by Somya Devi | Dec 20, 2016 | Astrology, Events, Retrograde
Solstice Silence
Mercury retrograde has begun again as we approach the darkest day of the year on the winter solstice tomorrow (northern hemisphere bias). It’s natural to feel more inwardly drawn than usual during these days, so take it easy on yourself if you feel like hanging back from the party or social atmosphere. We’re getting the smallest dose of the Sun’s energy right now, who is responsible for our feelings of connection with divine strength, power, and inspiration. We’re in the most yin time of year, so the sensitive receptivity of the divine feminine is highly perceptible.
Take some time to be quiet and sit in the stillness, reveling in the amazing potency of the moment between the exhale and the inhale (on a solar scale). It’s a moment to feel our roots reaching deep into the earth, into the depths of the inner abyss. (Incidentally, the Sun is in Moola nakshatra at the moment, “the root” constellation in the center of the galaxy. The goddess Nirriti presides here, a fierce version of Kali who wields her powers of death and destruction.)
The winter solstice represents death on many levels, as we have reached the end of the annual solar life cycle. Now is a time for letting go. Release all that has happened in the last year and let the candle blow out where need be. It’s also a time to give thanks for all that’s come and gone, to celebrate it with gratitude, and acknowledge its place in the eternal timeline. We can then allow our vessel to empty in preparation for the new energy that is to come.
Following some days of darkness, the return of the light of Surya (the Sun) is coming soon. He will once again infuse the world with his solar breath. The new solar cycle gives us the opportunity for another year of growth, and recession, expansion, and contraction.
If you’re in the southern hemisphere, jump for joy and celebrate the peak of Surya’s cycle towards you! Revel in the ecstatic moment between the inhale and the exhale. Give thanks for the energy that has filled your cup thus far this year, and prepare for the germination process now that your seeds have been planted. The wheel of time is the only constant backdrop to our existence here.
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Kali Ma
Om Suryaya Namaha
Personal 2017 Readings are available now, scheduling throughout January.
by Somya Devi | Dec 10, 2016 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Retrograde
Full Moon in Mrigashira, The Wandering Deer
This month the Moon reaches peak fullness on Tuesday, December 13th at 4:06 pm PST, near the end of sidereal Taurus, in Mrigashira nakshatra. Mrigashira is a Vedic constellation bridging the Taurus and Gemini sections of the sky. It is made up of four stars along Orion’s shoulder that form the shape of a deer’s head. The full Moon here calls forth the gentle and wandering energy of the deer. The playful and curious nature of this star illuminates the contrast to the deep and intense energy of Scorpio, where we began this Moon cycle.
The Scorpio Cycle
The lunar month began with the Sun and Moon joined in sidereal Scorpio, under the heavy influence of a kala sarpa yoga. The “black snake” shadow energy imposed by the nodal alignment contributed to fears brought on by Saturn’s conjunction with an already self-protective Moon in Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign that most deeply reminds us of our vulnerability. When the Moon is here we can erect an insect-like shell to protect ourselves from harm and danger. The emotions during a Scorpio lunar cycle can be extremely intense, due to Mars’ rulership of this fixed, introverted water sign. It’s a time when we become deeply aware of currents that lie below the surface.
Scorpio reminds us of the universal constant: change. The acute awareness of this we experience during the Scorpio cycle can feel overwhelming (especially if we don’t have a lot of Scorpio energy in our natal chart and aren’t used to it). The kala sarpa alignment on top of this brings up layers of our shadow work, including both old and new traumas. But as with every Moon cycle, the full Moon is a balancing point that illuminates the opposite side of the sky and helps us to integrate the lessons of the cycle.
This full Moon in Taurus (on the cusp of Gemini) helps us to find some stability in our heart centers amidst turbulent times. Whichever sign the Moon transits influences the mood of our hearts and minds. Beginning the cycle in vulnerable Scorpio set the tone for the month, but on the days when the Moon transits Taurus (Dec. 12-13) we reconnect with the strong stability of the bull. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, offering us the best chance for a peaceful mental state, because this earth sign provides a strong and steady place for the heart and mind to rest. Venus is the ruler of Taurus, so here we can take a break from the warrior energy brought on by Mars-ruled Scorpio and just enjoy the beauty in our lives for a moment.
