Guru Purnima- The day to honor as well as cherish our guides and teachers. On July 4-5, 2020 (depending on where you are in the world), we are going to have a powerful full moon- which is the day of Guru Purnima. In case, you are not aware then the full moon in the month of Ashada is called as the Guru Purnima.

You can read about the  Significance of Guru Purnima  as well as watch this  special message on the occasion of Guru Purnima and how you can utilize  it's essence to better your life. Watch on...

​#ascension #gurupurnima #divineguru #spiritualguru #jupiter #vedicdivineteacherarchetype #vedicarchetype #teacher #guidance #spiritualguide #guide #guru #dakshinamurthy #lordshiva #shiva #adiyogi #firstteacher #firstguru

​There is a lunar eclipse coming up this weekend and though it is a penumbral one, energetically it is very powerful.

Watch this short message on how you can utilize this energy...

​#sutak #ChandraGrahanSutak #LunarEclipseSutak #GrahanSutak #VedicWisdom #chandragraha #grahan #eclipse #eclipseritual #lunar #traditionalritual #Rahu #Ketu #southnode #northnode #lunarnodes

Today seems like a real special day all around!! For starters, we have Father’s Day and then we also have a powerful Solar Eclipse and it is also the start of Ashada Gupt Navratri and then to top it up- it is also the International Yoga Day.

Btw- if you have not still read my posts on all the other significances for today, then be sure to check them out. Particularly the special message for the powerful Solar Eclipse, we are having today!

United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June as International Yoga Day. In 2020, we will be celebrating the 6th. year of celebrating International Yoga Day.

21 June is the summer solstice. It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is believed to be the day, where Sun is shining at its brightest with total power- after all it is the longest day of the year (atleast for us folks in the Northern Hemisphere). 

In many cultures and spiritual traditions this day of summer solstice has many spiritual significances. It is considered to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. So, it makes perfect sense that this day be chosen to represent the International Yoga Day.
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After all, Yoga is not about bending, twisting, and turning… that is what gymnasts do!! 

In Yoga- we seek unison with the Divine- our very inner essence. Ultimately this inner essence is also the larger Divine essence. When we do Yoga, we are seeking inner balance and peace. This further allows us not only to achieve great physical health and well-being, but it also allows us to feel an increased sense of joy and happiness. 

 Routinely practicing Yoga helps us to feel vibrantly alive. 

If you already practice true Yoga (not acrobatics or gymnastics), then great- you can pat yourself on the back.   But, in case, you do not then why not make a pact with yourself on this occasion of International Yoga Day, that you will spend atleast a few minutes each day- doing simple yoga postures and breathing exercises. 

This will be your commitment towards ensuring you have better health and vitality.

​#Yoga #Pranayama #InternationalYogaDay #SummerSolstice #benefitsofYoga #YogaExercises

Today is Father’s Day. A father has a very tough job. He needs to show firmness and love at the same time. He needs to provide for the family and maintain a countenance that “all is well”, even though there are cracks and the situation is crumbling.
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He needs to show authority with patience and most importantly he needs to modify and morph himself as his children grow up… Because the child who willingly obeyed when they were little can soon start to feel they “know it all” and totally disregard even simple, helpful suggestions.

Usually mothers get the bigger share of our gratitude for love- and yes, it is true that a mother’s love is closest to pure manifestation of the Divine presence, but we also need to remember and honor our father. 

After all, it is his seed that allowed us to take birth on this earthly plane. It is not without a reason that we say Pitris (for our fore-fathers) and have Pitru-roon, which is the karmic debt we have (which we need to pay back) for our genetic lineage.

Today is the day to honor and remember our father- He is our first super-hero!! He guided and showed us the right path. When needed, he carried us, so we can have an advantage. He did that for us as a child and even today, he continues to do so- in person or in spirit from the heaven above... ​

Happy Father’s Day everyone… 

Just as a side-note: interestingly, today is also the start of Ashada Gupt Navratri, which is a special nine-nights festival to honor and celebrate the Mother Goddess. If you have not read my post about it, then do check it out…

​#father #FathersDay2020 #happyfathersday #honoringourfather #pitris #pitruroon #forefathers 

In a few hours from now, we are going to have a very powerful annular solar eclipse. Annular eclipse is when we find that a ‘ring of fire’ is formed around the sun with its center being shadowed and blocked by the moon.
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In addition, at the present time, we have six grahas that are appearing retrograde from earth’s vantage (observation) point. In case, you are not aware of what grahas mean- then colloquially in astrology, they are called as planets, though in the true sense they are not! After all north and south node of the moon, as well as the moon and the sun cannot be called planets, but they surely are grahas!!

