New Moon in Punarvasu: Star of Renewal

Amāvásyā

July 5th 15:58 PST

Artowrk: Pinterest

A refreshing renewal dawns with July’s new moon, which aligns with Venus in the Vedic lunar mansion of Punarvasu पुनर्वसु (sidereal Gemini), the Star of Renewal. Symbolized by a quiver of arrows, Punarvasu holds the power to bestow prosperity and represents the light that returns after a storm.

There is a palpable energy in the air suggesting that resources and vitality are now at your command. This new beginning is centered on how we nurture and care for ourselves, instilling a sense of hope and creating stability.

The pulse of this month encourages the integration of wisdom through experience and the revitalization of mind, family, and security. Arrows, associated with movement, urge us to strive toward our objectives. These particular arrows are thought to be magical; once released and their objective obtained, they circle back, symbolizing renewal and offering a second chance. This renewal of energy brings hope for positive transformation from darkness to light.

You may feel a bit restless, as if you’re taking two steps forward and four steps back, eager to move to the next phase. Just as nature appears refreshed and harmonious after a storm, this new moon brings a breath of fresh air—a renewal. You may feel called to elevate your energy to the next level. If you choose to pick up the pace, be mindful of maintaining perspective and awareness amidst your momentum.

Maintain focus on your priorities while remaining patient. Release distractions that divert you from your desired destination and ensure you’re fully committed to your choices. Move one step at a time, keeping your action steps and goals private. 

Stay present, expand your awareness, and maintain the big-picture perspective. Do not compromise your long-term visions for immediate progress. Stabilize your purpose, ground your emotions, and tend to family and relationship healing.

To book a private Vedic Astrology consultation and talk about what the current planetary alignment means for YOU and to read my full bi-monthly astrological blog, please visit: Jyotish Consultations

Saturn Retrograde in Pūrva Bhādrapadā: The Scorching Star

Saturn Retrograde

वक्री शनि

Photo: Pinterest

Śani, the venerable son of Surya Dev (Sun), takes his place as a shadowy figure astride a crow. He is the planet of restraint and duty, the essence of patience, the measured one, the bestower of longevity, and the guardian of time itself.

Please note there’s a potent window for remedies and bestowing of blessings as Śani becomes stambhi (stationary), a few  days before and after he stations retrograde (26/6-3/7).

From June 29/30th to November 14/15th, Saturn begins its annual retrograde motion (vakrī) in the constellation of Pūrva Bhādrapadā पूर्वभाद्रपदा (Aquarius), the Scorching Star.

Pūrva Bhādrapadā

Pūrva Bhādrapadā desires to bridge heaven and earth and holds the power to elevate through sacrifice. This sacrifice contains the energy to produce and draw down spiritual energy through tapasya (austerity). This energy elevates to melt the hidden moon in our brain, gracing us and raining down blessings.

Retrograde Power

When planets become retrograde, they are said to increase in power. This cycle beckons metamorphosis as this asterism is all about life and death, rebirth, tapas (penance), perseverance, and transformative fires. Confronting energies are motivating change.

Reassessing Goals

Artwork by: Jahnavi Lucas (Samadhi Collective)

During Saturn retrograde, we are encouraged to reassess our long-term goals connected to the house where Aquarius falls in our birth chart. Aligned with Aquarius ruling the natural 11th house, it prompts us to refine our social networks and connections. Embrace those who light you up, foster genuine connections, and share like-mindedness. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage, welcome, and support your authentic self and personal growth. Simultaneously, this period may unveil the necessity of releasing toxic connections that no longer serve your well-being.

Personal Guidance

For more personalized guidance on this long, impactful transit, know that I am here to support you and do offer one-on-one Vedic Astrology readings, which you can book at the link in my bio.

All my Relations

"I believe in all that has never yet been spoken. I want to free what waits within me so that what no one has dared to wish for may for once spring clear without my contriving. 

