10.7.16

Friday is associated with the planet Venus.

Venus is about pleasure, beauty, art, sensuality, passion, and comforts. It is a rajasic and benefic planet, and is the indicator of relationships in Vedic astrology.

Today is the 6^th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Shashti, whose deity is Kartikeya.

Kartikeya is the second son of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvathi, and the younger brother of Ganesha.

Kartikeya tends to the spiritual growth of aspirants, having the fire and energy to lead the army towards moksha (liberation). He represents transmutation of sexual energy and utilizing such energy for spiritual evolution. He takes care of health, family life, healthy children, and assets such as land, etc. Fire and Mars relate to Karthikeya. He is considered the god of war and triumph.

The Moon is in the sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, and in the Nakshatra of Mula, whose deity is Nirriti, who evolved into Kali – a fierce spiritual warrior goddess who violently uproots evil.

There is an abundance of warrior energy in the air, and this can be viewed as a day of courage, of facing our battles, usually with ourselves, and never giving up. And it is winning these battles, one by one, day by day, moment by moment – that we see results, and there’s nothing else to do but to keep fighting, and overcoming our own challenges, one at a time.

Being a Venus day, there could be interactions with people that could present challenges – best to hesitate when speaking, and be conscious of negative words, thoughts, and concepts that get put aside for the sake of harmony.

At least part of the day could be devoted to being quiet – maybe walking in the woods – or taking time at lunch to be alone and quiet – for reflection and feeling out the better and higher part of yourself.

So today is about courage and never giving up. It does not mean there won’t be happy moments – it’s just that the courageous and warrior energy of this day is palpable, and it’s best to be careful when emotions run high, and seek peaceful environments in which to land and rest, finding peace wherever possible.

Living with the intention to think positive no matter what can be a great affirmation for this day.

Moon Diary

Tuesday 7.19.16

Full Moon – Guru Purnima

Today is the 15^th and final day of the waxing Moon – Shukla Purnima – Full Moon at 6:57 PM EDT. The brightness of the Moon is an indicator of strength and auspiciousness, and for any action to bear fruit, the Moon should be strong, and it is strongest when full.

Guru means remover of darkness — it is a time to be especially grateful for the light and beauty that our teachers have brought into our lives, removing ignorance and filling us with grace and inspiration.

The Moon is in the sidereal sign of Capricorn – a feminine earth sign – ruled by Saturn, and in the Nakshatra of Uttara Ashadha, whose deity is the Vishvadevas, Vedic Lords of Dharma. Dharma relates to our duty – what we are meant to do and accomplish – and so the Full Moon in this placement illuminates our earthly and spiritual truths we are to follow and pay attention to.

The Moon is ruled by and aspected by Saturn, which speaks to our commitment to our dharma – our long term determination to stick to our chosen path – to have a daily intention to follow through in word, action, and deed.

So it is a beautiful time for gratitude; being grateful for the teachers and inspirational literature that inspires us to see the Light in all we do; being grateful for each day & each moment we can be of service to others by being kind, thoughtful and considerate.

So it you are inspired by nature, maybe take a walk in the woods. If you are inspired by a Guru, light incense and candles and do a little puja in your own space if front of a picture of your beloved Master. If you are inspired by the grace that pours into your heart, then give thanks to the love that fills and surrounds you each and every day.

So the idea is just to be grateful, in an active and practical way – helping others is helping the Guru-there is no difference. Help a neighbor cut their lawn; help your kids with their play project; help your friend with a heavy heart, by listening, by being present, by holding their hand.

Traditionally, an auspicious day for ceremonies, spiritual practices, and the manifestation of wishes.

6.20.16

Monday is ruled by the Moon. (Moon-day)

The Moon is our feelings, our mind, and represents the Mother principle – the energy that creates and preserves. Moon is the deity of the element of water, and rules over the tides of the sea.

Today is the 15^th day of the Waxing Moon, Shukla Purnima – Full Moon – and the Moon will be at its fullest at 7:02 AM EDT.

Today is also the Summer Solstice (at 6:34 PM EDT) – the day with the most sunlight this year.

