Oct 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

This month's New Moon will occur on 10/14/23 at 12:55pm CST and will bring a special surprise with it known as the annular solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is an event that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth thereby causing a total or partial darkening of the sky. Annularity is the moment when the Sun forms a ‘ring of fire’ around the Moon. The eclipse will be viewable from the USA, followed by parts of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil. In the US the eclipse will begin at 10:09am CST and end at 2:03pm CST, be sure to protect your eyes when viewing the eclipse.

Two weeks later, this solar eclipse will be accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse, the moment when the earth is located between the Sun and the Full Moon on 10/28/23. According to our Native American Ancestors the name for Octobers Full Moon is the Hunter’s Moon and is also in alignment with our recent fall equinox, as it was during this time that our ancestors prepared for the upcoming winter by hunting and preserving. This will be the last eclipse for 2023 with the next one occurring April 8, 2024.

Now would be a good time to begin getting prepared for the upcoming winter by winterizing your homes and automobiles, stock up so that you have everything that you need to finish the fiscal year strong. As we settle into fall many of us will be celebrating at various outdoor festivals now that farming season has finally slowed down just enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor. With the holiday season upon us and we are having a good time, it is important to not to forget that daylight savings time ends on Sunday November 5th, 2023, so you will need to set your clocks back one hour before bed. Lastly, the winter solstice will occur on Thursday December 21st, 2023, making it the shortest day of the year so prepare for that!

For many of us this year has been one of growth, ten months ago we began with an idea/goal and pursued it. Although you may be a bit tired or even taken aback by all that you have accomplished, now it the time to retreat, reflect, rest up and prepare for 2024.