The clash of shadow and light awakens something extraordinary, and serves as a powerful reminder that transformation often needs contrast, to take place.
Such clash can be encountered in different places and through different aspects of life; and celestial events are not stranger to it.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the mystery and meaning behind the Solar Eclipse – what it is, how it happens, and why it might just be the universe’s most poetic reminder to reset and realign. Mini ritual instructions and journal prompts included!
Photo by Drew Rae
Table of Contents
Solar Eclipse Definition
In the simplest terms, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow over parts of our planet. Depending on where you are and how the Moon aligns with the Sun, the sky may dim slightly or darken completely, as if the night has arrived early.
It’s not just a cool visual. For a few moments, the ordinary becomes the extraordinary.
Types of Solar Eclipses
There are actually a few different kinds of solar eclipses, depending on how perfectly things line up.
The most dramatic is the total solar eclipse, where the Moon fully covers the Sun for a short time. During those few minutes, the sky darkens like twilight, and you can see the Sun’s glowing outer atmosphere (called the corona), shining around the Moon like a radiant halo.
If the alignment isn’t quite perfect, you might see a partial eclipse, where only part of the Sun is covered. It still looks eerie and magical, as if the Sun has a bite taken out of it.
There’s also the annular eclipse, when the Moon is a bit farther away from Earth and doesn’t cover the Sun completely. What you get is a “ring of fire” – a glowing circle of sunlight around the dark Moon.
All of these versions have their own magic and beauty, and they’re all rare and brief… You have to be: in the right place, at the right time, with the right gear and the sky “cooperating” in order to see them properly.
A Cosmic Alignment, and Why It Matters Spiritually
On a physical level, an eclipse is just a matter of shadows and light. But for those attuned to energy, intuition, or spiritual growth, a solar eclipse is much more than a celestial event – it’s represents a true cosmic reset.
Across many ancient cultures, solar eclipses were seen as powerful omens. In some traditions, they were feared as signs of chaos or transformation. In others, they were revered as moments when the veil between the physical and spiritual world became thinner.
Energetically speaking, the Sun represents clarity, vitality, ego, and life force. The Moon is often linked with emotion, intuition, and the unconscious. So when the Moon temporarily blocks the Sun, it symbolizes a shadow passing over our inner light – inviting us to go inward, pause, and reflect.
Some people use the energy of a solar eclipse to:
- Tune into hidden emotions;
- Release limiting beliefs;
- Set new intentions;
- Meditate or journal;
- Reconnect with their purpose.
It’s like the universe is asking you to breathe, look within, and consider what needs to shift. Think of it as nature’s own version of a spiritual doorway – a reminder that just as the light returns after the shadow, transformation is always possible.
How It Feels Here on Earth
Even if you’re not into astronomy or energy work, you’ll likely feel something during an eclipse – especially if it’s a total one.
Once the Sun, that ever-present life-giver, seems to disappear – the air cools noticeably, animals behave differently, even your body may feel a bit off… like it’s sensing that something’s not quite normal. It can all feel strangely emotional, even otherworldly… But don’t worry.
Some people report feeling deeply moved, while the others describe a sudden sense of stillness or clarity. You don’t need to believe in anything to be affected. Just being present, with open awareness, can be powerful enough.
Is It Safe to Watch?
Although I personally avoid it (for various reasons, including it being instilled in me since I was a child), researches suggest that it is safe, but only with the right protection. Looking directly at the Sun, even during any type of the solar eclipse, can seriously damage your eyes!
Apparently, regular sunglasses aren’t strong enough, so it’s recommended to get equiped with special eclipse glasses or solar viewers. Of course, I’d suggest getting more information on this from other sources before proceeding!
Mini Solar Eclipse Ritual (No Special Tools Needed)
1. Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Set your ambience or lighting the way you feel is best.
2. Ground Yourself
Take a few deep breaths. If it’s possible, let your feet touch the ground. Let the stillness of the eclipse energy surround you. It’s okay if it feels a little eerie (as previously stated), it’s meant to be different.
3. Set an Intention or Release
Write down one thing you want to let go of: a fear, belief, or habit that no longer serves you.
After that, write down one thing you’d like to invite in: clarity, courage, self-love, etc.
You can fold the paper and e.g. place it under a stone, keep it in a journal (or even destroy it safely, if you find it fit).
4. Be Present
Even if you’re not watching the eclipse, take this time to sit in silence, meditate, or just be. Let your thoughts rise and pass like clouds. Feel the reset.
