There’s a solar eclipse coming through in the sign of punishing perfection this weekend, folks.
A partial solar eclipse is happening on September 21 at 1:29 p.m. EDT.
Solar eclipses happen when the sun, moon and Earth line up just so — and the moon casts a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun’s ever-loving light.
A solar eclipse transpires when the moon is in its dark or new moon phase.
The eclipse will begin at 1:29 p.m. EDT on September 21 and reach its maximum at 3:41 p.m.
Those in New Zealand, Australia’s eastern coast, various Pacific islands and parts of Antarctica will be able to see the sun partially blotted out during this weekend’s eclipse. However, we in North America will not.
Virgo solar eclipse 2025
But seeing ain’t feeling and trust me, star seeds, we will all be feeling this one — regardless of our vantage.
“This rare moment of celestial energy provides a powerful opportunity for reflection, release, and renewal. It’s an energy that resonates globally, whether it’s visible from your location or not,” Echo, a professional tarot reader at Tarotap, told The Post.
Solar eclipse September 2025 astrology
He notes that because this eclipse is occurring at a critical 29° of Virgo, a sign associated with ritual purification and pruning of the literal and metaphorical variety, there’s an added impetus to let go of outdated patterns, particularly those related to Virgoan energies like perfectionism and over-analysis.
“Eclipses ripple through the collective, so the shift is less about the shadow on the Sun and more about the shadows we’re ready to release.”
Echo
“Even if you can’t see the eclipse from where you are, you’ll feel it. Eclipses ripple through the collective, so the shift is less about the shadow on the Sun and more about the shadows we’re ready to release.”
According to Echo, this eclipse is an invitation to delve into deep work and notice where we’ve been clenching, holding and desperately clinging.
“Use this cosmic reset as a chance to realign with clarity, balance, and renewal.”
How to harness the good whilst sorting through the muck and mire of our shadows? Echo shared a few easy-to-adopt eclipse rituals and a few recommendations for behaviors to avoid.
What not to do during an Eclipse
Echo notes that eclipses aren’t an ideal time for rushing into new beginnings. Instead, they operate as something of a cosmic pause that invites us to slow down and forgo habits that disrupt clarity:
- Hold off on impulsive decisions: “Choices made in the intensity of an eclipse often don’t stick. Give yourself space and wait until the energy has settled before making any long-term decisions.:
- Don’t over-schedule yourself: “Both your body and mind need breathing room to process the shifts an eclipse stirs up. Keep plans light and allow yourself time to rest.”
- Skip perfection-driven projects: “This isn’t the moment to obsess over details. Instead, use the time to reflect, recalibrate, and focus on gentle progress rather than flawless execution.”
- Avoid forcing clarity: “If the answers feel out of reach, let them be. Eclipses tend to reveal truths gradually, often in the days or weeks that follow.”
- Limit comparison traps: “Watching how everyone else is ‘using’ the eclipse on social media can trigger Virgo’s critical streak. Stay grounded in your own rhythm.
Eclipse rituals for grounding
Eclipses are notorious for bringing high-octane, destabilizing energy, making them an excellent time to delve into grounding exercises.
To calm nervous energy, Echo recommends a one-minute breath reset.
“Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat three times or until you feel recalibrated.”
Owing again to the taxing nature of eclipse season, Echo recommends a digital detox.
“Set aside one uninterrupted hour without screens during the eclipse week. Clarity comes when we’re not flooded by noise.”
While you’re going screen-free, go footloose with an earth connection practice.
“Walk barefoot on grass, soil, or sand for five minutes. It’s a physical way to “ground” Virgo’s mental overactivity.”
Now that you’re barefoot and breathing easy, try out the following exercises to maximize this cosmic event and shake loose some shadows.
The 80/20 Reflection
Rather than falling beneath the punishing heel of perfection, Echo recommends writing down 10 things you did this week and highlighting the two that mattered the most, and brought the deepest feelings of joy and satisfaction.
“It’s a simple reminder that impact counts more than flawless completion.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the stars
Imperfection as intention ritual
Echo shared that choosing chaos in small doses can be a significant step forward for those who struggle to let loose and let well enough alone.
“Choose one daily task to do imperfectly on purpose, like leaving handwriting messy or plating food casually. Practicing ‘good enough’ makes it easier to release perfectionism in bigger areas of life.”
The “Thought Parking Lot” Practice
If you’re struggling with overthinking, Echo recommends stuffing your sorries in a sack and your worries in a jar.
“Write each worry on a sticky note and drop it into a jar. Promise yourself you’ll revisit them in three days. Chances are, most won’t matter anymore, proving how much mental clutter we carry unnecessarily.”
Compliment reversal exercise
“Each time you criticize something you did, follow it with a spoken compliment, even if it feels silly,” offered Echo. “Over time, it helps soften self-criticism and trains your brain to notice what you’re actually doing well.”
Tarot shadow swap
Echo recommends a clarifying tarot exercise to illuminate and invite.
“Pull a tarot card that represents a habit or thought pattern you want to release. Then pull another card to show what energy can take its place. This way, you’re not just letting go; you’re actively inviting something better in.”
Echo urges all to see this solar eclipse as a grand summons to simplify.
“Think of this eclipse as a kind of cosmic decluttering. Just as we clear physical space to welcome something new, this moment invites us to release mental and emotional clutter before the equinox carries us into the next season,” Echo said.
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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