We are an authentic Ayurveda wellness space located in Kitsilano - Vancouver.
February - New Moon of Shiva
This will be the new moon this Sunday, February 19 at 11:06pm, PST.
It will be aligned with the constellation Aquarius (sidereal astrology). This constellation, called Kumbha in Vedic astrology (meaning "pot") is represented by a man holding a pot and pouring out the nectar of knowledge and water from the ocean of prana in which we bathe. Aquarius brings universal consciousness, beyond our small self who has the illusion of being separate from the whole, and invites us to rethink the world we want to live in, to manifest new paradigms, to open up to community and collective consciousness, to unity with all-that-is.
In India, every year at the new moon in Aquarius, we celebrate Mahashivaratri, the great festival of Shiva. It is said to be a very auspicious time to dive deep within ourselves. According to Vedic mythology, Shiva, at the creation of the world, agreed to swallow the poison (halahala) so that the world could exist. Shiva is that part of us that is able to transform all the poisons of existence (negative emotions, traumas, environmental poisons, etc.) and transcend them.
The new moon will take place in the lunar constellation (nakshtra) called Shathabishak, which means "100 remedies". It is very favorable for all forms of therapy and healing, for taking sacred plants and new remedies.
This year the new moon is accompanied by Saturn, which is very favorable for deep introspection. Saturn always brings us to face reality, even if that reality is difficult to see. It brings the austerity necessary for detachment and invites us to autonomy and independence on all levels. If we are not aligned with our soul, Saturn's proximity to the sun and moon can bring fatigue, heaviness, lack of confidence, worthlessness, regret, worry, sadness and pessimism, even discouragement.
The good news is that the New Moon is surrounded by beneficial planets (subhakartari yoga). Venus, Neptune and Jupiter in Pisces give us hope, idealism, visions, compassion, devotion. Happy Shivaratri to all!
