Shukla Dashami

Moon Diary 4.27.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

Moon is also known as Chandra – it is about connection, unconditional love, and mother energy. Moon rules over the water element, and by extension, is also ruler of plants and the vegetable kingdom.

The Moon is an auspicious Sattvic planet – it is considered benefic in its waxing cycle, and represents the energy that creates and preserves.

Today is a Purna day; Purna means full.

Today is the 10th day of the lunar cycle, Shukla Dashami, and the deity is Dharmaraja – who’s responsible for everything that’s related to Dharma and righteous way of living.

The Moon is in the sign of Leo, ruled by the Sun, and in the Nakshatra of Mugha, ruled by Ketu. Moon in Magha points to the part of us that feels entitled to a certain amount of power, dignity, and respect. The deities of Magha are the Pitris, who represent the ancestors and familial lineage that has brought us into this time and place.

So this is, for one, a day of dharma – giving full appreciation of one’s true and righteous path; it is also a day of feeling entitled to a certain amount of respect and power; and finally a day of honoring all the ancestors and relatives that have helped us come into this present day.

This could easily be a day of prayer, contemplation, and meditation. Practically speaking, this could be a day to call your mom or dad to express your love and gratitude; or tell your kids they are amazing; or visit with your grandparents; or give quiet thanks to the life you’ve been given, to the hand you’ve been dealt.

It also could be a time to let go of any expectation or feelings of entitlement – just let go of holding onto any way of thinking and proceed one moment at a time, going deeper into what the moment may bring. It may be a day where you feel more powerful than usual – if so, you could easily write a song, or clean out the garage, or sweep the back patio – just put your power to practical use, and it will be thrilling to get so much accomplished.

Traditionally an auspicious day for all ceremonies and activities.

Akshaya Tritiya, Shukla Tritiya,

Moon Diary 4.20.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

The Moon is about our feelings, the Mother, and unconditional love. It is about our intuitive nature and is the presiding deity of the element water, and rules over the tides of the sea.

Today is a Jaya day, a day of triumph.

Today is the 3rd day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Tritiya. The timing for the Moon to be in Shukla Tritiya is from about 9:33 am Monday April 20 to about 7:35 am Tuesday April 21.

The deity of Shukla Tritiya is Parvati, a spouse of Shiva, who’s considered to be “a Mother of All”, “the one of Mountains” and all other female deities are considered to be her reincarnations or manifestations.

Today is indeed a holy day, for it is the one day out of the whole year when the Sun and Moon are both exalted, meaning they are operating at their highest dignity.

The Sun is in Aries, and the Moon is in Taurus.

Today is known as Akshaya Tritiya, and is considered highly auspicious and for all activites and ceremonies.. The word Akshaya means never diminishing.

It is believed that when the Pandavas were in exile, the Lord presented them a bowl which was named Akshaya Tritiya. That bowl was never empty and produced an unlimited amount of food on demand.

Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring good luck and success. it is believed that gold, bought on this day will never diminish and will continue to grow or appreciate.

Akshaya Tritiya is ruled by Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver God in the Hindu Trinity.

Vedic astrologers also consider this day to be free from all malefic effects.

Any initiative made on Akshaya Tritiya, or anything bought, is considered to be good fortune. In the Indian culture, people typically start a new business or begin a new venture on this day – this is also one of the most popular days for weddings to take place, as the spirit of this day bids the newlywed couple on a very long and fulfilling life journey.

Looking back at the sky, the Sun is joined with Mars and Mercury, and the one aspect to be careful with is being overconfident (Sun with Mars), or being too harsh with speech, words, and communication (Sun and Mars on Mercury).

The Moon is joined with Venus in Taurus – Moon is exalted and Venus is in its own sign, so it’s a veritable love fest – Moon and Venus represent different forms of love and sometimes conflict, but they are both operating at a high level and the Moon is feeling the love all around, especially considering the deities Parvati (Divine Mother) and Lord Vishnu (Preserver and Protector) are injecting their influence, adding their glow to this day of unlimited blessings.

