The August Eclipse 2026

I absolutely love eclipses! For me it certainly brings in change and transformation. I remember distinctly the 1999 eclipse that crossed the UK. We were building an extension on our home, with two small children, we stood in the garden with the builder on the afternoon of 11^th August, awaiting this incredible , very publicised event (back in the day when I last watched the news). We waited with anticipation as the sky turned from daylight to darkness. I remember the bird song stopped and there was a stillness in the air, apart from the odd bat that thought it was dusk. There was so much hype about it, I remember thinking that we really must make the effort to experience this phenomenon.

So now I read that there is another total solar eclipse! I really can’t say that sentence out loud without thinking of the Jaffa Cake advert in the UK – if you know, you know!! 

August 12th 2026 is going to be a significant celestial event. From a spiritual and an astronomical perspective this is huge! I expect millions of people across Europe will witness either the total eclipse or a partial eclipse.

I’m no expert in astrology, but I do find it fascinating. The ‘total’ eclipse will be seen in Northern Russia, Northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland. There are many other countries outside this path that may still experience a dramatic partial eclipse. The UK will experience approximately 90 – 96% coverage of the sun by the moon, making the experience even deeper and darker than the one I experienced back in 1999. What a shame I didn’t get a picture of the family back then, to reproduce it now 25 years later. For those of you with your children - there’s a thought. 

From a spiritual perspective many of us feel eclipses as a reset rather than something that we might fear. Often endings are experienced at these times in order to allow for new beginnings to emerge. You may need to release the old version of you, an identity that no longer resonates. It might feel like a plot twist, where out of the blue there’s a huge shift or change in your life. 

Many, many people will start their journey of spiritual awakening at this time, or perhaps feel a heightened intuition. Those already awakened will most definitely feel the need to clear out and be the most authentic version of themselves.

The eclipse period can be seen as a time to slow down, reflect, perhaps meditate, walk in nature or journal, elevating your frequency. In honesty since 2020 - I feel that’s our saving grace isn’t it. 

Of course, the eclipse season will continue as the solar eclipse is followed by a partial lunar eclipse at the end of August, with many view as a completed cycle of change.

Part of me wonders if this is the time for huge change in the financial system. I’ve definitely observed the volatility of the stock exchange and crypto markets during eclipse season anything is possible. There’s been so much talk over the years about the financial system falling, changing. 

So what might we do during this time?

Of course, meditation is key, write down what comes up, what you are ready to peel away and what are you stepping into.

I love nature, sometimes a good walk around a meadow or woodland, will allow you to get out of your own way, so that your higher self can speak, the trees can speak, the animals and elementals can advise!!

One hundred percent I will be skywatching on the hill top!! From 18.30 on the 12th I’ll be there – I am tempted to buy some night vision goggles or perhaps set up some recording equipment. I want to watch it with my own eye’s but I have a feeling there might be more to see than meets the eye. 

In the East Midlands I’m expecting to see a deep partial eclipse. Of course, I’ll let the bees and birds know exactly what’s about to happen before it does – though I’m certainly they’ll know.

For those of you in the UK if you live in Cornwall… well good on you!! 95% coverage – you might want your PJ’s on for that one it might feel like bed-time. Cardiff and Bristol come in at 93%, Birmingham 92% London, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottingham, Derby and Glasgow 91 % ish. A good show I feel in the UK. Some parts of the US and Canada will enjoy the celestial event too. 

As a Libran this is as much drama as I tolerate… the sun being eclipsed by the moon for a short while! I’m expecting a dramatic witchy crescent shaped Sun to be seen - I’ll appreciate that. 

I remember the feeling as if someone’s used a light switch dimmer back in 1999, to turn the light down. I wonder if I’ll see shadows or anomalies in the sky? I do hope so. 

I expect because the eclipse is so late here in the UK, the sun is already quite low to the West, I’ll be able to see the whole miraculous celestial phenomena.

It’s absolutely a time for reflecting on who you are, who you have become! What is your purpose, your goals? How have you transformed over the last few years? Have you transformed, or is there inner work to be done?

Many different traditions have tried to explain what an eclipse was- from gods going to the underworld, being devoured and a multitude of other explanations. What we know is that there have been many, many incredible astrologers who came before us who had the knowledge, the wisdom and spirituality to observe these celestial events, reflected what many saw and felt as sacred patterns. For many traditions the eclipse would mark a time where ceremony was required along with serious careful observation. 

