The September new Moon is at the final hour of Tuesday, September 19th. At 23:30 Mountain time, Moon enters the first tithi (phase) of the waxing half, closing the door on the last cycle. Amavasya, or the new Moon, is a seed planting time- ripe with potential and possibility. Release and letting go must take place in order for you to plant your seeds in the cycle to come. What is it that you are letting go of- in preparation for the new, the ripening and harvest to come?

This new Moon occurs in Virgo where Sun has newly entered. Both Sun and Moon will be in the latter half of the Phalguni constellation- Uttaraphalguni. This is a constellation ruled by Aryaman and the ancestors. As a god of resources, sustenance and health, Aryaman brings support for marriage and that which pleases the ancestors- like perpetuating the lineage and honoring dharma.

The Phalguni constellations are notorious for ripeness, fertility and giving the fruits of your efforts; they are symbolized by a bed- a place of creation, rest, rejuvenation and pleasure. These stars correlate to love, sexuality, sensuality and relationships. Purva phalguni connects more to the lower half of the body, while Uttara phalguni correlates to the upper half of the body as well as the future and lasting results. Fruitful outcomes occur through the Phalguni constellations. It is a powerful time to create contracts that you want lasting support and results from.

In the waxing cycle to come, it's powerful time to gather your harvest for the past season. What are you taking with you? What are you leaving behind? What is still digesting and integrating? What are the new needs showing up? What grief are you still carrying that needs to be released and digested?

Movement, expansion and momentum come in the weeks ahead. Make changes that help you align with new nourishment and growth. It's time to move forward and be bold with your desires. Make sure your actions, choices, words and desires match your long term expectations. What are you moving towards? What needs to be released in order to make room for the new? Where are you holding grief, clogging the channels and keeping you from deeper receptivity?

Digest, release and integrated grief from the past cycle. This is a cycle of healing and preparation. Don't move too fast. Slow down and be methodical with your steps- as tempting as it may be to rush. Move towards new nourishment and make room for the new by clearing and releasing the unconscious terrain that keeps you stuck and striving but never arriving. What stories of lack are in your way of abundance and deeper love?

This new Moon kicks off a powerful cycle of transformation and release during the Navaratri celebrations. The nine days of Mother Divine begin just after the new Moon on September 20th. Equinox arrives two days later on the 22nd. Fall equinox for the Northern Hemisphere and Spring equinox for the Southern Hemisphere.

Nava means nine and ratri means night in Sanskrit. Each day and night of this powerful junction point, correlates to the epic battle between the goddess Sri Devi Mahatmyam and the demon Mahishasura. Maha Devi Mahatmyam is connected to both Durga and Shakti, powerful forms of divine feminine energy that awaken, clear, transform and heal. Sri Devi is understood to be the supreme creation power of the universe, the Tridevi, or triple goddess, as she expresses the creation, sustaining and destructive energies that perpetuate all forms of life. In the sacred text known as the Sri Devi Mahatmyam, composed between 400 and 600 CE, the many forms of the goddess are expressed.

"She is presented, through a language of praise, as the one who dwells in all creatures, as the soul, as the power to know, the power to will and the power to act. She is consciousness of all living beings, she is intelligence, she is matter, and she is all that is form or emotion." - Via Wikipedia

During the nine day and night Navaratri celebration, the battle between light and dark forces enlivens, ending on the 10th day with Victory Day, Vijaya Dashami. This  battle between light and dark, good and bad, masculine and feminine, transformation and healing, is taking place within all beings at this sacred junction point. It is a time to heal and integrate polarities within.

Read more about Navaratri.

Jupiter moves to Libra for one year- as of 17:19 MDT Monday September the 11th. This transit brings a new expression of Jupiter to the surface, inviting balance and integration to the journey. This year long transit lasts until October 11th, 2018.

As the planet of expansion, satwa (purity) and akasha (space), Jupiter brings knowledge and wisdom. The sanskrit name for Jupiter is guru (teacher), expressing the support he provides. As Jupiter moves around the zodiac, he sparks learning and growth through wisdom, guidance, support and resources. This transit of Jupiter in Libra requires growth through integrating polarities and opposing forces. Polarities are a normal part of Natural Law. They are alive within us and in Nature. Through integration and harmonizing differences, we find healing and peace. Identify the polarities alive in your life right now.

