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

Total Solar Eclipse in Revatī: The Wealthy Star

SOLAR ECLIPSE

सूर्य ग्रहण

Eclipse season culminates with the new moon (amāvásyā), total solar eclipse on Monday (10:21 am PST | 23:51 IST) at the end of the zodiac, in the Vedic Lunar mansion of Revatī (Pisces), the Wealthy Star. Revatī holds the energy contained within the gap, the source codes which usher in the transition from death to rebirth — from endings into new beginnings. 

Image: Pinterest

Solar eclipses expose that which is hidden from view and set the tone as an omen of the energies for the next six months to come. A spiritual culmination unfolds, signaling transformative endings and the potential for new beginnings, offering opportunities for introspection, healing and the initiation of new creative endeavors.

You may feel as if you’ve been on the edge as we’ve been in a time outside of time, where things aren’t as they seem. This eclipse portal has stimulated great confrontation with the unknown, and brought old patterns to the surface to be transmuted. 

Accelerated spiritual growth awaits if we allow ourselves time to introspect. Some pattern has been attempting to reveal itself to find a sense of completion and healing. Do yourself a favor and create the space to delve deeper into what you may have been resisting.

Revatī nakshatra encourages us to surrender and expand our vision to see the bigger picture held within Universal mind, and that which is attuned to collective consciousness — to release that which we may desire and realign with that which is in right relationship and in highest alignment. 

In this phase of heightened impulsivity, it's crucial to keep life simple, stay grounded, and rested. Reflect on what’s being revealed to you and what needs untangling in your life. Expect the unexpected. Trust that this cycle holds the initiation necessary to bear seeds of a positive resolution in time, which will birth you into the next journey.

All my Relations

⠀For my full blog post and if you could use some assistance in navigating these shadowy times, please visit Jyotish Astrology to book a private consultation. Love All Ways

“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.”

―Terence McKenna

Gaura Pūrṇimā

Gaura Pūrṇimā

Artist Unknown

Monday marks the auspicious occasion of the birth of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu, who appeared as Viśvambhara Miśra (Nimāi), the second son of Jagannātha Miśra and his wife Śacī Devī. His divine birth occurred on the Full Moon day during a Lunar eclipse in the Vedic Lunar month of Phālguna, in the year 1486, in Nabadwip, West Bengal.

Vedic texts reveal that Mahāprabhu manifested as Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotee in the combined form of Kṛṣṇa and His most beloved devotee, Śrīmati Rādhārāṇī. One of the primary reasons for this incarnation was His desire to experience the profound love that Śrīmati Rādhārāṇī feels for Him. Additionally, Mahāprabhu's appearance aimed to demonstrate how to fully surrender to and awaken our love for Kṛṣṇa while living in the material world.

Gauranga's profound influence extended to winning the hearts and minds of the greatest scholars of His time. As the chief proponent of the Vedantic philosophy of acintya bhedābheda — simultaneous oneness and difference— He illuminated the intricate relationship between God and His energies. This concept acknowledges that every living entity possesses a soul intrinsically linked with the Supreme Lord, sharing His qualities while maintaining individuality, yet its exact nature remains incomprehensible to the human mind. In this analogy, God is likened to a fire and the souls to sparks emanating from the flame, illustrating the inherent connection while acknowledging their distinctiveness.

Mahāprabhu founded the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Sampradāyaḥ and the saṁkīrtana movement, emphasizing bhakti yoga (9 limbs) or devotional worship of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, and their numerous divine incarnations as the supreme forms of God. This worship is predominantly expressed through the singing of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa's holy names, including kirtan and the Mahā-mantra. 

Emphasizing humility, compassion, and love for all beings, regardless of their backgrounds or social status, Mahāprabhu's teachings continue to inspire devotees worldwide. His exemplary life serves as a timeless inspiration for deepening spiritual practice and cultivating a closer relationship with the divine. Today will be honored by devotees with Harikathā (Narrations of the holy name, form, qualities and pastimes of the Lord), bhajan (devoional songs) and prasādam (sacred food).

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे 

हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Hasta: The Star of the Hand

LUNAR ECLIPSE चन्द्र ग्रहण

Image: Pinterest

March’s Full Moon (र्णिमा) on Monday (12:31pm IST | 12:01am PDT) initiates our first eclipse of the year, in the Vedic Lunar mansion of Hasta हस्त (Virgo), known as the Star of the Hand. This dynamic cycle is potent for accelerated spiritual growth, urging us to realign with our intuition and release that which does not belong to us — so we can magnetize that which has always been ours.

