A month of eclipses

The first total lunar eclipse of 2025 will take place on March 14 and will be visible in the Americas, Western Europe, West Africa and the northern South Atlantic Ocean. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in the same month on the 29th, which will be visible to those living in North America, Europe and northwestern Russia. However, both eclipses will not be visible in many countries, including Pakistan.

Five years ago, in my column titled ‘Victory of light’ published in these pages on June 27, 2020, I highlighted that eclipses, both solar and lunar, have been the focus of human attention since ancient times. According to Hinduism, goodness, truth and kindness are related to light, the source of which is the sun and the moon. The forces of evil, representing darkness, have been active since eternity to extinguish the light. During an eclipse, the forces of evil achieve temporary success in extinguishing the centre of light for a while.

In various ancient societies, a solar eclipse was interpreted as the end of the world or the decline of empires, while a lunar eclipse was considered a sign of bloodshed and horrific wars. The people of that time believed that an eclipse was a symbol of the displeasure of the gods. However, all ancient societies and religions of the world have one common factor — that special worship should be performed on the occasion of an eclipse. On this occasion, charity, and sacrifice should be offered.

Two and a half thousand years ago, the two great armies of their time, the Medes and Lydia, had observed a solar eclipse during the peak of war. The armies of both sides interpreted it as displeasure from God at the shedding of human blood on God’s land and immediately threw down their weapons in front of each other for a ceasefire.

When Alexander the Great passed away, the Greeks considered the solar eclipse that day to be the displeasure of the gods. Similarly, on the night of the conquest of Constantinople, the inhabitants of the great Roman Empire interpreted the lunar eclipse as lifting light of blessing from God and thus, lost the city forever to the Ottoman Turks.

It is known about the Spanish navigator Christopher Columbus that he was captured by the people of Jamaica during his expedition. However, the Jamaican people considered the eclipse to be God’s displeasure and left Columbus and his companions alive. Similarly, on the night of the assassination of the great American leader Abraham Lincoln, the people of Washington observed the lunar eclipse as a symbol of the president’s tragic fate.

Astrologers are of the view that the two major events taking place in the sky in the form of solar eclipse and lunar eclipse this month will bring a new turn in the political career of world rulers, especially those belonging to the zodiac signs Leo and Gemini. This astronomical demonstration will provide them with an opportunity to review their government affairs. Friends before the eclipse may turn into enemies, while there is a possibility of opening the door to reconciliation for opponents. However, the temporary defeat of the sun and moon by darkness can also shatter their dreams and setback plans.

US President Donald Trump’s star is Gemini, about whom it has already been predicted that he will reach the peak of his political achievements in April, while Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who belongs to the zodiac sign of the Leo, has proven to be a leader in every field.

The address of any president to the joint session of parliament is considered the most important event in parliamentary history. Mr Zardari tackled the challenge by delivering a bold and courageous address to the recent joint session.

Let’s hope the current month of eclipses has an ever-lasting impact and ends the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani