During an eclipsewater becomes imbued with a unique energy for bathing and ritualistic purposes. Take advantage of this holy water to sanctify yourself and wash away the lingering shadows of negative energies.
When the Sun or Moon are eclipsed, all waters become as sanctified as the Gaṅgā for bathing and religious purposes – Parāśara
Holy Places
River banks, sea shores, and near the base of trees are all auspicious locations to reside during an eclipse.
When the Sun is eclipsed, one obtains great merit by bathing at the confluence of two rivers. – Nīlamata Purāṇa
Shadow Zen
Prayers and intentions get super-charged during an eclipse. Mantras given to you by your guru are first and foremost the best to recite, but in lieu of that all prayers from the heart are magnified exponentially.
He who recites this mantra during a solar eclipse, on the shores of great rivers or in front of Gaṇeśa every month, would obtain the siddhi and all he tells would become true — Śrī Gaṇapatyarthavaśīrṣa
Mantra Siddhi
It is said that Mantra Siddhi can be achieved during an eclipse. There are certain Mantras and Stotrams that are sanctioned during an eclipse and many that are not, so try to counsel with your guru or pundit before you proceed.
During the solar eclipse in Puṣkara kṣetra, Brahma gave this mantra to his own son. If any man repeats this mantra seven lakhs times, he becomes a siddha in this mantra – Nārada Pāñcarātra
Reverse Polarity
The ability to reverse the course of chronic issues and problems can be utilized during an eclipse. Trees that refuse to fruit are struck with metal nails to induce flowering and illnesses that are hard to treat can take a dramatic turn towards a path of healing. Dramatic life changing reversals can happen during an eclipse, so think positive and be steadfast in your positive intentions.
North Node(Rāhu) Thailand
Food
in the Mādhavīya, Gautama recommends that no food may be consumed in the period beginning four praharas (12 hours) prior to a solar eclipse, or three praharas ( 9 hours) prior to a lunar eclipse. This restriction excludes children, older ones and those who are suffering from illness. – Śikṣāpātrī Bhāṣya
From Africa to the Aztecs, and from Iran to India, cultures around the world overwhelmingly seem to advise that pregnant women should stay out of the light and shadows of an eclipse
Pregnant women should not come out during an eclipse – Ārya Dharma Upatēcaṅkaḷ
Sleep
Sleeping is not recommended 4-6 hours before or 4-6 hours after an eclipse. You want to elevate your consciousness and intentions to channel your highest energy & aspirations, and not take the chance of slipping into any form of sloth or torpor.
Till the end of an eclipse we should chant mantras and should not sleep – Ārya Dharma Upatēcaṅkaḷ
Marriage & Sex
Eclipses are inauspicious times for marriage, (sex)conceptions, inaugurations, or commencing any important endeavor.
Sacred Items
Rudrākṣa beads, Tulsi, and especially Dārbha or Kuśa grass are the best items to wear during a solar eclipse
By wearing Rudrākṣas during eclipses, viṣusaṅkrānti (the end of Pisces and the beginning of Aries), new moon, full moon and other such auspicious days, one is freed of all sins. – Rudrākṣa Jābāla Upaniṣad – Sāmaveda
CHARITY
Charity during an eclipse magnifies merit and good karma a thousand-fold.
Dāna given on the day of pūrṇimā associated with the star of that month is ten times more fruitful. Śraddhā performed on yugādi and manvadi days is also similar in value. Dāna during āmāvāsya is 100 times more fruitful. Done in the evening is 1000 times more fruitful. If done during viṣuva it is one lakh times and that Dāna given during solar eclipse (vyatīpāta) is limitless. – Yājñavalkya
If you can bring a fresh set of clothes to put on upon the total completion of the eclipse for the clothes you had during the eclipse are said to be contaminated -āśauca.
One should partake in a ritualistic bath in the beginning of an eclipse. Perform japa during the period of an eclipse. Give donations on release from the eclipse, and again engage in a ritual bath on the completion of the eclipse – Hemādri (Hemāḍapanta)