As the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, a shadow is cast on the lunar surface, initiating the beginning of a new chapter and welcoming opportunities for personal growth and transformation. We’re stepping into a time outside of time. Things may not be as they appear. Instant exposure to hidden truths and heightened emotions are to be expected. 

With the moon eclipsed, you may find yourself at a turning point in your life, on the verge of a major decision, in the grips of exhaustion, or dancing with uncertainty — rest assured this potent eclipse brings with it a promise to shift you into the next phase.

Some potential breakthrough is available to you now. An old pattern may surface that is ready to be released — let go of the past. Some questions may be answered within this window of time. Channel your creativity, especially in tasks requiring skill and dexterity. This is a very mental nakshatra — use discernment to align with higher thinking and listen to your intuition.

This constellation is ruled by Savitṛ, the life-giving aspect of the Sun and the god of creativity. Just like this asterism's animal totem, the female buffalo, who embodies the energies of abundance and prayer, Hasta awakens the power to gain what you’re seeking and place it in the palm of your hand.

The hand can be symbolized here by a fist that grasps, clings, and is attached to controlling the outcome. From another perspective, the hand can be seen as outstretched and open, filled with creativity and refined craftsmanship… in flow and being of service.

As you hold the vision of that which you would like to manifest into fruition, realign with your higher thinking — seek out the middle point, neither clinging nor resisting. Get clear on who you are and where you want to go. The transformation of material into beauty holds great significance here.

Shifting narratives, heightened emotions, uncertainty, and building intensity request inward attention and one-pointed focus on grounding. Keep life simple during the eclipse hours. The ancients held this portal as a sacred time to tune into one’s own divinity; this is why they tended to eclipses with care and attention — consuming less, both physically and mentally to keep their channels clear.

Fasting, meditation, japa, and even bathing during this time are recommended practices to optimize this shift. This is an important time to recalibrate and look into yourself. Ideally, it is advisable to postpone travel, major decisions, surgeries, and commitments during this time.

What familiar holding patterns are you ready to transcend?

Image: Pinterest

This Full Moon also marks a very special Vedic holiday known as Holi! This festival celebrates the eternal and divine love of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇā and the beginning of Spring. Additionally, this day signifies the victory of good over evil, sattva (the creative force) over destruction, and is known as the Festival of Colors

On April 8th, there will be a Total Solar Eclipse in Revatī (Pisces). Solar Eclipses expose what lies beneath the surface, serving as an omen for energies that will falvor the next six months. The culmination of eclipse season signifies a time of spiritual culmination and the potential for transformative endings, offering opportunities for introspection, healing, and the initiation of new creative endeavors.

If you could use assistance in navigating these energies of major transition, please visit Jyotish Astrology to book a consultation. 

All my Relations.


"In search of yourself, you'll lose yourself.

Leave the little river and join the big river.

Why do you carry the burden of the world on your shoulders like an ox?

Change your direction and become one with the Universe." 

~Rumi

New Moon in Pūrva Bhādrapadā: The Burning Pair

NEW MOON

अमावस्या

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March’s amāvásyā draws the Sun and Moon together in the Vedic Lunar mansion of Pūrva Bhādrapadā पूर्वभाद्रपदा (Aquarius), the Burning Pair.

This potent new moon heralds metamorphosis, as the asterism embodies rebirth, tapas (penance), perseverance, and transformative fires, igniting within us the power to elevate our spiritual energy.

We’re stepping into a dynamic couple of weeks before the first eclipse season in the Virgo / Pisces axis, commencing on the full moon (24/25). This transit requires careful handling and is defined by the goals we set for ourselves and our full commitment to them.

In the days leading up to the new moon, you may have been experiencing a lingering sense of anxiety, frustration, fatigue, impatience, and perhaps have felt more vulnerable than usual. Through increasing clarity, you’re coming to the realization that something needs to change, be transformed, or even let go of completely.

Confronting energies are motivating us to change, and the pace is picking up. Get clear and learn to channel this big energy wisely — instead of trying to match the pace, thinking it will speed up the process.

Pinterest: Aja Ekapada

Keep your motivations in check and know that you may get a lot done during this time; however, success may take a little longer than expected, so stay the course. If you feel like rushing, rush like a royal elephant — one step at a time. An important lesson may be learned in the process.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā seeks to bridge heaven and earth, possessing the power to elevate and sacrifice. This sacrifice channels energy capable of producing and drawing down spiritual energy. Through tapasya (effort), this energy rises to melt and dissolve the veils obscuring the hidden moon within our minds, showering us with grace.

