Moon Diary 6.27.15

Saturday is associated with the planet Saturn, also called Shani or Shanaishchara (the slow mover) because it takes 2.5 years to travel through each constellation of the sidereal zodiac. Saturn represents austerity, discipline, restrictions and sufferings.

Saturn is also a spiritual teacher, but one who teaches through restriction, hard work, purification, service and humility, leading the person to face his weaknesses and more negative tendencies, to recognize and change them.

Today is a Nanda day, Nanda meaning happy.

Today is the 11th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Ekadashi, and the deity is Rudra, who’s a version of Shiva. Rudra is known as the divine archer, who shoots arrows of death and disease, and who has to be implored not to slay or injure in his wrath. As a healer and a source of 1,000 remedies, he has also a beneficent aspect. Additionally, he is the god of wind and storms.

The Moon is in the sign of Libra, ruled by Venus, and in the Nakshatra of Swati, ruled by Rahu. The deity of Swati is Vayu, the god of wind. Wind represents thoughts and powerful ideas in the mind.

Air and Vayu are also related to prana, which is the vitality in the breath.

Venus is a benefic, rajasic planet that governs romance, beauty, sensuality, passion, comforts, wealth, and luxuries.

In addition, the Moon is hemmed in by malefics — Rahu on one side in Virgo, and Saturn retrograde on the other side in Scorpio.

Saturn, Venus, Rahu and Rudra are all in the mix today – there could be some pressure to get things done, or pressure regarding social responsibilities, maybe a party you really don’t want to go to, or expectations that you can’t be bothered with. It could be that you’re not sure how to balance all the energies in your life – maybe you feel stuck about how to reconcile all that is demanded of you.

The trick is to slow down (Saturn), breathe, and stay in the moment, doing one thing at a time – you might be late for social appointments, or you might not achieve all that is thrown your way; no matter, breathe deep, stay in the moment, do what you can, and diplomatically bypass the rest. In that way, the day is much more enjoyable and the pressures can be appeased.

Traditionally a day to fast from grains.