Krishna Ekadashi

Moon Diary 3.16.15

Monday is associated with the Moon, as in Moon-day.

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 the 11th day of the waning cycle of the Moon, Krishna Ekadashi, the 26th day of the lunar cycle – a Nanda day, a day of happiness

The deity is Rudra, related to Shiva, 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.

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

In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is usually described as having dark complexion of water-filled clouds and as having four arms. He is depicted as a blue being, holding a padma (lotus flower) in the lower left hand, the Kaumodaki Gada (mace) in the lower right hand, the conch in the upper left hand and the discus weapon in the upper right hand.

He is conceived as the “Preserver or the Protector” within the Hindu Trinity of the divinity.

So the Moon comes up big today, along with Saturn, Rudra, and Lord Vishnu.

So the idea is to feel the Mother love, the unconditional love in the midst of traffic jams, arguments, and challenges of any kind. The winds of storms may be all around (Rudra huffing and puffing) – but the Mother love is always there – it’s a matter of feeling what is real, and knowing what is not.

So stay true to your own heart and all else falls into place. So much happens in the material world, which in reality is a dream world. Stay close to the sat guru in your heart. Play along, laugh heartily, take nothing personal, and this day will be yours to enjoy. Maybe take a walk in nature to get away from the noise of the world, and recharge the body-mind-spirit connection.

Traditionally a day of fasting from grains, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Krishna Chaturthi

3.9.15

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 ruler of plants and the vegetable kingdom.

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

Today is a Rikta day – Rikta meaning stressed.

Today is the 19th lunar day, Krishna Chaturthi, the 4th day of the waning Moon, and the deity is Ganesh.

Ganesh – the elephant-headed deity – is the first son of Shiva and Parvati. Hindus pray to Ganesh before starting any new task. Among all the Hindu Deities, Ganesh is the closest to the material plane of consciousness, most easily contacted, and most able to assist us in our day-to-day life and concerns. Ganesh is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshiped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.

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 Hanuman, the monkey god. The key lesson of Swati is to focus and channel the nature of the mind towards something that is uplifting and powerful rather than just having the mind running all over the place, as in “monkey mind.”

So the Moon is feeling the energies of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Venus – this is a good day for beginnings, to start over, to clear out the old schedule and bring in the new.

Bring order to your life by throwing out old clutter – newspapers, magazines, paperwork, old bills and bank statements – just recycle the magazines, and shred the bills and recycle the paper. Also the Moon is about the mind – so clear out old attitudes, thought patterns, prejudices, judgments – just let all of it go – open the space inside for Grace to flow in – the energy will be much clearer and your aura will shine all the brighter.

Traditionally not an auspicious day for sacred ceremonies (Moon is in waning cycle).

Shukla Purnima

 Moon Diary 3.5.15

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 Purna day – Purna meaning full.

Today is the 15th day of the Waxing Moon, Shukla Purnima – 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 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. On the East Coast today, a nor’easter is moving up the coast with a lot of water in various forms getting moved around. Ponder that!

The deity is the Vishvadevas, all the Hindu deities as a whole.

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 today is, in essence, a holy day – a day where feelings are at a peak, and with Jupiter ruling the day, we’re feeling the higher beliefs, what we believe in, the guru in our life.

So today we can pray easily – the channels are open – be generous with your time and praise – encourage the kids, pray for everyone in the family, meditate with the spouse – feel the richness all around – every moment is filled with possibility and shakti – know it, feel it, sing it, speak it – feel the awesome energy of the Divine coursing through your veins and all the meridians and channels in your body – that’s the kind of day it is.

Good day for meditation, reflection, prayer, and feeling the flow of grace. Also a ripe time for completion of projects.

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

Shukla Trayodashi

3.2.15

Monday is associated with the Moon.

The Moon represents our mind, our feelings, the Mother principle – the energy that creates and preserves. Moon is the deity of the element of water – the sphere of the Moon is the reservoir of rainwater and thus is the ruler of plants and the vegetable kingdom.

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,  desires, wishes, passions, pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life, affection.

You get the idea – Kamadeva is a sensual, art-loving love button.

Today is a Jaya day – Jaya means victory.

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.

The Moon is especially present today, being in its own sign and nearly full. There’s also the determined persistent energy of Saturn and Kamadeva’s sensual leanings.

