Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (Sept. 17, 2024)
This is only the beginning..
“legend says that the sun and the moon have always been in love, but that they could never be together, because the moon rises at sunset and the sun just at dawn. thus, in their infinite goodness, God created the eclipse as proof that there is no impossible love.”
This is the first lunar eclipse we've seen in this mutable water sign since September 2016, and it marks the beginning of an eclipse story that will continue through 2025 and 2027 when the Nodes shift to the Pisces-Virgo axis.
The partial lunar eclipse will peak at exactly 25 degrees of Pisces at 10:34 p.m. EDT on September 17.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the Sun’s light, casting a shadow on the Moon. This shadow causes the normally bright Moon to darken, often taking on a reddish hue. In some cases, such as during a total eclipse, the Moon can appear almost completely dark.
There is usually a lot of fear surrounding eclipses because of history, philosophy, ancient astrologers viewing the moon as malefic.
But fear not! Eclipses are neither inherently bad nor good.
Eclipses are considered the wild cards of astrology. They are significant astrological events that remind us of what is beyond our control—something that most humans find unsettling because of the desire for control. You always have agency, but total control, not so much.
In simple terms, eclipses are agents of fate and transformation, often bringing major beginnings and endings into our lives.
Eclipse season can play a role in our bodies as well, especially for those of us who are energetically sensitive. We might feel exhausted, experience headaches, have trouble sleeping, feel restless, etc. Tune in to what you need and honour it accordingly during this time.
Eclipse Practice Idea:
Keep track of what’s upcoming for you around this eclipse, as well as the Solar Eclipse in Libra on October 2 and the week or two following. This will highlight prominent patterns and themes, guiding you on any necessary adjustments or pivots.
Eclipses often bring important insights, lessons and blessings (in disguise) too. It can take weeks, six months, or even years to fully recognize their effects. They also offer a unique opportunity for timeline healing and shifts as the past, present, and future merge into one.
The essence of Pisces is like the ocean's vast expanse.
Jupiter, the traditional ruler over Pisces, is (in part) described by Valens as “authority over temples.” Rhetorius the Egyptian, in his descriptions of the characters of the signs, associates Pisces with the “House of God” (as per the Theme Mundi — birth chart of the beginning of the universe).
Demetra George, in Ancient Astrology Vol 1, states that [Jupiter] “from a modern perspective, is the archetype of the Sage, Priest, and Great Man.” She also notes that Jupiter’s nature is to expand and to rule [higher] wisdom.
Modern astrology often associates Pisces with spirituality, the divine, the mystical, and intuition due to Neptune's modern rulership.
However, this historical connection to Jupiter aligns closely with Pisces' modern associations.
This mutable, feminine water sign is also popularly known for its empathy, sensitivity, and its gift for sensing what’s going on beneath the waves, as well as its ability to flow. The shadow side is there’s also avoidance and escapism with Pisces.
Imagine: “I’m going to avoid charging my phone so I won’t be tempted to read my texts. I know I’ll be bothered by them if I see them, so I’m just going to avoid it altogether.”
But then there’s also a healthy form of escapism—when the present is really difficult, and you reach for a fiction book to read for an hour to recharge.
During the lunar eclipse in Pisces, the sun in Virgo will create a direct opposition with the moon, highlighting this astrological axis.
This eclipse is a time to confront what we’ve been avoiding and illuminate the areas of our lives that need attention.
This celestial event will serve as a powerful and revelatory moment. There’s likely to be signs, synchronicities, intuitive nudges, and prophetic dreams. Emotions may feel especially heightened.
Don’t get it twisted — Virgo avoids too, but it’s done in a way that focuses on very rigid, precise methods and practical changes (earth sign), while Pisces seeks escape through shifts in emotional or spiritual states. All of which can be unsupportive.
This eclipse is happening in the third decan of Pisces, which contains themes of sacrifice, dreams, effort, and commitment.
A sacrifice is an offering to your future self.
What are you willing to sacrifice to actualize your wildest dreams? Maybe the sacrifice is the avoidance of discomfort, maybe it’s unhealthy escapism, or maybe it’s just old stories that are keeping you stuck.
More will be illuminated with the Solar Eclipse in Libra on October 2.
And whatever comes up around this Pisces lunar eclipse is only the preview to what you’ll be addressing, changing and realigning for the next two years.