The Energetic Difference Between a Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse

Mar. 15, 2025

The Energetic Difference Between A Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse.

An eclipse is a significant interaction between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun.

There aresolar and lunar eclipses, which take place four to six times per year and are astronomically and astronomically different. They take place on new and full moons.

As a result, PEOPLE’s resident astrologer says eclipses are “three times more powerful” than a regular lunation. We can feel their effects ringing through the cosmos on the day they occur, as well as weeks before and after they peak.

Astrologically, eclipses “come in a pair of zodiac signs” for about 18 to 24 months and “always take place” in the following polarities: Aries-Libra, Taurus-Scorpio, Gemini-Sagittarius, Cancer-Capricorn, Leo-Aquarius and Virgo-Pisces.

Once a cycle in a pair of signs finishes, Thomas says “it will return again in roughly 7 to 8 years.” He adds, “A complete eclipse cycle takes 19 years and will return to the same degree and sign in the next 19 years ahead.”

This is why Thomas says it can be “helpful” to reflect on the past 19 years because it’s likely you’ll see “similar themes and patterns arrive once again.”

Read on for the energetic differences between lunar and solar eclipses, according to Kyle Thomas!

What is a lunar eclipse?

Total lunar eclipse in Jerusalem on June 15, 2011.Uriel Sinai / Getty Images

A lunar eclipse appears when the Earth stands between the moon and the sun. This blocks the sunlight from the moon, making it appear in hues of orange, brown, red — or even, black out entirely.

Lunar eclipses always occur on a full moon, making the lunation especially intense when it comes to astrological effects. According to PEOPLE’s resident astrologer Kyle Thomas, lunar eclipses are “three times more potent than a regular full moon.”

He adds, “They often bring major endings, turning points, revelations and culminations.”

What is a solar eclipse?

A rare “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse is seen on Oct. 14, 2023.Rick Kern/Getty

Rick Kern/Getty

A solar eclipse appears when the moon stands between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the sunlight from our perspective on Earth when we look up at the giant star. Solar eclipses occur on anew moon.

Similar to lunar eclipses, Thomas says solar eclipses are “three times more potent than a new moon.” In contrast, they “bring exciting new beginnings, fresh starts and new chapters often.”

What are the differences between a lunar eclipse and solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse in China in January 2010.STR/AFP via Getty

STR/AFP via Getty

The biggest astronomical difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse is that they take place on full moons and new moons, respectively. Astrologically, lunar eclipses bring “endings” and “breakdowns,” while solar eclipses bring “new beginnings” and “powerful transformations.”

Lunar eclipses are also known to bring a “greater emotional intensity” around the period they arrive, according to Thomas, while solar eclipses “tend to be more friendly” and push us “to move in new directions.”

Thomas says that eclipses often cause “destined” or “karmic” moments that were meant to happen. Depending on your zodiac sign, he explains how “you will often see a massive change in an area of your life.”

When does eclipse season end in 2024?

Eclipse season ends this autumn on Nov. 2, one month after theannular solar eclipse eclipse on Oct. 2, 2024.

When is the next lunar eclipse?

Lunar Eclipse.Getty Images

Getty Images

The next total lunar eclipse arrives on March 14, 2025, at 23 degrees of Virgo. Another total lunar eclipse won’t take place again until Sept. 7, 2025, at 15 degrees of Pisces.

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next partial solar eclipse takes place on March 29, 2025, at 9 degrees of Aries. Another partial solar eclipse won’t take place again until Sept. 21, 2025, at 29 degrees of Virgo.

source: people.com