When: October 2nd, 2024, at 11:49 am PT

What: Solar South Node eclipse in Libra

Takeaway: This final Libra eclipse near the South Node calls us back to last October, pulling our focus to how the personal, the political, the global, and the local are intertwined. Take inventory of the past year, and shed any impulse to please others at the cost of your inner wisdom or integrity.

The final chapter

The eclipse on October 2nd is the final Libra eclipse to take place near the South Node for the next couple of decades. This marks the closing of a chapter. The first Libra eclipse we had near the South Node was on October 14th, 2023, which aligned with the horrific events of October 7th and the consequences thereafter: a devastating genocide in Gaza.

Since this next eclipse occurs in a similar placement, it asks us to reflect on last October, the events that have unfolded between then and now, and all the ways we’ve engaged with the Libran themes of equity and connection, both personally and collectively. This eclipse is a call to rebalance our awareness of and commitment to what actually brings about any kind of real justice.

Reclaiming our desires

Eclipses are celestial wild cards: They have a reputation for causing shake-ups, precipitating fateful encounters, and putting us in contact with personal and collective shadow material. In other words, they can be bumpy rides — but they can also accelerate our healing and growth. This lunation occurs near the South Node of the Moon — a point in space that represents shedding and release. The ancients mythologized the South Node as the swishing tail of a hungry dragon. This eclipse is meant to lighten your load by sloughing off your old, scaly skin — though the experience may be uncomfortable in the moment. 

Peacekeeping, boundary negotiations, and other political or legal agreements aren’t just reserved for the world stage. If these themes show up for you, assess the role of activism and diplomacy in your life. It can be difficult to strike a balance between productive advocacy and tactful mediation when charged topics are on the table. Honoring your values might challenge you to argue for what you think is right — even if you end up provoking controversy. But it might also mean strengthening your listening skills when others share opinions you disagree with. Discerning whether to fling roses or fighting words into the ring is a skill you can learn only through trial and error. Give yourself and others grace in the process of figuring out how to further your cause. 

A South Node eclipse in Libra also highlights our connections to other people. As a cardinal air sign, Libra is socially gifted, strategically minded, and intrinsically inclined toward creating balance. While this instinct to smooth ruffled feathers and sustain bonds is a strength, it can rapidly transform into a weakness when it morphs into codependency. Take stock of the opinions you keep to yourself in order to fit in with others. Or the disagreements where you stifle your temper in order to maintain partnerships, despite the personal costs. When you sacrifice your authenticity to avoid making waves, you also block the vitality, passion, and dynamism in your unions. You have to be willing to risk exposing your truth — ragged edges and all — if you want to build relationships that are worthwhile for everyone involved. 

Letting go of unhealthy attachments or people-pleasing behaviors isn’t easy work. But when you lay down your sword and shield, you’ll be more connected to the rhythm of your personal power — and that alone is worth celebrating. 

Use this moment to harness your strength and face your shadows

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, temporarily snuffing out Sol’s glow. It can be unsettling to lose the light of our central star, and our lives can mirror this eerie phenomenon — sometimes with private experiences that challenge our egos, sometimes with more public falls from grace for our world leaders. These disruptions to business as usual serve a valuable purpose: teaching us humility. When we can’t rely on our luminaries to guide us, we’re forced to reconsider the insights that life has to offer us. Outdated patterns and constraining situations can alert us to further opportunities for healing. Staying open-minded and receptive can help us draw strength from surprising sources.

But solar eclipses don’t just turn our lives upside down; they also bring about fresh relationships, experiences, and lessons. Pay special attention to any new people or realizations that enter the scene, since they’re especially significant and noteworthy at this time. They might reflect your newfound clarity, or they might emphasize the core lessons you’ve been tasked with learning during this eclipse series.

Since eclipses often leave a trail of chaos and upheaval in their wake, it’s wise to hunker down and hold still during the turbulence. Lying low, resting up, and leaning in to your support systems can help you metabolize any sudden changes or plot twists more easefully.

11 ways to work with this solar eclipse in Libra

Expect the unexpected. Schedule breathing room in your as a buffer against unforeseeable events. Refrain from making big decisions or launching major initiatives until after October 2nd. Eclipse energy is volatile, so it’s best to start projects after the turbulence has passed. Journal about what’s shifted in your relationships with other people, your self-advocacy, and/or your collective justice endeavors since April of 2023. Highlight any important insights you’ve gained or lessons you’ve learned. List the most important bonds in your life. Then journal about any interpersonal patterns you would like to shift. How would your life change if you were to let go of unhelpful dynamics? Donate old clothes, trinkets, or other objects that no longer bring you joy. This will open up space for new treasures to arrive. Clean and purify your living space. Libra is a Venus-ruled sign, so beautifying your immediate environment can assist your metamorphosis. As you sweep, scrub, or bless your sanctuaries, release anything that’s holding you back from reaching your full potential. Rest abundantly. Limiting screen time, anointing yourself with , or meditating before bed can all help you unwind. Prioritize quality time with the people and activities that replenish your system. Say no to everything else for now. Make time to feel. Morning crying sessions, afternoon dates with your journal, and/or spontaneous dance parties can all facilitate the flow of your emotions. Listen to the , as well as Your Reading in the “This Week” section of the . Work through any emotions that this eclipse brings up with the Journal Prompts, Guided Meditation, Altar Suggestions, and Ritual in the “This Week” section of the .

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