Why You Shouldn't Manifest During September's Partial Lunar Eclipse

PEOPLE's resident astrologer explains the do's and don'ts when trying to harness the 'powerful' energy of the partial lunar eclipse on Sept. 17

Here's how to make the most of the upcoming partial lunar eclipse!

Coinciding with the Harvest Moon, the exciting event begins at 6:55 p.m. PT and peaks at 7:44 p.m. PT on Sept. 17 this year.

Annually, we experience several lunar and solar eclipses that are astrologically "three times more powerful" and "noticeable" than a regular moon phase. Lunar eclipses arrive on full moons and solar eclipses take place during new moons.

PEOPLE's resident astrologer Kyle Thomas describes lunar eclipses as "full moons on steroids" that can "trigger destined and fated events" on the day they occur or within the weeks and months that surround it. Seizing the opportunity to maximize its energy is crucial, however; it must be done appropriately.

Related: Here's Why You Shouldn't Charge Your Crystals During September's Full Moon

Manifestation, specifically, is an astrological method used to make the most of new and full moons — though Thomas warns of the "negative" effect it will have on us if attempted near an eclipse. "There are specific periods that are better for us to do so," he says of the practice.

"Trying to manifest during an eclipse — and in the entire month before and after — is not a good thing to do," Thomas warns. "It doesn’t matter if an eclipse is partial or total because they are still potent, regardless."

The upcoming partial lunar eclipse arrives during the second half of "eclipse season" and will be followed by an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2, 2024. A penumbral lunar eclipse kicked off the first half of eclipse season in March 2024, followed by a total solar eclipse that April.

Read on for why you shouldn't manifest during an eclipse, according to astrologer Kyle Thomas.

What is the meaning of the partial lunar eclipse?

The upcoming partial lunar eclipse arrives on Sept. 17, coinciding with the Harvest Moon and a supermoon this year. There's astronomical and astrological meaning to this partial lunar eclipse.

Astronomically, the celestial event will be a penumbral eclipse, which means that only a small fraction of the moon will enter the Earth's dark umbral shadow. Skywatchers will notice the edges of the moon will appear a darker shade.

From start to finish, the partial lunar eclipse will last 246 minutes. The moon will sit in Earth's dark shadow for 64 minutes and be visible for only half the Earth that is facing the full moon at night.

Astrologically, the partial lunar eclipse falls in Pisces. Energetically, Thomas says our emotions will "intensify" as we feel the energy of the "creative, spiritual and compassionate" traits of this Water sign.

It is also the last zodiac sign on the wheel, which Thomas says "is especially important for endings and culminations" as we prepare for a new chapter. "We must release the past to begin a new journey," he adds.

Related: What Sun in Virgo Square Jupiter in Gemini Means for Your Zodiac Sign

Why shouldn't you manifest during an eclipse?

Manifestation is a practice many use when wanting to bring goals, dreams, relationships and beyond to fruition. Intention work, prayer, vision boards and crystals are often used when doing so, though Thomas notes there are "specific periods that are better for us" to tap this practice.

He says new moons, for example, are "excellent" for manifesting because they can "aid us in opening doors to new goals and plans." Same for full moons, which "can add extra power and strength to our manifestations."

Manifesting during an eclipse, meanwhile, will counter this advantageous effect which is why tapping this practice isn't advised around these cosmic periods. This is because "many fated events, beginnings and endings are taking place" during eclipse season.

By trying to "control" the eclipse energies, Thomas warns "we may be redirecting destiny in a negative way." He explains, "The vast majority of events that take place during eclipse season are meant to occur, even if we don’t understand them or like them at the given time."

It's a sign that these events "are no longer serving their purpose in our lives at that time" and therefore should be left behind. Despite wanting to hold on to a relationship or situation, it's ultimately been "outlived" and "it’s time to move on" even if afraid to do so.

"The key is to trust the universe and surrender," advises Thomas. "Imagine breaking up with that special person, only to be redirected to the love of your life!"

What rituals can you do during an eclipse?

While it isn't recommended to manifest during an eclipse, Thomas says there are other ways to make the most of this lunation. Specific rituals, for example, can be used to maximize this potent lunar energy.

He warns that doing just "any ritual" isn't necessarily favored because the high-powered eclipse energy "could backfire upon you" since they are "chaotic and uncontrollable by their very cosmic nature." Charging crystals, for example, is advised against.

A few rituals Thomas does advise, though, include "journaling" and "reflection." He also suggests you "pay attention to your intuition," which is another "positive way" to harness and use the eclipse energy.

Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Synastry Astrology, According to an Astrologer

When can you manifest?

Although eclipse season spans the month before and after the eclipse peaks — a timeframe important to note — Thomas promises "we will be able to manifest again soon!"

To put it simply, he says we should not manifest from Aug. 17 through Nov. 2. This period is so lengthy because the solar eclipse takes place on Oct. 2, which has us in a cosmic portal until Nov. 2.

Thomas says we can manifest during these periods:

• After Nov. 2: Eclipse season ends and a new moon in Scorpio begins

• Nov. 3 through Dec. 6: Mars direct in Leo brings opportunities for passion, romance and creativity

• Nov. 15: Full moon in Taurus

• Dec. 1: New moon in Sagittarius

• Dec. 15: Full moon in Gemini (but be aware that Mars retrograde will be occurring during this time)
  

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