by Agni Jnana Yannanda
featured art: Jade Fadojutimi
What Causes Eclipses?
Eclipses are caused by the interaction between the Sun, Moon, and the Nodes. The Nodes, while not physical planets, are critical points where the orbit of the Moon intersects the apparent path of the Sun (the ecliptic). The point where the Moon moves from South to North is called the Ascending Node, or North Node.
This update builds on the article we published in 2017, which was based on lectures by my Vedic teacher, Ronnie Gale Drayer.
ECLIPSE – the act of seizing or occultation
An Eclipse – “the act of seizing or holding” or occultation – occurs when the Sun/Surya or Moon/Chandra is obscured from view due to a specific alignment between the Earth, Sun, and Moon.
A lunar eclipse happens during a Full Moon (when the Sun opposes the Moon), as the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, blocking the Sun’s rays from reaching the Moon.
A solar eclipse occurs during a New Moon (when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction), as the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun, blocking the Sun’s light.
Origins of the Moon’s Nodes
In Western astrology, the Nodes represent points of evolution. The South Node symbolizes familiarity, comfort, and patterns from past experiences or past lives, where we may feel inclined to stay. The North Node represents the direction in which we are drawn to grow and evolve, urging us toward new challenges and opportunities for self-development. Ultimately, the goal is to balance the energy of both Nodes by integrating the lessons of the past while embracing future growth through the signs and houses they occupy.
The Moon’s Nodes, responsible for eclipses, are also known as the “Dragons” in Vedic (Jyotish) astrology, where the symbolism of eclipses originated. In Vedic astrology, the Nodes are seen as the demons who cause eclipses. For the full story of how eclipses came to be, check out my article: THE STORY OF A WOMAN AND THE SNAKE, in which I relate the Hindu myth about the churning of the ocean of milk, and how the Nodes and eclipses were formed. It is an important event in Hindu philosophy, and the most common form of the story is from the Mahābhārata – perfectly describing the symbolism of the Nodes and Eclipses.
Unlike planets with form and substance, the Nodes are mathematical points—places where the orbit of the Moon intersects with the apparent path of the Sun. The point where the Moon crosses from South to North is called the Ascending Node, or North Node.
Eclipse Symbolism
In astrology, an eclipse’s symbolism mirrors its physical occurrence—what happens in the sky reflects something deeper. When the sky goes dark and the Moon is blocked, we lose a familiar light. Similarly, during an eclipse, something we are used to seeing or understanding may become obscured or hidden. In ancient times, eclipses were seen as omens, often linked to significant events like the rise and fall of rulers, wars, or natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
What Do Eclipses Bring to Our Personal Lives?
Anything with great power and influence on a global scale is bound to affect us individually. If the degrees of the eclipses align with a significant point or planet in our natal chart, the impact can feel similar to an outer planet transit. Even if none of your personal points or planets are directly involved, the eclipses will always activate a house in your chart.
It’s essential to observe where the nodes and eclipses fall in your chart, particularly if they align with a planet or personal point. If they do, especially in combination with a retrograde, they will activate that area of your life, bringing hidden aspects into focus. These revelations can be positive or challenging, but they will demand your attention.
The Churning Of The Ocean, watercolor and gold on paper from the Gita Govinda manuscript ca. 1785 Kangra court Pahari School India, San Diego Museum of Art.
Classical Vedic Texts
There is nothing in classical Vedic literature that directly connects eclipses to the natal chart. Yet when we observe the symbolism and the events that often unfold during eclipses, we gain valuable insight into how these celestial shadows can touch our lives. When an eclipse aligns with a sensitive point in your chart, its effects can be especially heightened.
Traditionally, eclipses were seen as moments of disruption, when it was advised to avoid gazing at them directly. Today, many of us are drawn to witness these rare cosmic alignments. If you do, consider balancing observation with inner practice: prayer, meditation, retreat, or quiet centering.
Soothing rituals help navigate the intensity and restore equilibrium as the veils shift and the atmosphere grows charged.
Remember: the Indian scriptures counsel focus and inwardness—meditate, step back from the mainstream current of the eclipse, and reflect deeply, so that you may gather strength to move through whatever transformations the eclipse brings.
🌑 Ritual Tip: Eclipse Practices
- Fast or simplify your meals for the day—lightening the body helps calm the nervous system.
- Offer water or flowers to the Sun, Moon, or Earth in gratitude.
- Chant mantras (especially those of the Moon or Sun) or sit in silent meditation.
- Journal the dreams, insights, or emotional waves that rise—eclipses are liminal teachers.
- Rest or retreat—give yourself permission to step out of routine and into stillness.
Eclipse cycle 2021 ritual, Jana Astanov
Planetary Stations
Eclipses amplify energy, and when they coincide with planetary stations—especially retrogrades of challenging planets—the results often ripple across the globe. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, political upheavals, violence, and sudden world events tend to leave an imprint on collective consciousness. These phenomena, though not uncommon, take on deeper resonance when synchronized with an eclipse, as if the slowed weight of a retrograde planet and the sudden obscuration of Sun or Moon combine to magnify their impact.
Retrograde cycles of 2025
As of mid-March 2025, both Venus and Mercury are retrograde, creating a time for introspection and revisiting past themes. Pay special attention if these retrogrades aspect your Sun, Moon, or other personal planets or points.