Common themes across cultures were communities gathering for that period of time: I wonder if they felt that ‘in between’ state that you feel when near a liminal space, when you become aware of other dimensions. Meditation, ritual, prayer and silence I expect were common place too.

My esoteric perspective on the eclipse.

For me the sun is a portal, it is energy, it is expansive and life giving. I feel the Divine spark when I connect to it and it reminds me of who I am consciously! Conversely the moon for me represents emotion, the Priestess within me, the unconscious part of my soul. Perhaps with the moon eclipsing the sun this is my message to allow the unconscious part of me a little more attention. To look within and allow that shadowing or darkness the space it needs to reveal itself. Perhaps it’s a process we go through before the transformation.

Withing this magical eclipse, we’ll experience the light, darkness and then the light returns. The past version must dissolve before the new version can emerge. Perhaps you have an identify that’s completed a purpose, and now it’s time to release, and allow a new version of yourself to shine.

As above, so below!! We can see that Mother nature knows what she is doing. An eclipse, can be seen as an invite to observe the cycle you are going through. What assumptions are being eclipsed? Where is the mystery being overshadowed? How can you see the deeper truth when there are obscurities?

I’ll be looking at my shadow side, the darkness, to see what is ready to be shed and transmuted. If I’m honest, I’ve been feeling for a few months now that change is coming. Sometimes we get frustrated when we can’t see clearly. The eclipse will allow for this clarity, for me I am certain.

A ritual for you to ponder.

Before the eclipse (1-2 hours) perhaps - prepare.

Find a quiet space outside and prepare this sacred space.

You’ll need a black and a white candle.

A journal & quill (or pen)

A bowl of salt water

A small pebble or stone

Optional – a piece of resin or incense to burn.

Light the candles and spend a few moments connecting to the earth below and sky above. Slow your breathing down, relax your eyes, and your jaw, then your body.

Sit in this calm, relaxed state for 5-10 minutes focusing on what part of your life feels complete.

Don’t force it, allow the answer, the feeling, the image to come to you. As it does, write it down and any nuggets of wisdom in your journal

As you remain in this sacred space and the light begins to fade, the birds quieten down. Observe the changing light. Ask yourself, what truth have I been avoiding, what have I not wanted to see?

Let whatever arises come up for you, and write this down.

At the height of the eclipse, simply close your eyes – imagine placing all the versions of you, all the roles you play – mother, father, seeker, healer, helper, achiever, professional, carer, into the darkness just for a moment and ask who am I truly when none of these are truly me. Who am I? Remember your response. 

Feel the light within your heart, sense a colour and send that light to all the versions of you – healing that part of you. Stay still and connected.

As the light returns take the stone, pebble or crystal and hold it in your hand for a moment. Say in your mind – thank you – light I welcome you back with clarity and wisdom. Place the pebble on your journal and place your hands in the bowl of salt water and cleanse them. This important act will allow you to let go of what has served its purpose.

That evening, go ahead and in your journal write down only one important intention. Not a huge list of goals. Maybe courage, peace, truth, patience or joy! I am satisfied, I am joyous, I am at peace with my decisions… whatever comes to mind.

Leo the Lion

Remember, the August 2026 eclipse is occurring is the sign Leo in Western Astrology, traditionally associated with the heart, creativity, and authentic self-expression… everyone knows a Leo’s energy!! What does it truly mean to live from the heart rather than from fear. Be courageous like the lion!

A final note!! Whether you see the eclipse as a profound spiritual moment, or some quirky sky event, the ritual I’ve written is more about intention, reflection and inspiration. In that sense, it takes great courage to look at the shadow, to release and become transformative. Perhaps for you it’s simply a moment for pause, or perhaps there is something you’re ready to let go of.

If you decide to be outside to observe the celestial event, I do hope that you witness something magical, the most dramatic solar eclipse you’ve ever seen. It is of course a once in a generation sky event so they say; a rare event and one full of wonder and awe and something to reflect upon as perhaps our ancestors did.

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Enjoy the eclipse beautiful soul.

Much love, joy and happiness

Yvette