Khojagiri Poornima (Full Moon (FM)) follows Sharad Navratri & Dusshera. Moon in Aries on this FM is directly opposite Sun in Libra. Energy of Libra is inclined towards decentralization or distribution of power; like, power in the hands of people rather than the king or one authoritarian person. Sun is the king or the one with concentrated power. When Sun is in Libra, it experiences dispersion of its power – hence is considered debilitated. One needs to work harder to connect to the Sun within while it is Libra – which work a little extra at our own confidence, empowerment & self-knowledge. It’s like doing a bit more internal work to know your worth in a marketplace. On the other hand, energy of Aries has to do with individualization – reigning in power for our own individual pursuits. Moon is that part of us that seeks connection with others; & in Aries is trying to learn to pursue personal endeavors while trying to connect to others. Clearly Aries & Libra are opposites in terms of reigning in power & distribution of power – so are Sun & Moon. This FM we are feeling this contrast in our own lives and perhaps trying to harmonize these seemingly opposing energies. How do we go about it then?
The answer lies in the tales of Krishna dancing Raas-Leela with the Gopis. Throughout the 9 nights of Navratri, Krishna, Radha & the Gopis congregated in Vrindavan gardens & danced in a circle. That’s why garba-dandiya, which are folk dances in a circle, are widely performed during Navratri in contemporary India. A circle also represents distribution & not hierarchy of power. On khojagiri FM, Krishna danced all night in a Raas-Leela with Gopis such that he replicated himself to dance with every single Gopi as well as Radha at the same time. In doing so, Krishna exemplifies duality & singularity. Krishna being the incarnation of source itself, was able to multiply his form to distribute his presence, yet each replica of himself was the whole & not just a fraction. Get it? This FM we are urged to find the whole in the fragments – to find the divine in the flawed – to see the pure essence of God in other people. We are urged to see the beauty in all even when we feel our own individual power is dispersed. We are urged to recognize our own power while connecting with our hearts to others – just liked Krishna did when he replicated himself – his essence multiplied rather than dispersed. During the Raas-Leela in Vrindavan, Krishna enlightened Radha (incarnation of Laxmi) such that she saw him in everything. That’s why some consider this day as Laxmi’s birthday (although I personally would celebrate the day Laxmi emerged from the milky ocean as her birthday). Lovers also profess their love to each other today wishing that their love be as pure as Radha-Krishna’s. Tonight’s FM was the original lover’s or Valentine’s Day – in harmony with the Libra-Aries energy
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Ashwini nakshatra is ruled by the medicine Gods, Ashwin kumars (who are twins, hint: duality like Krishna’s leela I explained above). Ashwini has healing powers. Therefore, rats of the FM in Ashwini nakshatra are said to have healing powers. Traditionally Indians make milk pudding & leave it in the moonlight to increase its healing properties. This milk pudding is then consumed as prasad. You can take the essence of these traditions & make it your own – like take a stroll in tonight’s FM. You can also take advantage of this FM’s energy & express your love to someone (need not be romantic)
~Malini