The Moon is in the sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, and in the Nakshatra of Mula, whose deity is Nirriti, who evolved into Kali – a fierce spiritual warrior goddess who violently uproots evil. She is fearless, strong and unstoppable, and her goal is ultimately noble and good  –  to remove evil by hook or crook.

So it is an unusual day, where the Sun and Moon will simultaneously be in the sky later in the later hours; where sensitivities can run high, where emotions can reflect the heightened pressures, and the mind can sense the rising tide of forces coming from all directions.

It’s an excellent day to be quiet, or have a quiet time built into the day somewhere. Also an ideal time to soothe conflicts; to have a kind word to everyone you meet; to lend a hand where it is needed.

So on your lunch time, sit in the park and be the witness. Take notice of the colors, the quality of air, the birds, insects, squirrels. Breathe. Be the witness. Practice gratitude. Integrate. Mitigate built up pressures. Chill.

So take notice of the sunlight, and how it feeds everyone and everything. This is the beginning of summer. Soak in the beginnings of everything in your life, including this very moment.

Traditionally an auspicious day for ceremonies and spiritual practices.

Moon Diary 5.24.16

Tuesday is associated with Mars.

Mars is all about action, ambition – putting forth your ideas in an assertive way, and being willing to fight for what you believe. Mars is the lawyer, the soldier, the competitive athlete.

Today is Krishna Tritiya, the 18^th lunar day and the 3^rd day of the waning Moon. The diety is Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu is know as the Paramatman (supreme soul) and is regarded as a major god in Hinduism and Indian mythology. He is thought of as the preserver of the universe.

The Moon is in the sidereal sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, and in the Nakshatra of Purva Ashadha, whose deity is Apas, deified water.

Water is related to love and accommodation. It is the most forgiving, and yielding of all elements.

The shakti experienced here is the power of invigoration. Qualities include creative energy, success that comes quickly, having good friends, and possessing a love of beauty and pleasure.

 Purva Ashadha has a human or manushya temperament with a primary motivation of moksha, or spiritual liberation.

So the Moon is waning – we had a full Moon over the weekend – and with Apas, the god of water, on a day ruled by Mars, in a sign ruled by Jupiter, and also aspected by Jupiter – here’s what sums it up: Ambition towards higher connection. Working towards higher beliefs and absorbing the oneness in everything.

So it is a day for action for the higher good – performing random acts of kindness:

helping someone in need; helping your kids with their homework; making dinner for your best friend; helping the neighbor weed his/her garden. Or go to a yoga class; take a hike in the woods while chanting your mantra; drive your friend to the food store. Definitely a day for doing, working, taking action, and if it can be done with kindness and empathy, and in a selfless way, all the better.

Traditionally, a good day for construction and artistic activities.

This isn’t my usual Moon Diary – this is about Bernie and his Vedic Astrology Chart.

So I’ve been noticing Bernie Sanders quotes all over the place, and I was struck by the language he uses and his relationship with words.

In Vedic Astrology, Bernie’s Mercury is exalted in the 11^th house of Virgo – aha! This shows he is articulate and creative in communication, especially in speaking and dealing with the public (11^th house). He easily projects as a humanitarian and has a genuine concern for the welfare of the masses. It is who he is, and he’s a natural – what you see is what you get.

Mercury is combined with Venus to give him a warm and friendly approach to communication – a diplomatic communicator with a sense of humor.

Mercury and Venus are being aspected by Jupiter adds to his charm, enhancing his communication skills , giving him teaching skills (he was a teacher) and adds to his writing acumen, while also giving him an upbeat communication style. Also gives him a disposition that is naturally gregarious and charming.

Venus is debilitated and in the last degree in Virgo; so Venus is weakened – his style of expressing love and affection may be hidden and not obvious- he could be awkward expressing love.

There’s a lot more to his chart, of course, but just one more thing in this post: He has the Moon in Pisces in the Nakshatra of Revati, ruled by that exalted Mercury. The Moon is also ruled by Jupiter (Jupiter rules Pisces), and he is in Jupiter dasha – so to boil this down, he feels for others – his Moon is operating at a high state of dignity and evolution – he has a natural understanding of death – the deity for Revati is Pushan – the Nurturer – Caretaker of animals, travelers, and departed souls. Pisces is a house of intuition and creativity, and in Bernie’s chart Pisces is the 5^th house- so it’s an extremely creative placement for money, teaching, children and high ideals. The shakti of Revati is the power of nourishment, and it is a very healing and gentle placement for the Moon.

