As the Moon shifts into the first tithi of the waxing Moon cycle, late evening on Friday September 30th, the sacred nine day and night celebration of Shardiya Maha Navaratri begins.

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.

The Navaratri celebration is an expression of what is taking place within Nature, through the Laws that govern Nature, marking an important transition within us and around us. These important junction points (know as a gap, or sandhi in Sanskrit) happen multiple times a year, however, the Shardiya, or Maha Navaratri, junction point is considered the most powerful. This is a death cycle for both Northern and Southern hemispheres. As life is being called into silence in the North, and called into action for the South. In either case, doors are opening and closing.

Align with Nature and Her powerful energy of change and transformation during Navaratri. Ritualize your connections with Nature- in order to land more closely to your own inner wisdom, to Her wisdom. Strengthen your connection to self and Spirit.

Navaratri is a poignant time in the Vedic Calendar. This ancient calendar is one that is dedicated to Nature and her cycles and rhythms, the planets, and most importantly the Moon. In the Vedic Calendar, time is connected to what Nature and the cosmos are doing, and these elements are intimately related. Navaratri occurs twice a year- in the "gap" seasons of spring and fall. These times are considered sandhi times; delicate times that feel like you are neither here, nor there. We might call it the netherworld. This time, though delicate, is considered sacred.

In the spring, Navaratri marks the "waking up" of the devis or the goddesses; the aspects of Natural Law that enliven growth, abundance, prosperity, learning, well being, change and transformation. In the fall, Navaratri invites in destruction, removal, change, transformation and healing. The goddesses Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi symbolize these parts of life and Nature, while also being parts of our own innate being. The three of them together represent our wholeness, the trinity of life, alive in and around us. These three goddesses also connect to Shakti, the goddess who gives the spark of life to every being, to Nature, and to existence.

Fall Navaratri, or Maha Navaratri, is by far the most potent as it brings deep transformation and the ability to remove, destroy, release and transform, our darkness into light. The holy trinity of goddesses supports this process and allows us to let go of what needs to be released in order for greater nourishment. As we let go of our darkness, an increase of light and wisdom can take its place. This process is marked by Durga's powerful battle against the demon Mahishasura. On the 10th day, she destroyed him and was victorious. This day is called Vijaya Dashami (Dashami is the 10th lunar day of the Moon cycle, connected to dharma).

The dates for this year's Maha Navaratri celebration are Saturday, October 1st to Tuesday, October 11th. 

This year, Maha Navaratri begins on October 1st in the USA- as the Moon enters the first tithi and begins to wax. The celebrations start just as the sacred fifteen day celebration of the ancestors, Pitru Paksha, ends. (This year Pitru Paksha is September 15th to 30th). The final day of Navarati is October 10th, as Moon moves through the 9th tithi (phase), Navami. Vijaya Dashami (Victory Day) is on October 11th, during tithi 10, Dashami. Though the entire Navaratri celebration is dedicated to Durga and her many forms (including shakti), many honor the expressions of her power through Lakshmi and Saraswati as well.

This is a nine day and night celebration that is divided into three parts. The first three days are dedicated to the goddess Durga. Her warrior spirit cleanses, shifts, uproots, changes and transforms. Think of her as tilling the soil, prior to planting seeds. The next three days of celebration are dedicated to Lakshmi. Her abundance, nurturing, and wealth offer nourishment and support to us on all levels of life. Health is the ultimate wealth and Lakshmi brings this support as well. Finally, we have three days dedicated to goddess Saraswati. She gives us knowledge, understanding, wisdom, creativity and artistry. She is the rasayana (or healing balm) if you will to close this sacred nine day celebration. Together, these three goddesses bring wholeness, renewal, and the life giving offerings of Shakti. This creative life-force energy is truly what inspires life, living and abundance.

It is at this time that we can connect to these three goddesses most easily- inside of us, and around us. Because of this, Navaratri is considered a very sacred and powerful time of year- one that influences our inner and outer experience of life for months to come. To connect with the goddesses more closely, make special offerings on your altar for them during the nine days. You can also dedicate your actions and intentions to them for greater communication.

