The first lunar eclipses this year occurs on February 10. Lunar eclipses occur on full Moons. This full Moon is known as Magh Purnima in Vedic astrology or Jyotish. Thus the Moon will be full in Cancer in the constellation or nakshatra of Ashlesha for the February 10, 2017 lunar eclipse.
In close proximity to full Moon will be North node Rahu in Leo, in the neighboring nakshatra of Magha. Sun and Mercury will be opposite the Moon in Capricorn.
Ashlesha is called “the star of entwinement”. The symbol of Ashlesha is a coiled snake. Ashlesha is known in Western astronomy as Eplison Hdyra. Hydra is a water snake. Ashlesha is composed of six stars that form a hexagon that resembles a serpent’s head. The deity of Ashlesha is the Sarpas or the Nagas. The Nagas were the deities which were half serpent and half human. Ga means “to go” and is connoted with the senses. Adding the prefix “Na”, Naga translates as “to not go”. Snakes have the ability to go where others can’t. Ashlesha dominant individuals have very keen senses and are quite perceptive and intuitive. The Sarpas were very courageous and strong. They could be both violent when seriously provoked, but also had a certain charm and elegance about them. It is important for Ashlesha dominant people to be of service.
Ashlesha is also connoted with the kundalini shakti, the spiritual energy which lies dormant at the base of the spine. It lies like a coiled snake until it is properly awakened by a Guru. Like a snake, Ashlesha can be quite mesmerizing. They can use their words to manipulate or persuade.
Typically, Vedic astrology advises that eclipses are times for inwardly directed activity and not for gazing at the Sun or Moon. A lunar eclipse is known as a Chandra grahan in Hindi. It is also best if you stay inside. New undertakings should not happen 3 days after the February 10, 2017 lunar eclipse. For the next 6 months, each time the Moon is in Ashlesha, you should also not commence any new ventures.
This eclipse is visible in North America, Asia, Europe and South America. Those who reside in regions where the February 10, 2017 lunar eclipse is visible need to be vigilant about their activities. This is particularly so if you have planets natally placed in Ashlesha (particularly your ascendant, Moon, or Rahu) or are running a planetary cycle of Moon or Rahu. If the eclipse is not visible in your area, then just be mindful but it’s fine to go about your normal activities.
TIMING OF THE FEBRUARY 10, 2017 LUNAR ECLIPSE
According to NASA, the February 10, 2017 lunar eclipse is visible from 2:30 PM to 6:55 PM in San Francisco, CA. In Asia, the eclipse is on February 11, 2017 from 4:04 AM to 8:23 AM in Mumbai, India. Please check the NASA website to learn what times the eclipse occurs in your region.
Vedamurti Shri Vivek Shastri Godbole has spoken about the power of eclipses. He is a 15th generation Brahmin and scholar who has imbibed the Vedic scriptures. “The eclipses affect our mind and and our physical body. The scriptures state that 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.”
Recommended practices for the February 10, 2017 lunar eclipse:
1. Do not look at the eclipse. Stay inside for the duration of the eclipse and close your blinds.
2. Bathe before and after a visible eclipse
3. Ideally do not eat 12 hours before the eclipse (or at least do not eat during the eclipse).
4. Do not drink anything 3 hours before a lunar eclipse or during the eclipse.
5. Focus on your mantra during this eclipse. If you do not have a mantra, then chant Om.
6. Do not expose food to the rays of the Sun or Moon during the eclipse.
For pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with medical issues, they do not have to strictly adhere to the non-eating or drinking guidelines, but should put their health first.
The lunar eclipse is connoted with Lord Shiva, since he is depicted with a crescent Moon on his forehead. It is beneficial to chant a Shiva mantra during a lunar eclipse. Vedamurti Shri Vivek Godbole has suggested that you can chant Hreem Namah Shivaya, Shreem Namah Shivaya, Aim Namah Shivaya, or another Shiva mantra you are familiar with. Other chants which are powerful to perform during a lunar eclipse are the Chandi path (Durga Sapta Shlokhi), Shri Rudram, the Purusha Suktam, or the Guru Gita. Another mantra you may chant is Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. As you chant during the eclipse, the mantra becomes siddha or perfected. Chant for at least 15 to 30 minutes during the eclipse.
If you’d like to know how to plan for the months ahead, please schedule a Vedic astrology reading. You will be directed to an online booking calendar once you submit payment.