Mrigashira
This full Moon falls in the last few degrees of Taurus, which comprise the beginning of Mrigashira nakshatra. Mrigashira is a light-hearted and curious star-sign. Like the deer she represents, this constellation likes to avoid danger and compels us to look at the bright side of life. Also like the deer, there is a wandering and searching nature to this star, so we may notice ourselves feeling restless while the Moon is here, despite the grounded and earthy quality of Taurus. People with this star prominent in their birth charts tend to move from place to place a lot in life. The deity for Mrigashira is Soma, a name for the Moon, and there is also an association with Parvati here.
Ayurvedic Tips
During this full Moon the Sun is joined closely with Saturn. This can be vata-aggravating to our physical health and nervous system. As we are now in the vata season in the northern hemisphere, we need to pay extra attention to our self-care routines and avoid exposure to cold and wind as much as possible. It’s best to follow a vata-pacifying diet at this time of year, full of warm and nourishing soups and stews with plenty of heating digestive spices and teas. It’s a good practice to rub sesame oil on the soles of the feet before bed, as well as a few drops around the ears and on the top of the head. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, and drink warm liquids, avoiding ice and cold beverages. Favor moist, heavy cooked foods over dry, light and raw foods, which are vata-aggravating.
Mars, Venus & Mercury
Mars will have just entered Aquarius on Tuesday, where he’ll transit for the next month. This could bring inspire us to take actions for the greater good, and get involved with selfless service. At the same time, Mars is now joining Ketu, which could bring some confusion around how we direct our actions, and could deplete our energy a bit. Venus is still in Capricorn and receiving an aspect from its ruler, Saturn. This makes us approach relationships with more practicality, and we may feel ready to take on more responsibility towards supporting them. This is a great time to consider what structures we need to implement to support our long-term goals in our relationships. We may have to step it up a notch to meet those. One more heads up–Mercury goes retrograde on December 19th! Though you may tend to overthink this and could encounter some technological glitches, try to take advantage of its positive potential. Mercury retrograde can give you the chance to revisit and clear up some previously unresolved conversations over the holidays.
Solstice
The solstice is coming on December 21st! The shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the longest in the south. This is the day that the Sun shifts from his northern to southern course, as we see things from Earth. A few days of darkness can incite the most inward and introverted time of the year (especially around the next New Moon on December 28th), so be gentle with yourself especially when you find yourself socializing and interacting with family to the max. December 18th through January 2nd will be our last kala sarpa cycle for a while. Though not as intense as the last few, some of our darker layers of karma could continue to arise.
Be sure to Follow Me for more updates on the bigger picture surrounding the solstice, the return of the light, and the new year!
*Very limited readings are available before the end of the year, but I’m booking Live 2017 Readings throughout January until spots fill up.
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by Somya Devi | Nov 28, 2016 | Astrology, Conjunctions
On Monday night the Moon and Sun will coincide in the heart of the scorpion, leading us into a New Moon in Scorpio in the early morning. The exact conjunction will be at 4:18 am PST on the morning of November 29th. The dark Moon night is always a time to go inward, and this new Moon in particular offers the chance to go really deep. Not only are the Moon and Sun coinciding in Scorpio, a sign of depth and intensity, but they are right in the middle of a kala sarpa yoga between Rahu and Ketu.
At this new Moon time, Rahu and Ketu fall at 13° of sidereal Leo and Aquarius, respectively, and Sun and Moon at 13° of Scorpio, exactly in between. A kala sarpa yoga is formed when all of the planets are on one side of the Rahu-Ketu axis, with none in the planets on the other side (see picture). This refers to the seven major planets recognized in Vedic astrology–Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn.
