There are two periods of the year when time gets distorted. You may feel it goes by very fast or extremely slowly.

During this time, you feel more tired than usual, thirsty, and itchy in your skin. 

Sleep becomes irregular and erratic, with vivid and (sometimes) prophetic dreams plaguing your head. 

You think about someone, and that person texts you out of the blue. You decide to read a book, and then three people mention the same book to you in different contexts. 

Surprises and confusion abound. You have dark thoughts but feel hopeful and optimistic about the future at the same time. 

Trying to exercise some sort of control leads you nowhere. It’s just an exercise in futility. 

But why does all of this happen? 

The answer is eclipse season. 

Next, I want to tell you some facts about this period and its impact on your first Saturn return. 

Topics covered in this text:

1. Eclipses in Hellenistic Astrology
2. Eclipses in Mundane Astrology
3. Eclipses in Psychological Astrology 
4. What Are the Lunar Nodes? 
5. Transits of the Lunar Nodes 
6. 10 Facts About Eclipses
7. Duration of Eclipse Season
8. Psychedelia of the 15 Days Between Eclipses
9. Eclipses Impacting the Natal Chart
   1. Eclipses on Your Sun 
   2. Eclipses on Your Descendant 
   3. Eclipses on Your Ascendant (Rising)
   4. Eclipses on Your Moon
   5. Eclipses on Specific Houses
10. Eclipses During Your First Saturn Return  
11. 10 Recommendations for Eclipse Season  
12. 25 TV Shows to Watch During Eclipse Season
13. Journaling Prompts for Eclipse Season 

Eclipses in Hellenistic Astrology

Horoscopic astrology means using a chart as a visual representation of the heavens to analyze a specific moment in time. This discipline was born in the 2nd century B.C. in the current region of Alexandria, Egypt. 

For the astrologers of the time, eclipses were considered negative omens. A solar eclipse darkened a whole city, and this was seen as a foreshadowing of future tragedies. 

The 10 Plagues of Egypt are mentioned in the first part of the Christian Old Testament. This part is known as the Pentateuch, and it corresponds with the Jewish Torah. 

One of the plagues is “three days of total darkness.” There is a hypothesis by which said darkness occurred due to a solar eclipse on March 5, 1223 B.C. 

So, you can see that eclipses were a big deal back then. 

In a sense, eclipses interrupt the expected movements of the Moon and the Sun. 

A solar eclipse, for example, makes everything dark. The light is dimmed, and the air is filled with a sense of change. But it’s impossible to pinpoint what would change exactly.  

Eclipses in Mundane Astrology

Mundane astrology analyzes events occurring in whole countries, geographic areas, or circumstances related to prominent politicians or rulers.  

According to mundane astrology, when an eclipse is visible in a specific location, this location will undergo significant transformations.  

For example, on August 21st, 2017, there was a visible solar eclipse in the United States. In October of that year, the #MeToo movement was in full force. The deadliest mass shooting committed by a single person took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. It happened on October 1st, with 60 dead and 411 wounded. 

Many more things happened that convoluted year in the United States. I just mention two striking examples, but there are many more.  

On July 2nd, 2019, a solar eclipse was visible in Argentina. It was an election year, and a different political party than the one in power won the national elections. The country was extremely polarized during that time. 

Do you have juicy examples of the effects of eclipses in a specific location? Please share them in the comments. I would love to know more. 

Eclipses in Psychological Astrology 

Psychological astrology expanded in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries. 

This branch of astrology focuses on how individuals process or feel about external events rather than the external events’ characteristics. 

According to psychological astrology, eclipses are connected with the Moon’s phases, specifically New and Full Moons. 

Symbolically, New Moons represent beginnings, while Full Moons represent harvests. 

For some psychological astrologers, solar eclipses are like turbocharged New Moons, and lunar eclipses are like turbocharged Full Moons. 

What Are the Lunar Nodes? 

Not every New or Full Moon is an eclipse. 

So, what factors are in play for a lunation to be an eclipse? 

For a New or Full Moon to be an eclipse, the lunation has to occur close to the lunar nodes. This must happen “close” in degrees of the zodiac. 

The lunar nodes are two mathematical points where the Moon’s orbital path crosses the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the curve line where the Sun moves.

The lunar nodes are always retrograding in the ecliptic. This means that there will always be a little “r” next to the nodes in your natal chart. 

There are two lunar nodes: the North Node and the South Node. They are always in opposite signs and form the Nodal Axis. 

(DIGRESSION: In your natal chart from Astrodienst or some similar service, the nodes may be called “True Node” and “Desc. T. Node.” They are not precisely North Node and South Node, but close enough, meaning you can use them. If you are interested in the explanation of this difference, I recommend Steven Forrest’s text about it. End of digression.)

Lunations, eclipses, and the Nodal Axis are interrelated astronomically. They all arise from the Sun-Moon relationship as seen from Earth.

Astrologically, the North Node is associated with the future, and the road we must take to mature and grow. The energy represented by the North Node can be challenging but also exciting. 

Instead, the South Node is associated with gifts from the past that we must use consciously. The energy of the South Node is familiar but could hold us back if we don’t engage with it purposefully. 

