
Finally, here we are at the new moon/solar eclipse in Aries—or at least we will be soon, as I’m posting this article before the big show begins! The journey of the moon eclipsing the sun starts at 9:36 p.m. Eastern time on April 19 and ends at 2:59 a.m. April 20. The new moon will be exact on April 20 at 12:12 a.m. To make things more exciting, the sun enters Taurus a few hours later at 4:14 a.m. and Mercury retrograde in Taurus starts the next day, April 21, at 8:35 am.
As I mentioned last month, this is the second new moon in Aries we had this year. The first was at 0 degrees of Aries on March 21 and this one is at 29 degrees. Solar eclipses are defined as a new moon that is within 17 degrees of a lunar node. In this case, the new moon will be very close to the north node, which is at 1 degree Taurus.
Astrologically speaking, solar eclipses are about new beginnings, just like any new moon—except on steroids! Eclipses are associated with dramatic life changes, but it really depends on your individual birth chart whether or not you will be affected. Not every eclipse brings dramatic changes for every single person, and by the same token, some eclipses trigger a global event where many people are affected. Keep in mind that there could be welcome changes coming your way. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
A topic of debate is whether to try to manifest new beginnings during a solar eclipse/new moon. If you want to make manifest something specific and you typically do rituals or meditations for that purpose, I suggest not doing it on the same day as the new moon/solar eclipse. The eclipse energy is strong enough by itself, the moon is still dark, and your efforts may not produce the results you are looking for. Instead, wait to do any manifestation rituals at least 24 hours after the new moon when the first sliver of light from the new moon appears in the sky.
However, this time around, Mercury retrograde starts right around the time that the new moon is visible in the sky. And Mercury retrograde in and of itself is not an ideal time to start new projects! I suggest not starting anything brand new during the retrograde period, but it will be a great time to take a closer look at what you are already working on. Improve and make changes as needed.
With all that is going on, having the sun, Mercury, and the north node in Taurus may have a stabilizing effect for the eclipse energies. Also, Gemini is now in Venus, the ruling planet of Taurus, while Taurus is in Mercury, the ruling planet of Gemini. That is called a mutual reception, which can provide a stabilizing force for Mercury retrograde in Taurus.
All in all, in honor of the new moon cycle and in true Aries fashion, continue to assert yourself as a mover and shaker. In addition, now that Taurus season is upon us, know that you as a person are more valuable than any of your material possessions.