When it comes to celestial events that give life a dramatic twist, a lunar eclipse is one that never disappoints. Unlike a Mercury retrograde, which often brings confusion without a clear conclusion, a lunar eclipse shows you right in the eye where the change is happening, even if you only realize it after it's over.

Full Moons are generally times to let go of what no longer serves you, to close a phase, or to take a relationship to the next level. But a lunar eclipse is so much more powerful, so charged with energy that the only thing you can do is stay on track and embrace the changes it brings.

What is a lunar eclipse?

Astronomically, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in its full phase and the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, creating a shadow that obscures its light and often turns it a spectacular shade of red. There are three types of lunar eclipses:

Total lunar eclipse – occurs when the Moon passes completely into the Earth's inner shadow (umbra). The more dust or clouds there are in the Earth's atmosphere, the redder the Moon will appear.

Partial lunar eclipse – occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are not completely in a straight line and the Moon only partially enters the Earth's shadow.

Penumbral eclipse – the mildest of the three, where the Moon passes into the Earth's outer shadow and darkens very slightly.

What does a lunar eclipse mean in astrology?

While you might normally charge your crystals, do moon water, or meditate during a full moon, eclipses are a different story. They only happen twice a year (or, in rare cases, three times), and their energy is much more intense. These astrological moments bring unexpected twists, cycle closures, and revelations that you can't avoid.

When do lunar eclipses occur in 2025?

In 2025, two lunar eclipses will occur:

Saturday, March 15, 8:54 AM – Full Moon with Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo

Sunday, September 7, 8:09 PM – Full Moon with Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces

The first eclipse, in Virgo, will bring moments of reflection on how you interact with others, how you are managing your closest relationships, and how much balance you have in your life. This will be a time to assess whether the connections you have built are nourishing or limiting your true self.

The second eclipse, in Pisces, will have a different energy. Since Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Venus and Neptune — the planets of love and dreams — this eclipse will illuminate your spiritual side. It will help you understand more clearly what you need emotionally and spiritually in a relationship. This will be a time when intuition will be more important than logic, so listen to it carefully.

Which signs will be most affected by the 2025 eclipses?

Since both eclipses occur in mutable signs, the impact will be felt most by people with planets in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. But regardless of your sign, you'll feel it one way or another—because eclipses don't ask, they just happen.

Sources: Popsugar