The Solar Eclipse that occurs on April 8, 2024 is unique for a few reasons. Foremost among them is the fact that April 8 coincides with the start of the Hindu/Vedic lunar New Year. A darkening of the skies during the day of the New Year is indicative of some intensity in the time ahead, and has happened rarely, according to the lunar calendar.
Why is the eclipse considered to be important to the spiritual journey? In Hindu philosophy, the eclipse is associated with Rahu or Ketu – the shadow Grahas or planets – becoming visible during the moments of the eclipse, much more prominently than at other times. The eclipse is the only time in the year when the light of Surya, the Sun, considered to be the Royal and ruler among planets, is overpowered outside of the usual cycles of day and night, by Rahu and/or Ketu.
Times of transition in Nature are usually marked by silent, yet extraordinary events. You might note that cycles of new creation begin in silence, as well as in darkness – symbolic of the ‘cave’ or ‘womb’ of solitude where new life emerges from. All things end, or are dissolved, in to a kind of darkness as well, where patterns that have served their time are released in to the unbounded.
Astrologically, we might think of an eclipse as an extraordinary moment that forces a luminary ‘reset’, outside of the usual planetary movements through time and space. When studied through the lens of ‘Jyotish’, a total eclipse has been seen to coincide with major world events, that are often transformative, and yet indicative of a shift in collective focus and consciousness.
Within the ancient traditions, we are taught to approach Nature’s processes with reverence and a humility that accepts the limitations and co-dependencies of our existence upon many larger forces. The eclipse is one such event during which it is recommended to practice some form of Sadhana – Mantra chanting preferably, that honours Surya or the Sun, giving strength to the prana, vitality and luminosity of the Sun, symbolic of the light of the Self. It is recommended to chant the Surya Mantra, the Gayatri Mantra or the Aditya Hrudayam Stotram during the hours of the eclipse.
Most importantly, this is a powerful time to bring an abundance of faith back in to everyday actions. There are things you will become acutely aware of as being outside of your immediate control. Let your faith in the Light of your inner being become unshakeable, and witness the magic that unfolds, as you navigate the year ahead.
The arc of this solar eclipse as well portends major changes, and will also usher in new or strong political eras, as events around the Sun are inevitably linked to rulership and governance. The influence upon each nation will be unique, and can be seen through the Astrology chart related to the Capital city of the country, or the chart of its current head of state.
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