Kala Sarpa can be translated as either the “black snake” or the “serpent of time.” As you can imagine, whenever this alignment occurs we experience some intense or dark energy at large. One of the best words to describe the kala sarpa circumstance is heavy. The nodes, also called the shadow planets, relate to some of our deepest subconscious drives and karma. When the other planets fall on one side of their axis, a lot of the subconscious buildup can surface all of a sudden and we can feel overwhelmed with the amount that life is putting on our plate. It can also appear as the actual occurrence of intense karmic events. If we stay dedicated in practice, meditation, and focus, however, we can find clearer vision and discrimination on how we can use these circumstances for our growth.
We’ve experienced the kala sarpa yoga many times in the last year. When this alignment occurs, it lasts for two weeks at a time, from when the Moon passes Rahu until it passes Ketu, after passing all the other planets in between. This incidence will end in about a week, and then two weeks later we’ll begin the last kala sarpa cycle until late next year. Between now and then there will always be some planets on both sides of the Rahu-Ketu axis. In the late part of 2017, they will all pass Rahu and it will begin again, for two weeks at a time over a few months.
There’s even more pressure surfacing to begin this lunar cycle, because Saturn is also situated in Scorpio, joining the new Moon. It is said that when Saturn visits you, he sits on your head, like a great weight. Adding his weight to this new Moon in Scorpio, we can expect to feel some heaviness and pressure through this lunar cycle, particularly when it comes to our own inner emotions and transformational power. Saturn’s goal is to teach us how to slow down, be patient, make commitments, and persevere through hard work to reach our desired long-term goals. When we apply his energy this way in Scorpio, we can make great strides in spiritual and emotional development.
Scorpio is a feminine water sign, which brings up our inner emotions, and is ruled by Mars, the warrior planet. It is here that we face our deepest emotions and become aware of our vulnerable nature. We face the fears that are hidden deep within, and the temporary nature of all we hold dear. I think of Scorpio as the sign of the spiritual warrior, because once we become aware of these things, we can turn on Mars’ strength and courage in order to defeat these inner challenges.
Following the new Moon in Scorpio, it will be a month to get in touch with your inner warrior. Allow the passion and the tears, and use them to fortify yourself. It’s time to call upon the courage to look at our own dark sides. See the shadows in your mind that are holding you up–your fears–and strike your warrior’s sword against them.
The nakshatra (Vedic constellation) where this New Moon falls is Anuradha. Anuradha makes up the middle of Scorpio, including the bright star Antares, called the heart of the scorpion. Anuradha is an incredibly devotional nakshatra. It translates as “after Radha,” Krishna’s greatest devotee. Radha is widely recognized as the paramount example of devotion, so the one who chases after her surely wishes to embody and demonstrate devotion. Saturn’s association with Anuradha will help us to persevere in our quest to strengthen ourselves and our emotions.
Despite the difficulty that often accompanies Scorpio, the natural eighth sign, Anuradha is a place where great blossoming is possible. It is thus associated with the symbol of the lotus, whose pure beauty springs from the depths of mud and muck. The ruling deity of Anuradha is Mitra, a god of light and friendship. This reminds us that collaboration can be useful (sometimes even necessary), despite the fiercely introverted quality that the Moon in Scorpio compels. Through devotion and effort, as well as cooperation, the lunar cycle beginning around this star can lead to great successes.
This cycle offers awesome potential for growth and achievement, especially in the realm of overcoming inner fears and strengthening our emotions. An awareness of our fragility may be surfacing acutely, but the warrior spirit of Mars and the committed potential of Saturn offer tools to forge through the fears and move closer towards our goals. Mars and Saturn are considered malefic planets, but they are actually the ones who present challenges and opportunities that will make us stronger and wiser. Take some time to sit quietly on this dark Moon night, looking inward to see where you can wield your warrior’s sword and pressure yourself aptly, in order to transform and allow your inner lotus to blossom.
