As the justice-oriented sign of the scales, Libra may not be a fan of drama. But this year’s Libra season comes with a particularly dramatic lunation: The new moon arrives on October 14 at 1:55 p.m. EDT as an annular solar eclipse, meaning that it’s in nearly a straight line between the sun and the Earth.
This energy can shake things up in the Libran realm of one-on-one relationships. New partnerships and collaborations may be formed under these moonbeams, and established connections are up for revision. We could find ourselves reflecting more on the theme of balance within our close connections. As winter nears, we’re keenly aware of the fact that our time, energy, and resources are limited. The question we’ll be pushed to ask ourselves: Who is worthy of getting a share?
What is a solar eclipse, and what does it mean in astrology?
A solar eclipse occurs when the sun and the moon align in the same zodiac sign, and the moon sits directly between the Earth and the sun, forming a straight line. While the moon’s location anywhere between the Earth and the sun would qualify as a new moon, it’s only a solar eclipse when the moon crosses the horizontal ecliptic plane, or directly intersects the Earth’s orbit around the sun, eclipsing or obscuring its light.
The invisible points in the sky at which this intersection or eclipse occurs are called either the north node (in the northern hemisphere) or the south node (in the southern hemisphere). To be specific, in order for a new moon to be considered a solar eclipse, the lunation must take place within 12 to 18 degrees of the north or south node.
In astrology, these nodes are associated with fate and destiny and always occur in opposite zodiac signs, with the north node reflecting the qualities we’re fated to embrace and the south, the qualities we’re destined to release or leave behind.
The nodes shift zodiac signs every 18 months, ushering in a new series of eclipses—and fated or destined events—within a new realm of life. Though we experience eclipses every year, the particular themes of any given set of eclipses are unique, in that it takes 18 years for the eclipse cycle to repeat (or the lunar nodes to return a particular set of zodiac signs). Considering previous eclipse cycles in a given set of signs can offer clues into what may unravel during upcoming eclipses in the same signs.
Much like a typical new moon, a new moon that brings a solar eclipse is associated with a period of renewal or a new beginning. But at the same time, a solar eclipse may push us to release or surrender something in order to achieve that fresh start. After all, eclipses tend to coincide with both endings and beginnings in our lives.
During an eclipse, we can no longer avoid the things we’ve been putting off. People that enter or exit our lives and situations that unfold during eclipse season can often feel karmic and fated, too.
Because of their proximity to the nodes of destiny, eclipses also deal with fate. Specifically, they have a tendency to speed up timelines: During an eclipse, we can no longer avoid the things we’ve been putting off. People that enter or exit our lives and situations that unfold during eclipse season can often feel karmic and fated, too.
Eclipses bring an unpredictable energy, which makes them ill-advised for manifestation work. The sun and moon aren’t operating as they normally do, and the sun is quite literally eclipsed by the moon from our view on Earth. Surrendering is a more productive way to align with the energy of an eclipse than attempting to push your fate in a certain direction. It’s a time to step back and reflect on what’s unfolding around you.
That said, everyone has their own relationship with the sun and the moon, and if you feel called to perform spellwork or set intentions under an eclipse, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Listen to your intuition, and trust that this is a portal that can aid you in shifting timelines and will forever leave you changed by its presence.
What is the meaning of the solar eclipse in Libra in 2023?
As a cardinal sign, Libra is an initiator, and this new moon lends us the momentum to take action on our pressing desires and needs by using our voices. (After all, Libra is also a communicative and cerebral air sign.) This is an aligned time to weigh the pros and cons of any situations that may be keeping you up at night, and to tactfully share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others.
Expect those conversations to revolve around and occur within romantic relationships, given that Libra is ruled by the love planet Venus. If you’re single, you may find a partner with serious potential, and if you’re partnered, you may find yourself pouring more effort and energy into your union and into (re)establishing a solid foundation.
The same energy applies to collaborations of a non-romantic nature: New projects and contracts may form around this time, or you could experience a fresh start within a creative, familial, business, or platonic relationship. At the same time, however, the fact that this eclipse occurs conjunct the south node means that it brings a certain duality: While, yes, solar eclipses typically mark fresh starts, this one may push us to release something first in order to create space for that newness to unfold.
While solar eclipses typically mark fresh starts, this one may push us to release something first in order to create space for that newness to unfold.
