When an eclipse happens, something shifts. The light changes. The atmosphere feels different. Traditionally, these moments were never treated as ordinary.
In this episode, Dylan is joined by Jyotishi and Ayurvedic practitioner Laura Plumb, Vaidya Dr Krishna Raju, Vaidya and medical astrologer Dr Harsha Raju, and mantra teacher Purnesh. Together they explore eclipses through the lenses of Ayurveda, Jyotish and mantra śāstra.
They speak about Rahu and Ketu, the difference between solar and lunar eclipses, why digestion and prāṇa are considered more sensitive during these periods, and why eclipses have long been used as powerful windows for mantra and inner practice. Specific mantras and simple ritual guidelines are shared, along with practical recommendations around food, rest, meditation and how to orient the mind during these heightened times. The conversation moves between astronomy, subtle physiology and lived experience, offering a steady and grounded way to approach eclipse events.
Rather than sensationalising eclipses, this episode invites a composed perspective. A reminder that moments of shadow can also be moments of alignment.
LAURA PLUMB, VIDYA DR HARSHA RAJU, VAIDYA A.V. 'KRISHNA' RAJU & PURNESH
Laura Plumb is a Jyotishi and Ayurvedic practitioner, and the Founder and Director of VedaWise. Named one of Spirituality & Health’s “100 Trailblazers of Yoga & Ayurveda,” she is the author of the bestselling book Ayurveda Cooking for Beginners and the creator of numerous educational programmes integrating Ayurveda, Jyotish, yoga therapy and whole-food nutrition.
A graduate of Kerala Ayurveda Academy and the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Laura teaches internationally and serves as an Ayurvedic educator for the UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine. With decades of study in Vedanta, mantra, herbal medicine and Vedic sciences, her work bridges practical wellness with deeper spiritual insight.
Vaidya Dr Harsha Raju is an Ayurvedic Vaidya and specialist in Medical Astrology, Pulse Diagnosis and Sūkṣma Marma therapy. Based in Hyderabad, India, he runs a Panchakarma clinic and consults internationally.
A distinctive feature of Dr Harsha’s work is his integration of Jyotish into clinical Ayurveda, offering a refined approach that considers both physiological and cosmic influences on health. Known for his calm presence and precision in diagnosis, he has extensive experience consulting and teaching across India and Europe.
Vaidya Dr A.V. Krishna Raju is the director and head physician of his family’s renowned Ayurvedic clinic in Hyderabad, India, where thousands seek treatment for conditions ranging from preventative care to complex chronic disease.
A specialist in Panchakarma and a highly refined expert in pulse diagnosis, Dr Krishna Raju combines deep clinical experience with encyclopaedic knowledge of the classical texts. He holds an MD in Panchakarma and has served in numerous academic and advisory roles internationally. In 2022, he was awarded the Health Conclave Award for his service during the Covid pandemic in Telangana.
Purnesh is an author, speaker and teacher of Vedic wisdom, specialising in meditation and mantra śāstra. Born in the Netherlands and trained extensively in India, he spent over a decade living as a monk and studying Vedic knowledge, rituals and recitation.
A disciple of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he has taught in more than 30 countries and has become a bridge between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His bestselling book Looking Inward offers a practical guide to meditation and inner clarity. He now lives in the Netherlands, where he teaches meditation and Sanskrit mantra through the initiative Just Be.
Solar Eclipse Mantras
In general, Shiva mantras are considered supportive during solar eclipses.
ॐ दक्षिणामूर्तये नमः
Om Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye Namaḥ
ॐ नमो भगवते दक्षिणामूर्तये मह्यं मेधां प्रज्ञां प्रयच्छ स्वाहा
Om Namo Bhagavate Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye Mahyaṁ Medhāṁ Prajñāṁ Prayaccha Svāhā
Lunar Eclipse Mantras
In general, Vishnu mantras are considered supportive during lunar eclipses.
ॐ नमो भगवते दत्तात्रेयाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Dattātreyāya
ॐ नमो भगवते सत्यदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Satyadevāya
For guided chanting and pronunciation support, Purnesh has created a dedicated YouTube playlist for eclipse mantras: Eclipse Mantra Playlist
Please leave me a comment below (I love to read every single one).
Special thanks to Rudolf Steiner and Jiddu Krishnamurti for providing content.
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