Full Moon in Aśvinī: The Star of Transport

FULL MOOn पूर्णिमा

Artwork by @chaya.collective - Aśvinī Kumaras

October 17th 13:26 Spain | 4:26 AM PST

 

The full moon (Pūrṇimā ) of October aligns with the first Vedic lunar mansion in the zodiac, Aśvinī (Aries), known as the star of transport. With the new moon in Hasta finding its culmination here, this period becomes a potent time, charged for new beginnings and the initiation of forward movement with your projects and plans.

Aśvinī holds the spark of latent power, igniting the unmanifest into manifestation. Ruled by the Aśvinī Kumāras, the celestial physicians to the Gods, this nakshatra embodies healing, rejuvenation, and the power of alternative medicine. Symbolized by the head of a horse, it carries the vitality and eagerness to start the journey and express ideas with a swift and determined energy. Initiatives taken now, especially those related to health and healing, are said to bear rapid results, harnessing the potency of creation itself.

Artwork: Pinterest

There’s a desire here for a fresh start and rebirth, one that lays the foundation for something enduring. This is attainable through unwavering focus and a commitment to the inner and outer purifications that may have kept you in a holding pattern. This constellation carries the swift momentum to achieve one’s objectives, much like its animal totem, the horse.  Just as the racehorse wears blinders to avoid distraction or misstep, we too must maintain singular focus, centered in our own lane. Let us remain resolute — unmoved by the opinions, expectations, or noise of the waking dream and world around us — steadfast in the pursuit of what truly matters.

Like a doorway wide open, we enter the final month of Saturn's retrograde, now in Śatabhiṣā. Take advantage of this moment to see things a little more clearly. This period offers a second chance to revisit unresolved matters from early March and April, with a fresh perspective—inviting you to approach them with newfound clarity and refined sense of mastery. 

With Jupiter also retrograde in Mṛgaśirā, the Searching Star, we are called inward—to recalibrate our inner compass and deepen our quest for truth and wisdom. This is a time for introspection, for refining the tools we carry forward on our path, and for embracing the revelations that emerge from within.

Artwork: Pinterest - Rāsalīlā

This potent full moon marks the beginning of Kārttik, one of the most sacred months in the Vedic calendar, and is celebrated as Sharad Pūrṇimā. On this night, the moon is adorned with all sixteen celestial arts (kalas), enhancing its spiritual significance. Its healing and nurturing energies are believed to be at their peak, and its light is said to carry divine nectar, offering rejuvenation to those who bathe in its glow.

Legend tells of Lord Kṛṣṇa performing the divine Rāsalīlā with the gopis of Vṛndāvan under this luminous full moon, symbolizing the union between the devotee and the divine. 

The celebration also marks the end of the monsoon season. It is believed that Goddess Lakṣmī descends to Earth on this night—her devotees seek to become absorbed in her eightfold nature, offering their hearts in devotion and reverence.

Many will engage in moon-gazing, place homemade rice pudding (kheer) under the moonlight, or immerse themselves in devotion to Goddess Lakṣmī. These rituals harness the positive energies of the moon, inviting blessings of abundance, rejuvenation, and spiritual elevation into their lives.

ॐ श्रीं महा लक्ष्म्यै नमः

All my Relations

To book a private Vedic Astrology consultations, pleave visit: Jyotish Astrology

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pūrva Bhādrapadā: The Scorching Pair

FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE

Pūrva Bhādrapadā

Artwork: Pinterest - Chinnamastā

September 17th, 19:35 PM PDT | 18th 4:35 AM Spain

Our last eclipse season of the year commences with a partial lunar eclipse (Candra Grahaṇam - चन्द्र ग्रहणं) on the 17th/18th of September, occurring in the Vedic lunar mansion of Pūrva Bhādrapadā पूर्वभाद्रपदा (Pisces), the Burning Pair.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā is symbolized by metamorphosis, rebirth, tapas (penance), perseverance, and the undifferentiated fire energy that has the capacity to raise our consciousness. This transit requires careful handling, as it is defined by the goals we set for ourselves and our full commitment to them. Eclipses welcome a time outside of time, creating potent moments for accelerated spiritual growth. 

