Two powerful solar eclipses in February and March will test our ability to stay centered as the cosmic light temporarily dims. Remarkably, Maha Shivaratri arrives on February 15th, just two days before the annular solar eclipse on February 17th, giving us the necessary spiritual preparation. Then, a lunar eclipse will occur on March 3rd. These heavenly events are not punishments from the universe, but invitations to deepen our spiritual practices and remind us of who we really are.
Maha Shivaratri: Laying the spiritual foundation (February 15)
Before the eclipse’s energy intensifies, we receive a profound gift. Maha Shivaratri, February 15th, is the most auspicious day of the year to worship Lord Shiva and receive his merciful blessings. This timing is no coincidence. We have the opportunity to strengthen our inner light before our outer light temporarily fades.
Lord Shiva, always painted blue, represents the infinite transcendental value of God, which is experienced in the deepest depths of meditation when there is only infinite consciousness. This holiday embraces the concept of merging with God in complete unity. It reminds us that we have overcome the darkness and ignorance of life and the world.
For thousands of years, spiritual seekers have sought the blessings of Lord Shiva on this day through meditation, maintaining silence and spiritual practices. It is said that those who observe this day, especially Maha Shivaratri, receive blessings in the form of true wealth, wisdom, peace, inner healing, spiritual virtue and divine courage.
Many believers fast and stay up all night, praying every quarter until dawn. This practice is very powerful for inner cleansing and allows you to absorb the abundance of divine energy available. Even simple meditation and maintaining silence can bring great benefits on this day.
One particularly powerful practice for Maha Shivaratri is listening to Shiva Rudram, an ancient Vedic hymn that helps transform emotions into a higher purpose. A beautiful version can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwPuuKPKI6w&list=RDgwPuuKPKI6w&start_radio=1&t=30s. Playing this in the background while you meditate or throughout the day on February 15th will create a deep shift in your consciousness and prepare you for the energy of the upcoming solar eclipse.
The power of practicing this before a solar eclipse cannot be overstated. This will help you build the spiritual reserves you will need when Rahu’s shadow arrives in two days. When the outside light is dark, the inside light should be strong.
Annular Solar Eclipse: February 17, 2026
Two days after Maha Shivaratri, the annular solar eclipse will reach maximum intensity at 6:12 a.m. (12:12 UTC) in Fairfield, with the conjunction of the Sun and Moon in Dhanishta Nakshatra. This “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse creates an especially powerful feature when the Moon doesn’t completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible. Rahu is in the Shatavisha Nakshatra, and Venus also transits through Shatavisha, creating a powerful Aquarius energy focused on healing, technology, and revolutionary change.
Ruled by Mars and in transition between Capricorn and Aquarius, Dhanishta leads to the rhythmic drumbeat of material prosperity and manifestation. When a solar eclipse occurs here, and both luminaries fall under the shadow of Rahu, our usual sense of confidence and emotional security can feel like it is temporarily gone. The annular nature of this eclipse, its ring of fire still visible, is a reminder that even in the deepest shadows, God’s light is never completely extinguished. Eclipses ask: Can you trust God when you don’t see full light?
Solar eclipses can cause strong fear. The optimism of the Sun and Moon can be eaten up by Rahu and Ketu, making this a metaphor for allowing darkness to temporarily destroy the Divine Light and terrify us. But it’s all an illusion. Know that God cares for you just as a mother cat cares for her newborn kittens. Why doesn’t God put us on this earth and give us the resources and love to get us through?
Since Rahu and Venus are both located in Shatavisha (a healing nakshatra associated with medical advances and biotechnology), this eclipse may bring sudden insights into health, relationships, or material structures that need transformation. Ruled by Rahu himself, Shatavisha not only amplifies the revolutionary energy but also the confusion and cloudiness that Rahu brings.
If you have practiced Maha Shivaratri deeply, you will notice a difference in your ability to stay centered during this eclipse. You are already connected to the Uncovered Infinite Divine Light.
Lunar Eclipse: March 3, 2026
After two weeks, the lunar eclipse will arrive in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra along with the Moon and the Sun will pass through Shatavisha. The maximum solar eclipse will occur in Fairfield at 5:33 a.m. (11:33 UTC), and the eclipse will be fully visible in our area.
Purva Phalguni, ruled by Venus and in late Leo, is associated with creativity, relationships, joy, and enjoyment of life’s blessings. When the Moon, our emotional heart, is eclipsed here, we may temporarily lose the ability to find joy or feel secure in our relationships. A lunar eclipse can cause emotional turmoil for 3 to 6 months, especially for those whose natal planets are in Leo or Aquarius.
As the Sun in Shatabhishya opposes the Moon in Purva Phalguni, we have the polarity of revolutionary healing (Shatabhishya) and creative enjoyment (Purva Phalguni). The question is: how do we transform our lives while honoring beauty and joy? How can I keep it from becoming so serious that I forget to live?
Who will be most affected?
These eclipses will have the strongest impact on:
- Aquarius and Leo rising signs: The solar eclipse occurs in your 1st and 7th house axis, affecting your identity and relationships.
