Millions of people are about to have their world plunged into darkness, and they couldn’t be happier! On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will blot out the Sun and engulf much of North America in near or complete darkness—it will be three hours of midnight in the middle of the morning or afternoon depending on your location!
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the Sun’s light, an astronomical event that is as rare as it is spectacular. Eclipses occur near the lunar nodes – Rahu, the north node, and Ketu, the south node – the points where the Moon crosses the ecliptic. On August 21, the Sun, Moon and north node are in conjunction in the sign Leo.
The last total solar eclipse to span the entire width of North America took place a century ago, so it is little wonder that countless scientists and millions of amateur stargazers have been eagerly anticipating this big celestial blackout for decades. Telescope sales are through the roof, eclipse festivals have been planned in many key-viewing locations and solar-tourism has become a booming business. The best vantage points to take in the full “totality” of the eclipse are found along the 100-kilometer-wide elliptical path stretching across the United States from Oregon to North Carolina, but the eclipse can be witnessed from practically anywhere on the continent.
This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to behold one of the Cosmos’ greatest shows, so if you don’t want to miss it, go online to learn when and where you can best catch this phenomenal occurrence, as well as how to view it safely without damaging your eyesight!
From an Eastern Perspective
While many Western astronomers are over-the-moon with excitement at the chance to witnesses August’s total solar eclipse, Vedic astrologers have a more tempered and cautions approach. In Vedic astrology eclipses, particularly solar eclipses, are regarded as powerful (often tumultuous or even earth-shattering) portents of both personal and world events. The illuminating light of the Sun is obscured by the passage of the Moon, frequently casting deep shadows across our awareness. This can wreak havoc on the powerful flow of creative and karmic energy those nodes exert on our lives. Most Vedic astrologers advise against beginning any major project, signing contracts, entering or ending a romance, or making any other significant life decisions in the days leading up to, during, and following an eclipse, be it lunar or solar—the energy is just too shadowy, unpredictable and potentially unstable!
Vedically speaking, the best course of action to follow during an eclipse period is to look inward, centering and calming your energies though meditation and peaceful self-reflection. This advice applies doubly this month because we have both a solar and lunar eclipse. In India, at this time, it is also considered auspicious to do charitable acts.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 7th, two weeks before the solar eclipse. This occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are very closely aligned with the Earth in the middle. In this case, the Sun is in Cancer opposed by a full Moon in Capricorn. Emotions can reach a peak of intensity, either heightening our intuition and creativity or causing us to react and lose our composure. Additionally, the proximity of Ketu, the Moon’s node, to the Moon, relating to our past karma, forces us to take stock of any emotional issues that took place during the last six months. So this period can be used as a time of reflection to resolve and reset our emotions and move towards the future with a more spiritual understanding of where we have been and where we would like to go.
During this eclipse month, it is best to remain peaceful and objective, and not let any emotions overshadow our good judgment. We would be well-served by taking some quiet time to tune in and pay heed to the “small still voice within”—to follow the wisdom of our heart. We can satisfy our ambitions at this time, but make sure, due to the obstruction of the light of these two powerful luminaries – the Sun and Moon – that we use our discernment wisely; otherwise we can affect the happiness of those close to us.
Find out how the solar and lunar eclipses are affecting your natal chart and your life. Book an appointment now and we will help you make the most of your planets until the next series of lunar eclipses begins early next year.
For those living in North America, call toll-free 1-866-428-3799. For clients outside Canada and the United States, call 1-819-428-4298. Or send us a consultation request by clicking here. We are here to help!