Indeed, dramatic endings are likely on the docket—especially when it comes to relationships—during this eclipse, as Venus (which rules over Libra) is also forming a tough opposition with taskmaster Saturn. We may be invited to have serious conversations about boundaries with the important people in our life.
These conversations could touch on deep-seated traumas, as the sun and moon also form intense aspects in the sky with the asteroid Chiron, which represents our deepest pain and our healing journey. Old relationship wounds and patterns can resurface, inviting reflection and offering us a chance to move forward differently.
As the solar eclipse in Libra also forms a tense angle toward Pluto (the planet of death, catharsis, and transformation), we may also confront fears we’ve long buried under the rug. Issues with power, jealousy, manipulation, and control can all come up, especially in important relationships.
The best way to work with this Plutonic energy is to surrender; after all, control is an illusion. Make space for big feelings, and send compassion and understanding to past versions of yourself who were doing the best they could at that time. Trust that the past doesn’t have to define you, and that you can take your power back. This may feel emotional—but a healing, empowering, and cathartic release is on the other side.
To get a better picture of how this life-changing energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.
What the new moon solar eclipse in Libra means for your zodiac sign
Aries
Your close relationships are your top focus, Aries. The solar eclipse activates your seventh astrological house of one-on-one relationships and commitments, contracts, and collaboration. Important partnerships may be ending to open up space for more karmic and aligned connections to form over the next year and a half. If you’re single, you may find a love interest with long-term potential by the end of this eclipse series, and if you’re partnered, you may decide to take significant next steps together. This may also mark the beginning of a life-changing contract or collaboration.
Your new moon self-care practice: Reflect on the balance within your close relationships. Are you receiving as much as you’re giving? If there is any unspoken frustration, this eclipse invites you to address it, however uncomfortable that may be, in order to form a healthier foundation.
Taurus
Your everyday life is about to undergo a massive shift, Taurus, as the solar eclipse moves through your sixth house of daily routines, habits, responsibility, and health. Perhaps you find a job that allows you to travel or work remotely, or maybe you’re ready to incorporate some healthier habits in exchange for patterns that no longer serve you. You may also be taking on a personal or professional project that requires a good deal of work. Trust that your efforts will all be worth it in due time.
Your new moon self-care practice: Prioritize self-care and a healthy work-life balance. Protecting your time and energy will be of the utmost importance as you take on more responsibilities. Streamlining your routine and ensuring a daily dose of tending to your nervous system will refuel and recharge you.
Gemini
What you once craved and desired may be shifting before your eyes, Gemini. The new moon solar eclipse in Libra activates your fifth house of passion, creativity, romance, and pleasure. Old hobbies that used to bring you joy may feel dull, presenting an opportunity for you to find new activities that light you up instead.
You may also be at the precipice of birthing something new into this world, whether it’s a literal human or a creative or personal project. This is an important time for you to reconnect with your inner child and to choose joy daily.
Your new moon self-care practice: Plan a date with yourself. Go to a museum you’ve been wanting to visit or a café you’ve been wanting to try. This will serve as a reminder that your connection to joy, passion, and pleasure resides within you.
Cancer
Your foundations are shifting, Cancer. The new moon solar eclipse in Libra lands in your fourth house of home, family, and the past. You may be wrapping up your time in a particular living situation and feel eager to move.
Changes with family dynamics and within your personal life may also begin to unfold. Your relationship with the past comes into focus, and you’re better able to release old memories that have kept you stagnant. This can be an emotional time, but one that also allows for important connections to deepen.
Your new moon self-care practice: Go through your living space, and remove what isn’t serving you. Create a donation pile, shred old papers, and clear clutter. Opening up more space within your home will invite fresh opportunities to blossom.
Leo
You’re understanding life through a new lens, Leo. The solar eclipse lands in your third house of communication, mindset, and your relationships with your siblings and extended family members.
Sharing your ideas and thoughts could feel more important over the next year and half as your belief system changes. You may learn important news or have some news to share, yourself, around this time. A fresh chapter with extended family can begin to unfold, as well, and more of your energy may be required in these relationships.
Your new moon self-care practice: Consider picking up a daily journaling practice. Whether it’s listing what you’re grateful for each day or even just writing down daily highlights, tracking your ideas and thoughts can lead to major breakthroughs over the coming months.
Virgo
Your relationship with your possessions is your focus right now, Virgo. The solar eclipse activates your second house of resources, income, and livelihood, making this a significant time to let go of the things you’ve been pining over (especially if they belong to others).
