Welcome to the latest edition of Unlocking Your Greatness with Wendy Bjork. As an international bestselling author, inspirational speaker and guide to others, as well as founder of heartsofwellness.com, it is my mission to help others understand how to make progress forward and live our best lives!
Why is there an annular solar eclipse happening?
In a typical solar eclipse, the Moon passes in front of the Sun. This shadow casts on the Earth is called the umbra, and it can result in a total solar eclipse, or partial solar eclipse if the Moon doesn’t cover the whole Sun.
Annular solar eclipses are rarer, and they happen only when the Moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun’s, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around the Moon. The next annular solar eclipse will occur on Oct. 14, 2023, and will be visible in a narrow path across North and South America.
Cultural traditions and ceremonies are important part of this special event.
A solar eclipse is a big deal to a lot of people, but for many indigenous tribes, the event is seen as a bad omen. Some will stay inside with averted eyes, others will make noise to scare away the bad spirit and some may even keep their lands closed to the public for the duration of the eclipse.
Native Americans and their ancestors viewed the sun and moon as cultural deities and a source of life. They have long observed the motions, position and appearance of the sun and moon, recording this data to predict future solar eclipses. While some American Indian tribes might ignore the eclipse, others welcome it with storytelling, food and celebration. For the Crow Tribe in Montana, this year’s annular eclipse coincides with the annual Parade Dance at the tribe’s fair and their New Year.
Other tribal nations have similar traditions with different interpretations. Among the Guarani people, eclipses are thought to be caused by an evil spirit embodied by a jaguar constellation. The people of Papua New Guinea are more likely to think an eclipse is the result of a volcanic eruption that blotted out the sun and caused crops to fail.
For some tribes, such as the Navajo, eclipses are considered a time to honor their deities and pray for renewal. Nancy Maryboy, Ph.D., a Dine (Navajo) educator who teaches about solar eclipses, says that in the past Navajo were told to stay indoors during an entire eclipse, not to drink, or eat. She adds that Navajo schools typically canceled classes on eclipse days so students could follow these traditions.
The October 14th eclipse, which is only visible in a relatively narrow band of the country, has inspired some Navajo to follow their cultural beliefs and stay indoors for the duration of the eclipse. But other members of the Navajo Nation will take to the outdoors, donning protective eyewear as they watch from their homes and from the backcountry of Bears Ears, a Utah national monument known for its colossal red rock structures.
For the Navajo, it’s important for non-tribal visitors to understand that this is a sacred time and that they should respect local tribal sensitivities. To that end, the Bears Ears Partnership has curated a webpage for tips on visiting with respect, including a suggestion to avoid sharing photos or videos of the eclipse, and to wear eclipse glasses at all times. The Navajo Nation’s Department of Environmental Quality has also created a Facebook page with more information on how to observe the eclipse safely and respectfully. Those who do visit should be mindful of the eclipse’s path, as it passes through the area where the eclipse experience is at its greatest.
The appearance of the Moon during an annular eclipse can be spectacular, particularly for people in a small area that is directly in the line of the Moon’s shadow. For those who are not in that narrow path, it is important to always use specialized eye protection for viewing solar eclipses. Looking at the Sun without such protective glasses can be very damaging to the eyes and may even cause permanent damage.
To track this eclipse head over to: New NASA Map Details 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses in the US – NASA
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As a best-selling author, inspirational speaker and Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Wendy Bjork empowers women to see beyond whatever challenges they are navigating.
She inspires them to boldly live in acceptance, live healthy and free as she teaches them to see life in a different way to fulfill their dreams that have been left on the backburner for far too long.
Her HeartsofWellness.com platform is the place for women to begin receiving the support they are seeking as they create their roadmap back to freedom and wellness with Wendy lighting their path.
As a pioneer in advocacy and mentorship, Wendy is leading a global revolution of women walking in purpose and peace as she illumines their path ahead with the light of HOPE: Harmony, Options, Peace & Empowerment.
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