New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Bharani Nakshatra
-Sidereal, Vedic Astrology-
* Painting by Georgia O’Keefe*
What is a Solar Eclipse?
Today, April 30th is both a new moon and a partial solar eclipse. A phenomenon that occurs twice in a year. The moon will temporarily disappear behind the Sun at around 16 degrees of Sidereal Aries. Both the Sun and Moon are conjoined the North node, Rahu, the eclipse point of the zodiac. A solar eclipse takes place when the moon, during its orbit around the earth, happens to line up exactly at a point between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the light of the Sun from our perspective here on Earth. Every 1.5 years, the zodiac sign that the eclipse takes place in changes. ‘The nakshatra’, the lunar zodiac sign changes daily as the moon travels more quickly. This cosmic event is unique to this moment in time and will colour our inner and outer experiences.
Our ancestors both feared and revered eclipses for their potentially disruptive influences on the Earth by way of weather & earth changes, and for their ability to stir to the surface layers of the subconscious, hidden impulses and the ripening of certain karmas from the Deep and previously unmanifest. Eclipses are not to be feared. All experiences we attract are necessary for our personal and collective evolution.
We use tools such as Vedic astrology to become aware of the eclipse taking place and we intentionally simplify our life during these times, not doing anything overly stressful or putting any pressure on ourselves, perhaps avoiding larger social gatherings where we can feel ungrounded. We can know that our emotional triggers can be heightened during these times, so we may vow to take the high road, instead of engaging in any potential arguments or sensitive discussions. Eclipses can stir up drama, so be aware of this. It can sometimes feel almost impossible not to bite the bait as the psychological drives and impulses are very powerful.
What is really special though, is to become very intentional during these times. Create a space for yourself to meditate, to journal, to sing or play music, light a candle. Eclipses can be very transformational in a positive sense.
For those that allow themselves some silence and contemplative space, you may notice an access to the subtle, primordial energy more so than usual. Pure intentions and prayer can be amplified during this time and great insights can also be received. It just isn’t a time to put insight into action as there is instability within the field of cause and effect.