This week already feels like … a lot. And at precisely 6:02 a.m. EST on Tuesday, November 8 (yes, the morning of Election Day) it will feel like a lot more. Because that’s when the sun, Earth, and moon will form a powerful cosmic trifecta known as a “blood moon” lunar eclipse.
For thousands of years, eclipses have been harbingers of chaos. Particularly on a geo-political level. For instance, back on August 2, 1133, it was believed that a total solar eclipse actually caused the death of Henry I and the subsequent government collapse. And while we no longer use eclipses to portend bad omens, it is at least notable that this lunar eclipse is happening during the midterms, you know?
Anyway, if you’re wondering what this means, what will happen, and whether you’re going to be okay — so in other words, if you’re panicking as you read this — you’re not alone! That’s why we made a guide.
First, what’s the deal with eclipses?
Eclipses occur when the moon reaches the upper and lower boundaries of its elliptical orbit. In astrology, these lunar nodes — a.k.a. the North and South Nodes — are associated with, among other life-altering things, fate and destiny. Specifically, the North Node exposes your potential while the South Node symbolizes past life. Because they always involve these highly sensitive points, eclipses are known to catalyze powerful events with long-lasting impacts.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is wedged perfectly between the Luminaries (the sun and moon), so rather than reflecting the brilliant light of the sun, the moon’s appearance displays the dark, tawny umber tone of the Earth’s shadow — hence why we refer to this lunation as a “blood moon.” While lunar eclipses occur multiple times each year, this will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from the United States until 2025.
What makes Tuesday’s eclipse so notable?
During this upcoming eclipse, we’ll find the sun and moon locked in an opposition at 16 degrees of Scorpio and Taurus, respectively. Scorpio and Taurus are opposite zodiac signs — meaning they literally sit across from each other in the zodiac — which is significant because lunar eclipses always correspond with full moons, i.e., when the luminaries are exactly 180 degrees away from each other. On top of all that, lunar eclipses tend to focus on duality. Are you sensing a theme here?
All of this is pointing to the idea of opposition. How do we balance our multiple — and perhaps even competing — passions, interests, and goals? For instance, if we’re seeking a major career change, how can we ensure that taking that big-deal job offer will work cohesively within our family dynamics? Or, you know, voting for the people who’ll be in charge of deciding things around here?
By the way, this lunar eclipse isn’t working alone. We’ve got an ensemble cast here: In addition to the usual characters (The sun, moon, North Node, and South Node), this lunar eclipse is occurring at the same point in the sky where Mercury (the planet of communication), Venus (the celestial body associated with values), Saturn (symbolizing responsibility), and Uranus (the planet of innovation) all happen to be hanging out, while Mars (the celestial body associated with action) and Neptune (symbolizing mysticism) sit nearby. With this many planets involved, the energy is extra intense: Each planet plays a role in your life, so having that many characters supercharged by this lunar eclipse at the same time can make those parts of our lives that these planets represent feel overwhelming, confusing, or perhaps even a bit contradictory. Basically: Be extra gentle with yourself as you navigate this thorny lunar eclipse.
How should I prepare?
While I do not recommend any active manifestation work or ritual practices during an eclipse (the energy is too volatile — plus taking a break from “wanting” is just good spiritual hygiene), there are plenty of ways to work with this powerful eclipse energy.
Eclipses aren’t just cosmic one-night stands. They’re actually part of cycles that unfold over multiple years. Accordingly, the best way to understand this lunation is to look to the past.
This upcoming lunar eclipse is actually the fifth installment of a seven-part series that began way back in 2021. Think back to previous eclipses since that time: November 19, 2021; April 30, 2022; May 16, 2022; and, most recently, October 25, 2022. (Keep in mind: Eclipse energy can be felt three weeks before and after the exact cosmic alignment, so consider events that were occurring seasonally as opposed to on the exact date.) Can you track any important, consistent themes associated with these moments in time? What was going on in your personal life? Professional life? How have your goals shifted over the years?
By looking back to previous eclipses in the series, you’ll have a better understanding of how this upcoming lunar eclipse will propel you forward. Personally, I think one of the most interesting aspects of eclipses is that they’re known to speed up time: Eclipses open new doors by slamming others shut. Whatever happens during an eclipse was destined to occur — the eclipse merely perpetuated the inevitable. Also keep in mind that there are still two additional eclipses in this series: on May 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023, so this story isn’t over yet!
And, ahem, as I always say, There Are No Coincidences. So the fact that this lunar eclipse coincides perfectly with Election Day cannot be overlooked. If you’re voting on Election Day, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to cast your ballot, bring snacks (the moon is in indulgent Taurus, after all), and don’t — I repeat do not — obsess over the results prematurely. The key with eclipses is always to expect the unexpected, so it may take time for every vote to be counted. And remember, after these past few years of back-to-back unprecedented events, you truly can handle anything.
More Astrology 101
- Steel Yourself for Saturday’s Jupiter-Uranus Conjunction
- Get Ready for the Solar Eclipse in Aries to Change You
- A Guide to the Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
