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 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.
Total Lunar Eclipse
August 28, 2007
3:37 A.M. PDT
There will be a Total Lunar Eclipse on August 28, 2007. This eclipse occurs at 10 degrees of Aquarius, placing it in Shatabhisha Nakshatra. This nakshatra’s shakti is the power of healing. The name “Shatabhisha” in Sanskrit means “a hundred physicians” or “a hundred medicines”. As a result, the period surrounding the eclipse may be sensitive for health matters. On the negative side, this period could aggravate existing health problems, either globally or in the lives of individuals for whom this nakshatra is relevant. On the positive side, this is a good period for doing spiritual healing, healing based on prayer, energy work, or other subtle forms of healing. Eclipses amplify spiritual energy, so healing prayers done at this time can be quite effective, possibly miraculous. The period of 6 days on either side of the eclipse should be avoided for beginning new health endeavors and for taking new medications.
This nakshatra is ruled by Varuna, the god of the oceans, so it is related to the oceans and to water in general. The period of 6 months following the eclipse may produce and increase in water-related problems.
The Mantra “Om Shri Shatabhisha Nakshatra Devataye Namah” can be chanted during and after the eclipse in order to mitigate the negative and enhance the positive energy of the eclipse.
Partial Solar Eclipse
September 11, 2007
5:31 A.M. PDT
There will be a Partial Solar Eclipse on September 11, 2007 at 24 degrees of Leo, in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra. Purva Phalguni nakshatra is symbolized by the conjugal bed, the bed of marriage. Its shakti is the power of procreativity. It is ruled by Bhaga, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
This eclipse affects relationships, sexuality, children, the creative process and money. A period of 6 days on either side of the eclipse should be avoided for beginning new endeavors related to these things. On the negative side, this eclipse may aggravate the above mentioned areas of life in some way for some people for a few months after the eclipse. The use of the Mantra, “Om Shri Purva Phalguni Nakshatra Devataye Namah” may be helpful in ameliorating the negative effects.
On the other hand, eclipses are great for introspection, meditation and deep inner work. The period of 6 days on either side of the eclipse, as well as a period of six months after the eclipse, is an excellent time for working on deep psychological issues (shadow work) related to sexuality, children, creativity, or money. The mantra given above may enhance the effect of this type of inner work.