Mercury Retrograde
1. Spring Retrofit:
Retrograde Period: March 15 – April 7, 2025
March 15: Mercury stations retrograde at 9° 35′ Aries
April 7: Mercury stations direct at 26° 49′ Pisces
Astrological Context: Reverses course from fiery Aries into intuitive Pisces, blending assertive action with deep reflection.
2. Summer Backspin:
Retrograde Period: July 18 – August 11, 2025
July 18: Mercury stations retrograde at 15° 34′ Leo
August 11: Mercury stations direct at 4° 14′ Leo
Astrological Context: This retrograde unfolds in Leo—emotionally charged, expressive, and dramatic. Expect missteps around self-expression and confidence.
3. Late-Year Rewind:
Retrograde Period: November 9 – November 29, 2025
November 9: Mercury stations retrograde at 6° 51′ Sagittarius
November 29: Mercury stations direct at 20° 42′ Scorpio
Astrological Context: Begins in spontaneous Sagittarius, then shifts into intense, probing Scorpio. Expect revelations, deep conversations, and caution around speech.
Venus Retrograde
- Dates: March 1 – April 12, 2025
- Path: Starts at 10° Aries (Tropical), moving back into Pisces
- Influence: Venus rules love, relationships, and values. Retrograde brings reflection on intimacy, financial matters, and the re-emergence of past connections.
Pluto Retrograde
- Dates: May 4 – October 13, 2025
- Path: Through Aquarius
- Influence: Pluto governs transformation, power, and collective cycles. Retrograde periods stir inner change, resurfacing hidden dynamics around control, truth, and regeneration.
Neptune Retrograde
- Dates: July 4 – December 10, 2025
- Path: Moves from Aries back into Pisces
- Influence: Neptune rules dreams, illusions, and spirituality. Retrograde dissolves veils, revealing where we have been deceived or self-deluded, while awakening mystical insight.
Saturn Retrograde
- Dates: July 13 – November 28, 2025
- Path: Spans Aries and Pisces
- Influence: Saturn oversees structure, discipline, and time. Retrograde reconsiders commitments, responsibilities, and boundaries, demanding a return to essentials.
Uranus Retrograde
- Dates: September 6, 2025 – February 4, 2026
- Path: Begins in Gemini, moving back into Taurus
- Influence: Uranus is the planet of disruption, revolution, and awakening. Retrograde internalizes change, sparking breakthroughs, unexpected shifts, and restlessness that pushes us toward freedom.
Together, these retrogrades weave 2025 into a year of profound reorientation. Mercury and Venus turn us inward on the personal level; Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto guide collective reckoning, forcing us to revisit old structures, dissolve illusions, and radically reshape the future.
These concurrent retrogrades may encourage reflection and reassessment in areas related to communication, relationships, and personal values.
Classical Vedic / Jyotish Wisdom
Traditionally, eclipses were seen as moments of disruption, when it was advised to avoid gazing at them directly. Today, many of us are drawn to witness these rare cosmic alignments. If you do, consider balancing observation with inner practice: prayer, meditation, retreat, or quiet centering.
Soothing rituals help navigate the intensity and restore equilibrium as the veils shift and the atmosphere grows charged.
Remember: the Indian scriptures counsel focus and inwardness—meditate, step back from the mainstream current of the eclipse, and reflect deeply, so that you may gather strength to move through whatever transformations the eclipse brings.
As ancient texts remind us, during these times it is wise to stay focused, meditate, and reflect. This practice helps you gather the inner strength needed to navigate whatever the eclipses may bring.
Dates of the Eclipses in 2025:
In 2025, there will be four significant eclipses: two total lunar eclipses and two partial solar eclipses. Here’s a brief overview:
Partial Solar Eclipses:
- March 29, 2025: This partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of northeastern North America, Greenland, Europe, and northwest Africa. The eclipse will start at 8:51 UTC, reach its maximum at 10:48 UTC, and finish by 12:44 UTC.
- September 21, 2025: The second partial solar eclipse will be observable from Antarctica and New Zealand. It will begin at 17:30 UTC, peak at 19:43 UTC, and conclude by 21:54 UTC.
Total Lunar Eclipses:
- March 14, 2025: This total lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America, Europe, and Africa. The eclipse will begin at 5:09 UTC, reach its maximum at 6:59 UTC, and conclude by 8:48 UTC.
- September 7, 2025: The second total lunar eclipse of the year will be observable from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The eclipse will commence at 16:47 UTC, peak at 18:12 UTC, and end at 19:37 UTC.
As a reminder here are the dates of the Eclipses in 2024:
- March 25, 2024 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
- April 8, 2024 – Total Solar Eclipse:
- September 17, 2024 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
- October 2, 2024 – Annular Solar Eclipse
The demons who caused the eclipse
In Vedic astrology, the Dragons are in fact the Demons who caused the eclipse. For in depth explanation please read my article from 2017 based on a lecture I attended by Ronnie Dreyer, my Jyotish teacher:
THE DEMONS WHO CAUSED THE ECLIPSE.
Wishing you a peaceful and transformative Eclipse season.
Take time to meditate, to turn inward, and to align with the stillness of this celestial moment.
Agni Jnana Yannanda, AstroCreatrix
The One Who Speaks With The Stars
Triple Moon Goddess performance ritual by Jana Astanov
Curated by Claire Zakiewicz, Venice, Italy, 2019.
Agni Jnana is an astrologer and artist, originally from the Mazury Lake District of north-eastern Poland, now based in the Shawangunk Mountains of Turtle Island.
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