A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light from reaching the Earth. This phenomenon can result in a partial or total eclipse, depending on the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

Solar eclipses occur periodically due to the Moon’s orbit around the Earth and the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. However, not every new moon results in a solar eclipse. This is because the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. As a result, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth must be nearly perfect for a solar eclipse to occur.

From an astrological perspective, solar eclipses are powerful moments of new beginnings and opportunities for growth. They often coincide with major life events, bringing changes, endings, and new beginnings. Each solar eclipse is also influenced by the energy of the astrological sign that the Sun and Moon are transiting.

There are three types of solar eclipses: Total, partial, and annular.

• Total Solar Eclipse: During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. This creates a brief period of darkness known as the path of totality in the regions where the eclipse is visible.
• Partial Solar Eclipse: In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon only partially covers the Sun, casting a smaller shadow on the Earth. This results in a partial dimming of sunlight in the regions where the eclipse is visible.
• Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This creates a ring of sunlight around the edges of the Moon, giving the appearance of a ‘ring of fire’ in the sky.

Note: You should not view a solar eclipse with the naked eye as it may cause permanent vision damage. Use safe viewing methods, such as eclipse glasses, to observe this spectacular event.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. This happens during the full moon phase when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. It is only visible on the night side of Earth.

Lunar eclipses occur periodically due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. However, not every full moon results in a lunar eclipse because the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. As a result, the alignment must be nearly perfect for a lunar eclipse to occur.

Astrologically, lunar eclipses are associated with culmination, release, and emotional breakthroughs. They often bring hidden emotions to the surface and illuminate areas of our lives that need attention or resolution. The effects of lunar eclipses are felt most strongly in the areas of life represented by the zodiac sign that the Moon is transiting.

There are three types of lunar eclipses: Total, partial, and penumbral.

• Total Lunar Eclipse: During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s umbra (the central, darkest part of its shadow) completely covers the Moon. This can give the Moon a reddish or coppery hue, often referred to as a ‘blood moon.’ This color is caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.
• Partial Lunar Eclipse: In a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra, resulting in a partial darkening of the Moon’s surface.
• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon crosses through the Earth’s penumbra (the outer part of its shadow). This results in a subtle darkening of the Moon, which may be difficult to discern without careful observation.