In the vast expanse of our universe, there are moments that captivate our collective imagination and stir primal fears. Solar eclipses, with their celestial dance of light and shadow, have fascinated and frightened humans for millennia. Yet, in the modern era, where science illuminates the mysteries of the cosmos, one might assume that such fears would fade into superstition. However, a recent tragedy reminds us that the specter of eclipses, amplified by unchecked brainwashing spreading via social media by nefarious actors, can still cast a dark shadow, with devastating consequences.

In a heartbreaking incident reported this week, the lives of three individuals, Danielle Ayoka, a New Age astrologer with over 100,000 Twitter follower, and her partner, Jaelen Allen Chaney, and Ayoka’s eight month old baby were tragically cut short in what authorities are terming a murder-suicide. The incident occurred in LA, our new home base, during the early morning hours leading to a total solar eclipse across a large swatch of America.

Reports suggest that Ayoka, deeply influenced by esoteric beliefs and New Age spirituality, had developed an intense fear of eclipses from exposure to Russian fostered Q based conspiracy theories ranging from the launch of bio-warfare to potential violent attacks of eclipse watchers. Friends and acquaintances describe her as someone who was profoundly affected by the alignment of celestial bodies, often expressing concerns about the purported negative energies associated with eclipses. In the days leading up to the tragic event, it appears that Asoka’s fears reached a fever pitch, leading to a series of decisions that ultimately culminated in a devastating outcome.

The details surrounding the incident are still emerging, but it appears that Ayoka’s fear of the eclipse played a significant role in the tragic events. According to those close to her, Ayoka had become increasingly agitated by conspiracy theories surrounding the eclipse that heralded impending doom. In her state of distress, rationality seemingly gave way to irrationality, and tragic murder-suicide and death of her 8 month old ensued.

It is crucial, in the wake of this tragedy, to reflect on the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy in tuning out the conspiracy theories ranging from RFK Jr.’s anti-vax to UFOs. In our quest for clarity and understanding, we must be vigilant against the spread of misinformation and fearmongering. In recent years, movements such as QAnon have propagated baseless conspiracy theories, preying on individuals’ anxieties and insecurities. Disgraced figures like Trump, General Michael Flynn and RFK Jr. have lent legitimacy to these dangerous Russian psyop narratives, further entrenching fear and mistrust in society.

Ayoka’s tragedy shows all too clearly that this is no longer just political. We must properly mourn hundreds of thousands of our America brothers and sisters are no longer with us due in large part to the spread of deadly vaccine disinformation.

The unfounded fears fostered by QAnon and its ilk only serve Russia’s and the extremist Christo Fascist objective to sow discord and division, undermining the fabric of our society. To stay safe and sane in an increasingly complex world, we must resist the allure of conspiracy theories and instead rely on reputable sources of information. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and skepticism, we can inoculate ourselves against the corrosive influence of misinformation, ensuring a brighter and more enlightened future for all.