✦ Astrology Glossary
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.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth casting its shadow on the Moon. Astrologically, it is a supercharged full moon that amplifies themes of closure, release, and emotional clarity. Lunar eclipses occur in pairs (or trios) about every six months, always at a full moon in a specific zodiac sign.
How it works
In a natal chart, a lunar eclipse activates the house and sign where it falls, often triggering events or realizations related to that area of life. For example, a lunar eclipse in your 7th house may highlight relationship patterns or bring a partnership to a turning point. Eclipses belong to the same Saros cycle, meaning they share a family lineage that influences their flavor. The effects of a lunar eclipse can be felt weeks before and up to six months after the event.
In practice
When a lunar eclipse occurs, notice what reaches a natural conclusion. It is not a time to start something new but to let go of what no longer serves you. Emotions may run high, and hidden truths can surface. If the eclipse aspects your personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars), you may feel its impact more personally. Use the energy to reflect, journal, and release, rather than forcing change.
See upcoming eclipses on the Astraly calendar.
✦ Astraly
The full astro calendar
Full moons, new moons, retrogrades, ingresses. The Moon's exact position, every day.
☽See the calendar →Related terms
Eclipse
An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, temporarily blocking light — a powerful transit for change and revelation.
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 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.