✦ Astrology Glossary
Eclipse
An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, temporarily blocking light — a powerful transit for change and revelation.
An eclipse happens when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up in a straight line, causing one celestial body to block the light of another. In astrology, eclipses are considered potent turning points that accelerate fate and bring hidden matters to light. They occur in pairs (solar and lunar) about every six months, always on the New Moon (solar) or Full Moon (lunar) and near the lunar nodes.
How it works
A solar eclipse occurs at a New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, temporarily darkening the sky. A lunar eclipse occurs at a Full Moon when Earth casts its shadow on the Moon. In a natal chart, an eclipse activates the house and degree where it falls, often triggering events or realizations related to that area of life. Eclipses belong to a family (Saros cycle) that repeats every 18 years, so the themes may echo past eclipses.
In practice
When an eclipse aspects a personal planet or angle in your chart, expect a sudden shift or revelation. Solar eclipses tend to initiate new beginnings, while lunar eclipses bring culminations or closures. Eclipses are not inherently good or bad — they simply accelerate whatever is already developing. Notice what house the eclipse falls in and any planets it contacts. The effects can be felt weeks before and up to six months after.
For a personalized look at how upcoming eclipses interact with your chart, visit your astrology calendar or chat with your AI astrologer.
✦ Astraly
The full astro calendar
Full moons, new moons, retrogrades, ingresses. The Moon's exact position, every day.
☽See the calendar →Related terms
Jupiter Return
A Jupiter Return occurs when transiting Jupiter returns to the same zodiac sign and degree as your natal Jupiter, marking a cycle of growth and expansion.
Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, creating a powerful full moon that often brings endings and revelations.
Lunar Return
A chart cast for the moment the Moon returns to its natal position, revealing themes for the next month.
Progressions
A predictive technique in astrology that moves the natal chart forward by one day for each year of life to reveal inner development.
Saturn Return
A Saturn Return is a major astrological cycle that occurs every 29.5 years when Saturn returns to the same position it held at your birth.
Secondary Progressions
A predictive technique where each day after birth equals one year of life, revealing inner psychological shifts.