Don’t cook or eat during a solar eclipse! Take bath and then cook once the solar eclipse is over. Don’t go out during a solar eclipse. Are there such rules to follow? What should you do during a solar eclipse? We have all the information needed for this cosmic occurrence here.
What is a solar eclipse?
It is that time when the sun, moon and earth are all in a line, with the moon coming in between the sun and the earth, and hence casting a shadow on the earth. This results in the partial or full eclipse of the sun. This phenomenon is called a solar eclipse.
You must have heard such caveats at some point during your life. Now, it is possible that you are one of those who strictly follow what you are told or are one of those freethikers who dismisses these ideas as old wives’ tales.
But, what is the truth behind these ideas? Are they myths or do they have some scientific basis? Let’s find out.
Solar eclipse: Facts or myths
Here are some of the most-common suggestions you would have come across regarding solar eclipses: Let us check it is a Fact or myth one by one
- Have a bath before and after a solar eclipse
- Eat at least two hours before an eclipse
- Eat fresh food prepared after the solar eclipse ends.
- Refrain from looking at the sun directly during an eclipse
- Avoid going outdoors during an eclipse
- Meditate during a solar eclipse
The surya grahan or annular solar eclipse is on June 10, 2021. It is called an annular solar eclipse because at the distance that the moon is from the sun, its diameter appears smaller than the sun’s. This results in it blocking most of the sun’s light making the sun look like a ring (annulus). This phenomenon will be visible from many parts of West and East Asia, India and Pakistan.
1. Have a bath before and after the eclipse
Partially true
Pregnant women are advised to take a cold water bath after a solar eclipse. This is to safeguard them from any harmful effects of growth of microorganisms. Cold water helps stimulate the vagus nerve (connecting the brain to the abdomen), which is responsible for the rest and digest system or parasympathetic nervous system. Thus, this helps in digestion. It also helps relax both the mind and the body.
2. Eat at least two hours before an eclipse
Fact
There are a couple of reasons for this.
The sun’s blue and ultraviolet radiations act as natural disinfectants. It so happens that during a solar eclipse their intensity and wavelength are not the same as on other days. As a result, the rays do not perform their usual role of cleansing our food, and there is an uncontrolled growth of microorganisms in food products. Given that this additional and natural protective mechanism is absent, it is advised that we should stop eating at least two hours before a solar eclipse.
Tips on food that can be eaten before a solar eclipse
- It would be better to eat light, easily-digestible vegetarian food.
- Add turmeric to food as it has antibacterial properties.
Similarly, you should avoid drinking water during an eclipse as well, because of the uncontrolled growth of microorganisms. Also without the sun, the source of all life and energy on earth, the body’s energy levels reduce. This also slows down the digestion process, which is another reason you should avoid eating at this time.
Exceptions:
If you are pregnant, old, unwell or have special conditions that require frequent hydration, you can drink boiled water after cooling it down. To protect yourself, you can add tulsi arka ( a herbal medicine that is normally used for coughs and colds) to the water because of its antiviral properties. You can also consume dry fruits like raisins to energize yourself.
3. Eat fresh food prepared after the solar eclipse ends
Fact
It is possible that the harmful effects of the sun’s radiation during the eclipse will be absorbed by leftover food contaminating it. Therefore, it is better not to store old, leftover food made before the eclipse occurred. It would be advisable to prepare fresh food after the eclipse has ended.
You can place a darbha grass (Desmotachya Bipinnata) in fermentable food items such as curd during the solar eclipse. This is because darbha grass is a natural disinfectant. It may be removed once the eclipse is over. Scientific research has shown that this grass may also be used as a food preservative replacing harmful chemical preservatives.
4. Refrain from looking at the sun directly during an eclipse
Fact
Looking directly at the sun is not advised at any time. However, doing it during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage. This is because of the intensity of the rays of the sun at this time that can damage the cells in the eye causing retinal burns.
You can look at the phenomenon with eclipse-certified glasses, which are a thousand times darker than regular sunglasses. You can also see projected or reflected images as opposed to looking at the sun directly through the naked eye. You must avoid visual magnifiers such as binoculars and telescopes completely.
5. Avoid going outdoors during an eclipse
Myth
There is no scientific basis to this, nor does Ayurveda state any such restriction. However, it is preferable for pregnant women to stay indoors and chant and meditate for the good health of the unborn child. The positive vibrations of meditation and chanting are said to have beneficial effects on the baby’s mental health.
If you would like to know more about the myths and truths mixed up in the general guidelines for pregnant women, do read on here.
6. Meditate during a solar eclipse
Fact
While it is a good habit to meditate daily, especially in the morning, it is specifically advisable to meditate during a solar eclipse. This is because of the connection that the mind has with the moon and the body has with the earth. As the sun is connected to both the mind and body, when all three celestial bodies are aligned, so is the body with the mind, making it a perfect time to meditate.
Also, as eating is not advised during a solar eclipse, an empty stomach is conducive to meditation. Meditation also increases your energy levels, which is vital at this time when your energy level is naturally low because of the eclipse of the sun, the main source of power and energy.
Nature is said to take care of itself during a solar eclipse. It is said that birds such as the songbird stop singing and some flowers close up. When nature has taught these creatures to look after themselves, it would only be wise for humans to take the required precautions to safeguard themselves. This could be the perfect time for you to connect with your Self through meditation and chanting.
Help yourself reach new levels of rest and relaxation with this soothing online guided meditation.
Know about next Eclipse dates & timings:
Solar Eclipse details
Date: 8th April 2024
Start Time: 11:22 PM
End Time: 12:41 AM (9th April)
Partial Lunar Eclipse details
Date: 28th October 2023
Start Time: 11:32 PM
Date: 29th October 2023
End Time: 03:55 AM
Lunar Eclipse details
Date: 25th March 2024
Start Time: 10:23 AM
End Time: 03:02 PM
*Note: The above details are with respect to Indian Standard Time
If you are interested to know more about solar eclipses and star signs, click on this link to know what this solar eclipse means for you!
(Based on inputs from Dr. Mitali Madhusmita, senior Ayurvedic doctor, Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma)
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