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

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

Rādhāṣṭamī

Rādhāṣṭamī

राधाष्टमी

“Krishna Adoring Radha’s Hair”, ca. 1815-20. VMFA. Kangra

Today marks the sacred celebration of Rādhāṣṭamī, observed on the eighth day (āṣṭamī) of the bright fortnight (śukla pakṣa) in the auspicious month of Bhādrapada (Aug-Sept).

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the eternal consort and beloved of Lord Kṛṣṇa, is the embodiment of unwavering devotion and selfless love (bhakti). She personifies patience, humility, and pure devotion, offering a divine example of love in its highest form. Though she endured the fires of separation from her beloved, Rādhā expected nothing in return for her suffering, never once allowing complaint to cloud her radiant spirit. 

Her love transcends all worldly limitations—an eternal, luminous bond that reflects the soul’s deepest yearning for union with the Divine. To contemplate Rādhā is to unveil the profound mystery of unconditional love that flows without expectation, where the highest act of devotion becomes the offering itself, and union with Kṛṣṇa is the soul’s ultimate fulfillment.

It is said that her birth star was Anurādhā (Sidereal Scorpio), directly opposite Rohiṇī (Taurus), the birth constellation of Kṛṣṇa. Anurādhā, is connected to Saturn (Śani), and holds within it Rādhāna Śakti—the divine power of worship and devotion. This nakṣatra illuminates the sacred connection between Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, as its inherent energy channels perseverance, discipline, and devotion, which are also characteristics of Śani’s influence.

Saturn, as the planet of karma and time, often reflects Rādhā's steadfastness in love and devotion. The trials Rādhā endured through separation from Kṛṣṇa resonate deeply with the lessons of Saturn—endurance through hardship, the purification of desires, and the ultimate transcendence of material attachments. Just as Saturn’s slow and deliberate movement teaches patience and resilience, Rādhā’s love is a testament to the soul’s capacity to remain unwavering in devotion, even when faced with immense challenges. Her connection to Saturn symbolizes the transformative power of love that transcends suffering and unites the individual soul with the Divine.

The rituals of Rādhāṣṭamī begin with the ceremonial bathing of Śrī Rādhā’s idol (mūrti) in pañcāmṛta—a sacred blend of milk, ghee, honey, sugar, and yogurt. Following this, she is adorned in new attire and honored through a grand procession alongside Lord Kṛṣṇa. In Braj, her birthplace, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are traditionally dressed in garments made entirely of flowers, and, in a rare and auspicious display, Śrī Rādhā’s feet are uncovered for darśana, allowing devotees to behold them.

Many devotees fast on this day, immersing themselves in recounting the holy names, divine qualities, and pastimes of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. The festival concludes with a sacred feast (prasādam), honoring the divine presence of Rādhā and celebrating her transcendental love.

जय जय श्री राधे

Gaṇeśa Caturthī

Gaṇeśa Caturthī

गणेश चतुर्थी 

Artwork: Basohli miniature, c. 1730. National Museum, New Delhi

Beginning on the fourth day (caturthī) of the bright fortnight (shukla pakṣa) in the month of Bhadrapadā (Aug-Sept), Gaṇeśa Caturthī is a festival that lasts for ten days, September 6/7 through Anant Caturdaśī (fourteenth day).

Salutations to Śrī Gaṇeśa who has a curved trunk, who has a large body and whose splendor is similar to that of a million suns; who is the son of Śiva and Pārvatī, the remover of obstacles and the writer of the story.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

O Deva, lord of new beginnings, please make my undertakings free of obstacles, by extending your blessings in all my works, always and may I remember to trust that when you place obstacles in my way, that you’re gently guiding me back to my most aligned path.