Through a shared vision of the future, we’re planting seeds now that will bear long-lasting ties — stay focused, patient, and disciplined.

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

Mahāśivarātri: The Great Night of Śiva

Mahāśivarātri

महाशिवरात्रि

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Tonight initiates the commencement of the sacred celebration marking the divine union and marriage of Śiva and Śaktī. According to the North Indian calendar, the great night of Śiva descends upon us on the caturdaśī tithi of kṛṣṇa pakṣa during the month of Phalguna.

Śiva, revered as Adiyogi, the primordial Yogi, embodies that mode of consciousness responsible for the inhalation—the withdrawal and destruction of this temporary reality of life—that which leads us from darkness to light, from illusion to realization and ultimately awakens us from this dream.

Legend has it that on this night, Lord Śiva bestowed upon Goddess Pārvatī the sacred wisdom of yoga, symbolizing the eternal union between the masculine and feminine energies, the dynamic interplay of creation and dissolution.

‘Shivam shāntam advaitam chatrutham manyante sa Ātmā sa vigyeyaha.’

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“The peaceful, the blissful, the undivided is thought to be the fourth state of consciousness; that is the Self. This is to be known.”

Tonight, devotees converge in homage to the Lord and immerse themselves in great tapasyā (austerity), harnessing the heightened spiritual energies that permeate this sacred night. As we surrender to the sanctity of Mahāśivarātri, let us wholeheartedly embrace the profound teachings of Lord Śiva, transcending the limitations of the temporal world, and awakening to the eternal bliss of our true nature.

Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya | ॐ नमः शिवाय

Full Moon in Māgha: The Star of Power

FULL MOON

पूर्णिमा

Artwork: @hvalor

The Full Moon (Pūrṇimā) of February reaches its zenith on the twenty-fourth at 4:31am PST | 18:01 IST, in the mystical and majestic Vedic Lunar Mansion of Māgha (Leo), The Star of Power. This lunation cycle illuminates a time of heightened self-expression, leadership, and deep connection to ancestral roots, encouraging individuals to shine in their unique glory while honoring traditions and legacy.

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 during this window. 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 personal responsibility for the cycles and habits that may have been left on repeat. Have the courage to utilize this cycle wisely.

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.

Artwork: Mystic Mamma

In order to renounce and transcend, one must first fulfill the duties of their ancestors, which is now offering blessings on the material plane. You may feel as if you’re being presented with multiple paths to take and are not sure in which direction to move.

Rise above the collective narrative, put into practice the wisdom you’ve been cultivating that has now circled around front and center — step fully into your individuality. 

Use these next couple of weeks to set your plans into motion, as there’s extra emphasis for manifestation and accomplishment in the material world through March’s full moon, which initiates our first eclipse season in the Pisces/Virgo axis.

Place extra attention on staying rested and grounded during this cycle as there are four grahas (planets) aspecting this bright, royal moon in Māgha, which holds the power “to leave the body.” Lead with your whole heart and know that earthing and a physical practice will be of great service in assisting this process.

If you need assistance in tracking this shift on a personal level, please visit Jyotish Consulations to book a private consultation. Know that I’m here to support you.

All my Relations

https://www.instagram.com/chaya.collective/


Vijnana Bhairava Tantra // “Enter the bowl of vastness that is your heart. Give yourself to it with total abandon. Quiet ecstasy is there– And a steady, regal sense of resting in a perfect spot. Once you know the way, the nature of attention will call you, to return, again and again, and be saturated with knowing, 'I belong here, I am at home here.' Answer that call." 

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।

Sarasvatī Vasanta Pañcamī

Vasanta Pañcamī

वसन्तपञ्चमी

Celebrated annually on the fifth day in the bright half of Māgha, today marks the festival honoring goddess Sarasvatī and the beginning of Spring.

Sarasvatī is known as the goddess of wisdom, language, music, and the arts. She symbolizes that creative intelligence who is invoked to awaken within us the memory of who we really are.

Consort to Lord Brahmā, she is that shakti (power) that embodies the original sound, the nād, which exists as the channels in our body, the invisible river whose impulse spurs Brahmā to breathe life into creation.