So yes, an auspicious day for everything and everyone. There is much grace flowing on this day – take notice, take action, take initiative – for today is THE day for grace to flow on all you do.

Krishna Dashami

Moon Diary 4.13.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

The Moon is the Mother, the font of unconditional love, the goddess of connection and the ruler over water, the seas, and the plant kingdom. Moon is the mind, the emotions, and pure feminine. If you find yourself moody, emotional and sensitive, that is the Moon being acted upon by stressful forces.

Today is the 10th day of the waning Moon, Krishna Dashami, also the 25th day in the Moon cycle.

The deity associated with Krishna Dashami is Dharmaraja – who’s responsible for everything that’s related to Dharma and righteous way of living.

In addition, this is a Purna day, a day of fullness.

The moon is in the sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, and in the Nakshatra of Sravana, ruled by the Moon, and the deity is Lord Vishnu.

The lesson of Sravana is to listen and hear not only what is being said, but to hear the truth beneath the words, beneath the sounds, beneath the voices. It is also related to mantra, sound, singing, sacred vibration and manifesting things. Things manifest through sound and Lord Vishnu is the one who manifests.

Lord 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.

So today is a holy day, a day of fullness, a day of blessings from Lord Vishnu and the god of Dharma, with Saturn ruling the Moon in Capricorn.

A sweet day for prayer, for doing yoga, for meditation, for any type of sadhana – a good day for blessing silently everyone you meet – good day for praying for all the loved ones who have departed and passed to the other side – a day for listening to the truth, coming through the lips of everyone who speaks to you – a day for listening underneath all that is said to the essence of dharma and truth that permeates all creation – great day for listening to nature and hearing that same dharma and truth.

So yes, it’s true we have to work in the world, and we’re all fighting something in ourselves, or we’re fighting obstacles, or we’re fighting our own mind – but the truth is always there, waiting for us to listen, and that is one of the lessons of this day.

Traditionally an auspicious day for all ceremonies and events.

Krishna Shashti

Moon diary 4.10.15

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 a Nanda day – Nanda meaning happy.

Today is the 21st lunar day, Krishna Shashti, the 6th day of the waning Moon cycle.

The deity is Kartikeya – 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, ruled by Ketu. The deity is Kali, and the lesson is to uproot darkness and plant the seeds of dharma ands truth.

So it’s a Venus day, with the war god Kartikeya, the goddess Kali, and the planet Jupiter.

So it could be fierce, in a way, as we guide our day to the beliefs we have learned, and mix them with the pursuit of pleasures of the senses, art and beauty, and worldly satisfaction. All the time we are weaving in and out all the things we have to take care of, and all we have to balance on this last day of the traditional work week.

So we talk about our desires, our thoughts, our struggles, our triggers. Excellent day to have a heart-to-heart talk with a friend or spouse to air out our loves and challenges.

It could be fierce to drive in traffic, or to be challenged at work, or to have children behaving badly – so the idea would be to hesitate in reacting, count to ten, take a deep breath in, and know that this too shall pass.

After all, it is a Venus Friday, and things do settle down, and the beat goes on, no matter what, the beat goes on.

Traditionally a good day for real estate transactions.

Krishna Tritiya

Moon Diary 4.6.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

Moon, also known as Chandra, is about connection, unconditional love, and mother energy. Moon rules over the water element, and by extension, is also the ruler of plants and the vegetable kingdom.

The Moon is an auspicious Sattvic planet – it is considered benefic in its waxing cycle and represents the energy that creates and preserves.

Today is a Jaya day – Jaya meaning triumphant.

Today is Krishna Tritiya, the 18th lunar day and the 3rd 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 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.

So there is much energy revolving around the preservation of goodness, and at the same time, the extraction of life force from the ideas and energy in the air – feeling the essence of what is real in every moment – related to the prana energy that keeps everyone and everything alive.

