Partial Lunar Eclipse ~ nodal shift 10.28.23

During this eclipse, the moon is in  Aries, in Ashwini nakshatra ruled by the celestial physicians, the Ashwini Kumars.    The sun will be in Libra, in Swati nakshatra ruled by Vayu, the god of Wind.

This follows the Solar Eclipse on October 14 that bookmarked the beginning of one of the Navaratri, or nine nights of the goddess Durga, a metaphorical battle between our inner forces of darkness being slain by different forms of the Devi.

LUNAR NODES ARE CHANGING SIGNS

This eclipse marks the shift of the lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu, who eclipse the sun and moon each year. Approximately, every 19 months,  Rahu, the north node and Ketu, the south node shift backwards into the next signs. They always move in retrograde motion, and you may notice that you go through cycles in your life according to the nodal shift. It can feel closer to 2 years but tends to align with the energy of the nodes and the houses (bhavas) they land in.  Currently,  the nodes are at 0 degrees. This crossing for Rahu is at the border of Revati nakshatra and Ashwini nakshatra as Rahu is moving out of Ashwini  (in Aries) and into Revati (in Pisces). Ketu is moving from the Libra portion of Chitra nakshatra into Virgo portion).  Chitra nakshatra is ruled by the celestial architect, Tvashta.

During this change, Rahu is deep in gandanta at the Pisces-Aries border, moving backwards into Pisces.  Gandanta is a knot, or place of intense churning of our inner oceans.  It can signify more volatility or significant changes happening, or on the way.  Rahu is slowly shifting into Pisces in Revati nakshatra, ruled by Pushan, who is a guide for journeys.

SATURN GOES DIRECT

Aligning with this nodal shift, Saturn goes direct on November 4 in Aquarius (Kumbha rashi in Dhanistha nakshatra)  Saturn is the slowest moving planet in the Vedic system (which does not tend to observe the outer planets) so even when coming out of retrograde, he’s still essentially stationed and not really moving from our perspective on Earth.   Jupiter is still retrograde till the end of 2023.

The energy of eclipses and the days they fall on are more ideally suited to inner pursuits, spirituality, self care and consciousness practices.  Things like meditation, ceremony and prayer, attending to the inner life and inner light.  The energy is less well suited for mundane activities.  Whatever your circumstance, consider turning inward for even just a few moments during the eclipse to be mindful and to attune to calm and peace in your heart during these tumultuous times in the world. Connect to your heart, connect to the living, breathing consciousness of peace and love for all beings and the Earth.  Perhaps sit in silence and light a candle. 

As we attune to the change of seasons, many festivals and holidays are happening all over the world as the northerm hemisphere shifts towards winter and darkness and nature sleeps, the southern hemisphere shifts towards summer, brightness and the fullness of growth.  Remember the cyclical nature of time and allow yourself to tune your awareness to the wisdom of nature and her rhythms.  The darkening days in the northern hemisphere are more suited for turning inward and allowing more time for rest and renewal of energy.

During these times of conflict, let us pray for peace everywhere.  OM Shanti

May All Beings Be Happy and Free   |  Lokah Samastah Sukinho Bhavantu

*all placements are according to Vedic Astrology

Image Thanks To:  Darren Danks on Pixabay