Diwali (or Deepavali) is a very significant five day festival in the Vedic tradition. This year, the festivities begin on the November 7th in the USA, and continue until the 12th. The most significant day of the Diwali festivities is on the 11th because of the new Moon.

This five day celebration honors light, Lakshmi, and the divine resources available to us. Lakshmi is the giver of health, vitality, nourishment and wealth. The festival of light spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Three of the most important days are dedicated to Dhanvantari, Hanuman and of course the new moon being the most important of all, which is solely dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali is the celebration of light conquering darkness and the increase of positive, life supporting forces in our life. Multiple traditions celebrate Diwali, from Hindu, Jain to Sikh; over 15% of the world's population. During Diwali, Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama from his exile- a reflection of good over evil. Legend has it the kingdom was adorned in lights upon his return! Jain's celebrate the moksha of their guru, Mahavira, and his attainment of enlightenment during this time. Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru who was released from capture and returned to the Golden Temple during Diwali. Plenty of stories to celebrate and honor!

For the USA, Dhanvantari Trayodashi is Sunday, November 8th. This is a day of celebrating the father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari, physician to the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A day dedicated to health and wholeness, as well as praying for longevity. Health is the biggest form of wealth and we can use this as a powerful reminder for total being, as well as a day to resource inner and outer balance. Seek balance on the inner and outer levels of life today. Eat lightly today and follow Ayurvedic routine and guidelines. Ask Dhanvantari for tools, wisdom and the ability to take action towards health and well being.

Monday, November 9th is Hanuman Puja, a celebration of Lord Hanuman, the much loved and revered monkey god. His strength and devotion to Lord Rama, are honored today. (Some celebrate Kali on this day instead). Devote your efforts today to dharma, creating bold action steps towards actualizing your full potential and pray for the strength of Lord Hanuman. May we each awaken to the compassion, strength and love within us!

Lakshmi pujas continue from the 10th to the 11th at the height of the festivities, finally ending on the 12th. This exuberant festival of lights, is a powerful time of cultivation and celebration. Moon will be reaching towards its darkest, most inward point, in the 15th tithi (Amavasya), on the 11th. At this time we celebrate the light of lights within all of us.

During this time, it is advised to light candles, leave a light on over night, buy new clothes, make offerings to Maha Lakshmi, eat sweets and enjoy the sweetness and abundance of life that she so generously offers us. Wealth, prosperity (material and spiritual), as well as beauty (inner and outer) are aspects of Lakshmi that are to be honored and treasured. She is also the giver of health and vitality- the most important health of all!

In the days to come, let in the light, the abundance that is present in your life- no matter how small or nuanced. Turn on the light switch of your soul and let this be a poignant moment, intentionally driving out the shadows and inviting in more light to your life. Possibility, hope and joy are significant resources. Honor Lakshmi, light a candle at your altar and invoke her spirit of abundance and wealth. Make your altar dedications to her and sing your prayers and desires to her.

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Moon is waning and our energy is slowing down, turning inward and instigating potential. Attend to and surrender to this vital release process stirring within you and the cosmos. There are ample invitations of transformation occurring through letting go and endings right now. Removal and release of relationships and that which no longer serves you in nourishing and supportive ways, must be severed and set free.  Mercury is now transiting Libra with debilitated Sun. Mars and Venus move to Virgo on Monday, Venus's debilitation sign. This creates two debilitations that will influence simultaneously. Relationships will require extra attention in the coming weeks. Challenges and conflicts are likely. What resources can you harvest?

Monday begins with Moon in its own sign of Cancer and transiting from Punarvasu into Pushya nakshatra in the early hours of the morning. Expand and contract, open and close, find balance between your polarities. Seek balance and harmony within and track the breath closely today. How can you land in your heart more intentionally? Bring your focus to your emotional body wisdom, your feelings, and deepen your connection to home, grounding and well being. The wisdom you seek is within. Attend to home and heart matters.