Many honor Vasanta Pañcamī or Sarasvatī pūjā by wearing yellow, offering and eating yellow foods, as it is said to be Sarasvatī’s favorite color. This is symbolic of the fertility of spring, with its budding flowers and ripening crops. Today is held auspicious to begin one’s studies, take initiation, and engage in the arts and learning of all kinds.

There are many legends associating this festival with the blossoming of love, passion, and emotional anticipation. One such legend recalls the day when Kama Dev (god of love) was said to have been approached by the Rishis (seers) to interrupt Lord Shiva’s meditation so that Parvati, after her arduous tapasya, could receive him as her husband. When Shiva awakened from his meditation, his third eye was said to burn Kama Dev to ashes. Making for a potent and dynamic Valentine’s day energy.

Aum Aim Sarasvatyai Namaha | ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः

Image: Pinterest

New Moon in Dhaniṣṭha: Star of Symphony


Amāvásyā

Artwork from Pinterest

Mauni Amāvásyā अमावस्या finds it’s culmination in the Vedic lunar mansion of Dhaniṣṭha (sidereal Capricorn), the Star of Symphony on Thursday afternoon (15:00 PST) and in the pre-dawn hours on the 10th in India (4:30am IST).

The new moon flavors the energies for the next lunation cycle to come. This cycle heralds a period where receptivity complements focused determination and disciplined efforts. Embrace the energy to initiate practical endeavors, cultivate leadership qualities, and achieve long-term goals with a steady and patient approach.

Tension, chaos, resistance and conflict — we’ve been reviewing, course correcting, and patiently clearing the way for a new chapter to begin. A different tune plays now, the rhythm has increased and the pace is propelling you towards the vision which has been calling your heart forward.

As you begin to stabilize new found realizations and step closer into right relationship with Self, notice what’s moving through you now. This dark moon is accompanied by a highly energized mars, which may be flooding your mind with new ideas or pulling you in multiple directions.

This chaos is as ancient as the story woven by your ancestors and is an integral part of your evolutionary journey. How can you respond to the dream differently than before? All outside conflict must first be resolved within. Lean into the grace of that which you do not prefer and attune more fully with your souls rhythm. 

Mauni meaning silence, reminds us to lean into a soothing pause a few more days until the moon gains momentum before proceeding with your plans. Get clear in who you are, what you will and will not tolerate, and bring your truth out into the world from a grounded and clear place  — be decisive, choose a direction, and work selflessly.

Just like the drum, which is the symbol for this affluent asterism, when we become a conduit for Source, when we can become like a hallow bone, the rhythms of the universe can flow through us more effortlessly. Step into your receptivity and trust in the presence of the Unknown. 

For more in-depth guidance on how to navigate the current astrological energies, please visit Vedic Astrology Consultations to book a private consultation.

The day after the new moon begins the Chinese New Year of the Wood Dragon -- a year of new beginnings, remembering your magic, claiming your power, being innovative, believing in yourself, finding your strength and for making bold moves. Looking forward to witnessing the beautiful magic you’ll be creating in this coming year!

All my Relations

“You cannot cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” 

Rabindranath Tagore



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.

Makar Saṅkrānti & Uttarāyaṇa

Makar Saṅkrānti मकर संक्रान्ति

Image: Pinterest

The Sun, known as Surya in the Vedic tradition makes its annual transition from (sidereal) Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makar) on 1/14 or 1/15, depending on your location. This festival marks a new beginning and initiates the auspicious time of Uttarāyaṇa. Uttarāyaṇa is a combination of two Sanskrit words, “uttara” (North) and “ayana” (movement). 

Uttarāyaṇa spans six months, commencing as the Sun embarks on its northern journey and culminating as it enters Cancer (Karak) around 14/7, marking the initiation of dakṣiṇāyana, the Sun's southward movement. Termed the 'Day of the Gods,' this period is regarded as highly auspicious, as the devatas (deities) are believed to be awake

This marks a period of prosperity, expansion, and heightened spiritual development. With the Gods awake and active, they are deemed more benevolent in this cycle, showering blessings upon the fruits of your actions, rituals, ceremonies, and commitments made during this auspicious time.

The hours preceding and following saṅkrānti (the monthly transition of the Sun) are deemed unsettling for the Sun. This shift can be likened to the process of relocating homes, involving packing, moving, and settling into a new phase.

