The Sacred Firewalk: September 7 Total Lunar Eclipse in Purva Bhadrapada
- Pamela McDonough
- 6 days ago
- 13 min read
In this edition: Full Moon Insights & Rising Sign Guide
🔮 Full Moon Insights: A powerful Lunar eclipse asks us to confront what’s dissolving… and what we’re still gripping too tightly.
🌟 Rising Sign Guide: How this powerful Lunar Eclipse brings revelations, endings, and subtle clarity.
✨ A Message from Pamela
Hi friends,
his full moon marks an extraordinary total lunar eclipse. With a totality of 1 hour and 22 minutes, it will be the longest eclipse in total shadow since 2022 and will be visible across much of the world. If you're new to understanding eclipses through the Jyotish tradition, I recommend reading this article first, then returning to this guide for deeper insights.
This isn't the time for making major life altering decisions or bold declarations. Instead, focus on observation, release, and allowing deep karmic impressions to surface without rushing to interpret them. Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra teaches us that sometimes we must let everything burn away—not for destruction, but for purification.
As for me, I am going to be using this cleansing energy to eradicate some pests (via beneficial nematodes) from my vegetable garden in preparation for planting my fall crops one we move out of eclipse season!
Keep looking up (just not directly at the eclipse!),
Pamela
Ready to navigate these powerful transitions? Book Your Personal Reading →
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Lunar Lowdown: The Sacred Firewalk of Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse Snapshot: Your Lunar Coordinates
Date & Time: September 7, 2025 – 11:08 AM PT
Sign & Degree: 21°09′ Sidereal Aquarius
Nakshatra: Purva Bhadradapa – “The Scorching Pair”
Deity: Aja Ekapada – The One-Footed Serpent
Ruling Planet: Jupiter (nakshatra), Saturn (rashi)
Full Aspect From: Sun, Mercury (combust in Leo), Jupiter (full drishti from Gemini)
This Lunar eclipse full Moon is NOT gentle and Purva Bhadra nakshatra, where the eclipse occurs, is know for purification by fire. This is the nakshatra of the solitary mystic, the one who walks over coals, the one who holds space between the seen and unseen. We’re entering a portal of radical spiritual confrontation.
Planetary Influences on the Full Moon Eclipse:
Conjunct Rahu in Aquarius: This eclipse carries an amplified emotional charge and the nodes of the Moon/eclipse energies add to the perception of emotional distortion. Rahu together with the Moon can bring obsessions and compulsions that might encourage us to leap before we look, without a solid understanding of the karmic consequences. Beware of illusion disguised as insight.
Full Aspect from Jupiter in Gemini: The influence of Jupiter on the lunar eclipse, while not counteracting its effects, introduces an element of discernment and knowledge. Jupiter encourages deeper understanding through study, teaching, or guided reflection, helping to discern wise insights from mere information, misinformation or illusion. This support can clarify some of the confusion and mental swirl generated by the eclipse energies.
But wait, there's so much more to this eclipse period!
Understanding Poorvabhadra Nakshatra: The Fire Walk of Sacred Sacrifice
Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra may be one of the most spiritually intense of all nakshatras. Presided over by Aja Ekapada, the one-footed deity of tapasya and cosmic balance, it bridges two worlds: the rational and the mystical, the structured and the surreal.
The symbol of this nakshatra is the sword. This shows us this nakshatra's ability to "cut" through illusion, falsehoods, and superficiality. It represents a sharp, penetrating intellect and a fierce determination to seek the truth, no matter how painful it may be.
This nakshatra calls us to:
Hold the paradox — walk with one foot in fire and the other in starlight
Cut through the illusion or superficial attachments
Intensify spiritual practices or make fierce inner commitments
Seek truth, even when it's painful
Face mortality, sacrifice, or the darker side of awakening
Walk alone if necessary, in pursuit of higher purpose
Purva Bhadrapada invites you to shed what no longer serves your spiritual path — and to do so with full awareness of the cost and the liberation it offers.
The Shadow Side: Like all planets and nakshatras, Purva Bhadrapada has its shadow side. Its intensity can manifest as a tendency toward extremes, anger, impulsiveness, or a fascination with the darker, more occult aspects of life. If this energy is not channeled properly, its powerful energy can be very destructive rather than transformative.
