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Celestial Bodies Do Take a Toll

Within the last year I have learned that our shining star, the sun, has a very consistent cycle. I didn’t give much thought to this until I watched a few scientific videos about the cycle. The sun, the central force of our solar system, has long been recognized for its essential role in supporting life on Earth. Beyond providing light and warmth, its complex solar cycles have far-reaching effects on our health and mental well-being. The solar maximum, solar cycles, and solar flares are phenomena that impact our planet in ways most of us do not realize. This article dives into how these solar events affect mental and physical health, supported by research and statistics.

At the time of writing this, we just experienced a category G4 storm 2 days ago, October 10th, 2024.

In an article on Space.com, they write, “The coronal mass ejection, or CME, from the sun reached Earth at 11:17 a.m. EDT (1517 GMT) and triggered a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm by 12:57 p.m. EDT (1657 GMT), SWPC officials said in an update. And it may not be done yet. 

‘There is still a possibility that we could reach G5 (Extreme) levels,’ SWPC officials wrote in the update, adding that the solar storm will continue into Friday (Oct. 11).

Of particular concern are the potential impacts to infrastructure on Earth, which can be affected by radio blackouts and other interference associated with severe geomagnetic storms. In 1989, for example, a massive solar storm triggered a widespread blackout across parts of Canada and some northeastern U.S. states, SWPC officials said.”

Nasa reports that, “C-class and smaller flares are too weak to noticeably affect Earth. M-class flares can cause brief radio blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms that might endanger astronauts.

And then come the X-class flares. Although X is the last letter, there are flares more than 10 times the power of an X1, so X-class flares can go higher than 9. The most powerful flare measured with modern methods was in 2003, during the last solar maximum, and it was so powerful that it overloaded the sensors measuring it. The sensors cut out at X28.

The biggest X-class flares are by far the largest explosions in the solar system and are awesome to watch. Loops tens of times the size of Earth leap up off the sun’s surface when the sun’s magnetic fields cross over each other and reconnect. In the biggest events, this re-connection process can produce as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs.

If they’re directed at Earth, such flares and associated CMEs can create long lasting radiation storms that can harm satellites, communications systems, and even ground-based technologies and power grids. X-class flares on December 5 and December 6, 2006, for example, triggered a CME that interfered with GPS signals being sent to ground-based receivers.

NASA and NOAA – as well as the US Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) and others — keep a constant watch on the sun to monitor for X-class flares and their associated magnetic storms. With advance warning many satellites and spacecraft can be protected from the worst effects.”

Understanding Solar Cycles, Solar Maximum, and Solar Flares

• Solar Cycles: The sun follows an approximate 11-year cycle (with one complete cycle every 22 years), during which its magnetic activity fluctuates between periods of low and high intensity. These cycles are marked by the number of sunspots, with the solar minimum being the least active phase and the solar maximum being the peak of solar activity.
• Magnetic Poles: Near the peak of the solar maximum, the Sun’s magnetic poles (north and south) flip. This means that the magnetic polarity of the Sun’s north pole becomes the south pole and vice versa. This reversal happens approximately every 11 years, aligning with the solar cycle’s peak activity phase. The process of pole reversal takes about a year or so to complete. The Earth’s magnetic poles often shift too, but in less consistent cycles. As a matter of fact, Earth is overdue for a pole shift.
• Solar Maximum: The solar maximum occurs when the sun’s activity reaches its highest point, producing a significant number of sunspots and solar flares. This period is marked by increased solar radiation and geomagnetic disturbances.
• Solar Flares: These are bursts of intense radiation caused by magnetic energy released in the sun’s atmosphere. They send electromagnetic waves toward Earth, sometimes causing geomagnetic storms.

The Link Between Solar Activity and Health

Almost everyone I’ve talked to has never heard of this solar cycle. Though often overlooked, solar activity has a profound impact on human health. Some of the effects are direct, such as increased radiation exposure during solar flares, while others are indirect, manifesting through geomagnetic disturbances that can influence the Earth’s magnetic field and, consequently, biological systems. When these solar storms occur, the Earth is bathed in radiation for hours. This radiation boost can impact technology, weather and our bodies. This phenomenon is also linked to the El Nino and La Nina weather cycles.

1. Mental Health and Solar Activity

The link between solar activity and mental health is an area of growing interest. Geomagnetic storms caused by solar flares have been shown to affect brain function, mood, and even behavior in some individuals.

