Before I knew astrology like I do now and actually, even after I had begun to study it in a more serious manner, I did something a lot of astrologers will tell you never to do: I made big decisions and went forth with major life decisions during an eclipse. I launched projects during an eclipse! I started relationships during an eclipse! I went outside on an eclipse! These are things that astrologers in the ancient world, even the medieval world, tell us not to do. But why? Well, it’s about light. The absence of it.
Astrology in India is called Jyotish — which literally means light. Astrology is actually all about vision. What we can and cannot see. When the sun or the moon is eclipsed, the light literally goes out. The path forward isn’t clear. With that in mind, the guidance of ancient astrologers (and those who practice today taking wisdom from those ancient texts, myself included) is to be careful during eclipses because, well, our vision is obscured. But, in my opinion and in my personal experience, sometimes we can’t help but not only let things happen, but make things happen.
Now, to put things in context, I was in fact born a few days before a partial solar eclipse so more than most, I prefer things that are born from chaos. The urge is there. I’m not a “planner.” But still, I have watched enough friends and clients who were not born on an eclipse, who are extremely set in their ways, who calendar their life down to the minute, initiate things, launch things, debut shows, and get engaged on eclipses.
Just for some further evidence, here’s a list of the things I’ve personally done on or around eclipses. Both before I really understood their context in astrology:
-moved into my NYU dorm
-went to Europe for the first time
-moved to Los Angeles (the first time)
-planned a release party for my sketch comedy group (rip), the machine
-had one of the best dinners of my life with two of my best friends at Estela (this was the night of the infamous “blood moon” of September 2015 if you remember that moment)
-announced the moon missives magazine project (on the day of the Great American Solar Eclipse in 2017)
& after I should have known better:
-shared my first horoscopes ever (on the og moon missives newsletter)
-officially launched my astrology business
-moved to Los Angeles (the second time; I arrived the day before a total solar eclipse and my exact Saturn Return)
I also met one person who I later dated a few days before an eclipse, and kissed another person who I dated for the first time as an eclipse went exact. I’m not saying that all of these things were ideal. Both relationships ended. Both Los Angeles moves were a disaster. The show with my sketch comedy group was our unintentional final performance. The dinner with my BFF’s was wonderful but we also somehow ended the night too drunk on absinthe after an impulsive “nightcap” at Maison Premiere (how we ended up in Williamsburg I do not know). As far as my astrology business, it was necessary to launch it at the time I did (for survival’s stake, I had just quit my full time job with no plan), but I’m planning to “relaunch” it because even though I’m an eclipse baby and appreciate all that eclipses have to offer, I don’t want my business to be one anymore.
I’m also not telling you about some of the more obvious disasters that befell me on eclipses. Like that Tom Murrin Full Moon Show at LaMama in 2014 and all events in my personal life surrounding it (iykyk, and if you were there, j’apologize)/ But there are also the little unquantifiable eclipse moments of sweetness — like the Spring Equinox Party at my friend Allison’s apartment in 2015 which I walked to in the snow, crying and going through a breakup. We made flower crowns and when I got home, a package was waiting for me: a sweet gift from my friend David. Basically, my point is that we don’t know whether what comes up during an eclipse is for us or not until we live with it for awhile. When I moved into my NYU dorm, I had no idea that I would be calling NYC home for the next 15+ years of my life (and probably forever). When I sent my first ever batch of horoscopes in February 2018, I had no idea that writing horoscopes would be something I did on the regular, that it would eventually become a major part of my livelihood. Maybe I’m telling you all of this because I’m tempted to do something a little naughty on this eclipse, to initiate something that could be wonderful or could go very poorly. Maybe you’re tempted to do something like that too. I’m not going to tell you not to do something on an eclipse. But if the question is: will this go well or won’t this go well? The answer is: I just don’t know. You’ll have to live with it for awhile. You gotta let fate take the wheel.
