I know September is usually a slightly divisive month, depending on whether you're mourning summer or anxiously awaiting fall, but this year, September's coming in with a bit more of a roar. A full moon and a lunar eclipse will occur on Sept. 16, 2016. Will you be celebrating-slash-nervously awaiting something bananas to happen? Because I definitely will.
There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. A penumbral eclipse, which is what we'll be experiencing on Friday, is the most subtle and, if you're not actively looking for it, can be missed. A lunar eclipse occurs when a full moon passes through the Earth's shadow, and the sun, moon, and Earth are essentially in a straight line. A penumbral eclipse is the result of a slight "error" in that straight line; only the outer edge of the Earth's shadow passes over the moon.
Like any eclipse, the shadow won't be visible to the entire world. On Friday, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the far west of South America will be able to catch a glimpse. It will begin at 12:54 p.m. ET and continue for three hours, with the peak occurring around 1:54 p.m. ET.
But even if you won't personally be witnessing this eclipse, there are still plenty of consequences to be felt, especially astrologically.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, eclipses are kind of, uh, a big deal in astrology, so much so that a number of astrology websites have compiled "survival guides" for them. For a discipline that bases its beliefs on the alignment of stars and planets, an astronomical event that is visible to the naked human eye tends to throw everyone for a loop. That eclipses are known for bringing about unexpected change and momentous events only makes sense. And the, of course, there's the fact that lunar eclipses only happen when there's a full moon.
So. Are you guys ready to celebrate or what?
1. Create Something
This particular full moon falls under Pisces, which means the creative vibes are strong. Battle any anxieties you may have about "unexpected events" or an unclear future with a little art therapy.
2. Tie Up Loose Ends
Generally, new moons are for beginning projects, full moons are for realizing their full potential and finishing them. This September, the new moon and the full moon are both eclipses — harness that energy and push through, whether it's applying for a job, finishing an application for school, or just re-organizing your room.
3. Gather Friends To Write Intentions
Another Pisces element that you could make an effort to channel is love. Especially right now, with this political climate, with this social climate, you can get pulled under by all the crushing negativity. Fight hate with compassion. Be radically kind. Gather your pals to write down your intentions for the upcoming season, and trust that your support system will see you through.
4. Dance It Out
Or run it out, or swim it out, or yoga it out — anything that is physically exerting and has the ability to mitigate some of the anger or impatience you may be feeling. This full moon/eclipse will help enhance your intuitiveness — let it. Be honest with yourself and what you're actually feeling, and then dig deeper: Why are you feeling this way? Understanding yourself is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, and now's a terrific time to spend some time thinking about it.
Happy full moon, guys. And happy penumbral lunar eclipse. We'll get through this, and we'll come out stronger for it on the other end.
Images: Giphy (5)
