Monday, April 8th, brings us a special celestial event — a total solar eclipse, and one that will be visible in the United States. Some outlets are calling it the Great North American Eclipse because it is the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century that will be visible throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will also be the last total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States until August 23, 2044. Many people are taking trips to be in the path of totality, which Memphis is just outside of. Eclipses of any kind are interesting events to watch, but they also have special spiritual meanings.
A solar eclipse is often thought of as a time of transformation. The movement of the moon between the Earth and the sun is something that does not happen often and spiritually is thought to catalyze change. The energy of a solar eclipse is believed to accelerate events, bringing to the surface issues that have been simmering and demanding attention and action.
Part of the eclipse’s properties of transformation come from the fact that the usual cycle and movement of the planets is somewhat disrupted. The obscuring of the sun’s light can symbolize a break in routine. Disruptions are often unwanted and sometimes unpleasant, but they are necessary for growth. If you are familiar with tarot, this total solar eclipse might make you think of the Tower card with its disruptions and truth coming to light.
In astrology, a solar eclipse is sometimes viewed as a powerful time for new beginnings. The eclipse is seen as a doorway to significant life changes, offering opportunities to reset, rethink, and start fresh. The blocking of the sun, a symbol of light and clarity, invites introspection and encourages individuals to look inward, reassess their paths, and make substantial changes.
Venus, the planet of love, along with the sun and moon, helps usher in incredibly positive energies during this eclipse. The April 8th total solar eclipse occurs in the sign of Aries, with the asteroid Chiron in Aries as well. Aries is the sign of fresh starts, leadership, innovation, and courage. As such, you can expect this eclipse to have a particularly strong impact on those areas of your personal life.
Chiron symbolizes the “wounded healer,” exposing our deep pain, how we address that pain, and how our own healing powers have the ability to help others. Chiron symbolizes the strength of vulnerability, encouraging us to embrace the dark and thorny spaces of our past and take action. With Chiron in action, this eclipse is also about healing your relationship with yourself. Now is the time to recover from old wounds and explore new opportunities. Luckily, the April 8th eclipse should have an empowering effect in this regard. You could feel like you can take charge of your life in ways you didn’t previously think possible.
A solar eclipse is considered a powerful time for setting new intentions and manifesting goals. The energy of an eclipse can amplify your thoughts and intentions, making it an ideal time to focus on what you truly desire.
This total solar eclipse is also a great time to reflect and release those things that no longer serve you. The darkness of the solar eclipse encourages introspection. It’s a time to pause and reflect on one’s life direction, contemplate deep desires, and acknowledge aspects of life that may need transformation. Meditation or mindfulness practices during this time can lead to deep insights and heightened self-awareness. It is a moment to ponder life’s big questions, reassess your life path, and gain clarity on your personal and spiritual journey. You can use this time to consciously release these old aspects of your life. This could involve a physical decluttering of your space, a symbolic letting go of past grievances, or a commitment to change unhelpful thought patterns.
Even if you aren’t interested in the spiritual meaning of this eclipse, it is a wondrous event to behold and I encourage you to make the most of it.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.
