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.”

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