Solar Eclipse Rituals You Can Try
On April 8th, millions of people all around the country will be viewing the celestial phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. My first chance to see the total solar eclipse was in 2017 in Kentucky. And let me tell you, if you have never seen totality, I HIGHLY suggest you take this opportunity to do so. To this day, it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen, and I probably talk about it too much to anyone that will listen :)
Here’s a lil throwback photo of us being nerdy :)
Now that I have shared my special connection with the solar eclipse, it is time to dive deeper into why I am sharing this post. After having gone through a bit of a spiritual journey these past few years AND watching Avatar the Last Airbender all the way through for the first time (iykyk), I want to approach this upcoming eclipse with more intention. In this post, I will be sharing with you:
the history of the significance of the solar eclipse
solar eclipse rituals you can try
Solar Eclipse Significance
Solar eclipses have been seen as significant in societies for centuries, believing them to be powerful omens or divine interventions (Baylor). Several cultures from all around the world have adopted mythical stories to explain the event, with many of them carrying similar themes. Generally, it is considered to carry a shift in energy and consciousness. Some cultural explanations of a solar eclipse include:
In Navajo culture, eclipses represent renewal and honoring the cyclical relationship between the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth. The Navajo people recognize that it is dangerous to look directly at the Sun. Navajo elders guide their community to go inside during an eclipse to ensure people don’t look up at the Sun. Traditional Navajo people then choose to sit quietly and in reverence, a practice that is grounded on their deeply-held respect for the cosmic order (Exploratorium).
Andean mythology tells a story of a puma devouring the Sun. The screams of children and cries of animals must be used to scare the puma away and prevent the Sun from death (Exploratorium).
Solar Eclipse Rituals
Not only do solar eclipses hold historic cultural significance, they also are spiritual in nature. Many people choose to use this event as a time for deep introspection and contemplation. Here are some spiritual practices you can try this eclipse season:
journaling: keep a journal to write some stream-of-consciousness journaling, set some intentions, and ask yourself
cleansing: practice smudging, burning a sacred incense or essential oil
meditation: contemplate an intention from your journal session
affirmations: use positive affirmations to help overcome limiting beliefs
grounding: spend some time outside, walk around barefoot in the grass and feel your connection to the Earth
tarot cards: ask your cards some open-ended questions
I hope this article helps you to understand the significance of the eclipse and to prepare your intentions for the upcoming celestial event. Don’t forget your eclipse glasses and let’s manifest some clear skies from Texas to Maine!
Resources
“Total Solar Eclipse.” Mayborn Museum | Baylor University, mayborn.web.baylor.edu/total-solar-eclipse#:~:text=Eclipses%20have%20held%20cultural%20significance,the%20cultural%20tapestry%20of%20humankind. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
Eclipse Stories from Around the World | Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/eclipse-stories-from-around-the-world. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.