As the lunar cycles shift towards the waxing moon, the energy of Gaṇeśa Caturthī invites us to reflect on the celestial rhythms that mirror our inner journey. Gaṇeśa, revered as the deity who governs the threshold of beginnings, wisdom, and intelligence, represented by the brain stem in our physiology, the lord connected to Jyotiṣa (Vedic astrology) and the one who is associated with Ketu and Mercury. He rules over the planetary vibrations that guide us through transitions—encouraging us to see obstacles not as hindrances, but as divine redirections towards our true purpose. 

On this sacred day, devotees immerse themselves in fasting, chanting Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, offering sweets such as modak—believed to be the favorite of Lord Gaṇeśa—as prasada. The festival culminates on the tenth day with visarjana, when the Murti (depiction of a deity) is carried in a grand procession, accompanied by music and chanting, and immersed in a nearby body of water, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution.

May this sacred festival remind us to surrender to the dance of the cosmos, trusting in the wisdom of Gaṇeśa to illuminate the path toward our highest purpose.

ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः

Mercury Stations Direct in Āśleṣā: The Embracing Star

MERCURY DIRECT

Āśleṣā आश्लेषा | August 28th

Artwork: Pinterest

Mercury has danced over the gaṇḍānta point—the juncture between water and fire—twice in the last month, engaging with that karmic knot which holds immense potential. This retrograde has delivered the profound energy promised, urging many of us into deep introspection and processing. This subtle influence continues to invite us to remain open and patient as we learn the art of transmutation.

Mercury stationed retrograde in Maghā (Leo) on the 5th, moved back into Cancer on the 24th, and will station direct on the 28th in Āśleṣā, the Embracing Star (the position of August’s New Moon).

As Mercury stations direct in Āśleṣā, the celestial serpent releases its coils, inviting us to shed old patterns and embrace clarity. Āśleṣā, with its profound connection to the subconscious mind and the transformative power of the Nāga, asks us to reflect on the truths we’ve unearthed during Mercury’s retrograde journey.

Now is the time to communicate with authenticity, letting our words become vessels of healing and renewal. The subtle impulses of your intuition are reawakening now. Continue to distill down the wisdom and lessons that have been presenting themselves in the past few weeks. Trust in what lands and allow it to guide your path forward and establish a foundation of emotional resilience and intuitive insight.

Expect clarity to return to matters of home, family, and emotions. Communication will flow more smoothly, facilitating heartfelt connections and nurturing domestic harmony. On September 2nd, Mercury will once again cross into Leo (Maghā), revisiting the energies that carried over from July. For most, it would be wise to wait another couple of weeks for Mercury to move out of its retrograde shadow period before committing to forward momentum.

-All My Relations- 

To book a private consultation please visit: Jyotish Consultations

Slow things down and the before more beautiful - David Lynch 

Mercury Retrograde in Māgha

Mercury Retrograde

वक्री बुध

Artwork: Goddess Saraswti enthroned India, Pahari First half - 19th century 

August 4/5 - August 28

As Mercury stations retrograde (vakrī) tonight in the mystical and majestic Vedic Lunar Mansion of Māgha (Leo), the Star of Power, we enter a time of reflection and transformation. 

Buddha (Mercury), the fourth among the navagrahas (9 planets), embodies rajoguṇa (mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of the Moon (Chandra), known for his golden eyes, and being eternally energetic. He bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, skill, neutrality, and balance.

This is a time to remember our ancestors and reflect on our interdependency with all things — to shine light on our inherited habits, cycles, and reactions as well as the legacy we’re leaving behind with the imprint of our thoughts, speech, and actions — whether conscious or unconscious.

There is intergenerational work to be done. For some of you, this may look like a baptism by fire that is requesting you to take a deeper look into healing your ancestral line and genetic code. We’re being requested to take responsibility for the cycles and habits that may have been left on repeat. 

Mercury will traverse the gaṇḍānta point (the karmic knot between water and fire) three times over the next month. This position holds immense power. Have the courage to use this cycle wisely, as the window to reflect, redo, and revise is open only for a limited time.

When we look at the origin of the word courage, it stems from the Latin word cor, meaning heart, and the original definition is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart.