So today is also about connection, and keeping the mind from going all over the map – keeping the attention on the here and now.

So pause and breathe, feeling the connection with Source and all beings everywhere – take time to connect with your own family, your relatives, your co-workers, your friends – take time to say hello to someone you don’t like. Bless everyone you meet with your presence and positive attitude, and your connection with all that is real will be realized and strengthened.

Traditionally a good day for artistic activities.

Purva Phalguni

Moon Diary 4.1.15

Wednesday is associated with Mercury.

Mercury is the indicator of speech and communications, and is considered adaptable and neutral.

Mercury rules intelligence, vocal expression, self-confidence, and short journeys. Mercury loves the company of learned people, and is the lord of the direction North.

Today is a Jaya day – Jaya means victory.

Today is the 13th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Trayodashi, and the deity is Kamadeva.

Kamadeva is responsible for forming friendships, sensual pleasures and gratification, sexual desire and its fulfillment. Also, human’s desires, wishes, passions, pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life, and affection.

You get it – Kamadeva is a fun-filled love queen.

The Moon is in the sign of Leo, ruled by the Sun, and in the Nakshatra of Purva Phalguni, ruled by Venus. The primary motivation experienced here is kama or pleasure.

The deity is Bhaga, the God of Prosperity, who protects marital happiness and bestows family inheritance.

The lesson of Purva Phalguni is to be generous rather than self-indulgent with all the gifts and grace we receive on all levels in our life.

So yes there’s an element of enjoyment today – an element of feeling one’s own power, and being quite vocal about it.

This is a day to be generous with your time, your energy and your wealth. Treat a friend to lunch, bring gifts to your spouse and kids, visit your mom and bring a flower, give spare change to the poor, help a friend in need, give of yourself wherever help is needed.

And also a great day to spread kindness through words, through your voice, through vocal inflection. Encourage everyone you meet, praise others’ efforts, laugh at your kids’ jokes, utter a kind word to a stranger walking by.

Traditionally a good day for karma removing rituals and dancing.

Shukla Ekadashi

Moon Diary 3.30.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

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. Moon is all about connection and unconditional love.

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 Cancer, ruled by the Moon, and in the Nakshatra of Aslesha, ruled by Mercury. The deity of Aslesha is the serpent, the Sarpa, which entwines and wraps around things. That serpent energy or power is related to the Kundalini, the depth of life itself.

So the Moon rules the day, being in its own house of Cancer, and the overall feel of the day is Sattvic, looking for the highest and purest form in all that happens, in all we do, in all decisions to be made.

Today’s a day to feel the energy of Mercury working with the Serpent, and Rudra coming on strong with action – destroying the obstacles that slow us down. It would be wise to avoid entanglements that make us weak if indulged in too much – food, sensual pleasure, wine, drugs, laziness- and stay strong on what needs to get done. The temptation may be mighty but the idea is to practice moderation for the sake of avoiding detrimental choices.

Also a good day for communication of feelings – just say it out loud – to a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor. Sing your favorite song in the car, driving by yourself – sing it loud, sing it strong, sing it real.

So yes, stay active, make lists, organize and get the work done– and take time for everyone in your life, without rushing, without stress, without distraction. The Moon is feeling it all, being strong in its own sign, joined with its Sattvic brother, Jupiter, which makes this a high-minded day.

Great day for meditation and spiritual practices; traditionally a day of fasting from grains, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Shukla Saptami

Moon Diary 3.26.15

Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter, representing higher teachings – what we are here to learn – and the expansion of wisdom and experience in our lives. Jupiter is a sattvic and benefic planet, and is said to be a significator of luck and fortune.

Today is a Bhadra day – Bhadra meaning blessed.

Today is the 7th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Saptami, and the deity is Indra.

