The upcoming April 8, 2024 solar eclipse is the second in a pair of eclipses. A pair of eclipses create a great deal of intensity in the world as well as our personal lives. Yet, what will it do in the sky? In Jyotish, or, Vedic astrology and astronomy, eclipses are particularly powerful events. Eclipses occur when the nodes, Rahu (North) or Ketu (South) fall within a certain degree of the Sun / Moon. Since eclipses occlude the luminaries, the Sun or Moon, from our vision, they are viewed as inauspicious events in Vedic astrology. Jyotish suggests the the times of eclipses are ideal for spiritual practices.
The solar eclipse will occur on a new Moon (amavasya) when the two luminaries are closely aligned with South node Ketu. The eclipse will take place in happen in Pisces in Vedic astrology. The solar eclipse is known as a Surya grahan in Hindi.
VISIBILITY OF THE APRIL 8, 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE
According to time and date, the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse is visible in North America, the northern tip of South America, and a western portion of Europe. Parts of North America will experience a total eclipse, while others will be in the path of a partial eclipse.
If you live in North America, particularly the area where the eclipse is visible, then please stay indoors. Keep your blinds and curtains drawn during the time of the eclipse. It is advisable not to eat or drink during the time of the eclipse. Please do not keep food exposed to the eclipse’s rays (i.e. on a counter near a window).
However, if you reside in other areas of the world, you can go about your normal activities. It is still beneficial to be very mindful and do your practices.
Since this is the second in a pair of eclipses, it does have a powerful impact on us, even if it’s not visible.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUN
The Sun (Surya) represents the soul in Jyotish. It also signifies spirituality, religion, and vitality. Thus, during a solar eclipse, one of the nodes takes a hold of our soul.
Those in a Sun planetary cycle or with Sun in sidereal Pisces should be extra careful of their health. In Ayurveda, Sun represents asthi dhatu or the osseous system. Thus, bone injuries are more likely around and after the eclipse. Ayurveda offers solutions for healthy bones.
The Sun also governs our vision, so be careful of eye related problems. During an eclipse, our vision is both physically and metaphorically occluded. This is particularly so during the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.
Monday is a workday for most people. The Sun represents power, authority, government, and superiors. Don’t be confrontational or feel the need to be in the spotlight.
The Sun represents gold or wealth. Be conservative with financial outlays; do not take unnecessary risks.
REVATI NAKSHATRA
In the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse, the Sun, new Moon, and north node Rahu will be in the constellation of Revati. Close by, an exalted Venus will be in adjacent Uttara Bhadrapada nakahatra. South node Ketu will be in the constellation of Hasta in Virgo. The timing of the eclipse in California is from 8:42 AM to 1:53 PM, with the greatest eclipse at 11:17 AM.
To find the timing of the eclipse in your area, please visit the NASA Solar Eclipse Explorer website. It will also tell you whether the eclipse is partial or total in your area.
Solar eclipses happen on new Moons. On new Moons, our energy is low. As a symbol of nurturing, it takes greater effort for our body to receive nurturance.
The Moon is an archetype for women and for nurturing. Front and center these days is the legal battle for women’s health care rights.
Regardless of whether the eclipse is visible in your area, people with their ascendant, Sun, or Moon or Rahu in Revati, should exercise caution. For everyone, you can gauge the impact based on whatever Pisces specifies in your birth chart or whatever you have placed natally in Revati. Revati is the last 13 degrees and 20 minutes of sidereal Pisces.
Pisces is a water sign, associated with deep sentiments, so emotions will likely run high close to the eclipse. Revati is one of the more benevolent nakshatras in Jyotish. The deity is Pushan, the nurturer. He is responsible for safe travel across bodies of water. Thus, there can be more issues in large bodies of water, whether it is trouble over or in the water or something which creates a catastrophe in the water. Since Rahu represents poisons, there could be some kind of water contamination problems.
Revati is known for caring for the elderly and for foster care, so take this opportunity to help those in need.
Revati is also associated with the feet, so be careful of any foot injuries. Revati is known for planning and scheduling; double check your calendar and make sure everything has been properly communicated. Mercury retrograde began a few days ago.
Important new endeavors should not be commenced for several days before or after this eclipse, whether it is visible in your area or not.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE APRIL 8, 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE
People are flying or traveling great distances just to see the eclipse. This is the epitome of Rahu – chasing after fleeting sense pleasures, acting impulsively, and wanting more. The nodes pull us in with their desires to seek new and exciting sense pleasures. Venus’s proximity to the eclipse adds to the passionate desire for a fling with the senses.
The person garnering the most media time these days was born during a visible eclipse, with the nodes in Scorpio and Taurus. Eclipses play a great role in creating veiled behavior and in unveiling it. Yet, there is the relentless pursuit of wanting more. That is evidenced these days by “eclipse chasers” who travel anywhere to see an eclipse.
Rather than gazing at an eclipse, it’s recommended that a person spend time indoors during an eclipse, engaged in meditation or other spiritual practices. If it is not visible in your area, you do not have to stay indoors.
Vedamurti Vivekshakastri Godbole, a 15th generation Brahmin pandit in India had this to say regarding eclipses:
“The eclipses affect our mind and and our physical body. The scriptures say eclipses create financial or physical problems and sometimes new diseases. There can also be natural disasters around the time of an eclipse. This is why people should not look at the eclipse.”
“If the eclipse is visible, people should bathe before and after an eclipse. It is best for adults not to eat 12 hours before an eclipse and not to drink anything for 3 to 3.5 hours before am eclipse. That way, during the eclipse they can focus on their mantra. If you have no mantra, just chant OM. For pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with medical issues, it is ok to use the bathroom during the eclipse, but we advise that if adults do not eat or drink, then they will not have to use the bathroom often.”
“Pregnant women need to be most cautious about looking at eclipses. The eclipse’s rays affects the unborn child. Pregnant ladies should not sleep during the eclipse. They should rest in an easy chair and repeat God’s name.”
He continues, “ All those impacted by the eclipse should set a sankalpa or an intention during the eclipse to donate to a local charity. After the eclipse, they may go and make the donation.”
PRACTICES FOR THE APRIL 8, 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE
These are recommendations for both the days before and after the eclipse.
Since the Sun represents the light around you, you could donate to a charity which does eye surgeries or helps the visually impaired or the blind. Or, donate to a health organization, especially one which helps with heart disease.
Chant a mantra for the Sun or for Revati nakshatra.
Chant the Gayatri Mantra
Chant a mantra for Pisces (Meena rashi)
Take time for chanting, meditation, and contemplation
Take time to nurture yourself.
Do not take things personally.
Avoid making major life decisions or transitions.
Be wary of what may be hidden or unseen if something seems too good to be true.
Watch your ego and your temper
Try not to over-exert yourself.
Be very mindful with your diet and digestion
Avoid travel over water (i.e. cruises)
Do not engage in any conflicts with your superiors
Be very conservative with financial outlays
Following the eclipse, Mars and Saturn enter into an exact conjunction or planetary war in sidereal Aquarius. This could lead to greater political tension in the world. I will write about upcoming astronomical events, on the blog and on my Facebook page.