Be mindful of potential communication challenges, misunderstandings, and delays in creative projects. Revisit past decisions and reevaluate leadership styles with patience and care. It's essential to be thorough, allow extra time while traveling, and double-check information to prevent errors or misinterpretations.

Reflect on your relationship with stationing yourself in a seat of authority or perhaps with the responsibility that comes with claiming that seat. Rise above the collective narrative, put into practice the wisdom you’ve been cultivating that has now circled around — step fully into your individuality. 

For personalized guidance during this shift, book a private consultation here. Know that I am here to support you.

I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be offering a Masterclass on Jyotish Astrology on August 13th, online with Sacred Dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into Astrology 101, more info here: Vedic Astrology 101: Weaving the Golden Thread

All My Relations

David Loy // “One meaning of freedom is the opportunity to act out the story I identify with. Another freedom is the ability to change stories and my role within them.”

AKṢAYA TṚTĪYĀ: Day of Lasting Achievements

Akṣaya Tṛtīyā

अक्षय तृतीया

Pinterest

Today marks the most auspicious day in the Vedic calendar, where both the luminaries, sūrya (sun) and chandra (moon) are in their exalted positions. Occuring on the third (tr̥tīyā) lunar day of the spring month of Vaiśākha, Akṣaya, meaning “never decreasing,” illuminates this day as a beacon of enduring accomplishments.

This auspicious occasion beckons new beginnings with unparalleled favorability, be it in the sacred bond of marriage, the initiation of ventures, the acquisition of gold or a new abode, or acts of benevolence. Such is its potency that the necessity of calculating an auspicious moment, known as muhūrta, becomes obsolete, for the entire day brims with divine blessings.

Today commemorates the denouement of the epochal Mahābhārata war, a pivotal event signaling the transition from Satyayuga, the golden age, to Tretāyuga, the silver era. It is also revered as the day when Lord Gaṇeśa and Veda Vyāsa commenced the writing of the Mahābhārata, and the moment when the celestial waters of river Gaṅgā decended from heaven to grace the earth realm.

This revered thiti (तिथि), or lunar phase, spans from 4:19 am 5/10 - 2:51 am 5/11 IST |  15:49 5/9 - 14:21 5/10 PST

New Moon in Bharaṇī: Star of Restraint

NEW MOON

अमावस्या

Artwork by Trisha Thomason Adams

May 7th 8:22 PM PST | 8th 8:52 AM IST

As we eagerly welcome the long awaited energies of May’s New Moon (Amāvásyā) aligned with the Vedic Lunar mansion of Bharaṇī भरणी (Aries), the Star of Restraint, we find ourselves standing at a doorway between worlds — a pivotal moment for purification and initiation into transformative new beginnings.

Bharaṇī Nakṣatra, associated with Yama Dev, the lord of the afterlife, beckons us to cleanse ourselves of impurities and embrace the germination of long-term plans and goals. It invites us to stand at the threshold, where the old is shed to make way for the new.

This lunation cycle marks the culmination of recent energies, revealing new aspects of ourselves and our lives—a delicate balance between self-discovery and interconnectedness.

We're being guided toward a revolutionary reconstruction—one that mirrors the assimilated revelations, lessons, and growth stemming from the encouraging turmoil of recent planetary shifts and changes.

Mercury is wrapping up its post-shadow period and awakens a huge potential for deep healing now. Notice what’s coming forward to be healed in order to usher in this next chapter. Jupiter's (Bṛhaspati) recent shift into Taurus prompts us to reflect on what truly nourishes us. It's a time for radical release, shedding what no longer serves us, to pave the way for rebirth.

This transformation will require forbearance, hard work and discipline, echoing the deeper wisdom found in the Yamas and Niyamas of the Yogasūtras. Exciting energies await us by the end of the month. Embrace this potent moment between sunrise and sunset, life and death. What leap are you willing to take?

