eclipse season

Welcome to eclipse season, the biannual period where back-to-back eclipses sow their usual chaos.

As if the summer's dual retrogrades of Mercury and Venus were not enough these October eclipses are the pivotal grand finale of our 2023 astrological year.

eclipse viewers image by Dave Davidson

The October 2023 eclipse season features an annular solar eclipse on October 14 visible in the Americas. A shallow partial lunar eclipse also happens on October 28 visible from the eastern Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

According to astrologer Lauren Ash, the shadow cast by lunar eclipses - lifting at the end of the lunation - symbolizes darkness being released in our life. These lunations tend to guide us toward making sudden or surprising life changes.

It is a time that challenges us to let go of our need for control. If we are holding onto things that are keeping us from reaching our full potential eclipses tend to wipe the slate clean. The last two eclipses of 2023 are a Libra solar eclipse and a Taurus lunar eclipse.

Solar eclipses are about self-exploration and finding peace with our ego, which will help us usher in October with a healthy sense of pride.

Lunar eclipses are about bringing what is hidden out in the open which clarifies the Taurus-Scorpio lesson we are learning. A lunar eclipse is our chance to dig deep and slay our demons once and for all.

This impressive ending to 2023 finalizes the end of a long, dramatic chapter in our life. This Taurus eclipse feels more emotional - a good time to release any pent-up anger or frustration festering within.

This pleasure focus axis where Taurus rules the body and indulgence, while Scorpio rules sex and taboo affairs - is associated with life (Taurus) and death (Scorpio).

The end of this cycle represents something in life that we no longer invest attention, energy, or satisfaction to. Coming to a realization of what we have outgrown or no longer need.

Eclipses represent reference points in the bigger life story and tend to carry old baggage that stirs up new challenges.

While the experience can be dramatic, remember that it is ruled by fate. Whatever situation, people, or chaos comes into your life at this time serves a purpose.

Our mission is to identify what that purpose is. Then we can be attentive lifelong students to life's teaching moments.