If this is arrogant, God, forgive me, but this is what I need to say. May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children. Then in these swelling and ebbing currents, these deepening tides moving out, returning, I will sing you as no one ever has, streaming through widening channels into the open sea." ~ Rilke 

The Practical Wisdom of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra: Insights into the Sādhana-pāda

The Practical Wisdom of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra: Insights into the Sādhana-pāda

Photo by: Christian Adam

Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra is an ancient text that has guided spiritual seekers for over 5000 years. It is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga, divided into four sections (Pādas). The second section, Sādhana-pāda, is particularly significant as it outlines the means of spiritual attainment. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of Sādhana-pāda, focusing on the practice of Kriyāyoga.

Understanding the Sādhana-pāda

The Sādhana-pāda consists of 55 aphorisms, offering practical advice for achieving spiritual goals. It builds upon the theoretical framework established in the first section, Samādhi-pāda, which defines the state of Samādhi (total absorption or transcendental consciousness).

Kriyāyoga: The Path of Action

The first few verses of Sādhana-pāda introduce Kriyāyoga, a practice aimed at cultivating Samādhi and minimizing kleśas (afflictions). The key components of Kriyāyoga are:

• Tapas (austerity, purification, or self-discipline—mental, moral, and physical)

• Svādhyāya (study of the Self through mantra repetition, study of sacred literature, reflection, and meditation)

• Īśvarapraṇidhāna (complete surrender/devotion to Isvara - God)

अथ साधनपादः ।

तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः ॥ २.१ ॥

atha sādhanapādaḥ । tapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni kriyāyogaḥ || 2.1 ||

The objective of Kriyāyoga is clearly outlined by Patañjali:

Preparation for Samādhi: Kriyāyoga prepares the citta (mind-stuff) for entering Samādhi.

Reduction of Kleśas: Kleśas are the root causes of pain and sorrow and the drivers of evil actions. By practicing Kriyāyoga, these afflictions are weakened, paving the way for the higher stages of aṣṭāṅgayoga (the eightfold path of yoga).

In a nutshell, like any metal is purified by burning it in fire, tapas is a process of purification for the senses and mind. Practices like āsana (posture), prāṇāyāma (breath control), ṣaṭkarma (cleansing techniques), and fasting are all part of this purification process.

Tapas: The Ultimate Purification

prāṇāyāmaḥ paramaṃ tapaḥ

"Prāṇāyāma is the supreme tapas."

Tapas is not about restricting desires. Suppression of desires can lead to perverted behavior. Instead, desires are to be sublimated, transformed into higher aspirations.

Svādhyāya: Transforming the Self

Svādhyāya is crucial because it transforms the psychology of the practitioner. By engaging in self-study and reflection, one gains a deeper understanding of the Self, leading to greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Īśvarapraṇidhāna: Diminishing the Ego

Devotion to God, or Īśvarapraṇidhāna, helps diminish the ego. This self-surrender is essential for the confluence of karma (action), jñāna (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion) in Kriyāyoga. It sets the right attitude of mind for achieving Samādhi and reducing kleśas.

Dr. I. K. Taimni (scholar) provides additional insights into the practical application of Kriyāyoga. He explains that:

Tapas involves practices like prāṇāyāma (breath control).

Svādhyāya includes praṇava japa (chanting of the sacred syllable OM) and the study of sacred texts.

Īśvarapraṇidhāna encompasses upāsanā (worship), gāyatrijapa (chanting of the Gāyatrī mantra), and sandhyā-vandanam (daily prayers).

According to Taimni, the objectives of Kriyāyoga are twofold:

Preparing the citta for Samādhi: This requires devotion to Īśvarapraṇidhāna throughout the yoga path.

Reducing Kleśas: Kleśas are the root causes of pain, sorrow, and evil actions. Kriyāyoga serves as a preparatory practice for aṣṭāṅgayoga.

Through the disciplined practice of Kriyāyoga, practitioners can purify their senses, transform their psychology, and diminish their ego, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation. Dr. Taimni's insights provide a valuable guide to understanding and implementing Kriyāyoga in daily life.

Stay tuned for more insights on the profound teachings of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra.

योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचं मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन। योऽपाकरोत तं प्रवरं मुनिनां पतंजलिं प्रांजलिरानतोऽस्मि ॥ आबाहु पुरुषकारं शंखचक्रसि धारिणम्।