Eclipse Magic & Taboos

Oct 13

Eclipses are lumminary synchronizations that act as opening and closing doorways of destiny. Often in order to step forward we may be forced to leave something significant behind, and these lunations can show up as the willing or unwilling sacrifices needed to proceed thru the gate leading us towards fate.

The Lunar Nodes are the calculated points along which the Moon’s orbit intersects the ecliptic. Solar eclipses occur when the New Moon is within 18° of either node, and Lunar eclipses occur when the Full Moon is within 18° of either node.

Eclipse season happens every 6 months, yielding at least two solar and two lunar eclipses per year. Approximately every 18-19 months the nodal axis shifts along the zodiac, and every 18-19 years one goes through their nodal return.

Their association with the archetypal Dragon-Serpent swallowing the Sun & Moon in many traditions is rooted in connotations that heed caution. Dramatic reversals, revelations and psychic shifts are all possible which require discernment and patience for unraveling.

☽ ◯ ☾ Eclipse Rituals ☽ ◯ ☾

First of all, if you don’t end up doing any rituals, DO NOT STRESS or have FOMO. You aren not missing any magical opportunity and it may be necessary to relinquish control and relax instead. Eclipses can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Major changes are taking place across the subtle and physical planes which require rest to integrate.

Secondly, you may have heard that eclipses are NOT the best lunations for MANIFESTATION MAGIC. Things tend to fall apart or not reach their fruition if commenced during the Moon’s alignment with the nodes, since this is when the Moon is least stable.

Here’s why:

The Ascending (or North) Node has the nature of increasing, meaning that when conjunct the benefics (Jupiter/Venus) it increases their positive qualities, whereas when conjunct the malefics (Saturn/Mars) it increases their negative qualities. Likewise, the Descending (or South) Node decreases the positive effects of the benefics and the negative effects of the malefics. However, it is generally regarded as even less auspicious if the Moon is conjunct within 12° of the South Node since the Descending Node is interpreted akin to a malefic across various traditions (especially in Hellenistic, Arabic and Jyotish astrologies) for its ability to diminish planetary powers.

The Nodes are referred to as the Dragon’s Head (North) and Tail (South). When Luna is on the Nodes and eclipses occur it is said S/he is passing through the Dragon’s lair. Occulting or being occulted while transitioning from one phase to the next, instability and even danger are more than likely present.

Across cultures, the Dragon-Serpent is associated with significant endings and beginnings in an infinite circle of death and rebirth, mirroring the eternal movement of the soul’s continuation through its cyclical transformations.

Lunar eclipses (the occultation of the Full Moon phase — culmination and release) close chapters. Solar eclipses (the occultation of the New Moon phase — renewal and start of new cycle) usher in the next. While the node the eclipse is occuring on can also further indicate its nature: South Node eclipses are associated with loss or decrease; North Node eclipses are associated with magnification. Changes may not be immediately noticeable but instead are catalyzed by these events.

For all these reasons, it is admonished to avoid practicing manifestation magic or initiating important plans during an eclipse. There ARE rituals, ceremonies and practices associated with eclipses but these do NOT involve manifesting nor initiating due to the heightened volatility of these transits.

Eclipse rituals that center releasing the old, or scrying, divining, self-reflection, and detoxification, cord cutting, banishing, protection, warding magic are most effective. Collecting “Eclipse Water” for malefic or self-defense magic, or casting spells for erratic results are also possibilities that some witches are known to perform.

Traditionally, eclipses have been seen as heightened moments for spiritual practice and ascetics would lean into their disciplines during these events. In many Indigenous communities, eclipses are a time for cleansing and relinquishment, and likewise their rituals reflect this.

Writing, composing or recording music, chanting or making noise and any other creative rituals are also potent ways to conduct the electrifying energy of an eclipse.

Most importantly, REST if you need to. Honor the needs and limits of your body and spirit.

Whatever you end up doing, trust your process and have faith that what has ended is making room for greater things to come.