For the first time in 38 years, a total solar eclipse has just passed over the United States. This got us wondering: what is the significance of the eclipse? There are those who see the eclipse as strictly a scientific phenomenon, an interesting event in and of itself. To others, however, the eclipse is more than a natural occurrence; it is a spiritual experience with true meaning, a blessing, or an omen of times to come.
Predictions and Prophecies
Have you heard of the Blood Moon prophecy? It stems from a biblical passage (Acts 2:20) which states: "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the lord." What exactly that means is unclear, but such passages lead some to believe that there's more to today's solar eclipse than meets the eye.
In the mind of some faith groups, the eclipse actually signals something much more sinister. For example, according to Christian evangelist Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Billy Graham), the eclipse is a definite sign that "God's severe judgement [is] coming on America." She reports a "deep conviction that God is warning America of impending disaster and destruction."
We certainly hope not. However, the story doesn't end there.
X Marks the End Times
The next solar eclipse in the United States will occur in 2024, and its path will cross perpendicular to that of this year's event forming an "X" across North America. Some Christian scholars believe the X shape is significant, and not in a good way. Author Gary Ray thinks that this period could spell serious trouble for nonbelievers. He insists the two eclipses will be "the starting and ending signs bookmarking a seven-year period of awful tribulations that Revelations says waits in store for nonbelievers who are left behind on Earth when the Rapture occurs."
Only time will tell if these dire biblical predictions prove accurate.
Spiritual Optimism
Other interpretations are far less foreboding. To many people, the eclipse is indeed a spiritual event just not a gloomy one.
Consider this spiritual angle, from an article published by Elite Daily:
"Eclipses are a time of rapid change, either from internal or external circumstances. We are forced to change in a way that might be uncomfortable, but that ultimately lead to maturity. Generally, the changes that a solar eclipse ushers in are positive Ultimately a solar eclipse is meant for us to demand more of ourselves, and the events around it will prove to be a test of our strength and resolve to achieve our dreams."
In this sense, an eclipse is more than just an omen it's an opportunity. A chance to gain spiritual insight into one's personal life, and pursue the path toward betterment of the self.
Well that's not so bad, right? Definitely preferable to fire and brimstone!
Shadows on the Earth
It's estimated that more than 7 million people viewed today's total eclipse. There's no doubt that some of the curiosity was purely scientific. However, for many eclipse-viewers across a variety of faiths and beliefs, the eclipse represented more than one of our solar system's parlor tricks.
From those who looked to the eclipse for a message from God, to those who believe it to be unique agent of change, the spiritual significance of the event was undeniable.
What is your interpretation of the solar eclipse? Do its shadows contain a deeper spiritual/religious meaning?
36 comments
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Robert Szymanski
Sure, things are getting worst on this planet! That doesn't mean that it's the end of the world yet! Only God knows when the last days are coming!
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John Owens
"The heathens see the signs in the heavens and are dismayed by them." Jeremiah 10
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Stephanie Willey
Eclipses happen on a regular schedule and pass over a different part of Earth each time. They aren't "scientific" events but are simply natural occurrences. Eclipses have been happening ever since our moon settled into its orbital path and that was millions of years before modern humans first walked the earth.
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XaurreauX
Keeping the people who pay your salary in a state terror and ignorance is great job security.
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Los Guy
When I was young people that hear voices got rubber rooms. The same should go for anyone that thinks that an eclipse signifies the end of the world or that Former President Obama caused hurricane Sandy or that Hurricane Harvey is a liberal conspiracy to make money. Some of you people have to start thinking and base it on logical and scientific knowledge instead of chasing spooks....
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Dare-me_girl
Rude just stupid. you people actually believe its the end of the world.????????????????????????????????
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Bill Fox
Judgement Day was here when Eve offered Adam the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
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Danny
Hello all, My daughter seems to think the eclipse has something to do with the hurricanes brewing in the gulf? I live in Houston and Harvey did quite a bit of damage along the gulf coast. And now Iren is a brewing out there. Anyone else think this is a coincidence?
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DrTony
Often times, there are events that occur in a time proximity to each other and people are willing to say that the one caused the other. If we are to accept the notion that a solar event causes havoc on this earth (other than a CME - corona mass ejection), then we will have pushed back the ideas of science and reason some 1500 years. A few years ago, all the planets (including Pluto) were supposedly lined up and the gravitational pull between the Sun and the planets would tear this planet apart. It seemed like a logical idea but lacked the empirical data.
In this case, we need to focus on what causes solar eclipses and what causes hurricanes and see that the one is not related to the other.
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DrTony
By the way, the hurricane in the South Atlantic is Irma.
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Los Guy
Danny I doubt that the eclipse had anything to do with the hurricanes as eclipses happen several times a year some place just maybe not here is the US. the link will give you an idea of how many eclipse happen... https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/eclipse/?utm_term=.122a9810c497
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Dreamsinger
Q: What's the difference between a schizophrenic who believes the world will end because of a solar eclipse, and a Christian Evangelical celebrity who believes the same thing?
A: If you can explain it and not get thrown into a psych ward, you're not the schizophrenic.