Indra is the chief deity in ancient Vedic Hinduism and the god of war and rain, which were the greatest concerns of the people in India at that time. He separated the heavens and the earth by defeating Vritra, a snake-dragon representation of chaos and obstacles. Indra is considered a warrior god and the lord of thunder and lightning.

The Moon is in the sign of Gemini, ruled by Mercury, and in the Nakshatra of Mrigashira, ruled by Mars. The deity of Mrigashira is Soma, who is the god of the immortal nectar. Soma is the nectar of immortality that drips down from the crown chakra – the result of achieving the deep states of inner bliss and ecstasy found in meditation.

So it’s a day of action (Mars and Indra) which results in following our highest inclinations (Jupiter), achieving a level of satisfaction and well being (Soma).

So the idea would be to do someone a favor – carry a friend’s shopping bag to the car, help an elderly lady cross the street, pick up a fallen toy for a child – it can be that simple. Or buy a gift for your spouse or lover, call a friend who’s not well, play cards with your kids, sit on the couch with your dog or cat, giving them some TLC – so yes, do something for others, with good intentions, and the nectar will be yours.

Traditionally, an auspicious day for ceremonies.

Shukla Chaturthi

Moon Diary 3.23.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

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. Moon is pure feminine – connection and unconditional love.

Today is a Rikta day – Rikta meaning stressful.

Today is the 4th 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.

Today the Moon is in Aries, ruled by Mars, and in the Nakshatra of Bharani, ruled by Venus. The deity for Bharani is Yama, the Lord of Death. The overriding lesson of Bharani is learning and practicing restraint in action, thought, and deed.

So there’s a feeling of holding back, a feeling of hesitation, a feeling of clearing out.

Ganesh and Venus bring a clarity to relationships – all preconceived notions about others can be set aside and all interactions can be looked at with a new perspective.

The idea of restraint can be seen as part of the process of reflection – so the idea would be to really listen when others are speaking – clear out your own agenda, or at least delay it a bit, and listen with your whole being when involved in a conversation. Make it an exercise in mindfulness, and the payoff will be huge – it will be a tool to bring you into the present moment, and the awareness will bring a sense of connectedness that will be tremendously uplifting.

So yes, feel the love (Moon), spread the love (Venus), clear the air of any negativity (Ganesh), and this day will be yours.

Traditionally not an auspicious day for ceremonies.

Shukla Pratipada

Moon Diary 3.20.15

Friday is associated with the planet Venus.

Today is a Nanda day – Nanda meaning happy.

Today is the 1st day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Pratipada.

The deity of Shukla Pratipada is Brahma, the first deity in the Hindu Triad.

Brahma is the creator, and unlike most Hindu gods, he holds no weapons. His four arms represent the four cardinal directions – east, west, south, and north. Brahma’s beard symbolizes wisdom and the eternal process of creation.

The Moon is in Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, and in the Nakshatra of Uttara Bhadra Pada, ruled by Saturn, and the deity is a celestial serpent snake, representing the divine force that enters our mind and being to shed light on all the dark places.

Today at 5:36 am (Eastern) is also the Vernal equinox, and the first solar eclipse of the year, the New Moon –plus the south node of the Moon, Ketu, is in the mix – there’s a healthy dose of emphasis on letting go of that which is no longer needed – materially, emotionally, spiritually – as well as letting the light in – the Sun, Moon, Earth are all in alignment – much power and many peak energies merging on this day.

So on this Venus day, maybe take time to bring the Light in – and share it with everyone you meet- the Moon starts its waxing cycle today – so feel the love, feel the joy, feel the grace – smile at someone you don’t know, play with the children, give the pets an extra minute or two to spread the love around, give your spouse a big squeeze, give yourself time to stretch, walk, meditate – feel the support and grace the planet energies bring to the plate. Maybe try to give something away, something in your space that needs to move on – think, ponder, contemplate – the Moon feels a lot today.

Traditionally good for planning and strategizing.