Aries Solar Eclipse 2024
On the 8th or 9th of April, depending on your geographical location, we will have an Aries solar eclipse at 19 degrees. During an eclipse, the moon positions itself between the sun and the Earth, casting its shadow upon us. This awe-inspiring phenomenon will be visible to millions of people across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is a rare and significant occurrence that last graced our skies at the same degree in 2005 and before that, in 1986. Should you have the opportunity, I encourage you to reflect upon the recurring themes that may emerge from these previous eclipses.
We are also experiencing a very Aries-centric sky. Not only do we have the sun and moon converging in this fiery sign, but we also have the presence of Chiron, Venus, the North Node, and retrograding Mercury—all meeting in this dynamic zodiac sign. The abundance of Aries energy permeating the heavens beckons us to embrace our individuality and independence. However, despite the urgency we may feel to leap into immediate action, the universe implores us to pause, to sit in stillness with this potent energy, even if it may feel uncomfortable. For it is within the discomfort of its embrace we can harness the transformative power of this eclipse, paving the way for our personal empowerment and alignment with our true calling.
This particular eclipse is at 19 degrees Aries, aligning with Chiron. Known as the wounded healer, Chiron speaks to our deepest core wounds. Consequently, the energy surrounding this eclipse has the potential to trigger painful memories, ideas and beliefs, particularly concerning the beliefs we hold about ourselves, our identities, and our individuality. It is essential to navigate this period with awareness, tenderness, and patience, as others may also experience restlessness and confrontational tendencies in response to their own triggers.
To gain further insight into the personal themes woven into this eclipse, I encourage you to explore the planets or angles in your birth chart situated near the 19-degree mark of Aries. Additionally, pay attention to corresponding degrees in Capricorn, Cancer, and Libra, as they form oppositions and squares, playing a significant role in the transformative potential of this eclipse and the new beginnings it heralds.
As we venture into this eclipse, it is vital to exercise caution and refrain from making rash decisions. The eclipse energy can be felt for up to six months, urging us to approach change and transformation with thoughtful consideration and grace. Remember to extend gentleness not only to yourself but also to those around you as we collectively navigate the profound cosmic currents.
May this solar eclipse in Aries illuminate your path, igniting the fires of personal growth and empowering you to embrace the transformative journey that lies ahead.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries: A Time for Reflection and Patience
Mercury is set to retrograde in the sign of Aries from April 1st to April 25th, creating a period of introspection and caution. The retrograde shadow began on March 18th and will end on May 13th, signifying a time of slowing down and reevaluating our actions.
In mythology, Mercury was known as the messenger of the gods, capable of transmitting messages between the heavens and the underworld. While he was a trusted messenger, his reliability and trustworthiness were not guaranteed. During the Mercury retrograde, when the planet appears to move backward in the sky, Mercury can play tricks on us, leading to disruptions in communication, transportation delays, and technological malfunctions.
It is worth noting that this year, the retrograde start coincides with April Fool's Day, adding an interesting twist to the energies at play!
It is advisable to exercise caution during this time, especially when it comes to signing important documents or making significant purchases. If such actions are unavoidable, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions, ensuring clarity and accuracy of the information provided.
Patience is key during this period, as travel plans may experience setbacks and cancellations. If you find yourself traveling, allow ample time for unexpected delays, pack extra essentials, and maintain a composed mindset.
Mindful communication becomes paramount during the Mercury retrograde. Thoughts may become disorganised, and messages may be misunderstood or unclear. Take the time to think before speaking, ensuring that your words are coherent and effectively convey your intentions. It is equally important to extend grace to others, recognizing that breakdowns in communication may be unintentional and a result of the astrological influence.
The Mercury retrograde offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on our actions. It prompts us to reassess our current endeavors, allowing us to reimagine our goals and visions for the future. As this retrograde occurs entirely in the sign of Aries, a sign normally associated with associated with taking initiative and action, you may feel a sense of stagnation or an inability to move forward. Consequently, this period invites self-care and encourages us to reevaluate our self-critical tendencies. When our projects encounter delays or come to a halt, it serves as an ideal time to reconsider our approaches, facilitating a fresh start and new beginnings once the retrograde concludes.
For a more personalized understanding of how this Mercury retrograde will affect you, look to the house occupied by Aries in your birth chart and observe any planets or points between 15 and 27 degrees, as they will significantly influence the retrograde's impact. Additionally, the cardinal signs of Capricorn, Cancer, and Libra, positioned within the same degrees, will experience the effects through squares and oppositions. On the other hand, the fire signs of Sagittarius and Leo will have a relatively smoother experience, as the retrograde forms a beneficial trine aspect to these signs.
Remember that the retrograde is temporary and it offers us the opportunity to heal and grow if we can work with the energy and not against it.
Samhain: A Celebration of Celtic Tradition and Seasonal Transitions
From an astrological perspective, Samhain coincides with the beginning of Scorpio season. Scorpio, a deeply introspective sign ruled by the planet Pluto and associated with the underworld, embodies the themes of death and transformation. Like the visible deaths in the natural world, where plants wither and animals hibernate, this season invites us to engage in profound inner work. It prompts us to reflect on aspects of our lives that no longer serve us and release them, making space for rebirth and rejuvenation in the coming Spring.
