Total Lunar Eclipse

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FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">North America will find the eclipse already in progress as

the Moon rises on the evening of March 14. However, no eclipse will be visible

from westernmost North America (Yukon, British Columbia, Alaska,

Verdana">Washington, Oregon and California) since the event ends there before

moonrise.This particular event is unusual since it is a total penumbral

eclipse. The whole Moon will lie completely within the penumbral shadow from

11:18 pm to 00:18 am (Mar 15). According

to Belgian eclipse expert Jean Meeus [1997] this is one of only five such events

during the 21st century.Greatest eclipse occurs at 11:48 pm Greenwich time. At

that instant, the Moon will stand midway in the penumbral shadow.Penumbral

eclipses are difficult to observe, especially during the early and late stages.

Nevertheless, a subtle yet distinct shading should be visible across the

southern half of the Moon, especially during the two hour period centered on

greatest eclipse.The penumbral lunar eclipse will take place on the lunar day

of the Full Moon in the lunar constellation of Uttara-phalguni, moving from the

sign of Leo and then into the sign of Virgo according to Vedic astrological

calculation. It will last about 5 hours. Eclipses of the moon always occur on

the full moon.An eclipse is generally an inauspicious event since the planets

which are the luminaries, the givers of light, are overshadowed or eclipsed by

other celestial bodies. In Vedic mythology and astrological calculation, we

always find the presence of either lunar node, Rahu or Ketu, in conjunction

with the eclipsed planet. Rahu and Ketu are known as chaya-graha in Sanskrit

which means 'shadow planets' since their purpose is to carry and project the

shadow upon the other planets. This they accomplish both on the personal or

individual level and the collective or world level. Rahu and Ketu reveal the

force or nature of the shadow or negative behavior pattern and its consequences

so that it can be recognized, exposed to the light of day, and subsequently

resolved

and removed.Eclipse effects can be felt during the actual time of eclipse but

are also triggered later on. The effects of this lunar eclipse may last for 5

months.EFFECTS OF THE LUNAR ECLIPSE(According to Classical Sanskrit

Astrological Texts)The LUNAR ECLIPSE will likely yield the following effects

world wide: Since the eclipse occurs in Europe when the Moon is in the 12th

house, farmers, heretics, atheists, traders, armed forces, police, and

terrorists will meet with destruction.Since the eclipse occurs in eastern part

of North America when the Moon is on the eastern horizon, those that earn their

livelihood with the help of fire, such as goldsmiths, cooks, potters, foundry

workers, steel workers, jewellers, etc.,will undergo difficulties, such as job

loss, weakened markets

or accidents. Also, the clergy, such as Catholic priests and Muslim mullahs, as

well as virtuous men and monks will suffer scorn, reprobation and

criticism.Since the Moon rises being eclipsed at the same time, the autumn

crops will suffer and the kings in the land will meet with difficulty. A total

eclipse aspected by Saturn may bring food shortages or famine.Since the Sun is

travelling in his northern course, attorneys, doctors, teachers and

intellectuals will not fare well. Kings or people in positions of power will

feel put upon.An eclipse beginning in the east will bring floods.When the

eclipse takes place in Leo, it will destroy hunters, hunting tribes, valorous

persons, rulers, as well as mountain and forest dwellers.When the eclipse takes

place in Virgo, it will cause problems regarding crops, countries abounding in

rice paddies, poets, writers, journalists and musicians.Since the Moon will be

in the constellation of UTTARA-PHALGUNI during the eclipse, negative effects or

problems can be expected in the following areas:government agencies, defence

and security forces; governors & embassies;physicians, public health, hospitals

and medical services; health and hygiene of the masses;ships, shipping and naval

vessels;commerce and business, stock market investment and profits, buying and

selling of shares and businesses; mergers, amalgamations, buy-outs and

take-overs;crops, especially corn and grains;communications, press,

publications, press correspondents, postal services;advertizing & public

relations;education, lecturers and professors;tourism;accounting firms and

practices;manufacture & marketing of telephones, electronics and hi-tech

