We are about to experience our second solar eclipse of the year, one of the few moments when the unvarying, everlasting light of the Sun appears to dim and darken. This is a time when shadows both within and without arise to obscure the light, and it can be a potent period for spiritual development if we know how to comport ourselves properly.
For our ancient astrological ancestors, the Sun was associated with stability, constancy, and eternity. Its light never waxes or wanes, and its passage through the sky is so steady and reliable that we use it to define time - both day/night time and calendrical time.
For this reason, the Sun was associated with the realm of Spirit, and the eternal, absolute truths that transcend the flux of the material world. As our local star, it is truly our access point to the starry heavens above from which humanity originates.
So you can imagine the deeply concerning nature of an eclipse: when our personal herald of eternity - our portal to paradise - suddenly dims and sometimes even disappears entirely. The forces of flux and change in the physical world attack the light of the spirit. Materiality consumes eternity.
For this reason, eclipses often carry sinister overtones; stories of the Sun being nearly devoured by twisted demons or dragons abound throughout the mythologies of the world. While eclipses aren’t evil in a moral sense, they do cause serious changes to our lives, and should be managed with a certain level of gravity.
In our personal lives, we often experience disruptions, changes, and some sort of loss as old patterns, behaviors, and relationships fall away in order to make room for new growth. Simply put, the parts of our lives touched on by this alignment are eclipsed.
Because they tend to stir up so much in our lives, spiritual practices and meditations done during eclipses are said to have greatly magnified effects. Psychologically, so much more gunk arises from the subconscious that spiritual disciplines can heal and integrate; externally, spiritual practices ensure that we respond to these major transitions in our lives in the best possible way, and achieve the cleanest, clearest outcomes. If we treat eclipses with mindfulness and respect, we can set ourselves up for a great deal of good fortune in the long run.
This upcoming solar eclipse will occur in the fiery, fixed sign of Leo, where the Sun has rulership and the luminous radiance of the spirit shines most clearly.
Leo is ruled by the Sun, the lord of Spirit, destiny, and the absolute self. Of the seven classical planets, the Sun is closest in essence to the stars in the heavens from which our spirits descended into the material world. As such, the Sun holds the keys to our core, original spirit, as well as the desires intentions that this spirit wishes to fulfill on the earth.
Because of this strong associated with the Sun, Leonine people have the easiest connection to their own absolute spirit and its intentions. Of all the signs of the zodiac, Leo knows most clearly who it is and what it wants. Like the spirit of our heats, Leo is vulnerable, authentic, and true. The integrity of Leo’s actions is never in question, either from others or from within. Thus aligned with absolute spirit, Leonine people have unshakeable resolve, and often unwavering loyalty.
This eclipse, you can temper and strengthen your connection to your own highest self, as well as its desires and motivations for this life. We all have the opportunity now to receive the gift of Leonine clarity and self-assuredness, if we can meet our shadows with grace and let them reveal our spirit in greater detail. You can feel more clarity on what truly drives and motivates you, and feel more enthusiasm to align your life with this newfound inspiration.
What do you truly care about? What kind of legacy and impact do you want to leave on the world? How would you like to leave it when you’re gone? Go beyond egoic, small desires – find your real passion, and make concrete steps this eclipse to make your dharma into a reality.
You may also find that some of your intentions and desires begin to feel out of sync with your spirit’s passions. The excitement they used to bring you has faded away - like looking at old clothes that no longer fit you, you may feel like you have outgrown certain habits and behaviors in your life. Allow them to melt away in solar, leonine authenticity. Allow this eclipse to bring you back home to yourself.
Journaling, meditation, and quiet reflection are greatly supported during an eclipse. As the shadows of the world assail the Sun, our own inner shadows can rise up to assail our own inner light. Do not be reactive or afraid of whatever darkness reveals itself: just like the eclipse, it is transient and fleeting; it will pass through you without truly touching you. And you will be stronger for it.
Most traditions strongly discourage even going outside and getting sunlight on your person during an eclipse. This might be overkill, but at the very least have some protective stones or herbs such as Black Tourmaline or High John the Conqueror if you do go outside. For other protections: take a salt bath; smudge your house or sprinkle it with blessed water.
I understand some people don’t like thinking of eclipses this way. I’ve been accused of reinforcing a “fear mentality.” Well, would you accuse me of reinforcing a fear mentality if I cautioned you against jumping into a volcano? Just like a volcano, eclipses can cause harm regardless of your mentality about it. It’s a brute fact. And humanity has not evolved beyond the effects of celestial configurations like this. It is what it is.
And at the end of the day: isn’t life hard enough already?? Why not take the precautions our ancestors gave us to make life easier?
But most importantly, if you follow the traditional protocols, you’ll create the ideal conditions for spiritual growth and development that you can access during this time. This can be an incredible time for shadow-work, if you treat it with proper respect.
This eclipse, allow the shadows and darkness of the inner world to arise, and meet them with the gentle light of your awareness. By giving the inner shadows the proper space and attention they deserve during this time, you’ll relieve yourself of great psychic weight, and create far more space within yourself for the light of your eternal soul. You’ll be gathering the lead that you can then turn into gold of the spirit.
From such an attitude of inner equanimity, no pain, darkness, or unhealed part of yourself will conquer you. Rather, they will only make you stronger. And ultimately, every shadow that arises during this eclipse will become fuel for the light of your spirit.