We have approached a turning point according to the Vedic calendar. January 14th marks Makar Sankranti, when the Sun (the light of our soul) enters into Capricorn, Saturn’s sign of hard work. The northward movement of the Sun, known as Uttarayana is widely celebrated by Hindus and particularly in South India, where the festival is called Pongal. My mum often told me stories of these celebrations from her childhood! In the north Indian region from which we originate, Uttarayana is celebrated through playfully flying kites from rooftops! This movement upwards symbolises the flight of the spirit towards the light.
Notice the energy around implementing new habits and routines this time of year. The struggle to keep good habits and intentions going is reflected in the opposing energies of Sun and Saturn who aren’t entirely friends, as both have differing agendas!
One desires to shine, the other delivers our karmic debt; our past conditioning will no doubt turn up to sabotage this desire to move out of the shadow and into the light — to meet our goals and align with our purpose (the Sun’s impetus.)
How to Keep Momentum Going…
I got off to a great start in these first two weeks of January. I just GOT SHIT DONE.
Here’s how:
⫸ I created a clearing.
⫸ Literally, I decluttered.
⫸ I spent time writing and reflecting on loose ends and what is not working and where I need to release my grip.
⫸ I allowed myself to unclog emotional channels and let the grief flow.
⫸ I rebuilt the connection with my ancestors last year and brought them offerings through ritual, and continue to do so!
⫸ I developed and nurtured my taproot and worked on clearing first chakra blockages — tending particularly to environment, health of body, and sense of stability.
⫸ I let go of making excuses and led with action.
How to keep this going?
Don’t make me say it…..
‘Don’t think…..FEEEEEEL …it is like a finger pointing to the moon.’
Yes, my main man Bruce Lee had the wisdom all along.
I’m not suggesting I’ll be able to keep up this momentum, but I shifted myself away from excuses (mental patterns on repeat) — I simply executed, not allowing myself to spend too much time on the distractions and thoughts that lead me away from doing what I want and need to do for my life and work, and self-care.
The lesson: Lead with body and body’s desire, act when it has energy, rest when it doesn’t. Keep synching with nature’s cycles and inner rhythms.
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN CAPRICORN
The fastest moving planet goes retrograde from January 14th until February 3rd. For further knowledge about this time and questions to reflect on, see my article, ‘Mercury Retrograde: Reflect, Plan and Re-do.’
As mentioned, Capricorn’s ruler is Saturn, this is a practical earth sign, and therefore an optimal setting in which to put structures and systems in place to enhance support and clarity in all areas of life. This will also help set you up for more success with body and money.
Saturn is the karaka (indicator) of Yoga and Ayurveda, therefore, establish good health routines for mind and body. In this Mercury retrograde period, listen and learn from revelations and act in ways that Saturn would be pleased. Watch out for burn out or a feeling of exhaustion at the end of the month (22nd Jan and 4th Feb) when Sun and Mercury conjunct and combust. Taking responsibility through discipline is the theme with Capricorn energy.
Are you an absolute beginner in Jyotish and interested in studying your own Vedic birth chart? Let me know. I’m gathering information for a new class offering! Email: payal@pranaandpoetry.com
FULL MOON INTENTION
Validate your own wholeness and fullness.
Moon is full and exalted in Cancer, Pushya nakshatra, the nourishing star that is ruled by Saturn — an auspicious event, enlivening themes of home, mother, sustenance and good feelings, but not without a sense of vulnerability as Saturn with Sun in Capricorn will be in exact opposition, bringing some pressure on January 17th.
Offer yourself the love of a mother; feed yourself well, care for your needs and replenish and balance your life force energy through the activation of routines and rituals, as you apply a maternal love, devotion and discipline.
JOURNAL THIS:
⫸ What is my morning self-care ritual and routine? What would give a greater sense of empowerment for the day ahead?
⫸ What is my nighttime self-care ritual and routine? What would help support a deep and nourishing sleep?
⫸ Where do I need to nurture more self-responsibility along with self compassion and kindness?
(Share your thoughts in our Facebook community — I’d love to hear how this guidance has supported you! More guidance in the Yoga Energy Reading below).
I am here to support your warrior’s path,
To help you trust your inner wisdom
And awaken your powerful roar!
Rise Up,
Payal
Yoga Energy Reading
SAHASRARA ~
The Seventh Chakra
“The Yoga tradition teaches us that the crown chakra is the region of the Moon or Soma (Chandra Kanda), just as the lower three chakras are the region of fire (Agni-Kanda). Soma, according to the Vedas, flows in a thousand streams. These are the thousand currents of the crown chakra, the Sahasrara or thousand petalled lotus. Physiologically, Agni relates to the solar plexus, while Soma relates to the soft palate in the head, the source of saliva and other secretions in the head. Balancing these two energy centers is an important Yoga practice.”
~ Archarya D. Frawley.
Sahasrara is the meeting point of the Sushumna Nadi, the central axis that runs up through the spinal column in the subtle body. This central nadi is also the point where Ida (chandra) and Pingala (surya), the left and right hemispheres of the brain harmonise, bringing us a state of deep rest and relaxation. Sahasrara activates the moon mind, connecting us with the divine nectar of inner nourishment, Soma. The crown chakra is called the thousand-petalled lotus, and its ultimate colour is white, like the full moon, denoting that this is the realm of the supreme consciousness.
The aim of yoga is to enter the state of Sat-Chit-Ananda, where the being becomes established in truth, consciousness, and bliss. To achieve this union with the divine, a uniting of the creative and destructive cosmic forces of Shakti and Shiva must take place, which is the end of perceiving the world through binaries, the end of the bondage of time — it is the state of wholeness and oneness with the Universe.
This oracle indicates that this is a time of receiving pure spiritual knowledge and teachings as Shiva is the inner Guru with whom the earthly self has yoked. And astrologically, Sahasrara is Jupiter, where higher knowledge becomes understood, and where the student is guided by a great wisdom.
The seventh chakra is also the realm of the ancestors, so work on establishing a relationship with your ancestral roots. Attend to meditation practices, stillness and deeper spiritual enquiry at this time.
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