Eclipse season is a time when the universe nudges us toward transformation. These celestial events, where the sun, moon, and Earth align, have long been associated with cycles of change, illumination, and letting go. For me, this season has carried deep personal meaning, as I’ve been navigating loss, growth, and the delicate dance of balancing work and life.
This year has been one of profound change. I lost my beloved dog Lucy, who wasn’t just a pet—she was my confidante, my source of unconditional love, and a constant presence in my life, especially during moments when I needed her the most. Losing Lucy forced me to reflect on more than just her absence. It made me look at my relationships and ask myself some hard questions: Who brings joy into my life? Which relationships still serve me? Am I surrounded by the right energy?
In honoring Lucy’s memory, I’ve begun to consider what I call “Lucy energy”—that pure, unconditional love and loyalty she gave me. I now ask myself, Is this bringing me that Lucy energy? If not, I know it’s time to reevaluate.
Loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, or even a phase of life, often compels us to take a relationship inventory. We’re forced to confront who or what remains meaningful to us. During this eclipse season, I’ve realized that the contrast between light and dark—grief and joy, presence and absence—is what propels us forward. It can feel like a dark night of the soul, but it’s often a precursor to stepping into the light. The discomfort and uncertainty push us into the next phase of our lives, a quantum leap, as I like to call it.
Coming out of the newborn bubble has been another transition for me. The experience of being fully immersed in caring for a new life, only to slowly emerge back into the world,
brought with it a new perspective. Balancing work and life has required constant adjustment, and learning to let go of the need to do everything perfectly has been part of my own shadow work. The eclipse season reminds us that transformation happens when we embrace these shadows, face the uncomfortable parts of ourselves, and step into the unknown.
This is what shadow work is all about—confronting the parts of ourselves that we often push aside or try to ignore. It’s about acknowledging what we’re holding onto that no longer serves us and making space for new possibilities. Through Lucy’s loss, I’ve been reminded of the importance of this work, not just in my personal life but in my practice as well. Grief, uncertainty, and transformation are not linear; they come in waves, and each wave brings us closer to a new reality.
The universe often asks us to let go of what no longer aligns with our growth, even if it’s painful. But in doing so, we make room for new opportunities, new relationships, and new energy. This eclipse season, I encourage you to take an inventory of your relationships and ask yourself: Are they bringing me joy? Are they giving me Lucy energy? The contrast we experience between the light and the dark is ultimately what helps us take that quantum jump to the next level of our lives.
As we move through eclipse season, may we all embrace the lessons of the shadows, the power of transformation, and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Warmly,
Samantha Alzate, LCSW
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