I’m also telling you all of this because tomorrow night’s (12:14 AM EDT on 5/16) lunar eclipse in Scorpio is to put it lightly: intense. The moon is already in its fall in Scorpio, too vulnerable for its own good. Add in an eclipse and we have a recipe for all kinds of deep emotions to rumble to the surface. Add in a hard aspect to Saturn and there are challenges and restrictions galore. Add in that this eclipse is ruled by Mars in Pisces about to conjoin Neptune, and we have burnout central. There’s something seismic about this eclipse. Something gnarly. Emotions are high. If things feel a bit wobbly and tenuous, if heartbreak is not just the feeling but the permanent installation, if throwing it all away seems like the best option, well, you’re right on schedule. Weirdly though, I don’t think we have to hide from this setback. In fact, I think it’s necessary to just go through the motions. Intimacy is a workout and gentle exercise is better than no exercise at all.
I’m telling you all of this because sometimes we can’t go back to bed, we have to keep living. Whatever happens was meant to happen because, well, eclipses are fate.
This eclipse falls on the South Node so purge is necessary. Holding on tightly—especially to the things you know are decaying—is not advisable. Let go, bb. But also, stay alert. The sensations you’re feeling may not make sense now, but they’re telling you something important. Trust your intuition.
This eclipse also falls in Scorpio III, the decan associated with the 7 of cups which the Golden Dawn called Debauch. T. Susan Chang describes this shadow side of this card as “a misguided effort to cling to a moment that has passed.” But she also says that this is “the card of the artist.” The 7 of Cups speaks of delusions, finds us living in a Neptunian haze. But that fantasy is the gateway to artistic splendor and romantic bliss. Our fears can easily lead us in a scary direction, but what if we instead paved a road to joy? If we’re willing to sit with our grief and dance with our pain, this eclipse could lead to a delicious muse. But again, we won’t know until it happens.
The best advice I can give you is to follow your intuition and see where it leads. Be open to the full range of feeling. Deception is also prevalent so try not to get too worked up about something until you have all the information. Let me know how it goes for you! And remember, when in doubt, draw a salt bath and put your phone on do not disturb. Try not to spend $200 on nightcap oysters, but if you do: it’s just an eclipse. It will pass.
Horoscopes follow for each sign. Read for your rising sign if you want to vibe with what’s “really” “happening;” check in with your sun or moon if you want a second opinion. If you’d like to go further on this journey, I’d love to dive into your chart together so book a reading! The best way to support my work currently is to get a paid subscription to this newsletter ($7/month or $77/year)—
Scorpio
This eclipse is about shedding a few layers of snakeskin, ditching the roles that no longer fit and accepting that when you have less energy to spare, you can’t please everyone. btw, it was never necessary to try to please everyone anyway. Those who don’t accept you at your ridiculous haircut, fashion mishap and rude awakening don’t deserve you at your consuming and penetrating generosity. The poems you’re writing now are short and simple, cutting instead of sweet.
Sagittarius
If you decide to take a risk (and let’s be real, you always do), this eclipse might lead you right back into the arms of one of your sworn enemies. But the thing is, you can’t even remember why things got so adversarial in the first place. Relinquishing control brings sweet surprises in unexpected places if you’re willing to give them a second chance. Whatever happens releases months or maybe years of “what ifs” and anxieties. Leave those worries to the void where clouds carry with ease what to us is an unbearable weight. Get light.
Capricorn
Though in some ways it feels like your world is getting smaller, you might find that it’s a relief not to owe so much attention to the “scene.” Isn’t it more fun to hole up in your pleasure cave? With your most inspiring project and most brilliant lover? Away from the responsibility of showing up for everyone else’s show? or art? or party? Getting specific about who you’re serving and what you want to be a part of is going to increase your joy. You can always go back to the old group for a reunion tour if you feel like.
