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A concentration of energy occurs twice a year on average as the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up in space, creating solar and lunar eclipses. Solar eclipses take place on the New Moon and lunar eclipses on the Full Moon, always two weeks apart. They are events when the luminaries in the sky literally go into the dark shadow, compelling us to go inward for guidance. They are necessarily for our benefit.

The Sun, Surya, is the king of the solar system. According to Jyotish, this sattvic planet is the Para Atman and represents our non-individualized soul nature, the True Self. Shining continuously, he governs vision, self-confidence, and personal power. The Moon, Chandra, is the sattvic queen. She is the Jiva Atman and represents our individual heart/mind. Reflecting the light of the Sun, she governs motherhood, receptivity and connection to sentient beings. But we live out our physical life on planet Earth and it governs the physical body. Eclipses are important moments when body, mind and spirit line up in space; their effects can be felt for weeks.

On September 1st 2016 the Sun will be partially eclipsed in Leo, the sign of dominion that it rules. It will be a time for all of us to look inward to find our authentic centralized power. Anxiety usually rises as we struggle to do so. The Moon will be eclipsed on September 16th in Aquarius, the opposite sign of larger social groups. As the Moon darkens, a quiet mind will be needed to feel our connection to the rest of humanity. Depression is common. What advice do the great Jyotishi offer for an eclipse cycle? Prepare yourself so you don’t buckle under the pressure, witness yourself so you learn something, and wait for the return of the Light.