Gifts From The Eclipse

Gifts From The Eclipse

Now that we know eclipses don’t mean the end of the world, we can reframe them however we choose. If you didn’t do anything special for the solar eclipse, it’s not too late consider the symbolism of the event and use it as an opportunity to grow.

The most obvious characteristic of an eclipse is a darkening of the light. I believe lightness is a fundamental characteristic of every sentient being. When we encounter someone whose light shines brightly, it’s like they illuminate the room and elevate those around them. So, what’s dimming – or even eclipsing – your light? Do you hide it? Are there unresolved conflicts that keep you in the darkness? Is it hard for you to even perceive the light within you? What happens when you invite your light to spread? When you allow it access to all parts of you?

What kind of effect do you have on your community and environment? Are you a force of light or do you cast a shadow? What facets of the world do you withhold light from because you feel they’re somehow wrong or undeserving? What happens when you deny light to something or someone you judge negatively – and then what happens when you shine your light on it anyway?

Another way to interpret an eclipse is that it’s symbolic of the shadow coming to the forefront. How is your relationship with your shadow side? What parts of yourself have you kept suppressed, unaccepted, or denied? Denial of our shadow is inevitably uncomfortable and squelches our potential. How can you rise to your full power if there’s a part of you that isn’t integrated or acknowledged? It can only undermine you. This is a good time to notice what you’ve kept in the shadows and offer it acceptance and forgiveness. You are all of this.  

In a similar way to the internal shadow, you may have noticed a recent emergence of our collective shadow in the sociopolitical world – more blatant corruption, racism, and warmongering. Though such events can be distressing to witness, they’re sort of like a symptom that has just gotten unpleasant enough to cause people to respond. These times have prompted so many people to become engaged in their community and local government, to vote, to share their gifts, to stand up for what’s right and to shine their light.

Letting our virtuous highest selves lead the way is like coming into alignment – and that’s another unique property of eclipses. They’re a time of extraordinary alignment, when the three main celestial bodies in our lives – Earth, Moon, and Sun – line up perfectly. What are YOU choosing to align with? Do you have a guiding light that helps you make decisions and remember what matters? If not, spend some time in nature, journal about what inspires you, and meditate with the intention of reaching beyond your mind. It’s best if you discover this for yourself, but if you have a hard time feeling it, try aligning yourself with this: Love. Let love guide you and your light will naturally shine forth and light the way. No special glasses necessary.

Be well,

Dr. Peter Borten

19 Comments
  • Cindy Stewart
    Posted at 22:05h, 23 August Reply

    Thank you for this perspective. I got to witness the total eclipse in Kentucky. It was, and will remain, one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed! A shift occurred within me that caused tears to flow looking at that beautiful corona. I’m stepping up and into the light, and into a greater presence in my healing work. I’ve been playing small for too long. The darkness that came up for me over this last year has served to move me forward and confront, with love, that which needed healing within me. Blessings to you and yours, and this important work you’re both doing!

    Cindy

    • Peter Borten
      Posted at 15:07h, 24 August Reply

      Thanks, Cindy. I’m glad you’re up for doing the work & I know it will serve you – and everyone around you.

  • Catherine
    Posted at 05:09h, 24 August Reply

    This message is well conceived, aligned with higher truth and so eloquently written. Acceptance and forgiveness are crucial access points to the light existing in all, even in the moments it’s eclipsed…thank you.
    Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

    • Peter Borten
      Posted at 18:43h, 28 August Reply

      Thanks, Catherine.
      And that’s a phrase our whole family chants nightly.

  • Susan hawkins sager
    Posted at 05:27h, 24 August Reply

    I have not read another such soulful piece about the meaning and metaphor of eclipses! Thank you from the heart!

  • Susan hawkins sager
    Posted at 05:28h, 24 August Reply

    Such a soulful piece in the meaning and metaphor of this eclipse ! A heartfelt ‘thank you’ for sharing this !

  • Tammie
    Posted at 12:49h, 24 August Reply

    Thank you I needed. I felt a shift for sure. Intense emotions night before and eclipse happened and I literally felt a release and later an energy surge. Now feeling I need to push through my feeling of being stuck.

    Thank you for your post it was very helpful .

    • Peter Borten
      Posted at 18:44h, 28 August Reply

      You’re welcome Tammie. We’ve been experiencing some emotional intensity here too. Be well.

  • Jennifer Cowick
    Posted at 14:30h, 24 August Reply

    Beautifully said, thank you.

  • Margaret Ellis Yotsi'nahkwa'talihahte~wild rose
    Posted at 15:01h, 24 August Reply

    Thank you for this article. It means so much to me.

  • Jill
    Posted at 15:30h, 24 August Reply

    Continued blessings to you … thank you for sharing such a beautifully shared HOPE filled message… your perspective has guided me to feel/ see a positive path for change with love leading the way for our world. With gratitude….

    • Peter Borten
      Posted at 18:46h, 28 August Reply

      Thank you for the blessings, Jill. I’m glad to hear it helped shift your perspective.

  • Brette
    Posted at 03:24h, 25 August Reply

    Reflecting on both thoughts you offer I am inspired. Letting my light shine and realizing the shadows is exactly the place I am at in my journey.
    Thank you for supporting the concepts so eloquently.

  • Melissa Soendergaard
    Posted at 17:42h, 27 August Reply

    Thank you so much for all the love and light you give to the world!

    This message about gifts from the eclipse is so powerful for me. My life is literally shifting alignment and while it’s terrifying and sad and exciting, I have your gifts to help me stay on my path.

    Love and light to you both!!

    • Peter Borten
      Posted at 18:49h, 28 August Reply

      You’re welcome! Yes, the process brings both pain and release, fear and trust, alternately. But once you start, you can never really stop or forget, can you? Be well,
      Peter

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