This week’s total lunar eclipse wants you to tie up loose ends to declutter your life

The universe wastes no time as we find our footing in the New Year, dropping us into the deep end of the cosmic pool. This week, we settle into the astrological intensity that will define much of the year ahead as Saturn and Pluto experience their conjunction at 22 degrees of Capricorn. These planets joining forces in Capricorn unleashes unbridled power to catalyze change in your life. Though, fair warning: The force may take us through a metaphorical swamp before guiding us to the valley—and we’ll feel that effect with extra intensity on Friday, January 10, as we experience a total lunar eclipse.

Yep, it’s eclipse season, which means we’ll be ascending in our schedules and plans, but not before exploring laterally. Only afterward will that rising motion become possible. This full moon directly opposes the Saturn, Pluto, and Mercury conjunction, but even more importantly, the sun conjoins this powerful stellium in Capricorn, intensifying the cosmic event even more.

It’s critical to take time right now to evaluate what’s concluding in your life: What projects, relationships, work dynamics, or personal patterns require a wrap-up?

Given our recent entrance into a new decade and the sweet solar eclipse that closed out December, it’s critical to take time right now to evaluate what’s concluding in your life: What projects, relationships, work dynamics, or personal patterns require a wrap-up? While this might feel abrupt, you can’t fight the changes happening now. Remember, a total lunar eclipse commands the power of a typical full moon, multiplied by at least three. It’s a cosmic, universal force that asks you to yield to it humbly. Embracing your humanity, staying down to earth, and being as flexible as possible now will help you seamlessly integrate the changes afoot.

The sun represents our identity, while the moon represents our emotional needs. With the moon moving into the Earth’s shadow, we are asked to pay attention to the shadows within. Disowned aspects of the self require attention now, and that’ll make emotions feel super-intense. Even more importantly, though, the truth will reveal itself with remarkable clarity in the days leading up to and beyond this total lunar eclipse.

The eclipse itself perfects at 2:21 p.m., EST, on Friday. Despite popular lore that making lunar charged moon water or exposing yourself to the moon on this day will amplify your powers, the truth is, lunar eclipses are inauspicious. They can, and often do, feel like an energetic knockdown rather than a buildup. So, limiting your exposure to the moon, as opposed to intentionally increasing it, will help you feel contained and protected.

Embrace a slow, steady, and sensible approach rather than top-down, immediate change. The cosmos are doing their thing on a macro and micro level, so know that while you are co-creating your reality with the universe, the universe is heavy-handed with its own agenda right now. So take a step back, see the big picture, and surrender. You are not in charge of everything; the harder you push your personal priorities, the harder things will feel. Now’s the time to invite in the flow and allow it to guide you.

Taking good care of your body right now will assure that you can ride the waves of this eclipse gracefully. In the wellness world, it’s easy to overlook the basics and focus on what feels, hip, hot, and exciting. But this week, I promise, the basics are all you need: sleep, water, dark leafy greens, a blood-sugar-balanced diet, and healthy movement. To support your mental health, and to ensure that you gain all the clarity available to you now, a journaling practice may prove exceptionally fruitful, in addition to therapy, acupuncture, or any type of healing practice to help you access your inner wisdom and perception.

So, stay open to what’s unfolding in your life. Soon enough, we will exit the eclipse season, but until then, ride out your situation rather than aim to control it. Saturn, Pluto, Mercury, and the sun in Capricorn, bring things to a karmic full circle, exposing abuses of power and opportunities to meet your most authentic potential. While the week ahead brings extremely emotional aspects, by relaxing into the moment, the catalytic forces of the universe will guide you to precisely where you need to be. Look at the week ahead as a vast clearing.

If you do want to work with it proactively, try leaning into the clearing energy. Consider cleansing your home with sage, eliminating the clutter in your space, and consciously completing whatever needs to be closed. Pay attention to the details, and do not check out.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.