By Barry Rosen
The solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, at 5 degrees Virgo presents a profound opportunity for spiritual transformation and practical refinement. While this eclipse will only be visible in remote parts of the southern Pacific, Antarctica, and portions of southern New Zealand, its astrological influence reaches all of us globally, calling for inner work and careful attention to our daily practices.
Eclipse Timing and Visibility
The eclipse begins at 17:29 UTC, reaches maximum at 19:41 UTC, and ends at 21:53 UTC. For those in the American Midwest, this translates to approximately 12:30 PM to just before 5:00 PM local time. Though we won’t witness the physical spectacle in North America or Europe, the eclipse’s subtle energetic effects remain potent regardless of visibility.
Astrological Impact – Who Will Feel It Most
This eclipse occurs at 5° Virgo and will most strongly affect those with:
- Ascendant, Sun, or Moon between 3-7 degrees Virgo or Pisces
- Current dasha periods involving Sun/Ketu or Ketu/Sun combinations
- Key planets closely conjunct the eclipse degree in your natal chart
The influence is particularly significant if you are running eclipse-related planetary periods in your Vedic cycles. However, remember that while many people fear eclipses, they can be deeply spiritual gateways—excellent for meditation and personal revelations.
Effects by Rising Sign and Moon Sign
Virgo Rising or Moon: This is your personal reset moment – direct impact on self-identity, health routines, and approach to service. Time to reassess habits that no longer serve your highest good and refine your daily spiritual practices.
Pisces Rising or Moon: Effects manifest through partnerships and your relationship to others. Changes in how you serve others will emerge, and spiritual practices become especially important now.
Leo Rising or Moon: Particularly sensitive if running Sun/Rahu or Rahu/Sun periods – you must be especially cautious regarding health matters. The Sun-Saturn opposition intensifies this vulnerability.
Other Signs: While less direct, all signs benefit from embracing the eclipse’s call for inner purification and spiritual discipline.
The Spiritual Dimension – Ancient Wisdom Applied
Eclipses are best spent in silence, mantra chanting, and meditation. The meditation tends to go deeper during these times. However, emotions and the mind can become unsettled, so it is not a good time to make important decisions.
As I’ve learned from my Gurus: “The mind is connected with the Moon, the body with the Earth, and the Sun with both. When all three align, it is a powerful time for spiritual practices… Mantras chanted during eclipses are considered 1,000 times more powerful.”
Practical Eclipse Guidelines
Before the Eclipse:
- Stop eating 1–2 hours before the eclipse so that your stomach is empty
- Plan for quiet, contemplative activities during the eclipse window
During the Eclipse:
- Do not eat food cooked during the eclipse. Avoid take-out prepared during the eclipse window
- Mantra chanting and meditation are most auspicious. Chanting a mantra 108 times during an eclipse can equal 10,000 repetitions at other times
- Use the time to observe subconscious patterns that may surface
After the Eclipse:
- Reflect on any insights that arose, but don’t act immediately on eclipse-time revelations
- While many thoughts will be mental “garbage,” some insights may be profound and worth integrating afterwards
The Sun-Saturn Opposition: Eclipse Day Reality Check
This eclipse gains profound intensity from the Sun opposing Saturn on the same day—September 21st. As highlighted in our September forecast, this is part of a “cluster of complex astrological cycles between September 20 and 25” that has historically correlated with international crises and moments of reckoning.
The Sun-Saturn opposition creates a cosmic tension between:
- Vital energy vs. limitation – The Sun wants to shine while Saturn demands restriction
- Ego vs. reality – Where we’ve been operating from false pride gets exposed
- Leadership under pressure – Authority figures face tests of authentic integrity
- Personal will vs. cosmic order – Learning to balance confidence with humility
This opposition doesn’t destroy the Sun’s energy—it forges it into something more authentic and durable. Like a master craftsman hammering raw metal, Saturn’s pressure during the eclipse creates a more genuine sense of self.
Who feels this most intensely:
- Leo Rising/Moon: Direct challenge to your sense of self and leadership abilities. Expect tests and possible confrontations with authority.
- Capricorn/Aquarius Rising/Moon: You handle this energy better but will still feel pressure to balance personal desires with practical responsibilities.
- Mutable sign placements: Key planets at 3-7 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, or Sagittarius will feel this most acutely.
Practical manifestations to watch for:
- Authority challenges and conflicts with bosses or government entities
- Health and vitality tests requiring you to slow down and rebuild properly
- Leadership situations that strip away everything superficial
- Delayed recognition for projects—patience becomes essential
Saturn doesn’t oppose the Sun to destroy it, but to strengthen it. The question becomes: “What kind of leader are you when the pressure is on?” Real authority emerges when we hold both solar confidence and Saturnian humility simultaneously.
Working with this energy:
- Honor the Sun: Maintain your essential dignity without arrogance or forcing outcomes
- Respect Saturn: Accept limitations gracefully and use them to build something more solid
The Sun is the karaka or signifier for health and the eclipse can have an impact on health more than anything. Use this time to reassess health routines, work habits, and your approach to service with Virgoan precision. The eclipse may end, but the character forged during this opposition becomes part of who we are.
Understanding Eclipse Psychology
From my own experience, watching eclipses can trigger irrational fears or strange thoughts. The golden rule: do not act on these thoughts. Instead, observe, meditate, and reflect later. This applies equally to solar eclipses.
Remember: The chaos of thoughts during an eclipse is Maya (illusion). The real gift of the eclipse is the opportunity to access deeper awareness and healing through spiritual practices.
Broader Implications
The months following this eclipse may reveal where our practical life needs adjustment to better align with our dharmic path. Virgo’s influence suggests these changes will be methodical, health-oriented, and focused on improved service to others.
We should not use astrology to prevent us from acting and moving forward with our lives but we can use astrological forecast to see the puppet masters strings that are tugging at our emotions and psychology to get beyond.
Final Guidance
Rather than viewing this eclipse as an obstacle, approach it as a cosmic opportunity for refinement. The deepest purpose of astrology should allow us to see the Maya or illusion that runs through our mind and blocks us from seeing our own Divinity.
This eclipse reminds us that true transformation often happens in the quiet moments of daily practice, not in grand gestures. Honor this time by tending to your spiritual disciplines with the same care Virgo brings to earthly tasks.
The shadow phase asks us to examine what in our daily life no longer serves our highest good. Trust that what needs to be released will become clear, and what needs to be embraced will naturally unfold.
May this eclipse bring clarity to your path and strength to your practice.
Barry Rosen has been practicing Vedic astrology since 1987 and is the author of several books on Vedic astrology. For consultations and courses, visit Applied Vedic Astrology.