Connecting to fire and stoking the internal flame (or agni) can be valuable for the first three days of Durga. You may wish to write intentions that focus on empowerment and action steps for the coming months as well. Using self development tools to transform negative thoughts and mental body stories, will be well supported at this time. During the three days of Lakshmi, bring sweets and flowers to your altar, cook nourishing foods for your Self, decorate and adorn your Self. This is a time to focus on self care diligently. For the final portion of Navaratri, dedicated to Saraswati, music, art and poetry can be a good way to focus your energy, efforts and intentions. Use creativity, artistry and embodiment resources for grounding and landing in your intentions. Use one of my Creative Rituals for support with this process.

On this first day and night of Navaratri, notice what's arriving. I have experienced that the first three days of Navaratri initiate the changes and transformations you are working with in this release cycle. Often you must confront challenges and obstacles as a result. More nourishment and support is coming, but you can't receive it without this important step. What is arriving? What parts of your personal mythology are showing up as a mirror for you? How can you clear more space within? Let Durga's fierce warrior energy initiate and provoke awareness.

Emotionally, you may feel anger, pain, frustration or sadness emerge in the coming days. Physically you may need more rest or silence. Mentally you may need more inward reflection as well as time for meditation. Spiritually, you may need time with nature and rituals that help you land in deeper presence. Understand that this is a part of the change and transformation process. Where can you land into deeper presence with your needs?

As you deepen your intention for this Navaratri celebration, find meaningful rituals for yourself that bring you closer to spirit. Spend time in nature and in meditation. Listening to Durga mantras right now is excellent for inviting in her presence. Traditionally, listening to Chandi Path recitations is also encouraged.

During this sacred and potent time, treat your Self like the goddess that you are and share your abundance with others. May we each remember our abundant true nature, our immense creative life giving energy!

Follow along with my Moon Mind Calendar to incorporate daily support and resources into your life during this sacred time. 

Read more about Navaratri from Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Shaka Vansya Ayurvedic Doctor. ​

Align With Durga and Her Powerful Energy of Change and Transformation During Navaratri.

Navaratri is a poignant time in the Vedic Calendar. This ancient calendar is one that is dedicated to Nature and her cycles and rhythms, the planets, and most importantly the Moon. In the Vedic Calendar, time is connected to what Nature and the cosmos are doing, and these elements are intimately related. The main Navaratri celebrations occur twice a year- in the "gap" seasons of spring and fall. These times are considered sandhi times; delicate times that feel like you are neither here, nor there. We might call it the netherworld. This time, though delicate, is considered sacred.

In the spring, Navaratri marks the "waking up" of the devis or the goddesses, of Shakti; the aspects of Natural Law that enliven growth, abundance, prosperity, learning, well being, change and transformation. In the fall, Navaratri invites in destruction, removal, change, transformation and healing. The goddesses Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi symbolize these parts of life and Nature, while also being parts of our own innate being. The three of them together represent our wholeness, the trinity of life, alive in and around us. These three goddesses also connect to Shakti, the goddess who gives the spark of life to every being, to Nature, and to existence.

Fall Navaratri, or Maha Navaratri, is by far the most potent as it brings deep transformation and the ability to remove, destroy, release and transform, our darkness into light. The holy trinity of goddesses supports this process and allows us to let go of what needs to be released in order for greater nourishment. As we let go of our darkness, an increase of light and wisdom can take its place. This process is marked by Durga's powerful battle against the demon Mahishasura. On the 10th day, she destroyed him and was victorious. This day is called Vijaya Dashami (Dashami is the 10th lunar day of the Moon cycle, connected to dharma).

