Total Solar Eclipse

April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Aries: All the Scary Details

The Total Solar Eclipse, aka the Great North American Eclipse, in Aries on 8 April 2024 presents a unique celestial phenomenon, encouraging a thorough investigation into its deep astrological implications.

It’s eclipse season here at The Spiritual Eclectic, so watch for more articles coming up on how this eclipse will affect you, including a meditation you can use.

But first, the basics.

Time and Date (UTC and Eastern Time):

8 April 2024

Partial Eclipse beginsApr 8 at 3:42 PM UTCApr 8 at 11:42 AM ET
Total Eclipse beginsApr 8 at 4:38 PM UTCApr 8 at 12:38 PM ET
Maximum Eclipse or PeakApr 8 at 6:17 PM UTCApr 8 at 2:17 PM ET
Total Eclipse endsApr 8 at 7:55 PM UTCApr 8 at 3:55 PM ET
Partial Eclipse endsApr 8 at 8:52 PM UTCApr 8 at 4:52 PM ET
Note that the UTC times may be slightly off.

Duration:

4 minutes, 28 seconds, but will vary along the totality path of the eclipse.

Effects can be felt for up to six months after the actual date of the eclipse. Total eclipses can represent major life changes, the seeds of which are sown at the time of the eclipse but come to fruition later.

Type:

Total Solar Eclipse. This indicates that the Moon will fully obscure the Sun for a short duration, offering an incredible spectacle to those situated within the path of totality.  This is the fourth eclipse in an Aries-Libra set of six eclipses and the third Solar Eclipse in that series.

Where seen:

The eclipse’s peak intensity will be experienced along a trajectory from Texas to Maine in the United States, extending to include regions of Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and parts of Mexico. Most of North America will have visibility of the event.

Most affected astrology signs:

Specifically:  People with personal planets within degrees (the closer, the stronger) at 19 Aries 24, 19 Cancer 24, 19 Libra 24, and 19 Capricorn 24 (all Cardinal signs)

The influence of the eclipse will vary based on your natal chart, specifically the houses it impacts and any planets it interacts with.

  • House Placement: In astrology, the house system divides the zodiac into twelve sections, each representing different areas of life. The specific life area most impacted will be indicated by the house in which the eclipse occurs in your chart.
  • Planetary Aspects: The eclipse’s influence can intensify if it forms aspects (angular relationships) with planets in your natal chart. The type of aspect (conjunction, opposition, etc.) will dictate how the eclipse’s energy manifests in your life.

General predictions among astrologers:

While specific predictions can vary among astrologers, there’s a general consensus that the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse at 19 degrees Aries will be a powerful event signifying new beginnings, taking action, and asserting yourself. Here’s a breakdown of what astrologers might expect:

  • Cardinal Fire Energy: Aries, a cardinal fire sign, is associated with initiation, taking the lead, and pushing forward. The eclipse’s energy might encourage you to take initiative in important areas of your life.
  • Fresh Starts and Action: Eclipses often mark turning points.  This eclipse might bring opportunities to embark on new endeavors or pursue existing goals with renewed passion.
  • Self-expression and Confidence: The eclipse could prompt you to express yourself more authentically and take ownership of your desires.

Favorability:

Astrologers generally view the April 8th, 2024 total solar eclipse as a powerful and transformative event, not inherently positive or negative.

Here’s a breakdown of how they might perceive it:

  • Transformative Potential: Eclipses often mark turning points and new beginnings.  This eclipse’s energy, influenced by fiery Aries, could be a catalyst for positive change and taking action on your goals.
  • Focus on Specific Areas: The house system in astrology assigns different life areas to zodiac signs. Depending on where the eclipse falls in your chart, it could positively impact a specific area like career or relationships.
  • Challenges and Growth: Eclipses can sometimes bring challenges to light, prompting you to address issues and ultimately emerge stronger.

Here’s why it’s not seen as strictly positive or negative:

  • Individual Impact: The eclipse will affect everyone differently depending on their natal chart.
  • Astrological Interpretations: While many astrologers see this eclipse as positive, interpretations can vary.
  • Potential for Disruption: Eclipses can bring unexpected events or shake up the status quo. This might feel negative initially, but can ultimately lead to positive change.

My own personal take on this eclipse’s outcome is that it will be both disruptive and transformative.  Remember, one person’s disruption or transformation in a way that is positive for them can be extremely negative for another person.  The key here is that the rest of this year is going to be intense, but it doesn’t have to be intense in a bad way.

Sign and Degree:

19 Aries 24

Sabian symbol:

At 19 Aries 24 – Depending on where you look, the interpretation varies; however, there is a common theme of transcendence:

  • A lone eagle soaring above the clouds
  • A magic carpet rising above everything
  • A magic carpet hovering above the depressing reality of everyday life in an industrial area.

Ways to incorporate the Sabian symbol into ritual or meditation:

Soaring High: Let’s use the eagle imagery as an example. The eagle represents ambition, vision, and striving for greatness. This symbol aligns with the firey energy of Aries and the concept of new beginnings. The eclipse might encourage you to set high goals and take bold steps towards achieving them.

