Newmoonsletter: Solar Eclipse in Aries
Chasing Phantoms
Life on Earth is a grand sweeping epic, full of heroes, villains, and confused bystanders. The hallmark of any great story is the betrayal that arises from within one’s own circle rather than from outside the gates. Think of the protagonist receiving a knife in the back after the war is won. Or the poisoned goblet at the feast where everybody should be celebrating victory.
Representing the essence of triumph and dominance, King Sol, after having conquered Darkness at the equinox, should be untouchable. He’s a bold, unshaken sovereign, standing firm on Mars’s fiery terrain, invincible and honored in the place where his power is exalted. And yet, on this fateful day, as soon as Queen Luna arrives to join him, his glorious light is swallowed by a swindler, Rahu. A solar eclipse is like an ambush, a false coronation, a moment where the rightful holder of the throne is cast into shadow by a force that should never have had the power to challenge him.
What comes to mind for the last in the series of Aries/Libra eclipses is the Greek myth of the great warrior-king Agamemnon, returning home after the brutal, decade-long siege of Troy. His ships weathered the sea, his enemies were defeated, and the gods finally allowed his victorious return. But then, expecting to be safe in his own palace among his own people, his fate was doomed. His wife, Clytemnestra, waited for him with a blade sharpened by rage and vengeance. The bath that was meant to cleanse him became his tomb.
Ruled by a potentially treacherous fallen Mars in Cancer and given the mutual reception between Mars and the Moon, this eclipse brings the battlefield closer to home than the previous one on April 8 last year, and could dig up themes addressed earlier by the solar eclipse on April 20, 2023 when Mars was also in Cancer. Think of home in the broadest sense of the word, meaning not only your house and family, but also your country, body, and mind. Wherever you assume you’re safe, make sure you’re not leaving the doors unlocked. A merciless blade can cut straight through the heart of your confidence and self-esteem.
When the radiant force of unstoppable will and undefeated strength forgets to inspect the deeper corners of the psyche, Rahu is lurking from the shadows, ready to strike. Cursed to hunger eternally, the severed head of the dragon, Rahu (or the North Node), crashes the royal feast to steal what he can never keep. Rahu is a master of deception, illusion, and insatiable craving, slipping onto the throne while the true ruler is momentarily unable to point us in the right direction. Hijacking the Sun’s fire, Rahu disrupts our sense of purpose and ignites desires that are overwhelming and insatiable.
One of the reasons why most astrologers recommend against setting intentions and performing rituals around eclipses is that the Dragon’s Head and Tail will always distort our ambitions, making us chase phantoms. The lunar nodes turn clarity into mirage and initiative into reckless overreach. With Rahu being nothing but a devouring void or black hole, gorging on our energy and vitality, it’s probably wise to set the pioneer’s torch aside for now.
I’m very excited about my upcoming two-part workshop Mastering Transits. Learn how to make the most of transits through a methodical approach, and practice hands-on techniques in a supportive setting on April 27 and May 4.
Not interested in a DIY approach? Schedule a reading with me to see what the stars have in store for you!
Normally, when Luna launches into a new cycle in the cardinal sign of Aries, she ignites a sudden gut-level conviction, a fresh project or activity that makes the heart beat faster. It’s the thrill of chasing something new, something worth fighting for. That’s when the Moon awakens a healthy sense of competition that quickly drives us toward growth and improvement. This time, however, Luna’s ambitions are fueled by Rahu’s illusions, and she is asked to question whether her motivations stem from true purpose or Rahu’s empty hunger.
I’m placing plenty of emphasis on the power of deception because I’m anticipating Mercury’s contra-antiscia with Neptune before landing into Pisces, where Mercury, in his detriment and fall, will then conjoin Neptune on the anaretic degree, after which it’s time for one of the biggest events of the year - Neptune’s ingress into Aries on March 30. All of the above underlines the potential for deceit and trickery of the senses and all kinds of machinations that steer us onto the wrong path.
More than the other eclipses in this Aries/Libra series, this is a test of wit, integrity, and discernment. If something suddenly feels like the most important thing ever, just pause for a minute. Ask yourself if this is a real opportunity, or clickbait for Rahu’s agenda.
Standing firm in our own light when the Sun’s light is obscured will anchor us into our true sense of purpose and identity. Can we hold steady without needing external validation? Our will can be tested, but not erased. Just like the Sun always breaks free from Rahu’s jaws, trust that clarity will return.
And if you do stumble, don’t worry. Mistakes are temporary, but the wisdom gained from them lasts.
So hold your ground and keep your wits sharp. Above all, do not flinch when the light falters. Because the Sun always rises again.
Michelle Corbesier is an astrologer and artist residing in Belgium with her beloved husband and furry companions. Offering natal, horary, and synastry consultations, Michelle is passionate about guiding others on their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. Sharing her love for the starry craft, she also provides private tutoring and mentoring to aspiring stargazers. Get in touch with Michelle at her website Michelle’s Midheaven, and follow her on Substack, or Instagram.
"Ask yourself if this is a real opportunity, or clickbait for Rahu’s agenda." Perfection.
That couldn’t have explained in detail the exact situation any better! You are so wise my friend/mentor!
Can’t wait for class😍