Earlier this week I sat glued to the TV screen watching the total eclipse footage as the moon passed and obscured the sun across the US. Many people being interviewed couldn’t contain their excitement in anticipation of this once in a lifetime experience. Total eclipse’s do happen approximately every eighteen months however they are not always visible on land, so this was a remarkable event to witness.
It wasn’t until the news reporter reminded us that there was a total eclipse in the UK back in August 1999, that I remembered I’d been there in person. This was a once in a lifetime event that had completely dropped from my once in a lifetime memory bank.
What an adventure
Casting my memory back to 1999 a friend and I ended up travelling for seven hours by car to Cornwall, it was her suggestion to go and I went along with it. She’d diligently booked a campsite and so with her car packed with a small tent, sleeping bags and limited supplies we’d decided to make a trip of it, see the eclipse and camp for a few days.
On our arrival it was pitch black dark, we were tired and weary after the long drive and hours sat in bumper to bumper traffic. Cornwall and Devon was going to be the best place to see totality. As it was so late we’d thought it best to try and sleep in the car and get some rest. We could explore in the morning.
The next day after a fitful night’s sleep we took in our surroundings and were aghast. The campsite was nothing more than a farmers field with a couple of filthy portaloos. This wasn’t what we had envisaged. There wasn’t anywhere else to stay nearby as due to the eclipse accommodation was in limited supply. So we pitched the tent and decided to make the best of it. This once in a lifetime trip wasn’t playing out as we’d hoped it would, but we still had the eclipse to look forward to.
11th August 1999
Eclipse day arrived. It had rained most of the night so we ditched the tent and tried to get some sleep again in the car. Looking out of the steamy car windows, it wasn’t looking good outside, we hoped it would brighten up for us to at least see something.
My friend had done her research and found us the perfect spot to see the eclipse, higher up in another field overlooking the Cornish harbour village Mevagissey. So we made our way there armed with our blanket, drinks and snacks making ourselves comfortable as we settled in awaiting the big moment. More and more people joined us on the hillside, the buzz and excitement growing by the minute.
If you remember as far back as 1999 and this remarkable event you will recall Cornwall and Devon was grey. Cloudy and miserable. The sun did not make an appearance. As we edged closer to totality our hopes were dashed. This once in a lifetime experience was going to be shrouded in cloud and mist.
How very British!
We took our special viewing glasses off. Desperately hoping for the sun to burn away the cloud and mist. It didn’t.
How very disappointing!
But as the minutes ticked by something eerie began to occur. The sky started to get darker. The air cooled and stilled. The birds stopped singing. There was a mysterious energy surrounding us, so much so that all that the crowds of people who moments ago were excitable and noisy fell silent.
We were all experiencing this once in a lifetime event together, it wasn’t turning out as we’d hoped but it was just as remarkable all the same. For the briefest of moments we were shrouded in darkness and stillness.
The exact time was 11.11am on the 11th day of the month. The numbers are significant, I know that now. With the repeated 1’s representing new beginnings, this was a message from the angels to stay on the right path, embrace opportunities and set clear intentions.
How did I forget this once in a lifetime moment until this week?
On our return from Cornwall, after ditching the wet wipes and enjoying a lovely hot shower at home, I made my way out to a local pub for a work colleagues leaving do.
Despite feeling tired and wired I am so glad I made the effort to go, because that work colleague unbeknownst to me was going to be my future husband. And here we are still together 24 years on, with last weekend being our anniversary of being together all these years. (He says it’s too long….! Hmmm).
Coming back to the total eclipse that occurred in the US, many reported a similar feeling of stillness, being in awe of the universe and noticing how wildlife and nature changed their behaviour during the eclipse too. We are all part of nature and this expansive universe together and I’d have loved to have been there in person to experience this phenomenon again. Only this time they had an exceptional beautiful, clear view.
Total eclipses are powerful energetically, not only for us humans but everything on this planet. Now all these years later I love learning more about stargazing and the universe, as well as the impact on us personally.
A new beginning
You may have felt the intensity of the energy around and within us shifting this week and noticed how here in the UK there were tidal surges and yet more wind and rain. It is a powerful time and the reset button has been pressed. We have a new beginning.
The eclipse will put you firmly back on your soul pathway and open up to a brand new life chapter. Ask for guidance, tune in and listen to your inner wisdom. Look out for the signs and notice the synchronicities. Wait and see what will unfold for you.
What once in a lifetime moments will you say yes to in the days, weeks and months ahead?
And more importantly how many of them will you remember?
This footage of the Total eclipse 1999 courtesy of the BBC News. Pretty much sums up our eclipse experience.