Each month, we can depend on the moon's consistent cycle: the velvety darkness of the new moon, the vivid illumination of the full moon, and all the phases in between containing divine intuition. But every so often, the moon's orbit creates a powerful alignment with the sun, forming a potent lunation known as an eclipse. 2022 brings four eclipses — the same number we saw last year. Both solar eclipses and lunar eclipses (and we'll talk about how they differ) bring massive shake-ups and surprises.
In school, an eclipse is an excuse to go outside and wear funny glasses. In astrology, however, all eclipses are known for being drama queens. That's why, while your science teacher might have led you outside, astrologers tend to advise staying in and laying low during an eclipse. Life gets dramatic enough without your meddling making it worse. These cosmic wildcards can be messy, so mark your calendar as we review what to expect this year. And don't forget to check out our 2022 horoscope for each zodiac sign — after all, you can never be too prepared.
What is an eclipse?
Eclipses are dynamic cosmic occurrences that activate the lunar nodes. Simply put, the moon glides across an elliptical that is constantly rotating around the zodiac. This orbit's highest and lowest points correspond with the lunar nodes, which appear in our birth charts as south and north nodes. The south and north nodes, often referred to as the Nodes of Fate, symbolize our past and future — our karmic pathway. Accordingly, eclipses activate these nodes within our birth charts, illuminating our destiny.
What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?
There are two types of eclipses: solar and lunar. Solar eclipses occur during the new moon phase when the sun and moon position at the exact same degree within the same zodiac sign. The moon passes between the sun and Earth in this configuration, temporarily obscuring the sun. If this occurs during daylight (as it did in August 2017, during the "Great American Eclipse"), the result is breathtaking: The moon's silhouette completely obscures the sun for several moments.
On the other hand, Lunar eclipses correspond with the full moon phase. But, unlike a typical full moon that reflects the sun's illumination, during a lunar eclipse, the moon emanates the Earth's shadow (known as the umbra). With Earth perfectly wedged between the sun and moon, the moon exudes a tawny-red tone — this distinctive hue is why it is often referred to as a "Blood Moon." Lunar and solar eclipses also signify different types of shifts in astrology; we'll get to that in a minute.
What are the dates and types of eclipses in 2022?
According to Cafe Astrology, eclipses will occur on the following dates this year:
- Saturday, April 30: Partial Solar Eclipse in Taurus
- Monday, May 16: Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
- Tuesday, October 25: Partial Solar Eclipse in Scorpio
- Tuesday, November 8: Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus
But even though eclipses are significant, they're not that rare. Each year, there are between three and seven eclipses, which often occur in clusters. For example, 2021 began a series of eclipses upon the Taurus-Scorpio axis, which will last for nearly two years. This cycle started with a partial lunar eclipse on Friday, November 19, 2021, in 27 degrees Taurus, and ends on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in five degrees Taurus.
Taurus is a reliable earth sign, and Scorpio is a passionate water sign. Because Scorpio rules sex, death, and transformation, the eclipses this year ask us to evolve. This doesn't mean that you should try to become a new person. You're perfect just the way you are. But, it does mean that these eclipses upon this axis will push us to put in the work to make our dreams come true. That includes recognizing which relationships are worth our loyalty and which ones can fall to the wayside (remember, if we don't end an unhealthy relationship, eclipses tend to do it for us). And, of course, that doesn't only apply to romantic relationships. You deserve to enjoy your work and be paid adequately for your time.
As a result, 2022 may see major changes in your work and love life, but don't worry, they're for the best. And, thankfully, the grounded earth sign Taurus provides a solid foundation to help you navigate these changes calmly. In addition, Taurus, ruled by the abundant planet Venus, loves all things sensual. So make sure to combat any eclipse-triggered stress by indulging in extra self-care, such as taking baths, treating yourself to face masks, and getting plenty of sleep.
What kinds of energetic shifts do eclipses signify?