You can learn more about the grahas here. I have also embedded the video below for quick reference…

This particular solar eclipse is again energetically quite perturbing. I am saying again, because, if you remember the last solar eclipse, we had back in Dec 26, 2019 set several changes in motion. The world as a collective and each one of us individually are still trying to come to grips with the ‘new normal’ that was set in motion.

This solar eclipse will also set several actions in motion. You will observe several activities happening over the span of these next several weeks and months that will be very upsetting to us at all levels of our being- physical, emotional, psychological, and even spiritual. 
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Though there are always many lessons and messages that arise from such powerful occurrences, at a predominant level the one thing we all will need to work on for ourselves is examining our wishes, wants, desires, beliefs and so on.

At a simple level, each one of us will need to observe within to see what has been going on in our life for a very long time and is not serving our purpose anymore!! It is time to weed out all that is draining our energy without serving a true purpose in our life and ensuring that we focus on those activities, people, situation and so on that bring us vitality, joy and happiness- i.e. contribute to our overall wellbeing.

As life progresses we change, our wishes, wants and desires change- but many a times, we continue to still do the same things and hang out with the same people- without giving it a conscious consideration that are these actions, people, situations in alignment with the path I have now chosen for myself- i.e. are my actions in-sync with my desires. 
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Doing this is important. In the short term it can seem disrupting and even emotionally upsetting, as we let go of old outdated behaviors, but in the long run, it is good for us- because it will set us on the right path to achieve and accomplish our goals, our life objectives.

Like all new moons, this new moon will also bring us new beginnings. And given the intense annular solar eclipse, you will find that these beginnings have an intensity- which can at times, seem to uncomfortable and upsetting.

​The more you are aware of these natural cycles and in-tune with what the Universe is saying to you… i.e. your own inner workings and your soul-calling, this phase will be that much easier for you (isn’t that always the case??).

​So, as much as possible try and practice Conscious and Aware Living. It will help you immensely to tarry thru this unsettling and intense timespan!!

Given this is a very powerful solar eclipse, make sure to follow the sutak (traditional rituals)- particularly if it is visible in your area.

Though, it is always a good idea to not eat or drink during the eclipse and utilize the eclipse time to pray and conduct sadhana. It is also a great time to contemplate on your life-path… where do you find yourself and what else you could do to ensure a smoother path ahead. i.e. what else could you do that will ensure that you continue to stay the course and walk the path that leads to your ultimate wellbeing!

Wishing everyone a wonderfully blessed eclipse time ahead…

#Grahan #Eclipse #Sutak #suryagrahan #solareclipse #grahansutak   ​#Karma #Graha #SoulKarma  #KarmicClearing #PastLifeTherapy #Grahas   #energymessage #specialmessage #intuitiveguidance   #energyguidance

Happy Mother's Day weekend everyone!! 
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This year, we have Mother’s Day on May 10, 2020. If you mother is around then I hope that you have an awesome day with her- in person or long distance. And, in case, she is not around, then know that she is watching over you from the heavens above… ❤️❤️

​#HappyMothersDay #MothersDay2020

Today we have a very powerful Super New Moon!! New Moons are powerful in their own right, but this one is even more potent given the fact that it is also a super new moon. 

New moons bring us the cosmic energies where we can consolidate all our contemplation, wishes, and wants from the previous 15 days and then once the first sliver of the moon shows up- then we can initiate new plans. This way, we are working in tune with nature!
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The moon wanes from the previous full moon to the new moon and all along we should be working on various things that we want to let go- things that are not good for us. Things, people, relationships, and situations that are not working out for us. We need to identify such toxic and detrimental issues and situations, so that we can address them and as much as possible eliminate them from our life, so that we can enhance our physical, material and spiritual wellbeing.

​Then finally when we traverse thru the fifteen days from the previous full moon to the New moon, or to be precise no-moon time, called amavasya in Sanskrit, then, this is the perfect time to finally let it all go- all those various detrimental situations. 

Then finally when we traverse thru the fifteen days from the previous full moon to the New moon, or to be precise no-moon time, called amavasya in Sanskrit, then, this is the perfect time to finally let it all go- all those various detrimental situations. 

This way, we can start afresh once the moon starts to build itself with the new moon, which is when the first sliver of the moon is visible. 

Note: If you are familiar with the Panchang (Indian Vedic almanac), then you can look up the date and time for pratipada to start initiating new plans into action.

Then over the coming fifteen days, we can start working on our vision, intension and plans to bring new positive and beneficial situations into our life and then this phase will culminate with the upcoming full moon.

This way, by aligning ourselves with the lunar phases, we are able to live and work more in-sync with the natural rhythms of the cosmic energy!