Lunar eclipses are like doorways through which we can peer deeper into ourselves. The veil is thinning now, as if you’re awakening from a deep sleep. That which is ready to be healed is brought to the surface and revealed. Hidden energies are emerging. The impact of a lunar eclipse offers an instant reveal, while the solar eclipse on 10/2 will resonate for months to come, weaving the energetic tapestry that will shape the next six months of our journey—like an omen of the energies ahead.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth aligns precisely between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface—a moment where light meets shadow, reflecting profound cosmic shifts. Typically, there are two eclipse seasons per calendar year (on rare occasions, three), each season bringing forth two or sometimes three eclipses. This phenomenon occurs because the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to the ecliptic plane, crossing it only twice per year.

The points where the Sun and Moon intersect this ecliptic plane, positioned exactly 180 degrees apart, are known as the lunar nodes, or Rāhu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology. These shadowy grahas, often referred to as the 'great awakeners,' govern the eclipses and symbolize the dance between light and darkness within our lives. As the eclipse occurs, we are offered an opportunity to confront our shadows, disrupt old patterns, and awaken to deeper truths within our journey.

Utilize this time wisely, especially on the day of the eclipse—slow down, take a step back, pause, and go deeper than you’ve been willing to go before. Sit with and observe all that moves through you—this is the most important time to see into yourself. In ancient times, many would fast during the eclipse window (9/17, 17:41–21:47 PM PDT) and immerse themselves in a salt bath or the ocean, not only to purify their energies but to decompress the spine, allowing the body and mind to recalibrate.

This is a powerful time for our personal sādhana (practice)—it is said that any mantra or practice taken up during this time offers potency a thousandfold. I will personally be steeping in a simple āsana practice, accompanied by bhrāmarī prāṇāyāma (bumblebee breath—humming while holding the postures), followed by meditation, breathwork, kriya, mantra practices, a fast and an ocean swim once the eclipse is complete.

Symbolized by a male lion, sword and two-faced man representing both duality and transformation. The deity of this nakṣatra (constellation), Aja Ekapāda (one of the eleven Rudras - thundergods or forms of Lord Śiva), holds immense spiritual energy. Aja Ekapāda translates to “one-footed,” representing balance and stability amidst the chaos and duality of existence. It suggests the one-pointed foundation we’re seeking, which provides the ability to remain grounded and centered in the face of life’s upheavals. 

Artwork: Pinterest - Ardhanārīśvara

Holding the energy or power (Yajamana Udyamana Śakti) of elevation through sacrifice, or ‘giving away,’ can refer to offering one’s resources or self in the fire ceremony (the fire of tapas). This alchemical process of metamorphosis arises from balancing duality and achieving transformation through one-pointed spiritual discipline and sacrifice. This cycle is defined by how we manage large amounts of life force energy and our capacity to channel focus into a particular goal that supports inner growth. Another point of learning is cultivating satisfaction with what one already has.

Pay extra attention if you’re running a dasha (cycle) or sub-period of Rāhu, or if you have any planets sitting in Pūrva Bhādrapadā (Pisces)—especially your Moon or rising sign (lagna).

This eclipse is offering momentum and seeks to clear something out. Expect instant exposure to hidden truths and heightened emotions—be kind to yourself, your body and others. Don’t be too direct right now. ‘Not my monkey, not my circus,’ is a personal mantra of mine for eclipse season. Listen to the subtle energies coming forward now. Reassess your habits, patterns, and especially your health routines—take note of any warning signs from your body. 

Stay rested and keep life simple. This is a perfect time to release outdated patterns. Delay travel and public engagements on the day if possible. Postpone major decisions for about a week to allow energies to settle and integrate.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā seeks to bridge heaven and earth and holds the power to elevate through sacrifice. This sacrifice contains the energy to draw down spiritual power through tapasya and into the central channel. This energy rises to melt the hidden moon in our brain, gracing us and raining down blessings. Clarity is on its way.