This portal holds profound significance for nurturing spiritual growth, as it invites inward reflection on the previous month and strategic envisioning/planning for the upcoming month. In tandem with the awakening of the Devas, we're finally stepping out of the long-awaited Mercury Retrogrades, marking not only a celestial alignment but a pivotal moment in our personal journey toward positive transformation. 🌙✨ 

To book a Vedic Astrology reading and to learn more about Jyotish, please visit www.chayacollective.com/astrology

New Moon in Pūrvāṣāḍhā: The Invincible Star

AMĀVÁSYĀ

Image: Pinterest

The first new moon of the year aligns the sun and moon together on Thursday (3:58am PST | 17:28 IST) in the constellation of Pūrvāṣāḍhā पूर्वाषाढा (Sagittarius): the Invincible Star. This constellation is ruled by the water goddess, Apah and is goddess Sarasvatī’s birth star. Besides the life-giving and nurturing qualities of water, this lunar mansion is also associated with the purification of impurities and disease.

This renewal brings about rejuvenation, which sustains, energizes and encourages growth. This lunar cycle brings with it a promise of victory to come when your focus is utilized to align with life-sustaining forces. What poisons in your life need to be transmuted into a healing experience?

These past few months have provoked an unsettling churning that has stirred an inner shift and transformation you’re perhaps still digesting and integrating. This new moon punctuates the lessons you’ve been dancing with since October and only begin to land as we move out of Mercury retrograde's shadow period mid-month. We’re still gathering more information now.

We’re being asked to tend to the renewal and protection of our nervous system, a rejuvenation and energizing of our vital fluids in order to attain favor and alignment with that unexplainable force which nourishes and encourages a seed to blossom.

Image: Pinterest

Just like the winnowing basket, a symbol for this constellation, which is used to separate the husk from the grain, this cycle encourages a shedding of unnecessary obstacles in order to bring out the useful portion “inside”. This may relate to people, places, and things.

Be honest with where you’re gripping and where you’re avoiding. Take responsibility for what you’re inviting into your life. The legacy you’re looking to leave, the victory you’re seeking, depends perhaps on releasing short-term pleasures, which ultimately lead to long-term discomfort and shifting your focus towards being patient and enduring short-term discomfort that leads to lasting pleasure.

This cycle is best utilized in distilling, integrating, and stabilizing all that has been moving through these last months. Tend to the evolution of your consciousness, be willing to cleanse and shed that which is distracting you from stepping fully into your authenticity and claiming your seat.

Source energy is always available to us, and a master is one who has the capacity to keep their presence and vibration attuned at all times to this Source. For my full blog post and to book a private Vedic Astrology reading with me, please visit Jyotish Consultations

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.

See the full article here: Millennial Magazine

New Moon in Jyeṣṭhā: The Elder Star

Amāvásyā

Image fron Pinterst: Lord Indra

The new moon of December aligns the sun and moon on the 12th/13th in Jyeṣṭhā ज्येष्ठा (Scorpio), the Elder Star. This constellation, standing at the pinnacle of material success and shining as the 14th brightest star in the sky (Antares), is symbolized by a protective amulet. Jyeṣṭhā awakens the power to conquer the subconscious, urging us to step up as authorities and commit to our responsibilities.⠀

Since the culmination of the eclipse season in late October, we've traversed a transformative rite of passage, reshaping the way we perceive and engage with the world. This eagerly anticipated shift in awareness has now manifested, and things may not be unfolding as initially anticipated.

Jyeṣṭhā prospers through the right use of natural law and invites us to embrace spiritual practices, mindful movement, occult knowledge, intuition, and prayer to ground ourselves and find stability. Don't shy away from this opportunity for growth, even if it feels uncomfortable. Observe the unfolding story with patience. Ground yourself and act from a place of clarity, truth, and confidence. What responsibilities are emerging that call for your commitment?

Mercury embarks on its retrograde journey in Pūrvāṣāḍhā (Sagittarius) on the new moon day, retracing its steps through Scorpio on the 28th, and turning direct again on January 1st. This retrograde period urges us to unravel the lyrical nuances of our thoughts and traverse the sagacious corridors of introspection. It invites a deeper reflection on our personal beliefs and prompts a revisit to old projects we may have set on the back burner.

For deeper insights into how these cosmic energies may impact you personally and guidance on navigating them with ease, please consider booking a private here: Vedic Astrology Consultation

All My Relations

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” ― Buckminster Fuller

Dīpāvalī Festival: Dhanvantari Jayanti & New Moon

Dhanteras

Today marks the beginning of Diwali (festival of lights) with Dhanvantari Jayanti / Trayodashi धनत्रयोदशी — a day devoted to Dhanvantari (father of Āyurveda and Vaidya to the gods). This festival enlivens the themes of cleansing, healing, renewal and prosperity. Today is the day for aligning with your health and healing / routine intentions and for purchasing new items, specifically jewelry and gold. The Dhanteras muhūrta today for auspicious timing to purchase new items is from 1:43-3:06pm pst 11/10.

