The second eclipse season of 2025 is now upon us. A total lunar eclipse takes place on September 7, followed by a partial solar eclipse on September 21. Eclipses are powerful and serve as catalysts for change in the world.
Rahu and Ketu (the north and south nodes of the Moon) are known as shadow planets that cause eclipses when they catch up with the Sun or the Moon.
In Vedic mythology, Rahu and Ketu are said to swallow the Sun or the Moon. During an eclipse, the light from the luminaries diminishes or completely disappears.
During an eclipse, a change takes place when the Moon’s expression is obscured, and the effect is revealed over the following six months. The astrological effect of eclipses will often impact vast numbers of people. But eclipses can also affect us individually, especially if we have planets positioned near the place of their occurrence.
It is wise to set aside some quiet time for reflection and prayer on the day of the eclipse. A lunar eclipse influences the subconscious mind, and we often witness unusual events and erratic behavior during these times.
Around 85 percent of the world's population has a chance to see the lunar eclipse on September 7. It can be seen from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica.
This is a very long eclipse. Generally speaking, the longer an eclipse, the more powerful it is. The overall duration of the eclipse on September 7 is 5 hours and 27 minutes, while the total eclipse lasts 1 hour and 22 minutes.
The lunar eclipse on September 7 takes place at 21 degrees Aquarius, in the nakshatra of Purva Bhadrapada.
Aquarius is a scientific and humanitarian sign. Rahu in Aquarius is innovative and intelligent, so this lunar eclipse may bring innovation.
This eclipse has a strong influence from Jupiter and takes place in a nakshatra ruled by Jupiter. The symbol of this nakshatra, Purva Bhadrapada, is a two-faced man. This represents duality, as well as the desire for a higher truth, a universal understanding, and the ability to view things from different perspectives.
The eclipse receives a trine aspect from Jupiter in Gemini, and Jupiter is in its own nakshatra, Punarvasu. Punarvasu is an auspicious nakshatra, also known as “the star of renewal,” and represents “the return of the light”. Jupiter is in a mutual aspect with Rahu; perhaps a new, innovative communication device will come out.
We tend to think of eclipses as a precursor to difficult events, but eclipses can also be a catalyst for positive change. We live in a time of great turmoil. Hopefully, this eclipse can bring some progress and healing.
It is important to note that the unpredictable and rebellious planet Uranus will become stationary retrograde on September 6, the day before the eclipse. A retrograde Uranus is more disruptive than when he is direct. Uranus is receiving a very close favorable aspect from Pluto, and a favorable sextile from Neptune and Saturn. All of these outer planets are retrograde, influencing one another as they transit their signs on very similar degrees. We may need to revisit recent changes before moving forward again.
The New Moon in Virgo on September 21 is a partial solar eclipse. Since Ketu is some distance away from the New Moon, in Leo, it is only a partial solar eclipse.
The eclipse occurs in Uttara Phalguni nakshatra, which is ruled by the Sun.
This eclipse is connected to leadership. The light of the sun is dimmed, Ketu is in Leo, and Uttara Phalguni is ruled by the Sun. A retrograde Saturn is exactly opposite the eclipse. This is likely a time of facing karma, especially for leaders.
The partial eclipse also has an effect on the sea.The retrograde Saturn and the retrograde Neptune in Pisces can potentially manifest big storms and flooding.
Mercury is strong in Virgo, at the time of the eclipse, which is helpful for communication and healing.
September is a month of transformation and change.
The night and the day are almost equally long on September 22 , when the autumn equinox takes place. This is time of equilibrium, a time of preparation and of letting go. It is a time to set new intentions and to prepare ourselves for a new season.
Eclipses, however, are somewhat of a wake-up call. They remind us that in the midst of life’s natural cycles, we also need to take the unexpected into account.
We cannot take life for granted. However, even in impermanence, we must still trust and have faith.
“Do not concentrate upon change. Whatever comes to you, do not let it affect you. Polish your soul, for that will go with you. Make your soul real. The way of expansion is not to be bothered by change. No matter what comes, be happy and never worry about what you have or what you do not have.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
Blessings,
Lina
Many planets are continuing their retrograde as August arrives. We will also see tension between Mars and Saturn, due to a mutual opposition between the two planets.
Major planetary shifts occurred last month, and we should notice a different energy in June.
Jupiter leaves Taurus and is transiting Gemini between May 14, 2025, and June 1, 2026. This particular transit is positive for the air signs, but we need to remember that this is still an intense time astrologically.