7 Spiritual Practices That Will Take Monday’s Eclipse Up A Notch

The solar eclipse is coming on Monday, August 21, and we can’t stop talking about it. We want to understand it astronomically, astrologically, and culturally. We want to know where and when to see it best. We even want to know what to eat and wear in honor of the event and while it’s happening.

The fervor points to an innate human tendency to respond with anticipation—and a mix of fear and fascination—to what is truly awe-inspiring. What underlies this response is our deep human need to practice reverence, to demonstrate honor and respect for something that extends beyond our powers and finiteness.

We can first practice reverence by intentionally planning to witness the eclipse in real time wherever we are, not after the fact via media. How often do we take time to connect with the phenomenal natural world we inhabit? How often will we have this opportunity? Ordinary human activity, including work, can pause for a while!

This kind of event reminds us of the spectacular, the sacred nature of the planet we inhabit. It puts our human place in the cosmos in clearer perspective, reminding us that we are part of a much larger world that is not dependent upon our human activity. The metaphorical significance of a solar eclipse, the temporary darkening of illumination, can invite deep, meaningful reflection on the rich dance of dark and light in our ordinary lives.

During the eclipse we will experience a darkening of the light of the sun by the moon. Another way to consider it is that we will witness the union of darkness and light. We can use this as an opportunity to ask deeper questions about dark periods in our lives, considering how they might actually help us grow in unexpected ways.

The eclipse is a direct reminder that we are a part of a natural or divine order. It puts our daily dilemmas into proper perspective, and re-centers the universe as the source and sustainer of our lives.

During solar events as a child I remember hearing, "Don’t look at it! It will destroy your eyes!" Looking directly at the solar eclipse could damage our eyes. There are cultural traditions that teach looking at an eclipse is an intrusion on the sacred, intimate meeting of moon and sun, and that health consequences could result from not respectfully averting our eyes. I hear in that teaching the wisdom of showing reverence for what is both mysterious and holy. These two companions of reverence—mystery and holiness—are missing from many of our lives. In our attempts to control, organize, or make sense and efficient use of things, we may have forgotten that some things are so sacred they ought to be left as they are.

May embracing the eclipse invite us to rediscover reverence in ways that resonate with our own deepest experiences.