Transits of the Lunar Nodes 

It takes 18.6 years for the nodes to go through the whole zodiac. 

At 18 years old, you will experience a transit known as the Nodal Return. This means the transiting North Node and South Node will be in the same signs as your natal nodes. 

Turning 18 is a pivotal time. It is associated in some cultures with the start of a new life after high school. At 18, people can drink alcohol or travel abroad without their parent’s permission. It’s the age connected with the legal definition of adulthood in many countries. It also marks being more responsible for your actions.  

At 27, right before the first Saturn return, you will experience a transit known as the Reverse Nodal Return. At that time, the transiting North Node will be in the sign of your South Node, and the transiting South Node will be in the sign of your North Node. This transit is an emotional cleansing preparing you for the maturity crisis you’ll experience during your first Saturn return. 

The Reverse Nodal Return can be a process characterized by separations from people or habits that no longer suit you. You may experience more connection with your desires after a heartbreak, being fired from a job or dealing with loss. This can happen just by realizing what you DON’T WANT in your life and getting rid of it. 

This transit is crucial in preparation for the first Saturn return, and I’ll cover it in depth in future texts. 

10 Facts About Eclipses

1) They can be solar eclipses (New Moons) or lunar eclipses (Full Moons.)

2) To be an eclipse and not a regular New or Full Moon, the lunation must occur close to the lunar nodes. 

3) The lunar nodes are mathematical points in the location where the Moon’s orbital path crosses the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the curve line where the Sun moves.

4) They happen in the same axis of opposite signs: Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius, and Virgo/Pisces. (This is not always exactly like this, but for the time being, remember this fact).  

5) They occur in different pairs of signs every 18 months because the nodes retrograde in the ecliptic.

6) In your natal chart, the nodes will always be retrograde. Nothing to worry about. 

7) Eclipse seasons occur every 6 months. Each season has 2 eclipses (Sometimes 3 eclipses can be experienced in one season).

8) Eclipse season starts with the New Moon before the New Moon which will be an eclipse. This is just a perspective. There are other ways to mark the beginning of this season.  

9) When eclipse season is in full effect, synchronicities, surprises, thirst, tiredness, and time warps abound. 

10) The effects of an eclipse can manifest up to 6 months after the eclipse itself. ⁠

Duration of Eclipse Season

There are many versions about the beginning and end of eclipse season. Some astrologers consider that this season only lasts 15 days: from the first eclipse until the second one. 

Chris Brennan has another view. He states that the eclipse zone lasts four weeks. It begins one week before the first eclipse and ends one week after the second eclipse. In his view, the most potent times occur on the days of the actual eclipses. 

For me, eclipse season is longer. It starts with the New Moon before the New Moon that will be an eclipse. And it ends with the next New Moon that is not an eclipse. 

This window lasts for roughly two months. 

I know, it seems to be a long period. 

Related: My Philosophy About Astrology

But believe me when I tell you that surprises and synchronicities are at an all-time high during eclipse season. And this doesn’t happen in only 15 days or one month but over two strange, confusing, and exhilarating months. 

Of course, the intensity of the eclipses will not be at full force for the whole two months. Sometimes, the pressure will be higher, and sometimes, it will be lighter. 

Synchronicities emerge timidly after the New Moon that is not an eclipse and get more potent closer to the eclipses. 

The strangest part of the journey occurs in the two weeks between one eclipse and the other. 

Psychedelia of the 15 Days Between Eclipses

Between one eclipse and the other, there’s an escalation of these experiences: 

• Synchronicities
• Prophetic dreams
• Unexpected news
• Surge of inspiration to create
• Revelations about your talents
• Being in touch with your true desires
• Quantum leaps in thinking and feeling
• Deeper connection with the arts or spiritual practices

But not everything is dreamy and mystic. These other experiences are also heightened:⁠

• Tiredness
• Extreme thirst
• Mental fog
• Erratic sleep patterns
• Misunderstandings
• Verbal fights
• Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin 
• Visits from undesired memories of the past

The changes you need to catapult in your life will manifest during the 15 days between eclipses. But you may feel scared or uncertain about executing them because they are not crystal clear. 

They are whispers from the wind instead of shouts coming from a cosmic megaphone.  

No problem with that. Eclipse season is not the best moment to act. 

Sometimes, change is imposed on you. But if you can launch something and choose the timeline, wait for this erratic energy to settle down. 

Patience is your friend now. 

Eclipses Impacting the Natal Chart

When eclipses occur in the same sign of some vital area of your natal chart, they will be more powerful. The closest in mathematical degrees, even more powerful. 

Up to 2 degrees away from a degree in your natal chart will indicate that the eclipse will be memorable. You can go up to 10 degrees. 

DIGRESSION: An eclipse occurring on the same sign and close by mathematical degrees to a planet or angle of your natal chart means that the eclipse is conjunct to this part of your chart. If you are more advanced in your astrological studies, you can check if the eclipses oppose or square a part of your chart. First, I would just focus on conjunctions, but I mention this factor in case you want to go deeper. End of digression.