So Bernie seems to be hitting his stride at just the right time. The fact that he’s in Jupiter dasha, and Jupiter rules his 2^nd and 5^th houses – shows his increase in abundance and good fortune. They say Maha Lakshmi rules the trine houses, and the 5^th house is a trinal house – and the 2^nd house is known as the house of resources and money.

All this does NOT guarantee him being president, of course, but it does show how his rise on the political scene is confirmed in the stars. It is also a confirmation of his nature and how he operates.

Moon Diary

Saturday January 23. 2016 – Full Moon

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 the 15^th and final day waxing day of the Moon – Shukla Purnima or Full Moon.

The brightness of the Moon is an indicator of strength and auspiciousness, and for any action to bear fruit, the Moon should be strong, and it is strongest when full.

The Moon is full at 8:46 pm this evening.

The Moon is in the sign of Cancer – the sign it rules – and in the Nakshatra of Pushya, ruled by Saturn. The deity for Pushya is Brihaspati who is the Vedic priest. The two distinctive qualities of Pushya are nurturing and being persistent.

So today is a day of nurturing, especially nurturing yourself – self care, gentle thoughts, speak softly – be as quiet is possible, at least for awhile. Good day to organize, clean, and box up old magazines in preparation to give them away. Straighten up the basement; clear out he attic; sweep the garage. (And on the East coast, shovel some snow!)

Good day to pray, to be receptive, to act on feelings from the heart – to lend a helping hand to all you meet. The Moon is the Mother – the one who feels everything; the one who lives in the heart; the one who has a 6^th sense and a knowing beyond the mind.

So feel the beauty of the Moon- the fullness, the enhanced sense of knowing, the messages that come is so many ways – be aware, be awake, be astute in your awareness – the Moon can be magical and transcend mental boundaries if you can tune into Her power.

Traditionally, a great day for all ceremonies and worship – an auspicious day for praying, singing, and chanting the praises of the Holy Name.

Moon Diary – Wednesday – January 6 2016

Wednesday is associated with the planet Mercury.

Mercury rules communication, speech, intelligence, self-confidence; and when in good dignity, it stimulates growth, curiosity, and new ideas. It is adaptable and neutral. Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.

Today is the 12^th day of the waning Moon, Krishna Dwadashi, ruled by Mercury; it is the 27^th lunar day.

The Moon is in the sign of Scorpio, ruled by Mars, and in the Nakshatra of Anuradha, ruled by Saturn.

Anuradha means “another Radha” and its shakti is the power of worship; Anuradha is all about the blessed bond of friendship.

So there’s Mercury being a dominant force today, with Mars and Saturn in the mix; plus the friendship factor.

So today is an excellent day to bond with a friend and have a conversation that you’ve been meaning to have. There could be determination – Mars and Saturn influence – a tenacious drive to communicate with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.

Communication is big here; expressiveness in writing, singing, talking. Maybe try writing a song for a friend and singing it to them; send an email expressing all the love in your heart; talk to the children, yours or other’s; talk to your spouse; sing in the car as loud as possible; tell your boss he’s cool; sing to your co-workers; tell corny jokes; light up the environment you are in, being light-hearted, positive, and expressive. Spread the light in an alluring air of not taking anything too seriously.

Traditionally a good day for planning of donations and money.

Moon Diary – Sunday 1.3.2016

Sunday is associated with the Sun.

The Sun represents our physical body, our vitality, the male or father principle, the government, and power of will.

Today is the 9^th day of the waning Moon, Krishna Navami, and the ruling deity is Durga, who combines all divine powers, represented by her 10 arms, for bringing situations into peace and harmony.

The Moon is considered malefic in its waning cycle. The Moon is about the mind, pure feminine, the mother, emotions.

The Moon is in Libra, ruled by Venus, and in the Nakshara of Chitra, ruled by Mars. The Moon is also conjunct with Mars in Libra. The deity for Chitra is Tvashtar, the shaper, the celestial craftsman. It’s a creative placement for the Moon, creating art and beauty, the symbol being a shining jewel.

