The Great American Eclipse has us all kinds of shook. As people cleared stores out of their special eclipse specs and scrambled to the best cities for viewing, we can’t help but wonder: If the moon is affecting us this much externally, what’s it doing to us internally? As it turns out, a lot — and it’s doing it year-round. Astrology advocates (if you don’t fall into this category yet, check the surprising science behind astrology), here’s what the moon and other celestial bodies’ biggest moments mean for you.
1. Lunar Eclipses: As entirely different astrological events, lunar and solar eclipses unsurprisingly have entirely different effects on humans. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes directly behind Earth and can coax concealed thoughts and feelings out of hiding. They prompt people to look deeper at things they’ve been avoiding, such as unaddressed relationship conflicts or even suppressed emotions for someone.
2. Solar Eclipses: The rarer of the two phenomena, a solar eclipse requires that the Moon pass directly between the Sun and Earth. Because the Moon symbolizes femininity and, consequently, emotions and desires, it’s no surprise that its eclipsing of the Sun hits us right in the feels. Unlike the lunar eclipse, which merely brings our buried emotions to the surface, solar eclipses actually force us to confront them.
3. New Moons: New moon, new you!Much like the beginning of a new year, new moons are for letting go of the bad and getting a grip on the good. A new moon is the optimal time to further consider untapped ideas, begin a new project, initiate a relationship, or explore new frontiers in an already existing one.
4. Full Moons: Mother Moon is back at it during this monthly event — full moons also evoke buried emotions. Essentially, expect the unexpected. Surprises that, in retrospect, were totally predictable often occur during full moons, like the first “I love you” from an S.O. or the revelation of an infidelity. Couples that meet during a full moon are more likely to be taken aback upon introduction, whether it’s due to the immediate force of their feelings or, perhaps, uncharacteristic behavior around that person.
5. Retrograding Planets: A planet is considered in retrograde when the Earth passes it as it cycles around the Sun. This creates the illusion that said planet is reversing relative to us. As the planet moves “backward,” so do our thoughts. When a planet is in retrograde, we can often find ourselves reflecting on the past to ensure a better, less mistake-ridden future (e.g., no more bad baes). Each planet’s retrograde means something different. Mercury’s retrograde — the most commonly known of the planets — impedes our ability to effectively communicate, which can manifest in a multitude of ways, from crashed computers to mutual misunderstandings.
How are astrological predictions shaping your plans? Share your thoughts with us @BritandCo.
(Photo via Getty)
