There’s much excitement about the upcoming solar eclipse that will be visible to the naked eye in North America and other parts of the world (on August 21st), so I wanted to explore the significance of this celestial event and how you can take advantage of it for your spiritual growth.
This total eclipse is a rare occurrence because, although not uncommon, solar eclipses can’t often be seen directly. But there’s more to it than the sensory gratification of observing it through smoked glasses. Planetary changes affect us in subtle and powerful ways that may only be apparent by their effects; they reflect and trigger potential energies within the soul that can awaken tendencies or memories lying dormant in the subconscious.
Both the Sun and the Moon are essential to human life on this physical plane. They hold the power of the Masculine and the Feminine within and around you—the aspects of Consciousness creating and sustaining everything. When the Sun is blocked by the Moon, both become dark, thus obscuring the qualities of Consciousness we refer to as light and love, awareness and compassion, wisdom and flexibility, discipline and faith. The yin and yang continuously shaping your perception.
On a physical level, the 5 elements of nature also become imbalanced, and their negative aspects get enhanced. This is why although this solar eclipse seems like a great experience for the physical senses, its true effects may be visible only after it spreads its negative energies around the planet. But its hidden power is available to those willing to sacrifice sensory gratification for deeper, longer lasting yet subtler rewards.
Negative & Positive Aspects of an Eclipse
Solar eclipses have been considered ominous events since time immemorial. In ancient China, both solar and lunar eclipses were regarded as signs foretelling the future of the emperor, so recording and predicting eclipses was a priority for the state. In Chinese, the term for eclipse is chih, which is equivalent to the verb “to eat,” because the ancient Chinese believed eclipses occurred when a celestial dragon devoured the Sun or the Moon. A solar eclipse was considered a bad omen, heralding a natural catastrophe or the death of a king.
For spiritual purposes, however, Vedic astrology offers the most interesting approach (particularly at this time, since the Moon Nodes of the Earth, which are virtual points in the ecliptic of the Moon, are changing signs right before the eclipse). The Lunar Nodes are known as Rahu and Ketu and hold the karmic trajectory of your life path. (To learn how the Lunar Nodes in your individual chart can help you discover your life purpose, check The Indigo Journals: Spiritual Healing For Indigo Adults & Other Feminine Souls.)
According to Indian mythology, the demon Rahu Ketu was severed in two and became the North and South Nodes of the Moon; during an eclipse this demon gets his revenge on the Sun and the Moon by consuming them to steal their power. Because of this, their pure, creative energy turns dark and distorted during the eclipse and for a few days after. So eclipses can be a terrible time to start or end projects, relationships, jobs, or anything important: auspicious beginnings require light—the power of the Sun and its reflection on a healthy, full Moon.
When Rahu and Ketu eat up this light, anything you start or end can lead to regrets, so significant worldly endeavors should be postponed. However, eclipses are powerful times to stay inside, look within, and do spiritual practices or more introspective work. They provide favorable circumstances to connect with Spirit because the veils of external awareness that usually block your spiritual senses are thinner than usual.
During this time, the darkening of the Feminine (the Moon) weakens the vital, creative energy reflected in the environment. But this also offers a powerful opportunity to unveil the subconscious, make progress toward greater self-awareness and emotional freedom, and to glimpse into your true Self. It highlights the inner, subtle world of the Divine Feminine within. Plus, whatever is practiced during an eclipse becomes perfected much more quickly and easily than at other times.
First, check if the eclipse is visible where you are at the time it happens; where it’s visible, its effects are more pronounced. Also, you’d greatly benefit from following the guidelines below.
How To Benefit From a Solar or Lunar Eclipse
PLEASE NOTE: These recommendations are beneficial for any solar or lunar eclipse, especially if it’s visible in your area, and they’re more important during a total solar eclipse or full moon lunar eclipse.
- Eat or throw away all prepared foods before the eclipse begins. If possible, buy all fresh food after the eclipse is over (this does not apply to frozen and canned foods).
- Stay indoors, avoid viewing the eclipse or driving, and do spiritual practices for the duration of the eclipse.
- If you can, do not eat anything during the eclipse.
- Shower and wash your hair after the eclipse, to remove any lingering negative energy.
- Do not start an important new project, sign a contract, or make a deal on the day of the eclipse and the few days surrounding it; you may not be aware of all of the details or thinking clearly at this time.
- Be patient if things (or relationships) suddenly veer off in an unexpected direction, they should course correct later on, if they’re meant to.
Solar and lunar eclipses reflect the cyclical and changeable nature of life and the cosmos, but on a spiritual level they can also lead you toward greater introspection and self-awareness. So stay positive and contact me today to learn how to balance the Feminine and Masculine within, to contribute to the transformation of the world through your personal transformation!
© 2017 Yol Swan. All rights reserved.