For more personalized, in-depth guidance on how to navigate these celestial waters, please visit Jyotish Consultations to book a Vedic Astrology Consultation.

All My Relations

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. 

- Alan Watts

Published Article with Millential Magazine: How to Navigate the Spiritual Growth of the Sept. 17/18 2024 Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon in Swāti: The Star of Self Actualization

Hanuman Jayantī

हनुमज्जयंती

Artwork from Pinterest

In northern India, today marks the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayantī, observed on the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Chaitra. Hanuman, the son of Vāyu (the wind god) and an ardent devotee of Rāmacandra, the seventh āvatār (incarnation) of Lord Viṣṇu, is regarded as the embodiment of unwavering devotion, courage, humility, friendship, strength, and selfless service.

The full moon reaches its zenith in the heart of Tulā (Libra) Rāśī (sign) on Tuesday evening (16:49 PST | 24th 5:19am IST), in the Vedic Lunar mansion of Swāti, the Star of Self actualization. 

With this full moon comes the fruition of the seeds planted at the time of the new moon in Revati (sidereal pisces). The new moon initiated a month of self sovereignty — a time for gathering details and holding a big picture perspective for that which we yearned to call into your life. As the full moon approached, many have been feeling exhausted and thirsty to embrace a shift.

The planetary combinations have been potent as of late. Both Mercury and Venus have been orbiting near the degree of the eclipse and the gaṇḍānta (karmic knot) point, situated at the culmination of the zodiac. Mercury has stationed and is poised to resume direct motion on the 25th, while Venus shifts into Meṣa (Aries) on the 24th. Mars moved into pieces today and Jupiter, having recently entered the constellation of Kṛttikā, will transition on the 30th, taking up its abode in Vṛṣabha (Taurus).

New awareness around love and relationships begin to dawn, healing of inner and outer divisions start to mend as this lunaation cycle accentuates a balance between individual growth and harmonious partnerships, highlighting the need for diplomacy and adaptability in achieving mutual understanding and progress.

Swati has the power to “scatter like the wind” — thus, we must stay adaptable yet firmly grounded. Loosen your grip on the idea that you have control over the outcome of your actions and act from a place of balance and responsibility — neither accepting nor resisting. Move beyond the idea of accomplishment and failure, winning and losing and know that big shifts take time. 

Saturn, renowned for his measured approach and capacity for restraint, finds exaltation in the constellation of Swāti. When our thoughts and focus disperse, our energy becomes scattered and immunity diminishes. When gathered, we're unstoppable. Saturn, ruler of the pañcavāyus (five yogic breaths), encourages us to exercise control over our breath, thereby harnessing our focus (dhāraṇā) and cultivating a strong foundation and mood of devotion.

As the tides shift and the storm begins to wane, focus your energy on the projects, people, and ideas that truly matter to you. Proceed with patience and release attachment to the fruits of your efforts — become self-sovereign in your listening and lean into the unknown. Remember the timeless wisdom of Lord Krishna in the Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā, 'Act for the sake of action alone.' Become like Lord Hanuman, who is dear to Lord Viṣṇu — immerse yourself in the attitude of heart centered devotion, humility, and selfless service.

For my bi-monthly blog posts and more personalized guidance on how to navigate the current celestial waters, please visit the link in my bio to book a one on one consultation.

All my Relations
जय श्री राम

"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." - Rumi

Full Moon in Puṣyā: The Star of Nourishment

Pūrṇimā

Our first full moon of the year reaches its zenith on Thursday  (9:54am PST | 23:24 IST) in the Vedic Lunar Mansion of Puṣyā पुष्या (Cancer), the Star of Nourishment. This cycle holds the potential fulfillment and promise of the new moon in pūrvāṣāḍhā - the victory which comes through the efforts supported by the raw enegy and nourishment that awakens from one’s sādhanā - through continued purification and alignment with life-sustaining forces.

