Monday 20 July 2009

The solar eclipse - myths and meanings

Solar eclipses have since the dawn of time been a source of fascination, speculation and often fear. And there is one this week, on July 22 - the longest total eclipse of the 21st century, due to be more than 6 minutes in duration.

Historically, eclipses were often seen as a bad omen - a symbol of the overthrow of the natural order of things. The word "eclipse" is rooted in a Greek word meaning “abandonment”.

To anyone witnessing one without expecting it - let alone knowing what is really going on - that view is completely understandable. It would be easy to imagine some evil force was obliterating the light and that things would never be quite the same again.

Even for those who are expecting an eclipse, and know it happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, it is an eerie experience and doesn't feel quiet natural although it is.

It is also a motif frequently used in fiction, either to indicate impending doom, such as in the TV series Heroes, or to let the protagonists make a lucky escape - such as in the Tintin story Prisoners of the Sun.

Many believe that eclipses can and do affect the fate of men on a grand scale, and even signal the rise and fall of civilisations. To some extent, history backs this up.

Eclipses have affected the outcome of war. An eclipse on May 28, 585BC ended a five-year war between the Lydians and the Medes. They took the event as an indication they should finally make peace, cementing the agreement with a double marriage.

An eclipse is also blamed for the death of Charlemagne's son, Emperor Louis, on May 5, 840. Some say he died of fright.

Many eclipses are mentioned in the Bible, including one on June 15, 763 BC. In Amos 8:9 the Christian God says: "'And on that day I will make the Sun go down at noon, and darken the Earth in broad daylight." However, an eclipse is almost certainly not responsible for the darkness witnessed during Christ's crucifixion, as that is thought to have happened during a full moon, whereas eclipses only happen during a new moon. Scientists believe that darkness is more likely to have been caused by a sandstorm or other types of dark cloud blocking the sunlight.

For those who use astrology, solar eclipses indicate new beginnings, extreme change, some strange event or unforeseen news.

Psychologically, the moon represents the subconscious mind and the sun the conscious one. An eclipse can therefore be a time when subconscious or hidden things impact on our life in a big way, and often quite unexpectedly. This could be good or bad, depending on what it is and how we deal with it. But it is worth remembering that even something that initially seems traumatic can lead to better things in the end.

If you want to see the total solar eclipse on July 22, you will need to be in Asia. It won't be visible from the UK. The best place to see it is apparently the eastern Indian state of Bihar, which is gearing up for the event in a big way. Wish I was there.

The pictures shows Heroes, Eclipse, an art print by GB Eye, available through Amazon for £7.99.

Links
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/8149149.stm
http://practicalastrology.prettyfedup.com/articles.htm#solar
http://www.earthview.com/ages/history.htm
http://www.colorsofindia.com/eclipse/eclipstorytintin.htm
http://www.orientexpat.com/forum/7162-july-22-2009-and-august-1-2008-total-solar-eclipse/
http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/eduoff/aol/market/collaboration/soleclipse/solecl-history.html
http://ccweb4.csquareonline.com/~expressn/wordpress2/wordpress/triple-eclipse-may-be-bad-omen/
http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar-eclipse-history.html
http://heroeswiki.com/The_eclipse
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/fly-me-to-moon.html
GB eye Ltd, Heroes, Eclipse (40x40cm) SC0208

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I understand Herge (the Tintin author) was always a little embarassed about Prisoners of the Sun as he forgot the Incans supposedly knew all about eclipses. Still one of my favourite Tintin books though.

Badwitch said...

Yes, it does seem a little unbelievable that the Incas would be unaware of an eclipse. Probably shows the ignorance and prejudice of the era in which Tintin was written.

Anonymous said...

Well im actaully cursed because witchcraft runs in the family not every has these gifts but those who do are cursed and I have one thats well make me lose myself durning certain times I was born being cursed as a vampire and werewolve and this total solar eclipse is gonna have a huge effect on me I wonder if theirs anyone else

Anonymous said...

You could certainly see your expertise in the
work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you
who aren't afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

Anonymous said...

bookmarked!!, I love your web site!