This is a day where we may feel the pressure of deadlines; where we might feel good organizing our office or filing our piled-up paper work; where we might be tempted to eat too much while feeling the pressure of the day. It’s good to remember to breathe, to chant the mantra, to let go of any mounting pressure, to hug each of your family members with special zest. Maybe try to walk around the block; sing in the car loud and strong; lie on your back, against the wall with legs up in the air.

Traditionally a good day for writing and dancing.

Shukla Ashtami

Moon Diary 2.25.15

Wednesday is associated with Mercury.

Mercury is about our ability to communicate, our intelligence, logical thinking, our curiosity.

Today is the 8th day of the waxing Moon, Shukla Ashtami, also known as the 8th tithi or 8th lunar day.

Today is a Jaya day – Jaya meaning triumphant.

The deity of Shukla Ashtami are the Vasus. In Hinduism the Vasus are attendant deities of Indra, and later Vishnu. They are eight elemental gods representing aspects of nature and cosmic natural phenomenon.

The Moon is in the sign of Taurus, exalted no less, and in the Nakshatra of Rohini, ruled by the Moon.

Rohini literally means growth, and the Moon is said to be most at home in this nest of growth, since the Moon is all about connection and loves the feeling of expansion and feeling the enjoyment of life.

Rohini has a particular emotional affinity for plants and horticultural activities.

So the Vasus are in the mix, the Moon is exalted, and Mercury rules the day.

Good day to water the plants, get seeds started for Spring, start planning a garden.

Also a great day for feeling the joy and satisfaction (Moon) of good communication and using your skills to be productive (Mercury). So by all means, organize your desk, send an email to an old friend, write that song that’s been trolling through your mind, take time to write about what you are feeling.

Also, maybe connect with your spouse, spend some time with your kids, flash a smile at everyone you meet.

Traditionally, an inauspicious day for most ceremonies.

Krishna Chaturdashi

Moon Diary 2.17.15

Tuesday is associated with Mars.

Mars rules over courage, bravery, self-confidence, and leadership qualities. He is fond of law and order, is related to short-temperedness, and can be argumentative. Also related to soldiers, policemen, lovers of weapons.

Today is a Rikta day – Rikta meaning stressful.

Today is the 14th day of the waning Moon, Krishna Chaturdashi, the 29th lunar day. 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 Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, and in the Nakshatra of Sravana, ruled by the Moon and the deity is Lord Vishnu.

Sravana literally means listening for the truth, behind the words that are spoken, not just the literal words. The Moon in this placement gives one the ability to discern truth from illusion in speech, and also in feelings and thoughts, if one is in tune in that way (empaths and mind-readers).

Vishnu is the embodiment of mercy and goodness; the all-pervading power that preserves the universe and maintains the cosmic order.

So there’s a good bit of male energy on tap today – a day of action, hard work, organization and preserving what has been accomplished up to this point.

Good day for getting things done, for listening to one’s own heart, for finding the meaning behind what others are saying. Just make the effort to stop and listen – maybe the universe will bring forth its voice – they say that God is talking to us all the time, if only we could stop the chatter in our own mind to hear what He/She is saying.

Listen to your own heart song, find your own melody, dance to your own beat.

Traditionally, a good day for spiritual practices.

Uttar Ashada

Moon Diary 2.16.15

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. If you find yourself moody, emotional and sensitive, that is the Moon being acted upon by stressful forces.

Today is the 13th day of the waning Moon, Krishna Trayodashi, the 28th lunar day, ruled by Jupiter. The deity is Kali.

Jupiter has a Sattvic and benefic effect and represents higher teachings, what we believe – it represents the Guru and the high road of conduct and beliefs we hold as our guide.

Kali is a fierce energy, and is meant to tear away all that is holding us back. She is not known for her diplomacy nor a gentle approach. It is our highest good that Kali has in mind.

Today is a Jaya day – Jaya means triumphant.

The Moon is in the sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, and in the Nakshatra of Uttar Ashada, ruled by the Sun. Uttar Ashada means “Later Victory” and points to the rewards of past actions that are finally realized.

Today can be fierce with Kali, hard working and organized with Saturn; discerning our truths with Jupiter; strong with action and principle with the Sun.