For those seeking deeper insights and personalized guidance, I invite you to book a private consultation from my booking page. Let's navigate this potential for profound new beginnings together. All my relations - Tulsi 

Nisargadatta Maharaj // “Pain is physical; suffering is mental. Beyond the mind there is no suffering. Pain is essential for the survival of the body, but none compels you to suffer. Suffering is due entirely to clinging or resisting; it is a sign of our unwillingness to move on, to flow with life.”

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

Varāha Dvādaśī

VARĀHA DVĀDAŚĪ

वराह द्वादशी

Image: Pinterest

On the twelfth day of the bright half of Māgha marks the festival honoring Varāha Avatār, the third incarnation of the daśāvatāra (ten) of Lord Viṣṇu, the wild boar. Varāha Dev is one of the four full Paramātmās (supreme Self) whose story narrates how Lord Viṣṇu came to rescue Bhūdevī (Pṛthvī), Earth.

Varāha’s story begins with the doorkeepers of Lord Viṣṇu’s realm, Jaya and Vijaya, who were cursed by Lord Brahmā’s four sons to take human birth and incarnate on Earth. The curse would be lifted only if the two human forms were killed by the hands of Lord Viṣṇu himself, to which they agreed.

Image: Pinterest

One of the brothers, Hiraṇyākṣa, dragged Mother Bhūmi to the bottom of the cosmic ocean to attact Lord Viṣṇu’s attention. The Lord took the form of a boar in order to slay the demon king, rescue the Earth, and restore her to her rightful place in the universe.

Lord Viṣṇu, the maintainer of this world, takes birth age after age only when the balance on Earth has been disturbed. This incarnation of Varāha Dev is associated with the graha Rāhu (north node) in Vedic astrology, who is the karaka for justice, courage, truth, self-sacrifice, risking one’s life for a cause, going against the established order, the foreigner, and the protector of the Earth.

Image: Varaha with his consort Bhudevi, copper sculpture from Tamil Nadu. c. 1600

With his tusks, Varāha is said to have the ability to dig up any impurities in the heart. We ask Rāhu to protect our tounge.

ॐ वराहाय नमः।

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.

Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Phālgunī

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Phālgunī

August 23 - September 14

In the current celestial landscape, Mercury, the harbinger of communication and intelligence, enters a retrograde phase that takes place within the nurturing boundaries of Uttara Phālgunī (sidereal Leo). This alignment imbues our quicksilver mental faculties with a slowed cadence, beckoning us into a state of refined contemplation.

Uttara Phālgunī is known as the 'Star of Patronage,' a celestial body deeply associated with benevolence, guardianship, and mutual care. These retrograde periods are less an obstacle course and more an invitation to reflection and action. Under its auspices, Mercury's retrograde provides an opportune frame for re-evaluating the dimensions of our commitments and responsibilities.

Within this cosmic environment, the rapid-fire faculties governed by Mercury—communication, trade, intellectual pursuits—take a measured pace. It's a temporal sphere where haste is less regarded than the quality of deliberation, giving us pause to think not just about the messages we send, but also the underlying ethics of our intentions and actions.

This period calls for a nuanced understanding of interdependence, a foundational principle and core tenet associated with the influence of Uttara Phālgunī. It encourages us to recalibrate the scales of give and take, to assess whether our personal and professional patronages are aligned with our deepest convictions. Through this churning, Mercury subtly instructs us in the virtues of a balanced, neutral perspective.

Given the reflective mood set by this celestial alignment, now would also be a propitious time to dust off old projects and rekindle efforts that align with these patronly virtues, revisiting them with a newly balanced perspective.

During this retrograde phase, one would do well to engage in a focused introspection to refine one's roles and responsibilities as both benefactor and beneficiary. The goal is to emerge with a matured sense of stewardship, capable of navigating life's complexities with equanimity and grace.

David Loy // “One meaning of freedom is the opportunity to act out the story I identify with. Another freedom is the ability to change stories and my role within them.”

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. 

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.”

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