Swallowing the sun: remembering the Celts and Norse in today’s eclipse

An annular eclipse, sometimes known as a “ring of fire” eclipse, is taking place today on October 2. It will be visible from Argentina and Chile, while a partial eclipse will be seen in parts of the Pacific, other parts of South America and from Antarctica. Throughout history, eclipses have fascinated people. This will be the last solar eclipse phenomenon to take place in 2024 – to find out how to watch it and times, please click here.

Eclipses, especially in spiritual traditions, are seen as potent symbols of change, transformation, and revelation. They are often viewed as times when the veils between the physical and spiritual worlds thin, creating opportunities for breakthroughs, clarity, and shifts in consciousness. The “ring of fire” or annular eclipse holds a unique spiritual significance, symbolizing a powerful moment of incomplete transition, where the sun’s light is partially obscured, representing the balance between light and shadow. This type of eclipse is an omen of personal evolution, urging us to confront what is hidden or unresolved and embrace new beginnings while letting go of old patterns. It often heralds a period of heightened awareness, clarity, and realignment with our deeper purpose in modern life.

In the Celtic and Norse world, eclipses were significant astronomical events that held deep mythological and spiritual meanings. The ancient Norse people observed the cycles of the sun and moon meticulously, and these celestial occurrences were often interpreted as omens or messages from the gods. The concept of the eclipse year, which includes the luni-solar cycle of 19 years or the Saros cycle of 18 years and 10½ days, was well understood. These cycles were represented in various circular palisadings, which were used to commemorate solar eclipses, as seen in the prehistoric temple at Knappers – read an article here relevant to the image of the Temple of Druids which features a snake design at the sacred site at Dumbarton in Scotland, built to commemorate an eclipse.

The relationship between the sun and moon was central to Norse cosmology, but also complex, and there are various contradictory/conflicting interpretations. However, one of the most well-known myths involving eclipses is that of the wolf Sköll chasing and eventually swallowing the sun (Sól), causing an eclipse, while his brother Hati chases the moon. This event symbolizes chaos and destruction in the Norse worldview, particularly foreshadowing the events of Ragnarök. The myth of the wolves Sköll and Hati chasing the sun (Sól) and the moon (Máni) is primarily found in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, both of which are key sources of Norse mythology. Specifically, the myth is mentioned in the “Völuspá,” a poem within the Poetic Edda, where it describes the cosmic wolves pursuing the sun and moon, and how their eventual success heralds the beginning of Ragnarök. The Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson, also elaborates on this myth in the “Gylfaginning” section, explaining how Sköll and Hati chase Sól and Máni through the skies. I’ll add that in Sami traditions, eclipses are also connected to wolves or creatures devouring celestial bodies, with the sun and moon seen as powerful beings subject to occasional cosmic disruption. The light of the sun was seen as the Light of Truth, while the moon’s radiance was considered a magical essence that brought life and wisdom. This duality reflects the Norse belief in the interconnectedness of natural and supernatural realms, a theme that is also prevalent in the practice of seiðr; a form of Norse magic that involved shamanistic rituals and divination through altered states but also ecstatic experiences that drew on sexual (kundalini) energy and was often combined with galdr.

Galdr and seiðr are interconnected practices within Norse spiritual traditions, both involving the manipulation of energy and altered trance-like states. Galdr refers to the chanting or incantation of magical songs or runes, which harness vibrational power to raise energy and focus intent. This is often used in tandem with seiðr, a Norse shamanic practice led by a völva (seeress), involving deep trance-like states to communicate with spirits or manipulate the threads of fate. I actually taught this in my Sea Magic masterclass this summer, as the elements, especially the sea and wind are highly connected to these practices. The altered, ecstatic states achieved in seiðr, often enhanced by sexual energy, act as a powerful force for raising and directing energy. Sexual ecstasy in this context can serve as a potent tool to channel divine energy, break mental barriers, and heighten spiritual or magical work, blending the vocal, physical, and energetic realms into a unified act of creation and transformation. The connection between seiðr and sexuality is evident in the rituals that involved the use of sexual energy as a life-creation force. This energy was believed to have healing properties and was used to restore balance and harmony in the world. One of the things that I do with my work is preserve but also bring back ancient wisdom, which includes the sacredness of sexuality with a life partner which can be deeply healing at all levels, and help us today to heal and reconnect with our authentic selves.

Seiðr, often practiced by women known as völur, was deeply intertwined with the natural world and celestial events like eclipses. The actual name of these seers means staff-carrier, but staffs are phallic in nature so we see there is an association already with sexual energy in this type of magic and altered states (an orgasm being one of them). These practitioners would enter trance states to communicate with the gods and spirits, seeking guidance and knowledge. I hope this post inspires some of you to take a moment out today to bury the old and make way for the new but also connect with the ancestors and the deepest parts of yourselves. Normally there is a three-day threshold when we work with moon magic so if you missed the actual eclipse you still have time to make use of this very powerful energy and day; use it as a threshold to reflect on what has passed and plan for what is to come.

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 Elayne (Sophia Unveiled)