We all know the moon has various effects on the Earth and her inhabitants, from inciting wolves to howl when it is at its fullest, to the intensity it brings to our oceans. During a full moon, emotions may get a little more intense, or it may disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it challenging to sleep. Sailors know that a full moon brings high waves and a rough sea but what about Solar eclipses, do they have a similar effect? What did ancient civilizations, lacking our knowledge of space and science, think about such celestial events? Let's start by exploring what unfolds during a total solar eclipse.
What happens during a Total Solar Eclipse?
"A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun's light in some areas" Explains NASA in an article on their site entitled 'Types of Solar Eclipses'. Among other interesting facts listed, it mentions that while the moon starts to cover the sun, the crescent is projected through the shadows cast by the leaves on trees, acting like pinhole projectors.
As the Moon travels in front of the Sun further, the light will become dim and eerie, reminiscent of the sky just before a heavy thunderstorm. This increasing darkness may cause confusion to insects and wildlife, tricking them into thinking it is night time. As the Sun becomes a thin sliver in the sky, shadows cast will appear sharper than usual.
Approximately a minute or two prior to totality a phenomenon called shadow bands may be witnessed rippling faintly across lightly-colored surfaces. This aptly named phenomenon is the effect of light being 'bounced around' by turbulence in the air, giving the eclipse an even more etheric look and feel. There is a second just before totality, when the eclipse has an appearance similar to a diamond ring glimmering in the dark sky.
A few seconds later totality takes place. Nasa states on their page, "Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing." In other words, it is only safe to look for the few moments during totality, otherwise should not be looked at directly. Totality creates what looks like a black sphere surrounded with bright white light. During this time the Sun's atmosphere, the Chromosphere, is still actively sending material out from around the moon, creating what Nasa refers to as " pink clouds of material, called solar prominences, stretching out from behind the Moon." Photographers with the appropriate equipment may be capable of capturing these beautiful pink eruptions of solar plasma during that time.
What did ancient civilizations believe about Solar Eclipses?
Diving into the topic reveals some intriguing ideations regarding how ancient civilizations viewed these intense celestial events. In fact, their record keeping of these astrological events aids us in piecing together ancient timelines. The oldest sundial found to date is Egyptian, from approximately 1500 B.C. and much of the information we have was obtained through the discovery of temple inscriptions, papyrus scrolls and tomb paintings.
Astronomy was also quite popular in Mesopotamia, with the Babylonians observing and keeping records of the movement of the planets and celestial occurrences. The Mayans too, were observing celestial events and using them to create calendars. They are also believed to have kept records of such astronomical events as lunar eclipses, which are believed to be recorded the Dresden Codex. Following the Spanish conquistadores, were the missionaries who, in the 1600s, destroyed most of the Mayans ancient records, leaving us without a clear picture of how they understood Celestial events such as eclipses.
There are a variety of beliefs from all across the planet in regard to total solar eclipses. With most cultures viewing them as a bad omen, and only a few as a good omen. In the Islamic beliefs, the prophets had a differing view on solar eclipses. Highly regarded as a positive events, They believed eclipses, whether lunar or solar, were demonstrations of the knowledge and might of Allah the Great.
The people of Togo and Benin, believed that when an eclipse occurred the Sun and the Moon were fighting, at which point the people would try to convince them to cease fighting. West African people would congregate in open areas together to urge the shadow to leave the sun alone. The people of Japan would light fires and put out any sparkling jewels they had, in an attempt to compensate for the dimming of the Sun or Moon. Armenians believed it was a dark planet overtaking the Sun during an eclipse.
Peru, China, South east Asia, and India shared the belief of a demon or dragon waging an attack on the Sun, at which point they would bang on pots or chant in an attempt to scare it away. Some Indigenous Native American tribes would shoot arrows into the sky, in a courageous act of protection, to frighten away the Sun's attacker. Even today, some cultures will still chant, bang on pots or shoot into the air during an eclipse, attempting to scare off the antagonist.
Ancient Greek astronomers achieved a wealth of knowledge in regard to eclipses. A Greek poet named Archilochus (ca.680-645 BCE) mentioned the recognition of a total solar eclipse in recovered fragments of a poem he wrote which stated;
“Nothing there is beyond hope, nothing that can be sworn impossible, nothing wonderful, since Zeus, father of the Olympians, made night from mid-day, hiding the light of the shining Sun, and sore fear came upon men.”. This fear he speaks of is evidenced by many of the cultural beliefs mentioned, and for good reason as it would be quite a compelling event to witness with little to no context behind the science of such an immense celestial event.
