Eclipses

by James Kelleher October 22, 2023

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 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.

Annular Solar Eclipse
October 14, 2023

There was a Solar Annular Eclipse on October, 14, 2023 at 9:21 a.m. Pacific Time. An annular Eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns exactly with the Sun, but appears to be slightly smaller than the sun, creating a rim of light around the edge of the eclipse.

The elipse took place at 27 degrees of Virgo, in Chitra Nakshatra. The word, Chitra means bright, shining, or a work of art. Chitra nakshatra is symbolized by a gemstone and its ruling deity is Vishwakarma, the celestial architect. Its core energy is the Cayani Shakti, the power to do good and to accumulate good karma. A period of about 6 days on either side, as well as the eclipse day itself, is a great time to make donations to worthy causes and for doing any type of service or giving to others. A solar eclipse takes place at the time of New Moon, so the eclipse will also imbue the following month with its good-karma energy. This energy will also support creative projects. Chitra is connected with architecture so the following lunar month is also an excellent time for any activity or project that is intended to increase the ambiance or the spiritual energy in your home.

On an eclipse day, it is suggested that you fast, or just eat lighter than usual. It’s also a good time to rest and recharge your internal batteries. The best way to do that is meditation. The day of a solar eclipse is not good for starting new important endeavors. It is great for spiritual activities of various kinds.

In Mundane astrology eclipses are known to have a more significant effect on the countries and regions where the eclipse path is visible. In the USA, the solar eclipse was visible first in Central Oregon. It then tracked a course south east through northern Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, West Texas, and then out into the Gulf of Mexico. It continued on through central America and then through Northern Brazil. This has been reflected in the USA political arena as an intensification of political disagreement between conservatives and liberals.

Each person, country and region will experience the eclipse differently, based on the individual horoscope placements. The effects can be positive or negative. They can be felt before the eclipse for as much as a month and after the eclipse for as much as 6 months. For many people the eclipse has been positive. On the other hand, it has produced some pronounced negative results as well.

For example, the eclipse has been very negative for Palistine and Israel. On October 4th, ten days before the eclipse, Mars and Ketu forned an exact conjunction at zero degrees of Libra. Historically, Mars conjunct Ketu is a combination that is associated with warfare and terrorist activites. For example, the 911 World Trade Center event took place three days before an exact Mars/Ketu conjunction. Similarly, the current Mars//Ketu conjunction took place, in the halo of the eclipse, three days before the beginning of the current war between Palistine and Israel.

The Mantra for this eclipse is Om Vishwakarmane Namah

Total Lunar Eclipse
November 8, 2022
10:59:20 UTC

There will be a Partial Lunar Eclipse on October 28 at 1:14 pm PDT. The eclipse takes place at 10 degrees of Aries in Ashwini Nakshatra. Ashwini is ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras, the healers of the gods in Hindu mythology. This is a good period for doubling down on your exercise routines, especially those activities that are natural and gentle. This is a great time for yoga, Tai Chi, energy work, body work, and any type of healing modality that puts you in a stream of consciousness.

In Hindu mythology, the Ashwini Kumars were the healers of the gods, and they were also the ambulance drivers of the gods. They rode in golden chariots and rescued the gods when they were injured in battles. Much like the Ashwins, many countries and organizations are now concerned with the plight of those stricken by the war between Israel and Palestine.

On the eclipse day, itself, there will be an close conjunction of Mercury and Mars with Mars in exact opposition to Jupiter. So, as the eclipse gets closer, there is likely to be an intensification of the conflict. Since eclipses can have their effect for as much as six months after the eclipse, it is likely that the imediate effects of the war will be felt for at least that long.

Add this to the fact that the Israeli chart has just begun Rahu mahadasha while the Palestinean chart has recently moved into the Saturn mahadasha and it is unlikely that there will be much progress towards peace in the next few years.

The Mantra for this eclipse is Om Ashwinikumarabhyam Namah.