The Libra New Moon on Thurs 3 Oct 2024 AEST (the previous day in Europe and the Americas) is an annular solar eclipse, intensifying the new beginnings that always come with a New Moon.  As a South Node eclipse, its focus is on releasing the old and letting go of whatever no longer works in our lives.

An annular solar eclipse has the force of a total solar eclipse, it’s just that the Moon, which is blocking out the Sun’s light, is further away from the Earth than usual, so it doesn’t completely cover the disc of the Sun.  Instead it allows a ring of light (“Ring of Fire”) to be visible around the eclipsed Sun (the word ‘annular’ comes from the Latin, meaning a ring).  In terms of its astrological effects though, it’s as strong as a total eclipse.

This is an exceptionally long eclipse, with totality lasting almost 7½  minutes, so we can expect its effects to be especially strong and intensified.  The “Ring of Fire” eclipse is visible over the Pacific and in southern Chile and Argentina.

This eclipsed New Moon in Libra brings the opportunity to start a significant new cycle in your relationships and connections with others.

Libra is the sign of the born diplomat, the mediator who can always see both sides of any issue and wants the result to be harmonious. The symbol for Libra is after all the scales, where things can be weighed and balanced. This eclipsed New Moon in Libra is an excellent time to focus once again on restoring balance in your life, revisiting the theme of the Libra Equinox, and putting into practice whatever changes are required to bring your life back into balance and harmony.

Libra is an Air sign, sociable and communicative, with a huge need for fairness.  It’s also one of the leadership signs, but its point of difference is that it doesn’t need to be out front – quite the contrary.  The leadership style of Libra is inclusive and co-operative, making Libra an excellent leader.  The challenge however for Libra is decision-making!  They are so good at seeing all sides of the question that reaching a final decision can be agony for them, especially when they’re trying to keep everyone happy.  Because they hate disharmony, people-pleasing is often one of their main issues, not helped by their reluctance to confront and tackle any problems.  Embracing more of the assertiveness of their opposite sign Aries can be really helpful.

If your birthday is close to this Solar Eclipse New Moon, this marks the beginning of a highly significant new cycle in your life in terms of your identity and your sense of purpose.

If you have planets at 10 degrees of Libra, this marks the beginning of a very significant new cycle in whatever that planet symbolises (eg responsibility for Saturn).

Remember to set your New Moon intentions within 24 hours of this New Moon.  They’ll be especially powerful with the effect of the eclipse.  The eclipsed New Moon is exact at 4.49am (with the eclipse exact at 4.45am) Queensland time (AEST) on Thurs 3 Oct (the previous day in Europe and the Americas).