January 31 brings us a lunar eclipse in Leo. This is quite an enigma in many ways, for this is also the 2nd full Moon in the first month of this year, as well as being a supermoon. What does all of this mean? Is it really something spectacular? 

Well, yes, and no. Let's break it down. First, the supermoon. This doesn't give the Moon any additional magical powers or make its influence any more strong or mysterious. It's an astronomical term, meaning that the Moon is at its perigee—or less than 223,694 miles from the Earth—at the time that it was either new or full. That's it!

The supermoon isn't going to change the Moon's usual gravitational pull on us. There's not going to be any unnatural weather or otherworldly events because of it. The atmospherics may make it appear a bit larger, but that's also got to do with the angle at which you view the Moon; Moon rise always appears larger. It may or may not appear brighter; again, even if the Moon's brilliance is highlighted, just how much it shines is going to depend on atmospherics and the angle from which it is viewed. 

That's got the supermoon out of the way; what about the eclipse? 

Eclipses happen, and they happen frequently. This full lunar eclipse is in Leo. That's not a critical astrological degree, nor is there anything particularly intriguing going on with any of the other planetary aspects. Of course, an eclipse happens when the Sun and the Moon are opposite each other, and an opposition is always an interesting astrological alignment. It heightens emotions and intuition more than just a non-eclipse full Moon, and enables you to examine where there's imbalances and discord. 

I like to look at eclipses as erasers. The Moon entering into the shadow of the eclipse gives you a chance to erase from your psyche what's tethering you to things that are no longer appropriate for your life. And, if you think back to the solar eclipse of last August, then what was set into motion at that time has now reached the end of its cycle. A new cycle begins in February, with the solar eclipse on the 15th. 

Is any of this influenced by the blue Moon?

Not at all, and there's a good reason for that. You see, contrary to popular opinion, this isn't really a blue Moon. Sure, it's the second full Moon in January, but that's only a recent interpretation of what a blue Moon really is. More traditionally, a blue Moon is the fourth full Moon of the season, and this isn't. Looking ahead to March, that's won't count either, for the first Full Moon in March is in winter, in Pisces, while the second one is in spring, in Aries. 

Then there's the astrological interpretation of what a blue Moon is, which is the second full Moon in the same astrological sign. The first full Moon in January was in Capricorn and this one is in Aquarius, so that blows that out of the water. Same thing happens in March, as we've just discussed. 

It all gets very confusing doesn't it? 

Now let's bring the tarot into things. Obviously the Moon is featured in the Moon card. If you really search through the cards though, you'll find the Moon in other places. For example, in the Rider Waite deck, it's on the High Priestess card. The crescent Moon is at her feet, her gown nonchalantly flowing across its arc. Oh yes, this woman is in control, and understands all about the Moon and its cycles!

The Two of Swords also features the Moon. It may not be an eclipse Moon, but look at the figure. She's got the blindfold over her eyes, eclipsing herself from the choices she has to make. Yes, you could say this is conjecture, but it's also a new way of looking at things, and food for thought as to how we create our own eclipses in our own lives, even when we've not got blue or supermoons!

The Eight of Cups could be said to be an eclipse card, for it certainly looks like both the Sun and the Moon are in the same sky at the same time. Is it a lunar eclipse or a solar one? That's a matter of interpretation. What is apparent though is that the figure in the card is breaking away from what he thought was captivating him; something that all eclipses urge us to do. 

Now, I've always said that interpreting the tarot is a matter of personal preference, as I touched on with the Two of Swords. In closing, take a look at the Hermit card. In the Rider Waite deck, there's a glow coming from behind the figure as he holds his lamp to the night. Is it from the Moon? And could we even go so far as to consider that he is obscuring the light from the Moon, eclipsing it, as he searches for his answers. After all, this card means introspection, of coming to the pinnacles (mountains) of your perception of something, and then seeking (lantern) how to process it. Isn't that what lunar eclipses ask of us? A matter of perception indeed—I'll leave you with that thought!