Eclipse Energy Through the Lens of Ancient Chinese Cosmology & Wisdom
In ancient Chinese cosmology, eclipses were seen as powerful omens—portals of transformation where cosmic forces realign. Rooted in Daoist philosophy, traditional Chinese astrology perceives the universe as an interconnected web of Qi (life force energy), constantly shifting through cycles of Yin and Yang. Eclipses, as celestial interruptions of light, represent a profound moment of recalibration, both in the heavens and within ourselves.
The Chinese character for eclipse is "蚀" (shí), which is composed of the radical "虫" (chóng) meaning "insect" and "食" (shí) meaning "to eat." This reflects the traditional Chinese belief that an eclipse occurs when a celestial dragon or other mythical creature "devours" the sun or moon.
In ancient Chinese cosmology, eclipses were seen as omens, signaling disruptions in the balance of yin and yang, often interpreted as warnings of instability in leadership or cosmic disharmony. Rituals and ceremonies were performed to restore harmony and ward off negative influences during these celestial events.
The Symbolism of Eclipses in Chinese Thought
Eclipses were historically viewed as moments when the balance of Yin and Yang was momentarily disrupted, offering opportunities for deep introspection and course correction.
In ancient China, a solar eclipse was thought to signify the cosmic dragon devouring the sun, a metaphor for unseen forces at play in both the physical and spiritual realms. The lunar eclipse, on the other hand, was linked to emotional revelation—bringing hidden truths to light and forcing a reckoning with suppressed energies.
Rather than being feared, eclipses were regarded as necessary upheavals in the cosmic order, revealing where stagnation had set in. They acted as catalysts for personal and collective change, pushing individuals and societies to release what no longer served them and realign with their highest path.
The lunar eclipse (yin) brings emotional revelations, introspection, and the surfacing of hidden truths, while the solar eclipse (yang) initiates external change, action, and new beginnings.
In ancient Chinese wisdom, this timeframe between the Yin and Yang eclipses is a liminal space where transformation is accelerated as yin energy dissolves outdated patterns, making space for yang-driven renewal. As circadian rhythms and other systems of order are temporarily dissolved, you may experience disturbances in health, sleep, relationships and other energy.
It’s a potent moment to align with nature’s cycles, releasing what no longer serves and preparing to step into a new phase of clarity and purpose.
Eclipses are a time for rest, stillness and surrender. Accept what unfolds and do not resist changes, as everything is for the highest good. There is no judgement or labeling of right vs wrong.
Entering the Portal
An eclipse portal is the energetic window between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse (or vice versa), typically lasting about two weeks. It is believed to be a time of accelerated transformation, heightened intuition, and deep karmic shifts.
Lunar eclipses bring emotional revelations and endings, while solar eclipses initiate bold new beginnings. Together, they create a potent period of transition, where the past is shed, and the future is rewritten. Many spiritual traditions view this time as an opportunity for profound inner work, realignment, and manifestation.
Eclipse Season Brings
Transformation & Renewal: Eclipses mark a threshold between the old and the new, encouraging release of stagnant energy and outdated patterns.
Shadow Work: The eclipse’s shadow mirrors personal and collective shadow aspects, prompting deep self-reflection.
Alignment with Highest Good: This period helps reassess life’s trajectory and make shifts toward personal and spiritual growth.
Manifestation Portal: Eclipses amplify intentions, making them a powerful time for co-creation with the Universe.
If you wanna practice eclipse magic for social justice, this is a great foundational start.
Lunar eclipse = best time to do protection and empowerment magic for the people
Solar eclipse = best time to support the blocking of oppressive power
Think of an eclipse portal as a slingshot - it’s going to pull you back then shoot you forward at lightning speed. This special time each year is a rare opportunity to clear what’s blocking your manifestations, focus on exactly what you've been trying to call in, & set your overall trajectory for the future. Steady, aim, fire!
Harnessing Eclipse Energy for Transformation
Since eclipses disrupt the usual energetic flow, they are ideal times for reflection, release, and renewal. Here are rituals, practices and other ways to nourish your emotional and spiritual wellbeing and align with eclipse energy using principles from both ancient and modern wisdom:
Practice Stillness
Tune into eclipse energies for clarity and rest. Daoist philosophy emphasizes the power of Wu Wei (effortless action). Rather than forcing change, use the eclipse to pause, observe, and listen to what the universe is revealing.
Cleanse & Clear
Since eclipses are about removing stagnation, cleansing your physical space can help release old energy. Release negativity through smudging, crystals, decluttering, using salt water or other earth elements to help purify or rebalance Qi.
Journaling & Reflection
Explore transformation themes and desires, examine limiting beliefs and necessary changes. Lunar eclipses, in particular, enhance intuitive insights. Writing down thoughts, dreams, and emotions during this time can offer guidance on what needs to be transformed.
Conscious Movement
Engaging in the gentle energy movements of Qi Gong or Tai Chi can help process the shifts and integrate the eclipse’s transformative power into your body and spirit.
Rituals for Release & Intention-Setting
Since eclipses act as energetic resets, they are potent times for setting intentions, particularly around shedding past burdens and welcoming new pathways.
In Chinese metaphysics each of the 5 elements represents different aspects of life and transformation. During an eclipse, the dominant elements influencing the event can reveal key themes.
By understanding the elements at play during an eclipse, one can work with unique energies to clear stagnation and move forward with greater clarity.
On a black platter assemble the following 5 elemental representations in their corresponding directions, thinking of their intention with each
Center: Earth: salt or dirt in counter clockwise spiral, white quartz or selenite crystals, - representing stability, grounding
North: Water: vessel of water representing emotion, intuition, and hidden wisdom.
South: Fire: candle or incense representing passion, purification, and destruction of old patterns.
West: Metal: metal object (spoon, jewelry, screw or bell) representing focus and purpose purpose.
East: Wood: stick, flower, or seed representing growth, resilience, renewal
Sprinkle essential oils and herbs around the platter and elements to forify your intentions, and light your candle or incense
Repeat this chant or another that resonates
"Between the shadows, light is born, A path renewed, the old is torn.
Moon and Sun in cosmic dance, Grant me blessings, a sacred chance.
What must fade now turns to dust, What must rise, in stars I trust.
Through this portal, dark to bright, I claim my power, I own my light!"
Move your hips, dance, use your breath, squeeze & release your muscles to release all tension from body, representing the release of what doesnt serve you
Fall into meditation & focus on your intentions and calling in what is meant for you
Eclipses are a moment of liminality: both an ending and a beginning.
Embracing the Shadows
Eclipses, in the context of ancient Chinese wisdom, are not to be feared but honored as cosmic recalibrations. They remind us that the universe operates in cycles, and moments of darkness are simply preludes to new light. By embracing the disruption, working with the natural flow of Qi, and aligning with the wisdom of the elements, we can use these celestial events to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the cosmos.
As the next eclipse approaches, consider what must be released, what energies are shifting, and how you can realign with your truest self. In the end, eclipses are invitations—portals into transformation, waiting for us to step through with awareness and intention.
The core theme of eclipse energy: let go or be dragged. No one can escape, no one is immune. You cannot stop fate.
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach and holistic growth strategist.
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