When Is Mahalaya Amavasya in 2025 and Why the Mahalaya Amavasya and the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Matters

Amavasya in 2025: When and What It Means

Amavasya, or the New Moon day, occurs every lunar month in the Hindu calendar. In 2025, the Bhadrapada Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, falls on Sunday, 21 September. This day holds deep meaning in Indian tradition as it marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight-long period dedicated to ancestors.

The Lunar Eclipse and Its Cosmic Dance

When, Where, and What Happens

On the night of September 7-8, 2025, a Total Lunar Eclipse or Blood Moon takes place. During this time, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. The total eclipse will last for about 82 minutes, with the entire event stretching to over 3 hours.

It will be visible across India, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. The timings in India are: penumbral eclipse begins at 8:58 pm IST, total eclipse begins at 11:00 pm IST, ends at 12:22 am IST, and the eclipse fully ends at 2:25 am IST.

Moon’s Color and Viewing Advice

During the total eclipse, the Moon turns a red or coppery shade due to Earth’s atmosphere scattering sunlight. This is why it is often called the Blood Moon.

Viewing the lunar eclipse is completely safe for the eyes. No special glasses are needed. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful natural sights visible to the naked eye.

Timings to View the Eclipse Around the World

• India (IST): 8:58 pm – 2:25 am
• Europe (local time): Visible after moonrise, totality around late evening
• Australia and Singapore: Full eclipse visible late night
• USA: Mostly not visible due to daylight hours

Is It Advisable to See the Moon During the Eclipse?

Scientifically, it is safe and even encouraged to view a lunar eclipse. Traditional customs, however, suggest putting Tulsi leaves in all eatables like milk, ghee, water etc, avoiding eating, sleeping, or going outdoors during the eclipse. Ultimately, it depends on one’s personal or cultural beliefs.

Why This Amavasya Eclipse Is Important

The combination of Amavasya and a lunar eclipse within the same month makes 2025 unique. Amavasya itself is a time for inner reflection, while a lunar eclipse symbolizes transformation and hidden truths coming to light. Together, they encourage people to let go of negative emotions, honor their ancestors, and open themselves to spiritual renewal.

Significance of Amavasya and Pitru Paksha

Amavasya is considered powerful because the Moon is not visible, which represents the removal of outer distractions and the chance to look inward. In Hindu belief, Mahalaya Amavasya is a bridge between the living and the departed. Families perform Shraddha and Tarpan rituals to honor ancestors and seek their blessings.

Mahalaya Amavasya is the closing day of the 15 day Pitru Paksh cycle where the ancestors are remembered and belief is that the blessings of the ancestors during this period brings peace, prosperity and protection.

Ritual Guidance for Amavasya 2025

Amavasya rituals are simple yet filled with deep meaning. They are not limited to priests or temples, anyone with faith can perform them in daily life.

Morning Rituals

On Mahalaya Amavasya, many people wake up early before sunrise and take a holy bath. If available, a few drops of Ganga water are added to the bath, as it is believed to purify both body and soul. After bathing, people perform Tarpan, which means offering water mixed with sesame seeds and barley to ancestors while remembering their names. Even if one does not know all the names, they can simply pray for “all known and unknown ancestors.”

Fasting or eating light satvik food is common. Satvik food refers to simple vegetarian meals cooked without onion or garlic, which keep the mind calm and clear.

Midday Rituals

The Shraddha ceremony is often performed at midday. Families cook simple food such as rice, dal, kheer, and seasonal vegetables. These dishes are first offered to the ancestors with prayers and later distributed among family members or given to the poor.

Feeding animals is also considered sacred. Offering roti to cows, food to stray dogs, or grains to birds is seen as another way of showing kindness that reaches the ancestors.

Evening Rituals

At sunset, lamps are lit in homes, temples, or near a peepal tree. Lighting an oil lamp is called Deep Daan. It is believed to guide the souls of ancestors and also bring light to the path of the living. Many chant mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” or recite the Bhagavad Gita. Some meditate in silence to connect with inner peace and ask for forgiveness for past mistakes.

Rituals During Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan)

Since the total lunar eclipse falls close to Mahalaya Amavasya in 2025, certain customs are followed. People generally avoid eating or cooking during the eclipse. Pregnant women are often advised to stay indoors, though this is more cultural belief than science. Once the eclipse ends, people take a cleansing bath, light lamps, and sometimes sprinkle Ganga water in the house to refresh the energy.

Acts of Charity

Charity holds a special place on Amavasya. Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is seen as bringing peace to ancestors and blessings to the family. Even small acts like offering fruit or feeding someone in need are considered powerful.

Planetary Positions, Retrograde, Astrology, and Tarot

Astrologers note that this lunar eclipse falls in the zodiac sign Pisces, which highlights emotions, spirituality, and intuition. Pisces energy encourages letting go of past burdens and trusting inner guidance.

If major planets such as Mercury or Saturn are retrograde around this time, it could intensify reflection. Mercury retrograde often brings communication challenges and delays, while Saturn retrograde pushes people to revisit past lessons and responsibilities. In astrology, these retrogrades combined with the eclipse suggest a strong karmic turning point.

Blood Moon and Tarot

Tarot cards are deeply connected with the phases of the Moon. The Moon card in Tarot already represents illusions, fears, and the subconscious mind. When a Blood Moon appears, its energy amplifies these themes. A Tarot reading during this time often shows cards related to transformation, karmic cycles, and shadow work.

For example:

• If the Death card appears during a Blood Moon reading, it may signal a strong ending and rebirth cycle.
• If the Tower card shows up, it can reflect sudden changes triggered by karmic cleansing.
• The High Priestess during this phase may point towards inner wisdom, secrets revealed, and intuitive growth.

Readers often find that Tarot spreads done under a Blood Moon bring sharper insights, though they can also feel more intense or emotionally heavy. This is because the eclipse energy removes the “filters” we usually carry and makes us face the raw truth.

Practical Guidance for Tarot Practice on a Blood Moon

If you wish to use Tarot during the Blood Moon of Amavasya 2025, keep the practice simple. Sit in a quiet space, light a plain white candle, and ground yourself with a few deep breaths. Shuffle your deck with a clear question in mind. It is better to ask questions about healing, letting go, and future guidance rather than material desires at this time. After your reading, write down the cards and messages because insights may come clearer after a few days.

The Blood Moon is not only about what we see in the sky but also what we feel within. Tarot becomes a mirror of these cosmic energies, helping you understand the hidden messages of the eclipse.

Also read – Harness the Moon: Unlock Emotional Mastery with Lunar Phase Power

Effects on Humans, Ecosystems, and the Celestial System

Humans may feel more emotional or restless during the eclipse. In astrology, such moments are seen as a chance to face hidden feelings and release negativity.

For the ecosystem, the eclipse does not cause physical harm, but the change in light temporarily affects nocturnal animals and birds. On a larger scale, eclipses remind us of the delicate balance in the celestial system, where planets and stars move in perfect rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions