Full Moon in Viśākhā: The Star of Purpose

FULL MOON

Artwork: Durga on her mount (vahana) Kota, Rajasthan, North-Western India, ca. 1860 

May 12th 9:56 AM PST | 22:26 IST

May’s full moon (Pūrṇimā) rises on Monday in the Vedic lunar mansion of Viśākhā विशाखा (sidereal Libra), the Star of Purpose.

With the new moon in Bharaṇī (Aries), we were presented with a culmination of recent energies—a pivotal threshold for purification, revealing deeper layers of the self, and initiating us into transformative new beginnings.

Libra, the sign most in need of balance, holds Viśākhā at its edge. This asterism, said to be the birth star of Sūrya Graha (the Sun), invites us to clarify our intentions. Through the churning of duality, the singular is born. Success now depends not only on the goals we set, but on whether they serve a larger whole. There is power in sustained effort and one-pointed focus—while also softening our attachment to the outcome.

Artwork: Pinterst

Viśākhā is symbolized by a triumphal arch, suggesting arrival and initiation, and its name means "two-branched"—signifying the crossroads of choice. Ruled by two deities, Indra (king of the gods and storms) and Agni (god of fire), this lunar mansion awakens the śakti (energy) of ambition, devotion, and courageous pursuit. 

It supports the inner fire needed to clear what has outlived its purpose and to devote oneself to building anew. This lunation invites a quiet harmonizing between self and other—not through striving, but through sincere presence.

This full moon is also known as Buddha Pūrṇimā—the night Siddhārtha Gautama, the one we now revere as the Buddha, sat beneath the Bodhi tree and vowed not to rise until he had seen the truth. Through the long hours of night, he faced the illusions of the mind and the final tests of the path. By dawn, he crossed the threshold into awakening.

Artwork: Pinterest

This full moon also marks Kūrma Jayantī, honoring the second avatāra of Lord Viṣṇu. In this form, Viṣṇu incarnated as the divine tortoise to support Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthana—the cosmic churning of the ocean. Kūrma avatāra is associated with Śani Graha, who embodies steadiness, restraint, and the capacity to bear what others cannot. Śani exalts in the heart of Libra—governing the control and measured flow of prāṇa that steadies the path of dharma.
We will explore more in our monthly gathering:

Vidyā & Chai — Group Meditation & Sacred Storytelling
5/11 5:30 PM PST | 5/12 6AM IST
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All my Relations - Tulsi 

“Ground yourself, strip yourself down, 

To blind loving silence.

Stay there, until you see

You are gazing at the Light

With its own ageless eyes”

~ Jalaluddin Rumi

Full Moon in Aśvinī: The Star of Transport

FULL MOOn पूर्णिमा

Artwork by @chaya.collective - Aśvinī Kumaras

October 17th 13:26 Spain | 4:26 AM PST

 

The full moon (Pūrṇimā ) of October aligns with the first Vedic lunar mansion in the zodiac, Aśvinī (Aries), known as the star of transport. With the new moon in Hasta finding its culmination here, this period becomes a potent time, charged for new beginnings and the initiation of forward movement with your projects and plans.

Aśvinī holds the spark of latent power, igniting the unmanifest into manifestation. Ruled by the Aśvinī Kumāras, the celestial physicians to the Gods, this nakshatra embodies healing, rejuvenation, and the power of alternative medicine. Symbolized by the head of a horse, it carries the vitality and eagerness to start the journey and express ideas with a swift and determined energy. Initiatives taken now, especially those related to health and healing, are said to bear rapid results, harnessing the potency of creation itself.

Artwork: Pinterest

There’s a desire here for a fresh start and rebirth, one that lays the foundation for something enduring. This is attainable through unwavering focus and a commitment to the inner and outer purifications that may have kept you in a holding pattern. This constellation carries the swift momentum to achieve one’s objectives, much like its animal totem, the horse.  Just as the racehorse wears blinders to avoid distraction or misstep, we too must maintain singular focus, centered in our own lane. Let us remain resolute — unmoved by the opinions, expectations, or noise of the waking dream and world around us — steadfast in the pursuit of what truly matters.

Like a doorway wide open, we enter the final month of Saturn's retrograde, now in Śatabhiṣā. Take advantage of this moment to see things a little more clearly. This period offers a second chance to revisit unresolved matters from early March and April, with a fresh perspective—inviting you to approach them with newfound clarity and refined sense of mastery. 

With Jupiter also retrograde in Mṛgaśirā, the Searching Star, we are called inward—to recalibrate our inner compass and deepen our quest for truth and wisdom. This is a time for introspection, for refining the tools we carry forward on our path, and for embracing the revelations that emerge from within.

Artwork: Pinterest - Rāsalīlā

This potent full moon marks the beginning of Kārttik, one of the most sacred months in the Vedic calendar, and is celebrated as Sharad Pūrṇimā. On this night, the moon is adorned with all sixteen celestial arts (kalas), enhancing its spiritual significance. Its healing and nurturing energies are believed to be at their peak, and its light is said to carry divine nectar, offering rejuvenation to those who bathe in its glow.

Legend tells of Lord Kṛṣṇa performing the divine Rāsalīlā with the gopis of Vṛndāvan under this luminous full moon, symbolizing the union between the devotee and the divine. 

The celebration also marks the end of the monsoon season. It is believed that Goddess Lakṣmī descends to Earth on this night—her devotees seek to become absorbed in her eightfold nature, offering their hearts in devotion and reverence.

