The new Moon cycle begins at 9:47am PST on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. The night of the darkest Moon is the night of Tuesday, November 10th. This is a good time for staying inward, releasing any worry or stress from the last cycle, and nourishing oneself spiritually to prepare for the new lunar month. This New Moon begins with Sun and Moon in sidereal Libra, initiating the Vedic lunar month called Karthika, and marking the celebration time for the Hindu festival of Diwali, the “festival of lights,” where we call forth remembrance of the divine light within. This festival is often celebrated over the course of five days, with the main night of festivities on the dark night before the New Moon.
It is related to a variety of stories from Vedic mythology, often with that of Lakshmi’s birth and with that of Lord Rama’s return from exile. Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and prosperity (spiritual and material), as well as devotion, love, beauty, and happiness. Celebrating her is a way to call these qualities into our lives. Lord Rama represents dharma, or doing the right thing, as well as devotion, compassion, courage, and righteous leadership. Diwali celebrations often commemorate his and Sita’s return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile (a story from the Ramayana).
Diwali (also seen as Divali, Deepawali or Deepavali) comes from the sanskrit words deepa (light) and avali (row). It is typically celebrated with rows of oil lamps or candles lit to remind us of the inner divine light in us all. Though one flame can be used to light many others, it is not diminished by sharing its power of illumination. We can pray for the peace and happiness of all beings, and each one’s awareness of their inner light. This is pertinent to remember and to celebrate during this particular Dark Moon time, when the Sun, the planet of our inner power, strength, and divine light, is in Libra where he is considered “debilitated.”
When Sun is in Libra, the sign of balance and relationships, we often relate to our own personal power through our relationships with others, or may try too hard to care for others, forgetting to nourish the divine spark in ourselves. We may simply feel depleted by trying to balance too much in life, and out of touch with our personal strength and vitality. This can be especially true right now as Venus, the ruler of Libra, is also in his debilitated placement in Virgo. Sun has been debilitated since October 18th, and Venus since November 2nd.
At the beginning of this cycle, set an intention for a mindful self-care routine this month. Light some candles for Diwali on the Dark Moon night, and if possible, take some time every day to light a flame for a while and offer yourself some time to connect with, nourish and honor your inner light. Self-care practices can include yoga, meditation, chanting, art, or self-abhyangha (oil massage). You can also make some herbal tea to nourish yourself during this vata (cold and dry) season.
Venus’ current position in Mercury-ruled Virgo can make us approach relationships with a more pragmatic and analytical nature, and we may feel less romantic than usual. He is also joined with intense Mars and Rahu, who bring the possibility for arguments, tension and discomfort. Try to take it slow when you feel stress or criticism coming up around loved ones. With Mercury in Venus-ruled Libra, Mercury and Venus are “exchanging” signs, which will make their energies more cooperative. This means that engaging our intellects and communication skills can really help to smooth out relationships, and our hearts’ desire for beauty, love and cooperation can support our paths to clear thinking. Try reading a book or listening to a talk that offers relationship support skills. Practice engaging Mercury through journaling, and Venus through arts & crafts (can include doodling or coloring) or music, to get their energies flowing and working for you.
This cycle begins with the Sun and Moon in Vishaka, a Vedic nakshatra which relates to accomplishment. Its deities are Indra, the King of the Gods, and Agni, the deity of fire and transformation. Its ruling planet is Jupiter who brings optimism, hope, and expansion. This combination gives Vishaka the ability to succeed in achieving goals, and this star is often represented by a triumphal archway or a tree of life. Its meaning is “forked branches,” however, representing how planetary energies here often present us with a choice of two different directions to take in life. Through concentration and meditation we can choose the path that is right for us and then follow it with courage.
With the New Moon in Libra and Diwali, we call forth the awareness of our inner light, reconnecting with our source strength and the illuminating power of the Sun. We celebrate the qualities of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Rama, praying for peace and prosperity for all, and remembering to offer some of that devotion to our spirit through self-care practices. With the positions of Venus and Mercury, thoughtful communication is an important support tool for our relationships this month.
Personal Vedic Astrology readings available here can help you to see how the current astrological weather will affect you and offers specific tools you can apply to your self-care routine.