The August Eclipse Is Coming, and the Events Are *Major*

Eclipses bring sudden beginnings and endings, speeding up time while we’re in what astrologers sometimes call the “eclipse portal.” This year, 2026 has two solar eclipses in the books. The first took place on February 17 in Aquarius; the second one will happen on August 12 in Leo. This marks a major shift, with astrologer Sarissa Thower noting that we are mid-transition between two eclipse storylines.

"The Virgo-Pisces eclipses that took place in the first half of the year wrapped up a cycle that began back in September 2024 when the North Node shifted into Pisces, which represents dissolution and surrender to something larger than yourself," she explains. "With the completion of the Pisces-Virgo eclipse cycle, the things that have been slowly unraveling are reaching their conclusion."

In August, the second eclipse will launch a new cycle that has been dormant for about eight years. Thower notes that those who saw significant events during that time will want to be vigilant, as similar themes will return. "The high-level theme of this eclipse cycle can be summed up in a couple ways: What you owe yourself vs. what you owe the world, and the art of self-expression in service of something that is actually bigger than the self." The Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, Portugal and northern Spain will all be in the eclipse's path.

With that, let's dive in.

On an astronomical level, a solar eclipse is when the moon stands between the sun and the Earth, blocking or “eclipsing” the sun’s light to us on the ground floor (is Bonnie Tyler’s song making more sense now?). When this happens, a New or Full Moon moon aligns with either the North Node or South Node.

"The North Node represents growth and desire, while the South Node symbolizes release and letting go," Thower says.

While all solar eclipses are new moons (the very beginning of the lunar cycle when the moon reflects the least amount of light from the sun, appearing nearly invisible in the sky), most new moons are not solar eclipses (we have two, sometimes three, per year). So, the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse is a special (though not rare) occurrence.

Astrologically speaking, the sun is our life force. When its light is obscured, vitality is low and experience gets distorted. Life cannot continue “as normal” during an eclipse. But I think considering it to be a “bad omen” (especially in one’s personal life) is also a bit extreme.

Sure, in ancient times, eclipses were thought of as highly malefic events and solar eclipses especially were thought to put the king in grave danger—rulers would often be hidden away, and a “fake king” would be installed during an eclipse. Nowadays, eclipses are still harbingers of change and instability, but modern technologies like electricity have made it so the sun’s light going out for a bit just isn’t as big of a deal.

"In general, they are known to deliver significant momentum and can manifest as situations or opportunities that arrive before you feel ready, or connections and events that feel almost fated when they happen to you," Thower adds.

New moons are the start of a lunar cycle, representing renewal and new beginnings. But when a new moon is a solar eclipse, we start off the cycle with scattered and unpredictable energy. This is not good energy for manifestation! Though solar eclipses are not inherently bad, and can often bring opportunities, good news and possibilities you didn’t see coming (a hot date, an unexpected job offer or quick turnaround on the apartment of your dreams), you won’t know what an eclipse is going to bring until it’s happening.

The solar eclipse will take place at 1:54 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 12, and for a window of time (about 24 hours before and after, to be generous and safe), you’re likely going to feel super exhausted. Ancient astrologers would advise their clients not to go outside during eclipses (to avoid the so-called “baleful rays”!), but today’s advice is more along the lines of: take a nap. It’s best to avoid scheduling anything super important during eclipse days as things are more likely to get switched around or go awry. Of course, life happens and sometimes you’re forced to take a meeting or make big moves at the time of the eclipse. Solar eclipses have a lasting effect for up to six months after the eclipse date, so if something big does come up, this might be a clue about the major changes that are on your horizon.

This solar eclipse will particularly affect fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), according to Thower. "[They] are front and center because the node is officially shifting into the Aquarius-Leo axis on July 26. The Solar Eclipse in Leo taking place on August 12 is a headline event." While an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, there is a shadow period during which energy can be felt.

Leos can expect that the summer eclipses will draw attention to their self expression and who it's for. "There may be a moment of realization or reckoning around where they’ve been shaping themselves to meet the expectations of others, which will ideally redirect them back toward what feels genuine, self-defined and creatively honest," Thower says.

Scorpios may experience friction between when events bring secrets to light. Thower adds: "Something may come into view that complicates the image they’ve carefully maintained, asking for a bit more honesty than they might prefer, but ultimately offering a cleaner, more aligned way forward."

As for Taurus, Thower says the eclipse may highlight any persistent questions you've been entertaining, and whether or not they're still true. "There may be pressure on long-standing routines, commitments or definitions of stability, nudging them to make adjustments that better reflect who they are now, even if that means reworking something that once felt settled."

And, lastly, Aquarius. Expect to zero in on belonging and identity. "There’s a sharper awareness of where they fit, who they’re aligned with and whether those environments still feel like a match," Thower explains. "If something feels off, it becomes harder to ignore, which will open the door to realignment that feels more natural and self-respecting."

If you’d like to mark the occasion with a ritual, remember that though this is a new moon, a solar eclipse isn’t about setting intentions. This is a time to let things go. Try dimming the lights and drawing a nice warm bath (grab some essential oils, Epsom salts or one of those CBD bath bombs if that’s your style!). Once you’ve soaked off the intense energy, journal about what you’d like to release so that you can call in what’s meant for you over the next six months. Lay low and stay hydrated and notice what’s bubbling to the surface! This is only the beginning of a new, remarkable period.