gadgets;engineering and engineered structures, chemical engineering and

industry;mines, miners and mining.VEDIC LEGENDThousands of

years ago, the demons and the gods were instructed by Vishnu (God Himself) to

churn the Ocean of Milk at the base of the universe in order generate the

sacred soma, the nectar of immortality. When the nectar of immortality was

produced, the problem was to distribute it between the gods and demons. To give

it to the demons would mean to give infinite strength to those who would use it

with poor judgement or from a limited, egotistical perspective.To remedy the

situation, Vishnu took the form of a beautiful damsel named Mohini (the

bewilderer) and told the demons to arrange themselves in a row in order to be

served their share of the nectar. In preparation for the intense experience of

drinking the nectar, Mohini asked the demons to close their eyes and meditate.

If anyone opened his eyes, he would lose his chance to share the nectar due to

his impatience. The materialistic and self-involved demons waited and waited.

Mohini

distributed the nectar only to the gods.It is generally a female divinity, a

virgin, who protects and bestows divine knowledge or revelation to the lower

beings. Mohini tried to teach the demons that one should not strive for

physical immortality and its benefits but for the supreme knowledge that

transcends all material enjoyment and sensory perception.The demon Rahu who is

thought to be a serpent-like character, had no intention of co-operating with

Mohini's plan and hid himself in the row of gods, directly between the Sun and

the Moon. The Sun god passed the jug of nectar over to him and he took a drink.

At that time, the Sun and Moon gods recognized him and called out to Mohini,

"This is Rahu, the demon, in the midst of the row of gods!" The nectar had only

gone as far as his throat when Mohini threw Her discus at him, severing his head

from his body. But since the nectar was already in his head, his head became

immortal like the other gods. Rahu went on to perpetually eclipse the Sun and

Moon as pay back for their treachery toward him. Ketu is considered to be the

tail of the serpent, since Rahu and Ketu are always exactly 180 degrees apart.

Ketu & Rahu WHAT TO DO DURING AN ECLIPSEIn Vedic times, many thousands

of years ago, it was the custom to enter a river, particularly a sacred river,

such as the Ganges, or the ocean or other body of water and chant mantras and

offer prayers for purification for the duration of the eclipse. Solar and lunar

eclipses are generally very inauspicious, with certain rare exceptions. It is

nonetheless an advantageous opportunity for fasting, prayer and worship of God.

Fasting should be observed for the whole period of the eclipse in order to

nullify the reactions of past negative or egocentric activities.It is also

recommended to give in charity to the poor as much as possible during the time

of a lunar or solar eclipse. If you cannot afford to give in charity, then

simply give charity within your mind, that is, envision yourself doing it just

the way you would on the physical plane. The spiritual benefit for you will be

the same.Pregnant women should never look at an eclipse since it is thought to

have a potentially negative effect on the health of the foetus.INCARNATION OF

GOD (VISHNU) - CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHUAccording to Vedic theology, an incarnation

of Vishnu or God appeared in India in Bengal about 500 years ago. He is

known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (the great lord). He is an embodiment of divine

love in the perfect balance of the male principle (Krishna) and the female

principle (Radha). He was born on the full moon night at moonrise when the moon

was in the sign of Leo and was in conjunction with or eclipsed by Ketu. This

same circumstance presents itself again on March 14, 2006. It is not identical

with Chaitanya's birth, however, since the Moon is in a different constellation

and the eclipse technically takes place in the sign of Virgo but begins in Leo.

It is said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu chose this time for his auspicious

incarnation because the

people would be praying and chanting the names of God due to the eclipse.

Chaitanya's appearance will be celebrated on this day.Drew LawrenceThe

FieldBallybetagh RoadKilternanDublin 18IrelandIn Ireland: (01) 294-6888From

U.S.

FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> 011 353 1 294-6888From other countries: +353 1

294-6888www.drewlawrence.com

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