We all crave a sense of sovereignty within ourselves and furthermore yearn for belonging amongst tribe. This lunar mansion is symbolized by the milk-yielding udder of the cow, which is impartial to all that she nourishes. Without question, thought of return, or reason, the mother gives love unconditionally. If we can learn to lean into serving and showing up for others in a truly selfless way, we can begin to harness the mystical energies of this asterism.

The Shakti (power) of this nakshatra initiates the ability to harness creative and spiritual energy, which in turn provides the wisdom and abundance to nourish both the spiritual and material worlds. The wealth which we are seeking here is the spiritual energy or punya, which accumulates through tapasya and comes forward through the grace of divine guidance. Drinking from that reservior of energy helps us to direct our efforts in such a way that we’re able to protect our nervous system, our home, our country, as well as the nourishment needed to produce material abundance and not become side tracked or burnt out.

Puṣyā is one of the most favorable constellations for beginnings of all kinds (except marriage). This particular full moon holds extra blessings for engaging in spiritual practices, making significant purchases, planning important events and initiating new beginnings. 

Ground-down and get centered through breathwork, kriya, meditation, and japa (all wisdom and practices connected to Bṛhaspati - Lord of Sacred Speech). Connect with others through simple and nurturing activities, which uphold and support dhárma — such as home-cooked meals, being outdoors, moon gazing and in steeping in your spiritual practices.

For more in-depth guidance on how to navigate the current astrological energies, please visit: Jyotish Consultation

All my Relations 

Ananda Mayi Ma // Love is everlasting forgiveness. Wisdom is to see everything in relation to the whole. If you understand that everything belongs to Him, you will be free of all burdens. All sorrow comes from the sense of I and Mine. All sorrow is due to one’s keeping apart from God. When you are with Him all pain disappears. By sorrow does the Lord dispel sorrow and by adversity does he destroy adversity. When this is done he sends no more suffering, no more adversity. This must be remembered at all times.

Full Moon in Pūrvāṣāḍhā: The Invincible Star

Pūrṇimā

The brightest full moon of the year will grace the constellation of Pūrvāṣāḍhā पूर्वाषाढा (sidereal Sagittarius), the Invincible Star, on Monday, July 3rd (4:35 am PDT/13:39 Spain). This lunar mansion, ruled by the deified water goddess, Apah, symbolizes the zenith of Venusian energy and holds the power to invigorate and energize one's life.

Pūrvāṣāḍhā and the Purifying Power of Water

Besides the life-giving and nurturing qualities of water, Pūrvāṣāḍhā is also associated with the purification of impurities and diseases. The water goddess is said to cleanse everything that is impure. Through the confrontation with one's own shadow, purification becomes possible. This renewal brings about rejuvenation, which sustains, energizes, and encourages growth.

Navigating Pressures and Embracing Vulnerability

Recent increased pressures have likely commanded your full attention and perhaps spurred a strong desire to improve your circumstances. This energy has required you to remain solid and strong in the face of all that has been asked of you. Perhaps there’s another area in your life that you’ve been slowly pushed towards, and it is now requesting a more intimate, vulnerable side of you to come forward.

A Time for Conscious Surrender and Change

This is not the time to give up, but rather to consciously surrender and participate with the flow of what is being given to you. Perhaps the very thing you are resisting is what you need most. Change is at the forefront. What toxins in your life need to be transmuted into a healing experience?

Inner Transformation and Healing

Participate in these changes and go through that inner transformation, that emotional difficulty that you may have been avoiding, so you can emerge on the other side where something powerful can be born out of the process. This healing has the potential to manifest as a victory which cannot be subdued and one that is worthy of the effort required.

Stepping Into Authenticity and Learning From Resistance

Tend to the evolution of your consciousness. Be willing to cleanse and shed that which distracts you from your purpose, and step fully into your authenticity. Stay curious — what are you resisting that nature is trying to teach you in this moment? Our responsibility is to do the inner work, to be willing to surrender the ego, step into vulnerability, and ultimately into the heart. Have the courage to do the hard things, and you might just surprise yourself.