The next point that comes up is- okay, so the above is true for all lunar cycles then what is so special about this coming one? Well, there are two key reasons why the new moon of April 22, 2020 is very powerful.

The power and the rhythm of this date is apparent, even to someone who is not familiar with the numerological occult sciences! 

In numerology, 4 is a very powerful number and the number 22 is a master number (called the Master Architect) and here on April 22, 2020; we have a triple power of the 4 number- April month, which is 4 and also the day number 22, which reduces to 4 and then finally the year 2020, which has the doubles of 2 and 0s and is reduced to a single digit of 4.

Plus, today we will also be experiencing strong meteor showers. This will lend lots of more power and intensity to the already powerful super new moon!

At some deep level you will notice that this day marks the laying down of foundation for our life (going forward). Ofcourse, on the exact day, you may experience enhanced anxiety or nervousness- along with intermittent thoughts of fear and panic-response… but as you work thru them, you will find that the decisions you make, the actions you take have far-reaching and profound impact on your life… they will truly be life-defining!!

On a larger more global scale, we know that these last several weeks of lockdown, economic uncertainty and social isolation has forced people and societies to re-evaluate what truly matters in our life!! 

At some deep level, people have been forced to re-evaluate what really matters to them- what is truly important to them and ultimately what brings them happiness!! 

Coming so close with a medical threat, have made people appreciate the fragility of our life. Because of this, now more than ever, people are questioning their long-held beliefs, their thoughts about faith and so on… basically questioning everything for its validity and relevance to their own life and well-being.

This is not limited to only their vocation and relationships, but also larger societal structures such as the communities they affiliate with, the organizations they support, the political parties they vote for and even the educational institutions they have believed, hold the key to their bright futures- people are starting to question it all… and since it is individuals that form communities and societies, we will find that people raise up several crucial points!

So, on a global scale, you may find that this time triggers, fundamental shifts in how people act and react to what has been “the normal” to-date. 

You will find that people are contemplating and questioning and making changes as the need be- in their own journey. Some of this could be simple and only impact that individual or close family members and other steps could impact a greater group. Some of these changes could be calm, peaceful discussions and then some others could have unsettling and unpleasant repercussions in the near term. 

But finally, once the dust settles and humanity has evolved into their own better version… and we look back, we will find that today’s super new moon was when we as individuals and humanity as a whole, laid the foundation of a new earth. 

We are being showered by these cosmic energies and a new way of life is bound to be the final outcome- do we traverse this path consciously- by evolving ourselves or will life (and circumstances) drag us into this new way of living, that will be our individual choice to make. 

This super new moon, we need to welcome this path of ascension… to our spiritual renaissance (for us as individuals and for humanity as a whole).

​#April222020 #EarthDay2020 #SuperNewMoon #Ascension #NewEarth #SpiritualAwakening

Today is Earth Day- it is time for us to celebrate our connection with mother earth, Gaia, or Bhumi devi.

Most of us have either been working from home or have been under strict lock-down!! This has helped to not just reduce pollution levels in several global cities, but the air quality has markedly improved across our planet!! 

With next to zero flights, we have been able to reduce (if not stop) the destruction of earth’s ozone layer. 
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As we work from home and reduce our shopping errands, we find that our freeways are not crowded with traffic. Usually most people complain about rising gas costs and then there are those industry pundits who claim that we do not have enough crude oil to support our growing demand! 

But- as things have panned out these last few weeks, we know that this is not true. When we respectfully utilize our natural resources, use what is truly needed as per our real requirement and avoid excessive consumption; then we find that our natural resources can go a long way!! 

Not only that we do not need to worry about them getting over, but as we respectfully consume what our mother earth provides us- be it natural minerals, food, water, air, habitat and so on… there is more than enough for all of us. There is neither a need to be greedy nor any need to fear depletion.

Earth has always been regarded as a mother Goddess- Gaia. She is called Bhumi Devi in Sanskrit. And as we would approach any other deity, traditionally we have always regarded mother earth with utmost respect and reverence. We used to pray to her and show our gratitude for all the goodness she provides us.

We used to share a symbiotic relationship with Gaia. But then somewhere along the path, we got sidetracked. We got blinded by our ambitions as well as the ensnaring glitz of success and money. We started taking so much pride in our success, our innovations and rising corporate profits; that we stopped being symbiotic and started being parasitic towards our mother earth. 

