Tonight is the first Full Moon of 2019. It's also an eclipse, and the conclusion of the eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis, which have lasted roughly the last 2.5 years. This particular "Blood Moon" Lunar Eclipse is happening in Leo, we won't experience another Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse until March, 2021. Here is a quick refresher on eclipses, a brief guide to understanding this eclipse's significance and how it relates to your astrological sign and/or natal chart.
First things first: what is a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned, with Earth between the other two. A lunar eclipse can occur only on the night of a full moon. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moon's proximity to either node of its orbit.
During a total lunar eclipse, Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The only light reflected from the lunar surface has been refracted by Earth's atmosphere. This light appears reddish for the same reason that a sunset or sunrise does: the Rayleigh scattering of bluer light. Due to this reddish color, a totally eclipsed Moon is sometimes called a blood moon. Which is the case for tonight's eclipse.
Leo/Aquarius Axis
As mentioned, tonight's full moon eclipse is happening in the sign of Leo. The Sun is in Aquarius, so the full moon happens on the sign opposite Aquarius on the same axis: Leo. Eclipses happen in cycles, depending on the placement of the North and South Nodes. The North Node was in Leo, and the South Node in Aquarius.
Leo/Aquarius Polarity
All opposing astrological signs work together through polarity. Leo represents the self, while Aquarius represents the collective. However, it's important to know that as different as these two energies are, they're also similar, because in the end, they give each other what the other doesn't have. For example, Leo represents the individual and inner child, while Aquarius is a symbol of society, and our collective consciousness.
Themes of the past 2.5 years
Due to the eclipses occurring on Leo/Aquarius axis, many people likely experienced a theme dealing with coming out of one's shell, standing out, embracing uniqueness, etc. But if you're interested in learning more about your magical eclipse story, think back to the summer of 2016. What have been the recurring themes and lessons you've experienced since then? Tonight is the final eclipse of this cycle. Embrace it, and prepare to release all that is no longer serving you, perhaps do a Full Moon Ritual. Because as the North Node shifts into Cancer, and the South Node shifts into Capricorn, the next 2 years will bring about different themes: likely pertaining to feelings/emotional needs (Cancer) and structure/boundaries/business (Capricorn).
How this Full Moon Eclipse will affect you, specifically
Grab your birth chart. Any planets at 0 degrees Leo or Aquarius will be most affected. Then those within 5 degrees from those points, additionally any planets in Leo or Aquarius, or those forming strong angles to the moon will also be affected. In short, everyone is going to feel the effects of this eclipse, the degree to which extent will just vary. Full Moons are always a time of release, eclipses are just X 10 in intensity.
According to astrologer Rebecca Gordon, "tonight is an ideal time to meditate, create an altar, create emptiness so the new will have space to flourish." On her blog, she also listed how this Lunar Eclipse will affect you based on Sun and Rising sign. You should check for both (sun and rising), then combine the two together for your own unique horoscope.
ARIES - your perception of love, your relationship
TAURUS - Home, real estate, your connection to family
GEMINI - A way of communicating, release patterns so your truth can be heard
CANCER - Old ideas of self-worth, an old financial story
LEO - Shed that skin as the Eclipse is most potent in your sign. This is an absolute reset for you. Let go of all parts of self that are not in line with your most radiant self.
VIRGO - Subconscious patterns that could be in the way of a fuller expression of self
LIBRA - People that are low vibe, groups and voices that do not help
SCORPIO - Professional roles that are too small for you. It's time to break out and through that ceiling
SAGITTARIUS - Graduation time. Release those training wheels and see the teacher within
CAPRICORN - Letting go of control over something you have created, maybe to sell, or to share, to connect with another. Begin to trust.
AQUARIUS - Relationships that are not in your highest good, you will have an opportunity to clear space and renew
PISCES - Getting clear on and releasing the health issue that has been holding thing back all year. Be open to new solutions.
Happy Full Moon!