If you're into star signs and astrology, the chances are you've wondered what a lunar eclipse is and how it might influence our day-to-day lives. You're in luck: GLAMOUR has enlisted the help of astrologer and moonologer Yasmin Boland to explain all.
But what actually is an eclipse? “Astronomically speaking, an eclipse is usually defined as ‘the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another’,” says Yasmin. “In astrology, it’s when the New or Full Moon takes place within 18 degrees of the lunar nodes.”
Read on to find out what to expect when a lunar eclipse occurs…
Every star sign brings something unique to the table.
What is a lunar eclipse?
According to Yasmin: “A full moon eclipse, or lunar eclipse, occurs when the moon’s light is blocked by the Earth.” Or, in other words, the earth is blocking the sun's light to the moon. This happens when the moon passes into the earth's shadow, when the earth is positioned exactly between the moon and the sun.
Usually, the moon looks dimmed, or it turns a glowing red shade. Only half the world can see a lunar eclipse at the given time – i.e., you need to be on the ‘night’ side of Earth when one occurs. It happens during a full moon, but not during every full moon.
There are different types of lunar eclipse:
- A total lunar eclipse – when the moon moves into the inner part of Earth’s shadow, or the 'umbra', which can result in it turning a bold red colour, sometimes called a ‘blood moon’
- A partial lunar eclipse – when the sun, earth and moon aren't completely aligned, meaning a partial shadow or red haze appears over the moon
- A penumbral lunar eclipse – when the moon travels through the Earth’s ‘penumbra’, or outer shadow, the moon will dim slightly. This type of eclipse is subtle and usually difficult to see with the naked eye.
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What is a solar eclipse?
Yasmin says: “A new moon eclipse, or solar eclipse, happens when the sun’s light is blocked by the moon.” Essentially, it happens when when the moon passes in front of the sun from our point of view on Earth – meaning the moon is between the Earth and the sun.
During a solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow on Earth, and blocks or partially blocks our view of the sun. Solar eclipses are just as common as lunar eclipses, but they are often only visible from a very small part of the earth.
The last total solar eclipse in the UK was in 1999. It was one of the most-viewed total solar eclipses ever, due to its path falling on areas of high population density. Many people went to view the eclipse in Cornwall – the only place in the UK to witness totality.
What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?
While a solar eclipse blocks (or partially blocks) the sun, a lunar eclipse is when the moon's light is blocked by the earth. This means that lunar eclipses occur at night, and a solar eclipse will happen in the daytime.
As for in terms of astrology: “On a symbolic level, and astrologically speaking, a new moon eclipse marks dramatic new beginnings, often positive and exciting,” says Yasmin. “However it can also be a time when you're shunted into a new reality that you didn’t necessarily see coming. That might sound rather dramatic but eclipses can be very dramatic! This is especially the case if they hit your chart strongly, for example, taking place on your ascendant or your Sun. A lunar eclipse, which takes place at the Full Moon, usually marks a dramatic ending, again, sometimes quite a sudden one.”
The phases of the moon are actually pretty complex.
Is it safe to look at a lunar eclipse?
While it is unsafe to look directly at a solar eclipse – it can result in retinal damage – lunar eclipses are not dangerous to the naked eye, since the moon is only reflecting the sun's light.
What does an eclipse signify in astrology?
“The way to understand eclipses is that when we incarnate here on earth, we have a soul or life purpose to fulfil,” says Yasmin. “If we've wandered too far off track, the eclipse will often push us back on the right track, sometimes very unceremoniously. Obviously this can feel rather dramatic at the time, but you will almost always find that what happens at the time of an eclipse works out for the best. Sometimes you just need to allow things to play out…”
How long does a lunar eclipse last?
Since the Earth is around four times wider than the Moon, its shadow can darken the moon for up to five hours depending on conditions. Lunar eclipses can be seen between two and five times every year – from somewhere on the Earth’s surface. Total lunar eclipses are much rarer from one particular location.
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What eclipses can we expect in 2023, and what will they mean for our star signs?
The next eclipse visible from the UK will be a partial lunar eclipse on 28 October, 2023. It will be visible across Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as in western Australia.
Greenwich Observatory said: “From the UK we’ll only see a small fraction of the full moon pass into the umbra. At its maximum, which occurs at 9.15pm, just 12 per cent will be in shadow.”
The next lunar eclipse dates in the UK are as follows:
28 October 2023: Partial lunar eclipse
25 March 2024: Penumbral lunar eclipse
18 September 2024: Partial lunar eclipse
14 March 2025: Partial lunar eclipse
29 March 2025: Partial lunar eclipse
Yasmin has noted all the upcoming significant lunar eclipses in her Moonology Diary 2023 (£12.99), which she has outlined here:
According to Yasmin: "This really is a Full Moon eclipse of many colours! Full Moon eclipses can be really tricky, because they demand that we let go and move on from something we’ve been clinging on to that’s no longer in our best interest. Obviously, that can be a pretty difficult experience at times. This Full Moon eclipse is taking place near communications planet Mercury and the lucky planet Jupiter.
"So, on the one hand, there is a big risk that we’re going to get very emotional and say far too much. On the other hand, it could be that this eclipse helps us to detox a particular situation that’s become very murky. Perhaps we have a change of perspective and are finally able to have a conversation that frees us from a situation that’s been dragging us down.
“If you’re going through a rough time, please take heart. Although eclipse seasons can be very difficult if they hit you hard or if a lot of change is needed in your life, everything that happens at the time of an eclipse nearly always works out for the very best. The eclipse is taking place in the sign of Taurus and communing with lucky Jupiter.”
Key themes for this eclipse:
• Lucky for some
• Chatty
• Changeable
• Defining
When was the last total lunar eclipse in the UK?
A total lunar eclipse took place in the UK in the early hours of 21 January 2019. The eclipse happened during the first full moon of the year, earning it the nickname 'Super Wolf Blood Moon'.
Prepare to get in your feelings.
