The Eclipses & Mercury Retrogrades In 2023 That Astrologers Have Their Eyes On

Seeing red? Lunar eclipses transpire when the full moon opposes the Sun at the same degree of zodiac sign on the ecliptic. With the Earth sandwiched between these heavenly bodies, el Sol casts a shadow that slowly bleeds across the surface of the moon. (In fact, due to its reddish tint, a total lunar eclipse has earned the nickname of "blood moon.")

Lunar eclipses are prime time for doing shadow work and dealing with feelings we've ignored. Buckle up, buttercup! Situations could pivot abruptly or come to a sudden, unceremonious halt. If anything in your life is "eclipsed away," here's our advice: Stop chasing and give it some space. You'll either manifest a better option or circle back to this later—after you've processed the lesson and evolved!

On May 5, a total lunar eclipse simmers in Scorpio, bringing explosive power struggles. We may uncover nefarious details about people's hidden agendas, criminal activity, and scandalous underground activity.

April 20: 12:17 a.m. EST: Hybrid Solar Eclipse in Aries (29°52)

Visible in: Australia, Asia, Philippines. (A partial eclipse will be visible over Indonesia, parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea.)

May 5: 1:24 p.m. EST: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio (14°52)

Visible in: Africa, Asia, Australia

Oct 14: 2 p.m. EST: Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra (21°10)

Visible in: United States over Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, as well as some parts of California, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah; Central America—Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Panama; South America—through Colombia then over the coast of Natal, Brazil over the Atlantic Ocean. (A partial eclipse will be visible over all of the United States, Canada, Alaska, parts of South America, Greenland, and western Africa.)

Oct 28: 4:15 p.m. EST: Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus (5°03)

Visible in: Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia

From December 29, 2022, to January 18, 2023, it's backing up through Capricorn. As we attempt to set our resolutions, the cosmic trickster reminds us of the adage, "Man plans, God laughs." (Nevermind New Year's Day—we recommend waiting until the January 21 new moon to set yearly intentions in 2023!) In Capricorn, the eldest earth sign and ruler of time-honored wisdom, Mercury puts issues like climate change, health care for the elderly, and environmental justice front and center. But will we listen? Hopefully. With Mercury's localized focus, changing systems at the neighborhood level can have a major worldwide impact.

After January 18, we get a little breathing room from the retrogrades until Mercury reverse commutes through money-minded Taurus from April 21 to May 14.

From August 23 to September 15, Mercury will be retrograde in Virgo—a good time to review your day-to-day systems and protect your important data. Cutting corners could have detrimental effects. Take your time and do everything by the books.

The final retrograde of the year arrives like an unwelcome Grinch at the holiday festivities. On December 13, the messenger planet U-turns in Capricorn for the second time this year, turning traditions on their ear. (Stay nimble, Dasher and Dancer!) Mercury rules the postal system, so get those packages out early!