Full Moon Eclipse in Hasta March 2024
Monday March 25, 08:00 CET, 10° Virgo ♍︎
This full moon will also be a partial (penumbral) lunar eclipse and the first event of this spring’s eclipse season! This year, the lunar eclipse arrives before the solar eclipse, which, in a sense feels like the ‘reverse’ order, where the natural order where the full moon eclipse follows the solar eclipse. This penumbral lunar eclipse will be just on verge of earth’s shadow, with the moon a distance of 11° from the south node, Ketu.
Eclipses are twice yearly cosmic events which occur when either a full, or new moon, lines up with the two lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu. The nodes are in fact the eclipse points, where the orbit of the moon intersect with the ecliptic. This means that during a new or full moon at these points, the earth, moon and sun become aligned and in the case of a lunar eclipse such as this one, the moon will move into the earth’s shadow.
Eclipses could be compared to activation points of changes being brought into our lives for the duration of the entire eclipse cycle that will happen on this axis, sort of like seeds being planted in our minds that grow into new ideas and new ways of being over time.
During the eclipse is when the energy is most active, but the changes that they instigate are integrated during the 0,5 year until the next cycle of eclipses start. There is usually something from our emotional mind being brought to our attention during the time of the full moon eclipse, when the moon moves into the shadow as it will do on this day.
Nodes in astrology – the ‘shadow planets’
This is the reason behind the nodes often being referred to as the ‘shadow planets’; because they are the ones responsible for casting a shadow on the light of the sun and the moon, temporarily encasing them in darkness and creating confusion.
Mythologically, Ketu is symbolized the (headless) body of a demon, who lost its head (signified by Rahu, the north node) when it was beheaded for trying to steel the nectar of life in story of the creation of time. Ketu, represented by the headless body of a snake, indicates that which is unknown; what we cannot see, as it is a body without eyes and therefore blind. Rahu, the head separated from its body on the other hand, pertains more to issues dealing with the mind, our (unclear) thoughts and insatiable desires.
When the eclipses occur on the Ketu side of the nodal axis, this brings up issues from our shadow self, meaning unknown patterns or the subconscious. This often pertains to our emotions and deep, and often concealed, behavioral patterns. In the sign of Virgo, this can surface unresolved issues or patterns pertaining to our work life, our commitments or how we feel about the personal sacrifices we make.
Ketu is the spiritually inclined of the nodes, often said to be the most spiritual influence out of all the planets, and indicates the final liberation and total summary of our experiences. Whenever Ketu is involved, there’s always an element of liberating us from anything hindering our spiritual development or keeping us caught up in the material aspect of life. This is why Ketu is often described as a denying force, keeping us from our worldly desires so that we might seek to fill those needs through spiritual means instead.
Hasta, ‘the blessing hand’
This full moon will take place in the nakshatra Hasta, ‘the blessing hand’, in the sign of Virgo, which signifies healing, mystical wisdom and analytical acuity.
Hasta is home to the deity Savitar the Sun god, son of Aditi the universal mother, who represents another form of Surya (the Sun). Savitar blesses us with the ability to light up our environment by sharing divine knowledge and provides its natives with an aptitude for healing. Virgo is the zodiac sign most often associated with healing, and there is a strong influence of that here, as well as an heightened sensitivity with Moon as the ruler for this nakshatra.
The symbol for Hasta is a hand with an open palm, strengthening its connection with sharing the healing energy, and that signifies devotion to our teachings through continued practical application. The hand also signifies dexterity and skillfulness, there is a sense of applying ourselves and devoting oneself to hard work in order to succeed with this nakshatra. The hand is the instrument that skillfully directs the creative energy, representing action and manifestation. The shadow side of Hasta is a tendency for a strong self-will or ego, and a desire to receive recognition or praise for actions.
The planetary ruler for Hasta is the Moon, which shows the innate sensitivity and strong intuitive knowledge that can be found here. Because Hasta is located within Mercury’s sign of Virgo, there is an influence of Moon-Mercury energy here, adding the mental prowess and analytical abilities that can be seen with this nakshatra. There is a delicate side to Hasta, as seen by the combination of these two planets, showing a need to be gentle with ourselves and take care of our physical wellbeing.
The symbol of the open hand is also about receiving gains from previous efforts, so take some time to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy the fruits of your labors this full moon. This can also be a good opportunity to set aside some time for relaxing activities or to prioritize your own healing if you feel the need to re-vitalize yourself. As this is a nakshatra that deals with health and refinement, this can also be a good time to pay extra attention to refining your health routines.
This nakshatra also makes me think of mystical teachings and occult knowledge, so this full moon could be a great time for creating a sacred space for yourself or performing rituals to aid in your manifestations. Even the simple change of adding a sense of ritual to everyday tasks can completely transform our attitude towards them, increasing our motivation and sense of enjoyment. If you’re highly sensitive like myself, this full moon can be a great time to reflect upon ways that you can honor your sensitivity and get more in touch with your intuition.
This eclipse can surface issues concerning where, and on what, you put most effort in your life. What area takes most work, and, are you willing to put in the level of work necessary? This transit can show where we’re less than willing to do the hard work and what area of life we struggle to be of service. The eclipses come in six-month-cycles, providing a chance to integrate any insights surfaced until the next cycle of eclipses begins in the fall.
Some questions to reflect upon this Full Moon:
❧ Am I taking proper care of my health? Or am I overstepping my boundaries, not listening to my body’s signals to rest and relax?
❧ Are my daily routines supporting my desired (optimal) level of vitality and energy? Are there some areas where I need to adjust my priorities? What can I do to protect my energy?
❧ How can I bring a sense of magic or devotion into my practices?
❧ What am I devoted to creating? What can I do to advance my progress?
I wish you an auspicious full moon eclipse & many blessings! ✨
/RoseAnna
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