From my Uncle Rick Crotta, Vedic scholar / Astrologer, today we celebrate the emergence of Dhanvantari, the presiding intelligence of Ayur Veda, the Science of Life. He arises from the churning of the Ocean of Milk, bearing in his hands the Amrit Kalash for the benefit of mankind.  Dhanvantari represents the lively field of immortality, the state of perfect balance of life at the wellspring of creation. May you always be blessed by that intelligence which restores balance, protects from diseases, bestows perfect health, and grants longevity.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Diwali

On Sunday (US timing) Families honor the new year by cleaning their homes and offices, wearing new clothes/jewlery and lighting candlesat sunset to honor and welcome Mahālakṣmī, the eight-fold embodiment of abundance into their homes. Those who came before us shared that Mahālakṣmī resides in homes that are clean and where there is no fighting. Lakṣmī Puja Muhūrta is 01:49 pm to 03:37 pm pst 10/12.

Sunday is the Vedic New year, Festival of Lights, dīpāvalī Diwali or Mahālakṣmī. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, Ganapati the remover of obstacles and Mahālakṣmī the goddess of the eight kinds of wealth. The new moon early Monday AM aligns the sun and moon in the lunar mansion of Vishakha (Libra), the Star of Purpose. The energy of abundance resides within homes and spaces that are clean. Sunday is the day to deep clean your living space / life and light candles to welcome the blessings of Mahālakṣmī. This festival (new moon) also marks a time of setting intentions for the year to come.

Take a moment to reflect on where you could be more adaptable in your life? And perhaps, where you may be too flexible and have been compromising your sense of personal sovereignty. Practice striking a fine balance of holding both self and other within this co-created dream. Plant seeds of heart centered intentions and move in the direction of your highest desires.

For more personalized guidance on how to navigate the current astrological weather, please visit Jyotish consultation to book a session. ~ All my relations 


“Ground yourself, strip yourself down, 

To blind loving silence.

Stay there, until you see

You are gazing at the Light

With its own ageless eyes”

~ Jalaluddin Rumi

Saturn Stations Direct in Dhaniṣṭha

Saturn Stations Direct

Artwork by Rabi Behera

Have you ever felt like life has hit a pause button, leaving you in a seemingly endless cycle? Or perhaps you've struggled to connect with your true self and those around you, leaving a void of fulfillment. If so, you're not alone. Many of us have experienced these sentiments. But the cosmos has an interesting twist in store. 

Saturn, the guardian of time and the bestower of longevity, ended its annual retrograde journey that began on June 17th and moved direct today (11/4). This shift serves as a cosmic reset button, offering us the chance to start fresh in various aspects of our lives.

On the 14th, Rāhu will move out of the gaṇḍānta, that karmic knot between Fire and Water, as discussed in my latest article. This shift will make the energy feel more fluid. Take the next couple of weeks to carefully assess and reevaluate the structures and commitments you've set up for yourself.

Saturn has been dancing in and out of Dhanishtha धनिष्ठा nakshatra from Feb 2022 to Mar 2023, then again on Oct 15th, and will remain there until Nov 23rd, 2023. On November 23, Saturn moves back into Śatabhiṣā, the veiling star as we revisit energies present from mid-March to mid-June. This time there is an opportunity for the energy to land.

Now is the time to take an honest look at where you may have been hindering your own progress and consider the direction, values, and people in your life who may no longer serve your growth. Face your karmas responsibly and consider your environmental footprint in the process.

Ask yourself, "What am I ready to commit to in a way that aligns with my higher purpose?" If you feel the need to rush, rush like a royal elephant, standing in your values and expressing your convictions. The next few weeks are flavored with the themes of distilling all that you’ve learned in the past couple of months, commitment to your highest alignment path, and birthing a new dream.

For my full blog post and more personalized guidance, please visit Jyotish Astrology private consultation. All my relations

"I believe in all that has never yet been spoken. I want to free what waits within me so that what no one has dared to wish for may for once spring clear without my contriving. 

If this is arrogant, God, forgive me, but this is what I need to say. May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.

Then in these swelling and ebbing currents, these deepening tides moving out, returning, I will sing you as no one ever has, streaming through widening channels into the open sea."

