According to Vedic astrology, eclipses aren’t a time for being outdoors or even less, hosting a picnic.
The upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21, is considered a rare event when several planets will be aligned to cause a temporary yet complete obfuscation of solar light.
What’s happening
The Sun, the Moon and the north lunar node Rahu— an invisible yet powerful energy that is responsible for the eclipse rituals will be together in the sign ruled by the Sun, Leo. This is also the 5th natural house of creativity, divine intelligence, performing arts and politics.
The Sun rules our vitality, general well-being, success and governmental figures.
The Moon rules the mind, our emotions, water, and mother figures.
Rahu is fast and electric and can bring fear, surprises and tension.
Adding to this trio, Mercury retrograde will also be in Leo. Mercury rules your intellect, communication and business.
According to the classical texts of Solar Eclipse Vedic Astrology, an eclipse is not a positive omen for the countries in which the eclipse is fully visible. It’s also considered inauspicious for world governments, as the Sun is the planet representing rulers and VIPs.
Moreover, Saturn—the enemy of the Sun and planet of delays and old age—is influencing Leo and therefore this eclipse.
What to do
- Do not view the eclipse directly, even if wearing sunglasses.
- If possible, avoid or reduce your exposure to the outdoors during the eclipse (especially if you’re pregnant or recovering from illness).
- Do not begin new, important activities such as launching a special project or making large investments on August 21, the actual eclipse day.
- Do not eat a large meal during the eclipse—and if possible, avoid eating on August 21, between 6:33 am and 3 pm Eastern Time (3:33 am to 12 noon Pacific Time; 4:03 pm to 12:30 am Indian Standard Time), the eclipse hours.
- You can eat right at the end of the eclipse.
- You can also take a shower after the eclipse with the intention of removing the negative energy.
- Sponsor a Tarpanam ritual for your ancestors.
- At home: Put in your right hand some rice powder and black sesame seeds sprinkled with a few drops of cold water. Put the hand over a sink (alternatively, you can do this on the ground outside of your home). Call on your departed ancestors and ask them to come and take the offering. Tell your ancestors to be at peace and encourage them to cross into the light. Ask for their blessings. Pour a glass of clean, cold water over the offering in your hand. Wash your hands.
- Sponsor a ceremony to the archetype Lord Vishnu—the celestial being who preserves the universe.
- Feeding the poor on August 21 is believed to protect you from the negative—and potentially long-term— effects of this solar eclipse.
- At home: You can recite the traditional sounds for Vishnu—OM NAMO NARAYANAYA. Or listen to a recording of the traditional mantra for Vishnu known as Vishnu Sahasranama. Or: You can recite OM NAMASHIVAYA to Shiva. You can also download a version of a protective chant called the Mrityunjaya Mantra for Shiva.
- If you can, it’s recommended to participate in solar eclipse ritual to pacify all the nine Vedic planets.
- Pay special attention if you’re born in the following birth stars or nakshatras: Ashwini, Aslesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Moola, Jyeshta and Revati.
The above steps are believed to create a powerful protective shield around you and your loved ones.
Donatella Riback (Lalitha Devi) is an empowered Pillai Center Teacher and a certified Vedic astrologer.
by Lalitha Devi
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