The Moon reached its peak of darkness for the month and joined the Sun at 4°21′ sidereal Aries today just before noon Pacific time. This begins the Aries cycle, where we will really feel the planets fueling our strength forward in new endeavors and our spirit into illuminated heights. Sun is exalted here, and Aries, the Ram, is ruled by Mars, a fire planet that brings us strength and courage. It is the first in the sequence of the 12 zodiac signs, or Vedic Rashis, representing all kinds of initiations and beginnings. The Vedic zodiac is further divided into 27 divisions or nakshatras, and this new moon in early Aries falls in the first nakshatra of the 27–Ashwini, the horse woman (often thought of as the twin horses). The new moon is generally a good time for starting anything new, laying foundations, or planting seeds, and this Aries new moon is especially potent for that with the added strength of Mars’ courage, Sun’s exalted capacity, and Ashwini’s horsepower.
As Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, it also relates to the head and brain. We can actually see the origin of the symbol for Aries (as well as the other zodiac signs) by looking at the human body. In the cross-section of the brain above and the images below, you can see the symbol for the horns clearly reflected in the limbic system of the brain, as well as the third ventricle and the brain as a whole. The third ventricle, which surrounds the thalamus, is known as the “Cave of Brahma” in Kriya yoga, and it is from here that a lot of our human consciousness, experience, and sense of spirit emanate. Within the symmetry of the ventricle, the right and left brains, and right and left thalamus, we can perceive the masculine and feminine, or solar and lunar channels of energy within our bodies and in the g
ross scale of creation. In this area we also find the hypothalamus, the pituitary and pineal glands. The whole region and its nerve bundles comprise the “third eye,” where spiritual awakening is thought possible, through circulation and purification, activated by meditation.
The deities for Ashwini are the Ashwin Kumars, or divine twin physicians. They bring to this star the power to heal and channel healing energy especially through prayer and spiritual practice. The twin essence of this star is reflected in the symmetrical visual of the brain and the Cave of Brahma symbolism. Brahma, the energy of creation, is also related to this star. The twin physicians were born to the Sun’s wife while she was in the form of a horse. The horsepower behind this star brings magnificent speed and energy for beginning things (just as we see race-horses bursting forth out of the starting gate), but does not necessarily give the stamina to see things through to completion. It is important to choose where you let your energy begin running wild this moon cycle, and channel it towards those endeavors where you will have other (planetary) energies supporting you through as you continue them.
New moon here brings confidence as well as strength, with Mars joining the Sun and Moon in Aries. Mars is the fuel for the fire in our gut, and in its own masculine expression sign, we are able to channel our physical strength, will and courage into our activities. Mercury also joins this trinity today and for the next week or so, but may not be able to take the heat of Sun and Mars as easily. Watch that your words do not become too hot, forceful, or controlling. Instead try to bring forth the Sun’s higher wisdom and practice communicating from the brightness of the spirit, with your higher purpose in mind. This can be brought forth through spiritual practice including serviceful actions, and by purifying one’s body and mind. This is a great time for a springtime cleanse or fast, as well as kicking off a new exercise routine. Great healing and awakening is possible at this time through our efforts to allow the light within us to shine forth and into the world around us.
