Eclipses can be really powerful times for change. Both solar and lunar eclipses are great for things like letting go of the past, starting something new, or meditating on your dreams and goals. However, while eclipses are powerful, you don’t need to stare directly at the sun or moon during one. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Staring can actually hurt your eyes and spirit more than it helps.
The Spiritual Significance of Lunar And Solar Eclipses
Eclipses have long held spiritual meaning for people. Both lunar and solar eclipses played roles in myths, religions, and spiritual practices.
During a lunar eclipse, the moon may appear red or dark for a time. Many cultures saw these as bad omens, believing they disrupted nature and the spiritual world. Some thought they signaled a king’s death, war, famine, or disaster.
However, lunar eclipses were also seen as opportunities. The moon’s disappearance and return were thought to mirror life and death. They could be a time for spiritual cleansing, letting go of the past, and new beginnings.
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow on Earth. In ancient times, these were seen as signs that the gods were displeased and that balance needed restoring. People believed they could bring curses, disease or invasions.
But like lunar eclipses, solar eclipses were also viewed as opportunities. They could signify a new era or prophecy fulfillment. Rituals were performed to realign people spiritually and restore harmony. Solar eclipses could call people to mend their ways and correct wrongs to appease the gods.
Why Staring At An Eclipse Can Be Harmful
While gazing at the beauty of a solar or lunar eclipse can be a memorable experience, there are spiritual reasons to be mindful when staring directly at the phenomenon for long periods.
Lunar Eclipses
The moon represents the mind, emotions, and subconscious in many spiritual traditions. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth gets in between the sun and the moon. This causes the Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. This can symbolize a time when hidden parts of your inner world are coming to light.
Staring fixedly at the lunar eclipse for a long time may mean you’re trying to face deep issues in your psyche before you’re ready. This can unbalance your energy and spirit, leaving you feeling upset, unstable, and disconnected from your inner wisdom.
Eclipses are a time for shedding what you no longer need and letting go of things from your past that are holding you back. During an eclipse, it’s best not to pick at old wounds or insecurities. The energy can make any issues you’re working through feel even bigger than usual. If there’s something you’re still coming to terms with, try not to dwell on it too much for now.
The lunar eclipse invites us to gently and gradually face our shadows in a way that respects our humanity. It’s better to briefly observe the eclipse, reflect on what it means, and sincerely intend to work on inner changes at a natural, sustainable pace. Rushing to confront your inner darkness during a lunar eclipse can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to learn its lessons.
Solar Eclipses
While it’s obvious that staring at the sun can damage your eyes, there are also spiritual reasons not to gaze at an eclipse for too long.
During a solar eclipse, the moon blocks the sun’s light and energy from reaching us. The sun gives us physical energy through light and heat, but it also nourishes our spirit. Staring at an eclipse for too long can disrupt our spiritual balance by cutting us off from the sun’s good spiritual energy.
Our spirit feels strong when it receives the sun’s light. The sun represents wisdom, knowledge and the source of all life. Gazing at an eclipse for too long can make our spirit feel empty and dark. It can throw off the natural balance of our spiritual self by blocking the sun’s good energy that it needs. Some beliefs see eclipses as times to avoid as the missing sunlight is seen as a bad sign.
Superstitions
There are some old beliefs about looking at eclipses. For lunar eclipses, some think that staring at the moon during an eclipse can bring bad luck, sickness, or problems. In some traditions, people thought that watching without “protection” could let in negative spiritual things or bad signs, affecting your relationships or health.
When it comes to solar eclipses, in many cultures, people believed that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse (with or without glasses) could cause misfortune or long-term blindness as a punishment from God. Some legends said that a mythical creature was eating the sun, and watching it could bring bad luck or let in negative energy into your life.
My Advice
Eclipses can be beautiful sights in the sky, but looking directly at an eclipse can be dangerous for your eyes and spirit. Your time could be better spent doing things like meditation, visualization or writing in a gratitude journal. These practices can help you feel grateful for what you have, and imagine positive goals and dreams for the future.
Sure, a lot of superstitions aren’t based on facts. As the saying goes, “Superstitions are super because they are not based on the truth.” However, I think every superstition began from somewhere, so there’s probably a little bit of truth mixed into each one. So, take advantage of the next lunar or solar eclipse in a meaningful way.
