Eclipses

Do you realize that in ancient times, astrologers were beheaded for not alerting the emperors in advance about eclipses? Eclipses were taken as negative omens. It's true, they're not the greatest days for important new beginnings or advancing one's material affairs. On the other hand, there is really no need to make them into dreaded events. In fact, eclipses are wonderful for introspection, meditation, cleaning house, letting go of old baggage, quiet time or any other spiritual pursuit. The idea of paying attention to eclipses, or any astrological event for that matter, is simply to harmonize your action with the astrological weather.

Eclipses can be used on different levels as well. The most common way to use an eclipse in astrology is as an omen or sign portending global trends or events. Typically, because the eclipse is caused by a shadow passing across the Sun or the Moon, it is taken as an indication of negative events, suggesting problems for particular countries, leaders, or some aspect of world politics. On the other hand, eclipses can also be used for individuals. The astrological house in which the eclipse takes place will usually become sensitized for up to 6 months. If the eclipse falls near the same degree as a planet in the persons natal chart then it affects that planet and everything it symbolizes in the chart. If the eclipse falls on the persons natal Sun, Moon, Ascendant, or ruler of the Ascendant, then it will have a powerful effect.

In the course of the ordinary activities of day to day life, eclipses should be avoided for important new beginnings in material areas. If you are thinking about starting a business, getting married, approaching your boss for a promotion, or proposing to your girlfriend, then an eclipse is not the time to do it. On the other hand, if you are thinking about going camping, going on a retreat, starting psychotherapy, ending a relationship, quitting a job, cleaning house, or just spending some quiet time, then an eclipse can be a good time to start.

In the decision making process eclipses come in handy as well. If, for example, you find your dream house, or someone makes you a job offer at the time of an eclipse, it is generally a good idea to leave it. Things which you are presented with at this time are usually either short-lived or develop unforeseen problems later. If the thing that you are deciding is of an introspective or spiritual nature, however, then the eclipse might indicate a positive outcome.

The Nakshatra in which an eclipse falls will also give a clue to its effect on both nations and individuals. Generally, the nakshatra and whatever it symbolizes will be spoiled for the next six months after the eclipse. For this reason various remedial measures have been prescribed by the ancient Vedic Rishis in order to counteract the effect of an eclipse in each nakshatra. In India, it is common for people to fast for 10 hours before an eclipse and then perform a havan (fire ritual) in the middle of the eclipse. In the west, where Vedic pundits are more scarce, the recommended activity during an eclipse is meditation, or possibly the chanting of an appropriate mantra for the Nakshatra in which the eclipse is occurring. Please refer to the following notes of upcoming eclipses for appropriate mantras for specific eclipses.

Partial Lunar Eclipse
April 25, 2013
11 degrees Libra
11:57:06 am PST
Swati Nakshatra

There will be a Partial Lunar Eclipse on April 25th, 2013.  This eclipse occurs in the nakshatra of Swati, in the middle of the sign of Libra.  Swati’s shakti is the power to scatter like the wind (pradhvamsa shakti).  The eclipse heightens this tendency and may cause one to feel scattered and ungrounded, especially for the vata type of individuals.  Therefore, this is a good time to focus on staying grounded, committing to routines and healthy living practices that keep one present in the body and the moment.   Vayu (deified wind) is the deity for this nakshatra, and represents divine breath and the fundamental element of speech.  Therefore, this is a good time to focus one’s energy on cultivating the inward practice of pranayama and silence, and to communicate with mindful speech.  It is generally recommended to avoid a period of about 6 days on either side of the eclipse for important endeavors.

Saturn will be in conjunction with this eclipse in Swati nakshatra, amplifying the tendency for obstructions and delays, thereby providing fertile ground to cultivate the virtues of patience and perseverance.

The mantra to chant during the eclipse is Om Sri Swati Nakshatra Devataye Namah
 



Solar Annular Eclipse
May 9, 2013
25 degrees Aries
4:28:22 pm PST
Bharani Nakshatra

There will be a Solar Annular Eclipse on May 9th, 2013, in the constellation of Bharani.  Bharani is located in the middle of the sign of Aries.  Bharani’s shakti is the power to carry things away (apabharani shakti), and is connected with the termination or ending of things.  Therefore this could be a good time to finish things that need finishing.  It may also be a good time to release that which no longer serves, in order to clear the excess clutter from one’s life, whether it be mental, emotional, or physical clutter. 

This nakshatra’s desire, to be the lord of the ancestors, suggests that this may be a good time to contemplate through meditation and prayer one’s deeper connection to the divine source of creation and one’s true origin and nature. 

During a period of 6 days on either side of the eclipse, it is recommended that you do not begin any important new endeavors.

The mantra to chant during the eclipse is Om Sri Bharani Nakshatra Devataye Namah

For a recording of all 27 nakshatra mantras click here.