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Paul Hoogeveen
As with many natural phenomena, we humans love to ascribe meaning to total solar eclipses to support our self identities, social views, and spiritual beliefs. We tend to be very focused on our in-groups with regard to these phenomena, forgetting that total eclipses are simply a matter of perspective, and that the vast majority of the planet does not experience any given total eclipse in full. Consider that there will be 8 more total solar eclipses between now and November 25, 2030. What meaning do we ascribe to them? Do they have no meaning at all unless they are directly and fully viewable by us?
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John Smithkey lll
The eclipse is a beautiful phenomenon that God created when He created the universe!! We should view this natural wonder, and thank God for the beautiful gifts he gave us! I agree with Paul. At times we humans do have to attach a meaning to things natural occurrences. At times, attaching names will do nothing more than spoil the beauty in nature! John Smithkey III RN BSN
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John Smithkey lll
I just thought of something!! Instead of worrying if the eclipse may mean the end of the world or some upcoming disaster, let's take a moment and thank God for the beautiful event that happened today! After all most of us on this blog are ministers with the ULC Monastery. Have a blessed night everyone!! John Smithkey III RN
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John Maher
YES DEAR HUMAN BEINGS, IT WAS AN ECLIPSE, TA< TA < TA< TA, W T F ???
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tyford
Will there be a Judgement Day or is that simply a primal fear that is propagated by organized religion to leverage control over those who worship at the altars of those religions?
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Clyde Hodge
X does most assuredly not mark the spot. It's no more of an end to the world than missing a sock or 12.9 earthquakes. Just phenomena of a living universe. Animation + time = life. (not necessarily organic)
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DrTony
Those who treat a solar eclipse or a combination of solar eclipses as the sign of end times are reacting just as many early civilization with their plethora of gods did. The blotting of the sun must be a sign that the gods are angry. So, these individuals, while professing one faith, are following in the footsteps of what they themselves would say are pagans or false gods. There is an inconsistency in that approach, I think.
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drrgrivera
THE ECLIPSE INDICATES: THE SHADOW THE MOON WILL CAST, AS IT PASSES BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE EARTH OVER THE AREA WHERE OBSERVERS WILL NOTICE A BLOCKING OF THE SUNLIGHT..... MUCH LIKE PLACING YOUR HAND IN FRONT YOUR EYES AND BETWEEN YOU AND THE OBJECT IN LINE OF SIGHT. IT CAN ALSO MEAN ANYTHING ANYONE ATTRIBUTES TO IT AS ITS MEANING. THERE REALLY IS NO WAY TO STOP OR SUPPRESS HUMAN IMAGINATION; WE WILL NOT PERMIT THE ATTEMPT WHEN ANYONE TRIES.. IT'S A GOOD THING THOSE MEANINGS ARE ONLY MEANINGS IN PEOPLE'S BRAINS.
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Pastor B Stevens
Cmon guys X has taken place hundreds of times throughout history . Funny how certain beliefs despite science and space both then putntheir ignorant input into something that's nothing but chance happening . If God were to come step on everyone you'll not know until that very moment . Stop being silly ?❤️?
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Minister Daniel Rodecap
You have to research Our Lady of Fatima to understand the miracle of the Sun me
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Los Guy
I have researched the Miracle at Fatima and found it to be more of a financial than religious institution...
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angel
It means whatever each person wants it to mean. But if this signified the end of the world, then the world keeps coming to an end. I think the only way this world will really end is if we lose our sun, we lose our moon or we blow it up!
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Los Guy
Every time we get an astronomical or Earth base natural disaster event Christians want it to be the end of the world, With 791 annular eclipses, 635 total eclipses and 114 hybrid eclipses the Earth is already destroyed innumerable times. So silly...
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James
Easy on the finger pointing. Global warming much?
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Los Guy
You are being very ignorant (from the word ignore) if you do not believe in Global Warming. These wether patterns that we are having are not normal nor are they going to go away real soon...
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Elan
Don't you think it odd that you think what you believe is right, but those who do not agree with you are ignorant?
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Los Guy
Scientist all over the world claim it is happening backed by years of data, We are seeing storms (larger than we have seen in history) and weather changes all over the world, You would rather listen and believe someone that has not done any studies on weather patterns past, present and future, never opened a book on weather. To me that is what I call ignorant. You can call it anything you want but to believe Dictator Donald T Rump that there is not Global Warming is just like believing in the tooth fairy, Santa Claus or the Good Witch of the North...
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Los Guy
James and Elan read this... https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/9/3/1694912/-Seven-climate-change-predictions-that-have-come-true?detail=emaildkre
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John Smithkey lll
I agree! Instead of wanting the end of the world, we should instead thank God for the wonderful astronomical events that occur! John Smithkey III
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Katelynne Victoria Shouse
'Twas Much Ado Concerning Merely a Trifle!
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Barry
It's a scientific event.No hocus-pocus
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James
The celestial alignment is next month too. Oh no! Cows will be mooing backwards! Run....
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Stephanie Willey
James, I think cows "moo" backwards pretty much all the time. Quite a few scientists have calculated that the methane emissions from cows alone is a significant contributor of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere.
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ABRA CADABRA - Hokus, Pokus......Lets hope it don't poke us in the EYE. LOL