5. Close with Gratitude
Thank the moment, the sky, the eclipse itself. Thank yourself for showing up. You’ve honored a sacred rhythm in your own way. Well done! 🙂
Now, let’s review some journal prompts that you may use during the Solar Eclipse day, if you’re into it.
They can be used all at once or chosen intuitively… just see which ones call to you around the eclipse. You could even revisit a few after the event to track what’s shifted!
Photo by MESSALA CIULLA
Main Solar Eclipse Journal Prompts
- What shadows in my life am I ready to release?
- What truth about myself am I now willing to see clearly?
- How does the concept of cycles show up in my life right now?
- If I had the courage / the chance to begin again, what would that look like?
- In what ways am I being called to step into my light?
Each of these touches a different thread of transformation: release, truth, rhythm, vision, and purpose.
Here’s the more detailed explanation on each prompt:
1. What shadows in my life am I ready to release?
This is about what you’re holding onto that no longer serves you: things that live in the background, weigh you down, or were formed as protection or coping but have outlived their purpose.
Examples:
- Old emotional patterns (like avoidance, self-doubt, jealousy);
- Habits or behaviors (like procrastination, overworking);
- Energies like guilt, shame, resentment.
It’s rooted in the past or present, and centers around clearing space.
2. What truth about myself am I now willing to see clearly?
This is about what you’ve been avoiding or denying in your self-awareness – some inner truth that’s ready to surface, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Examples:
- “I’ve outgrown this relationship but I’m scared to admit it”;
- “I want something entirely different from the life I’m living”;
- “I’m more powerful/capable than I’ve allowed myself to be”.
It’s rooted in self-revelation, and centers around accepting clarity, even when it challenges your current identity.
3. How does the concept of cycles show up in my life right now?
This question invites you to zoom out and observe repetition, rhythm, and natural flow in your life. It asks you to reflect on where you are in a broader emotional, energetic, or life cycle.
Examples:
- Are you in a season of growth, rest, letting go, or starting fresh?
- Do similar challenges or feelings keep resurfacing?
- Are you noticing some patterns related to moon phases, menstrual cycles, creative ebbs and flows?
It’s about pattern recognition, and understanding that life moves in waves, not straight lines.
This question is great for grounding your experiences in the bigger picture of timing, alignment, and process.
4. If I had the courage / the chance to begin again, what would that look like?
This is a question of possibility and desire. It asks you to imagine your life outside of your current limitations, obligations, or fears.
Examples:
- “If I weren’t afraid to disappoint others, I’d…”
- “If I didn’t feel tied to my past, I’d…”
- “If I could start over, this is what I’d create…”
It’s about visioning with honesty – not necessarily because you will start over, but because what you imagine often reveals your true longing or unspoken truth.
5. In what ways am I being called to step into my light?
This is about embracing your authentic self and showing up more fully in the world. It’s often subtle and soul-led (less about ego, more about the most authentic alignment).
Example:
-
Where am I being asked to share my gifts more boldly?
-
Where do I feel fear because I care deeply?
-
What would living in my truth look like in real-time?
It’s about expansion, purpose, and courage.
This question is powerful when you feel on the edge of change… like something in you wants to grow, but you’re still gathering the confidence to say yes to it.
Additional Solar Eclipse Journal Prompts Ideas (and Inspiration!)
Shadow Work & Release
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What fears have been quietly shaping my choices?
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What emotions have I been avoiding that now want to be acknowledged?
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Is there a belief I inherited (from family, society, past self) that no longer fits?
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What part of me feels hidden, and what would it take to bring it into the light?
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Where in my life am I playing small, and why?
Intention & Rebirth
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What new identity, chapter, or energy am I ready to step into?
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If I could whisper one truth to my future self, what would it be?
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What does alignment feel like in my body, my choices, my spirit?
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What would life look like if I trusted the unknown a little more?
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Where am I being invited to grow, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Cosmic & Intuitive
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What messages or symbols have been showing up lately?
- In what ways does the solar eclipse mirror something happening in my life?
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What rhythms or patterns in nature feel connected to my own cycles?
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During moments of stillness, what does my inner voice say?
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How can I deepen my relationship with the Universe?
___________
So, there you have it – the introduction to the super special celestial event, called the Solar Eclipse! 🙂
Have you ever experienced it first-hand?
We’d love to hear how it felt, what you noticed, how you chose to honor the moment…
Feel free to share all your thoughts in the comments below!
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