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.

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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