Astrologers outline essential do’s and don’ts for the September 7 total lunar eclipse, from food restrictions to chanting practices, to help observers stay mindful.
On Sunday, the Moon will turn blood red… is it dangerous?
This is the year’s final total lunar eclipse. Who will it benefit? Where will it begin, where will it end, and where will it be visible? All details are explained clearly in this report.
Whenever an eclipse occurs, some people feel fear, while others are curious. Some strictly follow traditional practices mentioned in scriptures, while others dismiss them as superstition. The reason we are discussing eclipses now is because on September 7, India will witness a total lunar eclipse. That day, the Moon will appear blood-stained. Does this bring harm? What is the remedy? Astrologers have given answers to NewsFirst, which we are explained here in detail.
Be it a solar or lunar eclipse, the word “grahana” (eclipse) itself creates unease. Will it affect one’s zodiac and star sign? Will it bring profit or loss? If there are negative effects, what are the remedies? And how should one stay cautious? There are answers to all these doubts.
On September 7, the total lunar eclipse will be visible in India. The blood-red Moon will shine, and astrologers have explained who gains, who faces ill effects, and what rules must be followed at home. But before that, let us understand what exactly an eclipse is.
The Blood Moon — is it dangerous?
When Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, it is called a lunar eclipse.
As Earth orbits the Sun and the Moon moves in its path, there are moments when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. At such times, the Moon appears red — this is why it is called a Blood Moon. But in reality, blood and the Moon have no connection with danger. Astrology, however, links eclipses to the influence of Rahu and Ketu.
The September 7 total lunar eclipse is the second and last lunar eclipse of the year. In India, we only observe eclipses that are visible here, along with certain religious customs.
This eclipse will be visible in India, China, Mongolia, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, several Asian nations, eastern Africa, Gulf countries, and Australia.
Eclipse Timings (IST)
• Eclipse begins (Sparsha Kaal): 9:57 pm
• Maximum (Madhya Kaal): 11:41 pm
• Ends (Moksha Kaal): 1:26 am
• Total Duration: 3 hours 29 minutes
On September 7, Sunday, the eclipse will start at 9:57 pm, reach its peak at 11:41 pm, and end at 1:26 am on September 8.
What should you do before the eclipse?
Food, sleep, prayer — what do the scriptures say?
The moment an eclipse is announced, women at home start wondering: Should we eat? If yes, how many hours before?
The answer is simple: Since the eclipse begins at 9:57 pm, food should be eaten before 1 pm.
But why so early? Astrologers explain that during eclipse hours, one must remain pure, and hence food must be consumed well before. However, this rule does not apply to the sick, elderly, or weak.
Is chanting and meditation during eclipse powerful?
3 hours 29 minutes — what should you do during this time?
In India, those who believe in astrology observe every visible eclipse with discipline. Yet, common people remain confused — is it good or bad?
Generally, if something unfortunate happens, people blame the eclipse. If life improves, they say the eclipse has passed. This has made people associate eclipses with negativity. But astrologers insist that eclipse hours are in fact spiritually powerful.
• Eat before 1 pm
• Sick/elderly may eat a few hours before eclipse
• Bathe before the eclipse and prepare for japa (chanting)
• Chant mantras taught by one’s guru
• One chant during eclipse = 10,000 chants at other times
• Prayers made during eclipse are believed to gain quicker results
Some hesitate to chant, but scriptures emphasise that chanting during this time is highly beneficial.
Rules After the Eclipse
Just like rules before the eclipse are important, rules after the eclipse are also to be followed. Those with certain zodiac signs and nakshatras must remain more alert. The rituals and guidelines are explained by dharmashastra experts for those who observe these traditions.
Read the following article for Rules after the eclipse.