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by Somya Devi | Nov 23, 2016 | Astrology, Holy Days
The Four Turkeys of Abundance and The Purusharthas
I saw these wild turkeys wandering through my “yard” (woods) earlier this year. Actually, I had begun seeing a lot of turkeys grazing up and down the hill fairly frequently. After seeing a group of fourteen together one day, I pulled out my animal wisdom medicine cards to check the significance of this totem. “Give-away,” it said. I was reminded that, of course, turkeys represent the spirit of giving and abundance. As we are reminded on American Thanksgiving, the turkey gives his own life to nourish others and provide abundance. He signifies the honor in those with the most sharing what they can with those who have less.
Credit, Sams & Carson goo.gl/QtRaQR
Something about these turkeys struck me this day, as the four of them let me wander closely behind. In thinking about abundance and the give-away idea, I was reminded of the Vedic concept of the purusharthas, or the four aims of life. This is a traditional yogic concept that outlines the general human pursuits we follow in order to live a balanced and fulfilling life of purpose. The four aims are: dharma (duty, truth), artha (material prosperity), kama (pleasure), and moksha (spiritual liberation). Each of these Sanskrit words and the concepts behind them may be investigated and discussed to great end, and there is much literature on the subject, but this will serve as a general introduction, based on my own experience and study.
What is interesting, as relative to Jyotish or Vedic astrology, is how these aims relate with the twelve houses in the individual natal chart. The houses represent twelve major areas of life through which everything in our conscious and subconscious lives can be understood. Of the twelve, three relate to dharma, three to artha, three to kama, and three to moksha. Each of the four pursuits are indicated once on the individual level, the interpersonal level, and the societal or universal level. It is said that to have a truly fulfilling life, we carry out karma (actions) towards all four aims of life.
Dharma
Dharma most generally indicates the idea of right living. It represents the idea of doing what is right, and living in truth. This concept is often loosely translated as duty or purpose, which has nuances in itself. We have many dharmas that are unique and individual, in the various roles we play in life. We may perform the dharma of being a mother in some of our actions, and that of a sister, a daughter, a partner, a friend, a teacher in others. My teacher always reminds us that we also have a para-dharma, a higher purpose, which is to know the divine. To live in harmony with the universe we do our best to know our dharma and fulfill it with love and joy. When we give ourselves through our unique purposes, we contribute to the functioning of the world as we know it.
The first house in one’s natal chart is the dharma house of the individual level. This represents all aspects of our general experience, our individuality, and our identity. We must discover and follow our personal truth here to find fulfillment. Dharma on the interpersonal level lies in the fifth house, which indicates our creativity. It shows what we manifest into the world from our love, and most specifically indicates children and romantic relationships. On the universal level, dharma plays out through the ninth house, the place of learning, teaching, and philosophy. Through the ninth house we can share our purpose at large through higher education and philosophical study.
Artha
Artha represents the idea of fulfilling a purpose in the material world. This includes the work that we do as professionals, as well as the material prosperity we gain from it. It can be a complex issue from a yogic perspective, but most simply suggests that work, income and financial security are valid pursuits (certainly for householders, as opposed to ascetics or renunciates). In my mind that certainly doesn’t validate luxurious excess, or the degree of wealth discrepancy that we see in the world today, but it means that it’s okay to make an offering and live comfortably. Following the turkey’s symbolism of giving, we should remember that part of gaining worldly success also lies in the giving.
In the Vedic astrology chart, the second house shows artha on the individual level. This house represents our money and possessions in general, as well as the family of origin and our immediate surroundings. The sixth house shows material pursuit on an interpersonal level. Here is where we need to do the hard work to support what we love and create, through things such as mundane tasks, chores, and standing up to those who challenge us. On the broader perspective we pursue artha through the tenth house, the place of career. The tenth house signifies what we put out into the world and the public arena.
Kama
Kamadeva
Kama is actually the name of desire personified as a Hindu deity (aka Kamadeva, similar to Eros or Cupid). We are all divine sparks, but the universal design placed us divine beings here to live a human experience. Seeking fulfillment in desire, pleasure, and human love is certainly part of that. I would also argue that without this our yogic pursuits would be lacking, as observance of the mind’s desires seems fundamental to the perceived struggle against them. The desirous mind is part of what makes us human, and part of humanity’s aims as indicated by Vedic thought. Imagine that when we feel abundant in pleasure (not lustful), how much more love we are able to give to the world and those around us.