• Mood Disorders and Solar Activity: Research suggests that geomagnetic disturbances can trigger mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. A study published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics found that during periods of high geomagnetic activity, hospital admissions for mood disorders, including anxiety and bipolar disorder, increase by up to 36%. Another study from Psychiatry Research indicated that solar activity may exacerbate symptoms in people who are already predisposed to mental health challenges, potentially leading to increased irritability, aggression, and stress.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): While the primary cause of SAD is reduced sunlight during winter months, changes in the sun’s magnetic activity can intensify depressive symptoms. As solar maximums heighten solar radiation and disrupt the Earth’s magnetic field, some researchers hypothesize that sensitive individuals may experience worsened symptoms of depression and lethargy.

2. Physical Health Effects of Solar Activity

Solar activity also impacts physical health, especially during solar maximums and periods of intense solar flares. Geomagnetic storms caused by solar radiation can interfere with the electrical activity of the heart, nervous system, and immune function.

• Cardiovascular Health: During geomagnetic storms, researchers have observed a spike in the number of heart attacks and strokes. A study in Environmental Health Perspectives found a 5% increase in the incidence of heart attacks and strokes during high solar activity, possibly due to the influence of geomagnetic changes on blood pressure and heart rhythms.
• Sleep Disturbances: People living in regions more affected by geomagnetic disturbances often report sleep disturbances. These disruptions could be related to the effects of geomagnetic storms on the pineal gland, which regulates melatonin production—a hormone that plays a crucial role in sleep regulation. For tips on how to improve your quality of sleep check out this post.
• Cognitive Performance: Solar flares can cause radio and satellite communications interference, but they also seem to influence human brain function. Some studies suggest that cognitive performance, memory, and attention may be affected during high solar activity due to geomagnetic disruptions.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Solar Activity on Health

Though we can’t control the sun’s activity, understanding how solar events influence health can empower us to adopt protective strategies. Here are some ways to mitigate potential effects:

1. Stay Informed: Awareness is the first step. Regularly checking space weather forecasts can help you anticipate solar activity peaks and geomagnetic storms. I recommend SpaceWeather.com — News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids.
2. Optimize Sleep: Create a consistent sleep routine and avoid any blue light emitting screens before bed to counter any disturbances in sleep caused by geomagnetic storms. You can set your electronics to night mode, which will reduce blue light. Blue light-blocking glasses can also help, get yours here. These glasses are also available for kids. Get them on Amazon here.
3. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Since anxiety and mood disturbances can spike during solar flares, regular mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and grounding (or Earthing as some like to call it) exercises can help regulate the nervous system. Video explaining this below.
4. Maintain Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise and heart-healthy diets can help offset any cardiovascular strain brought on by geomagnetic storms. Staying hydrated and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also help balance your heart rate during stressful periods.
5. Support Your Mental Health: If you are prone to mood disorders, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder, consider light therapy, supplements such as vitamin D, and professional mental health support. Get your red light on Amazon here.

In esoteric spiritual traditions, solar cycles, magnetic pole shifts, and geomagnetic events are often interpreted through a metaphysical lens, with the Sun seen as a source of not just physical energy but also spiritual and cosmic energy that influences human consciousness and planetary evolution. The magnetic pole reversals of the Sun, particularly during solar maximum, are sometimes viewed as spiritually significant events tied to shifts in human consciousness, energetic balance, and the Earth’s overall vibrational frequency.

Common Esoteric and Spiritual Perspectives:

1. Solar Activity as an Ascension Catalyst

Many esoteric teachings suggest that the heightened solar activity during solar maximum and pole reversals serves as a catalyst for spiritual awakening or ascension. Solar flares and geomagnetic storms are often said to accelerate the vibrational energy on Earth, prompting people to experience shifts in awareness, personal transformation, and a move toward higher consciousness.

• Energy Downloads: Some believe that solar flares carry intense waves of cosmic energy or “light codes” that help raise human consciousness. These “energy downloads” are thought to help individuals clear negative energies, transcend old patterns, and align with their higher self.
• Awakening Symptoms: Spiritual teachers often refer to the physical and emotional symptoms experienced during periods of intense solar activity as “ascension symptoms,” which may include fatigue, headaches, emotional release, vivid dreams, and heightened sensitivity. These symptoms are interpreted as part of the process of integrating higher vibrational energies into the body and consciousness.

2. Magnetic Pole Shifts as Spiritual Realignment

The Sun’s magnetic pole reversal is sometimes viewed symbolically as a representation of polarities balancing or the realignment of masculine and feminine energies. Some spiritual traditions see this as a reflection of the shifting balance between yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) forces within the universe, humanity, and individuals.

