What today's total solar eclipse could mean for your zodiac sign: An astrologer breaks it down

Maressa Brown is a Los Angeles-based journalist and astrologer who has written astrology, pop culture and general lifestyle content for nearly two decades. Brown is a member of the International Society for Astrological Research and is the author of Mercury Magic: How to Thrive During Retrogrades and Tap Into the Power of the Messenger Planet All Year Long and Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology.

A total solar eclipse is coming today. As an astrologer, I’ve been fielding questions about how this phenomenon — during which the moon will block the sun — might shake up people’s horoscopes. Astrologically speaking, eclipses deliver stunning shifts that accelerate the pace of life and catapult you farther down the road to your future. And with this particular solar eclipse falling in Aries, the dynamic, action-oriented cardinal fire sign, you could be especially inspired to launch a thrilling, enterprising new adventure. Here’s what everyone can expect from the total solar eclipse, and which zodiac signs will be most affected by the game-changing event.

When is the total solar eclipse?

The precise time at which you’ll actually be able to get a view of the total solar eclipse will depend on where you are in its path.

In astrology, the solar eclipse coincides with a new moon, which occurs when the sun and the moon meet up at the same exact degrees of one of the 12 zodiac signs. And this time, the two celestial bodies meet at 19 degrees Aries at 2:21 p.m. ET. But because this is a particularly intense astrological event, you’ll likely feel its effects for much longer — about one week before and after. And if it is hitting your astrological birth chart closely (more on that in a moment), its effects are part of a larger story you’ll be experiencing for months to come.

What does a solar eclipse mean in astrology?

In general, new moons occur every month — rarely, twice a month — and are wonderful opportunities to plant seeds you want to see flourish over the next two weeks (when the moon’s cycle culminates with the full moon) and the next six months (when we get the full moon that corresponds to any new moon). But when a new moon happens in tandem with a solar eclipse, the emotional intensity of the moment is amplified, and everything feels a little more dramatic.

It also bears noting that eclipse energy is so intense that it is preferable to meet it with more of a hands-off, albeit informed and aware, approach than you would a typical new moon. In the days around a regular new moon, you might journal, meditate or talk through an aspiration or strategy with someone you trust in order to manifest your aim. But, as one of the most intense astrological events that occurs every year, you can think of an eclipse as an extraordinarily wild thunderstorm bringing shake-ups, realizations and gasp-worthy change. In other words, unlike a basic new moon, eclipses do the work for you. The best thing you can do is ride the wave and try to remain open to whatever lesson you’re being nudged to learn.

What does the solar eclipse in Aries mean?

Today, the solar eclipse and new moon falls in Aries, the cardinal fire sign and first sign of the zodiac, known for being enterprising, energetic, direct, competitive and dynamic. You can anticipate highly action-oriented, dynamic, fierce and driven energy around this eclipse. The stunning change that it delivers could be related to motivation, independence and courage.

You could experience a heightened desire to begin something new, make a bold move to come out on top or take the reins on a passion project in an unapologetically fiery new way. Because Aries is associated with the first house of self, you could be reflecting on ways in which you can more courageously assert yourself, whether that’s on the job, in a relationship or in another area of your life. You might also have the urge to be more direct, straightforward and self-assured as a result of speedy Aries’s lack of interest in beating around the bush.

That said, because Mercury, the planet that rules communication, will be in retrograde — and therefore, not functioning at full capacity — from April 1 to 25, there may be some confusion or crossed wires in the days around the eclipse. It might take until Mercury moves forward to know exactly how to proceed.

There’s also a tendency to consider the past as you move through this eclipse. What steps do you want to avoid retracing, and what are some takeaways from past experiences that you can apply to what you’re dealing with now?

Which zodiac signs will be most affected?

While eclipse season affects everyone in some way, you’ll feel the solar eclipse the most if it’s closely connecting with your natal, or birth, chart. This is the case if you were born when the sun, moon or other planets were in Aries — specifically, within 5 degrees of 19 degrees Aries — when you were born. (You can determine if this is the case by casting your chart on my website or by using an app like TimePassages.) Those with Aries placements will experience this eclipse by itching to rethink their persona or how they’re presenting themselves out in the world.

People with Aries placements aren’t the only ones who will feel this eclipse the most. Fellow cardinal signs Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are also more apt to experience shake-ups and shifts. (Again, you’ll feel it even more if you have planets around 19 degrees of these signs.)

Cancer placements can expect the eclipse to affect their professional life. Libras can expect change related to partnerships, whether platonic, professional or romantic. And Capricorns might find they’re moving in a new direction when it comes to their home life and relationships with loved ones.

But, ultimately, whether the solar eclipse is directly hitting your chart or not, the eclipse is an opportunity to tap into your inner fire and drive, and own whatever makes you authentically yourself. Know that emotions could be running high and staggering change is likely inevitable now, but whatever happens is part of a larger story that will continue over the next 12 months.