There can be strong feelings today about what the right course of action should be – so at work you may find yourself pleading for a course of action; with your spouse you may feel the need to speak about the direction of your relationship; you may want to tell your kids how to speak their mind; you may sit quietly and discern what your purpose and beliefs are.

It’s an especially strong day for feeling your truth and reaffirming your purpose.

Traditionally, a good day for yoga, meditation, and karma-removing rituals.

Krishna Dashami

Moon Diary 2.13.15 (Friday the 13th!)

Friday is associated with Venus.

Venus is related to beauty, art, romance, sex, pleasure, and is the indicator of relationships in Vedic astrology.

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

The planetary ruler is Jupiter, representing wisdom, higher teachings, luck & fortune. Jupiter is a sattvic planet, benefitting all planets with which it comes in contact. 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 Scorpio, ruled by Mars, and in the Nakshatra of Jyestha, ruled by Mercury. The deity is Indra, king of the gods. There’s a sense of being ready to take up the battle, a willingness to fight, to be heard, to possess the emotional courage to meet obstacles head on with undaunted fervor.

It’s a distinctive day to have Jupiter and Venus – benefic planets – join forces today, with Indra adding some warrior energy to the mix.

It’s a good day to be social, to speak your mind, to be gentle with your beliefs, to linger with acquaintances you usually avoid. You can also channel some of that warrior energy to clean out the closet, to pick up trash in your neighborhood, to sweep the debris out of the garage.

Jupiter and Venus give the impetus to take the higher road in conversations, in encounters, in chance meetings with old friends. Notice any urges to correct or protest, and think before you speak. Just a small hesitation will serve you well.

Traditionally an auspicious day for all ceremonies and events.

Krishna Ashtami

Moon Diary 2.11.15

Wednesday is associated with Mercury.

Mercury is about our ability to communicate, our intelligence, logical thinking, our curiosity.

Today is the 8th day of the waning moon –the 23rd Tithi – Krishna Ashtami –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.

It also a Jaya day, a day of triumph and victory.

The moon is in Libra, ruled by Venus, and in the Nakshatra of Vishaka, ruled by Jupiter. The deities of Vishaka are Indra and Agni. Indra is the god that is related to the sky, lightning and that kind of force. Agni is the god of fire who is the one who purifies our intention.

Vishaka literally means fourth branch and it is related to triumphal archway. It often has a lot to do with justice, social righteousness and causes.

So we have Mercury, Shiva, Venus, Jupiter, Agni and Indra as prominent energies.

So today is where we can speak our mind easily, where we can be balanced in our approach to others, where obstacles put in our path can be diffused with saying the right words at the right time.

Good day for easing conflict with your boss, your spouse, your kids, your neighbor, simple by choosing your words carefully and easing the strain on everyone.

Good day for singing your favorite song in the car, singing loud and with utter abandonment; maybe try telling a joke or complimenting someone you don’t care for. Fake it until you make it – today your words can make all the difference in the world.

Traditionally not a day for auspicious ceremonies or activities.

Krishna Saptami

Moon Diary 2.10.15

Tuesday is associated with Mars.

Mars is said to be a god of war, a warrior, and a ruler over courage, bravery, patience, and leadership abilities. He also can be short-tempered and argumentative. He gives energy, drive, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.

Today is a Bhadra day, Bhadra meaning blessed.

Today is the 22nd day of the lunar cycle, Krishna Saptami, the 7th day of the waning Moon cycle. The diety is Indra, considered the leader of the ancient Vedic deities.

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 Vrtra, a snake-dragon representation of chaos and obstacles. His is considered a warrior god and the lord of thunder and lightning.

The Moon is still in Libra, ruled by Venus, and in the Nakshatra of Swati, ruled by Rahu. The deity of Swati is Vayu, the god of the wind who roams around the world and is related to prana.

So today’s energies feature Mars and Indra, Venus, and Rahu.

Today is a good day for overcoming obstacles, especially those that involve other people. It’s a day where compromise and discernment go a long way in softening and solving any differences. Pick your battles, breathe deeply, let go of any unnecessary emotions and thoughts, and proceed with your day. Saying a kind word to all you meet can be a boon to smooth sailing, with the wind helping you along – so maybe smile more, speak gently, and be incisive in thought, word, and deed, and the day will unfold all the better.

Traditionally not an auspicious day for ceremonies.