The Solar Eclipse of October 2nd, 2024

We have an Annular Solar Eclipse on October 2nd at 12:49 PM MDT. Solar Eclipses occur during the New Moon phase, and this one may appear as a “Ring of Fire,” where the Sun’s corona flickers with its fiery energy as the Moon passes in front.
This eclipse features Mercury combust—within a degree of the New Moon—meaning that the Sun’s energy literally burns Mercury. This can hinder commerce, communication, transportation, and relationships, making understanding and relating more difficult. Adding to the tension, Mars is squaring the eclipse from the sign of Cancer, suggesting that people’s actions may become emotional and irrational. In short, this signals a challenging period for personal relationships and peace-making efforts.

This eclipse will particularly affect those with planets or key angles in the cardinal signs: Libra, Capricorn, Aries, and Cancer. To understand its influence in your natal chart, look to the house with Libra on the cusp. The topics related to that house will likely be the focus during this time.
Libra is about partnerships, negotiations, diplomacy, balance, and the willingness to see another’s point of view. However, with Mercury being literally scorched by the Sun’s energy during the eclipse, communication and negotiations with partners are unlikely to be productive. People are on edge, and misunderstandings are likely.
Mars, squaring the eclipse from the emotional sign of Cancer, indicates that tempers may flare. People may be more argumentative, and relationships could suffer from the release of repressed emotions.
While Libra ideally seeks balance and diplomacy, Venus—the ruler of Libra—is in Scorpio at the time, which can lead to expressions of anger and frustration. This is not an ideal time for confrontation, though it may be unavoidable.
The best advice for us mortals during this turbulent period is to be aware of heightened emotions and collective tension. It’s wise to avoid engaging in controversial discussions—you won’t win! The planetary alignments are not conducive to constructive outcomes right now. It’s best to go about your day as calmly as possible, steering clear of people, groups, or situations that might incite conflict.