Self-Care for This Eclipse Season
Moon Dance by Satya Colombo - 2022 - with Edward Curtis: Dancing to restore an eclipsed moon - Kwakiutl Nation - 1914
Every six months there are a pair of eclipses that happen in a row on new moons and full moons. These are times that mark a turning point for us on a personal level, and sometimes collectively. They can tend to be tumultuous times, kicking up our shadows when the light of the sun or the moon (which represents our energetic strength) is compromised. At the same time, the expansion of energy can push us to move closer into alignment with our true purpose.
The solar eclipse is happening today, April 30th, on the new moon in Taurus. It starts at 2:45 PM Eastern time and lasts approximately four hours, though the effects can be felt for days before and after. This leads into the second eclipse of the season on May 16, a lunar full moon eclipse.
Luckily for us there are also auspicious energies affecting us, with the planets of abundant good fortune and delight in Venus and Jupiter coming together in conjunction at this time in Pisces. Some of the big themes for the next month revolve around self-care, pleasure, finding ground in your inner truth, and setting boundaries around your personal values apart from those of other people. Something really good can come out of this time, even if we are grappling with something else that may be challenging or unpredictable.
We’re also entering the period of Beltane, which is the midpoint between the spring solstice and summer equinox, usually celebrated on May Day or May 1st. So lots of fertility energy, growth and energy of new beginnings in this special time! When I was a kid in school I remember we used to dance around the may pole every year singing songs as we wove ribbons around it. We had no idea what it meant, but it was fun! :)
New moons are always a strong period for introspection and quiet, as we prepare to set our intentions for the coming weeks. They represent a symbolic time of new beginnings and a fresh slate. The eclipse simply increases the intensity, so we will want to be aware of how we are affected, stay chill, and rest deeply. We also want to do our best to keep our energy strong and grounded these days, as we may feel some emotional intensity, especially moving into the full moon lunar eclipse.
So here are a few self-care tips that have been bringing me a lot of peace and calm groundedness lately:
1. Anything that calms and soothes the nervous system is great. Some of my favorites for this are the energies of water and earth, which are both soothing and calming to the heart, mind, and nerves. Hot tubs, baths, springs, showers, walks in nature alongside rivers and other bodies of water are especially soothing. Working with plants in the garden or in pots is another activity that can be especially grounding and nourishing, and appropriate for this time.
2. Deep breathing is a practice you can do any time to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which balances out adrenaline and cortisol in the body. One of my favorite breathwork practices is the deep calm practice taught by the beloved Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thích Nhất Hạnh who passed on earlier this year:
“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment.”
Try this practice now, breathing deeply as you speak the words inside yourself, allowing the exhales to last a little longer than the inhales. For maximum effect repeat three times to complete six cycles of breath. (The short version is: "calming...smiling...present moment...wonderful moment...") Coming into an awareness of the present enables us to actually be alive in this moment, instead of living anywhere but here (as we tend to do).
3. Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which both stimulate cortisol and can be hard on the adrenals. Instead choose things like herbal teas, kombucha, bubbly water with lemon and/or ginger, fresh juices, and nourishing foods and beverages.
4. Move your body. Walk, dance, jog, stretch, shake. Whatever you can do to get embodied in yourself and feel your physical body is powerfully soothing on a lot of levels. It stimulates pleasure hormones and can help you wind down after you’ve broken a sweat and exercised yourself.
5. Set some intentions for the next two weeks to help keep you grounded and centered until the lunar eclipse on the full moon in Scorpio May 16th. I find journal writing to be helpful for this, so I can refer back to it. The way I set intentions is by feeling into what my soul is calling for at this time, and doing my best to commit to that. Here are a couple prompts for you to consider:
What’s your heart really wanting right now?
What aspect of yourself have you been putting on the back burner?
What brings you pleasure and lights up your heart?
What innermost needs or desires have you been holding back from yourself and your loved ones, not expressing your truth?
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is just listen and notice what’s going on. One thing our spirit wants more than anything is simply to be met and acknowledged by us, just as we wish to be received by others. Be a good friend to yourself, be kind and compassionate, do your best to relax and take it slow as you enjoy this one precious life.
I hope these Eclipse Season pointers are helpful for you, they're just suggestions from my own living practice. Do whatever lights your heart and soothes your soul!
With love,
Satya