Vasant Navaratri, or spring Navaratri, begins with the new Moon this year, on Thursday April 7th at 04:24 am PDT. Sun and Moon are in Revati nakshatra, the final star of the zodiac, signifying endings and beginnings. This is the mark of the Vedic Lunar New Year and the beginning of the sacred nine day celebration of Navaratri as well. Durga is enlivened at this time! The battle between good over evil intensifies in the coming days as Durga battles the demon Mahishasura. This battle takes place within every human being.

The conflict between light and dark forces, polarities, is expressed through this sacred and timeless battle. It also mirrors the conflicts stirred between the masculine and feminine energies within. This battle is a wake up call, a clearing of old, stagnant beliefs, patterns and behaviors. Pay close attention during this sacred nine day celebration as inner and outer conflicts intensify. What does this conflict share with you about your polarities? What mirrors are being held up in order for you to make lasting change and transformation?

Nava means nine in Sanskrit while Ratri means nights. This is a nine day celebration that is divided into three parts. The first three days are dedicated to the goddess Durga. Her warrior spirit cleanses, shifts, uproots, changes and transforms. Think of her as tilling the soil, prior to planting seeds. The next three days of celebration are dedicated to Lakshmi. Her abundance, nurturing, and wealth offer nourishment and support to us on all levels of life. Health is the ultimate wealth and Lakshmi brings this support as well. Finally, we have three days dedicated to goddess Saraswati. She gives us knowledge, understanding, wisdom, creativity and artistry. She is the rasayana (or healing balm) if you will to close this sacred nine day celebration. Together, these three goddesses bring wholeness, renewal, and the life giving offerings of Shakti. This creative life-force energy is truly what inspires life, living and abundance. She is your Creative Intelligence.

It is at this time that we can connect to these three goddesses most easily- inside of us, and around us. Because of this, Navaratri is considered a very sacred and powerful time of year- one that influences our inner and outer experience of life for months to come. To connect with the goddesses more closely, make special offerings on your altar to them during the nine days. You can also dedicate your actions and intentions to them for greater communication. Use this time for self development practices and sacred pause. Slow down and notice what is stirring within you and around you.

Connecting to fire and stoking the internal flame (or agni) can be valuable for the first three days of Durga. You may wish to write intentions that focus on empowerment and action steps for the coming months as well. Using self development tools to transform negative thoughts and mental body stories, will be well supported at this time. During the three days of Lakshmi, bring sweets and flowers to your altar, cook nourishing foods for your Self, decorate and adorn your Self. This is a time to focus on self care diligently. For the final portion of Navaratri, dedicated to Saraswati, music, art and poetry can be a good way to focus your energy, efforts and intentions. Use creativity, artistry and embodiment resources for grounding and landing in your intentions. Use my Creative Rituals for support with this process.

During this sacred and potent time, treat your Self like the goddess that you are and share your abundance with others. May we each remember our abundant true nature, our immense creative life giving energy and the power of the Divine Feminine for healing and transformation!

Read more about Navaratri from Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Shaka Vansya Ayurvedic Doctor. 



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Moon is waxing and enters the seventh tithi (phase) as the seventh day of ‪Navaratri‬ begins. Monday is the first of three dedicated to my favorite ‪goddess‬, Maha ‪‎Saraswati‬. Goddess of nourishment through wisdom, sattva (purity), satya (truth), the arts, creativity and ‪dharma‬. She provides us with support through knowing and seeking, while giving resources for our efforts. During the early hours of Monday morning, ‪Moon‬ shifts to PurvaAshada ‪nakshatra while in Sagittarius‬. The water goddess, ‪Apas‬, arrives to re-fill our cup. Invite in receiving of abundance, creativity, receptivity and emotional body wisdom. As the Navaratri celebrations continue to unfold, deepen you attention and intention during this sacred time. What are you releasing? What are you inviting in? What is arriving? Monday begins the first of three days dedicated to Maha Saraswati. Her wisdom, creative potency and nourishment through spiritual resources can be a powerful guide right now. Use Saraswati mantras to connect with her gifts as well as Chandi Path recitations for support with transformation.

