This Month’s Solar Eclipse in Aries Is a Cosmic Leap of Faith

April 2024 Solar Eclipse Aries

Eclipse season reaches the height of its power this month, and after two weeks of self-reflection and healing from the past, the upcoming solar eclipse in Aries is setting the bridge on fire behind us, urging us to take a leap of faith. On April 8, 2024, in the middle of a dizzying Mercury retrograde period, the total solar eclipse in Aries arrives at 2:21 p.m. EST. Eclipses mark influential periods in our soul evolution and collective awakening, making them karmic catalysts for change. April's solar eclipse in Aries is the second in a pair of eclipses emphasizing the importance of independence and freedom in our relationships while honoring our need for more intimate, meaningful connections.

When Is the Next Eclipse? 2024 Eclipse Season Dates

The next eclipse takes place on Monday, April 8, 2024, with the solar eclipse in Aries, closing out the cycle that began with the lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25, 2024.

Note: It’s unsafe to stare directly at the sun at any time. Please review the official American Astronomical Society viewing safety guidelines to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse.

What Do Solar Eclipses Mean in Astrology?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, cutting off the sun's light. This pairing symbolizes a need to release our internal doubts and fear (moon) to align with our highest version of self (sun). Solar eclipses can only occur during the new moon, which symbolizes a new beginning and clearing old blockages from your life. In astrology, solar eclipses serve as a portal for spiritual evolution, mirroring the soul's journey toward enlightenment and self-actualization. When the sun, symbolizing our heart's desire and ego expressions, is eclipsed from Earth's view, it's a message that you can't ignore your feelings in favor of your pride. Whatever was revealed to you during the lunar eclipse will inform what action you take during the paired solar eclipse.

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What to Expect From April's Solar Eclipse in Aries

Eclipses are known for their sudden and shocking disruption of the status quo, and in a sign like Aries, you can expect things to happen quickly, suddenly, and with a lot of power. Energy engulfs us and disappears without warning—our tempers are as unpredictable as ever—and it's easy to get overwhelmed to the point where you lose your cool. Mercury goes retrograde in Aries on April 1, 2024, one week before the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. With the planet of communication taking a detour during eclipse season, we're being told to return to the past to inform our future decisions. Now's the time to reconsider old plans and strategies. Think back to around 2014 to 2015, the last time the eclipses took place in Aries–Libra. What themes are coming up a lot for you right now? The astrology of April is a soul alignment to help us get back on track and do it quickly!

On the day of the eclipse, there will be six celestial bodies in Aries: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Chiron, and the North Node. This is known as a stellium, or a collection of three or more planets in a specific house or in a zodiac sign. Stelliums fuse the themes of the planets involved and create a concentrated energy that's difficult to ignore. With these planets all mingling in Aries on the day of the eclipse, the focus turns to examining our motivations (sun) and feelings about our current situation (moon), how they influence our view of the world (Mercury), and our passions and manifestations (Venus). Once we've pinpointed what needs to change, we can turn toward our inner wounds (Chiron) and use the insight they provide us to step through the flames of healing (North Node).

Solar eclipses occur when the sun and moon align in the same zodiac sign, bringing attention to where we're placing limitations on ourselves. This eclipse season, taking place across the Aries-Libra axis, is all about identifying and breaking toxic cycles and unhealthy bonds in your romantic life. However, this month's total solar eclipse in Aries might turn the mirror on you, showing all the ways you've still refused to put yourself first and, as a result, are holding yourself back from moving on. This month's total solar eclipse, occurring on April 8, 2024, will close a two-week portal of energies that began during the lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25, 2024. The decisions made in these two weeks will be felt again later in the year when eclipse season picks back up from late September to early October.

RELATED: Your Eclipse Season Tarot Reading Brings a Cosmic Message of Healing.

What Are You Supposed to Do During a Solar Eclipse?

Solar eclipses are dazzling celestial events that cause stargazers worldwide to watch in awe. Along with being fated astrological events, solar eclipses are moments for renewal and transformation. Just as the sun temporarily disappears during an eclipse, they mark a time for rebirth and renewal. If you're looking for an activity or ritual to practice during the solar eclipse – we've got you covered. Here's what you should do during a solar eclipse.

Set Your Intentions Before the Solar Eclipse

Before a solar eclipse, it's a good idea to take some time for yourself and set your intentions ahead of the big event. The influence of solar eclipses on our sense of identity underscores the importance of setting intentions before you're immersed in the intensity of the moment. And with this month's solar eclipse in Aries taking place alongside Mercury retrograde, you'll get more out of the experience if you take time a few days before the eclipse to review past dreams and revisit your old inspirations. This practice can involve journaling with shadow work prompts or doing a past-life regression to connect with your spirit guides, and will prepare your heart to receive guidance from the stars.

Meditate and Visualize During the Solar Eclipse

During a solar eclipse, you'll want to get in touch with your highest self and bask in the meditative rays of the sun. As the sun is blocked from our view, it creates a pocket of peace and quiet, making it an opportune time for meditation and reflection. By sitting with your thoughts in silence and quieting the chatter of the world and your mind, you can connect with your most authentic self. Solar eclipses are also great for visualizing how things unfold from here. During a solar eclipse, the veil between the conscious and subconscious becomes one, making it easier to access intuitive insights and guidance. Visualizing during this time can help you tap into your intuition more readily, clarify your desires, and focus your energy on what you truly want to manifest in your life.

Capture the Moment After the Solar Eclipse

Just as crucial as snagging the perfect spot to watch a solar eclipse is seizing the moment afterward. Capturing the post-eclipse magic is about more than just snapping a pic—it's an opportunity to soak in the experience, consider its deeper meaning, and immortalize memories that'll last a lifetime. One of the best ways to do this is to create sound and engage in joyful laughter and conversation. During a total solar eclipse, the air becomes electric and the sky goes dark—everything is silent, and the birds stop chirping because they think it's night. This moment of celestial limbo can weigh heavily on the heart, which is why it's important to honor that moment of pause with an equally sacred moment of celebration. Share stories, create art, and embrace the symbolism of this event!

UP NEXT: These 4 Zodiac Signs Will Have the Most Eye-Opening Eclipse Season.