We’re gearing up here in Texas for the total solar eclipse that will occur today. Our little town outside of Austin is in the path of totality. In fact, we will experience over 3 and a half minutes of totality.
I’ve never seen a total solar eclipse. I rescheduled my client appointments for today (and all of my clients wanted to do the same) to ensure I am here, in our beautiful, large back yard that serves as a habitat for so many birds and critters. We have hill views to the west, northwest, north, and northeast, so we will be able to see the effects along the horizon, as well as have a full view of the sky. I can’t wait!
One potential dimmer: this morning we have partly cloudy skies and thunderstorms are moving in later this afternoon. We’ll just go with the flow and take the experience any way we receive it from Mother Nature and our wonderful Creator.
Get in Touch with Your Yang Energy
During a total silar eclipse, the moon is precisely between the earth and the sun and blocks the rays of the sun from reaching earth. From a Daoist perspective, this also means the yin energy of the moon is blocking the yang energy of the sun.
We are diurnal creatures, meaning we are active primarily during the day. So we are typically bathed in the yang energy of the sun (even on cloudy days). We swim in yang energy, especially in our modern society of doing, going, lights on, always busy, etc. So, while we may be conscious of the yang energy of the sun, we typically are less aware of our own yang energy.
The yin energy of the total solar eclipse will isolate your own yang energy, helping you become more aware of it – particularly any aspects that may be blocked and not flowing. This eclipse in particular should be super powerful because the moon is closer to the earth than usual and all three celestial bodies – earth, moon and sun – are exactly aligned. Whew! Powerful stuff!
While the eclipse occurs, focus on your yang energy and locate any parts that are stuck and not flowing. Becoming aware of blockages and stagnation is the first step to being able to release them and get your energy moving more fluidly again. Remember the energies can manifest as not only physical sensations, but also mental and emotional thoughts, flashes, or feelings. So be open to different sensations you may feel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You don’t have to look toward the sun to do this! In fact, never look directly at the sun. The only time it’s safe is during the brief period of totality today. At all other times, please wear a set of quality eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.
You may be thinking, “Well duh Karen! Everyone knows that.”
Apparently not. Our area is expecting a huge influx of visitors to view the eclipse. Some of my favorite roadside signs in recent days said things like, “Do not park in road” (i.e., don’t just stop in the middle of this busy four-lane road to watch the eclipse). My other favorite is “Don’t wear eclipse glasses while driving”.
Back to your energy: If you can sense and hone in on the stuck yang energy in your body, mind and/or emotions, you will be able to sense your energy later, after the eclipse, and begin to work on it. You can then begin to work gently within yourself to dissolve blockages. You may find certain sensations or thoughts / flashes or emotions are coming up. If you journal, you may find yourself pulled to write about certain things.
That’s all OK. Often when we become more aware of and begin to ping our energy or certain aspects of our energy matrix, shit comes up. Go with it! It’s your body and heart / mind trying to tell you something. By unblocking your yang energy, you can improve your awareness and understanding of yourself, enhance your energy, and improve your interactions with others and your experience of your world.