Your own money mindset gets a karmic revamp over the next year and a half. You may be making important purchases or investments, or even starting a new role or work contract that has the potential to change the way you support yourself.
Your new moon self-care practice: Make a list of the material things you’ve been coveting. If there is something on the list that has you thinking, “If I just had x, I’d be happier,” consider shifting your focus toward something you have, instead, and for which you’re grateful. An abundance mindset can go a long way toward creating more actual abundance in your life.
Libra
The new moon solar eclipse is taking place in your sign, Libra, which brings in a fated shedding of your old identity and ambitions in favor of something new. Over the next year and a half, you will be guided to redefine yourself and embrace a more authentic version of who you really are, and what you need and desire.
You could also form new fated connections over the next few months or disengage with the relationships that are no longer aligned with the person you’re becoming.
Your new moon self-care practice: Think back to 2004—the last time we experienced eclipses in your sign—and consider the main storylines unfolding in your life around that time. Reflect on how you’ve grown and transformed since then into the person you are today. Send gratitude to past and future versions of yourself.
Scorpio
You’re entering a period of surrender and release, Scorpio. The solar eclipse lands in your 12th house of the subconscious mind, closure, healing, and rest, thus turning your attention inward for reflection.
What patterns, limiting beliefs, and behaviors have you been too afraid to release? You’re invited to make peace with some of your fears and to embrace the unknown. As you make these transformative internal shifts, honoring your boundaries and prioritizing rest will be more important than ever.
Your new moon self-care practice: Consider establishing a regular meditation practice as a way to tune into your inner voice. Your relationship with your inner knowing will strengthen over the coming months, and it has much guidance to offer you.
Sagittarius
Your sense of community is shifting, Sagittarius. The solar eclipse moves through your 11th house of friendship, support, groups, and your hopes and dreams for the future. That means the social relationships that no longer align with who you are or hope to become may fade or dissolve, clearing the way for new connections to form.
You may also experience a significant change regarding your own ambitions. Perhaps you feel ready to release a vision of your future that you’ve long associated with your identity. If so, trust that your next idea will light you up in an even more exciting way.
Your new moon self-care practice: Reflect on some of your goals for the future. Which one makes you feel most alive when you think about it? Take one step toward that wish or dream, whether it’s sending a pitch email, buying a website domain, or asking for support from your network. The universe will meet you halfway.
Capricorn
Your personal and professional ambitions are about to undergo a cathartic transformation, Capricorn. The solar eclipse activates your 10th house of career, public reputation, accomplishments, and major life milestones. You may feel ready to leave a job or line of work you’ve held for some time, in hopes of pursuing a path that feels more aligned. This eclipse can also coincide with a fresh chapter for your public reputation or how others perceive you.
Your new moon self-care practice: Take time to reflect on the work you’re putting out in the world. Honor and celebrate the moments in your life—both personally and professionally—when you’ve reached significant goals or milestones. Reflect on that process, and seek that feeling again.
Aquarius
Your perspective and understanding of the world is changing, Aquarius. The solar eclipse lands in your ninth house of life experience, philosophy, travel, and education. Discussions that take place around this eclipse can feel fated and may deliver some life-changing or perspective-shifting information.
If your curiosity has led you to pursue a new subject, trust that you are meant to be on this path and developing this skill. Travel over the next year and a half can lead to some karmic experiences and help reshape your personal philosophy.
Your new moon self-care practice: It’s time to ditch your comfort zone. What experiences or adventures are waiting patiently for you on your bucket list? This eclipse series reminds you that life is meant to be absorbed and experienced. Take a risk and try something new; the inspiration and clarity you seek will follow.
Pisces
You’re about to go deeper than ever before, Pisces. (And that’s saying something for arguably the deepest sign of the zodiac.) This new moon solar eclipse in Libra moves through your eighth house of shared resources, vulnerability, contracts, and mortality, pushing you to reflect on who and what is truly worthy of your energy.
More specifically, this eclipse promises to transform your investments, shared resources with partners, and any debts that you may carry. Some karmic bonds may form, and others may fade away. Emotionally, you’ll also be invited to explore your fears and anxieties, and embrace a state of surrender as you break free from the past.
Your new moon self-care practice: Embrace a sense of gratitude for having clean water or morning coffee to drink, thank your paycheck for arriving, and acknowledge the privilege and delight of having a full fridge at your disposal. These small shifts can lead to massive changes in your overall mindset.
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