The third house in the astrological chart indicates our personal desires, our likes and dislikes, our hobbies, and our gut sense of “want.” The seventh house, the house of relationships, is where we pursue achieving pleasure while dancing with another person. This includes romantic relationships and sex, but it also represents the idea that to be happy around anyone–a friend, a business partner–a certain degree of compromise is necessary for both parties to find happiness. On a societal or universal level, we pursue desire through the themes of the eleventh house. Here we find our hopes and dreams, our community and friends, and our visions for and service to the world.
Moksha
Moksha is the idea of spiritual liberation, freedom, or the breaking of bondage. The fourth house is the dharma house of the individual level. It represents our innermost heart space (as well as personal spaces like our home and vehicles). It is through the fourth house and the heart that we find peace at the individual level. To find this, we must often break free from the bonds of attachment we have to our individual desires (3rd house), possessions (2nd house), and even to what has happened to us (our experience, 1st house).
The eighth house shows liberation on the interpersonal level, and can certainly be a difficult one. It represents sudden change, which can include death, divorce, and the breaking of relationships. This is also the house of transformation, however, when we begin to break free from the bonds of both our individual and interpersonal attachments. We can then begin to orient ourselves towards universal pursuits and consciousness, in the 9th-12th houses.
The twelfth house, the house of loss, is the ultimate moksha house, where we pursue total liberation from our worldly life, karma, and the cycle of birth and death. It is here we can attain self-realization, higher knowledge, and divine communion. We actually experience the twelfth house through many moments in our lives, long before death, however. The twelfth house is the place of sleep, meditation, subconscious states, and the pre-natal state. It also represents other kinds of escapes from the daily experience, such as television, screens, intoxicants, retreats, hospital or jail stays, and foreign travel. When we have a strong twelfth house in the natal chart, it is of utmost importance to activate the higher potential of this house, which can lead us towards actual spiritual liberation.
When we achieve abundance and fulfillment here, we have one of the greatest gifts that we can then give in turn: wisdom. Should we be blessed to achieve true liberation, may we follow the exemplar of the great saints and sages. They stay on earth to teach and inspire, to love and serve, until every last one of us reaches the ultimate state of moksha. We are only as strong as our weakest link, and we are all connected by the same divine thread.
Each one of us wants to feel abundance in our lives. We will follow paths toward it through dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. When we count our blessings and offer gratitude, we will feel more abundant in certain areas, and perhaps less so in others. We can give thanks for what we do have, and do our best not to dwell on the areas where we are lacking. We should also keep faith and continue to pursue our dreams of fulfillment in all areas of life. Feeling completely “fulfilled” is a tall order before reaching said “ultimate liberation” mentioned above. Until then, we hopefully find inspiration to remain grateful, and to give away what we can to support others, as demonstrated by turkey medicine.
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I intend to turn this into a longer piece, so if you have comments or other relevant articles, please feel free to post or send me a private message! Namaste.
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by Somya Devi | Nov 11, 2016 | Astrology, Conjunctions
We can bask in the bright radiant glow of the Full Supermoon in Aries – illuminating our strength, this Sunday night, November 13th. The Moon will reach its peak of fullness on Monday morning at 5:52am PST. This one is “super” because the Moon is making his closest approach to earth — since 1948! This full Moon gives an enormous opportunity to remember how powerful we really are!
With the full Moon in sidereal Aries it’s time to reconnect with our inherent strength and power. This lunar cycle has been a doozy so far, with a lot of intensity going on in the world at large. The cycle began on October 30th with both the Sun and the Moon in Libra, where Sun falls debilitated. With Sun in Libra we can tend to feel a shortage of vitality. We may lack strength or reach a point of exhaustion while we try to balance too many things at once. Relationships can take a toll on our sense of individuality, as we strive to connect with our identity through interaction and reflection. We can deplete ourselves by trying to create balance in the world around us.
