March will see us entering eclipse season, and our first eclipse comes in the form of the Blood Moon in Virgo on 14 March.

A Blood Moon is the colloquial term for a lunar eclipse. This kind of eclipse is named for the rusty red colour of the Moon as it passes through the Earth's shadow. This particular Blood Moon will only be a partial eclipse for Australians – that is, the Moon will only partially pass through the Earth's shadow and only turn partly red.

When and where to see the Blood Moon in Australia

Based on our positions, we'll all have different views of this lunar eclipse. Brisbane and its surrounds will get the best view, followed by those in Sydney. Those in other cities will be less lucky and have little visibility. Sadly, it looks like Western Australians might miss out on the view altogether.

The Moon will reach it's fullest point at 5:54pm AEDT but the eclipse best visibility will occur at different times. The reason for this is because this particular eclipse starts before the sun has set in Australia – and will only become visible to us after sundown.  For this reason, the best view for each city will be roughly around sunset. Here's when to have your eyes on the sky.

• Brisbane – maximum visibility will be at 6:07pm AEST.
• Sydney – maximum visibility will be at at 7:16pm AEDT
• Melbourne – maximum visibility will be at at 7:42 pm AEDT
• Adelaide – maximum visibility will be at at 7:37 pm ACDT
• Canberra – maximum visibility will be at at 7:29 pm AEDT
• Darwin – maximum visibility will be at at 7:04 pm ACST
• Hobart – maximum visibility will be at at 7:34 pm AEDT

What to expect from the Blood Moon in Virgo

Full Moons are always an intense time of deep illumination. This period has a way of drawing hidden themes to the surface, while exposing true feelings and motivations. It can leave us feeling raw and extremely emotional. At the same time, the Full Moon can lead to new ideas and help energise you towards finding a clearer path. Remember, this is the energetic peak of the Moon Cycle and while it can be chaotic and intense, it can serve to give us the boost we need to feel reinvigorated in our current journey.

We will all need to bear in mind that a Blood Moon is known to amplify all the typical impacts of a regular Full Moon. That means bigger emotions, bigger revelations and higher energy. If you have a Cancer, Pisces or Virgo Moon placement, you will need to nurture yourself at this time. The energy surrounding this event will feel overwhelming to people with a Pisces or Cancer Moon. And the poor folks with Virgo Moons will have more trouble than usual with overthinking and anxiety.

The Moon at this time will fall in Virgo, amplifying the need for clarity and order. Virgo at its worst is an impossible and pedantic perfectionist, but you will need to release these impulses if you want to move forward. More than ever you will need to embrace the adage: "do not let perfection be the enemy of good". This might mean accepting that a friend is trying their best, and not demanding more from them than what they're able to do. Maybe you need to loosen your analytical hold on a work project and focus on the end goal instead. Or perhaps your travel plans have had to change and you need to remember that spontaneity is sometimes the best part of travelling.

It is important to note that Mercury (Virgo's ruling planet) will go into retrograde on the same day as our Blood Moon arrives. Mercury Retrograde is known for causing miscommunications and disrupting transit. You will need to be well-aware of this when communicating in any sensitive situations. That means everything from contract negotiations to work meetings, arguments with your partner or consoling a distressed friend. This particular time will not allow you the space to be frustrated or be pedantic. Be very mindful of what you say and how you come across.

If this Moon could come with one message, it would be one of tolerance – for both the people around you, but also for yourself. Having unrealistic standards only serves to harm your relationship with yourself and others. The Sun in Pisces will be pulling us to abandon structure in favour of letting the chips fall as they may. It will feel freeing to relinquish yourself from the burdensome expectations you often place on yourself.

Our Moon will also form soothing trines with both Uranus and Pluto at this time. Together, these both herald the arrival of a fresh start – one that will ultimately be for the better. So while this particular Full Moon can bring with it anxious intensity, it can also lead to positive change. For those with strong Earth placements, this positive change may be found at work, where you could finally win the recognition you deserve. Just remember to practice those soft skills.

Image: Benjamin Voros on Unsplash