Feelings and creativity further shift as Venus moves out of the passionate and empowered Leo and into Virgo on November 2nd at 17:39 PST. As Venus lands in its debilitation sign, Virgo, joining shadow planet Rahu here, it's a time to be diligent with relationships, feelings, creativity and finances. Two planets  are now debilitated simultaneously in the weeks to come- our light source, Sun, and the life force energy within, Venus. This is not a time to push the physical body. Take care of your health diligently. This Venus cycle will proved challenging to all things Venus, in that you may miss or neglect resources for support due to Rahu's clouded vision. Simultaneously there will be opportunities to strip away the veils of illusion that are holding you back from fully being nourished by our connections, creative powers, finances, relationships and commodities. Challenge is always an opportunity for deepening change and transformation- so if you notice issues and obstacles, look beneath the surface. Look beneath your mundane existence and take note of the old stories and paradigms running you on auto pilot. How are these stories influencing how you connect as well as who and what you connect to?

The lack of clarity and certainty in this Venus cycle is prevalent, yet we can choose how to respond to the calamities, discord and discomfort. Do you further separate and disconnect yourself, or do you lean in, find ways to deepen connection and get your deeper needs met? It will be necessary to strive for balance- inner and outer. One of the ways this can be supported is through stringent self care and taking care of your needs on the four levels of your being- mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The conjunction of debilitated Venus and shadow node Rahu can increase the use of intoxicants and "feel good" remedies that mask your ability to deeply feel. Old patterns with drugs, alcohol, sugar, food etc. can be activated at this time so be mindful of what the underlying needs are. These addictive patterns are a cry for deeper nourishment on some level of your being. How can you get your needs met in healthy, balanced and nourishing ways? What support do you need for your process? Ask for guidance, support and assistance. Deepen your relationship with self and others. There is an opportunity for deep healing in this cycle if we choose to step towards this as Virgo correlates to the sixth house of healing and healer.

On the heels of Venus's shift into Virgo, Mars moves to this earthy, focused, mental body sign as well. Both Venus and Mars are tightly conjunct, tracking each other closely as they both move from Leo into Virgo. Mars follow Venus into Virgo minutes after it moves at 17:59 PST. Both remain fragile the days following and continue in close proximity through the duration of this cycle. This conjunction, in addition to Rahu's influence, provides a heated and potentially challenging combination. Conflicts and fiery emotions may be felt. What is the root of the anger? What is the underlying need? What passions are stirring that need your attention and focus? There is a powerful opportunity in this cycle to address anger, rage and the often toxic cycle of this emotion. If the underlying root cause, or need, can be found and honored, an unraveling can take place. In the unraveling, there is opportunity for healing and transformation to arrive.

Relationships are vulnerable and fragile in this cycle. Think before speaking, more importantly pause, wait, and take time for reflection before responding. It will be too easy to speak words that you may later regret. If you are feeling strong emotions, pause for 24 hours at least before responding. Give yourself time to meditate, contemplate and release the emotions before sharing your thoughts, needs or motives. At the same time, this can be a powerful cycle of healing for those inclined to do the inner work this time period will provoke. Healing with anger, relationships, power and authority figures are possible. Let your stomach guide you and invite in opportunities for healing your relationships with inner power and emotions, while helping you integrate and digest the messages arriving. Relationship challenges are opportunities for mirroring what we need and also reminding you what needs to shift within you. As Eckhart Tolle says, "Relationships do not cause pain & unhappiness. They bring out the pain & unhappiness that is already in you."

As challenges arrive, identify parts of yourself that need to grieve and release. Past hurts, pains, disappointments, sorrows and heavy emotions are all places within you that didn't get the necessary love that was needed. By attending to these parts of your being now, you can help to move, shift, heal and transform the old pain, bring it to the light and allow this part of yourself to be well fed now. Let yourself grieve and peel back the layers of pain that are asking for your attention. Your are being offered powerful opportunities for releasing the sadness and losses that are masked by anger, rage, and frustration. Lean in and tend to these parts of yourself with compassion, rather than resistance and avoidance.

