The July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse is the longest eclipse of the 21st century. It’s a total eclipse in certain parts of the world. The Moon will be full in Capricorn in the constellation or nakshatra of Shravana for the powerful lunar eclipse. This full Moon is known as Ashadha Purnima in Vedic astrology or Jyotish. This full Moon is being heralded as a red blood Moon. Quite notably, the full Moon falls on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima 2018. Shravana is symbolized by an ear and is known for enjoying ancient traditions. Thus, you may benefit from the sage advice of your teacher on this eclipse.
Planetary placements for the July 27 2018 lunar eclipse
In close proximity to the full Moon will be South node Ketu and a powerful Mars . The Sun, North node Rahu, and a newly retrograde Mercury will be in Cancer – opposite the Moon. Mars will also be the closest to the earth that it’s been since 2003. Thus, we have 6 of the 9 planets in Vedic astrology opposing and influencing each other during this eclipse. Retrogression brings planets closer to the earth and heightens their impact on the world. Currently, Mars and Mercury are retrograde. And Mars is also exalted, which brings it to its peak of aggressive strength. Yet, in an eclipse, a luminary (the Moon here) is obstructed from our view. It does not allow use to have proper perspective. As is commonly known in the astrological community, Donald Trump was born on a eclipse.
The planetary combinations for the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse brings together conflicting powerful energies. Mars wants to act. The full Moon heightens emotions, but then, it is not empowered to express them, given that the South node (Ketu) is obstructing it. This dynamic can create inner tension, outer turmoil, aggression, and natural disasters. That is why we follow specific practices during eclipses.
The eclipse begins in the nakshatra or star of Uttara Ashadha in Capricorn but moves into Shravana, where the Moon reaches its height of fullness. Thus, the eclipse has a wider ranging impact as it is spanning two planetary constellations. Mars will retrograde back from Shravana into Uttara Ashadha on July 27. Ketu is currently in Shravana, but will move into Uttara Ashadha in August.
Vedic astrology and eclipses
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 suggested that you stay inside. New undertakings should not be undertaken within 3 days of the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse.
While many people in the Western hemisphere intentionally view eclipses, this is never recommended in the tradition of Vedic astrology. Those who do look at them may suffer from greater difficulty in the future. The mythology related to the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, can help explain why eclipses are considered as inauspicious events. What follows is a very simplified version of the tale of the nodes.
The story of Rahu and Ketu
The nodes were initially embodied as demons who desired eternal life. One demon heard of a private gathering where the Gods were imbibing amrita, the nectar of immortality, which had arisen from the ocean. He so desired to join the party that he donned a disguise, gained admittance, and took a seat at the table. The amrita was passed around. The demon tasted it, squealed with delight, but was then discovered by the Sun and the Moon, who were seated on either side of him. Lord Vishnu threw his discus (chakra) and chopped the demon into two halves: the head (Rahu) and the tail (Ketu). Having tasted the nectar of immortality, Rahu is forever questing aimlessly for that elixir and is never satiated. Ketu is constantly trying to stay grounded, but lacks the ability to percieve. The nodes are also considered as inimical to the two luminaries who discovered his trickery.
Thus, the nodes are correlated with illusion and disguise. Rahu creates unending questing, ambition, and a hunger for whatever it feels it still needs to attain. There is the connotation of desiring to partake in a situation and with a group where it does not belong. Ketu is usually associated with spiritual pursuits, though the theme of questing is still active.
Visibility of the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse
This total eclipse is visible in Asia and Africa. The eclipse is partially visible in Europe, South America, and Australia. Those who reside in regions where the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse is visible need to be vigilant about their activities. This is particularly so if you have planets natally placed in Uttara Ashadha or Shravana (particularly your ascendant, Moon or Ketu) or are running a planetary cycle of Moon or Ketu. If the eclipse is not visible in your area (North America), then just be mindful, but it’s fine partake in your normal activities.
In New Delhi, India, the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse begins at 10:45 PM and ends on the 28th at 5 AM.
Vedamurti Shri Vivekshastri Godbole has spoken about the power of eclipses. He is a 16th 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 July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse:
These are particularly for those residing in regions where the eclipse is visible.
- Do not look at the eclipse. Stay inside for the duration of the eclipse and close your blinds.
- Bathe before and after a visible eclipse.
- Ideally do not eat 12 hours before the eclipse (or at least do not eat during the eclipse).
- Do not drink anything 3 hours before a lunar eclipse or during the eclipse.
- Focus on your mantra during this eclipse. If you do not have a mantra, then chant “Om”.
- Do not expose food to the rays of the Sun or Moon during the eclipse.
Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with medical problems do not have to strictly adhere to the non-eating or drinking guidelines, but they should prioritize their health.
Mantras for the eclipse
The lunar eclipse is connoted with Lord Shiva, since he is depicted with a crescent Moon on his forehead. Vedamurti Shri Vivek Godbole has suggested that you can chant a 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 which 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.
Since this eclipse coincides with Guru Purnima 2018, you may chant a mantra which your Guru has given you or devotionally chant the name of your Guru.
In Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, the Moon represents the manas or our emotional state. Jyotish is a lunar based system. Metaphorically, our emotions may get clouded. With Mercury retrograde in Cancer with the Sun and Rahu, our intellectual capacities may also not be performing at peak capacity.
Jyotish’s sister science, Ayurveda, traditionally uses the herbs Brahmi or Gotu Kola or Bacopa to strengthen our mental faculties.
World events and eclipses
A primary reason why you shouldn’t gaze at eclipses is due to current world events. Wherever you reside, you’ve witnessed instability. There’s been political unrest, natural disasters, and horrendous crimes against humanity. These types of events get magnified near eclipses. They may not happen on the same day as the eclipse, but they set the stage for more problematic events.
We can harness the powerful energy of the eclipse and direct it towards something more noble and uplifting. Use the time to focus on peace, do a spiritual practice, chant a mantra, pray, do a visualization, or whatever resonates with you. Imagine the powerful energetic effect which could manifest if millions were focusing on peace at the same time.
For those of you who claim not to believe in astrology, you likely believe in astronomy. Lunar and solar eclipses are considered as astronomical phenomena. Jyotish translates as “Vedic astrology and astronomy”. Astrology is based on the movement of planets across the zodiac. This includes tracking new and full Moons. Astrologers interpret the meaning of these planetary transits. Astronomy maps the position of the planets at any given time. These details are then overlaid with the placement of the planets in an individual’s birth chart.
If you still choose to look at the July 27, 2018 lunar eclipse or must be outdoors, please do so mindfully and safely. Focus on your internal state of mind rather than just the events in the sky. Connect to harmony and peace. Maintain your inner state, for the benefit of all.