Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Tejaswini

An annular solar eclipse is coming up on 14^th Oct 2023. It will be visible throughout the continents of North and South America and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as per this map.

And the timings for the eclipse are as follows. The effects of a solar eclipse fade slowly over those many years as many hours it was visible. (map and data from timeanddate.com)

USA will see the maximum totality, it will be witnessing about 46 mins of totality as the eclipse travels through its territory and thus will be affected the most. The coming one year will be especially critical for this nation. All the nations who will witness totality will be subject to a huge energy surge, more so if their capital city also witnesses the totality. Interesting that this time the eclipse is covering two major continents and the Panama canal which passes between them.

For Bharat, the eclipse is not visible. Thus the direct effects of the eclipse will not be seen much here. However the indirect effects of such a big event will naturally affect the entire earth.

Pujas, mantra, daana etc are performed in order to channelise the energy released during the eclipse. If you live in an area where the eclipse is visible you are required to follow all these rules. If you fail to channelise the energy systematically it will overload and cause turmoil in your life.

First a look at the planetary combinations,

• Aries – Rahu in Ashwini nakshatra, Jupiter retrograde in Bharani nakshatra.
• Leo – Venus in Magha nakshatra
• Virgo – Sun and Moon both in Chitra nakshatra, Mercury combust in Hasta nakshatra.
• Libra – Ketu in Chitra nakshatra, Mars combust in Svati nakshatra.
• Aquarius – Saturn retrograde in Shatataraka nakshatra.

This time the eclipse is occurring in the Virgo sign. Sun/ Moon are in Virgo and Rahu/ Ketu are at the zero degrees of Libra – Aries and equally influencing the Virgo – Pisces axis too. These four signs are going to be the most influenced by this eclipse.

As usual, Rahu Ketu Sun and Moon are the main participants. In addition, combust Mars and combust Mercury will also be affected by the changes in the Sun’s energy. They are just too close to the Sun. We are seeing the effects of this combination since the past few days. Venus in is in Sun’s Leo so will be influenced to some extent. Jupiter is within 15deg of Rahu so still under Rahu’s influence. Only Saturn is not directly linked to this eclipse energy.

Among the signs, Virgo will see the highest effect closely followed by Libra. These two signs are highly unstable at the present moment. Humungous levels of fiery energy is erupting in them. Aquarius and Pisces will also see a significant energy release. The other signs of the zodiac will not be affected to that extent.

And among the nakshatras listed above, Chitra will absorb maximum eclipse energy. If you have your ascendant degree or birth Moon in Chitra then you will go through some dramatic/ subtle life changing event/ thought process in this time frame. Be very alert. If you have some other birth planet in your birth Chitra then this planet too will give you something related to his functional role/nature which will have a life time impact. Or the house, in which Chitra falls in can also show some unexpected event related to its keywords.

Chitra is linked to Mars and its deity, nakshatra devata, is Vishwakarma also known as Tvashtra, the divine architect. It lies partly in Virgo and partly in Libra. It is capable of skilfully planning projects and also actively executing them in a magnificent manner. It radiates ‘heat’, ie is active, strong, tireless, focussed etc. Intelligence and skill together in the most productive manner. It is the epitome of creativity, elegance and charisma. Chitra is aggressive but it does this a planned, refined and classy manner.

Some general readings,

Secrets related to the political class, especially those involving extramarital affairs or divorces or money or unpleasant habits will come to the public news. Political disturbance will affect several nations. Infamy and dishonour is possible for top ranking people in the news. Secret attacks, conspiracies etc will increase and so will the direct confrontations. Terrorist activity, industrial accidents, sabotage, accidents etc will increase. People will feel inspired to do immoral or illegal things. Technical skills will be misused to cause disharmony.

Managing opposing view points at home or warring parties in the global arena or debates in the office will not be easy. There will be a decided lack of sympathy and understanding for genuine problems or the truly disadvantaged groups. A lack of harmony in the overall scheme of things. Arguments will increase. Aggression and a tendency to dominate things will increase. Obsessive behaviour without regard to the consequences is now possible. Expenses will increase and there is a need to budget and use your resources carefully.

Be careful in this time frame, do not fall for illusions or dreams or unrealistic promises that you might be shown by others. Try to think on what others really mean and do not get carried away by words or appearances. Do not agree to things on good faith or unnecessarily indulge others. Taking actions just because you are feeling sorry for someone can have undesirable consequences. Any action taken around eclipses has long term implications, so think before you act.

Weather will be unusually hot but interspersed with cold spells and rain. Diseases of the blood, insect vectors, accidents etc will increase. Heat/ pitta related issues will be on the rise, this can be as simple as headaches, acidity etc or even anger.

