The 2024 Aries Solar Eclipse EXPLAINED
Everything YOU need to know about this major astrological event
It’s nearly here, the 2024 total solar eclipse! Taking place on April 8 at 12:20 pm MST, the Solar North Node Eclipse in Aries is sure to be a wild day. With conjunctions to Chiron, Mercury Retrograde, and the North Node—all in inspiring fire sign Aries—this potent eclipse is igniting a surge of motivation and vitality. Indeed, the April Solar Eclipse serves as a powerful catalyst for change, inviting you to summon the Ram’s courage and embark on a bold new adventure.
A solar eclipse is the same as a new moon in that the Sun and Moon are aligned in the same sign/degree. But unlike new moons—which bring about welcomed new beginnings—solar eclipses are ALL about starting over in a dramatic way. (Note: dramatic does not mean bad.) As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries embodies newness, courage, initiative, and a pioneering spirit; so, this Aries Solar Eclipse is bringing an urgency to step outside your comfort zone and seize the reins of your destiny.
With the 2024 total solar eclipse occurring next to the North Node of the Moon, known as the Dragon's Head, you may feel a heightened sense of restlessness and drive. Added to this is Aries’ fiery assertiveness to chase and take action, and start new things. This energetic combo of the Sun, Moon, and North Node in Aries is propelling you courageously forward on your chosen path. (And it’s likely to be felt in the days leading up to the solar eclipse!) Some ways you might experience this are: visions of a future You you haven’t yet actualized, career opportunities you might not have previously explored, OR deep-seated yearning to change your hair / living situation / relationship, etc. Whatever it is, this Aries Solar Eclipse is calling YOU to take a bold leap in a new direction. (Note: it's essential to strike a balance between ambition and self-care during this time, as excessive striving can lead to burnout.)
On the same day as the eclipse, Chiron, the wounded healer, aligns closely with the Sun, bringing hidden insecurities to the surface for healing. This celestial alignment—known as a Cazimi—encourages you to confront your deepest fears and self-doubts, paving the way for profound transformation and personal growth. Circling back to what I mentioned before: what is calling out to you right now? What part of your life is crying out for change? Why haven’t you answered this call? We all have insecurities, but the Chiron Cazimi that occurs on this Aries Solar Eclipse is beckoning you to bravely face those fears. Because once you face them, you can move forward towards your unexpected future with more confidence, courage, and faith—which is what Aries is ALL about.
“A solar eclipse meant the death and rebirth of the sun,” from Jeanine Kitchel’s piece on the Total Solar Eclipse.
With Mercury still retrograde in Aries during this eclipse, communication may be fraught with misunderstandings and missteps. (And when I say communication, I’m speaking to both the ways you communicate with yourself, and also any insightful, intuitive “downloads” you may receive around this time.) Practicing patience and mindfulness, as well as a healthy dose of humor, can help navigate these turbulent waters. It also wouldn’t hurt to talk out your dream with someone you trust. Because you know, quitting your Marketing job to become an astrologer might seem like a good idea in your head, but it’s probably not the best solution for you if you’re just aching for a break from work.
As the Sun's light is temporarily dimmed during a solar eclipse, we are reminded of the impermanence of external authority and the importance of aligning with our inner truth. It's a time to reassess your priorities and realign with your authentic self, rather than seeking validation from external sources. This could be challenging on this solar eclipse, since Aries is a secretly insecure sign that only wants love and approval from others. If you notice this showing up for you, think about ways YOU can give yourself some love and approval.
10 WAYS TO WORK WITH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN ARIES
To use a writer metaphor: Eclipses end and begin new chapters in the novel of your life; the premise of these chapters involve the themes of the houses the eclipses are activating. Just like you read a good, juicy novel, excitedly turning the pages to get to the end of each chapter, so too should you approach this Solar Eclipse: with excitement, with expectancy, with a curious, open mind. That said, here are a few tips for working with the Aries Solar Eclipse:
Expect the unexpected – and schedule in some breathing room.
Hold off on major decisions until after April 25 – eclipse season is no time to play with fire; and with Mercury Retrograde in the mix, decision-making is askew.
Make a list of your goals, and don’t be afraid to go big! But pay attention to the fears, limiting beliefs, and/or insecurities that come up for you when you do dare to dream big, then face those fears like the fiery warrior you are.
Channel any excess energy into something productive or creative. Help yourself release some heat with exercise, cleaning out your closet, or diving into your favorite creative hobby.
Ground yourself with some quality time in nature or with your furry friends. Go for a walk! Go for a hike! Go watch the Solar Eclipse (with the right glasses, of course)!
Rest, recharge, and treat yourself to some well-deserved downtime.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up and say no to anything that doesn't serve your highest good.
Feel the feels – and don't be afraid to let it all out. Cry, journal, scream into a pillow–do whatever feels right.
Get an Eclipse Season Birth Chart Reading to learn how this eclipse is impacting your chart, and unpack what significant changes are heading YOUR way.
Check your horoscope for the Aries Solar Eclipse in the Eclipse Season Survival Guide Astro-Class. Members of The Cosmic Collective, my astrology learning community, get this class, as well as my guide to Mercury Retrograde in Aries, FREE.
Where is the Aries in YOUR chart? This is the area of YOUR life that is being activated by this solar eclipse, and where you might be feeling a rebirth, a renewal, or an intense change. Drop YOUR Aries house number below and I'll tell you what this Solar Eclipse is doing for YOU.