Eclipses in General
The sun and moon’s rays have an effect on the earth. Of course, when we refer to “rays” here, we mean it not just on the more superficial levels, but also on the astrological and Transcendental level. Normal sun and moon shine create a normal environment for the earth. Physical earth is made up of the five elements and those five elements have a certain balance under normal conditions. The same is true with our physiology.
The eclipse affects the sun and moon rays, creating an abnormal environment for the earth. This also upsets the balance of the five elements, upsetting our environment on earth and also our physiology, including our mind and emotions. Scientists have done research and found that during an eclipse, there is an increase in bacteria and viruses.
Because there is imbalance physically, it is suggested that people not eat or drink because the body does not process food and water correctly. It is a little bit like avoiding certain foods when a person is sick. Some do not eat from sunrise to sunset that day and others just avoid eating near the time of the actual eclipse. Because there is an imbalance mentally and emotionally, it is suggested that people go inward and meditate or chant mantras.
It is advised not to look at eclipses. Even if you do not look at the eclipse, the effects of an eclipse last 3-6 months. It states in the Vedas that as a result of an eclipse, there can be changes in nature and natural disasters can occur.
For people, with the lunar eclipse, the effect is on the mind/emotions, whereas with the solar eclipse, the effect is more on the whole body and health.
During the whole solar eclipse (in Asheville, this would be from 1:00-4:05pm), it is best to stay inside and not look outside or even allow light in. During the eclipse, it is best to meditate or chant, and it is a good time to go inward. Finish solid food 3 hours prior to the start of the eclipse and wait to eat 2 hours after the eclipse ends. Shower right after the eclipse and then you can start cooking. Don’t save cooked food to eat after the eclipse, including in the refrigerator. No showering, drinking, or eating during the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse on August 21
Monday, August 21, 2017 – Solar Eclipse info for Asheville:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/asheville?iso=20170821
1:08 pm Partial Eclipse begins
2:37 pm Maximum Eclipse
4:01 pm Partial Eclipse ends
If you are visiting or staying at Mount Soma, once Sri Somesvara Temple has been purified (probably after 6:00 pm), then offer a red flower to the Sun (outside at the Navagrahas), and do Pradakshina 9 times while chanting “Shri Ram Ravaye Namaha.”
This particular eclipse especially affects those people whose Moon is in the sign of Cancer, Leo, or Virgo in their Jyotish (Vedic astrology) chart. Those people whose Moon is in Scorpio or Pisces also need to make sure to follow the guidelines suggested above.
Thank you for this relevant information.
Thank you for the clarification. I seem to have many friends on my Facebook who are planning on viewing this upcoming solar eclipse. I will post this link and hope they give a read as to why not to. I do know my Mom is rapidly failing as of today, so I will be astute as to things I can do to help alleviate her suffering. I need to play Ram for her and for me. Jai Guru Dev.
Once again, thank you for the info. I observed it during the lunar eclipse visible in Texas last year and felt somehow “better” for having observed this traditional method of working with eclipse energy.
I remember this from years past, with reminders from some jyotishi’s presently. I’m presuming this would apply to the lunar eclipse this week also? I believe it’s 11:11 am PDT on the 8th?
Hi Marty,
You bring up a good point. Yes, the information under the Eclipses in General heading apply to both solar and lunar eclipses. According to Panditji, there is less effect if the eclipse is not visible. So, the guidelines are for those in the visibility areas.
The visibility times for the lunar eclipse depend upon one’s location. Timeanddate.com can be a good resource for that.
I have the feeling I’m not going to like the answer to this, but I’ll ask anyway: Are harmful effects enlivened by watching a video of the eclipse, say a month or so later?
Hi Maura,
Thanks for asking the question that everyone wonders about, but never asks. Panditji says that it is fine to watch a video of the eclipse after the eclipse is over.
Interesting and helpful. Thank you!