Eclipses July 2nd and 16, 2019

by James Kelleher July 02, 2019

Eclipses July 2nd and 16, 2019

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 person's natal chart, then it affects that planet and everything it symbolizes in the chart. If the eclipse falls on the person's 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.

 


 

Total Solar Eclipse
 July 2, 2019
16:55 UTC, 9:55 a.m. PDT
Ardra Nakshatra
 
There will be a total solar eclipse on July 2nd in Ardra Nakshatra. This is the first total solar eclipse since the Great American Eclipse that occurred in 2017. Eclipses are mainly used for mundane astrology, the astrology of nations and world events.   
 
With countries, the visible path of the eclipse is considered to be important.  The last total solar eclipse occurred on August 21, 2017, and was called The Great American Eclipse. The visual path of that eclipse literally bisected the USA, cutting a diagonal from the North West to the South East. Fittingly, it corresponded to a period when north and south, red and blue, and conservative and liberal ideals became much more polarized.   The eclipse occurred in Magha nakshatra, which is President Trump's ascendant nakshatra, showing the impact on him, personally, as well as the karmic role his flamboyant personality played in the polarization process.
 
Magha nakshatra is connected with ancient traditions. It is ruled by the Pitris, the deified ancestors, so it is a nakshatra connected to the family, the clan or tribe. Part of the reason that Trump has a nationalist political agenda is because of the placement of his ascendant in Magha.  Magha types usually love to have a family, a team, a tribe, a religion, or a clan. They are proud of their heritage, their sports teams, and their nation. Not all Magha types have a tribal mentality, but in its basic form, this nakshatra makes a person cling to his or her family or community for security. Nationalism is only one way in which this tendency manifests.
 
It is interesting to note that since 2017, there has been a powerful emergence of nationalist and tribal thinking in the country, and Trump has become an important exponent of that sentiment.
 
The Eclipse on July 2nd will take place in Ardra nakshatra. Ardra is associated with Rudra, one of the forms of Shiva, the god of destruction, warfare, howling, and crying. On the positive side, Rudra is the healer, and is said to be "possessed of a thousand medicines".   The shakti of Ardra nakshatra is the power to make an effort. During the period, for about a month before and 6 months after the eclipse, there might be an increase in military confrontations, saber rattling, violent events in the news, health issues, and political fighting in countries influenced by the eclipse.
 
For example, the July 2nd eclipse will be seen in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. It will be interesting to watch developments in those countries, and in South America in general, over the next six months to a year. 
 
On the other hand, even though the July 2nd eclipse is not going to be visible in the United States, it will conjunct the USA's Venus and Jupiter, which are placed in Ardra in the chart of the United States. The conjunction may accentuate political disharmony and aggressive interactions for the US, and any other countries that have important planets in Ardra nakshatra, over the next 6 months. Here is a brief list of some countries and individuals that will feel the effects of the eclipse due to having one or more planets or lagnas conjuncted.
 
 
Xi Xing ping (Mars)
North Korea (ascendant)
India (Mars)
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India) Arudha Lagna
Pakistan   (Moon)
Turkey   (Moon)
Israel   (Lagna Lord, Venus)
Venezuela (Ascendant)
South Africa   (Mercury)
South Sudan (Lagna Lord Venus)
Canada (Sun and Moon)
South Korea   (Lagna Lord, Venus)
 
The effect of an eclipse is not always negative. Sometimes the effect is positive. It can bring change and transformation in a positive way, especially if the individual (or country) is willing to tune in to the spiritual lesson that is being highlighted in their chart. This is much easier for individuals to accomplish, since countries react as a collective, and are primarily motivated by political agendas. Individuals, on the other hand, are less encumbered when they try to use their free will, so they are much more able to deal with eclipses in a positive way. Eclipses are essentially spiritual influences and can be amazing times for reflection and self improvement.
 
For this eclipse, the advice is to make an effort, work on your health and your emotional condition.  Stay open to alternative approaches to wellness. Avoid arguments, speak softly, and remember that everyone deserves understanding and compassion. If you are a meditator, then do a little extra on the day of the eclipse.
 
The mantra for the eclipse is Om Shri Ardra Nakshatra Devataye Namah
 

 

Partial Lunar Eclipse
July 16, 2019
21:31 UTC
2:31 p.m. PDT
Sagittarius, Ardra Nakshatra
 
There will be a partial lunar eclipse on July 16th. This eclipse will take place in Uttara Ashadha nakshatra. Uttara Ashadha is symbolized by the tusk of an elephant. The tusk belongs to Ganesh, the god that is connected to overcoming obstacles. The name, Uttara Ashadha, in sanskrit, means "later victory". So it is no surprise that the shakti (core energy) of this nakshatra is the power to create an unstoppable victory.  
 
The lunar eclipse in Uttara Ashadha is a great time for affirming your intentions for the things you want to accomplish.   Eclipses are essentially spiritual times, so deep reflection on your aspirations and intentions, along with firm resolve to persevere, can help you to accomplish your goals.

Ganesh broke his tusk to use it as a pen in Vedic mythology. So this eclipse is a good one for journaling, writing affirmations, or even writing mantras. It is particularly good for writers who want to edit what they have already written. Mercury is also retrograde during the eclipse, so this is a great time to working to refine and perfect any written document.

Remember, eclipses are basically spiritual periods. Both eclipses are good times to have a quiet day, meditate, rest, and be more reflective. Eat light and healthy. Avoid exciting and agitating activities.

The mantra for this eclipse is Om Shri Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra Devataye Namah
 




James Kelleher
James Kelleher

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