses the other one does not completely block its light, it is called a partial eclipse.

Partial eclipses can be distinguished as follows:

• Simple partial eclipses (for the Sun and Moon): This event occurs when the stars aren’t perfectly aligned, so the eclipsed object is only partially eclipsed.
• Annular eclipses (for the Sun): the annular eclipse is a particular case of partial eclipse where the three "objects" concerned are perfectly aligned. However, this occurs when the one that eclipses is too small (or the eclipsed object is too big!): there then remains a luminous ring still visible! In this case, the Moon cannot completely eclipse the Sun because it is not close enough to the Earth at the time of the eclipse.
• Penumbra eclipses (for the Moon): we speak about penumbra eclipses when the Moon passes only in the cone of penumbra of the Earth (and not in the shadow).

Why do we have eclipses?

The Moon's orbit around the Earth is elliptical and inclined to the plane of the Earth's revolution around the Sun (the ecliptic). Most often, the Moon passes above or below the Earth-Sun axis. It sometimes occurs that the lunar star cuts this axis during a New Moon or a Full Moon.

In the first case, our satellite hides the sun from us, causing a solar eclipse; a total, annular or partial eclipse of the Sun. In the second, the Moon passes through the shadow of our planet and disappears momentarily, in whole or in part, creating a lunar eclipse.

What are the astrological effects?

Astrologically, a solar eclipse acts like a powerful New Moon. We therefore experience the notion and vibes of birth and new beginnings. Everything we do on that particular day will be important and will have a great impact on the future (sometimes up to 6 months afterward). So, if something positive is sown, you can hope that it will amplify in the following days and months... On the contrary, if you argue with someone on that day, there are significant risks that afterward, the relationship might not last... (All this is to be nuanced according to the aspects of the other planets in the sky on that date).

Astrologically, a lunar eclipse acts as a powerful Full Moon. It therefore acts as a revealing phase, meaning we soon become aware that either we feel good because we have sown good things previously, and we reap the fruits; or we feel bad and in crisis mode. If this happens, you must reposition yourself and adjust to the given situation.

NB:

Be careful, if you are nervous and anxious (which can often happen under the effect of a solar or lunar eclipse), try to channel your aggression and keep a minimum of composure. If not, you’ll only make irreparable mistakes.

The eclipses of 2023: The dates you need to look out for

Celestial phenomena are not only reserved for couples, and astrologers never cease to marvel at the impacts on our lives, including at work and with family and friends... In 2023, we can expect one partial eclipses and three total eclipses:

April 20 and 21, 2023: Total solar eclipse

It will be visible in a small habitable strip of the planet. Mainly in Southeast Asia and Australia, and in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and Antarctica.

May 5 and 6, 2023: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Its visibility will cover a large sector of the Earth in terms of people who will be able to appreciate it: Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Also, in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and Antarctica.

October 14, 2023: Annular solar eclipse

Visible in West Africa, North America, South America, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Arctic.

October 28 and 29: Lunar eclipse (partial)

Visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, most of South America, the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and the Arctic and Antarctic.

Check out more of our content here:

• Full Moon dates
• How the Full Moon affects each zodiac sign
• Full Moon superstitions