The eclipse in Purva Bhadrapada isn't about comfort. It's about clarity. It's about truth-telling, fire-walking, and reclaiming the deeper power that comes when you choose the soul's path, not the ego's.
Cosmic Architecture: The Karmic Bridge Between Breakdown and Breakthrough
Rare outer planet alignments, midpoints, papakartari yoga and the lunar eclipse...
A remarkable planetary configuration that is occurring alongside of this eclipse is one that’s easy to miss but impossible to ignore once seen. Saturn and Neptune are sitting almost exactly at the midpoint of the Uranus–Pluto trine. If you have planets in the range of 4-9° Capricorn, Pisces, or Taurus, this period may bring about unexpected events.
Pluto is in Capricorn, steadily dismantling old structures and power hierarchies. Uranus in Taurus, shaking the roots of what we value, from money to the Earth beneath our feet. And then, quietly, floating in between… Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, holding the karmic center. Please reference the image above and the area of the chart with pale gray overlays.
Saturn–Neptune Conjunction in Pisces (12th from the Moon/Lunar eclipse): This subtle but powerful influence activates themes of collective illusion, ancestral memory, and the karmas we’ve inherited from beyond our conscious lineage. Saturn grounds us in responsibility; Neptune blurs the lines. Together, they can dissolve long-standing emotional patterns — or trap us in dreamy avoidance if we’re not careful.
This isn’t just an "ordinary" eclipse. It’s a planetary pressure cooker. The eclipsed Moon is also caught in papakartari yoga in Aquarius, hemmed in between Pluto’s primal dismantling energy in Capricorn and Saturn’s karmic weight in Pisces.
It’s as if our emotional and intuitive self (the Moon) is being pressed on from all sides...squeezed between the past we thought we buried, and a future that can feel both thrilling and terrifying. Add the midpoint fire of Neptune and Saturn to the exact Uranus Pluto trine, and it’s clear: there’s no “easy out” under this eclipse sky. Only the deep work. The soul work. The kind that requires stillness, honest self-inquiry, and the courage to let old versions of yourself dissolve. The kind of alchemy that asks for everything, but can still return something eternal afterward.
Sit with these details for a moment, especially if these advanced concepts are new to you.
It is a very significant alignment since this is happening simultaneously with the Lunar eclipse. These outer planets are literally tracing a triangle across Earth and Water signs with the lunar eclipse...caught in between a slow-moving trinity of destruction (Pluto), disruption (Uranus), and spiritual surrender (Saturn-Neptune).
Think of Saturn–Neptune at the midpoint as a spiritual hinge. They ask us to commit to the mystery, even when clarity fades and familiar structures and lifestyles are dissolving. To restructure not just our lives, but our beliefs. They offer the grace to soften what Pluto breaks down and the grounding to channel Uranus’ wild and often brilliant flashes insight into something meaningful.
This is long-game karma. Deep-pattern alchemy. And the eclipse? It lights the fuse.
Stay Connected for More Insights If you're looking for deeper reflections and exclusive content on Vedic astrology, be sure to check out my Moondance Astrology Substack. With free and paid options, you'll get in-depth articles, personalized guidance, and much more. Subscribe here and dive deeper into your astrological journey.
Vedic Astrology Insights for September 2025: Eclipses, Endings & the Clarity to Begin Again
There’s more to September than Eclipse Season… Dive into the full planetary picture on my Substack guide—free now!
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– With deep gratitude, Pamela
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Purva Bhadrapada: Your Rising Sign Guide
To experience the most accurate insights, use your Vedic rising sign rather than your Sun sign. Haven't discovered your Vedic rising sign yet? Calculate your free Vedic Birth Chart to unlock these powerful New and Full Moon guides.
Here’s how the Full Moon in Purva Bhadrapada may unfold for each rising sign. Please remember that your individual birth chart will add a lot of nuance to your Full Moon experience!
Note: If you are in the planetary period (Vimshottari Dasha) or sub-periods of Moon or Jupiter, this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will hold even greater significance for you!
