Solar Eclipse in Jyeshtha and Mars in Scorpio: Two Powerful Shifts in Scorpio on the same day

SOLAR ECLIPSE in Jyeshtha: the Protector and the Humility-maker

*Eclipses expose truths and bring issues to light that have been in the shadows. This is not a time to embark on new paths since what we begin during eclipse times can overshadow us. Rather, it is a time to tune in and acknowledge what is up for release and what new paths are emerging. Going inward and meditating, especially in the moment of the eclipse, is highly recommended. As always, it is not advised for pregnant women to look at an eclipse. Remember: eclipses are revealing and empowering, but can also be difficult for those who are fragile. Take care of yourself (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) during this eclipse time, and check in with those who may need extra support.

On Dec 4 at 2:43am eastern time, we will have a Solar Eclipse in a degree of sidereal Scorpio called Jyeshtha, the Elder. It is an immensely powerful sign symbolized by the dragon slayer. At its best, it is a spiritual warrior offering support and fierce protection to those in need. At its nadir, it manifests as power-hungry and greedy, often times resulting in a fall from grace. It is ruled by Mars and Mercury, planets which together can have incredible speed and clarity. Yet if ego kicks in, they can go too fast and miss important pieces of the journey. Mindfulness is key (always), as is humility with this specific eclipse.

Jyeshtha invigorates our minds and bodies, anointing us with the “shakti” – the power, the energy, the spiritual drive – needed to create the change we hope to see. It encourages us to check in with ourselves regarding what’s motivating us over the next few weeks (as the eclipse points get triggered/magnified/activated by Mars). Are we being driven by the urge to protect? Or are we drawn to the power that can come with it?

Remember: this pair of eclipses is about deep karmic releases in order to regroup and reestablish ourselves. We can take this to whatever level we need in our own lives and in the world. It’s important to take the the time to do the “dirty work” – the weeding and the removing of obstacles in our paths – so that we can grow our new roots stronger than ever.

MARS IN SCORPIO: Dec 4-Jan 16, 2022: Check yourself

A key player the next two months is Mars, which joins the eclipse crew the evening of Dec 4. Mars connects with courage, strength, motivation, action, energy, activism and aggression. It was combust since mid-August until this last week. During this time it was sluggish at best, and affected our motivation and even our zest for life. As it moves into its own sign of Scorpio and soon passes over the eclipse points, it be an important catalyst in helping us access the opportunities brought on by the eclipses.

After moving like molasses the last few months, Mars is suddenly taking center stage, and it has fire under its feet. This shift is dramatic, and while it will be welcome and energizing in many ways, we must remember extreme transitions like this are tough. It will have more strength in its own sign of Scorpio for the next 7 weeks, but it will require harnessing and caution since it will sit with Ketu, the South Node of the Moon. This planetary combination can be very transformative, but also has potential to be explosive and volatile.

Since we can only control ourselves, pitta-pacifying practices will be helpful when things get too heated. Pitta is hot, sharp, light, oily, liquid, and mobile – like a fire or a volcano. In Ayurveda, we balance with opposites: hot-cool / sharp-slow, dull / light-heavy / liquid-dense / mobile-static. The organs that will be over-active and needing of extra support will be the liver, gallbladder and spleen. Some remedies to help us keep our cool:

·      spinal twists to wring out the midsection / solar plexus organs

·      cooling herbs and foods: cumin, coriander, fennel, lime, cilantro, coconut water, cucumber

·      dark leafy greens to support the liver

·      cooling pranayama like “sitkari” (hissing breath, when you breathe through the teeth) or “sheetali” pranayama (sipping cool air through the tongue curled up like a straw)

·      eat sitting down with feet on the ground

·      take 3 deep belly breaths before eating

·      Put the caffeine, the shiracha and alcohol away for the next 7 weeks as Mars is in Scorpio and sits with pitta predominant Ketu! *These are tough ones, especially during the holiday season. They can however flame pitta’s fire incredibly quickly and so we must check in with our moods and our company before we make certain choices these next 7 weeks. Think on occasion or special occasion!

It will be important to do our best to keep from getting triggered and lashing out during this 7 week Mars-Ketu connection. We will have to truly listen to our bodies’ needs during this time since we are in a digestive reset of sorts as Mars comes back online. The Lunar Eclipse on Nov 19 encouraged us to stoke our agni (digestive fire). This Mars transit will make us tend to it in a more careful way. The digestive fire is what helps us process and integrate everything “on our plates” in life – from the food we eat to the events in our lives. It is what keeps us excited and engaged, and very simply what keeps us moving forward.

*My automated scheduler is up! Thank you for your patience and understanding during these last few months!