Aquarius
Work opportunities are coming together for you under this eclipse, but you can’t help but feel like you still have too many burdens on your plate. Like this compensation isn’t quite enough. Like your energy could be better spent elsewhere. What might be helpful is getting more clarity on your message. What are you excited to say? What thoughts are you actually ready to share and what still needs percolation time in your mind palace? If you think you have three things, try just putting one of them out there. There’s no need to spill all your gold.
Pisces
Carving out success through your own means is much more appealing than acquiescing to any kind of institutional standard right now. As intuitives have told me over and over and over again for the last few years, “you’re meant to do this the long way.” Many who are passing you in the fast lane right now won’t be around to see your longterm glow up. It’s easy right now to get aggressive, to fight back against the power that be. But using your soft power to push for causes that actually matter is a better use of your valuable energy. Time to tire yourself out for something worth it for once.
Aries
Debts, taxes and obligations are causing you stress right now. Why is it that when you sign a lease, you also must sign over your life? (& your entire savings account?) Why is sending an invoice never a simple exchange? (this applies to more than just housing searches and freelance contracts, but you know that already) There might be some comfort in reminding yourself that you didn’t write these rules for the universe. Following them isn’t making you weak. It’s just going through the motions. The IRS isn’t thinking about you, sweetie. So try not to worry so much about “him.”
Taurus
Close relationships are solidifying or falling away, and this might leave you feeling like their “success” or “failure” is all on you. When the truth is, any partnership worth keeping around goes both ways—in fact, it goes all ways. The best relationships are circles I think. Continued reciprocity. Genius innovation. Think about how the wheel and its roundness changed everything. You need connections that move you in the same way. Agree to what gives you momentum.
Gemini
Health matters, pet matters, bureaucracy matters—it’s all coming to a head with this eclipse. Acute crises, annoying forms to fill out, paper cuts! There’s so much to manage and all of it is just so stupid. In many ways, there’s nothing else to do but laugh. But also: take this as a reminder that you shouldn’t let things get this chaotic in the future. A little bit of management everyday goes a long way. Maintenance is necessary. Make a list of all the things you wish you did all the time, like brushing your teeth or taking vitamins or using the foam roller. Get all the worries out of your brain so maybe, just maybe, you’ll start doing it.
Cancer
You have to make a choice when it comes to your creativity, your dating life and your hobbies. You can’t do everything that you want to do, at least not right now. Something’s got to give. Now’s not the time to date someone who your friends don’t like. It’s also not the time to keep pursuing a passion that leaves you feeling depleted, especially if it’s costing money too. Go where you’re in demand. You can always return to some of this brilliance later. For now, less is more. Cultivate what’s most precious.
Leo
This eclipse is for cutting yourself loose. It’s for putting your foundation into your own hands. It’s no fun to be tied down by so much stuff when it keeps you from seizing the most ideal opportunities. It’s nice to have an anchor but what if your load was just a little bit lighter? Think about those jeans that have been sitting in the back of your closet since 2005, collecting dust. Sure, it’s comforting to pull them out and pack them every time you move. But you don’t need the extra weight. What if you only kept a getaway bag that comes along on every adventure?
Virgo
Your inner circle is much smaller than it was at this time last year. The group chats have gone silent and with your sister’s wedding in the past, you don’t hear from her everyday. There’s construction on your favorite block and red tape obscuring your favorite path. This eclipse has you feeling isolated, abandoned and lonely. It’s OK to take the time you need to grieve the familiar things you’ve lost. It’s OK to skip your trip to the coffee shop and pray. Immersing yourself in study or travel or that delicious recipe eases the pain sometimes, but today it’s necessary to observe the empty space.
Libra
Shoving your financial skeletons even deeper into the closet is no longer an option. It’s time to get the entire messy truth out on the table. How much do you need, who do you owe, and how is all this panic over money/resources/energy/assets/time preventing you from experiencing the full range of your joy and creativity? Sure, it’s not “polite” to bring this kind of stuff up at the bar. But you might be surprised by who shares your pain and who’s willing to help.