Eclipses have captivated human imagination for millennia, inspiring myths, superstitions, and spiritual beliefs across cultures. These celestial events, where the Sun or Moon is temporarily obscured, were often seen as omens, divine battles, or cosmic resets, shaping the way civilizations understood the universe.
Even today, superstitions surrounding eclipses persist, with some cultures advising pregnant women and children to stay indoors or warning against making major life decisions during an eclipse. Meanwhile, modern astrology views eclipses as powerful catalysts for transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
Curious about the astrological meaning of eclipses today? Read more here.
How Ancient Civilizations Viewed Eclipses
Long before telescopes and modern astronomy, eclipses were shrouded in mystery. Without scientific explanations, ancient societies turned to myth and folklore to make sense of these awe-inspiring events. Let’s discover how eclipses were seen in different parts of the world.
Eclipses as Omens of Doom (Mesopotamia, China, and Medieval Europe)
In many ancient cultures, an eclipse, especially a solar eclipse, was a sign of disaster. Since the Sun represented power, life, and divine authority, its sudden darkening was seen as a warning from the gods.
- In Mesopotamia, Babylonian astrologers believed eclipses foreshadowed the death of kings. To avoid this fate, they would appoint a temporary “substitute king,” who would later be sacrificed.
- In China, according to ancient Chinese texts, a giant celestial dragon was believed to devour the Sun or Moon during an eclipse. People would bang drums and make loud noises to scare the dragon away.
- In Medieval Europe, eclipses were often seen as divine punishments and omens of misfortune, linked to wars, plagues, and the deaths of rulers. Many believed they signified the wrath of God and foretold great upheavals. One famous example is the solar eclipse of 1133 CE, which was widely associated with the death of King Henry I of England, reinforcing fears that eclipses heralded political instability and disaster.
Eclipses as Divine Battles (Hindu, Norse, and Mesoamerican Myths)
Some cultures saw eclipses not as omens of doom, but as battles between cosmic forces, where gods and celestial beings clashed.
- Hindu Mythology: In the legend of Rahu and Ketu, a demon tricks the gods into granting him immortality. When Vishnu discovers the deception, he beheads the demon, but his severed head (Rahu) and body (Ketu) live on, periodically swallowing the Sun and Moon, causing eclipses.
- Norse Mythology: The Vikings believed that wolves were responsible for eclipses, Sköll chased the Sun, and Hati chased the Moon. When one of them caught their prey, an eclipse would occur.
- Mesoamerican Civilizations: The Aztecs and Maya believed that solar eclipses were caused by the Sun’s temporary death, and they performed rituals to ensure its rebirth. Some Mayan inscriptions suggest that human sacrifices were carried out to appease the gods during an eclipse.
Cosmic Cycles and Celestial Signs (Indigenous and Eastern Traditions)
Not all ancient cultures viewed eclipses as omens of misfortune. Some saw them as natural cosmic cycles, influencing life on Earth rather than bringing disaster.
Among many Indigenous North American tribes, eclipses were perceived as temporary disruptions in the natural order. The Cherokee (American indigenous tribe) believed that a giant frog was swallowing the Moon, while the Tlingit (Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast) saw it as a symbolic visit between the Sun and Moon.
Some Japanese traditions considered solar eclipses to be positive events, marking a time for reflection and new beginnings.
Similarly, in Taoist and Buddhist traditions, eclipses were seen as moments of deep spiritual significance, ideal for meditation, purification, and inner transformation. Rather than being feared, these celestial events were embraced as opportunities for growth and renewal.
Eclipses and Pregnancy: Myths & Misconceptions
One of the most widespread eclipse-related superstitions concerns pregnancy and childbirth. Many cultures believe, even today, that pregnant women should stay indoors during an eclipse to protect their unborn child.
In Mexico and parts of Latin America, it is believed that if a pregnant woman is exposed to an eclipse, her baby may be born with a cleft lip or palate. This superstition dates back to the Aztecs, who thought an eclipse occurred because a bite had been taken out of the Moon. They feared that if a pregnant woman looked at the eclipse, her child would be born with a similar “bite” taken out of its mouth. To prevent this, Aztec women would place an obsidian knife on their abdomen before going out at night as a form of protection. This belief has persisted for centuries, though today, instead of an obsidian knife, many use a metal key or safety pin as a protective charm.
In India, pregnant women are often advised not to eat or drink during an eclipse, as it is believed that food prepared during this time could be “poisoned” by the eclipse’s energy.
While these beliefs remain deeply rooted in cultural traditions, there is no scientific evidence linking eclipses to any physical harm during pregnancy.
Modern Eclipse Superstitions That Still Exist Today
While we no longer fear celestial dragons devouring the Sun, eclipse superstitions remain deeply embedded in many cultures. Even today, people across the world follow certain customs and avoid specific activities during an eclipse:
- Don’t eat or drink during an eclipse – In India and parts of China, it is believed that food prepared or consumed during an eclipse absorbs negative energy, making it harmful.
- Avoid looking at an eclipse without protection – While this is a valid scientific concern, it originally stemmed from ancient fears that eclipses had a cursed or corrupting influence.
- Don’t start anything new – Some astrologers advise against launching projects, making major decisions, or signing contracts during an eclipse, as the energy is considered unpredictable and fated.
- Bathe or purify yourself after an eclipse – Many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, recommend taking a cleansing bath after an eclipse to wash away any lingering negative energy.
One modern warning that remains valid, however, is to never look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Unlike lunar eclipses, which are completely safe to view with the naked eye, solar eclipses can cause permanent eye damage due to intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Important Safety Note:
One crucial rule to remember is to never look directly at the Sun through a camera lens, phone, or telescope without a solar filter, as this can magnify sunlight and cause severe, permanent eye injury.
The Bottom Line: Eclipses & the Search for Meaning
We may no longer sacrifice kings or bang drums to scare off cosmic dragons, but have we really outgrown eclipse superstitions? Even today, we hesitate to start something new on an eclipse, take extra precautions, and, just maybe, still hold our breath when the sky darkens…
The sky darkens, and we still hold our breath.
Eclipses remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves—a universe in motion, a celestial rhythm that has played out for millennia. The same Sun and Moon that once struck fear into ancient hearts still inspire awe in ours today.
Eclipses are a reminder of our place in the cosmos.
Perhaps, in the end, eclipses are not just about superstition or science, but about our enduring need to find meaning in the sky—to seek answers we don’t have, to see significance in what we cannot control. Science has given us explanations, yet our thirst for understanding is never truly quenched. We always want more. And as fascinating as science is, is it enough?
So here’s a call: when the next eclipse graces the sky, step outside, look up, and experience it for yourself. Maybe you don’t need to read more about its meaning—maybe you just need to feel it, let it move through you, and witness the universe at work in real-time.
But if you’re craving a deeper exploration of its astrological significance, read: Astrological Meaning of Eclipses: What They Reveal & Why They Matter.
