This Week’s Ultra-Rare Second New Moon in Aries of the Year Is a Majorly Transformational Solar Eclipse

Photo: Getty Images/Ridofranz
Welcome to eclipse season, when fate and destiny take over the cosmos. We are greeted with a new moon solar eclipse in Aries on April 20 at 12:12 a.m. EDT. It's the second new moon in Aries of the year, with the first taking place on March 21 (typically there is only one a year), bringing us back to intentions and conversations that took place about a month ago on that first new moon.

This solar eclipse in Aries also marks a brand-new eclipse cycle, on the Aries-Libra axis. Since November 2021, we have had eclipses taking place on the Taurus-Scorpio axis. Thanks to this shift, fated endings and beginnings will transpire in the areas of our birth chart that Aries and Libra occupy. The last time we experienced eclipses on the Aries-Libra axis was between December 2004 and June 2006. Think back to what was going on in your life around then, because similar themes may emerge now.

A solar eclipse in Aries is anything but quiet. Aries is the first zodiac sign, an initiator who is full of passion and courage. Solar eclipses coincide with fated, fresh starts in our lives, but in order to create something new, we need to have space and energy available. So, we may also experience an ending of some sort to create that space.

A solar eclipse in Aries is anything but quiet. Aries is the first zodiac sign, an initiator who is full of passion and courage.

This eclipse takes place at 29 degrees–the final degree of Aries before it shifts signs into Taurus. In astrology, the 29th degree is known as the anaretic degree and can often feel like a crisis point. This may add a layer of intensity building under this eclipse.

Amplifying the dramatic tone of this eclipse is Pluto—the planet of death, power, purging, transformation and rebirth—which forms a tense square to the sun and moon. Tensions or power struggles that have been festering in some of our closest connections may reveal themselves or need to be addressed in some way. This sun and moon in Aries will be nestled next to Jupiter, also in Aries, exaggerating any of the feelings that come up under these darkened skies.

It’s also important to look at the planet that is “in charge” of the sun and moon during the solar eclipse, which in this case is Mars in Cancer, a placement that can sometimes struggle with assertion and being direct. During the time of the eclipse, Mars in Cancer move toward a tense conversation with Chiron, the wounded healer, triggering and illuminating some of our core wounds and pain. Powerful feelings, especially as it relates to our closest relationships, may arise under this eclipse and ask us to reflect on our shadows. The Aries-Libra axis represents relationships and may raise questions about whether your needs are being met in your closest connections. Have you been prioritizing your personal desires and ambitions?

Whatever is illuminated may also offer a path for healing, but first we must reflect. Mercury stations retrograde in Taurus on April 21, making this an important time to be aware of what’s coming up for you, but also extending yourself the gift of pausing, refining, and reflecting. Now is not the time to take action, despite all the go-getter Aries energy in the air. You deserve to process, recalibrate, and rest before charging forward. More answers will reveal themselves in due time.

To get a better picture of how this emotional energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.

What the solar eclipse in Aries has in store for your sign

Aries

New moon, new you, Aries! The solar eclipse is in your sign and illuminates your first house of identity, self-expression, and personal ambitions. Fated beginnings may take place around how you show up and identify in the world. Are you changing careers or ready for a dramatic makeover? There is a desire to self-express in a more aligned way. Projects, desires, and goals that you dream up around this time may feel destined. You may also undergo dramatic changes in your close relationships and feel ready to assert yourself in a new way. This solar eclipse reminds you that you deserve to take up space and pursue your heart’s desires.

Your new moon self-care practice: Practice mirror work. Sit in front of the mirror three times a day and practice saying positive affirmations about yourself for one minute. Focus on affirmations that call in the energy you wish to embody.

Taurus

You’ve gained access to your subconscious mind, Taurus. The new moon solar eclipse in Aries moves through your 12th house of closure, healing, spirituality, and self-defeating behaviors. This is an incredibly active time for psychic messages and symbols to come through in your waking life and dreams, so pay attention. You may also experience a wake-up call around your daily routine and your need for rest. Solitude can be incredibly recharging during this time. You may become more aware of any limiting beliefs or habits that you’re also ready to release.

Your new moon self-care practice: If you are able to do so, take a personal day. Your body, mind, and spirit could use some extra rest. If you’re not able to take a personal day, say no to upcoming plans. Carve out a day or window for rest and retreat when you can to recharge.

Gemini

Your network and reach are expanding, Gemini. The solar eclipse in Aries activates your 11th house of community, friendship, and the sector of your chart that governs your hopes and dreams for the future. New people who enter your life right now may spark the potential for a long-lasting friendship. People in your network may connect you with someone who could help bring about some of your dreams. You may also feel inspired to pursue a new idea. You’ll be experiencing massive shifts within your social circle over the next 18 months, so prioritize authentic connections that light you up.

Your new moon self-care practice: Take the time to reflect on what groups you are part of. Do they feel aligned and fulfilling? Is there some other type of organization or volunteer work that you feel called to pursue? Connect with other communities who share similar interests.

