How to Prepare for the Darkest New Moon of The Year
How to Prepare for the Darkest New Moon of The Year
Shine Your Light During the Diwali Festival!
If you're feeling down, depressed, or disappointed right now, you might be tapping in to the challenging energy of the upcoming New Moon in Libra. The Moon is currently in its Balsamic phase. This means that the Moon is in its deepest waning cycle as we approach the New Moon which will occur on November 13.
This is a dark time for the world, and it's common to struggle with pessimism, negativity, and other difficult feelings during this part of the annual lunar cycle. Fortunately, some positive Vedic events will occur during the next several days that may help us access more inner light to support us in this challenging astrological cycle!
Understanding the New Moon in Libra
The upcoming New Moon is one of the most difficult and potentially negative New Moons of the year. In general, some of us may feel pessimistic and emotionally empty in the days leading up to a New Moon. This is because the Moon is obscured by the Sun during this lunar event.
When the New Moon occurs in Libra, its naturally difficult impact is greatly magnified. Right now, the Sun is also located in this sign. Since the Sun is debilitated in Libra, it will lack strength during the New Moon. In Vedic astrology, the Sun represents our vitality, ego, and personal strength. In addition, the Sun is associated with the light of the outer world.
When the Sun is in Libra and the Moon is obscured, all of these elements may feel weak, dim, and lacking. The light of the outer world may feel dark, and the future might feel hopeless and depressing. These difficult effects are further heightened due to the agitating aspects of Mars and Uranus in the forthcoming New Moon chart. Please see my previous article where I discuss this in depth.
Tuning In To Your Inner Light During This Difficult Time
Fortunately, you can improve your outlook by tuning in to your inner light and celebrating Diwali during the next several days.
Diwali or Dipavali (meaning the Line of Lights) is the Festival of Lights observed by those who follow India's Vedic/Hindu, Jain, and Sikh cultural traditions. It is a spiritual and social celebration of the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.
This year, the religious and astrological observance of Diwali will extend from November 9-14. You can read more about each of these days of Diwali on the Drik Panchang website.
Celebrating the Holy Day of Dhanteras
The Diwali festivities themselves will commence on November 10, which is the holy day of Dhanteras. On this day, celebrants will clean their houses, light lamps, and make special paintings (called rangoli). This day commemorates Lord Dhanvantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Dhanvantari first emerged during the Samudra Manthan, the epic Churning of the Great Ocean elaborated in the Vishnu Purana.
Rangoli decorations are drawn on the floors or the entrances of homes to bring good luck and prosperity, and to welcome guests. They are a special part of Diwali celebrations in many homes. This one is by Subharnab Majumdar, originally posted to Flickr as the Rangoli of Lights.
Known as the God of Medicine, Lord Dhanvantari imparted the wisdom of Ayurveda to help rid humanity of disease. Dhanteras is a special day to pray for protection and blessings for all beings. You can invoke Lord Dhanvantari to assist those who are in need of healing. This is also a good day for health treatments or medical procedures.
Dhanvantari, miniature painting in the Rajastani style, made by the artist LaLa in Udipur. Painted in September 2004.
Celebrating the Lakshmi Puja
On Sunday, November 12, the Lakshmi Puja will take place. This is the most important day of Diwali, a sacred celebration commemorating the birth and blessing of Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of love, wisdom, beauty, progress, and prosperity.
The Lakshmi Puja day is an Abuj Muhurta when whatever positive action we set into motion has the potential to bring successful results in the long term. Lord Ganesh is often worshiped alongside Lakshmi on Diwali, and thus brings added blessings.
How to Tune In To Your Inner Light
Diwali is a very spiritual period for spiritual aspirants as it occurs around the New Moon in Libra, which will occur on November 13 (at 9:27 AM UTC). During Diwali, the Sun (soul) and the Moon (manas/mind) come together in Libra, the sign of prosperity and happiness. This also explains in part why the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshiped at this time.
The astral powers at this time are especially conducive to accessing the soul’s inner light and shining that light out into the world. We will especially benefit from contemplative practices (meditation, prayer, and chanting); lighting lamps, candles, and fires; spending quiet time in nature; offering charity and service to those in need; taking part in special pujas (spiritual ceremonies); and enjoying celebratory times with loved ones.
A Prayer for Diwali by Shailly Gupta Barnes
Om Jai Lakshmi
Goddess born from the struggle between good and evil
Guide us toward the light.
In a world where plenty is possible,
Let us end hunger, thirst and homelessness.
In your nurturing hands,
Let us seek refuge from want, fear and violence.
With your grace,
Let our world be reborn in your image,
Where all needs are met,
Where morality and love are abundant,
And whereby we are free.
Om Jai Lakshmi.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Peace. Peace. Peace.
On Diwali as always, I am sending love and light to our beautiful planet and to all its inhabitants, especially you, my friends. May your inner light shine brighter and brighter with each coming day during the Festival of Lights, and may you be blessed now and forever. Thank you!
Thank you. Very delightful.
Thank you for the explanation. 🤗