Just in case, you are wondering about the difference between the two- then, where two living beings share a symbiotic relationship, they conduct themselves in ways that benefit each other. A good example would be our intestinal good bacteria. We provide a nice happy living space to these bacteria and they in turn help us in efficiently processing our body’s waste elimination. Parasitic relationship on the other hand is where ONLY one organism benefits from the relationship. It tends to keep draining the host till there is nothing left to take any further. A good example of this would be a virus!! 

It is time we stop our looting and pillaging of Gaia. We need to consume responsibly and show more gratitude for Gaia’s immense blessings- in the form of extensive natural resources.

With today being Earth Day, let us take some time to contemplate on our decisions and action. The lock-downs and work-from-home situation will end in due time, but what can you as an individual and as a collective (family, community and so on) do to ensure that our carbon emissions continue to reduce.

​How can you build a symbiotic relationship with our mother earth and not one that is parasitic!! Will you plant more trees and/or find ways in which to ‘green’ your lifestyle and implement simple (and yet profound) sustainable living principles in your daily life- like eliminating or atleast reducing the use of disposable plastic?

There are so many steps we all can take as individuals and ultimately what is our community, our country or even mankind- if not just many individuals. If we each make a decision to honor Gaia- our mother earth and receive her blessings with reverence and gratitude (instead of thoughtlessly pillaging)- then, not only will we have a beautiful place to live but we will also provide a better earth for all those who will come here after us.
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Make a Sankalp today, on Earth Day 2020- to cherish Gaia- our dear mother earth, Bhumi devi. 

#earthday2020 #sustainableliving #greenliving #saveourplanet #Gaia #BhumiDevi #MotherEarth

The special message for all of us on this Easter is given by St. Catharina.

​I am bringing you this message here so that, it helps us to address some of the pressing needs of our current time- not just the time and situation we are in, but for the things that could be coming up in the days (and weeks, months) ahead for all of us- collectively as a society. 

Of course, any changes, any action we take is always going to be as an individual… after all, each one of us as individuals ultimately make up the collective- this could be our immediate society, region, country or the world at large.
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St Catharina (also called as St. Catherine) has an amazing story and the narrative almost seems too unbelievable at times- but it clearly exhibits how with her belief and surrender to Lord Jesus, she was not only able to bear intolerable circumstances, but rise from those situations with grace and victory.

Whenever we think of these medieval saints, the one thing that immediately comes to mind, is the fact that, back in those days, the society was very intolerant of other faiths. It could be the Christians being intolerant of the Pagans or it could be the Catholics being intolerant of the Protestants and so on. 

Why I am bringing this up is because, in a strange way, that kind of strong, almost fanatic opinions are again on the rise. We find that there is a much stronger and deeper divide between people- that seems to be widening the gap between various groups within our society. 

Now, this divide may not as much be about religion as it was back then, but now, it is possibly about race, language, a person’s country of origin or some other aspect.

But the reality is that we are all children of the same God- our creator. We may think of him and/or pray to him (or her, or both- if we want to be politically correct :-)) with different names or in different ways- our prayers, our rituals could be different, but it is the same God. 

Also, when people are faced with tough times, emotions tend to run high and usually we find people exhibit more anger, intolerance and impatience. 
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Tough times are precisely when we need to strengthen our belief, our commitment to the path of conscious and aware living and seek more strength, help and guidance from the divine. It is when we need to show more love and compassion to those who are worse affected than us and at the same time, feel a level of loving comfort and support, that the Divine providence will take care of us.

St Catharina asks us to seek Divine help to address any and all of our challenges. This prayer is not where we are simply seeking, asking for favors- but it is where we are truly committed to our path of ascension and spiritual living. 

This is when our prayers are a way of communicating with the Divine and we think of divinity, not as someone “high” up there- but it is genuine and real. The Divine is someone with whom we have a true and deep relationship.

In this regards, St Catharina almost reminds us of Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna. Radha always felt totally immersed and engrossed in her divine love for Lord Krishna.
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St. Catharina is asking us to develop such a relationship with the Divine. She is also asking us to face any challenges that may come up in our life with a brave face, with complete trust and belief in the Divine. Do the actions that are necessary with love and compassion- but surrender to the Divine will and trust that ultimately you will be provided for by the Divine providence.

Also, when we have people with strong minds, with set beliefs and there is much strife in this world, it is important to develop our ability to persuade others. We need to work on our communication ability, our skill to speak and work with others in the best possible way and with minimal friction! This way we will be able to accomplish simple as well as difficult tasks with great love and compassion. 

Such a scenario will ultimately help to bring more joy and goodness in this world- to the one performing the act and the one benefitting from such a divinely guided action.

I wish everyone a very Happy Easter. May St Catharina bless us with lots of joy and happiness…

​#Easter2020 #StCatharina #StCatherine #Radha #HappyEaster