Tuesday mid morning, Moon arrives in Ashlesha nakshatra, Sarpas domain. The mind and body are fragile today and can be easily fried. Don't push or force actions and agendas. What stories are ruling you and keeping you away from your light? Let challenges and obstacles be resources for transformation and change. Take time for meditation and contemplation today. Walk in nature and find ways to calm, re-center and refuel your body and mind. Use creative energy as a resource. Venus and Mars are still very sandhi and have newly arrived in Virgo. Relationships require extra awareness and are vulnerable.

Wednesday, late morning, Moon jumps the challenging gap between Cancer (water) into fiery Leo, arriving in the bold Magha nakshatra- Pitr's domain. Father, authority, power and lineage matters present themselves today. There is a certain vulnerability in the coming days as Leo's ruling planet, Sun, is currently debilitated. Notice where you are pushing or forcing. Let your body remind you when to slow down, pause or stop. What are you trying to prove? And to who? What stories have you using "shoulds" and "have to's" as well as "supposed to's" on auto pilot? Father issues arrive as reminders of your lineage programming. How can you re-write the story? Honor and give gratitude to your ancestors and lineage today. Ask for their support.

Late morning on Thursday, Moon joins Jupiter in Purvaphalguni nakshatra. Potent creative energy and Shakti are the gifts of this constellation. Ruling deity, Bhaga, gives enjoyment and pleasures- worldly, sexual and sensual. Ruling planet of this nakshatra is Venus, currently debilitated in Virgo, sandhi, and closely conjunct Mars and Rahu. Saturn also gives his gaze to the Moon, yet another reminder to go slow. Today may give support with pleasurable resources or give challenges with them. It's important to go slow and notice what your needs are very acutely. Relationships may feel taxing or burdensome today, or even under nourishing. Let challenges and resources alike, offer you some insights into your need for comfort, safety and security. Where are you in the dark or letting shadow influence you? Identify excessive wants and what the underlying need truly is.

Just after noon on Friday, Moon shifts to the last nakshatra of Leo and the second half of the Phalguni constellation, Uttaraphalguni. It is another sensitive and fragile day as this nakshatra is ruled by the planet Sun, currently debilitated in Libra. Ruling deity, Aryaman, requests support, stability, commitments and provides resources when we agree to his requests. He is also connected to the ancestors and the support they can provide us. He rules over family life, marriage, love and pleasure- the kind we get from working through challenge, putting in effort and making commitments. Ample creativity and resources are available here, yet may be softened at this time. Frustrations and challenges are a reminder to slow down, pause, listen and surrender wherever possible. Where are you forcing an outcome? Where can you release?

Moon moves to Virgo early evening, joining debilitated Venus, Mars and Rahu here. The coming days could be challenging, so don't plan on doing too much or forcing extra activities. Less is more.

Saturday, Moon transits Virgo with debilitated Venus, Mars and Rahu- all in tight conjunction. The Moon is a magnifier and increases and filters whatever comes into contact with. The soft, gentle and sensitive nature of the Moon may feel frazzled and overwhelmed in the coming days. Today is particularly delicate and extra precautions are necessary for the sensitive Moon children. Moon continues through Uttaraphalguni until the afternoon. Connect and create with others. Find resources through relationships. Network, co-create and let foreign or unusual connections be of help or support. Moon is in tight conjunction with Mars, Rahu and Venus today, while Rahu and debilitated Venus are in exact conjunction. Pause and check in on the four levels of your being- mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Notice when you're forcing or pushing. Slow down and pause. Avoid intoxicants, overstimulation, excesses of all kinds and toxic people. As Moon shifts to Hasta nakshatra, early afternoon, light and insights arrive.

The first day of the five day Diwali festivities begins today. Devotion to Lakshmi, the giver of health, vitality, nourishment and wealth takes place over the course of the coming days. Diwali is the celebration of light conquering darkness and the increase of positive, life supporting forces in our life. Multiple traditions celebrate Diwali, from Hindu, Jain to Sikh; over 15% of the world's population. During Diwali, Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama from his exile- a reflection of good over evil. Legend has it the kingdom was adorned in lights upon his return! Jain's celebrate the moksha of their guru, Mahavira, and his attainment of enlightenment during this time. Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru who was released from capture and returned to the Golden Temple during Diwali. Plenty of stories to celebrate and honor! Light your lamps at dusk and honor Lakshmi and her powerful nourishment in the coming days. The most potent night is on the new Moon, Amavasya, November 11th.