Guru Purnima - Honoring the Guiding Light

The radiance of this bright moon will awaken the sacred occasion of Guru Pūrṇimā, where we honor the embodiment of grace and knowledge that illuminates our path and dispels darkness. Just as the first rays of the rising sun dispel the darkness of night, let us pay homage to the guiding light that removes the veils of ignorance and leads us towards self-realization.

All my Relations

Embark on Your Astrological Journey

If you could use some assistance in navigating what this means for you personally, please visit the link in my bio to book a private consultation. I’m delighted to offer 20% off of the first three readings booked using code SUMMERVIBES at Vedic Astrology Consultations when purchased by 7/7. All my relations 

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin // “Remain true to yourself, but move ever upward toward greater consciousness and greater love! At the summit you will find yourselves united with all those who, from every direction, have made the same ascent. For everything that rises must converge.”

The Cosmic Dance of the Sun - Welcome to Gemini Season

Artwork by Chaya Collective

What if I were to propose that, from an astronomical standpoint, we are, in fact, in Gemini season? An astronomical decree that challenges the common narrative and invites a new perspective.

Vedic Astrology and the Summer Solstice

In the sacred realm of Vedic Astrology, an ancient oracle that speaks through the enduring positions of the stars, the Sun’s annual dance from June 15th to July 16th is actually dressed in Gemini’s ethereal attire. The day on which the Sun transits from Gemini to Cancer signifies the Vedic Summer Solstice, an alternative truth that may stir your inner knowing.

Mercury in Gemini – The Cosmic Weaver's Waltz

On June 24th, Mercury (Budha), the cosmic weaver of communication, the bard of speech, and the patron of technology, chose to waltz with Gemini, embarking on a month-long sojourn in this dynamic sign. Anticipate a season of refined discourse, precision in thought, flavored with an element of playfulness. 

Celestial Alignment and Its Influence on Communication⠀⠀⠀

This celestial alignment signifies a time when ideas, akin to radiant celestial bodies, bask in newfound luminosity. You can expect communication to become both purposeful and dynamic, embodying the keen intelligence of Mercury and Gemini's mutable agility.

Unleashing Creative Expression and Dialogue⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

This transit awakens our latent capacity for effective dialogue and creative expression. Therefore, it's the ideal season to immerse yourself in writing, public speaking, or partake in any endeavor that allows your words to dance. Immerse yourself in this energy and witness your words illuminate the universe with profound depth and exquisite articulation.

Embark on Your Astrological Journey

Intrigued by this ancient technology of Vedic astrology? Ready to explore the depths of your unique celestial map? Schedule your personal astrology reading with me today via the link in my bio and discover the magic written in the stars. 

Full Moon in Pūrva Phalgunī: The Fruit of the Tree

Pūrṇimā

Artwork by @hvalor

March’s bright moon lands in the predawn hours of Tuesday morning, in the Vedic lunar mansion of Pūrva Phalgunī पूर्वफल्गुनी (Leo), the Fruit of the Tree. This lunation cycle invokes a sense of heightened creativity, sexuality, desire and passion, which encourages us to express ourselves, lean into the comforts of life and to follow the joy of our heart’s desire.

The new moon a couple weeks ago in the constellation of Śatabhiṣā (Aquarius), the veiling star, set the tone for the current lunar month. A great question to meditate on, would be: What truths are being unveiled to you now that were previously unclear? As you lean a little more into your intuition and embrace all that is living through you, you may have found that perhaps life has begun to flow a little more eloquently and at the same time, whenever one moves towards that which they desire, they’re often confronted by the opposing element. This is a test of sorts, inviting us to take a deeper look at our relationship with that which “controls” us.

The star of fertility is both courageous and a visionary, like its bird medicine, the eagle. This full moon awakens within the heart, the courage to face the tests and initiations being presented to us; to rise above the mundane, to break free from walking in the shadows of our past experiences and open our eyes to a higher perspective. Pūrva Phalgunī can bring complications with our eyes, both literally and figuratively; we can become blinded to that which is right in front of us and on the flip side, when met with awareness, can take us to a heightened perspective. 