Early morning Tuesday, Moon shifts to the latter half of the Ashada constellation, UttaraAshada, then into Capricorn mid morning. Rahu and Saturn give their gaze, offering shadow and restriction to the emotional body. The Vishva Devas rule this constellation and provide goodness and truth, among other resources of purity. Often called the "all gods," the Vishva Devas connect to universal principles that align us with dharma and the right path. Among these are goodness (Vasu), truth (Satya), determination (Kratu), Talent (Daksha), Time (Kala), Enjoyment (Kama), Firmness (Dhriti), Ancestors (Kuru), Abundance (Pururavas), Joy (Madrava), Pleasantness (Rochana), Sight (Lochana), Fame (Dhvani), Leadership ( Dhuri). There are strong ethics and right-action attributed to this nakshatra and a desire "to do the right thing." Ruling planet of this constellation is the Sun, the light giver for our dharmic path, our purpose for being alive. Sun is now debilitated in Libra and requires are gentle attention and intention at this time. Forcing agendas and outcomes will be met with physical exhaustion. Attend to spiritual desires and the inward pull. As the second day of Navaratri dedicated to Maha Saraswati arrives, it is an ideal time for aligning with dharma and purpose. Invite in deeper nourishment through knowledge and wisdom, creativity and the arts. Use Saraswati mantras to connect with her gifts as well as Chandi Path recitations for support with transformation.

Late evening, Moon shifts to the sacred 28th nakshatra, Abhijit. This is a spiritual portal that can increase divine connection with Source, spirit and Natural Laws. Take time to meditate and set an intention this evening for deeper alignment and nourishment during this Navaratri celebration. This portal stays open only until the first few hours of Wednesday morning.

Wednesday begins with the Moon transiting Abhijit nakshatra, then moving to Sravana after 03:25. Ruling deity, Vishnu, offers his expansive support with knowledge, wisdom, growth and dharmic alignment. Sravana nakshatra provokes a certain element of power and purpose, with a strong propensity for learning and inner growth. As Moon enters the auspicious ninth tithi (phase), wisdom and purpose are strengthened. Listen for insights and resources coming to you. Are you able to receive the support? What are you resisting and pushing away? How are you keeping yourself from being deeply fed in your life? What are the resources? What are the challenges? It is the final day of Navaratri and the last day dedicated to Maha Saraswati. Her guidance and wisdom bring deeper alignment with truth, awakening and divine support. Open and receive her support and nourishment. Use Saraswati mantras to connect with her gifts as well as Chandi Path recitations for support with transformation.

Moon transits the tenth tithi, Dashami on Thursday, guru's day. Dashami is connected to dharma and our path of truth and awakening. Moon transits Dhanishta, the domain of the Vasu Devas who bring light (jyoti), illumination and Dharma to those who align with their potent creative forces of manifestation and creation. Midday, Moon shifts into Aquarius receiving direct gaze from Jupiter, Mars and Venus. Passions stir within the emotional body. Let your creativity flow!

It is Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of the waxing lunar cycle during the Navaratri celebration. On this day, fierce warrior goddess Durga, defeated the demon Mahishasura. Her transformational energy overcame the darkness, and light conquered the powerful demonic energy with lasting change. This battle of light and dark is at play within each one of us every day. We have choice to align with positive inner forces or dark, destructive forces within. The epic battle reiterated during the Navaratri celebration is a reminder that we too have the power of Durga within us- at all times. Her strength, passion, divine purpose and commitment to life is happening internally for every human being, though often subconscious. We are alive, breathing and able to align with our purpose for being in a human body each and every day. Do you take this on consciously and with right action? Or do you let your dark, demonic forces overcome your light? Are you honoring your deep desires for truth and ultimately your dharma, divine duty?  Or do you let fear, uncertainty, resentments and old mental stories keep you from your truth, purpose and path? It is a choice. Make it conscious.

