By the time this issue is released the solar eclipse frenzy will be over. And the state of emergency in the Niagara region would have been lifted by now. (Imagine that?! Niagara had to declare a state of emergency because of the solar eclipse? Insane but understandable! Niagara was one of the places expected to experience maximum coverage of the sun.) Some people call it the Great North American Eclipse.
In the words of Wikipedia …
“This eclipse will the first total solar eclipse to be visible in Canada since February 26, 1979, and the first in Mexico since July 11, 1991, and the first in the United States since August 21, 2017. It will be the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality will be visible in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. It will also be the last total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States until August 23, 2044.”
In the wake of this rare phenomena, I wonder if most people have thought about the metaphysical (or the spiritual) meaning of a solar eclipse. As I mull over this today, April 7, I cannot help but feel both apprehension and optimism.
APPREHENSION, since a solar eclipse means significant changes in life. Changes mean disruptions, albeit, either pleasant or otherwise. But not necessarily cataclysmic. At least, not at first blush.
If you think about it, the sun makes life possible on earth. In the words of National Geographic Kids…
“If you think that Earth is the most important spot in the solar system, think again. The sun is the real star of the show—literally!” The sun is the closest star to Earth, it is the source of life for everything on Earth. Simply put, we would not have a solar system without the sun. It radiates light and heat or solar energy, which is responsible for photosynthesis in plants, and many other natural processes, which involves animals and humans as well. The connection goes on. The circle of life is endless.
Ask Sir David Attenborough, the eminent British biologist, natural historian and broadcaster/author. He is best known world-wide for his writing and presenting, in collaboration with the BBC Natural History Unit, award-winning natural history documentary series’ – one of the most comprehensive surveys of animal and plant life on earth. Check out “Our Planet”, one of the outstanding series on a popular streaming site.
OPTIMISM, because it is also the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and cast off the things that has not served as well. Like our negative mental attitudes. Or maybe just to adopt new way/s of looking at life. In an article published online by Marca.com ,
“According to Architectural Digest, it (a solar eclipse) symbolizes a time of darkness and spiritual renewal, offering an opportunity for introspection and the shedding of old energies.”
The article by Marca.com goes on to say that
“In astrology, the eclipse signifies the darkness of the ego and the potential for spiritual rebirth, marking a moment to release past patterns and embrace new perspectives……a time for setting intentions and planting seeds of intention for the future….
This cosmic convergence…intensifies the period’s introspective nature, urging individuals to confront unresolved issues and pave the way for personal growth.”
This makes perfect sense to me. There must be a macro-meaning (or should it be micro-meaning) to this physical, albeit, astounding, phenomena. As within, so without.
I just got off following the CBC coverage on television. On camera, an astronomer being interviewed by the anchor, said something which is exactly how I was feeling. She said that to be able to witness a natural phenomena like this makes you feel so small compared to the whole universe. And to feel privileged to be allowed to experience this rare spectacle. To think that I was just watching it on television. I can imagine how it must have felt for the people who were actually experiencing this first hand.
For me, though, the highlight of this incredible moment is to take this is as a symbol of profound change, of new beginnings.
TAHANAN STA. LUISA – A BEACON FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
Speaking of new beginnings…
One (among many) of the shining moments in my nostalgia trip to the Philippines last year was to re-connect with old friends Leo and Victoria “Bubut” Rialp, who graciously and generously hosted a lunch in Antipolo for me and some other dear friends like Monino Duque, Benjang Alvendia, and Gerry and Lina Arellano. It was with great admiration that I found out that Bubut, as she is fondly called by family and friends, is a project director of Tahanan Sta. Luisa. She used to work for UNICEF for many years, assigned to different projects globally. This prepared her perfectly for her life work now in Antipolo.
Tahanan Sta. Luisa is a crisis intervention and recovery center which provides rehabilitation for physically/sexually abused girls. It was founded in 1997 and since then has supported over 500 girls towards healing and recovery. There are many heart-warming stories within this center, some of which I will write about in the next issue.
For now, let us take this rare natural phenomenon of the solar eclipse as a signal to create our own new beginnings towards an even better life. Just like the start of a more productive and independent life for the girls of Tahanan Sta. Luisa.
Tessie O. Taylor