- People who have moon in Dhanishta, Shatavisha or Purva Phalguni.:Touch directly to your emotional heart
- A person running Sun/Rahu, Sun/Ketu, Moon/Rahu or Moon/Ketu dasha.: During these periods, the energy of the solar eclipse is amplified.
- Aquarius and Leo moon signs: Increases emotional sensitivity
It is said that the effects of a solar eclipse can last from 3 to 6 months in significant signs. Still, we must use the power of consciousness to overcome the darkness. Our hearts can be gripped by fear for days, but the light of divinity never goes out for that long.
deeper teachings
Remember Y2K, when everyone thought the world would end in 2000, or when everyone thought the Mayan calendar would end in 2012?For some reason, the mind likes to cling to fear. Yes, please be safe. But 99% of what you fear will never happen. Fear is like taking a 100-pound suitcase on a trip because you’re worried you’ll need this or that when you really need a 10-pound carry-on.
God is still running the show despite the media’s constant fear-mongering. If we are consistent with our meditation and spiritual practices, we become more powerful than the planet. We can be masters instead of victims.
practical remedies
Maha Shivaratri practice (February 15): Two days before the eclipse, engage in a deep spiritual practice. Meditate, remain silent if possible, or simply set an intention to connect with infinite divine consciousness. Listen to Shiva Rudram throughout the day and transform your disturbed emotions into a higher purpose. This will build the spiritual foundation you need for eclipse season.
Meditation is the most powerful treatment. Regular practice creates the peace of mind to navigate the deep waters of eclipse season. If you are restless and find it difficult to meditate, try a rigorous practice of hatha yoga and pranayama to calm your mind before moving on to meditation.
Grounding practices: Yoga chair poses, slow exercises like Tai Chi, and walking can help ground Saturn/Rahu’s anxious energy. Avoid cold drinks and dry foods, drink warm water, and eat warm, nutritious meals.
Avoid major decisions: The weeks before and after the eclipse (mid-February to mid-March) are not ideal times to start large-scale ventures, sign contracts, or make life-changing decisions. Wait for clarity to return.
Service operations: Helping others facing similar challenges frees us from our own fears and connects us to something bigger.
Influence on Aquarius and Leo rising signs
Aquarius Rising: A solar eclipse lands in your 12/1 house area, ushering in a deep period of endings and new beginnings. The 12th house rules liberation, isolation, and spiritual retreat, while the 1st house represents your identity and how you show up in the world. During this period, you may feel invisible or experience old identity patterns that no longer serve you dissolve. You may lose your sense of direction. Who are you when the old mask falls off? The answer lies in the Maha Shivaratri practices of two days ago. Use this sacred time to transcend your limited identity and connect with your infinite self. The confusion and cloudiness that Rahu brings to Shatavisha can actually be a gateway to deeper spiritual understanding if you don’t fight it. Aquarius rising charts can be self-isolated and hide their misery behind a fake smile. This eclipse asks you to be honest about what needs to change.
Leo Rising: The March 3rd Lunar Eclipse attacks your 1st House of Self and Identity, and the Sun illuminates your 7th House of Relationships. This is a very personal thing. Our sense of who we are, our confidence, and our ability to shine are all temporarily obscured. The old ways are being dissolved whether you are ready or not. The creative, pleasure-loving energy of Purva Falguni in your 1st house suggests that you may need to release an outdated version of yourself that was performing for others rather than being authentic. The polarity with the Sun in your 7th house asks if you are losing yourself in your relationships, or if your relationships are helping you become who you really are. Trust the process, even when Leo’s natural confidence wavers. The light returns, but shines from deeper.
bigger perspective
The planets are your friends if you listen to their advice and do the work. If we understand the message, God will always take care of us. These eclipses are not happening for you, they are happening for you to wake you up, deepen your practice, and show you where you are still clinging to illusions.
Even if the light of the universe is temporarily hidden, your inner light will shine even brighter. That is the true teaching of eclipse season. That is what makes you more powerful than any planetary transit.
Remember there is nothing to be afraid of.
About the author
Barry Rosen has been practicing Vedic Astrology since 1987. He has traveled to India four times to study, and has spoken numerous times since 1999 at the American Vedic Astrology Council conference in Sedona, Arizona, and since 2006 at the British Association of Vedic Astrologers in London. He has been involved in Vedic culture since 1973, has been teaching meditation and yoga for many years, and is a published poet.
More recently, he has conducted pioneering research in other areas of Vedic astrology, including the regional nature of Vedic astrology, the influence of current physical location on the chart, linking astrology to hatha yoga for therapeutic purposes, and developing transformative healing work for navigating through karma and the spiritual dimensions of Vedic astrology. He is a Neo-Vedic astrologer and uses outer planets. He is particularly interested in Jaimini astrology and the soul’s journey through the material world, its karma and purpose, and has attended live seminars with Sanjay Rath in London.
If you have any questions, please email Barry. [email protected] Or call Fortucast at 800-788-2796.
Source: ASTRO BLOG Archives – Applied Vedic Astrology – www.appliedvedicastrology.com
