"If you’re worried about a Lunar Eclipse, remember: it’s just the Earth’s shadow. It can’t hurt you. It’s just the Sun, Earth, and Moon playing a game of peek-a-boo. Go outside and look up!" — @neiltyson
So, is Chandra Grahan actually "bad"?
Astrology doesn't see it as "bad" as much as it sees it as "Intense."
Science confirms that the Moon affects the tides of the ocean. Since the human body is about 70% water, astrology argues that it’s only logical that the Moon’s "disturbed" state during an eclipse would affect our inner "tides" (our blood and emotions).
So, let’s get started with the basics?
What is Lunar Eclipse?
Or
What is Chandra Grahan?
A lunar eclipse happens because the Earth moves around the Sun, and the Moon moves around the Earth, and sometimes during a full moon they line up in one straight line — Sun, Earth, then Moon.
When that happens, the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon and blocks the sunlight that normally makes the Moon shine.
The Moon then passes through the Earth’s shadow, which is why it slowly darkens and sometimes turns red. It doesn’t happen every month because the Moon’s path is slightly tilted, so most of the time it misses the Earth’s shadow — but when the alignment is just right, we get a lunar eclipse.
How Different Countries and Cultures View the Lunar Eclipse?
China
China views the Lunar Eclipse as a Celestial Emergency. It is believed that the dog is rapidly eating the moon. There is an ancient story behind this belief:
There was a warrior named Hou Yi. The earth was burning with scorching heat because ten of sons were casting the heat on earth and to protect the earth, he shot them down. He was rewarded with the Elixir of Immortality for saving humanity. The potion was meant to grant eternal life, but Hou Yi chose not to drink it because he didn’t want to live forever without his wife, Chang’e. He kept it safe at home. One day, while Hou Yi was away, a greedy apprentice tried to steal the elixir. To stop him, Chang’e drank it herself, knowing it would separate her from her husband forever.
The potion made her body light, and she floated up toward the Moon. Hou Yi’s loyal black hunting dog saw her rising, barked desperately, and leapt after her. As it crossed into the heavens, it transformed into the “Heavenly Dog” (Tiangou).
Later, when a lunar eclipse caused the Moon to darken, people believed the dog was trying to swallow the Moon…either in anger or in a loyal attempt to bring Chang’e back — long before they understood that an eclipse is simply the Earth’s shadow passing over it.
In some rural traditions today, people would beat drums, bang pots and pans, and set off firecrackers. The noise is intended to scare away the Tiāngǒu (the celestial dog) so it will spit the Moon back out.
India
It starts with the Samudra Manthan….when gods & demons churned the cosmic ocean to get Amrit.
When Amrit came out of the ocean, it was decided that it had to be distributed among devtas only. One of the evil asur, somehow got the clue of the plan and he disguised himself as a devta and got to drink Amrit. But the Sun and the Moon recognized him and exposed him.
Before the nectar could pass down his throat, Lord Vishnu cut off his head. Because he had already tasted Amrit, he didn’t die. His head stayed alive. That head is called Rahu.
Since then, Rahu is believed to take revenge on the Sun and the Moon for revealing him. When he swallows the Moon, it is called “Grahan”. It is said that the moon is in peeda (suffering) during this point of time.
The "NO! NO!" List (Traditional Prohibitions)
For the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse, the Sutak will begin 9 hours before the main event.
| The "NO! NO!" Activity | The Traditional Reason (Myth) |
|---|---|
| Cooking & Eating | It's believed that in the absence of pure lunar light, bacteria multiply faster and "negative vibrations" enter the food. |
| Using Sharp Objects | Using knives or scissors is forbidden to prevent any "mental or physical cuts" on the soul. |
| Starting a Business | If the Moon is captured by a shadow, the foundation of your project will be unstable. |
| Touching Idols | Temples close because the energy is considered unclean. |
Nobody will tell you this:
While it’s "bad" for worldly things (buying cars, houses), it is extraordinarily "good" for spiritual things.
It is said that chanting one Mantra during an eclipse is as powerful as chanting it 100,000 times on a regular day.
And a Special Piece of Advice to Pregnant Women(By Pt. Rahul Kaushl)Avoid going out in Chandra Grahan. It may harm your Grab (womb). In case there is an emergency and you need to go out, make sure you are wearing Garbh Gauri Rudraksha. Lord Shiva will take care of the rest of the things. |
Do’s and Don’ts According to Your Moon Sign
Aries
When your Moon is in Aries, you react to everything immediately. This Moon sign is little bit "me-first" when it feels threatened.
