New Moon in Kṛttikā: Star of Fire

AmāvásyA

Artwork by Mystic Mamma

Unlocking Growth through the Celestial Fire of Kṛttikā

As the celestial fire of Kṛttikā, known as the Pleiades, dances in the night sky, it offers us an opportunity to tap into its potent energy, empowering us for our personal and collective development.

The arrival of the exalted new moon in Kṛttikā कृत्तिका (sidereal Taurus) on Friday morning, signals a time of initiation and renewal. Just as fire has the power to burn away the old and make space for the new, this lunar mansion invites us to shed our limitations and embrace the fiery essence within us.

In Vedic astrology, Kṛttikā is associated with Lord Murugan, the God of War, who wields a spear and rides a peacock, symbolizing courage, strength, and transformation. It is said that when we align ourselves with the energy of Kṛttikā, we awaken our inner warrior and tap into our hidden potential.

The Star of Fire serves as a reminder that growth often requires us to break through barriers and step out of our comfort zones. It urges us to embrace change, challenge our limiting beliefs, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The blade symbolizes the cutting away of what no longer serves us, making space for new beginnings and expansion.

As we bask in the radiance of the exalted new moon in Kṛttikā, we can harness its transformative energy to fuel our ambitions, ignite our passions, and unlock the doors to growth. It is a time to set powerful intentions, visualize our desired outcomes, and take bold steps towards realizing our dreams.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the celestial significance of Kṛttikā and explore practical ways to tap into its fiery energy. By understanding the essence of this lunar mansion and aligning ourselves with the energies it awakens, we can unlock our full potential and embark on a journey of growth, empowerment, and self-realization.

The Illuminating Eclipse Season:

The recent eclipse season shed light on hidden aspects of our lives, and Kṛttikā awakens the precision required to pierce deeper into any lingering burdens we carry and the power to ignite their transformative release. As Mercury stations direct, it is wise to gather more information over the coming weeks until we move beyond the lingering effects of Mercury's shadow period.

The Flame of Transformation:

Kṛttikā embodies the ability to purify and incinerate the old self, paving the way for the emergence of the new. This profound transformation is facilitated by Agni, the god of fire, who governs over this celestial constellation. Many of us may be experiencing pressure and discomfort in some area of our lives, serving as catalysts for necessary shifts and personal growth.

The Dual Nature of Fire:

In the realm of transformation, the very flames that ignite and consume have the power to convert experience into wisdom and nourishment into vital energy. Symbolizing the essence of this nakṣatra, the Goat gracefully gathers, consumes, and stores, only to later resurface and digest all that it has taken in. As we embark on this new cycle, the horizon beckons the imminent arrival of illumination, urging us to confront profound truths that lie within ourselves and along our paths.

Embracing the Fires of Purification:

Purification, although not always easy or comfortable, is the inherent energy that provokes growth and transformation. We often remain oblivious to our shadows until we begin to amplify our inner light. By increasing our inner radiance, our shadows loosen and begin to dissolve. Though this process may appear to be challenging, it is essential to recognize that any symptoms or discomfort we experience, signify that purification has already taken place.

Tending to the Inner Fire:

Nurturing our inner fire requires the infusion of kindness, consistency, and steadfastness within the container of our practices. By tending to our agni and keeping it strong, we not only have the capacity to digest the food we consume but also transmute our sensory experiences into embodied wisdom. Engaging in mindful practice allows us to stabilize our self-experience, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the self that emerges from within, flows through us, and is embraced by the self.

To harness the full potential of the potent energies associated with Kṛttikā, this particular cycle presents a favorable environment for optimizing and expanding your yoga or martial arts practices. Moreover, it offers a perfect opportunity to declutter and release any remnants of the past, creating ample space for a fresh start and embracing a clean slate

Śani Jayantī: Honoring the great Timekeeper

The day preceding this new moon holds a special significance in the Vedic calendar (Śani Jayantī), as it commemorates the birth of Lord Saturn. Saturn, often referred to as the great task-master, giver of longevity, and the embodiment of justice, is the brother of Yama Dev (lord of death) and was conceived from the radiant light of the Sun and his shadowy consort, Chhaya Devi. 

His presence in our lives can manifest as a force that slows us down, humbles us, and may seemingly bring an unceasing succession of challenges and sorrows. Despite the difficulty inherent in Saturn's teachings, embracing his influence can also bestow upon us maturity, spiritual resilience, and the ability to reign over vast domains when we manage to appease him. Śani may manifest as delays along our path; however, he never denies. When he gives, he bestows everything abundantly.

If you’re currently running a cycle (daśā or sub daśā) of Saturn, sāḍēsātī (seven 1/2 year transit) or are experiencing the influence of Saturn holding back your progress in life, you would experience immense benefit in observing a fast (from technology, food or choosing to take the slower approach / route) on this day (5/18 9:14 a.m. — 5/19 9:54 a.m. PDT). By honoring a fast on the day preceding this transformative new moon, it is believed that you can invite Saturn's blessings and positive effects into your life.