  • Breaking Through Limitations: The eagle soaring above the clouds suggests overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. The eclipse’s influence might prompt you to break free from limitations and pursue your dreams with renewed determination.
  • Leadership and Independence: The solitary eagle symbolizes leadership and self-reliance. The eclipse might emphasize the importance of taking charge of your life and forging your own path.

A previous Solar Eclipse that occurred at approximately the same degree of Aries happened on April 8th, 2005. Prior to that, one occurred April 9, 1986. 

This eclipse is also opposite the October 2023 eclipse in Libra so whatever what happening in your life in October 2023 might be closed out or completed in some way.

Previous eclipses (not a set of eclipses but ones in the same family/Saros series as this one) occurred 29 March 2006, 18 March 1988, and 7 March 1970.

(Big hints:  What was going on in your life then?  There’ll be some reflection of that now.)  For an example, take a look at my comparison of the lunar eclipse of 24-25 March 2024 to see real examples of what was happening in my own life in those time periods vs now. In addition to the Saros eclipses past, previous eclipses at the same degree, for me, marked the beginning of a major phase of my life–new career, new phase as a single mom, etc.

Saros Series:

139 – a sequence of eclipses that repeat every 18 years, 11 1/3 days, depending on leap years  (or 19 eclipse years)

71 eclipses over 1262 years in the series, with this one being #30

Beginning 17 May 1501 through 3 July 2763. (https://moonblink.info/Eclipse/when/solsaros/139)

Stressful configurations:

This eclipse will be conjunct Chiron, which represents healing or dealing with wounds. Mercury will also be in retrograde, so there’s likely to be some review or reassessment of work already done or returning to an old situation.  Mercury in retrograde also tends to me people from your past showing up unexpectedly, so yes, lots of opportunity to heal the past. There’s also a loose conjunction with the North Node, which represents new territory vs old karma or repeated patterns.  Maybe it’s time to break free of what’s been holding you back from being your true self?

Pay attention to which astrological house it occurs in, both in beginning and leaving and any personal planets in those houses between 16 and 22 degrees.  Some astrologers note conjunctions 10 degrees away from the exact degree of the eclipse, but I generally don’t feel it strongly unless it’s within 3 degrees of a personal planet.  Therefore, if the exact degree is 19, look at what’s closest, especially if there is a conjunction, opposition, or square to 19 Aries.

How Powerful, on a scale of 1-10:

Astrologers tend to rate the April 8th, 2024 total solar eclipse as quite impactful, likely landing somewhere around an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1-10. Here’s why:

  • Type of Eclipse: Solar eclipses, especially total eclipses, are generally considered more potent astrological events compared to lunar eclipses.
  • New Beginnings: Eclipses often mark turning points and fresh starts. This eclipse in Aries, a sign associated with initiation, is likely to be particularly strong for new beginnings and taking action.  Aries is associated with new beginnings, courage, and action. 
  • Degree of the Eclipse: The eclipse occurring at 19 degrees Aries reinforces themes of leadership, innovation, and overcoming limitations, potentially intensifying its influence.

Astrologically, there isn’t a direct link between the eclipse path and the US political climate. Eclipses themselves hold symbolic meaning, but how that translates into real-world events can be complex. 

However, here are some ways to consider the potential connection:

  • Symbolic Interpretation: Aries, the sign associated with the eclipse, is about initiative, assertion, and new beginnings. This could symbolize a surge in political activism or a push for change on both sides of the political spectrum
  • Focus on Specific Regions: Since the eclipse path cuts across specific areas, it might highlight issues or political movements relevant to those regions.
  • Increased Intensity: Eclipses can heighten emotions, so political debates and discussions might become more heated, especially in the path of totality.

Therefore, I’m going to bump this one up to a 10 on a 1-10 scale because of the Chiron conjunction and the political climate in its path.  Note that this is my subjective opinion, and I’m trying to stay independent in my assessment that–guess what!–there’s turmoil politically. The US is deeply wounded and tearing  itself apart politically.  Given talk early this year about Texas seceding and much of the turmoil in the South where I live, it does feel to me like that intensity will be reflected in the skies. However, if there’s a time for healing, the months that follow this eclipse would benefit. 

This one, my friends, is about turning points and healing, both personal and on a larger scale.

How to approach this eclipse:

  • Be Open to Change: The eclipse’s energy encourages new beginnings. Embrace opportunities for growth and transformation.
  • Address Challenges Constructively: If the eclipse brings challenges, use them as a springboard for self-improvement and authenticity—time to be your true self!
  • Focus on Personal Growth: Utilize the eclipse’s energy to take action on your goals and create a more fulfilling life.

Just for Fun:

Watch “Lady Hawke,” one of my favorite “eclipse” movies.

Next up:  

  • Solar Eclipse meditation

Veronica in the Witch Out of Time series uses astrology to determine which time line she’s trapped in–and hopefully how to get back to the correct one. Read more…

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