As Venus (god of the asuras, demons) nears exact conjunction with Jupiter (god of the devas, gods), we may feel this battle of light and dark increasing within us. There is an ongoing dance of good vs. evil happening within us every day as we dance with positive, life supporting thoughts, or negative, fear driven thoughts. Be vigilant with self tracking at this time and use resources and tools to consciously navigate this inner dance. Just as Thursday ends, Moon shifts to Satabisha nakshatra.

Friday begins with Moon transiting Satabisha nakshatra in the early morning. Varuna is the ruling deity of this constellation and he provides clarity through vision, as he sees all. This vision can also be deemed a "critical gaze" because he notices all that is right and wrong, often increasing the critic within. Ruling planet Rahu can increase shadow, illusion and intensity. Where can you loosen and let go? What needs to be surrendered so that the fierceness can be dropped? How can you allow healing and transformation instead of rigidity and harshness? Let the light in through gentleness and compassion. Find ways to soften.

Moon moves to PurvaBhadrapada nakshatra just before midnight.

Saturday requires us to take extra rest and attend to the physical body in very conscious ways. As Moon finishes its transit through Aquarius and moves through PurvaBhadrapada nakshatra, a need for inner and out balance develops. Meanwhile, debilitated Sun moves into a new nakshatra in the early hours of the morning. We will notice a shift in our physical and spiritual bodies as a result. As Sun shifts into Swati nakshatra, a new power enlivens. Movement, change and transformation intensifies in the coming weeks. Creative courage through subtle, gentle and nourishing ways should be attended to. Attend to your inner strength and let it be the catalyst for lasting change.

Moon shifts into Pisces, joining Ketu here, early afternoon. Both receive gaze from Rahu, Mercury and Mars. Notice where you are pushing for outcomes in the coming days. What are you forcing? Where can you drop, release and surrender? What nourishment are you resisting? Allow for the change to take place.

Meanwhile, Venus and Jupiter are in exact conjunction today and tomorrow while in Leo. The battle between light and dark continues. Polarities are alive and well right now. Where can you drop your arms and let in more light? Attend to material vs. spiritual matters with diligence. We need both and we need them to be in balance for inner and outer harmony. Notice when and how your masculine energy takes over and keeps you from being nourished by the feminine. Self care will help you return to a sense of feeling and receptivity. Attend to your emotional body wisdom. Pause and listen.

Sunday, day of Sun (Surya) illuminates the wisdom of the Sun, yet its debilitation currently in Libra requests inward reflection. Moon is waxing and in the 13th tithi (phase) today which invites bigger emotions and feelings. How can you invite in slower, gentler steps? Moon transits the latter half of the Bhadrapada constellation today giving us the opportunity for to dive deeply into our inner realms. If we create a solid and safe place to attend to our inner landscape, we can traverse this territory more powerfully. Find ways to land within and make this your intention for the day.

Late afternoon, Moon shifts to Revati nakshatra and the mental body requests attention and deeper nourishment. What energetic cords need to be cut, severed and released for more clarity and receptivity? Where are you still holding on when you should be releasing? What stories is the mental body stuck in and repeating on autopilot? Set yourself free. It's a perfect time to be working with self development resources that help you unravel the mental body programming. Continue this theme through Monday and note where the mind is stuck, resistant and rigid.

Monday arrives with a waning Moon transiting Chitra nakshatra. New Moon is Monday, October 12th at 19:05 CDT while Moon is in Virgo and Chitra Nakshatra. The new Moon arrives on the final day of Pitr Pakshu, a fifteen day celebration that honors the ancestors and increases their presence in our lives. The following day, October 13th, begins the nine day celebration of Navaratri. This is a sacred time of year- a gap between seasons- which is considered a sandhi time. The veil is very thin between realms and we can access our connection to inner wisdom and Nature more easily. The new Moon always encourages a more inward awareness. I encourage you to work with the intention of connecting with spirit and Nature's wisdom at this time, while also inviting in the power of the goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

This new Moon is a particularly complex one. As Moon arrives in Virgo, it joins shadow planet Rahu, as well as exalted Mercury and Sun here as well. Powerful depth is available to us, if we choose to navigate our inner terrain consciously. There is opportunity to transform old, mental body stories and bring them to the light for more awareness. A strong yet intimate dance between the mental body and the emotional body surfaces at this time. Wild stories and inner shadows may provoke strong emotional responses. This is a reminder to do personal development work- so that the illusions and imaginal realms can find clarity and more light. Do you stay in the dark or do you transform the darkness into light? The pain, struggles and obstacles are an illusion. Use them for awakening.

