Timing of January 2019 total lunar eclipse - Jan 20, 2019 in USA

Those who reside in regions where the January, 2019 total lunar eclipse is visible need to be vigilant about their activities. This is particularly so if you have planets natally placed in Pushya (particularly your ascendant, Moon, or Rahu) or are in a planetary cycle of Moon or Rahu. If the eclipse is not visible in your area, then be mindful, but it’s fine partake in your normal activities.

According to NASA, the January, 2019 total lunar eclipse in NJ is  from 

Begins: Sun, Jan 20, 2019 at 9:36 pm

Maximum: Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 12:12 am 1.20 Magnitude

Ends: Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 2:48 am

The total phase of this total lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, and western parts of Europe and Africa. Central and eastern Africa, Europe, and Asia will see a partial eclipse of the Moon. This eclipse is not visible in India

 “The eclipses affect our mind and and our physical body. The scriptures state that eclipses create financial or physical problems and sometimes new diseases. There can also be natural disasters around the time of an eclipse. This is why people should not look at the eclipse.”

Lunar eclipses are always emotional times as the Moon, the mind is being eclipsed. Mercury is also involved in this eclipse as it is close to Ketu. We need to be careful regarding the choices we make. Our thinking is confused, and we may not be clear headed. This is the last eclipse of Cancer. If you have planets in early degrees of Cancer, then this eclipse can impact you most. Cancer Capricorn is facing changes in life, this is the last part of the 18-month cycle and will make the final changes. Be flexible and open.

Usually, the lunar eclipse gives immediate results and can trigger situations in life. It can reveal scandals or hidden information but unlike the solar eclipse, it will give instant results.

The lunar eclipse is a powerful time for meditation, contemplation, prayers, mantras, japa and other spiritual practices. It is wise to spiritually look within.

This is not a favorable time to make any important decisions such as job change, marriage, moving into a new home, high value purchases, investments etc.

5 planets (Moon, Rahu, Mars, Jupiter, Venus) will be in water sign during the eclipse. Water represent emotions, so e aware of heightened emotional tides. it is best to be patient and avoid expressing yourself.

Since Pushya nakhshtra where Rahu and Moon reside on eclipse day governs food products, be extremely careful of what you eat. Since most planets are in watery sign, be aware of water related problems, avoid water related adventure during the period.

Vedic recommendations for the January, 2019 total lunar eclipse:

1. Do not look at the eclipse. Stay inside for the duration of the eclipse and close your blinds.
2.  Bathe before and after the eclipse
3.  Ideally do not eat 12 hours before the eclipse (or at least do not eat during the eclipse).
4. Do not drink anything 3 hours before a lunar eclipse or during the eclipse.
5. Focus on your mantra during this eclipse. If you do not have a mantra, then chant “Om”.
1. Mantra chanting – I cannot stress the importance of this. Pushya nakshatra is ruled by the divine priest Brihaspati, so mantra chanting and Japa are extremely powerful during this time.
2. If you have had the interest to learn new mantras or shlokas or spiritual scriptures this is the best day to start.
6. Do not expose food to the rays of the Sun or Moon during the eclipse.
7. Be of service or volunteer near the day of the eclipse (but not during the timing of the visible eclipse). You can also perform some charitable act that day.
8. Embrace, nourish and take care of people around you especially close family members and most importantly your mother.
9. The work you do during this period will bring results slowly but surely – Sun is in Uttara Ashada nakshatra which means “latter victory”. So be patient and perseverant.
10. Do not jump into anything new without careful consideration of the future consequences.
11. The energy of the day will inspire you to stand up for what is right and true, but since there is an eclipse happening to be doubly sure of what you hear and what you see. Be more alert and aware as your perceptions may not be right.
12. Avoid beginning new projects 3 days prior to the eclipse and 3 days after that
13. Meditation, Mantra Chanting and other spiritual rituals will give you multifold results when done during this period.
14. Listen to or Chant the Ganapathi Atharvasirsha as many times as you can especially during the eclipse time.
15. Once the eclipse is over, offer flowers to the divine as the flower is one of the symbols of Pushya Nakshatra.

The mantra for eclipse is 

Om Shri Pushyami Nakshatra Devataye Namah.

Since the lunar eclipse happens at night, you can easily follow many of the recommendations for the January, 2019 total lunar eclipse. For pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with medical problems, they do not have to strictly adhere to the non-eating or drinking guidelines, but should prioritize their health.

Eclipses are excellent for people like you and me because their gravitational effects multiply the effect of our sadhana. If you do one hundred repetitions of your mantra during an eclipse it is like doing one hundred thousand repetitions on an ordinary day. If you offer one oblation into the fire it is like a thousand oblations. And nothing beats this time for offering prayers and performing rites for your deceased ancestors."