navigate eclipses powerfully
SET YOURSELF UP FOR BALANCE, GROUNDING AND STABILITY IN CHALLENGING ENERGY CYCLES
EMERGE RADIANT AND ENERGISED
Eclipses activate planetary energetic storms with the synchronous alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth. There is a temporary disruption in the relationship of these three celestial bodies. The effect of this can be felt on the collective level and individual psyche by those of us who are tuned in. Gravity affects us whether we believe in it or not. By preparing ourselves with the right knowledge and tools, we can ride this energy cycle not only without getting drained and derailed - but emerging from the cycle with more clarity, joy and radiance.
These are not just any guidelines, but lifelines for me to bring power, grace and wisdom into challenging energies:
breathe and appreciate
Let's begin with appreciation for yourself. Your radical willingness and courage to be a force of love and sanity in a chaotic world is inspiring. Breathe all the way into your belly. Send the breath of love into your heart, your whole body and being.
activate Retreat mode
Set aside a chunk of time every day from normal activity. Use this for soulful spaciousness, inner nourishment and connection with your neglected parts.
Tend to your mind-body-spirit in this time.
Invite compassion for shadow behaviours of your own and others that are likely to be triggered.
Remember to forgive yourself and others easily and as often as necessary.
Eat well and hydrate properly. Spend time with nature. Oil your body and scalp. Feel your feelings.
Move, sing, doodle, and be creative just for the sake of it.
things to lean into
Any practices that ground and stabilise you:
Meditation, chanting, devotional practice, being with nature, calming music, silence, yoga, mantra and breath work. Spiritual practice that supports you to be centred, calm and grounded has an exponential effect around the eclipse.
things to avoid
Eclipses are great times to step back from visibility.
2-3 days on either side and especially on the day: Avoid launching new ventures, starting collaborations or signing contracts, it's ok to continue working on things that are already in the works; Avoid big celebrations or unnecessary long distance travel.
things to delay
Take care of important conversations and significant discussions outside this time period. You will likely see hidden patterns in your exchanges with others, which may upset you and result in undesirable conflict. Put these conversations on your eclipse list too, take them up after the emotional charge has passed and you're centred in calm.
things to watch out for
Watch out for sudden, forceful internal impulse hijacks. These are typical of eclipse energy and usually tend to lead us down a slippery slope of regression into non-serving habits.Wait and watch until the eclipse cycle is over. Review your desire again after the eclipses pass and check for alignment. Make an eclipse list where you write down creative energy idea surges before rushing into action. If you slip, forgive yourself and get back on track - beating yourself up is not useful.
things to make space for
Befriend your emotions, they are likely to arise from the buried crevices of our psyche in order to be acknowledged and released. They are healthy, natural and normal. Accepting our emotional selves without judgement makes us whole, complete and powerful. Our inner compass can function properly to guide us in feeling our way forward through situations, opportunities and challenges.
Things to reduce
Reduce vata (air) inducing inputs like caffeine, alcohol and screen time that increase mental activity. You can fast from social media and screens for the eclipse day to ground and stabilise your nervous system. Our diet is more than what we eat. We become whatever we expose ourselves to with social media, entertainment and content. Reduce the time spent in needless noise and rejuvenate in the field of silence.
bring your sense of humour
When things go awry, and they will, try to see the funny side. It's not personal, the energy IS bumpy, rough and unpredictable. Being uptight will only ruin the mood and make us miserable. On the other hand, if we find equanimity during difficulty, we're definitely winning!
Nature bathing
Spend time being with nature. Immerse your senses and Being in the sounds, smells and sights of the natural world. Walk barefoot on the Earth when possible.
Eat well and hydrate
Take time over your meals, eat slowly and chew your food well. Do not watch screens or multi-task. Invest in unprocessed, freshly prepared, warm, grounding foods that are rich in Prana and easy to digest.
Oiling
Massage oil onto your body, feet and especially into your scalp. This is very grounding for the system and cooling for the mind. You can add soothing essential oils for deeper enjoyment.
Remember Circadian rhythms
Maintain waking/sleeping/eating routines to align with cycles of the Sun and Moon. Rise with the Sun and relax with the Moon. Start to let go of the day’s ambition after sunset, and nurture your Feminine with rest, relaxation, creativity and play. You'll gain nature's support and sustainable longevity.
Mindful breathing
Pause and take 3 mindful, deep breaths at regular intervals, e.g. Before you eat or drink. Breathing in this way actively changes our physiology.
Cultivate feminine flow
To experience harmony, balance your masculine energy with creative activities just for the sake of it. Honour your Moon and she will nourish you with wellbeing in return. Doodle, draw, paint, sing, dance, move, write, self-pleasure, it's your garden.
be intentional
Tune into your intention for how you'd like to show up in this area. What is the default pattern of behaviour when you're in challenging circumstances - How would you like to show up if you had all the power and resources to do so? Having clear intentions reduces our chances of slipping into old habits that aren't serving us. It's ok to not have total clarity, start with the clarity you have now and refine over time. Knowing our intentions is the first step to realising them.
CREATE AN ALTAR
Make a simple altar (if you don't already have one) with objects and images that are sacred or meaningful to you. Place your written intentions here. Light a candle, offer flowers and incense to nourish your journey of becoming. An altar is symbolic of your higher intentions, and a place to tune in and receive guidance.
sanctuary in company
We are a product of the company we most consistently keep. Limiting our exposure to drama has a life changing effect on our sense of joy and wellbeing. Seek out like minded community and elevate your spirits.
p.s. did you know you can put all of this in practice in an online group instead of doing it on your own?
Would you like to be supported in this journey and be set up for success? I've created a container where we'll break down, demystify and apply all of this ( I know it's a lot to take in). Think: manageable steps in an intimate group with the same intention.
connection, community, fun.
Daily potent breath work practices, learning and chanting mantra, practical wisdom from the timeless Himalayan tradition. Plus archetypal stories from the Jyotish tradition - so we come out of the fire golden, not burned.