NEW MOON, DIWALI, and a SOLAR ECLIPSE

This new moon falls during a very auspicious time in the Hindu tradition-Diwali-a celebration of the light, on the darkest night with beautiful practices and rituals (one of Jenn teacher’s’ Indu Arora offers lovely insights around these). This month’s new moon is also accompanied by a solar eclipse which can be akin to the blink of an eye- imagine the heavens offering a transformative window that may magnify human intention, for better or for worse. The bright side?
Eclipses amplify the effects of spiritual practices and prayers, and they offer the opportunity for insight. This is an ideal time for mantra, meditation, journaling and making offerings for the benefit of others to help amplify the hope, abundance, and victory of light over dark - the essence of Diwali. Both the moon and eclipse fall in Swati Nakshatra, which is seen young tree sapling blowing in the wind. This young sapling reminds us to stand strong and independently, in spite of our delicate nature. This is particularly relevant in a time when the moon and eclipse energy may bring up sensations of instability. The winds of Swati Nakshatra also may offer lessons, as winds and the air element are also more present on the earthly plane this Autumn season as well. During this airy time travel, movement, shifts in environment may be present and bring the opportunity for the growth. Swati has a connection with Saraswati, goddess of speech and learning, where its shared traits include sweet-speech, refinement, self-control and fluxes of creativity. Can we focus on these during this time as communication and self-expression are likely to bring positivity and growth this lunar cycle.