Sunday, Moon continues through Hasta nakshatra, moving away from the tight conjunction with Rahu, Venus and Mars. New insights and awareness may arrive with Savitr's light. What shadows are keeping you from your light source and from shining brightly? It's a powerful time to work diligently on removing the obstructions and hindrances that keep you from your power and purpose. How can you be more deeply nourished and in what ways are you resisting the gifts of life? As evening arrives, Moon shifts to Chitra nakshatra and Vishvakarma arrives with passion and purpose.

This is the second day of Diwali and Dhanvantari, god of Ayurvedic medicine is honored for his gifts of health and well being. Vitality is truly the best gift of wealth!

Monday continues the action-oriented power of Chitra and Vishvakarma. Ruling planet, Mars, may be pushing his agendas with force, anger, agitation and frustrations. Notice where you are holding and not able to surrender. Attend to calculated, steady action steps. Where there is force, there will be frustration or challenge. Go slow and soften your steps today. Attend to physical body and self care attentively. Moon is moving into the final phase of the waning cycle. Turn your gaze inward and attend to your relationship with Self.

Today is the third day in the Diwali celebration and is dedicated to Hanuman, the much loved and revered monkey god. His strength, and devotion to Lord Rama, are honored today. May we each awaken to the compassion, strength and love within us!

Moon Mind :::

Thursday, 10.31

For the USA, Dhanvantari is today. This is a day of celebrating the father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari, physician to the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A day dedicated to health and wholeness, two days prior to celebrating abundance and light during Diwali, and a day of praying for longevity. Health is the biggest form of wealth and we can use this as a powerful day for total being as well as a day to resource inner and outer balance. Moon will be transiting Virgo and moves from Uttaraphalguni to Hasta nakshatra on this day while in the 13th tithi (Trayodashi). This is very much a day that represents seeking balance on the inner and outer levels of life. Eat lightly today and follow Ayurvedic routine and guidelines. Ask Dhanvantari for tools, wisdom and the ability to take action towards health and well being.

Dhanvantari Mantra:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4m28Z5OyFk

Moon waning (dark half) transiting Leo, Virgo, and Libra this week. New Moon on 11.3 in Libra at 6:50 am CST [CST begins at 2am on 11.3- set your clocks back 1 hour]. This new Moon week is an intense one and highly symbolic!

Venus moves to Sagittarius on 10.30 which means we are in a time of transiting/weakened (sandhi) Venus most of this week. This transit of Venus into Sagittarius brings us some powerful forces for change within relationships- both with our Self and with others. Expect growth and new inner knowledge over the course of the next month as well as extra passion and wealth-inducing endeavors. How will you use this information? Will deep wisdom overtake our worldly appetites or vice versa? 

This week also brings with it celebration in the Vedic calendar. Some of us will be celebrating the five days of Diwali festivities- days devoted to the goddess Maha Lakshmi, goddess of abundance, and her many attributes. Three of the most important days are dedicated to Dhanvantari, Hanuman and Lakshmi- Diwali and the new moon being the most important of all.

For the USA, Dhanvantari is Thursday 10.31. This is a day of celebrating the father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari, physician to the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A day dedicated to health and wholeness, two days prior to celebrating abundance and light during Diwali, and a day of praying for longevity. Health is the biggest form of wealth and we can use this as a powerful day for total being as well as a day to resource inner and outer balance. Moon will be transiting Virgo and moves from Uttaraphalguni to Hasta nakshatra on this day while in the 13th tithi (Trayodashi). This is very much a day that represents seeking balance on the inner and outer levels of life. Eat lightly today and follow Ayurvedic routine and guidelines. Ask Dhanvantari for tools, wisdom and the ability to take action towards health and well being.

Friday 11.1 is Hanuman Jayanti, a celebration of Lord Hanuman. (Some celebrate Kali on this day instead). Moon is in the 14th tithi (Chaturdashi) and moves from Hasta (dawning and awakening) to Chitra (divine building and planning) nakshatra. Devote today to dharma, creating bold action steps towards actualizing your full potential and pray for the strength of Lord Hanuman today.

