The first solar eclipse of 2024 is, perhaps rather aptly, a total eclipse in Aries, which will take place on and around 8 April 2024, depending on your time zone. After the closing out of the relationship and justice-themed six month period by the Equinox Lunar Eclipse, it’s time to focus on individual goals and personal development.
Although there has been a lot of hype, as well as some doom and gloom surrounding this eclipse, I feel I need to stress that much of this has to do with the rather difficult aspects it makes to the US chart – something I get into in more detail with subscribers over on the AstroInsights blog.
FOCUS & fortitude PAY off
For the rest of us, the Aries eclipse provides plenty of opportunities to take a few risks and make proactive strides towards achieving ambitious new goals. There’s a go-getting air to it. This is thanks to ta concentration of planets in the signs of Pisces, Aries and Taurus, which means focused energy in the ‘spring’ quadrant of the zodiac. Great for fresh starts and new beginnings. And also excellent if you need to really focus all your resources towards solving a problem, or making a quantum leap forward in terms of research or innovation.
Taking the lead or initiative, and following your inner compass, despite what might be happening externally, is really likely to pay off between now and October 2024. This is not a time to run with the herd or get bogged down by groupthink, but rather to be your own person, stay true to yourself and do what inherently feels like the right and authentic thing to do.
SAROS FAMILY: 8 NORTH
In fact, this eclipse forms part of a saros family strongly associated with innovation, creativity, flashes of inspiration and inspired insights or breakthroughs. This is all about harnessing individual brilliance and having the freedom to pursue one’s calling unencumbered. Or, alternatively, throwing all your energy and attention into a passion project – one that really harnesses your skills and talents, but also brings with it a sense of emotional fulfillment. Interesting to see how this is reflected in the eclipse chart itself, with all the planets packed together in one place…
As with any major transit in Aries, though, this laser-sharp focus does potentially come at a price. Relationships could suffer now because individuals will be driven to assert their personal needs and may not be in the mood to compromise or accommodate the obligations that come with being coupled up.
Don’t be surprised if ordinarily easygoing partners suddenly feel that they need more space to concentrate on their career, or tell family members not to expect to hear from them a great deal between now and the autumn because they plan to go on retreat, for example, to work on a book, product concept or scientific problem without any distractions. As a result, there is potential for the relationship ‘we’ to tip into ‘me’ territory, albeit temporarily. And for eccentric or brilliant folk to become even more absentminded and compulsively workaholic than usual.
PoF conjunct SOUTH NODE: BENEFITS TO LETTING GO
However, if you are not a particularly possessive spouse or business partner, and appreciate the extra time and space to do your own thing, then this particular six month cycle is less likely to bother you. With the Part of Fortune orbiting close to the south node in Libra, there’s definitely some benefits to letting go of what’s not working and not being too controlling within the sphere of partnerships now. Rather than stamp your foot and declare how unfair your partner is being (and they might be – I’m not talking about a no-holds-barred license to be a selfish layabout, absent parent, or philandering douchebag) see any spaces in your togetherness as an opportunity to do all those things you normally wouldn’t do, like monopolise the remote or spend time with friends without any of the usual guilt. You might find that when you come back together in the autumn, your relationship is stronger for it.
And if you’re single, then revel in your independence. See this six month period as a chance to pursue your career goals unimpeded, enjoy some ‘me’ time to do your own thing, tick some items off your bucket list or get stuck into that project or hobby you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to.
Bosses are also advised to give their quirky employees a bit more breathing space to go off-piste because the rewards for the company in terms of accelerated productivity and leaps in efficiency or innovation are likely to outweigh any blips in box ticking activities or a temporary break with protocol.
Chiron: Healing Past Pain
There’s also a strong message around personal healing and protecting the vulnerable and innocent in this eclipse astrology, thanks to a conjunction between Chiron and the luminaries. Making some time for inner child work, or saying no to anything you feel makes you uncomfortable or violates your boundaries is well-advised, especially if you are feeling sensitive or fragile right now.
Father-son bonds, mentorships or inter-generational relationships between older and younger male figures are also highlighted now by a conjunction between Saturn and Mars in gentle and compassionate Pisces. Reaching out and asking a kind but wisened elder or teacher for help or advice around April the 10th is certainly not the worst thing someone could do if they feel isolated or stuck, especially given the widening gap and sense of alienation so many young men feel right now.
Seeking out some form of therapy also has the potential to yield unexpected psychological breakthroughs that could really free you from past patterns or limiting beliefs. Being kind to yourself and others, specially those who feel different, excluded or somehow alienated from society, may turn out to have unexpected benefits. So embrace your inner weirdo and that of others!
Charity work, and acts of social service could also prove to be their own reward during this period. In fact, the Lunar Face reminds us that giving is often also an act of receiving – it’s amazing how good one feels when doing something to help others, whether it is offering a sympathetic ear to a friend in need or volunteering at a homeless shelter.
I have just finished reading the most soulful and uplifting book called The Salt Path, which really challenges one to rethink homelessness, whilst also offering some wonderful insights on how to handle unexpected challenges, the mind-body connection, the power of random acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. If you’ve been feeling stuck or hopeless, I highly recommend it. (If not, you can wait for the movie, which I gather is due to be released later this year…) Books really can change your life sometimes, and this is one of those inspiring reads.
HEX 51: BECOMING Shock Proof
I should warn everyone though: not everything is likely to be plain sailing. Mercury will be retrograde in Aries until the 25th of April, which could throw a few spanners in the works travel- or communication-wise, like arguments arising from misunderstandings) and coincide with tech outages and software gremlins.
There could also be an element of surprise to events surrounding this eclipse – an accident, natural disaster or unsettling announcement that could take you unawares and potentially cause you to lose your bearings if you’re not prepared. That’s because this eclipse takes place in Gate 51, line 5 of the Human Design ‘matrix,’ which is all about shocks and disruptions to the status quo.
The Book of Lines describes it as :
Being Reliable: Accepting all the changes that repeated shocks can bring.
Chetyn Parkyn
The suggestion being that we should be prepared for a period of uncertainty filled with accelerated change or unexpected curveballs, but not to become untethered by whatever happens. Instead, we should aim to cultivate an ability to adapt to shifting circumstances, remain calm and follow your inner guidance through all manner of disruptions until you reach your goal/s or get safely to the other side.
Ultimately, though, these changes, however initially disorienting or unsettling, are likely to be beneficial, if the conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus on the 21st is anything to go by. Mars will also sextile both of these planets in the lead-up to that date, suggesting that being decisive and taking swift action to improve your situation could really work out long term.
This gate sits in the so-called will centre of the HD bodygraph, which is all about leadership, inner resolve and taking the initiative. As a result, you could find yourself inadvertently stepping into a position of authority in the face of unforeseen events, speaking up for your community or just being a wayshower for others. Of course, this may not be your usual style – you may have no aspirations to be in charge. However, these are not ordinary times. And in exceptional circumstances, we are sometimes called upon to rise to the occasion, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or deviating from your usual behaviour or default coping mechanisms. They key is to listen to your inner voice – the calm, still one that knows what to do in emergencies, not the shouty, anxious one, mind – and let it lead you out of chaos and towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Cheat sheet
