Moon Whispers for October
The next full moon will be upon us October 14th, and will mark the celebration for the Goddess Lakshmi. It is referred to as the "Blood Moon” and is also the brightest night of the year. In last month's article, we talked about the Goddess Durga, and the Durga Puja. Zeffi gave her account of what it was like to visit the temple of Durga and feels it is important to include a set of articles written by two women who accompanied her on that particular day. So before we move on to Lakshmi, here is a beautiful article by Stephanie:
"I had the great blessing to share in the India retreat Zeffi led in September 2007...I recall our ride up the mountain in the dark to the temple. A ceremony was beginning at 7:30 p.m. and we wanted to get there early.
"I felt many emotions on our ride up the mountain. I felt like I had been there before and that I was coming home. The tears welled up in my eyes as I felt a deep connection. When we reached the top of the mountain, we had to park our car and walk the remainder of the way to the temple. As we walked, I felt very strong, protected, peaceful, like I belonged there. The feeling of total protection stayed with me.
"Before we entered the temple, we had to remove our shoes and walk barefoot into the temple. While we waited for the ceremony to begin, we sat on the floor. As we sat in silence, an Indian woman starting singing mantras. She had the most beautiful, powerful voice. I felt truly blessed to be there.
"When the ceremony began, and we were all able to view the Goddess, I was moved by the reverence, humility, and joy that all of the people displayed. I felt overcome with peace.
"I knew that going to India would somehow change my life, but I never anticipated I would feel so at home and protected in the energy there.”
Michelle wrote this next account, and it must be shared for the richness of her descriptions:
"From my room in the Mysore Palace in the state of Kerala in India, I could see the dimming outline of Chandika's Temple as the sun began to set against the lush profile of the mountain above me. My feelings at the time were a mixture of fear of this new and unknown environment and of wonder at the grace I had been granted by just being part of this small group of followers.
"Our small procession left early in the evening for the temple prayers and devotions. We wound our way up the winding road into the ever-growing darkness of the evening. Along our path walked families, the women in brightly colored saris and the men in white, lighting their ways with candles. We grew increasingly quiet the closer we came to the top of the mountain. I could feel a growing solemnity in the vehicle, along with a thrumming of vibration similar to an electrical discharge.
"Upon arriving at the top we could see hundreds, if not thousands of people waiting around the temple, many buying wares from the local vendors, such as sandals, incense, relics, flowers and many other gifts to give to the Goddess.
"Upon arrival to the temple, the followers of the Goddess took off their shoes before walking up the steps of the temple. As our small group moves into the antechamber, I begin to realize the special dispensation we must have recieved to be allowed to be not only a part of this process but also to be allowed inside the Durga's Temple. It is something that very few westerners ever get to experience. My heart felt wide open and a little bit vulnerable. What if I make a mistake, what if I displease this creator and destroyer? What can I learn from this? What if I just don't get it?
"As we sat awaiting entry, an older woman beside me began to sing. It was breath-takingly lovely and the simplicity of her sweet voice eased my worries, as I realized that this was a living example of true devotion for something beyond that which we have (in the western world) come to take for granted. The love grew as the throngs of people began to squeeze into the room and overflow and wind around the temple itself. This love was palpable, and so far beyond a simple church-going ceremony. This was the Durga, the savior of her people and they loved, adored and venerated her.
"I found myself seeing the reflection of the beautiful golden statue of the Goddess--she had been fed and bathed and readied for bed. This surprised me because I was not aware that the belief is that the actual goddess inhabit's the icon. She is a living reminder to the devotees within this crowd of her light and her strength and her mercy.
"Being allowed to participate in this act of adoration showed me that this is the Goddess of us all. She is all women and in her we can find the divinity within ourselves.”
From September 30th to October 8th, the Goddess Durga leads us into the next celebration called "Diwali” which is the Festival of Lights held in India. On this full moon, the Goddess Lakshmi will descend upon the Earth and banish the darkness of poverty, stagnation, anger and laziness. It is believed that she only blesses the houses that are clean and where hard-working people reside. She is also accompanied by her owl on this night especially, to take her into the darker corners of the world to bring in the light.
The Goddess is worshipped to acquire or to preserve wealth of all kinds, bringing us to her eight aspects:
Adi Lakshmi which is her primary manifestation;
Dhanya Lakshmi, for granary wealth;
Dhairya Lakshmi, for wealth in courage;
Gaja Lakshmi, shown with elephants which represent wealth;
Santana Lakshmi, for wealth of continuity;
Viyaja Lakshmi, for wealth of victory;
Vidya Lakshmi, for wealth of knowledge and education;
and Dhana Lakshmi, for monetary wealth.
As you can probably see, this is a very special and powerful time occuring right now! It is important for all of us to "clean house” and be ready for the opportunities that are coming our way, if not already before us. We just need to open ourselves to receiving that which is rightfully ours. Think about what it is you want. Think of Goddess Lakshmi and pray to her for the abundance you seek.
With that, we will close this time with a meditation to help you focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for the Goddess Lakshmi.
On the 30th of September, we are going to do our first meditation of Navarati. Light a little fire, write everything you don't want anymore on paper, and burn it. On the 1st of October, sit outside and look up into the stars and ask the Mother to bring you what you want. On the 2nd, visualize yourself in your power. On the 3rd, visualize any dark energy like fear and adversity leaving your body. October 4th, visualize your body in bliss and happiness. On October 5th, visualize your little girl becoming connected with you--embrace her, and bring her into you. October 6th, visualize yourselves in golden light. October 7th, visualize yourselves as very brave and ready to let go of any dark karma you have created in this lifetime and pastlifetimes; known and unknown. October 8th, visualize yourselves manifesting exactly what you want to create in your lives.
On October 14th, using the picture of Lakshmi here, which you can print, make a small altar on a red cloth. Put a small cup of purified water, red flowers and light a green candle. Play some music that you like or chants, and visualize the picture of Lakshmi becoming you. Let her come into you, and sit in that form quietly for as long as you can. Twenty minutes would be great. When you finish, drink the water and let the candle burn for as long as you are comfortable with it. Purchasing a green "prayer” candle in a glass container is a safer way to keep the light burning.
Hopefully, this meditation will bring to you the spiritual wealth you desire in all aspects of your life.