From being pushed to have a relationship-defining talk to addressing heavy-duty emotions rooted in the past, a full moon brings intensity and drama to everyday moments. On the flip side, new moons present us with a chance to set a powerful intention or plant seeds that we want to see come to fruition over the course of a new lunar cycle. In both cases, we're generally invited to work with the astrological energy of the moment.
But eclipse seasons — which happen twice a year and include roughly four lunar events — are a whole different ball game. These super-charged new and full moons tend to spur stunning shifts and major course changes that can promote growth. The first eclipse season of 2022 kicks off on Saturday, April 30, at 4:28 p.m. ET with a solar eclipse and a new moon in Taurus — the fixed earth sign symbolized by the bull.
While this is the first eclipse of the year, it's actually the second of a series that began on Nov. 19, 2021, and ends on Oct. 28, 2023. Read on for the meaning of solar eclipses, as well as intel on which signs will be most affected by this particular astrological event.
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What Do Solar Eclipses Mean in Astrology?
Whether it's taking a go-to spiritual bath or simply chatting about your aspirations with a friend or therapist, there's a variety of ways to make the most of a new moon. But unlike the new moons that come around once, maybe twice, a month, solar eclipses — which happen when the moon casts a shadow on the sun — happen about twice a year and can be thought of as intenser new moons.
Eclipse energy is so powerful, in fact, that you'll do best to dive into an involved ritual to avoid actively working with it. Think of it as an astrological torrential downpour or windstorm. The best way to handle intense weather is by being informed and taking a hands-off approach — allowing the storm clouds to sweep in and do their thing, even if that means they shake your life up in a way you weren't at all prepared for. Then, when the dust settles, you might very well pinpoint a big-picture explanation for the chaos.
In fact, solar eclipses are very much associated with self-exploration. After all, the sun oversees core identity and self-image in astrology, while the moon rules emotions and intuition. So when the moon casts its shadow on the sun, you may be driven to reconcile with how you see yourself. In doing so, you might find it's time to choose a new path.
Still, it bears noting that not every solar eclipse is going to affect you in a powerful, life-changing way. It all depends on how the event is interacting with your natal, aka birth, chart. You'll feel an eclipse the most when it hits — or is in aspect to — a major placement. In other words, look to your big three — sun, moon, rising signs — as well as other planetary placements and angles in your chart (such as Mercury, Venus, and Mars signs) to see how it might be affected by the solar eclipse.
How the April 2022 Solar Eclipse Will Affect the Zodiac Signs
When it comes to the April 30 eclipse, people who have placements in any of the fixed signs — Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius — will feel it more than others. If you want to get even more specific, see if any of your natal chart placements fall around 10 degrees of a fixed sign. If so, you'll really feel this one.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This solar eclipse activates your first house of self, Taurus, nudging you to nurture and get more clear on your personal brand and identity. Nov. 21's lunar eclipse, which also fell in your sign, could have been a particularly emotional moment. But the darkness of fall and winter has come and gone, and you're ready to begin a whole new chapter.
This can manifest in multiple ways. Whether it's stepping into the spotlight on your own, pitching a passion project, or taking a different, empowered approach toward your love life, now is the time to do so. The eclipse also occurs while your ruling planet, romantic Venus, is pretty tightly paired up with Jupiter, the planet of abundance, in your 11th house of friendship, making this a social moment in which your connections, sense of community, and teamwork will be even more integral to your success than usual.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
The April 30 solar eclipse falls in your 10th house of career, Leo, so get ready to begin a new phase in your professional life. In the days around this lunar event, you may feel like you're being pushed to take on more responsibility or a leadership role (which would definitely not be out of character for you), or you'll receive extra attention from higher-ups.
Chances are that ever since the Nov. 21 lunar eclipse — which lit up the same zone — you've been putting your nose to the grindstone to get results related to your big-picture dreams, and this eclipse could spur you to consider the next level. With relationship-oriented Venus and abundance-bringing Jupiter linked up in your eighth house of emotional bonds, you can lean on a significant other or loved one to help you navigate this potentially high-pressure, but also highly rewarding, time.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
With the solar eclipse activating your seventh house of partnership, Scorpio, you're obviously on the precipice of an exciting new chapter within a close one-on-one bond. Note that the seventh house isn't just about love relationships! If this moment isn't about getting more serious with a significant other, you could be starting a new business alongside a former colleague or working closely with your boss on a key presentation. You might also be reflecting on how you can best balance your own personal goals and sense of self while showing up for a partner.
Meanwhile, Venus and Jupiter's conjunction in your fifth house of self-expression helps you get even more in tune with your inner voice. With the next eclipse in this series falling in your sign, on May 15, know that the metamorphosis you're in the midst of will continue to take shape over the coming weeks and months.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The solar eclipse falls in your fourth house of home life, Aquarius, which means this lunar event highlights an ongoing storyline involving your emotional well-being, roots, and inner life. The lunar eclipse on Nov. 21 might have led to upheavals on the home front — perhaps a move, troubling family matter, or need to address psychological wounds that have prevented you from feeling fully stable and centered.
This eclipse presents you with a chance to care for yourself in a new way, which could be the result of healing you've done over the last few months. Venus and Jupiter are also paired up in your second house of income now, so you might find that your refreshed emotional state and magnified confidence will attract moneymaking opportunities.
