Eclipses and how to Thrive in these Times
Eclipses open up new portals and new dimensions into our lives. Eclipses occur when the dragon’s head and tail, also known as the Nodes of the Moon, are conjunct either the Sun or the Moon. This can occur when a Node is conjunct the New Moon and Sun known as a Solar Eclipse, or when the Node is conjunct the Full Moon known as a Lunar Eclipse. These are potent portals that work together as a unit, moving in 18-19 year cycles. The ramifications may contain threads of stories that could last for two years, or possibly even eighteen, 36, 54, 72.
The Babylonians were the first astrologers to track these cycles which are called Saros Cycles which as one looks at the broad strokes on the canvas, can run over 1000 years. What we see in our lives is only a mere blink of an eye compared to the storyline that is running through an Eclipse cycle.
The Nodes of the Moon are not physical astronomical bodies, they are points in space, like vortexes of energy. This suggests that they carry cosmic meaning. In Vedic astrology the Nodes have been compared to a cosmic dragon, a mother of all serpents. Just like a serpent sheds its skin, so does the dragon with massive deaths and births.
The North Node, or ascending node shows where the Moon crosses the ecliptic from south to north. This is the Dragon’s head, the path of Dharma, essentially where we learn to fly by falling down, a space of spiritual growth and integration. This offers new learning experiences which can lead to personal growth. It is awkward and the wild unknown. During an eclipse time can literally speed up, or timelines may dramatically switch.
The South Node, or the descending node is conversely indicated by the Moon’s path from a northerly to southerly celestial latitude. This is the path of karma, our gifts, the shadow, where one feels familiar and where one can get stuck. The South Node as past represents the path of least resistance. However, this is where we come from, it is the memory of how we utilized and applied our knowledge and skills. The South Node is a reservoir of resources. One could say that it is our connection to the Akashic records.
Eclipses bring Truth. Truth that we need to see, know and feel, despite how uncomfortable the results may be. Many ancient cultures regarded Eclipses with fear, as they often brought disasters and difficulty. In fact, many indigenous peoples around the world have a practice of being sheltered during an Eclipse and in deep meditation or ceremony.
Eclipses tend to mark major events from births to deaths, and other momentus beginnings and endings, quite often herradling vast, unexpected shifts. With all Eclipses there is an ending and a beginning. Although a Lunar Eclipse is more focused on endings, emotions and the revelation of true character, while a Solar Eclipse is more focused on new beginnings, bright possibility, and hope.
An Eclipse Season asks us to be fully present, vigilant and aware in our lives. This is a time to walk with compassion and groundedness, tune into your local community and trust your gut instincts. It is best to not make important decisions or take dramatic actions on an Eclipse, although sometimes the Eclipse energy will demand you to do so. Eclipses move in a series and disperse the pearls of wisdom in the most perfect way. During the actual time of an Eclipse, it is ideal to be meditating and near or in water. Meditation is beneficial as the actions taken during the precise time of an Eclipse may be magnified for time to come. Therefore positive activities will benefit all of humanity.
How to Thrive
A daily practice of some kind is absolutely non-negotiable on Earth at this time. For 11 minutes a day you could have an efficient practice that will keep you resilient, and of course, a more in depth practice is encouraged. This daily practice will look different for everyone, however it is beautiful to blend grounding, movement, breathwork, meditation, gratitude, and prayer. During an Eclipse Portal it is essential to ground each day.
A simple practice I offer and utilize is to place my bare hands and feet on the Earth. I ask Mother Earth to take anything that is not mine, to clear the electronic radiation, and to feel my Soul. I speak to Mother Earth as I am her child, and give gratitude and explicit requests where I need assistance. If you are looking for more support in this art, please consider joining me in a nine week experiential course I’ve crafted called EarthSeed.
Quick Tips to Assist Your Eclipse Journey
Drink lots of water, in fact extra water is needed during Eclipses
When feeling recklessly emotional, drink an entire large glass of water to flush the mind
3 long deep Breaths
Cold showers or plunges in Nature
Long walks
Dead Sea salt baths
Turn off your electronic devices for at least an hour or more
Adaptogenic teas and Nourishing Herbal Infusions
Mentally chant Victory as you place the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth
Give gratitude for what is working. As the old falls, new potentials are coming to life!