Many will engage in moon-gazing, place homemade rice pudding (kheer) under the moonlight, or immerse themselves in devotion to Goddess Lakṣmī. These rituals harness the positive energies of the moon, inviting blessings of abundance, rejuvenation, and spiritual elevation into their lives.

ॐ श्रीं महा लक्ष्म्यै नमः

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To book a private Vedic Astrology consultations, pleave visit: Jyotish Astrology

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pūrva Bhādrapadā: The Scorching Pair

FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE

Pūrva Bhādrapadā

Artwork: Pinterest - Chinnamastā

September 17th, 19:35 PM PDT | 18th 4:35 AM Spain

Our last eclipse season of the year commences with a partial lunar eclipse (Candra Grahaṇam - चन्द्र ग्रहणं) on the 17th/18th of September, occurring in the Vedic lunar mansion of Pūrva Bhādrapadā पूर्वभाद्रपदा (Pisces), the Burning Pair.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā is symbolized by metamorphosis, rebirth, tapas (penance), perseverance, and the undifferentiated fire energy that has the capacity to raise our consciousness. This transit requires careful handling, as it is defined by the goals we set for ourselves and our full commitment to them. Eclipses welcome a time outside of time, creating potent moments for accelerated spiritual growth. 

Lunar eclipses are like doorways through which we can peer deeper into ourselves. The veil is thinning now, as if you’re awakening from a deep sleep. That which is ready to be healed is brought to the surface and revealed. Hidden energies are emerging. The impact of a lunar eclipse offers an instant reveal, while the solar eclipse on 10/2 will resonate for months to come, weaving the energetic tapestry that will shape the next six months of our journey—like an omen of the energies ahead.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth aligns precisely between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface—a moment where light meets shadow, reflecting profound cosmic shifts. Typically, there are two eclipse seasons per calendar year (on rare occasions, three), each season bringing forth two or sometimes three eclipses. This phenomenon occurs because the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to the ecliptic plane, crossing it only twice per year.

The points where the Sun and Moon intersect this ecliptic plane, positioned exactly 180 degrees apart, are known as the lunar nodes, or Rāhu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology. These shadowy grahas, often referred to as the 'great awakeners,' govern the eclipses and symbolize the dance between light and darkness within our lives. As the eclipse occurs, we are offered an opportunity to confront our shadows, disrupt old patterns, and awaken to deeper truths within our journey.

Utilize this time wisely, especially on the day of the eclipse—slow down, take a step back, pause, and go deeper than you’ve been willing to go before. Sit with and observe all that moves through you—this is the most important time to see into yourself. In ancient times, many would fast during the eclipse window (9/17, 17:41–21:47 PM PDT) and immerse themselves in a salt bath or the ocean, not only to purify their energies but to decompress the spine, allowing the body and mind to recalibrate.

This is a powerful time for our personal sādhana (practice)—it is said that any mantra or practice taken up during this time offers potency a thousandfold. I will personally be steeping in a simple āsana practice, accompanied by bhrāmarī prāṇāyāma (bumblebee breath—humming while holding the postures), followed by meditation, breathwork, kriya, mantra practices, a fast and an ocean swim once the eclipse is complete.

Symbolized by a male lion, sword and two-faced man representing both duality and transformation. The deity of this nakṣatra (constellation), Aja Ekapāda (one of the eleven Rudras - thundergods or forms of Lord Śiva), holds immense spiritual energy. Aja Ekapāda translates to “one-footed,” representing balance and stability amidst the chaos and duality of existence. It suggests the one-pointed foundation we’re seeking, which provides the ability to remain grounded and centered in the face of life’s upheavals. 

Artwork: Pinterest - Ardhanārīśvara

Holding the energy or power (Yajamana Udyamana Śakti) of elevation through sacrifice, or ‘giving away,’ can refer to offering one’s resources or self in the fire ceremony (the fire of tapas). This alchemical process of metamorphosis arises from balancing duality and achieving transformation through one-pointed spiritual discipline and sacrifice. This cycle is defined by how we manage large amounts of life force energy and our capacity to channel focus into a particular goal that supports inner growth. Another point of learning is cultivating satisfaction with what one already has.

Pay extra attention if you’re running a dasha (cycle) or sub-period of Rāhu, or if you have any planets sitting in Pūrva Bhādrapadā (Pisces)—especially your Moon or rising sign (lagna).

This eclipse is offering momentum and seeks to clear something out. Expect instant exposure to hidden truths and heightened emotions—be kind to yourself, your body and others. Don’t be too direct right now. ‘Not my monkey, not my circus,’ is a personal mantra of mine for eclipse season. Listen to the subtle energies coming forward now. Reassess your habits, patterns, and especially your health routines—take note of any warning signs from your body. 

Stay rested and keep life simple. This is a perfect time to release outdated patterns. Delay travel and public engagements on the day if possible. Postpone major decisions for about a week to allow energies to settle and integrate.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā seeks to bridge heaven and earth and holds the power to elevate through sacrifice. This sacrifice contains the energy to draw down spiritual power through tapasya and into the central channel. This energy rises to melt the hidden moon in our brain, gracing us and raining down blessings. Clarity is on its way.

For more personalized, in-depth guidance on how to navigate these celestial waters, please visit Jyotish Consultations to book a Vedic Astrology Consultation.

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The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. 

- Alan Watts

Published Article with Millential Magazine: How to Navigate the Spiritual Growth of the Sept. 17/18 2024 Lunar Eclipse