September makes us think of fall and cooler weather. For some, it’s the beginning of spooky season. This year, it’s also the month of eclipses, with both a solar and lunar eclipse occurring. Neither of the eclipses are going to be visible to us, or anyone else in North America, but that doesn’t mean we won’t feel their energy. Any time a major astrological event happens in the world, its energies can be felt (and used) by everyone.
The first this month is a total lunar eclipse on September 7th. A lunar eclipse happens when Earth is directly between the moon and sun. Earth blocks light coming from the sun, casting a shadow on the moon. The shadow makes the moon appear much dimmer and sometimes turns the lunar surface a striking red. The moon appears red because the light illuminating it must pass through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters blue light and bends (or refracts) red light toward the moon, creating a “blood moon” effect.
Spiritually, a lunar eclipse is a time of intense energy, especially for emotional release, transformation, and letting go of what no longer serves you. It’s a period for introspection, where hidden emotions and subconscious patterns may surface, prompting you to examine your life and make necessary changes. A lunar eclipse amplifies the energy of the full moon, which is already associated with release and completion. It’s a time to confront and release deep-seated wounds, negative patterns, and anything you’ve outgrown. Think of it as a cosmic reset button for your emotional cycle. A total lunar eclipse — where the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly — is considered a particularly potent time for spiritual growth. This alignment can symbolize a powerful shift in energy, encouraging you to embrace change and step into your destiny.
As if a total lunar eclipse isn’t enough to jolt us into action, it’s followed by a partial solar eclipse, happening just before the autumnal equinox. All eclipses, whether solar or lunar, partial or total, are times of transformation. They are liminal times where we find ourselves in between dark and light, and liminal spaces and times are regarded by cultures around the world as being potent with magical energy.
On September 21st, a partial solar eclipse will happen. A solar eclipse is often thought of as a time of change. The movement of the moon between the Earth and the sun is something that does not happen often, and spiritually is thought to catalyze change. The energy of a solar eclipse is believed to accelerate events, bringing to the surface issues that have been simmering and demanding attention and action.
Part of the eclipse’s properties of transformation come from the fact that the usual cycle and movement of the planets is disrupted. The obscuring of the sun’s light can symbolize a break in routine. In astrology, a solar eclipse is sometimes viewed as a powerful time for new beginnings. The eclipse is seen as a doorway to significant life changes, offering opportunities to reset, rethink, and start fresh. The blocking of the sun, a symbol of light and clarity, invites introspection and encourages individuals to look inward, reassess their paths, and make substantial changes.
This partial solar eclipse is happening right before the fall equinox. Although they are distinct celestial events, the two share several meaningful commonalities — both astronomically and symbolically.
Both events occur along the ecliptic, the apparent path the sun takes through the sky. Eclipses happen when the moon crosses this path at a node, and equinoxes mark the sun’s crossing of the celestial equator — also part of the ecliptic system. Both events involve the sun in a significant way — eclipses obscure it, while equinoxes mark its balanced position in the sky. They’re both moments when we’re invited to reflect on our relationship with light, shadow, and time.
Many spiritual traditions use both eclipses and equinoxes for ritual work, intention-setting, and energetic recalibration. They’re seen as potent times to release, realign, and renew. The equinox invites balance; the eclipse reveals what’s hidden. Together, they offer a powerful metaphor for seeing clearly and integrating our shadow selves.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.