Solar Eclipse in Libra, October 2023

The total Solar Eclipse in Libra occurs at 29º on October 14, 2023, 9:13 PM PT. This month, the October Eclipse is a conflicted New Moon in Libra. Moreover, all recent Eclipses have transitioning out of the Nodal axis in Taurus and Scorpio. As we move into the Aries/Libra Nodal Axis, we are collectively learning the value of independence and honesty. Simultaneously, we are called to release habitual people-pleasing and the maintenance of superficial harmony.

Solar Eclipse in Libra, October 2023: Stop Placating; Honesty Heals 

The extreme Solar Eclipse in Libra conjuncts the Libra South Node, pulling us towards unhealthy habits of relating to others. For example, under the influence of Libra, we tend to keep the peace at all costs. We are afraid of not being liked. Subsequently, during this October Eclipse, we are caught between the diplomatic nature of Libra and the honest and transparent nature of Aries.

Eclipses: The Astronomical and Psychological Shadow

This Solar Eclipse in Libra is also a New Moon—every Solar Eclipse is a New Moon, actually. During a Solar Eclipse, the Sun is eclipsed by the Moon, showing a shadow instead. The Earth, which we stand on, is bathing in the Moon’s shadow, blocking out the light of the Sun. This is a core metaphor of eclipses: the emergence of “shadow material,” as Carl Jung might call it. A Solar Eclipse in particular will emphasize our behavior (not our emotions, as a Lunar Eclipse does). Thus, a Solar Eclipse shows us our shadow by how we behave.

This October Eclipse is in Libra, a very social and relational sign. The shadow behavior we might express during this eclipse would be shadowy social behavior. For example, passive aggression, being nice as a mask on top of something uglier, or dissociating. This is because Libra is an Air sign, which gives it a cerebral quality. At its most extreme, it can even be emotionally remote or distant.

Solar Eclipse in Libra, October 2023: Stop Placating; Honesty Heals

Two things create a harsh polarity under this New Moon Solar Eclipse. First, the conjunction of the Sun and Moon with Mercury in Libra suggests difficulty with using our words to communicate honestly and straightforwardly. We may honey our words to the point of no longer being true to ourselves, or in an attempt to look good to others.

Second, the opposition to Chiron in Aries introduces the presence of a wound having to do with assertiveness. We may feel unable to speak up for ourselves or what we truly need. Or, we may feel unable to go after our real desires. Unfortunately, focusing too much on diplomacy and placating others only exacerbates this wound. It is difficult to lean into our own honesty and reveal ourselves, when it is our very sense of self that is wounded. However, forming a trusting, honest relationship with ourselves and others is the gift that this Eclipse has to offer.

Polarization in this October Eclipse

This October Eclipse is quite polarized, as there are no other planets involved outside of the Aries-Libra opposition. An opposition feels like a tug-of-war between two factions, and it often plays out in our partnerships. Therefore, we can expect difficulty with people we regard as partners, in our personal, social or professional life. The more we embody one end of the polarity, the more we can expect to be met with the other in the form of someone we relate with often. So this Eclipse is especially prone to projection. The solution is reached when we integrate the two within ourselves. This way, life doesn’t have to present us with an external conflict in order to teach us to balance diplomacy with assertion.

Watch our video to learn more about how this eclipse will impact you and how to use its potential for release to move towards a deeper relationship with yourself, with the wonderful side effect of improving your relationships with others.