“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life” – Jessica Lanyadoo
When the disc of the moon completely covers the sun during daylight hours, we call this a Total Eclipse of the Sun. Technically, the three celestial bodies Earth, Moon and Sun become completely aligned. Through the ages, this spectacular and dramatic event was seen as a ‘bad omen” by anyone who experienced it.
Imagine how terrifying it would have felt to have complete darkness in the middle of the day! Although some would say that any emotional reactions to the event are psychological-astrologically, it is believed that the solar eclipse affects our energy-body, mind and soul. This one in particular, in the fiery sign of Leo, will ignite many emotional fires and their energies can be felt for the next six months.
You may feel your own energy shift, feel a bit out of sorts or feel more sensitive to the energy of those around you. Any issues that get triggered around this time can feel that much more potent.
Please practice self-care and put your supports in place. Don’t skimp on the yoga this week and don’t be surprised if your shivasana brings tears of release.
Reports of unusual animal reactions to solar eclipses date back centuries. Birds stop singing, crickets start chirping and flowers begin to close. One of the earliest stories comes from Italian monk Ristoro d’Arezzo, who described what happened during a total eclipse on June 3, 1239. As the sun disappeared and the sky turned dark, “all the animals and birds were terrified; and the wild beasts could easily be caught,” he wrote. During an eclipse seen in Portugal on August 21, 1560, astronomer Christoph Clavius wrote that during totality, “stars appeared in the sky and (marvellous to behold) the birds fell down from the sky to the ground in terror of such horrid darkness.” Anecdotal evidence suggests that orb-weaving spiders destroy their webs during an eclipse and then create them again once the eclipse is over. Scientists have recently created an app called, Life Responds, which they hope the public will use to observe and report animal behaviour thus enhancing their studies. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/animals-react-total-solar-eclipse-august-space-science/
How much of an eclipse will Canadians see? http://globalnews.ca/news/3680019/solar-eclipse-2017-what-to-know/ Canadians will see a partial eclipse, with the western coast seeing the most dramatic coverage of the sun. Canadians in Victoria will see as much as 91 per cent of the sun go dark, giving them the best view in the country, according to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). Vancouver residents are close behind at 88 per cent. The eclipse will move east afterward, giving those in Regina about 80 per cent of an eclipse, and those in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto 70 to 75 per cent coverage. Ottawa and Montreal will see a 60 to 70 per cent partial eclipse. Those further east in Quebec City, Halifax and St. John’s will be 60 per cent or less. REMEMBER: LOOKING DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING AN ECLIPSE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE A Solar Eclipse is really about awakening; new beginnings; resetting your life or the areas in your life that you are willing to change. It is also a powerful time of healing and rebirth.
Here are some affirmations for the Solar Eclipse according to Astrological Signs: Many Moons, 2017, Vol 2: July-December
Repeat the affirmation many times throughout your day and meditate on its meaning for you, particularly during your shivasana.
Aries: My power to adapt allows me to grow at my own pace
Taurus: There is enough room for everyone’s success
Gemini: My voice is a powerful tool and I can use it to heal
Cancer: Dance and movement help me channel my connection to the Divine
Leo: I am a creator. I determine what I am willing to experience
Virgo: I honour my future with a willingness to change: I release the things that are no longer serving me
Libra: I am open to the flow of my life; I can learn from any life experience
Scorpio: Collaboration helps me build my dreams without my ego getting in the way
Sagittarius: I give to others from a place of abundance within myself and am fed by the act of giving
Capricorn: ‘A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for’ W.G.T. Shedd
Aquarius: I am willing to carry the responsibility of my wisdom and privileged
Pisces: I am willing to see the truth of the dark and the light.
Be good to yourselves all beautiful sensitive souls-practice self-love and don’t be afraid to feel the magic.
– Written by Pina Marino
