We are in the midst of the two-part eclipse phase, which occurs two or sometimes three times a year. On each occasion we have a lunar and solar eclipse that follow at the full moon and subsequent new moon two weeks later. The total solar eclipse was about a week ago, on April 20 2023, and the coming lunar eclipse will be on the full moon of 5 May.
Classic artistic impression of the demon Rahu swallowing the sun.
Throughout this period and in fact through the entire 30 days around this period, the Sun is conjunct the lunar North Node, also known as Rahu (the Dragon’s Head) in Vedic cosmology and astrology found in India. Therefore currently the Sun and North Node are right next to each other or in the same place in the heavens, from earth’s point of view.
Now this conjunction of the Sun and North Node is considered to be an inauspicious omen or period for us to experience. Traditionally the ancient mythology of the Sanskrit Vedas talk about the pastime where the devas or demigods were assembled to receive the nectar of immortality from the chief god Vishnu. However, the demon Rahuketu secretly disguised himself and also joined the assembly.
As Vishnu gave the demon a sip of the nectar of immortality, the Sun and Moon noticed that it was an imposter and told Vishnu, who immediately cut of the head of the demon. However, since the nectar of immortality had already entered his throat, his head stayed immortal while the body was separated from it. Thus Rahu – the head or north node, was formed, along with Ketu the body/tail or south node.
At the eclipse moment, the sun or moon is said to be swallowed by the demons Rahu and Ketu. This is when the earth’s plane of ecliptic aligns with the sun or moon to an exact degree and the shadow actually obscures the luminary. During this time is is considered and inauspicious time, especially for those countries over which the shadow passes directly as is thus visible to the citizens.
Also during a total solar eclipse, like the one we had recently, last week on 20 April, it's considered dangerous for those symbolized by the sun, like the king or president of a nation, as well as any authority figures, and also the father, for example. When the lunar eclipse occurs, it is considered a bad omen for the citizens of that nation, rather than the king.
The recent total solar eclipse was seen over Australia and all the islands to its north, right up to the south island of Japan, who caught a faint slither of a view of the outer shadow, not the full eclipse. Apparently there was an assassination attempt on the president of Japan a few days just before the eclipse, which he escaped unharmed. I wonder if there is a correlation here?
Generally this period now is considered less than fortunate while we are in the middle of the eclipse season, as it’s sometimes called. The Sun and North Node are considered antithetical to each other. Fortunately the coming lunar eclipse will be a penumbral eclipse. This means only a thin slither of the outer shadow is involved and so it is not a total lunar eclipse at all, only partial.
Nevertheless it will be visible over almost all of the earth’s continents, except for the Americas. 6,6 billion people will be able to see it as it passes over entire Africa, Europe (not UK), Russia, Middle East, Asia, Australia and the islands north of Australia.
So for the next week or so watch out for the effect of the eclipse season upon us. Keep the ego in check as well as the propensity for greed. As traders and investors we can succeed when we wait with patience for price to come to us rather that chase price in a state of FOMO. Counteract the negative influence by giving in charity to those in need, even if it’s just food for the hungry.
Focus on your non-material growth, like that of your state of consciousness beyond the material body and mind, and mediate on your soul journey, your long term spiritual path, which continues after the departure from this temporary material body. Rahu/North Node’s conjunction with the Sun will favor that for the next week.
May the trade winds be in your favor.
(Image: https://prateek8686.blogspot.com/2015/06/rahu-and-sun-conjunction.html)