Should you manifest during a solar eclipse? What to do during the Leo South Node Eclipse.

Today's solar eclipse in Leo kicks off (drumroll please)...the dreaded eclipse season.

And of course, that begs the question:

What should you actually do during a solar eclipse?

Normally, on new moons we set intentions.

They're — typically — a great time to vision, manifest, and seed something new.

Solar eclipses are different — especially this one, which is a South Node (i.e. releasing) eclipse.

Instead of pulling us towards something, the South Node is basically a drain. It's like a giant cosmic garbage disposal sucking old energy into the void.

Gross? Yes.

But it's also really powerful — because a South Node eclipse helps us clear things.

So today's not really a day to "manifest."

It's better to make space instead.

So, what should you actually do during a South Node eclipse?

Think release, not manifest.

You don't need to perform some elaborate eclipse ritual. In fact, I'd keep it really simple:

• Clean out a closet or drawer.
• Clear something off your to-do list that's been hanging over you.
• Notice which people, habits, commitments, or thought patterns are draining you.
• Finish something instead of starting something.
• Rest if your body is asking you to rest.
• Make literal or metaphorical space for whatever comes next.

You don't have to force anything to leave.

Just pay attention to what's already asking to go.

What does a South Node eclipse mean?

You can use a South Node eclipse to break old patterns — and gently clear what needs to go.

The word "gentle" is key right now.

South Node eclipses (really, anything South Node related) can feel very draining — especially for your body.

Sometimes, the "drain" is good.

We want to drain away old habits, toxic patterns, and out-dated identities.

The flip side is that you might also feel really tired.

So this week? Pay attention to what seems to drain you.

If the eclipse is hitting your 10th house, it might be work.

4th house? You might feel over-burdened by clutter, or literal "stuff" that needs to go.

These are clues that it's time to let something go.

How will the Leo solar eclipse affect you? Check your birth chart.

In large part, what this eclipse is clearing depends on the houses & planets activated in your specific birth chart (like your eclipse house, and your Sun house + sign).

✂️ 📋 Copy & paste these prompts into Star Path to learn more.

• Tell me about the Leo part of my chart. How does this energy typically play out in my life?

• Now, let's talk about the 8/12 eclipse. Where am I stuck unconsciously repeating a Leo pattern that isn't working for me? What needs to be cleared?

• Now, look at my Sun (this eclipse's ruler). Where might I be questioning who or what I prioritize during this eclipse?

• What life areas are getting activated by the 8/12 eclipse? Give me the top 3–5 places this one might show up for me.

• The life area that speaks to me most is (insert details). Let's unpack how it might be affected by this eclipse.

• Give me a very gentle cleansing practice that'll support me during this eclipse. Key word being gentle; I want to be mindful of the physical & energetic drain the South Node is creating, while still working consciously with its energy of release.

Click here to ask Star Path

Why might this Leo solar eclipse feel more intense?

During an eclipse, the light of the Sun is blocked out. This is why eclipses are great for "shadow work": they let us see what's been sitting in the dark.

But this particular eclipse is ruled by the Sun (it's in Leo).

And the Sun itself is being eclipsed.

My read? That puts extra emphasis on solar themes: identity, vitality, visibility, creativity, and the question of what — or who — gets to take center stage in your life.

So there are a few layers at play today:

1. The Sun is eclipsed (= shadow work)
2. It's on the South Node (= clearing old patterns)
3. The eclipse is in Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun (= extra emphasis on solar themes)

In astrology, the Sun = our vital essence.

Combine that with the South Node?

You're probably gonna feel tired with this one.

So don't push it.

The bottom line: make space during this South Node eclipse

A South Node solar eclipse isn't necessarily a time to push harder, manifest bigger, or figure out exactly what comes next.

It's a time to notice what's draining you — and make space.

Clear the clutter. Question the pattern. Cancel the thing you don't actually want to do. Take the nap.

You don't have to know what you're making room for yet.

Sometimes clearing the space is enough.