Opposing forces create conflicts, challenges and battles. They create tension, resistance and confusion, as well as disconnection. Identifying the opposing forces within and within your life, is vital for healing to take place. What conflicts are present within you? Inner conflict increases resistance, overwhelm and uncertainty. Are you confused, frustrated, or overly fatigued? Are you numbing out, checked out or avoidant? Feeling stuck and unproductive? These are signs that an inner conflict is taking place.

This year long Jupiter cycle will support the process of identifying and confronting polarities, as well as help to harmonize the opposing forces. Polarities such as shadow and light, masculine and feminine, love and hate, harsh and gentle, power and vulnerability, will emerge more clearly as they rise to the surface. Jupiter is the teacher, bringing wisdom, pure knowledge and resources that can help the integration and healing to take place- but you must take action steps and be receptive to the support showing up on your path.

Depending on your relationship with Jupiter (based on your natal chart placement), gathering the support from Jupiter may or may not arrive easily. Too much of Jupiter's benevolence can make you lazy and miss opportunities for change and transformation. Too little support from Jupiter can make healing impossible due to lack of resources. Seek balance and ask for help along the way. Resources, support and guidance are essential for the healing and transformation process. Are you actively allowing guidance and support into your life consistently?

September 11th, 2017 to October 13th, 2017: Jupiter in Chitra Nakshatra

Jupiter transiting Chitra nakshatra requires action, momentum and steps that honor building and creating. Gather the resources, tools and wisdom you need for creating something new, building a solid foundation for change.

Vishvakarma is the ruling deity of this constellation and is considered the "divine architect" responsible for building the zodiac. As an Aditya, he brings resources- specifically material support. As his name, and ruling planet Mars expresses, there is action involved with his expression. Karma translates as action in Sanskrit, and thus requires that action steps and movement are taken.

Use this cycle to plan, build, create, take action, and expand what you think is possible for your self and your life.  Take action and set goals, step towards desires with conscious action steps.

October 13th, 2017 to December 15th, 2017: Jupiter in Swati Nakshatra

As Jupiter shifts into Swati nakshatra, he moves deeper into Libra, igniting Vayu the wind god to emerge. Vayu means air in Sanskrit which brings movement, change and increased strength. This cycle will bring changes both big and small as Vayu stirs big, forceful movement, or small and gentle stirring. Just as wind can arrive in large gusts or soft breezes, Vayu instigates a variety of weather- internally and externally.

As a Rudra, strength and power come with Vayu as well. He brings storms, upheaval and force with him. He likes to move, travel and change location. Emotional intelligence will be required in this transit as Swati nakshatra can cause detachment from feelings and the body. Breath is the connecting force that supports deeper connection with the bodies. Use it as a resource in this cycle to help you ground, land and root.

Notice where you are disconnecting and detaching. Why are you afraid of going deeper? How is your fear keeping you from creating deeper connections? Use the body as the primary resource for embodiment, connection and integration.

December 15th, 2017 to June 17th, 2018: Jupiter in Vishaka Nakshatra

Once Jupiter moves to Vishaka, integrating polarities takes top priority. Ruling deity of Vishaka is the dual god Indragni. Both Indra and Agni activate differences, yet inspire cooperation and alignment with opposing forces in more conscious ways. There is an interdependence and inter-relating that is inspired within this constellation. Both gods need each other in order to be supported, nourished and fed. Indra is the king, while Agni is the priest. They rule over the cosmic portal (the mouth) where offerings are made to the gods who sustain life. All offerings made to the divine must first pass through these gods- king and priest. This duality is a reminder that co-creation brings more support and sustenance. Together they bring transformation and transcendence.

Use this time to create alliances, connections, and gather new support, guidance and resources. Where are you resisting and refusing the support you need for growth and life? Gather new alliances, create new support systems and expand your community. Where are you saying yes to this growth and where are you saying no?

Just as Jupiter arrives at the edge of Libra, he begins his retrograde dance back through this sign as of March 8th, 2018. He retraces his steps back through Vishaka and Swati nakshatra until finally going direct on July 10th, 2018.

I am on a mission to help sensitive souls connect with their inner truth and inner wisdom. To connect with purpose and dharma. We need you now more than ever!

Every week I offer two *free* dharma coaching sessions to action takers who are ready for deep life change. Is this you?!

