In like a lion…out like a lamb! Eclipse season is already in full swing, with a lunar (full moon) eclipse in fiery Leo that illuminated the skies on February 10, and a Pisces solar (new moon) eclipse arriving Sunday, February 26. But what do eclipses really mean? Here, we explain their powers and benefits.

A lot of fear and misunderstanding accompanies these supercharged moon moments. And indeed, they can bring curveballs or unexpected change. The full Snow Moon eclipse in dramatic Leo marked the first eclipse in a series that falls on the Leo-Aquarius axis until January 2019. Since eclipses can signify endings, it’s possible that you’ve already begun to release yourself from an outmoded situation that no longer serves you. Leo is the star sign of theatrics and passion, while Aquarius errs on the cool and collected—focusing on collaborations over individuality. Towing the line between these two opposing cosmic forces will be a challenge for all of us in for the next two years.

When the solar (new moon) eclipse in ethereal Pisces lights up the skies, we are presented with a great opportunity for healing. This is the final eclipse in a series that began March 20, 2015, and we could finally get clarity to some foggy situations that have left us befuddled for the past two years. Pisces rules the seas and this eclipse may reveal more information that’s been hidden in the fathoms below. This eclipse also marks the beginning of a fresh romantic and creative cycle that culminates with the full moon on September 6, 2017.

So ready or not…the winds of change are indeed blowing! Eclipses bring the unexpected, forcing us into action and taking us into new, unchartered terrain. Repeat after us: Change can be a good thing! Procrastination is part of the human condition. We avoid what’s painful and stay in our comfort zones. That’s why we occasionally need a little cosmic kick in the pants to push us off the fence and into action.

Eclipses are these agents of change. They fall four-to-six times a year and turn things as we know it upside-down. In this disoriented state, we may act out of character or see turbulence in the world. Eclipses can also help break patterns and shift dynamics. However, most astrologers suggest waiting a week or so before taking any drastic action, allowing the eclipse energy to settle down first.

Solar Eclipses

During Solar Eclipses the Moon is directly between the Earth and Sun (known as a conjunction between the Sun and the Moon). During this brief time the Moon can “block out” the Sun, temporarily turning off the lights, if you will. We have a finite focus as human beings, and it’s natural to concentrate on what’s in front of us. At times, this can limit our perspectives on the world, and even cause us to miss out on opportunities. Solar Eclipses might snatch away the familiar temporarily, forcing us to consider options we would never otherwise explore. Although this can cause temporary upheaval, eclipses are “cruel to be kind.” Major growth can happen during these cosmic power outages. This is when we should leap into new (and generally improved) terrain, even if we feel forced there by circumstance.

Lunar Eclipses

During a Lunar Eclipse, the Earth is exactly between the Sun and the Moon (known as an opposition between the Sun and the Moon). For a brief spell, we can see the Earth’s shadow turning the luminous Full Moon intense shades of reds, browns and grays. According to astrology, Lunar Eclipses give us a glimpse into what Carl Jung referred to as the “shadow self.” We all want to think of ourselves as good, kind people, but c’mon—we’re also human! What we discover about ourselves and others during Lunar Eclipses can be tough to swallow, even shocking. Still, this gives us the opportunity to embrace our wholeness, and see where we have room to grow in new directions. Owning the fact that we have emotions like fear, anger, jealousy and rage is the way to get a handle on them. Trying to pretend we’re Polly Pure or Sam Straightlaced? That’s when our feelings creep up and overwhelm us. If we’re willing to accept the good along with the bad, Lunar eElipses can be magical moments of discovery.

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TABLE OF ECLIPSES (2013-2020)

Image via Tumblr. Eclipse tables from Skyscript.co.uk