Confronting Vulnerability for Transformation:

Consider embracing vulnerability and delving deeper within yourself. It is through this process that truth emerges, shedding light on our journeys while simultaneously severing ties with anything hindering our progress.

The power of Kṛttikā during this spring season calls us to embark on a journey of purification and personal transformation. As Bob Marley wisely noted, "None but ourselves can free our minds." To explore the deeper implications of this cosmic alignment on a personal level, I invite you to book a private consultation at Vedic Astrology. May you journey onward, evermore connected to all of your relations and your true self.

New Moon in Uttara Bhadrapadā: The Warrior Star

Amāvásyā

Artwork by: Samādhi Collective

March’s celestial clock dials the sun and moon together on Tuesday morning, in the Vedic nakshatra of Uttarabhadrapadā उत्तरभद्रपदा (sidereal Pisces), the Warrior Star. The pressure continues to build this next week and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The current storm we’re moving through carries with it a sense of a victory to come. This lunation cycle is connected to fertility of both earth and sky and opens the channels to reveal wisdom gained through experience — to excavate the unconscious, harmonize universal mind and stabilize the friction we’ve been encountering.

Recent clarity ignited a desire inside and in turn, illumined a path forward. Often when we follow our heart’s desire and step into uncharted territory, we’re met with resistance, confronted with doubt and even feelings of unworthiness. As easy as it can be to turn back to our old ways, which may feel safe and appear to have less residence; a transformation from one cycle into another requires a new approach: trusting in divine protection, and that our desire is naturally in alignment. Moving forward, even though there is no guarantee, versus second guessing the outcome.

Lean into the process of breaking down and releasing limiting beliefs, stories and habits that are no longer contributing. Glimpse into any vulnerability you’re experiencing and see how you can anchor into a stronger foundation amongst that which is coming up to be revealed — this can often resemble a dark night of the soul experience. Shift your narrative and look upon any perceived flaws that may be blocking your way, as a course correction instead of an opposition. Keep a big picture perspective as you calculate your goals and actions which are aimed at success. 

This dark moon is considered to be the astronomical new year and opens an energetic doorway. March 22nd begins the auspicious nine nights devoted to the divine feminine (Spring Navarātri). This festival beckons a time to cultivate our inward journey.

 Remember that the pressure you’re experiencing now, is the precise medicine that is needed for what comes next. Very similar to the journey of the butterfly, who in the process of breaking itself free from the cocoon, develops the very muscles needed to be able to fly. When utilized to excavate deeper, these next couple of weeks can assist in harnessing the creative intelligence and infinite potential that will magnetize the next cycle to come.

For more personalized, in-depth guidance on how you can navigate the current celestial waters, please visit Jyotish Astrology to schedule a private consultation. 

All my Relations

Brene brown // “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage. A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor.”

CHANDRA NAMASKAR: Moon Salutations

I invite you to join me to honor and cultivate the smoothing lunar energies through exploration of the practice of Chandra Namaskar. In a world that is dominated by masculine, goal oriented, solar energies (known as rajas in Ayurveda) it is no wonder that most practitioners of yoga include Sun Salutations in their daily practice.  I personally made Surya Namaskar a part of my daily routine for most of the past three decades until I found my practice beginning to burn me up, literally, instead of nurturing me. The practice of yoga is the art of deep listening, which is a constant practice. In the past few months I've turned to the cooler, more quieting lunar practices to tend the mind and body in such a way that involves participating with what is given to me instead of trying to force a perceived goal or agenda. After experiencing the healing properties of this practice, I felt called to share the lesser known Sister practice to Surya Namaskar. 

Chandra Namaskar cultivates body balance and attunes us to the lunar cycles of nature and rhythm’s of our Spirit. Moon salutations are meditative, slow, and cooling. They help bring balance to busy schedules, over stimulation and the demands of the day. This practice is appropriate for all times of day, including late afternoon and early evening before bed. It can also be made into a ritual that would honor and attune one with the cycles of the moon when practiced with extra awareness and devotion during the new and full moon or outside beneath the rays of the full moon. 

As with any practice in life, whether on or off the mat, the invitation is to come as you are and practice your yoga. At your own pace, with deep and slow consciousness breath, listening to what is needed, taking rest or modifying at any time. You may wish to begin with three to five or more breaths per pose and build up to one breath (three in Goddess pose) over time, which I have shared in the video below. Dropping into your own inner rhythm and pulse of the moon cycle, you may begin your practice by warming up the body with one cycle (practicing on both sides) of chandra namaskar or moving through the sequence as your main Sadhana (practice) with three or more cycles. When moving with a slow, and meditative pace, the practice will be around 4-5 minutes depending on the length of your breath cycle. Enjoy the practice!

ॐ चंद्राय नम: ll