Diwali begins on the morning of 11.2 in the USA. This exuberant festival of lights, and the day of Maha Lakshmi, is a powerful time of cultivation and celebration. Moon will be reaching towards its darkest, most inward point, in the 15th tithi (Amavasya) at this time and yet we celebrate the light of lights within all of us on this day. It is advised to light candles, leave a light on over night, buy new clothes, make offerings to Maha Lakshmi, eat sweets and enjoy the sweetness and abundance of life that she so generously offers us. Wealth, prosperity (material and spiritual), as well as beauty (inner and outer) are aspects of Lakshmi that are to be honored and treasured. Make your altar dedications to her at dusk and sing your prayers and desires to her.

New Moon (+ the time change) is in the early hours of 11.3 at 06:50am CST while Moon is in Libra and Swati nakshatra. Sun and Moon are in exact degree at this time with five planets in Libra (debilitated Sun, Rahu, retrograde Mercury, exalted Saturn and transiting Moon), all in Swati nakshatra. This nakshatra is ruled by Rahu, the north node shadow planet. It's important to strive for balance at this time (though it may feel impossible). This new Moon on 11.3 brings a solar eclipse with it beginning at 04:05 am CST and ending at 09:28am CST.

Whereas a lunar eclipse brings shadowed intuition and intellect (feminine), solar eclipses speak to our shadowed soul and externalized power (masculine). With Sun debilitated in Libra at this time (mixed with an intense energetic dynamic of five planets in a sign that desires to resolve and restore balance), being mindful of health is essential, if not forced. Being sensitive to our inner needs as well as compassion for others is imperative. Check in with your motives before acting and speaking. Notice where your pain body and wounds are dictating your actions and agendas. When connecting and relating to others ask yourself how you can come to the situation with boundaries, yet with willingness and acceptance. Know when to take a time out. Meditating during the eclipse is advised.

Rahu's shadowed and insatiable appetite and cravings are effecting almost every level of our lives right now. There may be pains and sufferings, delusions and illusions, all playing their tricks on us! Self doubt and self-destruction are having their way with us, so try to stay out of the rabbit hole and the downward spiral before it takes you too far into darkness.

The solar eclipse marks the ending of the 2 week period between lunar and solar eclipses- a delicate time where starting new endeavors is not advised. Now we can march forward with ideas, plans and actions! That said, the complexity of the transits can still bring us excessive mental activity and turmoil, intense cravings and addictive behaviors, as well as the need to consciously care for our physical bodies.

Ketu's movement to Ashwini nakshatra at 03:34 am CST (just prior to the eclipse) brings healing and resources to the forefront- especially through the healing and creative arts. You can count on layers peeling off, and new light coming through. This subtle shift pre-solar eclipse is a divine part of the cosmic plan for our increased wisdom and the longstanding desires coming to us at this time- even with all the twists and turns. Trust the process- it will be worth it!

This is an excellent time for wealth inducing yagyas dedicated to Lakshmi. Puja.net has a wonderful Diwali yagya starting on the 3rd. You can also find an assortment of Lakshmi chants and mantras available on the site.

Utilize my jyoti/creative arts activities as a healing & awareness tool. This week's Jyoti/Expressive Art Therapy Creative Engagement Activity for Diwali and the week of 10.28 :::

*Horoscopes are based on your Vedic rising sign. You can also check your Moon and Sun signs for further insight. Do the same with your Navamsa signs for further clarity. Do not use these horoscopes with your “Western Sign” as there is likely no correlation. These horoscopes are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual’s unique chart.

Aries: You are facing the thick of it dear one! So much change and upheaval is moving you and moving through you right now. The darkness and shadows are getting pierced. Find time to be fragile and vulnerable and declare it sacred! Ask for support and it will appear.

Taurus: The lights are on, is anyone home? The stove is on, what are you cooking? The desires are strong, are they aligned with depth, dharma and the propensity to help and to heal? Pieces are returning and reminders are resurfacing. What has not yet been digested? What rocks remain in the gut?