However if you have specifically Ketu as yogkarak in your birth chart, then this period can give you significant gains on the soul level. You will be able to make use of this energy for constructive and beneficial purposes. Make use of this time. You will be given a deeper understanding into the intricate workings of the universe itself. Mantra or pujas which you may be practicing can give their results within a month of the eclipse. You will initiate something very grand in this time frame.

Predictions in brief.

If your birth Sun or ascendant degree is in either Virgo or Libra then the possibility of distressing results is more as your physical health can be affected. Or if your birth Moon is in either of these then your emotional health or the health of your mother can be a cause of concern.  If you have any other birth planet in Virgo or Libra then the significations of that planet can cause stress in your life. Eg Venus – female relatives, Jupiter – children and spouse, Mars – siblings, Mercury – maternal family members, Saturn – paternal family members etc.

Briefly for the signs. This is as per the Moon signs but if your ascendant sign is strong (eg ref Ashtakvarga table) then you can blend the predictions for these two signs.

Aries – average to bad. Physical health may be affected. In case of any issues it’s advisable to consult a medical professional. Do not trust others unnecessarily, you might get cheated by your business partners. Commit only after you are sure of all the details.

Taurus – average. Expenditures can suddenly increase so budgeting is required. Close family members may require your time and attention, especially your children and the elderly who are dependant on you. Your enemies will expose themselves so be prepared for nasty surprises. However you will be able to handle these situations appropriately.

Gemini – average. You might get unexpected sources of income or some past investment may give exceptional returns. Depending on your birth chart, you have a chance of investments connected to land, housing or a possible change of residence. You can take calculated risks but you will have to work hard to achieve success.

Cancer – average to bad. Physical health can be an issue so consult a medical professional in time. Your teammates’s behaviour will change so you must be alert in the office, and take action accordingly. Traveling will be tiring and thus rest might be affected. Avoid speculation type of investments in this time frame.

Leo – average to bad. Arguments in the family and emotional restlessness overall. Practice some techniques like pranayama to control your temper. Pay attention to your finances. Depending on the power of your birth chart, you might either get a sudden windfall or a sudden loss of money.

Virgo – average to bad. Professional and personal life will see arguments. Monetary loss is possible. Be careful about trusting others. In case of any legal issue take immediate action. Be alert regarding physical health. Avoid risky behaviour and rash actions. The body frame, ie bones, ligaments etc can fracture etc. ie some long term condition can start in this time frame. In case of any medical issue, consult your doctor immediately.

Libra – average to bad. Professional life can become turbulent. If you are in a profession connected to prisons, hospitals, etc then your work load will increase. Think of this as a chance to work off your pending karma. Or accidents are possible and hospital visit may be necessary. Mental stress and loneliness is possible and physical health can suffer. Take up some hobby or vacation time if possible. Loss of money or unexpected heavy expenses are possible.

Scorpio – average. However do not hurt others, especially your spouse because of your ego. Use this short time productively to achieve positive life goals. The next lunar eclipse is not so favourable for you. If you have created goodwill in the past you might get unexpected help from others. However if you have cheated your friends etc, in the past, now would be payback time. Identify your true well wishers first and then ask for their help nicely.

Sagittarius – average to good. New job, promotion or pay raise is possible. But it is always better to be alert at work. Being overconfident will lead to silly mistakes. Avoid loose talk and do not brag. Money flow will improve, past investments will give good returns. However keep an eye on your parents health.

Capricorn – average. New opportunities can come up, financial stability can improve. However emotional turbulence can cause irritation. Traveling can increase suddenly. Pranayam type of techniques can be helpful to support the mind and the body. Avoid risky behaviour as accidents are possible.

Aquarius – average. You will feel courageous and take a few good decisions in this time frame. A better job/promotion etc is possible, but there is a chance that you might act against your better sense and ethics. If you do so then there will be long term negativity. Try to work hard. If you have a strong birth chart then this time can bring you some long awaited successes. Otherwise this time can be trying.

Pisces – average to bad. Your personality will change, you will become more practical. However guard against becoming hard hearted and egoistic. You will have to work systematically now onwards but you will also see professional success. Unexpected opportunities/ sources will open up for you which may initially seem daunting and stressful, but eventually you will be able to manage. Avoid depending on others and try find strength within you.

For remedies there are only two, mantra and daana. Mantra are used to stabilise the mind (Manas), so that the situation does not upset it too much. Mantra is not just a ‘prayer’. And if your mind is stable then you can take the most apt action which will resolve the issues. Daan is a way of giving away the unbalanced energy to an energy capable of receiving it. And Daan is not ‘charity’.

As the eclipses draw nearer, the enregy turbulence is also becoming stronger. Students of jyotish should observe themselves, their sample charts and the situations unfolding around them for greater insights on how the planetary energies indicate the future.