Our ancient ancestors feared these dynamic phenomena. Early human civilizations built their societies around season changes and annual movements of the sun, so when an eclipse occurred, they believed that the natural order had been compromised. To them, eclipses were a harbinger of danger — quite specifically, the apocalypse. Although we no longer connect these lunations to end days, astrologically speaking, eclipses are still a huge deal.
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Just as new moons are linked to beginnings and full moons are tied to culminations, eclipses serve as celestial checkpoints. An eclipse is a high-octane lunation that helps illuminate our karmic path, but just as these cosmic events can be visually striking, eclipses can also be a bit dramatic. Astrologically speaking, they speed up time: They open new doors by slamming others shut, so we often find abrupt and sudden shifts occurring during eclipses. Though the changes can be jarring, they can help us by speeding up the inevitable.
So, if you've been dragging your feet, an eclipse will be sure to give you that extra push (or shove) needed to take action. While the results can be shocking, remember that these lunations simply expedite the inevitable — these events were going to happen eventually.
Solar eclipses, which will occur in 2022 on Saturday, April 30, and Tuesday, October 25, correspond with new beginnings and unexpected opportunities. However, since the sun (which symbolizes our external experience) is obscured by the moon (representing our emotional inner-world during this lunation, solar eclipse events often first begin internally before affecting our relationships with others. For many people, solar eclipses are when we realize we need more than what we're currently receiving. They're a time to send cosmic invitations to the universe and welcome abundance.
On the other hand, Lunar eclipses help us realize the external implications of these shifts. It is often during a lunar eclipse that we become aware of the influence of others. As the moon emits a mystifying umber tone, it allows us to see people in a different light. This shift in perspective is critical, even though you may not always like what you see. We are encouraged to let go of whatever is no longer serving the soul during lunar eclipses. This is the time to release, purge, and say goodbye. In 2022, lunar eclipses occur on Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, November 8. Remember, cosmic warriors, endings are hard, but everything is cyclical: A culmination always occurs on the edge of a beginning.
What do 2022's eclipses mean for me and my zodiac sign?
OK, so what does this all actually mean? Well, the Taurus-Scorpio eclipses will impact everyone differently based on their unique birth chart. When astrologers discuss these lunations, we refer to how they affect a chart as an "eclipse story." These narratives unfold over the series (approximately two years). Accordingly, the lunar eclipse in Taurus on Friday, November 19, 2021, was a big deal because it was the first lunation in a brand-new series. In other words, it marked the very first chapter of a new karmic story. Think back to what occurred in your life at this time and consider the major players, conflicts, and location.
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The last time the Taurus-Scorpio eclipse cycle came around was from November 2012 to October 2014. So what life lessons began for you nearly a decade ago? Is your life going in the direction you want it to? Or does this current cycle mean finally using your willpower and psychic passion for manifesting dreams into a reality? Scorpio, in particular, which is ruled by warrior planet Mars and Pluto, the ruler of the underworld, knows how to transform and shed old skin to get what it wants.
These eclipses will impact everyone, though some charts will be electrified more than others. Take a look at your birth chart: If your lunar nodes are in Taurus-Scorpio, buckle up. This next year and a half will be wild. By 2023, everything will be different (but don't worry, it will likely be for the better).
If your nodes are not in these signs, things will still change: Eclipses also activate planets. Planets in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) are particularly affected by the Taurus-Scorpio eclipses. Whether this placement is your sun, moon, or somewhere else, you will feel the shifts from these potent lunations.
Whether or not the upcoming eclipses of 2022 will make a direct hit on your birth chart, eclipses are a powerful, impactful, and significant time for everyone. The best way to embrace these celestial moments? Expect the unexpected and accept the unknown. Remember, celestial darlings, although our vantage is limited to our current realities, we know the horizon extends past our vision. Life is a journey — enjoy the ride.
And now, read more about astrology:
- How to Harness the Magical Power of Each Moon Phase
- Your Sign's 2022 Horoscope Predictions Are Here
- Birth Charts 101: An Astrology Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Planets
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