There are few places on Earth more enchanting than the emerald isle of Ireland. Having lived away from my homeland for over a decade, and with the recent travel restrictions preventing me from visiting for nearly three years due to the pandemic, my interest in Irish culture, language, history, and mythology has grown significantly. Each day, I dedicate time to practicing Gaelic, a routine I've maintained for almost a year now. When I discovered that I was expecting a baby girl, I felt a strong desire to give her an Irish name, a sentiment that hadn't arisen during my previous pregnancies. Additionally, over the past couple of years, my knowledge of astrology has deepened, and I've developed a keen interest in ancient festivals and traditions that originate from my truly magical homeland.
One such festival is Samhain, which is not only the Gaelic word for November but also an ancient Celtic celebration that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Samhain is observed from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st, serving as the midpoint between the Autumn equinox and the winter solstice.
During this time, it is believed that the veil separating the earthly and spirit worlds becomes thin, allowing for easier interaction between the two realms. Many cultures take this opportunity to honour their deceased loved ones, and in Celtic traditions, it is believed that fairies and other spirits can freely cross over during Samhain. Cleansing rituals are performed, food is left out for ancestors, and bonfires are lit to ward off malevolent spirits.
From an astrological perspective, Samhain coincides with the beginning of Scorpio season. Scorpio, a deeply introspective sign ruled by the planet Pluto and associated with the underworld, embodies the themes of death and transformation. Like the visible deaths in the natural world, where plants wither and animals hibernate, this season invites us to engage in profound inner work. It prompts us to reflect on aspects of our lives that no longer serve us and release them, making space for rebirth and rejuvenation in the coming Spring.
The significance of Samhain extends beyond astrology and Celtic traditions; it is also embraced in Waldorf schools. By fostering a connection between young children and the natural rhythms of the year, Waldorf education promotes balance, security, and trust. Rudolf Steiner, in his book "The Four Seasons and the Archangels," affirms the enriching effect of experiencing the cycle of the year, stating, "Anyone who can thus experience the cycle of the year feels that his whole human life is wonderfully enriched" (Steiner, 1923). This connection is nurtured through activities such as spending time in nature, creating nature tables, and sharing stories about the elemental beings associated with each season.
In conclusion, Samhain stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Irish culture and the profound cosmic transitions that occur during this time of year. By celebrating this ancient festival, we honour our ancestors, connect with the spirit world, and engage in deep introspection. Whether through the lens of astrology, Celtic traditions, or Waldorf education, the essence of Samhain beckons us to embrace the transformative power of the season and emerge renewed in the face of the coming Spring.
Excerpt from: "The Four Seasons and the Archangels: Experience of the Course of the Year in Four Cosmic Imaginations" by Rudolf Steiner.
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Lunar Eclipse in Taurus
Following on from the solar eclipse in Libra on the 15th of October which brought with it themes of balance, relationship and fairness, we now are fast approaching the lunar eclipse in Taurus on October 28th. We will feel a continuation of Venusian energy, as both Libra and Taurus are ruled by the planet Venus. Expect to feel activation around the themes of money, stability, beauty, love and your values.
Following on from the solar eclipse in Libra on the 15th of October which brought with it themes of balance, relationship and fairness, we now are fast approaching the lunar eclipse in Taurus on October 28th. We will feel a continuation of Venusian energy, as both Libra and Taurus are ruled by the planet Venus. Expect to feel activation around the themes of money, stability, beauty, love and your values.
A lunar eclipse happens at a full moon when the moon moves into the shadow of the Earth causing the light from the moon to be darkened. They always happen when the sun and the moon are in opposite signs resulting in a conversation in opposing cosmic energies. This time the conversation is between the moon in earthy, grounded Taurus and the Sun in watery, mysterious Scorpio.
The eclipse will happen at 5 degrees of Taurus. If you have any personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) at around this point in your chart this eclipse is likely to resonate powerfully with you. You will also feel the energy if any of these planets are forming an opposition, square or a more harmonious trine to the eclipse.
The area of your life that is likely to be activated can be found by looking to which house in your natal chart the eclipse is happening in. I have included the signs and houses below.
Aries rising – 12th house of spirituality, secrets and dreams.
Taurus rising - 1st house of self-image, identity and beginnings.
Gemini rising - 11th house of community, friendships, the future and rebellion.
Cancer rising - 10th house of career, public life, responsibility and recognition.
Leo rising - 9th house of travel, teaching, philosophy and expansion.
Virgo rising - 8th house of intimacy, death, rebirth and the taboo.
Libra rising- 7th house of beauty, relationships and equality.
Scorpio rising - 6th house of service, health, routines, and systems.
Sagittarius rising - 5th house of passion, creativity, playfulness and children.
Capricorn rising - 4th house of family, home, nurture and security.
Aquarius rising - 3rd House of intelligence, communications and siblings.
Pisces rising - 2nd house of money, values, stability and possessions.