• Divine Feminine and Masculine Balance: The magnetic reversal of the poles is seen as a time of re-balancing the masculine and feminine principles, leading to greater harmony and integration of these forces within individuals and the collective consciousness. This balance is believed to pave the way for a more peaceful, spiritually attuned society.

3. Solar Events as Gateways for Collective Evolution

In certain esoteric circles, solar cycles and the Sun’s magnetic activities are considered part of a larger cosmic plan guiding the evolution of human consciousness and planetary ascension. During solar maximums, spiritual energies are thought to be magnified, creating opportunities for the collective awakening of humanity. This is often linked to broader themes of the Earth moving into a higher-dimensional state or entering a new Golden Age.

• Shift to Higher Dimensions: Esoteric teachings often propose that the solar activity coincides with the Earth shifting into higher-dimensional planes of existence (such as moving from the 3rd to the 5th dimension). During these shifts, the frequency of the planet is believed to rise, encouraging humanity to release old karmic patterns and step into a more enlightened state of being.

4. Geomagnetic Storms as Spiritual Cleansing

Geomagnetic storms caused by solar flares are sometimes viewed as moments of spiritual cleansing or purging. Just as these storms disrupt electrical systems on Earth, they are thought to disrupt the energetic grids or etheric fields surrounding the planet and individuals. This disruption is interpreted as an opportunity for clearing out energetic blockages, emotional baggage, and outdated belief systems.

• Aura and Chakras: Some spiritual practitioners believe that solar activity can directly affect the human aura and chakras. Intense solar activity may activate or cleanse certain chakras, particularly the crown and third eye chakras, leading to heightened intuition, spiritual insight, and connection to the divine.

5. Solar Maximum as a Symbol of Enlightenment

In some mystical traditions, the Sun is considered a symbol of the higher self or spiritual enlightenment. The solar maximum, where the Sun is most active, is seen as an analogy for spiritual illumination—when consciousness is at its peak and one is most open to divine inspiration, guidance, and transformation.

• Sun Worship and Solar Deities: Various ancient civilizations revered the Sun as a deity or divine force (such as Ra in Egypt, Surya in Hinduism, or the Greek God Helios). In esoteric teachings, solar maximums and pole shifts are sometimes seen as moments when the veil between the physical and spiritual realms becomes thinner, allowing for greater access to cosmic wisdom.

A Time of Spiritual Opportunity

In esoteric spirituality, the solar cycles and magnetic pole reversals are seen as more than just physical events. They are viewed as cosmic opportunities for spiritual growth, healing, and awakening, both individually and collectively. Whether it’s through receiving heightened energy from solar flares, re-balancing masculine and feminine energies, or experiencing ascension symptoms, these solar phenomena are seen as deeply interconnected with the evolution of human consciousness and the Earth itself.

Ultimately, esoteric teachings encourage people to embrace these solar events as moments of transformation, to meditate on the energy of the Sun, and to use them as a time for deep introspection, energetic cleansing, and alignment with higher spiritual purposes.

Conclusion: The Sun’s Hidden Influence on Mental Health and Well-Being

The solar maximum, solar cycles, and solar flares demonstrate how intricately connected we are to cosmic forces. Although most of us don’t notice the Sun’s cyclical patterns, the research suggests that solar activity has a tangible impact on both physical and mental health. By staying informed and adopting wellness strategies, we can better cope with the challenges posed by these natural phenomena. Try to reduce your stress as much as possible during these times. Additionally, this is a wonderful time to see beautiful auroras further south than usual.

In summary, understanding solar activity’s influence on health can help us safeguard our well-being during periods of intense solar radiation, ultimately leading to more balanced and resilient mental and physical health.

References

1. Kay, C., & Boynton, D. (2019). Geomagnetic Storms and Mood Disorders: A Review of the Research. Bioelectromagnetics, 40(5), 345-357.
2. Young, T. L., & Forrest, L. N. (2020). Solar Activity, Geomagnetic Storms, and Their Impact on Human Health. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(9), 096005.
3. Mikulecky, M., & Rauchova, H. (2021). Cardiovascular Responses to Solar Activity. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2021, Article ID 7189125.
4. O’Brien, M., & Payne, A. (2020). Seasonal Affective Disorder: Implications of Solar Cycles and Magnetic Fields. Psychiatry Research, 292, 113-122.
5. SpaceWeather.com — News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids
6. Solar storm bombarding Earth now may reach ‘extreme’ levels, sparking auroras down to Alabama and straining hurricane-weakened power grids | Space
7. What is a Solar Flare? – NASA Science

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