Moon in Chitra nakshatra at the time of the new Moon invites in potent action steps and support for forward momentum in the coming cycle. Ruling deity Vishvakarma, is the "celestial architect" who loves to build methodically and count his action steps.

Use the coming weeks, especially the sacred portal of Navaratri (October 13th to 22nd) to clarify your dharmic intentions. Who and what are you aligning with for greater power, support and nourishment?  Cultivate presence with what is working and consciously attend to challenges and obstacles as these are resources in disguise. Ask for support and more connection. Your consistent, methodical action steps will take you far.

Tuesday arrives and Moon moves from Chitra to Swati nakshatra late afternoon. The Navaratri festivities are well under way as we usher in the first full day dedicated to goddess Durga. Ruling Deity of Swati nakshatra, Vayu, the wind god, invites in swift movement and change. Whether it's a gentle breeze or huge gusts, winds of change are ushering in transformation. 

On this first day and night of Navaratri, notice what's arriving. I have noticed that the first three days of Navaratri initiate the changes and transformations we are working with in this release cycle. Often we must confront challenges and obstacles as a result. More nourishment and support is coming, but we can't receive it without this important step. What is arriving? What parts of your personal mythology are showing up as a mirror for you? Let Durga's fierce warrior energy initiate and provoke awareness.

Emotionally, we may feel anger, pain, frustration or sadness emerge in the coming days. Physically we may need more rest or silence. Mentally we may need more inward reflection as well as time for meditation. Spiritually, we may need time with nature and to attend to rituals that help us land in deeper presence. Understand that this is a part of the change and transformation process. Where can you land into deeper presence with your needs?

As you deepen your intention for this Navaratri celebration, find meaningful rituals for yourself that bring you closer to spirit. Listening to Durga mantras right now is excellent for inviting in her presence. Traditionally, listening to Chandi Path recitations is also encouraged.

Moon continues to transit Swati nakshatra on Wednesday until evening when it arrives in Vishaka nakshatra. It is the second day of Navaratri and the second day dedicated to Ma Durga. Recite Durga mantras and listen to Chandi Path recitations for extra support. Today, use connection as a way to transform. Dual gods, Indra and Agni rule over Vishaka and instigate the need for partnership and co-creation. Agni, the ultimate transformational element provides the spark for change. What are you burning and releasing? Allow the strength of Indra to supply you with the strength you need to use the wisdom.

Thursday continues with Vishaka's requests. Connect and collaborate, co-create and gain resources through networking and reaching out. What extra support do you need right now? It is the third day of Navaratri and the final of three dedicated to Ma Durga. Continue to use Durga mantras and Chandi Path recitations for extra support with transformation and change. As afternoon arrives, Moon moves into its debilitation sign, Scorpio, joining Saturn here. Notice depression, the need for silence and any grief emerging. Don't push, go slow and allow extra time for activities. Mars gives his drishti as does Ketu. Anger, agitation, frustrations and emotional outbursts may be arriving. How can you attend to your emotional body needs for expression, movement and release? As Moon shifts to Anuradha nakshatra late in the evening, find ways to get extra physical support. Rest, restore and honor your physical body's needs. Listen carefully for messages.