During eclipse, your negative emotions get a little louder:
Explaining this with an example: Imagine you’re at a grocery store and the person in front of you is taking forever to find their coupons. Usually, you’re annoyed. During an eclipse? You feel like your skin is crawling and you might actually explode if they don't move in the next three seconds. That’s the "Eclipse Pressure" hitting your fiery Moon.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
| Try to take a cold shower or drink lots and lots of cold water. If the shower feels too much …then splash some cold water on your face. Aries rules the head, and you probably feel "hot-headed" literally. | A big “NO” to this one….Like “Sochna bhi mt bhai.” Take a boiling hot shower or hit the sauna. Why? Coz you’re already a fire sign in a high-pressure moment; adding more heat just makes you feel....you know…..a pressure cooker waiting to explode. |
| Wear light colours only. White, Cream, or Light grey. It tells the world (and yourself) you're in 'chill mode.' |
Red is your color, but during an eclipse, it's like wearing a "Fight Me" sign. Save the bold red for when you actually need to crush a presentation! |
| Keep a piece of Selenite or Moonstone nearby. These are like your Chill-Pills… | Carry "Fire Stones" like Garnet or Carnelian. |
TAURUS
As a Taurus Moon, your emotional world is built on stability — Everything should be in order types.
You’re ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and pleasure. You don't just want to feel good; you want to feel secure.
But! But! But!
A Lunar Eclipse brings the biggest "unstable" event.
Explaining this with an example: For a Taurus Moon, an eclipse feels like someone walked into your perfectly organized living room and started moving the furniture around in the dark. It’s... deeply annoying.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
| Stick to simple things like Khichdi or root veg. | Eat heavy "Junk" or stale food. Because energy changes during Grahan. |
| Check your gold or savings (privately). Just looking at your "Laxmi" reminds you that you're secure. |
Make a big "Dhan" (Wealth) move. Don't buy gold or stocks today. |
| Chant a simple Mantra. Even just "Om" or a Venus mantra. It calms your nerves. |
Get into a "Tu-Tu Main-Main." Don't argue with your family.
Taurus stubbornness + Eclipse drama = a fight that lasts until next Diwali. |
Gemini
Gemini is ruled by Mercury (Budha).
But! But! But!
Mercury and the Moon have a complicated relationship—the Moon is the father, but Mercury doesn't always get along with him!
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Practice Maun (Silence). Saving your words saves your strength. |
Argue or "Fact-Check." If you try to win an argument now, you’ll only create a long-term Kalesh (conflict). |
|
Apply Oil to your hands/arms. A light massage with coconut or sesame oil "grounds" the restless Air element. |
Over-caffeinate. Tea or coffee during an eclipse makes your Vata (air humor) go haywire. |
|
Chant the Budha Beej Mantra. "Om Bram Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah." |
Make Major Decisions. Any decision made now is based on "Agyan" (ignorance/shadow). |
Cancer
If you have a Cancer Moon, you probably feel the eclipse coming a few days early.
You might feel extra "teary," protective of your family, or just like you want to crawl into a hole and stay there until it's over.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Seek blessings from your Mother. In astrology, the Moon is the Mother. Her energy is your best shield. A simple "Namaste" or a quick call to her acts like a protective aura. |
Get into a "Ghar-Kalesh" . Eclipses trigger old wounds. A tiny argument with a parent or spouse can feel like a "betrayal" because your emotional skin is so thin right now. |
|
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya”. Lord Shiva is the only one who can "stabilize" the Moon when it’s under attack. |
Watch Sad or Intense Movies. If you watch a tragedy during an eclipse, that sadness will stick to your Manas (mind) like glue for days. |
Leo
Now, Leo is ruled by the Sun (Surya). You might get a bit dramatic or feel like people aren't giving you the "Ehtiyat" (importance) you deserve.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Apply Oil to your Navel and Feet. It’ll "ground" the shaky eclipse energy instantly. |
Start a "Detox" or New Diet. Your system is extra sensitive right now. Don’t try new things or try to be EXTRA-GOOD with your body. |
|
Declutter one tiny spot. Mercury loves order. Cleaning just your desk or your phone gallery is a "remedy" that satisfies your soul without draining your body. |
Don’t Google your symptoms Eclipses can cause "phantom" aches. If you Google your symptoms today, you'll convince yourself you have something rare. It’s just "Eclipse Anxiety." |
|
Chant the Om Budhaya Namah" or Gayatri Mantra. |
Offer "Constructive Criticism." You think you're being helpful, but the eclipse shadow makes your words sound like "attacks" to others. Keep the "feedback" for next week. |
Virgo
A Virgo expresses love not through "lovey-dovey" words, but by telling you which vitamin you're lacking. Virgos are notoriously hard on themselves. In Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s words, “Virgo rules the 6th house of health. So, for every small inconsistency that you’ll notice in your body, you will take it as something serious during Grahan.”