~Rilke 


Navigating the Mystical Currents: Rāhu and Ketu in Pisces / Virgo

Navigating the Mystical Currents: Rāhu and Ketu in Pisces and Virgo (October 2023 - May 2025)

Photo from Pinterest

In the intricate tapestry of Vedic astrology, every celestial movement holds the promise of transformation and the key to weaving our destinies. As we stand on the threshold of a celestial transformation, the transit of Rāhu and Ketu into Pisces and Virgo on October 30, 2023, marks a profound shift in the cosmic narrative that will resonate until May 18, 2025. This celestial journey ushers in a period of revelations and the unearthing of hidden truths, a time when the desire for rebirth stirs within us, beckoning us to transport into the next phase of weaving our destiny.

Lunar Eclipses and the 18-Month Cycle

Lunar eclipses are cosmic gateways, offering us instant exposure to concealed realities. As the full moon eclipse (10/28) approaches, it brings to a close the 18-month theme of self-sovereignty and radical self-love. These themes have been interwoven with profound lessons in unconditional love, devotion, and the intricate process of healing and reconciliation within our relationships.

This is the second eclipse occurring in Aśvinī (Aries) after the Solar Eclipse we had in April. We may witness that which began in April of this year, beginning to bear fruit with this eclipse cycle and even experience new life with this next six month cycle between eclipse seasons (now in the axis of Pisces / Virgo).

The transition on the 30th of October is no mere astrological event but a shift of cosmic significance. As the lunar nodes shift from the Aries/Libra axis into the realms of Pisces and Virgo, the celestial energies urge us to contemplate: What is being revealed to you in this transformative moment?

Gandanta: The Vulnerable Point Between Fire and Water

Artist Unknown

This transition places us in the heart of gaṇḍānta (karmic knot | 10/15-11/14), a vulnerable, unstable point, between the fiery realm of Aries and the watery embrace of Pisces. Rahu, the ever-hungry shadow planet, finds itself in the mystical domain of Revatī in Pisces, while Ketu, the force of karmic release, continues to reside in the discerning realm of Citrā in Virgo.

Revatī is the last of the Vedic lunar mansions and is known as the Wealthy Star. This constellation holds the energy contained within the gap, the source codes which usher in the transition from death to rebirth — from endings into new beginnings.

Revatī teaches us to expand our vision to see the bigger picture held within Universal mind, and that which is attuned to collective consciousness. This celestial anointment awakens one’s heart and births the unconditional love, and power of nourishment and protection associated with the Great Mother.

Pisces North Node: The Path of Healing and Generosity

Artist Unknown

The Pisces North Node beckons us towards a destiny entwined with healing and generosity and encourages us towards a path of service and wellness. Fitness and healthy habits may play a pivotal role during this cycle, helping you to overcome challenges and steer clear of the pitfalls of addiction. Notice these themes stepping forward in your life and stay open to the healing codes that are being presented now. 

Virgo, ruled by the clever Mercury, embodies the analytical left brain, while Pisces, governed by the dreamy realm of ākāśa (space/sky), guides the creative right brain. We’re being escorted on a dance between fact and fantasy, intuition and logic. The Virgo South Node, ever the skeptic, tends to follow the mantra of "seeing is believing," while the mystical Pisces South Node firmly asserts, "believing is seeing." It's a delicate balance, at times leaning towards the mystical and, at others, becoming excessively concerned with material proof and comforts.

Creativity and technical prowess are being weighted and encouraged to weave into our current story. Pisces North Node, may invoke mystical experiences that your rational mind finds elusive. It's important to be aware that both lunar nodes may lead you towards making sacrifices to assist others, potentially at the expense of your own well-being. Strike a fine balance as you continue integrating lessons from our previous cycle in Aries / Libra —  self-sovereignty and unconditional love.

Release and Embrace: The Cosmic Call

Artwork from Exotic India

The transition from the Virgo South Node urges us to release traits such as perfectionism, over-analyzing situations, and escaping stress through vices or addictions. It encourages letting go of worry and anxiety, of attempting to control and micromanage, and of dismissing your intuition and divine guidance. Say farewell to cattiness, verbal daggers, and gossip, as these no longer serve you.

Embracing the Pisces North Node invites you to revel in creative freedom, to unleash your artistic abilities, and to step into the role of the healer. It awakens your intuition and encourages trust in your psychic abilities. Have faith in the universe and allow yourself to receive support and divine guidance from a higher power. Surrender to the flow and learn to process your emotions without the crutches of alcohol or other substances. Consider it an opportunity for recovery from addiction and a chance to use your words to provoke profound thoughts.

