Here’s What This Month’s Total Lunar Eclipse Will Mean For Your Sign

Calling all amateur astrologers: What does it mean if a total lunar eclipse happens in Leo? If you have absolutely no idea, you've come to the right place. On Wednesday, Jan. 31, a total lunar eclipse will occur at 11 minutes and 37 degrees of Leo, and that's not the only reason it's special. This particular celestial event has been dubbed the "super blue blood moon eclipse" — not the catchiest name in the world, but an accurate one. On top of being the first eclipse of 2018, it will mark the first time a total eclipse of a blue moon has been visible in the United States since the 19th century. Obviously, this is big news for the astrological community.

First, let's break down exactly what to expect on Jan. 31. A total lunar eclipse takes place when the moon crosses into Earth's shadow, so our planet temporarily interferes with the sun's light. According to Space.com, Earth's atmosphere filters the light before it gets to the moon in such a way that it looks blood red from our point of view. (That's where the phrase "blood moon" comes from.) But wait! There's more. On the day of the eclipse, the moon will be full for the second time this month, making it a "blue moon." Finally, it's also a "supermoon," meaning the moon will be at the closest point to Earth in its orbit. Add all these events together, and you get the mash-up people are calling the super blue blood moon eclipse. In the interest of brevity, I'll refer to it as the Super Eclipse from here on out.

Even astronomers, who aren't generally an excitable bunch, are getting into the celestial spirit. Dr. Noah Petro, a planetary geologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, told Time magazine that the Super Eclipse is a "cool event."

So what does all this mean in terms of life here on Earth? In general, eclipses are associated with huge changes, both good and bad. According to the AstroTwins, lunar eclipses can illuminate what psychologist Carl Jung called our "shadow selves" — the deepest, most primitive parts of our personalities. It can be tough to confront these impulses, but if you accept that you're only human, you may come to understand yourself better.

Start practicing self-acceptance as soon as possible, because Astro Butterfly points out that the moon wields an especially strong influence right now. "At the beginning of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest strength (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere), the Moon is more powerful than ever," the site explains. It's likely that whatever effects a regular old lunar eclipse would have will be magnified during the Super Eclipse.

Then there's the fact that the eclipse will occur in Leo, a zodiac sign known for its strength and arrogance. According to the AstroTwins, Leo is a zodiac sign of "theatrics and passion" that "rules glamour and fame," so you can expect big changes in these areas of your life. "Under a Leo planetary transit, we can get swept away in our personal theatrics and romantic affairs, fully opening ourselves to the splendor of our desires and self-expression," they write.

Maybe you'll get up the courage to ask out someone you thought was out of your league (or maybe they'll get up the courage to ask you out). You might end up invited to a glamorous work event or have an unexpectedly wild night with friends. My advice? Go with the flow and see what happens.

Then again, glamorous nights on the town may not be your style, and Leo's influence may manifest in more subtle ways. If you'd rather just watch the eclipse and move on with your life, you can calculate when to catch the Super Eclipse with Time and Date's worldwide eclipse calculator. Happy viewing!