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
DO Chant "Om Budhaya Namah" It’ll prevent “the Budhi-Brahsht’ scenario. Basically, it’ll prevent you from taking wong decisions. |
DON'T Start a "Deep Clean" Keep the cleaning "micro," not "macro." |
|
DO Focus on One Small Physical Task: If you feel restless, do something tactile—like folding clothes or arranging a bookshelf. |
DON'T Make "Life Decisions": Don't quit your job, don't send that "we need to talk" text, and don't plan your 5-year budget. |
|
DO Grounding Breathwork: Simple Anulom Vilom is magic for a Virgo. |
DON'T Eat Heavy or Stale Food: Avoid spicy, oily, or outside food. |
Libra
You have a PhD in avoiding conflict. You see yourself through your relationships. You are the "Partner" of the zodiac. Since the Moon rules your emotions and you're the sign of partnerships, you’ll suddenly feel like your relationships are "off." You might feel unloved, misunderstood, or just plain lonely.
Since the Moon rules your emotions and you're the sign of partnerships, you’ll suddenly feel like your relationships are "off." You might feel unloved, misunderstood, or just plain lonely.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Chant the Shukra Beej Mantra: "Om Dram Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah." |
Sign "Sambandh" (Contracts): Any agreement signed now will have a "hidden clause" or a shadow that emerges later. |
|
DO Wear the "Chandra" Colors: Opt for off-white, cream, or silver. |
Perform "Beauty Procedures": Venus rules the skin and aesthetics. Avoid any chemical treatments, piercings, or haircuts. |
|
DO Use White Sandalwood (Chandan): Apply a small amount of white sandalwood paste on your forehead or throat. |
Absorb "Kalesh" (Conflict): If people around you are arguing, walk away. |
|
DO Use "Square" Shapes: Libra is about geometry and balance. Sitting on a square cushion or keeping a square piece of silver in your pocket provides a psychological sense of "structure" . |
Eat "Rajasic" Food: Avoid overly spicy, fermented, or "sour" foods. These agitate Venus and the Moon, leading to emotional flare-ups and skin breakouts. |
Scorpio
You see through people’s masks. You’re always looking for the hidden truth. You are the most private sign.
Since the Moon is already "weak" here, the eclipse acts like a trigger.
Feelings you’ve buried for years—anger, grief, or jealousy—might suddenly erupt.
Most Important Thing:
You don't do anything halfway. Whether it’s love, work, or a grudge—you are 100% in.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
DO Use "Saindha Namak" (Rock Salt): Scorpio is a Water sign that "absorbs" energy. Salt is your best friend. |
Wear Deep Red or Black. You already have enough Mars (Red) and Ketu (Black) energy. So avoid wearing Deep Red or Black |
|
DO Chant the "Hanuman Chalisa": Scorpio is ruled by Mars. Lord Hanuman is the master of Mars energy. |
Waste water or leave taps dripping. Astrologically, wasting water during a Grahan is like throwing away your mental peace. |
|
DO Practice "Mouna" (Silence): Your tongue is your stinger. During a Grahan, don't use it. |
Use Musk or Intense Spices. They will agitate your nervous system and might trigger a headache or a sudden outburst of anger. |
|
DO Wear "Off-White" with a Red Thread: Wear white to calm the Moon, but keep a red thread (Mauli) on your wrist to keep your Mars energy "protected." |
Wear Iron or Black Steel. Iron is ruled by Saturn/Rahu. During a Scorpio eclipse, iron can make your thoughts "heavy". |
Sagittarius
In Vedic astrology, Sagittarius is the 9th House of the natural zodiac—the house of Dharma, Father, Guru, and Long Journeys. You are the "Truth Seeker." When the Moon (your mind) is eclipsed here, it’s not just your emotions that feel dark; it’s your belief system. You might suddenly feel like the universe isn't on your side, or that the "big plan" you were following is a lie.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Apply a Saffron (Kesar) and Sandalwood Tilak. Apply a Saffron (Kesar) and Sandalwood Tilak. |
Engage in Debates or "Gyaan-Baazi." You’ll feel a desperate urge to "prove your point" or teach someone a lesson. You will lose respect if you try to be the teacher today. |
|
Chant the Guru Beej Mantra or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama. Sagittarius is a "Shruti" sign—you respond to sacred sound. So chant this mantra "Om Gram Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah" |
Make "Vows" or Promises. Don't say, "I promise I'll do this," or "I swear I'm done with that." In an eclipse, the "Sankalpa" (will) is weak. |
|
Keep a Gold coin or Yellow Citrine stone nearby. Gold is the only metal that can hold Jupiter’s energy without being affected by the "Tamas" (darkness) of an eclipse. |
Consume "Tamasic" Food (Meat/Alcohol/Stale Food). Sagittarius rules the Liver and Arteries. An eclipse puts pressure on your internal "filtration system." |
Capricorn
