Title: Reflections on the Moon, Eclipses, and Spiritual Connection - By Alpana Das
Today, an extraordinary event will take place in Toronto and the GTA. For approximately two hours in the afternoon, a partial solar eclipse will occur, shrouding the city in darkness. This near-total eclipse will be caused by the moon blocking out an astonishing 99.8% of the sun. According to the city's website, most areas in Toronto will witness this incredible spectacle between 2:04 p.m. and 4:31 p.m., with the peak occurring at 3:19 p.m. During this time, the city will transform into a surreal and captivating atmosphere as the sun's light is gradually blocked by the moon, leaving only a sliver of light visible. As a child, I have always had a deep connection to the moon. In Bengali and Sanskrit, the word "Chandra" signifies moon, which is deeply rooted in my heritage and spirituality. Similarly, the word "Surya" represents the sun and provides me with a sense of security and familiarity in my daily routine. I believe my connection to the roots forming this earth is my secure attachment. Memories of the moon from my childhood have shaped my understanding of the universe and my place within it. The word "Chandra," meaning moon in Bengali and Sanskrit, holds a special place in my heritage and spirituality. As I remember, the sun was taught as my first friend, and I incorporated this idea into my interactions with my one-year-old child. I teach them that everything is secure as the sun rises and sets each day, and we establish our routines around the sun's rhythm, starting our days at 5 or 6 am. When the sun rises, we greet it with a warm hello or namaste, acknowledging its presence and the energy it brings into our lives. These practices instill a sense of connection and security within us.
The Moon's Connection and Integration:
As a child, while living in India, my grandmother, aunts and mother imparted to me the mystical knowledge that the moon is intimately linked to our bodies. They revealed that its waves mirror our movements, just as the water within the waves of the ocean. This understanding filled me with a profound sense of connection and oneness with the universe. As I danced and moved with the water, I felt a powerful connection to the celestial bodies and the natural world. The presence of the moon expanded my perspective and allowed me to explore inspiration that transcended the frequencies of human nature and scientific evidence. I could not explain the inexplicable feeling of connection that linked me to the wisdom of the bodies that stood before me and now reside within me.
The Spiritual Significance of Eclipses:
Eclipses, especially the solar eclipse, are significant events that bring us into a moment of connection with ourselves and the darkness. It's a time for reflection and introspection, allowing us to delve deeper into our inner spirit and rise with our frequencies. By witnessing the eclipse, we can reconnect with our higher selves and forge a closer bond with our inner being.
Bharatanatyam and Odissi Connection:
The Sun and Moon jewels have a rich history dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries during the Chola Dynasty. Initially, they adorned the idols of gods and goddesses in temples but later became a symbol of balance between different energies. The design and materials used for these jewels evolved, incorporating various precious and semi-precious stones. Dancers wear the Sun and Moon jewels in the Bharatnatyam dance form to symbolize the balance between different forces. They hold significance in Hindu culture, particularly on Surya Chandra Amavasya, a special day in the Hindu calendar, and are believed to represent the connection to the universe.
The Symbolism of The Tika and Mother Earth:
Through my practices of Bharatanatyam from age 15 -25, the tika, a forehead decoration of Hindu culture, holds significant meaning, as already mentioned, dancers wear the Sun and Moon jewels in the Bharatnatyam dance form to symbolize the balance between different forces. Before witnessing an eclipse, it is customary to adorn the forehead with a Tika, symbolizing the third eye and its connection to the Divine. The third eye is believed to be the source of intuition and perception, often associated with spiritual awakening and higher consciousness. Wearing the Tika signifies reverence and a request for forgiveness from Mother Earth for any actions that may have harmed her. This gesture acknowledges our interconnectedness with nature and the universe, encouraging the cultivation of a sense of responsibility and respect for our environment. By seeking knowledge and striving for non-harming, we can reduce instances of negligence towards the Earth and work towards a more sustainable future.
Ancient Wisdom and Healing Practices:
For centuries, various philosophies have studied the moon and sun, acknowledging the significant power they hold. In Indian traditions, such understanding is embodied by practices such as Yoga and meditation which offer evidence-based training to soothe the brain from trauma and activate the body's natural relaxation responses. Many stand by that the darkness during an eclipse may unsettle some, but by increasing our tolerance and embracing it, we can deepen our connection with ourselves and experience the healing power of ancient practices. The eclipse presents a unique opportunity to tap into the energy of the universe and connect with our inner selves. Doing so can lead to improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being, providing a sense of renewal and transformation.
Wisdom of Choosing Empathy and Letting Go:
I want to share that unprocessed and reactive/abusive anger can be a real pain and at times unwillingly, makes our egos react in a righteous, justified, or victimizing way and keeps us stuck in problematic patterns that do not serve us, or our planet as a collective whole and united collective process of peace. However, breaking free from its addictive grip is a crucial step toward personal and collective growth.
Conclusion:
Recognizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the moon and sun can help us achieve a sense of balance and healing within ourselves and the world. By embracing ancient practices and traditions, we can strengthen our spiritual connection and cultivate a deep sense of respect and responsibility for the natural consequences of our actions and the collective love for the natural world. The solar eclipse is a fascinating event, and wearing a Tika on our forehead, as I do in the photo, acknowledges my interconnectedness with nature and the universe. The Sun and Moon jewels represent the balance between different forces and carry a rich history in my culture. As my different roles shift the interconnection between the roles and interactions with mothers, parents, mentors, gurus, clients, and all collective beings, let us use this moment as an opportunity to start the next 9 years with a renewed commitment to what is...( Your thought, what word came to you?)
I would love to hear from you on my website at https://www.no-non-sense-therapy.com/
Alpana Das
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