Eclipse

Fascinating nature of eclipses

Eclipses are phenomena that fascinate many. People go out to observe them, photograph them. In Jyotish, however, it is treated as an auspicious moment to develop spiritual merit, or positive impressions in the mind. At the same time it is quite inauspicious for any worldly activities. During an eclipse it is best to stay in, turning one’s energy inward for contemplation, meditation, development of one’s inner light of awareness. If used this way – it is THE gift that the days around an eclipse can offer.


What is an eclipse

Mythologically we say that is when the “darkness eats the light”. It is when Rahu and Ketu eat the Sun or the Moon. Scientifically speaking Rahu and Ketu are the ecliptic degrees of the Sun and the Moon and when the two luminaries come in certain proximity to it – we witness an eclipse. 
A lunar eclipse occurs only on a full moon. And solar eclipse only on a new moon. The intensity of the eclipse very much depend on the degree at which the Sun and the Moon are in proximity to their ecliptic degree. Or Rahu and Ketu in Vedic astrology. Eclipses are visible when the solar one occurs during the day time and lunar one at night. But that is often not the case. This could differ based on your physical location.

Transforming energy of an eclipse

Eclipses can definitely stir things up and, contrary to the mainstream belief, it is not the time to ‘get out there and stare at the beauty’. In fact observing eclipses could potentially create severe disturbances to our body and mind. Eclipses are not for materializing, but for spiritualizing. So take the time around any eclipse to let go of the “mundane” and focus on the “devine”. In other words, stop your running around and go within. Accumulation of Punya – or spiritual merit – is the gift that eclipses offer, resulting in inner stability and ultimately wisdom. A wisdom so much needed in today’s world.

Eclipses have the power to bring change, transformation and are easier if used for spiritual contemplation and inner reflection. It is certainly not the time to start new ventures.

One will experience the intensity of an eclipse a little more than others if one is ruled by the Sun when the solar eclipse occurs; or the Moon during the lunar eclipse. Also if one is in a cycle/sub-cycle of either Sun, Moon or Rahu and Ketu. Who are Rahu and Ketu? Read on here to find out more.