We are in the midst of the dark moon. In vedic astrology, dark moons are represented as Shivaratri - the moon of Shiva. The dark moon is a call to dive within, to come to stillness. This moon in particular is known as the Maha Shivaratri, or the Great Shiva Moon.
Shiva represents consciousness, nothingness, stillness, silence, and living beyond all ignorance and obstacles. He is known as the master of death. The energy of Shiva helps us to cultivate a spirit of supreme detachment, known in Sanskrit as Vairagyam. Aligning with Shiva can give us access to our authentic power, our Truth. Much is revealed to us within the deep silence cultivated with Shiva. As we cultivate an understanding of the consciousness of Shiva, we then experience the fullness of life-force energy, Shakti. It is through this union of Shiva and Shakti, of pure consciousness and infinite energy, that we come to self-realization —- the Truth of who are will set us free.
During this dark moon, Shiva calls us to spend more time in our devotional practices - practices that allow us an experience of supreme silence and stillness. The energy of this moon supports us diving into our inner world, spending time in our aloneness, in stillness, in meditation. As we do, we begin to tap into our innate fearlessness, healing karmic wounds, dropping false identities, leading us to discover our own indestructible nature.
The dark moon tomorrow is leading up to the new moon on Sunday. This new moon is in the nakshatra of Shatabhisha which falls in the constellation of Aquarius, known as the water-bearer. Shatabhisha literally means “a hundred healers”. This moon bestows gifts of healing by pouring forth the cosmic waters from the pitcher of Aquarius to nourish humanity.
So, the call over the next 3 days is to look within and inquire -
What is ready to come forth to be healed, to be released, to be transmuted?
Who am I ? —— not your labels or your identities, what is the Truth of who you are?
What is preventing me from aligning with this Truth, from living from this Truth?
This is a beautiful time to fast - mindful eating of easily digestible foods, avoiding toxic energy-zapping substances, disconnecting from electronics, spending more time nature, in meditation, kriya and other Sadhana practices, and really observing your inner world. Caring for yourself particularly with salt-water baths can be very beneficial during this cycle. Observe. Witness. Honor. Heal.
