Solar eclipse July 2, 2019

The upcoming total solar eclipse of July 2, 2019  seems to be generating a lot of attention online. 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 July 2, 2019 will occur on a new Moon when the two luminaries are closely aligned North node Rahu.  It will happen in Gemini in Vedic astrology.  The solar eclipse is known as a Surya grahan in Hindi.

VISIBILITY OF THE SOLAR ECLIPSE JULY 2, 2019

According to time and date, the solar eclipse July 2, 2019 is only visible in South America; This total solar eclipse will be visible from small parts of Chile and Argentina just before sunset. Some regions in the Pacific and in South America, including locations in Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay will see a partial solar eclipse, if the weather permits.

If you live in South America, particularly the area where the eclipse is visible, then please follow the recommendations below.

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. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUN

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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 Gemini  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 solar eclipse July 2, 2019.

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ARDRA NAKSHATRA

In the solar eclipse July 2, 2019, the Sun and Moon will be in the constellation of Ardra. Close by, North node Rahu will be in the constellation of Punarvasu. 

Regardless of whether the eclipse is visible in your area, people with their ascendant, Sun, or Moon in Ardra, should exercise caution.  For everyone, you can gauge the impact based on whatever Gemini specifies in your birth chart or whatever you have placed natally in Ardra.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE JULY 2, 2019

Given that the eclipse is happening in Ardra nakshatra, which has a connotation to storms, we can expect to seem more water related disasters around the time of the eclipse. This can include heavy storms, flooding, or further issues with water contamination.

It’s a good time to take action regarding water related environmental issues, including the polar ice caps. This can come in the form of letters, petitions, or helping particular causes.

Since Gemini is an air sign, there may be some sky related accidents or mishaps. Politically, the subject of missile and attacks are likely to be broached again. Given that Mars is debilitated during the time of the eclipse, it lends itself to further discord and political tension.

New endeavors should not be commenced for several days before or after this eclipse, whether it is visible in your area or not.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE JULY 2, 2019 

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. It’s a time to eat lightly and eat pure foods. Shades should be drawn. Food should not be kept out and exposed to solar rays.  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.”

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PRACTICES FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE JULY 2, 2019

Since the Sun represents light 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. You can also help those who have been displaced by flooding or storms. 

Chant a Shiva mantra during the eclipse. Chanting Shri Rudram can be very powerful. Additionally, you can chant a mantra for the Sun and the nodes, especially Rahu.  You may also chant mantras for Ardra nakshatra and for Punarvasu.  If you have a rudraksha mala, you can also wear that. 

I will write another post about the lunar eclipse, upcoming Mercury retrograde, and more upcoming astronomical events, on the blog and on my Facebook page.