Send me a message to see if I have any openings: swatijrjyotish@gmail.com

Full Moon is early morning on September 6th at 1:02 am MDT. Moon transits Aquarius and Satabisha Nakshatra at this time, receiving direct gaze from Mercury, Mars and Sun. This cycle brings immense power and strength for change. How will you use your courage and readiness? Where do you direct this energy and your effort?

Look at your jyotish chart and see what themes the Moon will be illuminating for you in this cycle. What house is Aquarius in your chart? What themes does this present?

Satabisha is ruled by Varuna, the guardian of Natural Law. He sees everything through his thousands of eyes. He punishes those who do wrong and go against the Laws of Nature. He judges and criticizes; his job is to see everything. Varuna's intention is to keep you aligned with the wisdom of Nature, to move you closer into right relationship with the rhythms of the universe. His wisdom is immense and his awareness is powerfully all-knowing. This is a healing constellation, offering medicine and support for aligning with dharma, truth and satwa, purity. Satabisha often makes good healers because they see with great detail. When we see what is not working, we can then take necessary steps to heal, reconnect and harmonize.

The shadow side of this constellation, however, brings extreme self hatred and self loathing as well as a disconnection from the very thing it yearns for- connection with inner knowing and Nature's wisdom. The critic can become intense and overwhelming, crippling self trust and inner wisdom. Watch for self criticism and judgement showing up in the waning Moon cycle. Shoulds, coulds, have tos, supposed tos may emerge on the mental body level. Emotions of depression, frustration, fear, uncertainty and confusion may arrive.

What stories are surfacing in the mental/emotional bodies for you? Notice the emotions you are feeling closely. Let them rise to the surface and be conscious with them. Don't suppress, negate or resist the challenging thoughts and stories that you encounter. It's time to pull of these weeds once and for all. Tapping (EFT) is a wonderful resource for transforming mental/emotional patterns. See below for more resources and support.

In the cycle to come, commit to your dharmic path and purpose more fully. Clarify and unleash your potential. What stories stop you in your tracks and keep you from moving towards more nourishment, pleasure and support? Identify your desires and needs. What stories keep you playing small and malnourished? What is keeping you from taking empowered action steps?

Leading up to and during the full Moon, as well as in the waning cycle to come, it is important to be vigilant with your health, routine and Ayurvedic guidelines. Do what you know to do for health, wellness and inner resilience. Health calamities can manifest as Moon moves through Satabisha and are often challenging to cure or heal. Ayurveda offers ancient resources for staying in right relationship with the Laws of Nature. Honor the changing seasons and make necessary adjustments. Clean up schedules and routines while adding extra self care as well. Prevention is key right now.

What are you confronting and noticing in your emotional body as the tides begin to slow down and recede?

Five Steps for Befriending the Critic:
(Read the whole article here)

Step #1:

Before we can attend to the critic and its messages, we first need to identify it. Most people walk through life completely unaware of their inner thought processes. The mind is on auto-pilot and it never stops! I encourage you to get into a rigorous habit of using the four levels of awareness as a means of navigating your inner terrain. Doing consistent self tracking with a four level check-in is vital. What is a four level check-in?

Can you identify the critic and its messages? What level of awareness does it usually come from?

Step #2

In your sacred creative space, leave a chair open for your critic to "sit in". Or perhaps place a special reminder in your art space that symbolizes your critic. This is an open invitation to your critic. It is also your reminder that it may arrive, but you don't need to engage with its behaviors.

Step #3

Get curious and ask it to share more with you. Create an image of your critic. Let it out of the closet, let it be seen and acknowledge its presence. What colors, shapes, textures and images arrive on the page? Use whatever art medium inspires you- craypas, markers, pens, scraps of paper etc. Give yourself 20+ minutes for this process.

Step #4

Title your image. Give your critic a name. Clearly identify this part of your being. Who is it? Get curious. Then ask your image to share with you. If your image could speak, what would it say to you?

Step #5:

Ask your image to answer these questions:

I am___
I want___
I need___

Now that you've harvested some vital information from your critic, it's time to look at your findings. What does your critic want and need? How does your critic help you? How does it harm you? Most importantly, does it have a gift to share with you?

Notice the ways in which your critic serves you and acknowledge its messages. Honor this part of your being for trying to help you in some capacity. Now when it arrives, track it. Notice its arrival. Thank it and acknowledge it. You can choose to use the critic to support your creative process or destroy it. What choice do you make? How can you continue to befriend this part of yourself?

Need more support? Try this Tapping Meditation for big emotions.