With Mars, Venus, and the Moon all involved in the dance, there could be a strong energy to create something of beauty; something pleasing to the eye, to the ear, or to the other senses.

Maybe make a great meal for the family, or just make cookies and give them away to everyone close by.

There may be a way to use the fiery energy of Mars to create something of beauty.

It may be a day where strong emotions are felt, and taking a walk in the beauty of nature would be most fitting and healing. It could be a day where the harmony of the family gets disrupted by feelings of anger or strong dissatisfaction  – and making a great meal – a creative act of beauty – could be a solution to heading off that type of interaction and smoothing things over.

Just be a witness to possible angry disruptions – breathe, hand out cookies, and wait for the wave of emotion to subside – just know that Venus can calm Mars given enough time, and that keeping a level head and being the beacon of kindness can be the most loving act you can perform. Be the Durga in your circle of friends in family; Durga – who is the goddess of keeping peace and harmony.

Traditionally considered one of the least auspicious phases of the Moon.

Moon Diary Friday January 1, 2016

Friday is associated with Venus.

Venus is a rajasic and benefic planet, and governs romance, beauty, sensuality, passion, comforts, luxuries, wealth, and the bedroom. It is the significator of romantic relationships in a vedic astrology chart.

Today is also the 8^th day of the waning moon –Krishna Ashtami (starting around 11:09 am EST ) – Shiva is the deity.

Shiva is about battle and transforming that which no longer serves into more evolved and higher-principled action and outcomes. Shiva is the ascetic dweller of the mountains and the cosmic dancer, who with His third eye destroys evil.

The Moon is in the sign of Virgo, ruled by Mercury, and in the Nakshatra of Hasta, ruled by the Moon – the Moon rules itself here.

Hasta literally means “hand” – the symbol is an open hand. The deity of Hasta is Savitur, and the mantra to Savitur is the Gayatri mantra, a prayer for manifestation in worldly life.

Mercury is about communication, speech, expression, the voice, intelligence and curiosity. It is considered a neutral planet and adapts to the energy around it

So Venus mixes with Mercury mixes with Shiva – today is easily a social day, a day of communication, of humor and banter – a day of social ease and harmonious interactions – Shiva provides the transformation – lots of New Year’s resolutions – getting rid of what does not serves and moving into an arena of new possibilities and well-intentioned plans to improve and grow and evolve.

With the Moon in Hasta (hands), it could be a day of drawing, writing, cooking, doodling, knitting –actions the hands perform with any kind of skill.

It’s a day to play it smart in a social way – enjoy the family, the neighbors, the close friends – and talk about the blessings and grace the New Year will bring. Send well wishes to all you meet, all that you talk to, all that you think about.

Traditionally not a day for auspicious ceremonies or activities.

Moon Diary

9.16.15

Wednesday is associated with Mercury.

Mercury is about communication, speech, expression, the voice, intelligence and curiosity. It is considered a neutral planet and adapts to the energy around it. If you invited Mercury to a party, he’d be chatting and easy-going, and adapt to the conversation and people around him – he’d go with the flow and add intelligent questions and balance and curiosity to his part of the banter.

Today is the 4^th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Chaturthi, and each day now we are seeing the Moon getting stronger in its influence leading up to Purna, the day of fullness.

The deity for this day is Ganesh, who removes obstacles, clears out unneeded energy, and paves the way for efficiency and smooth sailing.

The Moon is in the sign of Libra, ruled by Venus, and in the Nakshatra of Chitra, ruled by Mars. Moon in Chitra is passionate, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm to create.

This would be a great day to write a love song (Venus and Mercury), or a short story, or communicate your ideas to someone.

Also a great day for any kind of conversation – maybe talk to your spouse – tell them everything that’s on your mind – or take time to chat with your kids – Have I said today is the day to communicate? – maybe you have thoughts and ideas that have been pent up – find your bestie and spill the beans – today is the day to sing your woes, sing your blues, sing out to all who can hear – sing the best version of yourself.

Or write down your feelings, give a speech at work, talk to a stranger at lunch – Ganesh clears the obstacles, Mercury communicates, Venus is the love and beauty and pleasure. Combine them all and say hello with a passion (Mars) to today, Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

Traditionally not an auspicious day for ceremonies.