Cancer

Major accomplishments are on their way, Cancer. The solar eclipse in Aries lands in your 10th house of career, ambition, and public reputation. Your social standing may increase over the next 18 months. You’re gaining others’ attention and respect in some significant way. You may also be starting a new role or major project in your career. Major life milestones like marriage, expanding the family, or moving can also unfold. This solar eclipse asks you to dare to dream big.

Your new moon self-care practice: Engage in a daily gratitude practice. Of course, there is more you hope to accomplish, but it’s difficult when you’re not able to sink into the present moment and recognize how far you’ve come.

Leo

Your world is growing, Leo, and you’re ready for a new adventure. The solar eclipse in Aries activates your ninth house of expansion, travel, spirituality, publishing, and perspective. You may be planning a trip that can change your life or engage in a life-altering conversation.

Discussions that take place and news that arrives today can feel fated. You may also be ready to share some of your expertise with the world through broadcasting, publishing, or podcasting. Now is also a powerful time to engage in a new spiritual practice. Listen to your intuition today, and pay attention to synchronicities.

Your new moon self-care practice: Try a timeline-jumping guided meditation by imagining the big picture and what you desire. Then, step into the future version of you, now, as you finish the meditation. Act accordingly.

Virgo

You’re ready to plunge into the depths of your psyche, Virgo. The solar eclipse in Aries lands in your eighth house of intimacy, fears, anxieties, and shared resources. You may be entering a new cycle or accepting support from or lending support to others in a significant way. This is also a cathartic and healing time, inviting you to release pieces of your past, fears, or anxieties that hold you back. Your close connections and bonds can experience a newfound depth, too. Take time to rest and for reflection.

Your new moon self-care practice: Write a list of any fears or anxieties that come up for you around this time. Burn the piece of paper as a symbol of release, and flush the ashes down the toilet.

Libra

Your relationships are shifting, Libra. The solar eclipse in Aries moves through your seventh house of one-on-one partnerships and collaborations. This new moon begins a cycle around all of your closest connections; jou may be ready to take the next step with a romantic partner or commit to a new business collaboration. People who enter your life around this time may feel karmic or fated. If you are releasing an old connection, trust that destiny will bring a more aligned person into your life in due time.

Your new moon self-care practice: Check in on those with whom you share a close relationship. Ask how you can lend support or show up for them or if there is anything about your dynamic that they’d like to discuss. Clear the air for a new beginning.

Scorpio

Your day-to-day life is about to undergo a drastic transformation, Scorpio. The solar eclipse activates your sixth house of habits, daily routine, and health. You may be ready to call in a lifestyle that allows you to work from home remotely full time or to travel for work.

By the end of this eclipse cycle, your daily routine and habits will be different from where you are now. Start small, but trust that the slightest changes, coupled with dedication, can lead to the most significant change over time.

Your new moon self-care practice: Let go of an old habit that doesn't serve you. Start small and allow room for slipping back into your old ways, but do your best to stick with habits that your future self would maintain.

Sagittarius

You’re ready to focus on your joy, Sagittarius. The solar eclipse lands in your fifth house of pleasure, romance, creativity, and celebration. A creative spark or inspiration may arrive under this new moon. You may finally begin a passion project you’ve dreamed about for a long time. Changes in your relationship with sex, pleasure, and play may also unfold. You’re ready to express and experience your truest desires. The next 18 months will challenge you to be present and sink into gratitude. Spend time exploring hobbies and interests that light your soul on fire.

Your new moon self-care practice: Write out what your dream day looks like for you. Get detailed: Who is there, where are you, what activities are you doing? What are you wearing? What does your daily routine look like? Integrate some of those desires into your life now.

Capricorn

You might be releasing the past in a significant way, Capricorn. The solar eclipse activates your fourth house of the past, family, and living situations. You may be feeling more nostalgic under this eclipse and ready to acknowledge and release dynamics, memories, or generational patterns. This can also coincide with a fresh start in your living environment or mark a new beginning with certain family members. You understand that in order to experience this new beginning, you must first make peace with the past in some way.

Your new moon self-care practice: Spend some time alone. You may be experiencing a wave of flashbacks or intense emotions. Now is the time to recognize what’s coming up for you and to sit in your own energy as your process and release. Clarity will arrive if you can give yourself more space to investigate what’s triggered within.

Aquarius

Self-expression will bring clarity and relief, Aquarius. The solar eclipse moves through your third house of communication, learning, and social connection. Conversations that take place around this time will feel fated and destined. If you’ve been holding back from sharing something with an important person in your life, a significant conversation may take place around this time. You may also decide to pursue learning a new skill or sign an important contract. Dramatic shifts and changes may also be take place within your relationships with siblings or close friends.

Your new moon self-care practice: Put pen to paper and journal your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. There is no need to sort through all of them now—having them all in one place will feel calming. You can return to them when the time is right to explore further.

Pisces

Major changes in the way you earn money begin to unfold, Pisces. You may get a promotion or raise, or commit to a budget that can set you up for success. Making a big purchase around this time can feel life-changing in some way. Perhaps you’re ready to treat yourself with something you’ve desired for some time. You're changing your idea of what your comfort looks like and feels like.

Your new moon self-care practice: Set a financial goal for yourself. Where would you like to be 18 months from now? What will set you up for success? Start honing a financial plan that will guide you there over this eclipse cycle.

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