Here in Texas, where I live, we'll be experiencing a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, at around 1:23 PM.
Total solar eclipses have long held significant cultural and mythological significance in Chinese culture. Some of the myths and beliefs surrounding solar eclipses in Chinese culture include:
The Sun Devoured by Dragons: One prevalent myth is that a solar eclipse occurs when a celestial dragon devours the sun. According to this belief, people would make loud noises and beat drums during an eclipse to scare away the dragon and ensure the return of the sun.
Eclipse as an Omen: Solar eclipses were often viewed as omens of impending disaster or significant political changes. Historically, Chinese emperors were particularly wary of eclipses, as they were seen as potential signs of instability or loss of the "Mandate of Heaven."
Tian Gou (Celestial Dog): Another myth involves a celestial dog (Tian Gou) attempting to swallow the sun. Similar to the dragon myth, people would make noise to frighten away the celestial dog and protect the sun.
Regeneration and Renewal: Despite the fear associated with eclipses, there were also beliefs in the regenerative power of eclipses. Some Chinese cultures believed that during an eclipse, the sun and moon were engaged in a celestial union, symbolizing the balance between yin and yang, and their union, could bring about positive changes or renewal.
The Ten Suns: In Chinese mythology, there's a story of the ten suns, the ten sons of the solar goddess. These suns took turns appearing in the sky, but once, all ten suns appeared simultaneously, scorching the earth. The hero Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one. Some interpretations suggest that a solar eclipse symbolizes the temporary disappearance of one of these suns.
Impact on Pregnant Women: There's a belief that pregnant women should not go outside during a solar eclipse, as it might cause harm to the unborn child. This belief reflects the general caution and fear surrounding eclipses in traditional Chinese culture.
These myths and beliefs illustrate the rich cultural significance that solar eclipses have held in Chinese society throughout history, blending elements of folklore, astronomy, and cosmology.
The Āyurvedic Approach to the Solar Eclipse
Eclipses are considered powerful astrological occurrences, in which one of the luminaries of the sky, the sun or moon, is occluded. The Sun (Surya) represents the soul, spirituality, and vitality in Jyotish. This darkening of the light exposes the shadow of the luminous body and of the collective and individual consciousness. An eclipse of the sun calls us inward toward the subtle realm. For this reason, rather than gazing at the eclipse, Jyotish recommends using this time to engage in spiritual practice.
Due to decreased digestive power (Agni), one would fast or eat lightly for approximately 12 hours before the eclipse. During the eclipse, it is recommended to stay inside and engage in a practice of meditation, specifically mantra meditation. Surya Gayatri or other mantras to the sun, as well as, your own personal mantra, are all appropriate practices during this time. If you don't know Surya Gayrtri or have a mantra you're working with, 'Om' or 'So Hum' are appropriate practices.
As positive and negative emotions may be heightened during an eclipse, going inward creates an opportunity to integrate these strong emotions rather than react to them. The shadow nature of an eclipse will make evident the buried, disowned, and suppressed parts of ourselves that are ready to be acknowledged and worked with. Eclipses mark the beginnings and endings of cycles, so practice mindfulness in what you intend to birth or let come to an end. The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse also occurs during a Mercury retrograde period, so it's advisable to be extremely careful with communication during this time.
So, if you desire to use this astrological and astronomical occurrence to further your practice, plan to use this shadow time to go inward.
Why do most people avoid eating anything during solar eclipse?
During an eclipse, the wavelength and intensity of light radiations on the earth's surface are altered. Especially, the blue and ultraviolet radiations, which are known for their natural disinfecting properties and are not available in sufficient quantities during the eclipse. This leads to uncontrolled growth of micro-organisms in food products during an eclipse and food products are unsuitable for consumption. Hence, Ayurveda advises refraining from eating at least two hours before an eclipse, so all the food can get digested. You can also practice meditation during the eclipse.
The sun is the source of energy for all living beings on earth and since the sun is hidden during the eclipse, our energy levels go down and this can slow down the digestion process. Hence, according to Ayurveda, one must stop eating 2 hours before an eclipse. Also, it is advisable to eat light and easy-to-digest foods before and after the eclipse.
What precautions should pregnant women take?
There are multiple myths about the dos and don'ts for pregnant women during an eclipse. Ayurveda doesn't specify any particular precautions for pregnant women. However, staying indoors and meditating for optimal health of the child is advisable as it has a relaxing effect on the mind and body of the mother.
Mythological Legend
The mythological legend of an eclipse is related to the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of oceans). Lord Vishnu tricked the demons and started distributing elixir (the divine drink - Amrit) among the gods. A demon understood his trick and quietly sat between the gods.
Lord Sun and Moon recognized him and informed Lord Vishnu about the same. The lord immediately cut the demon into two halves. Since then, the upper part or head of the demon is known as Rahu and the lower part of his body is known as Ketu. It is believed that Rahu and Ketu come periodically to punish the Sun and the Moon.
What Is Sutak?
Sutak is a certain duration before the occurrence of an eclipse. It is believed that the atmosphere becomes contaminated with harmful substances in this duration. Sutak has its effects in those areas only where the eclipse is visible.
Important Precautions
Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse) and Sutak are considered extremely sensitive times, so it is important to follow certain precautions. Some of these safety measures are:
One should not eat anything (except for sick, old, and infant).
No cosmetics should be used.
One should not touch the idols of gods or enter into the temple.
Pregnant ladies should stay indoors.
One should perform Yoga and meditation to minimize eclipse effects.
Chant the Mantra: ‘’Om Adityay Vidmahe Divakaraye Dheemahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat’’
Ganga water should be sprinkled in the entire house after an eclipse.
