The April 4, 2015 lunar eclipse, or “blood Moon”, is being called the shortest eclipse of the century by NASA. This total eclipse will be visible in North America, South America, Asia, and parts of Australia. Lunar eclipses occur when there is a full Moon and the Sun and Moon are close to the nodes Rahu and Ketu. In Jyotish or Vedic astrology, the eclipse takes place in Virgo in the constellation or nakshatra of Hasta.
According to NASA, the April 4, 205 lunar eclipse begins at 2 AM Pacific time in the Northern California area and ends at 9 AM locally. By 9 AM, the eclipse will not be visible, but the partial eclipse is still visible until the sun rises at approximately 7 AM.
Both the Moon and North node Rahu will be in Hasta nakshatra during the April 4, 2015 lunar eclipse. The Sun, South node Ketu, and a debilitated Mercury are across them in Pisces. Virgo represents health, daily routines, and strategies, among other significations. With Moon and Rahu partaking in an eclipse there, you may think you are making positive, health promoting or life enhancing strategic decisions, but be sure and think twice! The nodes can grab hold of our mind (the Moon) and our intellect (Mercury). As shadowy planets, the nodes always make things appear other than what they actually are.
The symbol of Hasta nakshatra is the hand. We use our hands to grasp onto ideas and to objects. With Hasta, there can be a tendency to try and control everything. A great need to control can turn into a clenched fist that needs to get its way. Rahu’s ambition can get carried away with wanting whatever it desires, in the time and manner in which fits its time frame, whether realistic or not.
Moon and Rahu together do lend itself to creativity, especially with humor, word play, and fun-loving activities which summon up memories of youthfulness. Once the eclipse ends, don’t take yourself too seriously and spend the time engaged in enjoyable pursuits, perhaps even artistic activities which utilize the hands.
The deity of Hasta is Savitar, a Sun God. Thus, Hasta is connected with the Gayatri mantra. There’s also a strong connection to yoga in Hasta. As we never advise looking at any eclipse in Jyotish, think of other ways in which to harness the power of this energy. You can spend time in meditation, contemplation, or chanting the Gayatri Mantra. Keep your blinds closed so that the rays of the eclipse do not enter your home. It is best to stay indoors during the eclipse.
It’s advisable not to eat or drink during the eclipse. Food should not be exposed to the rays of the eclipse either. And it’s inadvisable to undertake new ventures during the days leading up this eclipse or on the day itself.
The April 4, 2015 lunar eclipse also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, or the birthday of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is the monkey God who is the faithful servant to Lord Rama. While Hanuman performed miraculous deeds, he did so only with the goal of selfless service in mind. Another way in which we can align ourselves with the eclipse is by chanting the Hanuman Chalisa or Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.
Visit the NASA website to find out the local times of the April 4, 2015 in your area so that you can plan your day and night accordingly.