♈ Aries (Meṣa): 11th House Lunar Eclipse–Rewriting the Dream
This eclipse draws your focus to your friendships, communities, and the dreams you've been chasing. The eclipse emphasis will be on ambitions or relationships that may no longer align with your evolving sense of self. Take notice if certain goals or social connections consistently leave you feeling drained, uninspired, or disconnected; this is a sign that it may be time to release who or what’s no longer uplifting or supportive. Jupiter’s influence during this period encourages you to honor your own voice and inner guidance, empowering you to move beyond external expectations and societal pressures. It is time to create space for new dreams and connections that feel more authentic and fulfilling.
Reflection: What community or goal no longer serves the person I am growing into?
♉ Taurus (Vṛṣabha): 10th House Lunar Eclipse–Restructuring Your Role
If your career path or public image has felt stuck or uncertain, this eclipse could create a pivot point, encouraging you to reevaluate your ambitions and professional direction. You may realize that a role, title, or long-held goal no longer aligns with your personal growth or core values. Are you career goals serving your deeper sense of purpose, or are they simply a source of security or routine? Jupiter’s influence encourages you to choose a path rooted in authenticity rather than appearances or external validation. Allow yourself to be guided by what truly brings you meaning and fulfillment, even if it means letting go of old definitions of success.
Reflection: What outer role is ready to change so it better matches my inner truth?
♊ Gemini (Mithuna): 9th House Lunar Eclipse – The Wisdom to Let Go
This eclipse asks you to reflect deeply on the beliefs, philosophies, or mentors that have shaped your worldview and guided your decisions to this point in life. Consider whether these sources of wisdom still resonate with the person you are today, or if they feel outdated and limiting. If certain ideologies or influences no longer align with your evolving sense of self, this is an ideal moment to acknowledge them, honor the role they have played, and consciously release their hold over you. Trust in your own inner knowing and the lessons you have gathered through personal experience. Jupiter's energy amplifies your desire for growth and encourages you to seek out a more genuine, self-defined understanding of life. Embracing this shift can open the door to greater authenticity, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose as you move forward.
Reflection: What belief or teacher have I outgrown, and what deeper truth is emerging for me now?
♋ Cancer (Karka): 8th House Lunar Eclipse – Alchemy in the Shadows
Because the Moon is your chart ruler, this eclipse may feel especially powerful. Emotions, old fears, or issues around trust and shared resources in romantic or business partnerships could come up unexpectedly. This is your invitation to deep inner transformation, even if it feels a little bit uncomfortable. Jupiter’s gentle but expansive guidance helps you find emotional support and a sense of meaning as you let go of what no longer serves you. Know that what is leaving is making space for something truer to your heart.
Reflection: What feelings or attachments am I ready to let change or release?
♌ Leo (Siṁha): 7th House Lunar Eclipse – Rethinking Relationship
Relationships take center stage with this eclipse, highlighting the agreements and connections you’re part of now, or perhaps ready to leave behind. You may feel torn between wanting your natural Leonian independence and seeking closeness in relationships. This is a time for questioning how your bonds in your committed romantic or business partnerships are working. Jupiter’s influence brings wisdom and clarity, helping you see which relationships are meant to grow with you and which are ready to be released. It’s possible that not every tie survives this shift, but what does remain will be stronger and more true.
Reflection: What patterns in my relationships am I being asked to evolve or let go?
♍ Virgo (Kanyā): 6th House Lunar Eclipse – The Cost of the Grind
Day-to-day routines, habits, and the mundane responsibilities of life might feel overwhelming now, especially if you’ve been carrying more than your fair share. This eclipse encourages you to notice what’s draining you, and to consider what could be changed or released. Jupiter’s supportive energy gives you the chance to realign your routines with what truly matters, bringing more purpose into the small tasks of everyday life.
Reflection: What habit, pattern, or obligation is quietly wearing down my well-being?
♎ Libra (Tula): 5th House Lunar Eclipse – Creative Truth-Telling
Blocks to your creativity, casual romances, or questions around children may be coming up for you during this eclipse. It’s a chance to get real about what actually brings you joy, but also to recognize and let go of what’s no longer exciting or meaningful. With Jupiter’s wide-angle perspective, you can gain deeper insight and new inspiration in your creative path forward. Trust that your creative expression is changing for a reason, and let yourself explore what wants to come forward now and in the future.
Reflection: Where have I been stifling my passion or playfulness, and what is ready to be expressed?