Take a bath after an eclipse, as it is considered to be a sign of purification.
Only freshly cooked food should be consumed after the eclipse.
The Takeaway
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, five elements describe the characteristics of the natural environment: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. In Āyurvedic medicine, there are three: Pita, Vata, and Kapha. The total solar eclipse in the early afternoon occurs during the Fire and Pita time of the day. When there is a sudden shift from light to darkness, Wood and Vata are immensely disturbed. Wood and Vata personify movement. Energetically, there is a dramatic collapse of the natural movement cycle. This collapse is sensed easily by animals. This has been seen with wildlife, such as birds, zoo animals, pets, etc. This collapse affects people, too. In TCM this scenario is considered as a Wind disorder.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "Wind" is considered one of the six external pathogenic factors, along with Cold, Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Summer Heat. When the body is exposed to Wind, it can penetrate the body's defenses and lead to various health issues. The body's defense is called Wei Qi in TCM. It can be weakened by exposure to the physical wind but also energetic "wind", such as a solar eclipse. "Wind Collapse" refers to a sudden onset of symptoms related to Wind invasion, often characterized by rapid changes and instability. Here's how Wind Collapse is understood in TCM:
Diagnosis: TCM practitioners diagnose Wind Collapse by evaluating a patient's symptoms, medical history, and tongue and pulse characteristics. The sudden onset of symptoms and the presence of external factors, such as exposure to wind, help differentiate Wind Collapse from other conditions.
Treatment: The treatment approach for Wind Collapse in TCM aims to expel the Wind pathogen from the body, restore balance, and support the body's Qi. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual's constitution, treatment may involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture points associated with dispelling Wind, regulating Qi, and calming the Shen (spirit) may be selected to address the symptoms of Wind Collapse.
Herbal Medicine: Herbal formulas containing herbs with properties that dispel Wind, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and strengthen the body's Qi.
Symptoms: Wind Collapse typically manifests with sudden and severe symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions, and spasms. These symptoms may come on suddenly and unexpectedly.
Etiology: According to TCM theory, Wind is one of the primary external pathogenic factors that can invade the body. It is often associated with rapid changes in weather, such as windy conditions, and is more likely to affect individuals who are already weakened or susceptible due to underlying imbalances in their body's Qi (vital energy) or other internal factors.
Dietary Therapy: TCM dietary recommendations may include consuming warm, nourishing foods and avoiding cold or raw foods that can exacerbate Wind invasion.
Lifestyle Modifications: Patients should avoid exposure to drafts or windy conditions, get adequate rest, and practice stress-reducing activities such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong to support overall health and resilience. Also, avoid exposure to sudden energetic shifts (like that of a total eclipse).
Overall, the treatment of Wind Collapse in TCM focuses on restoring harmony and balance within the body's energetic system to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Vata is one of the three doshas or biological energies that govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. Vata is associated with movement, including the movement of nerve impulses, circulation, breathing, and elimination. When Vata becomes imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including what could be termed a "sudden Vata collapse." Here's how this concept might be understood in Ayurveda:
Symptoms: A sudden Vata collapse may present a range of symptoms that reflect a disruption in the normal functioning of Vata. These symptoms can include sudden weakness, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Etiology: According to Ayurvedic principles, a sudden collapse of Vata could be precipitated by factors that aggravate Vata dosha or disrupt its natural balance. These factors may include sudden stress or shock, excessive physical or mental exertion, erratic lifestyle habits, inadequate nourishment, exposure to cold or windy weather, and depletion of bodily fluids.
Diagnosis: In Ayurveda, the diagnosis of a sudden Vata collapse would involve an assessment of the patient's symptoms, medical history, constitution (Prakriti), and the current state of their doshic balance (Vikriti). Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) and examination of the tongue and other physical signs may also be used to evaluate the status of Vata dosha.
Treatment: The treatment approach for a sudden Vata collapse in Ayurveda aims to pacify and balance Vata dosha while addressing the presenting symptoms and supporting overall health and vitality.
Treatment modalities may include:
Restoration of Vata Balance: Herbal remedies and dietary modifications aimed at calming and grounding Vata dosha may be prescribed. This may involve the use of warming, nourishing herbs and spices such as ginger, ashwagandha, shatavari, and licorice.
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage): Regular oil massage with warm, sesame oil or herbal oils can help pacify Vata dosha, promote relaxation, improve circulation, and provide a sense of stability and grounding.
Nasya Therapy: Administration of medicated oils or herbal preparations through the nasal passages (nasya) may be recommended to alleviate Vata-related symptoms affecting the head, neck, and respiratory system.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations: Guidance on adopting a Vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle habits, including regular meals, adequate hydration, adequate rest, stress management techniques, and gentle exercise, can help maintain Vata balance and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
Pranayama and Meditation: Practices such as pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and balance Vata dosha at a subtle level.
Overall, the treatment of a sudden Vata collapse in Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance to the body-mind complex through a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of imbalance and supports the body's innate healing capacity.
Conclusion
A total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence that should be respected and not taken lightly. Huge energetic shifts transpire leading to the disruption of various physical, mental, and emotional processes affecting one's overall health. TCM and Āyurvedic medicines both classify this type of shift as affecting the nervous system, the immune system, as well as the overall functioning of the internal organs. Historically, ancient civilizations approached total solar eclipses as a time to seek internal balance and cleansing in preparation for the transition to a new life cycle. This was accomplished through meditation, non-vigorous activities (yoga, tai chi, qi gong), and simple diets.
