Back before the world was formed, the demi-gods and demons engaged in a fierce battle over who would control the immortal nectar at the bottom of the milk ocean (the Milky Way Galaxy - the cosmic mind). After a struggle, they realized both armies were too weak to extract the nectar. So they joined forces, agreeing to share the yield. One of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Kurma the tortoise, went to the bottom of the milk ocean and used his back to support a giant pivot. Then they churned and churned, like you would churn butter. Eventually they managed to get a small pot of nectar.

It had been agreed that both the demi-gods and demons would get some of the nectar, but Lord Vishnu did not want the demons to be immortal so he tricked them. He took the form of the most beautiful and enchanting woman - called "Mohini" ("Moha" means "to delude") to distribute the nectar. In this seductive form Vishnu managed to keep the demons at bay while only giving the nectar to the demi-gods, which included the Sun, Moon and other forces (Fire, Wind, etc)

One of the demons was intelligent and saw through Lord Vishnu's scheme and managed to take a drink of the nectar himself (yes, this was a very smart demon!). At that moment the Sun and Moon informed Lord Vishnu, who threw his discus at the demon, and his head was cut off - but not after some of the nectar went down his throat. This demon was immortal, but with the head severed from its body.

The head of that demon is Rahu (the North node) and the body without the head is Ketu (the South node). These two points in space chase the Sun and Moon around the zodiac looking to swallow them and obliterate their power. For a few hours per year they manage to take a bite of the luminaries when we have eclipses. Yet, the nodes are always in the sky as subconscious forces, shadow influences.

Astronomically, the story is very poignant and explains a lot about the nature of the nodes and the astronomy behind the astrology. The discus of Lord Vishnu is the ecliptic, the path of the planets around the sun. As it says in the Vedic astrology texts "Lord Vishnu has incarnated as the nine planets to restore righteousness, destroy the demons and bestow the karmas (actions needed to grow and learn) on the living beings". Quite literally the nodes are cut in half by the ecliptic and they move backwards through the zodiac. The nodes show the intersecting path of the Sun, moon and Earth. In many ways, the nodes of Rahu and Ketu show what happens when spirit takes form on Earth, in the world of karma.

Here is Where This Eclipse Gets Really Interesting

This eclipse is happening with the Sun Moon and Earth all lined up with the plane of the Milky Way galaxy. Just like in the story, the forces of light and darkness are aligned in the same plane, which always happens in eclipses. But now the forces of light and dark are not just aligned in the ecliptic plane, they are also aligned with the Galactic plane!, .. the plane of the Milky Way Galaxy (the milk ocean and the source of the immortal nectar). Having an eclipse with Sun, Moon and Earth all lined up with each other AND in the Galactic plane is an incredibly rare and powerful phenomena.

Rahu, the Sun and retrograde Mercury will all be in the Nakshatra of Mula, in Sagittarius. Mula literally means "root". When we look at the Sun that day we are looking directly back into the center of our galaxy.

The Moon, as was said will be in the Nakshatra of Mrigashira, which  exists completely opposite the Galactic core, but also on the Galactic plane. When we look at the moon that night we are looking directly away from the center of our galaxy. As was said, the ruler of the Nakshatra Mrigashira, is Soma, the God of the divine nectar himself, which started the entire eclipse / churning process in the first place.

This Goes Even Deeper - Connecting to the "Celestial Chakras"

In Yoga and Tantric practices the energy centers in our subtle body are places of intention through which consciousness evolves, called the "Chakras". There are seven of these energy centers. The first one is called the "Muladhara Chakra". 

Knowledge of this chakra gives sacred knowledge of the element of Earth, which allows us to transcend our fixation on the notion that "I am the body". "Muladhara" has as its root the same word as the Nakshatra "Mula", which as was said, is the root of our power, the Galactic core - and the Nakshatra where the Sun, Rahu and retro Mercury will be during the eclipise. The word "Mula" means "root" as in "root chakra" (this term even used in the West to describe the first chakra).

Opposite that root chakra (at the bottom) is the crown chakra (in the top of the head) where the nectar of immortality lives, the Soma itself - where we are looking to unlock the nectar of immortal bliss in our mind. And as you remember, this is where the Moon will be when the eclipse occurs - in the Nakshatra ruled by Soma.

You must know, the God Soma IS the God of the Moon - the deity who rules the Moon. Meaning, the divine principle of the Moon (Chandra) is that force in you which seeks to merge with the bliss of the soul. You have many forces in you, but your compulsion to experience the bliss of the soul comes from the Moon and was represented mythologically by the God Soma.

The Galactic plane itself, in Vedic cosmology and symbology refers to the ascension and opening of the chakras from the Muladhara (Mula - the Galactic core) to the crown chakra which releases the Soma (Mrigashira). The Nakshatra after Mrigashira is called Ardra - related to Lord Shiva - which takes us beyond anything of this world and what we would refer to as a localized person or creature - including the bliss of Soma.

The eclipse is happening exactly on these points, with the Sun rooted in the Muladhara Chakra and the Moon Full (but eclipsed) in the crown chakra in the abode of Soma, the God of immortal nectar and bliss.

Those unclear on the implications of the Galactic plane / Galactic core in Vedic cosmology need only ponder this.

Meditations, Mantras and Reflections

In this case, the South Node Is eclipsing the Moon, showing a  theme of completion and reliance on our past skills and a certain mastery we overlook in our day-to-day experience. For instance, if you are raised by alcoholic parents you probably developed a lot of skill in being able to manage chaotic situations. Yet, you tend to avoid them like the plague because they bring up painful memories of the past. This is the South node in you. Untangling that deep knot and seeing deeper than that painful surface. The nodes represent the shadow issues and the emotional churning that has us confused.

A Few Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. What are your shadow issues and the hidden skills that develop as a result?
2. Are people and situations showing up right now that are compelling you to complete and untangle some hidden skill and mastery?

The ocean of milk (mind and consciousness) is deep and vast, containing all the secrets of immortal bliss. Both the forces of light and shadow are at play here on earth. Our sacred connection to this process is the Galactic center, (Called the Vishnu Nabi - Navel of Vishnu). It is the source of our Sun (Surya Dev) and the root cause of time in this section of the universe. 

This eclipse is an astrological event unlike any other I have seen in recent times, with forces lining up with spiritual potential and power. Considering that Jupiter is established in Pisces, his own sign and Venus is established in Libra, her own sign makes this all the more conducive for enormous breakthroughs and insights.

It's always tempting to instruct people to say mantras based on certain deities. In this case, mantras for the God Soma could be very important.

"Om Soam Soamaya Namaha"

Also, I personally find the image of Lord Shiva as Ardhanisvara (half man and half woman) to be very important here, as a lunar eclipse is a balancing of masculine and feminine energy. But in reality, any and all mantra work that you do to your Ishta Devata (beloved form of God) will yield an especially sweet fruit. Also spiritual practices such as meditation and energy work either in groups or alone will be powerful.

Of course, satsang - the coming together of spiritual beings for ritual and prayer, magnifies these moments like no other.

Best Wishes, 
Sam

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