Related: What Is the Natal Chart? Astrology 101

If you work with Hellenistic astrology, an eclipse in the same sign as something important in your natal chart will be enough to be considered in conjunction, regardless of its degree. 

This is a short list to get you started on this topic: 

Eclipses on Your Sun 

These are the best eclipses to forge an authentic path, shine, and become the main character of your life. Courage and bravery will be the weapons that will help you conquer new territories. 

Eclipses on Your Descendant 

Beginnings and endings in romantic relationships, exchanges with business partners, and associations in general. Close relationships are in the spotlight when eclipses occur in this area of your chart. Not everything is doom and gloom in this respect, but eclipses certainly mean transformation and renewal.

Eclipses on Your Ascendant (Rising)

These eclipses transform the way you see yourself. Slowly, other people also perceive these transformations. The modifications could be on a physical level but also in terms of your identity as a human being. You may experience challenging situations where you realize you are more powerful than you thought.  

Eclipses on Your Moon

You may feel more emotional than usual. You have a deep understanding of the importance of healing childhood patterns. You may also be reviewing open wounds. Co-dependent relationships could end in the romantic sphere and with family members or friends. You could also move to a different city or country. This move means cutting the “umbilical cord” with your place of origin. 

Related: The Truth About The New Moon

Eclipses on Specific Houses

Sometimes, eclipses are not in contact with a planet or angle of your natal chart. 

They are still relevant because they occur in a pair of houses. Topics of both those houses will become prominent during that eclipse season. 

These are how houses are paired when eclipses occur: 

• 1st House/7th House
• 2nd House/8th House
• 3rd House/9th House
• 4th House/10th House
• 5th House/11th House
• 6th House/12th House 

You can read the meanings of every house from the perspectives of Hellenistic and psychological astrology in this text. 

Eclipses During Your First Saturn Return  

In his song “Beautiful Boy,” John Lennon states the following: 

Life is what happens to you

While you’re busy making other plans

The same can be said about eclipse season. It would go something like this: 

Eclipse season is what happens to you

While you’re busy making other plans

So what can you expect during eclipse season on your first Saturn return? The answer is the unexpected. 

Expect the unexpected. 

It sounds like a cheap cliche, but it’s true. 

Really. 

Related: Essential Tips to Prepare for Your Saturn Return

Since I started paying attention to astrological cycles, I realized that strange days are more frequent this time of year. 

Time is warped, surprises abound, synchronicities skyrocket, and encounters that feel predetermined also take place. 

All of these happen every time there’s an eclipse season. However, paired with the transformations brought by the first Saturn return, eclipse seasons could be even more acute. This is true in the three years you’re undergoing this transit.

I have heard astrologers refer to eclipse season as going through a tunnel or a wormhole. 

The concept of wormholes comes from the theory of general relativity. This theoretical hypothesis postulates the existence of shortcuts through space and time that could connect distant points across the universe.  

There’s no empirical evidence of the existence of wormholes. Still, I would like you to consider this idea during eclipse season. 

Your thoughts and feelings may travel through several dimensions during this time. Right now, it would be impossible for you to understand the echoes coming from the future. Hang in there. They will become clear down the road. 

Trust the process. Embrace the unexpected. And chill out. 

10 Recommendations for Eclipse Season  

1. Write down the dreams you have at night. 
2. Drink tons of water. 
3. Sleep more than usual. 
4. If you think about someone out of the blue, text that person. (It doesn’t apply to exes!) 
5. Play the songs that pop up spontaneously in your head. The lyrics may contain a coded message for you. 
6. Jot down the synchronicities you experience in your phone’s notes app. 
7. Try not to overexert yourself physically because your body will be more tired for no specific reason. 
8. When you feel down, accept that sometimes life is s*it. Paradoxically, acceptance will make you feel better almost instantly. 
9. Don’t force situations or projects. Accept what life wants from you instead of what you want from life.  
10. Implement specific self-care strategies that work for YOU so you don’t feel depleted. 

25 TV Shows to Watch During Eclipse Season

1. The X-Files
2. Fringe
3. Lost
4. The Twilight Zone
5. Twin Peaks
6. Rick and Morty
7. Roswell
8. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
9. I Hate Suzie
10. Russian Doll
11. The Good Place
12. Stranger Things
13. Futurama
14. The OA
15. Sense8
16. Black Mirror
17. Dark
18. Westworld
19. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
20. Orphan Black
21. Adventure Time
22. Doctor Who
23. Atlanta
24. SpongeBob SquarePants
25. The Simpsons (especially the Halloween special of 1995)

Journaling Prompts for Eclipse Season 

As always, grab your Saturn Return Diary and get to it! Take notes about how you feel and what you experience during the entire eclipse season. Then, solve these prompts after the eclipse season is finished. 

1. How did you feel during the 15 days between one eclipse and the other? 
2. What was the strangest synchronicity you experienced during the whole season? 
3. What self-care strategies did you implement to balance yourself during this strange period? 
4. Have you watched one of the shows I recommended? How did they make you feel? 
5. What changes do you need to implement? Do you feel the current time is inappropriate? Do you need to wait a little longer?

Let me know in the comments how this season treated you. I would love to hear from you! Thanks for being here, and until next time!