Gemini: Oh the (same old) bad habits my dear! Obstacles and enemies are putting on a bit of a show for you. You may be distracted though and feeling ungrounded with a bit of indigestion to boot. Are you listening to your gut responses and minding your belly instincts? The way to the heart is through your gut, so listen carefully. There are some very important PM's waiting there.

Cancer: Heartaches and heartburn. Put your hands to your chest and breathe deeply. Take time to walk barefoot and ground into the earth. Get your bearings and take root. Intuitive passions are fired up and yet vulnerable. Tend your wisdom fire and your tender inner flames.

Leo: Tenacity is blowing you about. You roar with zest and fervor. Creative juices are running through you. And yet, what is that? Uncertainty? Fear? Terror? Do us all a favor, and quit fooling your Self. It's a time of weakness and vulnerability- own it, feel it, let it come alive within you and let it transform you.

Virgo: Your courage is remarkable lately- putting focus on some of the tough, dark places, finding new ways to relate, co-create, and fiercely ask for what you need. Keep going and don't lose your motivation for bringing your desires to life! Sing your heart songs and share them with others. Listen to the birds for inspiration.

Libra: Pulled apart and pulled in all directions. Which way are you going? Which way is up and which way is down? Shadows are dancing in you and around you, the discomfort is cutting at times. This is a time to create new steps, in a new direction- but meticulously. Be slow, creative and calculated. Resist the rush. Find your new pulse.

Scorpio: Your room of solitary confinement is getting smaller and the walls are caving in. You've been sharply and keenly penetrating your psyche and navigating the rocky inner terrain, yet still maintaining a powerful exterior exoskeleton. Ready to crack yet? Let your self ooze and rip the band aid off for god's sake! We are all waiting to see what's in that dark, cavernous abyss.

Sagittarius: Gains are blowing you around. Is that guilt and shame or gratitude and respect? Celebrate even if it feels uncertain. Some new abundance is slowly sinking in and it is starting to feel good. The reality is you deserve it and should own it. Check in with the greed though- that need for more and more in order to feel comfort. What is the dissatisfaction that lurks?

Capricorn: Digesting > Re-digesting > Regurgitating > Restructuring > Re-solidifying = Intentional action and activation. Your creativity and passion is about to go into deep restoration as well as silent expansion, feeding and fanning your path and all your pursuits. The bag is packed and filled to the brim- why not donate some of the old and outworn to a good cause?

Aquarius: Guru is as guru does. Teach, learn, advise and honor the ways of ethics. Who is that watching you? What is that inner voice calling, beckoning? What courage it takes to sit still and listen- to all the rumblings, deceptions, and Self avoidance. Skill arises when we get humble, authentic and take responsibility for all that we are.  Transparency or bust.

Pisces: Soon you will not be the same individual. You have been transforming and transcending, vulnerable in your complete overhaul. Communicating with the darkness is essential. Speak to your ghosts and shadows and ask them what they want of you. The dark portal of the past may be offering you haunts and insecurities, yet there is a soft landing pad available for you as well. Use it.

Moon Mindfulness ::: Mind Your Moon
04.06.13

Moon in Aquarius transiting Satabisha nakshatra ruled by the deity Varuna, "the one who sees all." Varuna is said to have a thousand eyes- there is no escape from his gaze, from what he sees. Varuna rules over unseen obstacles, is referred to as the King of Kings (raja rastra), the universal overlord, the one who rules over Natural Law. We can thank him for the order in the universe, for his immense knowledge, and for his ability to see and balance karmas. However, Varuna can bring suffering and disease as well as alcohol and drug problems. Health problems that start while Moon is in Satabisha are said to be incurable- even by Dhanvantari (the maha Vaidya) himself!

Today is a day for kitchari, light foods, good routine and caring for the body. Today is a good day to move the vayus (winds/prana) and do yoga, dance, take a brisk walk outside. Take care of your body, mind and breath today. Let Varuna clue your spirit in to what you may be overlooking. Ask for his guidance- what aren't you seeing?!