Embrace the magic that permeates from this eclipse as it has the power to bring about profound transformation in our lives. To fully feel the power of the eclipse we must be ready to open up, listen and receive the messages and the energy it brings. However, it is not a time for action as the energy can be very destabilising, wait for the dust to settle. It is also not a good time for manifesting or other ritual work but a time to be still, release and reflect.
Working with the Moon
The sun changes signs once a month and takes a year to move through the 12 signs of the zodiac. However, the moon changes sign very 2 1/2 days. Paying close attention to the sign or indeed the element that the moon is in can make a big difference to understanding your emotional body and the feelings of those around you.
Born under a full moon, I have always had a deep connection with the lunar cycles. Living on an island surrounded by water I see how the moon affects the tides and can dictate whether I can swim in the ocean with my children or not. Many women’s menstrul cycles are connected to the moon and it is essential for migration in the animal kingdom.
The festivals here in Hong Kong follow the lunar calendar, as I write this on 29/09/2023, we are preparing for mid autumn festival, a celebration of the full harvest moon.
The sun changes signs once a month and takes a year to move through the 12 signs of the zodiac. However, the moon changes signs every 2 1/2 days. Paying close attention to the sign or indeed the element that the moon is in can make a big difference to understanding your emotional body and the feelings of those around you.
Tonight we have a full moon in Aries. Aries is a fire sign and so we can expect high energy and passion, a feeling that an adventure is about to begin and that anything is possible. The low road of an Aries moon and indeed people with their moon in Aries is impulsiveness, short temper and Impatience. The good news is with the moon in Aries high emotions should be easy to overcome and we do not dwell on negative things that may happen.
Aries is a fire moon and so we can expect a similar energy with other fire moons of Sagittarius and Leo. When the moon enters a water sign of Cancer, Scorpio, or pisces the emotions felt would be very different. We might find the need to nurture others and ourselves, feel things very deeply and have trouble letting go of negative emotions. An earth moon in Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn can be extremely grounding, practical and comforting however we may find ourselves unable to change or make compromises during these lunations. And finally, for air moons of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, we may find these compromises easier to make and find comfort in working with others and socializing. The downside is that it can be more difficult to make decisions which can lead to feelings of anxiety.
When we do energy work it is important to first check which phase of the moon we are in.
Full moon – this occurs when the moon forms an opposition to the sun. Causing a conflict or at least a conversation between the two zodiac signs involved. For example, an Aries full moon is opposite to the sun in Libra calling for us to find a balance between our desire for independence and the benefits/drawbacks of working with others. The full moon is a time for letting go and releasing.
New moon- this occurs when the moon moves between the earth and the sun. The side facing away from the earth is illuminated and the side facing the earth is dark. This is a time for introspection, goal setting and manifestation. During this lunation the sun and moon are in the same sign.
During the waxing period of the moon it is a wonderful time to start a business or new project. As the light grows from the moon it brings with it hope and recharged energy for your projects.
Eclipses- eclipses bring with them intense energy and themes that can be felt for 6 months. Following the full moon tonight the eclipse portal will be open leading up to the solar and lunar eclipses in October. Pay attention to the energy shift and which area of your life it is occurring in.
Temperaments and Elements
As a Waldorf early childhood teacher, I work closely with Rudolf Steiner’s concept of the four temperaments. The four temperaments are: choleric, connected to the element of fire, sanguine connected to the element of air, phlegmatic connected to the element of earth and melancholic connected to the element of water.
The children that I teach are very young and in the first seven years, as children have not fully entered their earthly bodies, most (but not all) seem to embody the element of air or the sanguine temperament. We see this in how they communicate, often switching subject mid-sentence, flitting from one activity to the next and in their movement, how they often seem to fly or float their feet barely touching the ground.
Understanding the temperaments does not only help me with the children in my care but it has helped me gain a better understanding of myself my family and my colleagues. When I first examined my Natal chart, I was not surprised to see that I had just two planets in water signs. One of which (Pluto in Scorpio) is the same in every millennial’s birth chart. My family too lack water in their charts. When I look at all five of us, we have but a handful of planets in Scorpio, Pisces and Cancer between us. A friend recently commented ‘where is all the water?’ before noting that it is probably why we live on an island surrounded by it! Indeed, I balance my fire by swimming daily in the ocean. My children love to do this too.
Bringing our elements or temperaments into balance is vitally important for our mental and spiritual health. For a person who identifies with the melancholic temperament and lacks fire, exercise will help them find balance. A friend of mine, a double Cancer, has regular boxing lessons to build fire. One of my daughters has a grand trine in Earth but despite this finds it hard to keep her feet on the ground. The trouble with a grand trine is that because of the ease of energy created by it, there is a lack of struggle. Which can make a person lazy when it comes to embodying this element. My daughter hugely benefits from barefoot walks in nature. Finally, a person lacking air may benefit from breathwork or certain yoga practices such as kundalini yoga.
It is important to note that one temperament is not better than another, one element is not stronger than another, one sun sign does not present more challenges than another… Each have their strengths and their shadow and in gaining a better understanding of yourself and your elemental make up, you can identify areas of growth to reach your highest potential.