How to Use the Eclipse in Your Magical Practice

By: Witch of WalkervilleComments: 0

How to Use the Eclipse in Your Magical Practice

On Monday, April 8th, we have our first solar eclipse of the year! Solar and lunar eclipses happen around every eighteen months so we get about two a year- though we have had up to five in one year before. This is called a Saros cycle.

There are two different types of eclipses: A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, causing the Moon to cast a shadow on Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth to cast a shadow on the Moon.

What Causes Lunar and Solar Eclipses? | Britannica

When it comes to a solar eclipse, there are also two kinds of these and it all depends on where you live. There is a total eclipse where the moon fully covers the sun during its journey and then there is a partial eclipse where the moon doesn’t fully cover the sun.

Types of Solar and Lunar Eclipses

This upcoming solar eclipse's path of totality will pass through parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those who are living outside of these parts will experience a partial solar eclipse.

99% totality' does not exist! Why you need to get to the path for April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse | Space

How Do We Watch a Solar Eclipse?

In order to safely watch a solar eclipse, you must get a pair of eclipse glasses. They have solar filters that let in a thousand times less light than a regular pair of sunglasses and this is to protect your eyes as staring at an eclipse before it is in totality can be extremely harmful to the eyes and can possibly cause permanent damage such as blind spots.

Counterfeit eclipse glasses are selling ...

It is important to make sure you purchase a legit pair of eclipse glasses that are certified. A good rule of thumb is that your glasses should be completely pitch black when they are worn in doors. They should also have ISO 12312-2 certification which means they have been independently tested to be safe. They should also list a real company address. The American Astronomical Society has made a list of certified eclipse glasses, CLICK HERE to find the list!

How to Use an Eclipse in Your Practice

An eclipse is a grand example of shadow and light and the duality, union and balance of having both. It is a fleeting moment, they usually last only five minutes and they only come around twice a year. It is a great demonstration of how beautiful things can be fleeting, which makes them even more precious. A moment is only ever precious because it ends. An eclipse is a personification of all things transformative in your personal growth. Understanding both the literal and metaphorical meanings behind things like our own personal cycles and journeys.

Eclipse days, much like Halloween and Dios de Los Muertos, are said to have a thinner veil between our world and the spirit world. Besides it being a great night for deep introspection like shadow work and tarot reading but also for manifesting your highest good.

It is a perfect time for focusing on bringing blessings into your life, of your family and friend’s lives and to the souls of your ancestors. The eclipse can be a powerhouse for spellwork, but it is said that eclipses are like a dual-edged sword and the energy can become just as chaotic as it can be peaceful- remember that's the balance we love these phenomenon so much for!

So it is best to focus on more passive influences of your practice like personal growth and blessings. Like a full moon, eclipses can be used to let go of any means that no longer serve you! We have a great blog post where we talk about ways to let go of stagnant energies in our lives! Fun fact- lunar eclipses can take place during a full moon.

For us in Southern Ontario, we will experience the beginning of the eclipse around 2:00pm and be able to witness its totality at around 3:12pm. After watching, that’s when we can take out our sage, our favourite tarot decks and our journal!