Whenever there is a Lunar eclipse or solar eclipse we come across many types of information which induces fear and confusion in our mind. There are many rules and regulations as prescribed in the scriptures. Some are not practical in today's time. So I will make it simple. It's a controversial topic and many may not be pleased with what I write. I apologize beforehand. Lunar Eclipse:
The moon is known to affect the mind. Our body contains approximately 70% water. Moon affects water. Hence moon affects humans. During a full moon, the effect is even more pronounced. This is further accentuated when there is a lunar eclipse. Thus the combination of the full moon and lunar eclipse is severe.
There is a general decline in decision-making capacity and people are more likely to make incorrect decisions as the intellect is also affected.
Doing spiritual practice helps to nullify the effect of the increased Raja-Tama in the environment due to an eclipse. [Just to clarify Satvik means mode of goodness, Rajasik means mode of passion and Tamasik means mode of ignorance. So Raja-Tama means a combination of mode of passion and ignorance. ]
So if a person is doing intense spiritual practice during an eclipse.
He will still be affected by the adverse spiritual effect of the eclipse up to 20%.
However, to counteract the rise in Raja-Tama and black energy, the amount of divine energy from God that can be accessed by him is 50% more.
Thus the net total is a positive 30%.
Accordingly, people who make the effort to do intense spiritual practice during the time of an eclipse will benefit up to 30 % more spiritually.
Any deed needs energy. Any good deed need more positive energy. Since the overall positive or Satvik energy is less during eclipse, people are advised to avoid important functions.
People are advised not to eat food during this time. Again it may not be practical for some people. It is your decision.
I personally keep all my actions simple. I dont worry about the negative energies or effects of eclipse etc. I just focus my attention on what positivity can be done. Not only on these specific days but on all days. If you are doing spiritual practices every day and having good thoughts and helping the universe you are being protected anyway. But something can be done. Do meditation, acquire positive energy and bless your food before eating. Healers can clean the food energetically, bless it and then eat.
Temples are closed and worshiping is not allowed. Well I believe that no body has the power to contaminate God. Infact any contaminated or impure being when connects with God becomes purified. But yes....the ingredients or amenities which we use to worship i.e the fruits etc get affected by the lower energies or the Raja-Tama energy. Since we always try to offer pure things to God, in general people are advised not to worship during eclipse. On the other hand people are asked to do chanting and meditation because we are not offering any earthly things to god when we do chanting and meditation.
Summary: To make things simple...don't let fear affect you. It's a game of energy. Instead of being afraid about the darkness we need to switch on the light. Similarly to negate the effects of lower or negative energies we need to increase positivity and spiritual energy. Protection is definitely important. But fear will anyway reduce your protection. So be calm and just love God from your heart and surrender. He knows what is best for us. If karmically we need to suffer, we will suffer anyway...with or without eclipse. If we are not entitled for suffering we will not in any situation. So focus more on your thoughts, karma and love for God and all his creation.
Thank you Rupali. always patiencely answer our querry so logically and spiritually.