What do eclipses symbolize in the Bible? Do eclipses increase the amount of ghost sightings?
Eclipses, Prophecies and Parables
It's interesting that the Bible uses both solar and lunar eclipses in many verses (such as Amos 8:9) regarding events to come called "prophecies." Many see these strange events in our heavens as potential celestial signs, warning us of upcoming spiritual events. After all, the wise men did look at the stars to find the baby Jesus, we read, correct? And many believe those same wise men had to be looking for some major signs in the heavens to know the place and time of his birth. So we suppose it is no surprise, then, that both astrology and astronomy have been used in scripture to foretell of future events. Other theories about such signs say they may be parables to consider, representing changes that are happening within humanity. For example, "stars" often represent "angels" or "messengers," and "clouds" often represent "people" in the Bible. But, we still have to wonder if the verses that reference changes in the sun and moon could maybe hold some "hidden" meaning.
Here are some of the verses that mention the sun and moon changing:
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens will be shaken." - Matthew 24:29
"The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the lord." Acts 2:20
When reading these, we still see the stars as false messengers or even "messages" (beliefs) in the heavens of the soul and mind of man, something that must be cast down for truth and peace to prevail within all. (Think world peace, here.) Before that casting out of false beliefs, a tribulation or crisis of some sort must occur so the light (truth) being covered or hidden within mankind will expose the false beliefs in the mind of man. We wonder.
Literal Eclipses and Sightings of Ghosts
Still, could these prophecies also be physical signs in our literal skies that point to actual spiritual events? If so, we must recognize the sun being darkened as a "solar eclipse," and the moon not giving light or even becoming "blood red," as a "lunar eclipse." Those are, indeed, accurate descriptions of both moon phenomena. It is well known that a solar eclipse is caused when the moon moves between the sun and earth, hence darkening the sun. Also, it is well understood that the earth casting its shadow upon the moon darkens it (lunar eclipse), or at times may even cause it to appear a dark red color. Sounds simple to assume that these events in the heavens must be eclipses. The stars falling from the sky could also be meteor showers. But, what is the significance of eclipses? Why mention them as important and is there an event in the Bible that may hold some answers (especially as it relates to ghosts)?
Solar eclipses are formed by the moon moving between the earth and the sun. The effect is "darkness upon the land."
Lunar eclipses sometimes cause the moon to appear "blood red" as the earth's shadow moves across and darkens it.
There is another passage in Matthew 27:45-54 which deals with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, that may provide more of a clue about ghosts, spirits and eclipses:
"Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' Some of those who stood there, when they heard that said, 'This man is calling for Elijah.' Immediately, one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to him to drink. The rest said, 'Let him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save him.' And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the graves after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and the things that happened, they feared greatly saying, 'Truly this was the son of God!'"
When this passage was written, the writer felt it very important to tell us of the strange events which occurred surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, such as the darkness, earthquake and the departed saints appearing to witnesses. It is interesting to note that the author placed this event of the saints appearing to many, right in the middle of this passage in Matthew, even though it did not occur until the time of Jesus' resurrection! Why? The only answer we have is that the saints appearing must also be connected to the crucifixion, as well. And what happened during the crucifixion? Darkness covered the land. That is a solar eclipse and the stages of a solar eclipse varies but can last a few hours. The account of saints appearing to many we would suggest implies the manifestation of spirits or ghosts from the other side of the grave. Apparently, the culmination of these events seemed to make it possible for these human spirits to appear, or somehow, become visible in this earthly realm. Is there any scientific evidence that perhaps an eclipse could be linked to the appearance of ghosts or paranormal happenings? Yes, there is something observed by researchers of ghost sightings. Consider the findings of a noted paranormal investigator:
"We have found that two or three days on each side of the full or new moons are the best times for ghost investigations, and also during solar storms. We have been teaching that peak geomagnetic fields are the best times since 1994. Peak hauntings seem to occur during peak geomagnetic conditions." -Dr. Dave Oester of Ghostweb.com
So, I wrote Dr. Dave who seems to be an authority on ghosts and hauntings, regarding eclipses with the obvious question: "Have you found that solar and lunar eclipses increase paranormal events, also?" His reply was (paraphrased), "No, but it would be hard to tell a difference as eclipses occur during the full and new moons." Bingo! That would mean the geomagnetic fields surrounding the crucifixion would have to be increased two to three days before and after Jesus' death. And we all know that Jesus resurrected on the third day! So, the "saints appearing to many" were able to do so due to increased geomagnetic fields 2-3 days after the crucifixion (and after the solar eclipse which had to occur on a new or full moon!) - allowing them to manifest in this plane as "ghosts," for many to see! This lines up perfectly with the findings of Dr. Dave Oester, and proves that the saints appearing before people in Matthew 27, were ghosts!
We cannot help but feel the earthly plane and the spiritual plane co-exist, one with the other. Somehow, it seems that increased geomagnetic fields make the "veil" between worlds thinner. This makes me wonder about the "veil" in the above verse which was torn in two. Could the veil of the temple be the veil between both realms (spirit and earthly)? We suspect that all that is, exists wthin the spiritual realm - for spirit, an unseen energy, is the life-giving source of all that manifests in this physical world, even that which is inanimate.
It is interesting to also note that eclipses and earthquakes together as mentioned above, have long been thought to be somehow connected. Perhaps it is due to strong gravitational pulls on the earth from the moon and sun. Can an eclipse help cause an earthquake? Most scientists think it is probably not the case; but ancient greek historians such as Thucydides and Phlegon recorded the unlikely coincidence of earthquakes and eclipses occurring together within hours of each other. Even Revelation 6:12 mentions an earthquake happening at the time of an eclipse (or two).
More About Eclipses:
2014-2015 Solar & Lunar Eclipses
Best Times for Ghost Hunting - see current moon phases and geomagnetic actvity