The Rituals of Eclipses

We all have different ways of experiencing eclipses. For some, known as Eclipse Chasers or umbraphiles (literally, “shadow lovers”), they spend their lives travelling the world, seeking the path of totality. For others, an eclipse might pass by without much notice.

But throughout history, eclipses have rarely gone unnoticed. Our ancestors, in fact, were verging on shadow lovers themselves, with rituals to ward off the malevolent energy often feared when the Sun disappeared during the day. In ancient Babylon, eclipses were seen as serious threats, particularly to the king. They believed the eclipse brought omens of death, and to avoid this, they performed a specific ritual.

The šar pūḫi, or substitute king ritual, temporarily replaced the reigning king with a stand-in—usually a commoner or prisoner—to “absorb” any negative energy during the eclipse. The substitute would take on the royal duties, bear the weight of any misfortune, and was often executed or exiled after the eclipse passed, symbolically taking the bad omens with them.

The true king would then return, free from the cosmic threats.

Now, while we don’t need stand-ins today, eclipses still hold incredible energy. They’re moments of release, of letting go of what no longer serves us.

So, as the Solar Eclipse approaches on Wednesday, what are you ready to release?

Whether it’s an outdated belief, a draining relationship, or a habit that’s been holding you back—think of this eclipse as your opportunity to reclaim your power.

Let go, and step into your true self.

✨ Solar Eclipse on Wednesday, 2nd October ✨
I’ll be hosting a Guided Moon Meditation that evening to explore the deeper insights available during this powerful eclipse.

Join me so that you can discover what the cosmos has in store for you. Just reserve your place here.