The Navajo people, believed that a total solar eclipse was the death of the Sun, during which time reverence and respect must be shown to the order established by the holy people, to put all things in balance again. They believe all things come from the Sun, which is a symbol of the maker, the father. Without the Sun there is no life, it truly is a sign of a creator. During the time of the "Suns death", they would have a period of silent reverence, remaining indoors, with the belief that is is a sacred time which should be treated as such. It is a time of contemplation for all we have to be grateful to the Sun for. They believe it is an opportunity to reevaluate your promises to yourself, or the holy ones, and which direction you would like to take in life. Their Elders also advised them against looking at the Sun during an eclipse, even during the moments of Totality, with a respectful understanding that all things on earth come from our Sun. Recognizing the beauty, joy and peace of the world around us, and utilizing this time to make better decisions for our future. It is a time of renewal for our lives, and to restore us with faith and hope.
In more recent scientific revelations, the theory of relativity has been confirmed with the aid of eclipses. Solar Eclipses have proven to be integral components leading us to a more detailed comprehension of the interactions between the Interplanetary medium and the Sun's corona (the outer most edges of the suns chromosphere, only visible during a solar eclipse or with the use of a coronagraph).
How should we view Solar eclipses?
After the collection of so much information about the various beliefs regarding eclipses, I have come to the following determination of how I am going to observe the event, to encompass the beliefs that strike a chord with me. I encourage you to do the same.
It is reminiscent of a reunion of kindred spirits, a long awaited meeting of estranged friends, maybe even a romantic renewing of vows. Perhaps it is a time for us to renew our outlook, our passions, and promises to ourselves and each other.
A renewed version of ourselves awaits at each new sunrise, remember to meet it with grace and mindfulness, being grateful for all things. Connect with light and love while the Sun shines on you, remembering that there are days when it does not shine and we are required to provide our own illumination. To illuminate is to bring light to darkness or knowledge where there once was none, 'shining a light on things' so to speak. The term to darken or dim is usually referring to things getting darker, being concealed, hidden, confused even. It may not always feel like it, but there are divine inspirations behind all things, and an order to the seemingly chaotic nature of life.
All things on Earth require the Sun to grow. It inspires and energizes us, bringing light and warmth to our lives. Likewise all things require a period of darkness, of rest, and introspection, to bring restoration to both our bodies and minds. In the darkness of night, our eyes are unable to pick up color, aside from varying shades of gray and black. It isn't until the morning sun light illuminates our surroundings, that we regain the ability to perceive color once again, highlighting the opposing complimentary aspects that the Sun and Moon bring out in each other. We all have a dark and light side to ourselves as well. Our shadow self is a reference for the innate aspects of our personalities that may come across as difficult until we learn how to control and utilize those aspects in our favor. Be just as grateful for your shadow self as your enlightened self as they too have their place in this intricate balancing act.
The Sun and Moon, masculine and feminine, day and night, sleep and wakefulness, these opposites perfectly compliment each other and teach balance. Solar Eclipses remind us that there is a need to take a short rest or pause to regain our balance in all aspects of life. A total solar eclipse is a sacred time, urging us to take a moment for a gentle, restorative meditation for our soul. We may wish to contemplate whether our lives are balanced, or how we plan to bring them back into alignment if we are feeling off.
This also teaches us that what we may view as a challenge, may actually be guiding us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, a situation, or circumstance. There is no success without failure, no learning without making mistakes, and no perfecting without practice. We need to remember that there are no losses in failures, only gains. They present an opportunity to develop our skills, to grow our knowledge and aspire to develop an authentic sense of balance that feels good to our souls.
I invite you to take this opportunity to connect to your higher self, reflect on your roots, and on how far you've come. It is a time of renewal for our lives, and to restore us with faith and hope. Consider all of the challenges you have met head on, and successfully guided yourself through and give yourself a pat on the back!
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Take good care. Love yourself, love each other.
Sources:
Vahia, Mayank - "Eclipses in ancient cultures" Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
Wow, I had no idea there was so much information available about eclipses! We only had a partial eclipse here, but it was still very noticeable. My brother, who lives in London, Ontario, messaged me to tell me that he’d seen the eclipse in totality from nearby St. Thomas. The only other time I can recall an eclipse like today’s, is when I was a child of maybe eight or nine. It suddenly became dark as night, and I was terrified! The live video I watched though, stated that there’d also been one in 1979. I have no memory of that one, oddly enough. Thanks so much for the wealth of information 😊