On September 17, a full moon and partial lunar eclipse occurs from 7:12 pm to 8:15 pm PT. Eclipses can feel like full moons on steroids. They accelerate change, spin things around and create unforeseen outcomes. If you’re under pressure or at a turning point, use this time as a bridge to greater self-understanding and empowerment.
In Vedic Astrology, lunar eclipses occur when the full moon aligns with the shadowy nodes of Rahu and Ketu. This lunar eclipse is caused by Rahu, the head of the celestial snake, who is said to take a bite of the moon during the eclipse. This act breaks up karmic patterns and brings to light the hidden aspects of situations.
This transformative lunar eclipse can stir up stagnant energies and shine a light of awareness into your blindspots. In order to befriend the shadow, it’s necessary to let go and allow things to change, this eclipse season offers a rare and radical step forward in consciousness.
Although this is a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning it will appear only slightly darker than usual, its effects will still be potent.
The transformative energy of this eclipse is focused on the star constellation Purva Bhadrapada, symbolized by the fire of a cremation pyre — the flames of transformation at the end of life. According to Vedic wisdom, within these stars resides an ancient fire dragon, a naga or kundalini snake, whose fiery breath purifies the body, heart, and mind, ultimately freeing the spirit from earthly ties.
Know your Vedic Birth Star? Click here to get the FREE NAKSHATRA KEY
Positioned near the end of the Zodiac, the Purva Bhadrapada lunar eclipse marks the end of the soul’s journey. The fire dragon that dwells here breathes the flames of transformation into this world and the next.
This full moon also signifies the closing of the summer months in the northern hemisphere, as it falls near the equinox on September 22. As summer fades and shadows grow longer, the final weeks of dakshinayana opens a spiritual portal on Earth.
In the Vedic tradition, the two weeks that follow (September 18–Oct 1) are known as Pitru Paksha — the fortnight of the ancestors. As the moon wanes, the veil between the living and the spirit world becomes thinner. This period is ideal for remembering, honoring, and healing relationships with those who have passed away.
Creating an altar with photos or keepsakes of deceased loved ones, or making donations in their name, can be meaningful practices during this time. Listen for subtle messages from the spirit realm, which may appear in nature, through birdcalls, animal sightings, or even in the form of a song on the radio or a significant dream.
The season of transformation continues with a solar eclipse on October 2, which kicks off Navratri — the sacred nine-night celebration of the Goddess. This time opens a channel for the powerful goddesses Kali/Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati to descend from the heavens to earth.
For more details, join my upcoming class — Navratri — a 9 Night Journey of Healing and Empowerment. Including live Zoom meetings to invoke the goddess through ritual and mantra, as well as live Tarot card readings for spiritual guidance.
How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart. Book a Vedic Astrology reading to learn more.