When we go for what we truly want, trauma can sweep in to meet us. The common threads I’ve witnessed coming up for many in the past couple weeks have involved feelings of grief, frustration and anger, and specifically around a certain situation in our lives that perhaps isn’t providing the very momentum we’ve been hoping for. All activity is dependent on periods of non activity. After facing worldly battles and tending to one’s duties and responsibilities, there is a period of rest, relaxation and enjoyment that follows. This period of rest is associated with Pūrva Phalgunī and is the very muse that kindles the impulse towards enlivening our creative intelligence and effortless action.

Pūrva Phalgunī reminds us that complex problems can be solved in a relaxed mood and that the practice of yoga ultimately teaches us how to be at ease in the presence of the Unknown. The deeper you go, the more you tend to the stillness within, the more dynamic and effortless your activity becomes. The Yogasūtra’s (2.47) state, that it is ‘in the relaxation of our effort and capacity to become absorbed in the infinite, that bears fruit of effortless action — action established in being or yoga (union).’ 

This full moon also marks a very special Vedic holiday known as Holi — the festival of colors. This holiday marks the beginning of Spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil — sattva (the creative force) over destruction.

The veil is lifting and we’re beginning to see the issues that have stood in our way. Now we know what needs to be done to navigate the changes that are necessary to bring about the openness and evolution that we seek. A little struggle brings with it a promise of a breakthrough to come. Don’t get caught up with what isn’t working. Continue to tend to a solid foundation and move in the direction of your heart’s desire, even if the odds appear to be wavering, don’t give up now.

For more personalized guidance on how to navigate the celestial waters, please visit Jyotish Astrology to book a consultation. ~ Love All ways // All my Relations

“To be baffled and obstructed is what engages creativity. This is the practice of poets, dreamers, and artists alike: to show up at the frontiers of uncertainty where we are met by ten thousand things. We practice there, on the verge, amateur and unprepared, at being friendly - or at least willing - towards the discomforts of our confusions. As Rumi says, ‘Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment!’ “ -Toko-pa-Turner

Full Moon in Āśleṣā: The Clinging Star

Pūrṇimā

Artwork by @mooncrab.jpg

The bright moon on Sunday morning awakens the primordial, serpent energy, bound within the constellation of Āśleṣā आश्लेषा (Cancer), The Clinging Star. Just like the coiled energy that sits dormant at the base of the spine, which yearns to merge with its beloved in the crown, Āśleṣā enlivens the curiosity to investigate deeper to unite with one’s desired outcome.

A quest which draws us to embrace balance between good and bad — the dance of our lower nature that must be won over before we can attune to our higher power. This kind of transmutation, which turns poison into medicine, very much relates to the shadow energies entwined within our ego — awaiting to be acknowledged and thus subdued, for the throne of authority to be achieved. 

What are you ready to shed? We’re moving out of Mercury retrograde's shadow period and the subtle impulses of your intuition are reawakening. Continue to distill down the wisdom and lessons that have been presenting themselves since the beginning of the year. Learn to transcend your emotional reactions and become more goal oriented, consistent and disciplined in your pursuit to establish your desired hopes and dreams. Wait out the fortnight of the waning moon before initiating those new beginnings, commitments and projects that have been awaiting you. 

All my Relations

For more in depth, personalized guidance on how to align with the current planetary cycle, please visit Vedic Astrology Consultations to book a consultation. Love all ways

Dogen Zenji // “Enlightenment is intimacy with all things.”

Artwork by Caroline Smith

• February 5th: Full Moon Āśleṣā (Cancer) 

• February 6th: Mercury enters Capricorn 

• February 12: Sun enters Aquarius 

• February 15th: Venus enters Pisces 

• February 18th: Maha Shivaratri 

• February 19th: New Moon Shatabhishā (Aquarius)

• February 27th: Mercury enters Aquarius