I always say the planets rule the earth, and the effects of many difficult planetary alignments this year has manifested in ways we would never have imagined a year ago. It has been a year marked by a global pandemic, as well as agitation, conflict, and chaos across many parts of the world.
As a Vedic astrologer I like to observe these things carefully, and I am happy to see that, slowly, the alignment of the planets is changing, bringing opportunities for positive change.
November 2020 has been a month of powerful astrological activity and shifting energies. On Tuesday, November 3rd, the day of the US Presidential election, Mercury, the planet of communications and travel, went direct. Slowly, we will start to experience greater clarity and easier communications on personal and a global level. Mars, the planet of action, energy and force went direct on Friday, November 13th, having been in retrograde for the previous two months. Finally, we can begin to move forward, feeling more energised, determined, and enthusiastic about life. Jupiter joined Saturn on Friday, November 20th, setting up a rare major conjunct which only occurs every 20 years. Jupiter, the planet of prosperity and expansion, and Saturn, the Chief Justice and planet of responsibility and hard work now travel together; hard work and endeavours undertaken now can reap dividends. All planets went direct from Sunday, 15th November and will remain like this until Sunday, January 31st, 2021. Such a cycle gives us hope, when the vibration of the solar system can supply cosmic assistance to overcome obstacles in life. We can feel energised by the cosmic energy of light and love, and leave the shadows cast by the pandemic behind.
What I wish to highlight today is the Lunar Eclipse we will experience on Monday 30th November. This will be the last lunar eclipse of the year. In India, it will start at 1:02 pm and end at 5:23 pm. The eclipse will be at its maximum at 3:12 PM. The duration of the Penumbral phase is 04 hours 21 minutes.
The lunar eclipse will not be visible in India as the Moon will be below the horizon. However, there are many regions who will witness majority of the eclipse, these include — Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic and the Arctic.
This eclipse is happening in the sign of Taurus, meaning that the energy of this eclipse focuses us on financial security, as we evaluate our true values, both personally and globally. This eclipse can reveal the depth of our attachment to the material realms, as well as assisting us to find new, creative means of generating income. The energy of this eclipse will urge us to open to our creative potential in all areas of life. It will challenge the world when it comes to issues of jealousy and possessiveness at this time when the world has all but turned its back on the principle of the greater common good.
Lunar eclipses occur at the time of the Full Moon, and are powerful events, bringing a heightened energy that is very karmic in nature. Whereas Solar eclipses symbolise a time of clearing and opportunities, Lunar eclipses bring emotional release. Both serve to support by accelerating destiny. This is the last lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan of 2020, and is what is known as Penumbral eclipse, i.e. an eclipse where the Earth blocks some of the Sun’s light from directly reaching the Moon, and the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, called the ‘Penumbra’, covers all or part of the Moon.
Chandra Grahan is phenomenon that has a special importance in the field of Vedic astrology. Many of you will be aware of the planets Rahu and Ketu, also known as Dragon’s Head and Dragon’s Tail. These two planets do not have a physical form, but they have enormous impact. I will summarise the story of how they came to exist.
When the “Amrit” or nectar was churned from the ocean by the Devas and Asuras in Samudra Manthan, the Asuras expected their share of the nectar. Because the Devas had needed the help of the Asuras to retrieve the nectar, on the advice of Lord Vishnu, Devas had fooled the Asuras into believing they would share it with them. Lord Vishnu manifested as the enchanting Mohini Devi, and so taken were the Asuras by her beauty that they forgot about the nectar, which she fed to the Devas. However, one of the Asura’s, Swarbhanu, was a master of illusion and had changed his appearance to sit with the Devas. He took the nectar from Mohini Devi, before the Sun and Moon realised who he was. They immediately told Lord Vishnu, who threw his powerful weapon, a powerful spinning disk called Sudarshana Chakra at him, cutting off his head. However, having already taken the Amrit, he had gained immortality, hence the head became Rahu, and the body is Ketu. Just before he was decapitated by Lord Vishnu, Swarbhanu realised it was the Sun and Moon who had informed on him, and this why Rahu and Ketu are their enemies, and that is why, of all the planets, they only eclipse the Sun and Moon.
As the Moon and Rahu are both exalted in Taurus during this November’s lunar eclipse, it will be particularly potent. It will give us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. We may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear to move forward. On an individual basis, if we can get in touch with our emotions, we will see what changes we need to make. Events occurring around the time of this eclipse will highlight the importance of getting our facts right, to have the courage of our convictions, and to communicate them clearly. It is a time when relationships may be challenged, strengthened, or broken as we are propelled to move forward in our lives with a clearer understanding of the important things in our life. I encourage you to actively let go of old emotional baggage and negative patterns at this time, so that by the time the powerful and positive Solar Eclipse on Monday 14th December in Scorpio arrives, you will be ready to awaken to the possibilities life has to offer.
Nature is a director, and we all are actors. The eclipse is one of the most important events of nature that effects everyone on earth. This moon eclipse is going to change the sway of power in many regions of the world.
I recommend you take time for yourself during this lunar eclipse, time to do prayer, mantra, and read spiritual books. Hindu’s recite the prayers of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Hanuman to strengthen themselves and to get victory over any negativity in their lives.
It is best to stay at home and only eat lightly, preferably a few hours before the eclipse. If you have big decisions or purchases to make, wait a day or two. People who have depression, prone to low mood and anxiety should take extra care and surround themselves with people who will support them during this period.
Stay positive and be optimistic for the future as some of the most difficult planetary alignments of our lifetime come to an end. The future looks brighter.