We also began this cycle under a Kala Sarpa yoga, with all planets in the sky on one side of the Rahu-Ketu nodal axis. This setup can bring heavy times and raise a lot of shadow work. The Kala Sarpa reached completion just around the hours of the final outcome of the US election, during which emotional intensity was heightened across the globe.
As the full Moon of this cycle reaches peak illumination in Aries, the sign opposite from Libra, we are reminded our inherent strength. Aries is where we do feel like powerful, courageous individuals. It’s the a place where anything seems possible, and we have the strength to stand up and shine brightly in any situation. It’s the place of new beginnings, where we find the courage to forge ahead fearlessly (granted by its ruler, Mars).
We can anticipate some intensity around this full Moon because of Mars. The fiery warrior planet fuels and intensifies our emotions as he rules and aspects the Moon. The lower side of Mars can unfortunately incite anger, arguments and violence, so it is definitely possible that we may continue to see these elements across the country or the world. The higher side of Mars, however, is what helps us to find self-discipline and the courage to do what’s right. When we turn the fiery passion of Mars on ourselves, we can commit to becoming the strongest warriors of light that we can be.
There’s a great chance of tapping into this higher potential of Mars because he is transiting sidereal Capricorn, where he’s considered exalted. Here he gains the strength of exaltation triply right now through a trifold influence of Saturn:
- Saturn has rulership over Mars in Capricorn, where he is exalted.
- Saturn is aspecting Mars in Capricorn, from Scorpio.
- Saturn and Mars are exchanging signs (because Mars rules Scorpio), further facilitating cooperation between the two.
Saturn creates a positive influence on Mars, especially in this instance, because Saturn brings stability, patience, and an awareness of long-term goals to the planet of strength and action. Mars on his own can tend to be impetuous and act out, and can sometimes lead us into trouble when we follow our primal instincts without hesitation. He can draw us into arguing or feeling angry. Under Saturn’s influence in Capricorn, however, Mars finds more patience and perspective. The feminine, reflective nature of Capricorn helps us to turn Mars’ energy inward. We can channel his power into greater discipline, using our strength to fulfill our duties and responsibilities, and working courageously for the long-term good.
There is great potential to positively channel Mars’ elevated passion during this full Moon, as he casts his ruling aspect on the Moon in Aries. At the same time, Jupiter continues transiting Virgo, which gives us the opportunity to put our principles and beliefs into physical practices and routines that support them. If there’s something you believe in that you’re feeling passionate about, this whole year of Jupiter’s transit through Virgo is the time to create a physical rhythm to support it. Communicating about our principles is also key here.
This full Moon is also aligned with the Vedic nakshatra called Krittika, “the cutter.” This constellation’s symbols are a razor, an axe, or a flame, and our emotions may feel razor-sharp and fiery right now. This is in contrast to the dull sense of vitality many experienced earlier this month due to the Sun in Libra, and the heaviness of the Kala Sarpa yoga weighing on the mind. We need to stay committed to raising this vibration, because it definitely can lead to a destructive fire if not used wisely.
The full Moon in Krittika reminds us of all the fire and strength of the cosmos fueling our minds and hearts. The deities who rule here are Agni and Kartikeya, the embodied Lord of Fire and the warrior son of Shiva and Parvati. Like Kali, Krittika can help to cut away what is not serving us. Influenced by the purifying planetary power of the Sun, Krittika helps us to cut through illusion, negativity, and that which we don’t need.
Do it! The chance is here! Use the power of Krittika and the exalted Mars to cut away your own negativity or feelings of weakness. Let go of anger and channel the passion into positive acts of love. Allow the fire of discernment and purification to help you direct your energy into actions of lasting value. Remember that every low point is a jumping off point to pivot back to your strongest. The body may feel weak, but the mind and emotions know their own strength, as the fire rises inside of us. Give thanks for the courage and strength that we are reminded of on this Full Moon in Aries.
Om, Peace Peace Peace
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