♏ Scorpio (Vṛścika): 4th House Lunar Eclipse – Changes in the Foundation
You might notice subtle but significant shifts in your home life or what brings you a deep sense of emotional security. This lunar eclipse offers a unique opportunity to identify emotional patterns or habits that might need changing, whether it's the way you connect with loved ones or how you find comfort in your surroundings. With Jupiter's wise guidance during the Lunar eclipse, it's an ideal time to reflect, adapt, and embrace these transitions and open yourself to change that could lead to unexpected opportunities and deeper fulfillment in your personal life.
Reflection: Is there an emotional pattern or idea of “home” you’re ready to let go of?
♐ Sagittarius (Dhanu): 3rd House Lunar Eclipse – Unraveling the Story
Your style of communication, self-expression, or even your relationship with siblings might feel different as we move through the eclipse energies. The Lunar eclipse draws attention to the stories you tell yourself and invites you to question whether or not they still ring true. You may find yourself re-examining old conversations, the way you share your thoughts, or how you connect with those closest to you. Since your chart ruler Jupiter is now transiting through your 7th house, talking things out with a committed partner or trusted confidant can help you see things more clearly before starting fresh. This process can provide valuable insights, allowing you to make conscious choices about how you wish to express yourself moving forward.
Reflection: Is there a long-held belief or story about yourself you want to revisit?
♑ Capricorn (Makara): 2nd House Lunar Eclipse – Reassessing Values
Savings and finances, personal values, and what makes you feel secure is being brought to the surface during this eclipse. You are being nudged to challenge outdated beliefs about self-worth and scarcity, questioning whether the ways you've measured your personal value still align with who you are becoming. With Jupiter’s support, this is the perfect time to focus on wise but practical steps, be honest with yourself about what truly matters, and embrace growth. Release outdated ideas and patterns around finances or possessions that could be holding you back, as doing so may pave the way for a stronger, more confident foundation for your future stability and well-being.
Reflection: Which beliefs about your value or security might be ready for an update?
♒ Aquarius (Kumbha): 1st House Lunar Eclipse – Identity Shifts
With this eclipse lighting up your first house, you could experience changes in how you see yourself or in how you present yourself to others. It’s a powerful time to consider your identity, and once the eclipses are passed, maybe adjust how you show up in the world either physically or emotionally. You may feel called to try new looks, change your routines (or your hair color!), or express your true feelings more openly. Jupiter encourages expansion and self-discovery now and in the months ahead—embrace this opportunity to grow, redefine your goals, and step into a more authentic version of yourself.
Reflection: What part of who you are feels ready for a change?
♓ Pisces (Mīna): 12th House Lunar Eclipse – Internal Reflection
This eclipse is all about endings and looking inward. During this eclipse, you may feel drawn to retreat and explore your inner landscape, reflecting on patterns, habits, or relationships that are reaching their expiration date. Prioritising rest and self-care will support a smoother transition through this reflective phase, allowing you to move forward with renewed energy and purpose. Jupiter’s steadying influence brings wisdom to quiet moments that could bring comfort and new understanding.
Reflection: Which part of your inner world are you willing to transform?
Learn More About Pamela, Professional Vedic Astrologer
Pamela McDonough combines ancient Vedic wisdom with practical experience from decades in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, offering a unique, grounded approach to astrology.
In addition to her deep roots in Jyotish, Pamela is also highly trained in Western astrology — including advanced techniques like astrocartography, secondary progressions, and solar returns. She often bridges clients’ understanding from the Western tropical to the Vedic sidereal system with clarity and compassion.
Dedicated to empowering individuals with deep insights into their birth charts, her practice fosters personal growth and improved decision-making. Through her consultations, clients gain clarity on career transitions, insight into relationship patterns, guidance on optimal timing for important decisions, and a deeper understanding of their unique life purpose and challenges.
Clients appreciate her blend of practical life experience and astrological knowledge, often describing her intuitive, actionable advice as transformative in both career and personal spheres.
In her book "Vedic Astrology for Beginners", Pamela shares accessible teachings on the ancient art of Jyotish, enabling readers to navigate life's ups and downs with astrological guidance.
Ready for a transformative journey of self-discovery? Schedule a consultation with Pamela today and experience how her grounded, intuitive approach to Vedic astrology can guide you toward greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Visit the reviews page. to read about the transformative experiences of her clients.
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