As Rāhu and Ketu journey through Pisces and Virgo, you are embarking on a cosmic pilgrimage. This celestial dance promises revelations, healing, and a transformative path toward the rebirth of self. If you were born with the nodes in the Pisces 

(Rāhu) / Virgo (Ketu) axis you will be having your lunar node return, which encourages a churning within, to awaken and realign you with your dhárma (life purpose).

Artwork from Unknown Artist

The essence of this transition is a call to release the past and to embrace the unknown, a cosmic call to unravel the mysteries of the self and the universe — a marriage of integrated and stabilized embodiment of the past, breathing fresh life into the great mystery. As we embark on this 18-month journey with Rāhu and Ketu as our celestial guides, we open ourselves to a world of revelations and self-discovery, where the past and future intersect in a harmonious dance.

Allow this threshold to have its way with you, stay grounded, disciplined and in alignment with your highest possible vibration. If we get thrown off course during this time of transition, it will be much harder to get back on track. Take more time to distill and integrate all that has been revealed to you over the past few weeks — ideally after Saturn stations direct on the 4th and Rāhu moves out of gaṇḍānta on 11/14. What secrets and revelations await you in this celestial paradigm shift? All my Relations

Work with me:

Know that I’m here to support you on your journey home to yourself. For a more personalized, in-depth look into this cycle and how to navigate the next 18 months, please visit Jyotish Astrology to book a private consultation || IG: @chaya.collective

Check out my previous article with Millennial Magazine on the Lunar Nodes and Eclipses: https://millennialmagazine.com/2023/04/21/how-to-use-eclipse-season-and-mercury-retrograde-to-embrace-change-growth/

“Flare up like a flame

and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. 

Just keep going. No feeling is final.” 

― Rainer Maria Rilke


Julia Tulsi Bagnoli, M.A. is a second generation Vedic Astrologer (Jyotishi) and meditation teacher who has been practicing yoga and meditation since the age of four and teaching professionally throughout the US and India for over 18+ years. 

She is passionate about showing leaders, creatives, change makers, and seekers what they're made of and unlocking one's full potential through the sister sciences of Jyotiṣa, Āyurveda and yoga. 

Lunar Eclipse in Aśvinī: Star of Transport

 Pūrṇimā

Artist Unknown

Eclipse season culminates with Saturday's full moon, rising in the first of the Vedic Lunar mansions, Aśvinī अश्विनी (Aries), the star of Transport. As the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, a shadow is cast on the lunar surface, initiating the beginning of a new chapter and welcoming opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

With the moon eclipsed, you may find yourself at a turning point in your life, on the verge of a major decision, in the grips of exhaustion, or dancing with uncertainty — rest assured this potent eclipse brings with it a promise to shift you into the next phase.

This constellation, just like the animal ruler, the horse, embodies both mystical and physical powers, allowing it to carry burdens over great distances with ease. Often, the trials and tribulations experienced under the star of the divine healer are brought up to be experienced to rectify our path, to learn from that confusion, and can ultimately become a vehicle for self-realization. What is the motivating force driving your actions during this time?

Shifting narratives, heightened emotions, uncertainty, and building intensity request inward attention and one-pointed focus on grounding. Keep life simple during the eclipse hours (11:01 am - 3:26 pm PST). The ancients held this portal as a sacred time to tune into one’s own divinity; this is why they tended to eclipses with care and attention — consuming less, both physically and mentally to keep their channels clear.

Fasting, meditation, and even bathing during this time are recommended practices to optimize this shift. This is an important time to recalibrate and look into yourself. Ideally, postpone travel, major decisions, and commitments (even after Saturn stations direct on 11/4). What familiar holding patterns are you ready to transcend?

Lunar eclipses offer instant exposure to hidden truths and this constellation awakens a desire for a rebirth — a longing within to transport into the next cycle. This full moon eclipse brings to a close the 18-month theme of self-sovereignty and radical self-love interwoven with lessons of unconditional love, devotion, and relationship healing/reconciliation. We step into a new 18-month cycle on the 31st as the nodes shift from Aries/Libra axis into Pisces/Virgo (Article). What’s being revealed to you right now?

If you could use assistance in navigating these energies of major transition, please visit Jyotish Astrology to book a consultation. All my Relations.

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.”