Let’s not beat around the rhododendron bush here: May is heading for an intense start. On May 5, the year’s only full moon in spicy, transformational Scorpio arrives as a potent lunar eclipse. These disorienting, disruptive moonbeams will force us all to do some emotional spring cleaning. Get ready to pull up some deep-rooted weeds during the Full Flower Moon. Gnarly as this process may be, it’s essential preparation for whatever seeds you want to plant next!
Is a lunar eclipse different from the average full moon?
During a lunar eclipse, the shadow of the earth visibly paints the full moon blood red. For a couple of hours, the light of the moon is dimmed, changing the entire look of the sky. Alas, we won’t glimpse that in the U.S. this May, since the eclipse happens at 1:34 P.M. ET. But we’ll definitely feel it.
Symbolically, lunar eclipses are essential moments for doing our “shadow work.” It’s time to get authentic about the very human, decidedly off-camera parts of yourself.
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We’re not suggesting you act upon these shadowy urges; in fact, impulsive moves can conflagrate dumpster fires during an eclipse. Rather, use this full moon moment to embrace your wholeness. Own the fact that you—like all humans—have “less than enlightened” moments, too.
What to know about the Scorpio lunar eclipse
During a lunar eclipse in seamy Scorpio, themes of lust, envy, wrath, and vengeance are sure to emerge. What are you hiding? The secret fixation on your BFF’s BF, the desire to crush a coworker who outshines you, the hate sex you had that still makes you burn with shame…we’ve all been there.
The transformational Scorpio lunar eclipse wants you to bring these parts of yourself into the light of acceptance, even if you’re only ready to admit them to yourself and your therapist.
How the eclipse could impact your zodiac sign
Aries
You fortify your bond with a soulmate (or soul friend) or end a toxic relationship.
Taurus
You rebalance partnerships and create new dynamic duos.
Gemini
You unleash a transformational life edit, from self-care to work habits and fitness.
Cancer
You allow yourself to be seen and known for your gifts—and enjoy romantic intensity.
Leo
You create more privacy at home and flow with necessary shifts in family relationships.
Virgo
You revamp your social life and use your communication gifts share an inspiring message.
Libra
You get your finances in shape and explore ways to invest your hard-earned cash.
Scorpio
You update your personal brand and make sure your efforts are recognized.
Sagittarius
You close the books on a painful situation that’s dragging on; get support from a Yoda figure.
Capricorn
You discover the social space where you belong and leave a group you’ve outgrown.
Aquarius
You seek high-profile career opportunities and take on leadership at work.
Pisces
You say “yes” to travel opportunities, explore entrepreneurship, or go back to school.
Why you should consider growing a shade garden
Although Scorpio energy is fundamentally private, here’s something interesting to think about: May’s full moon is called the Flower Moon by indigenous tribes because, obviously, Mother Nature is fully blossoming this time of year.
In honor of this Full Scorpio Flower Moon Eclipse, think about creating a metaphoric “shade garden” for yourself. (For the record, the heartiest plants and the best coffee grow in the shade.) What do we mean by this? Take an aspect of yourself that you’ve kept hidden and slowly, gently start integrating it into your life.
For example, maybe you’re embracing your queer identity, exploring activism, or pursuing your dream of becoming a pop star. You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops right away. The shade garden has limited visibility; you get to explore without a million watchful eyes upon you. And when you’re ready for more exposure, you can trim back the branches that you no longer need for coverage and give other people a glimpse. Your time, your way.
More fun facts about eclipses
- Solar eclipses only happen during new moons.
- During a solar eclipse, the moon blocks out the light of the sun.
- Lunar eclipses only happen during full moons.
- There are four eclipses most years, but some years have five or six.
- Eclipses come in pairs and occur two weeks apart: one will happen at a new moon and one at a full moon.
- In 2023, there are four eclipses: April 20 (Aries solar eclipse), May 5 (Scorpio lunar eclipse), October 14 (Libra solar eclipse), and October 28 (Taurus lunar eclipse).
- The two weeks between the eclipses are called the “eclipse corridor” and they are prime time for doing shadow work.
- In 2023 there are two eclipse corridors: April 20–May 5 and October 14–October 28.
Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (a.k.a. The AstroTwins) are ELLE.com’s resident astrologers. They have written several astrology books, including Momstrology and Supercouple, and star as the astrological matchmakers for Prime Video’s Cosmic Love. The Eduts have read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Roberts. For their spot-on predictions, books, and online courses, check out our horoscopes coverage or visit astrostyle.com.