Most signs get "moody," but Capricorns get "Cynical." During an eclipse, your ruler Saturn makes you hyper-aware of Time. You start thinking, "Am I working hard enough? Is my life going anywhere? Why is everyone else getting ahead?" * The Reality Check: That isn't your intuition; it’s just the "Saturn Shadow." Your brain is looking for a problem to solve because it doesn't know how to handle the "emotional fog" of the eclipse.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
|
Engage in a "Shani" Task. Saturn loves manual, repetitive work. Wash the dishes, organize your toolbox, or clean your shoes. |
Start a "Big Business" Strategy. If you try to plan your career path today, you’ll only see the walls, not the doors. |
| Apply Mustard Oil to your knees and feet. | Over-exert your joints. |
|
Wear Navy Blue, Black, or Charcoal. While other signs avoid dark colors, for a Capricorn Moon, these are protective. |
Wear Bright Yellow or Gold. Wearing it during an eclipse can create "internal heat," leading to a sudden, sharp temper or a pounding headache. |
Aquarius
Aquarians are people, who tends to observe everything from a higher altitude. They don't follow rules just because "that's how it's always been." They need a logical reason. If the system is broken, they want to hack it and rebuild it. During a chandra grahan, you might feel a sudden, intense urge to delete all your social media or walk away from your friend group. The "Collective" energy feels too heavy for you to carry. Physically, Aquarius rules the ankles and the blood flow. During an eclipse, you might feel "restless legs" or a strange pressure in your calves.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
| Burn some Kapur. Since they are an Air sign, they need to "clean the air" to feel safe. | They will feel like they’ve finally figured out the truth and want to tell everyone. Don't. It will come off as "crazy" or "preachy." |
| Turn off the electronics. Their nerves are "over-charged" right now; they need to unplug. | Any tech bought during a Grahan will have a "ghost in the machine." |
| In the body, Aquarius rules the ankles. Wearing warm socks or massaging the ankles helps "ground" their airy energy so they don't feel "spaced out." | Their nervous system is already electric. Adding caffeine during an eclipse will lead to a massive "crash" or an anxiety attack. |
| Since Saturn rules them, this mantra keeps their "structure" intact when their mind feels like it's floating away. | Don’t think too much or you’ll experience – A sudden, massive headache behind the eyes. |
Pisces
You don't have "skin" like other signs. You absorb the vibes of whatever room you are in. If the world is stressed, you feel it in your bones. You live in two worlds—the "real" world and the "dream" world. For you, the dream world is often more real. You have a "Seva" (service) heart. You often put others' needs before your own, sometimes to the point where you forget who you are.
Because the "real" world feels too loud and harsh during an eclipse, you’ll want to escape. This could be through sleeping for 12 hours, binge-watching fantasy shows, or unfortunately, through "unhealthy" habits like overeating or substances. So, now you know it, try to avoid it.
| Pt. Rahul Kaushl’s Advice (DO) | The "Don't Even Think About It" (DON'T) |
|---|---|
| Adding a few drops of Gangajal or Rose water to your bath is your #1 remedy. |
DON'T Watch the News or "Sad" Movies: If you watch something tragic, you won't just feel sad—you’ll feel traumatized for days. |
| Lord Vishnu is the deity of the 12th house (the Ocean). This mantra is like a life-jacket for a Pisces. | You’ll meet someone (or think about someone) and feel a "karmic connection." Wait. During an eclipse, Pisces "fantasizes" everything. That "soulmate" might just be a "lesson." |
| Since Jupiter rules you, drinking warm milk with Kesar and Honey is a "Guru" remedy. |
DON'T Go to "Heavy" Places: Stay away from hospitals, cemeteries, or crowded places during a Grahan. |
After the Grahan is Over
- Make sure to take a bath in saindha namak.
- Donate something. If you want to donate something specific, do consult with your astrologer. Otherwise Pt. Rahul Kaushl is of the viewpoint that donation does require specifications, it requires intent
Wash your hair if you can. Traditionally, water on the head is considered a complete reset. Especially after a Grahan.
- Avoid immediately jumping into arguments or heavy discussions after the eclipse. Give your mind a few hours to stabilize. Emotions can feel exaggerated.
- Feed animals or birds. Even a handful of grains for birds counts. It shifts the energy from self-focus to contribution.
- If pregnant women were cautious during the eclipse, they are advised to bathe and rest properly afterward. Calmness is key. No fear. Just care.
Conclusion
Scientifically, Grahan is just a shadow of the sun that appears to fall on the moon because of the placement of earth between them. So it has nothing to do with rituals and all –that’s what scientists say. But Pt. Rahul Kaushl and the entire astrology community is of the view, everything happens in the universe for a reason. If Grahan is happening, it has a particular reason. So, precaution is always better than a cure. It is advised to practice precautions given in the blog to avoid any negative consequences.