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Friday carries through themes of a debilitated, aggravated Moon as well as Anuradha's nature. Today is the fourth day of Navaratri and the first of three dedicated to Maha Lakshmi. Recite Lakshmi mantras and listen to Chandi Path recitations for extra support. Let nourishment be a theme for you in the coming days. How can you allow in more nourishment and support for yourself on the four levels of your being- mental, emotional, physical and spiritual?  Allow friends to be a resource of support and reach out to those who can walk with you, but not force their agendas upon you. What does support feel like in your body? What body part is a resource for you to befriend right now as a way to deepen your own inner support and stability? Just before midnight Moon shifts to Jyeshtha nakshatra, Indra's domain.
Sun is at the very edge of Virgo, preparing to move into its debilitation sign, Sun. Be gentle with body and spirit right now. Go slow and listen carefully.

Saturday is the fifth day of Navaratri and the second of three dedicated to Maha Lakshmi. Themes of nourishment, health, vitality and wellness intensify. The waxing Moon transits Indra's nakshatra, Jyeshtha, today. The mental body is activated and enlivened. Mercury, the symbol of our mental body, is currently exalted, conjunct Sun and Rahu. It's an ideal time to be working with shadow and light and the old programming in the mind- that which keeps us from being in the light. Make self development work and self care a strong priority today. Move towards the nourishment. Use Lakshmi mantras and Chandi Path recitations for increasing Lakshmi's abundant support and vitality.

Sun shifts to Libra, its debilitation sign, at 11:23 and will be here until November 16th. Our light source will be dimmed and vulnerable in this cycle. It is not a time to push or force actions, outcomes or agendas. Notice where you are forcing, self isolating or staying in the dark. For the majority of the signs, it is a rest cycle and must be treated as such. It's a time for inward introspection and attending to your inner needs. The physical body will require gentleness, extra support and smaller, quieter attention. We will all need to ask for support and gather extra resources at this time. Notice where there are holes in your self care and what is asking for your attention.

The gift in this fragile transit is more receptivity. Do you take the time to listen and hear its messages or cut and paste over them with business, force or bypassing? The emotional body will also require extra listening and release during this cycle, so let the physical body be a resource for attending to feelings carefully. Spiritual receptivity will be alive and awakened, but only for those who create the space to hear. Inner work will be potent at this time so call upon extra support and use your resources for transformation, healing and change diligently.

Diving within will allow you to increase creativity and life force energy in the coming months. Ingenuity, entrepreneurialism and innovation will be served from meditation, retreats and alone time. The body can get drained and experience burn out more easily at this time. Less is more- on all levels. Go slow and attend to the wisdom moving through you. Work with shadow issues and inner darkness. Honor your steps.

Sunday arrives with Moon jumping into Sagittarius. This is a delicate gandanta between water (Scorpio) and fire (Sagittarius). As Moon lands in this Jupiter ruled sign, it arrives in Mula nakshatra. This is a challenging constellation, one that amplifies chaos and calamity. Its ruler, Nirrti, is a dark goddess that pulls one off the path of truth, dharma and purpose. She does it by stripping you of trust and stability, leaving you raw and fragile. Simultaneously there is a lot of spiritual potential in this star. From challenge and obstacles, come great strength, vision and purpose. How do you use your misfortune? Where are the gifts? Are you available to receive? Find your gratitude and walk with it closely today. Notice where you're addicted to your own darkness. It's the sixth day of Navaratri and the final day dedicated to Lakshmi. Use Lakshmi mantras and Chandi Path recitations for increasing nourishment and support. Make self care a priority to increase her health giving potency.

During the early hours of Monday morning, Moon shifts to PurvaAshada nakshatra. The water goddess, Apas, arrives to re-fill our cup. Invite in receiving of abundance, creativity, receptivity and emotional body wisdom. As the Navaratri celebrations continue to unfold, deepen you attention and intention during this sacred time. What are you releasing? What are you inviting in? What is arriving? Monday begins the first of three days dedicated to Maha Saraswati. Her wisdom, creative potency and nourishment through spiritual resources can be a powerful guide right now. Use Saraswati mantras to connect with her gifts as well as Chandi Path recitations for support with transformation.



* Timing used is Pacific Daylight Time.