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Elena Ray

Keep breathing and brace yourself! The New Moon of April 26, 2017 (5:16 am PT) starts an exhilarating cycle of freedom and self-expression.  If you have been on the brink of an important decision or hesitating about life’s direction, this new moon cycle gives an encouraging push into uncharted territory.  Use this new moon to focus inward and let go of the past. Exciting new ways to fix old problems are emerging.
 
1. New moons are endings and beginnings of lunar cycles.   They allow for fresh starts and free us from the stagnations of the past.  This new moon also starts afresh because it falls in the first of the 27 Vedic nakshatras, a section of the sky called Ashwini.  Ashwini relates to the energy of the horse and holds great forward momentum. In the weeks to come, innovative ways of seeing the world (and how we move in it) will emerge at a quickening pace.
 
2. According to Hindu mythology, Ashwini is ruled by a pair of twin brothers born from the union of the sun and the mind. It is said that Sanjana, a female deity who represents the quality of mindfulness, took the form of a horse and birthed the Ashwini twins through each of her nostrils. In the practice of yogic breathing, the nostrils are closely related to the nadis, the central channels for moving prana, or lifeforce, through our bodies. This new moon supports meditative practices of yogic breathing exercises like these. It’s best to practice these pranayama techniques with an experienced teacher. 

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3. This new moon cycle could bring important breakthrough cures in medicine and recovery from disease. The Ashwini twins are skilled physicians who are famous for their miraculous healing abilities.  Health and healing is based on the balanced flow of channels in the physical body. Ashwini aids in this flow of life.  New moon in Ashwini will encourage the mind and body to flow with its own natural currents.
 
4. This new moon is also closely joined with Mercury retrograde.  Mercury retrograde creates delay and obstruction, but Ashwini (called the “star of transport”) opens new opportunities in travel and relocation.  This could lead to stress and frustration, especially if trying to get to a destination quickly. While Mercury retrograde seems like an obstacle, it’s also an opportunity to retrace steps and improve strategies. Stay open and flexible and remember that short-cuts are often found by getting lost! Mercury retrograde will continue its influence until May 3 when it goes direct.

5. Take heed, for Ashwini has an agitated side.   If you’re feeling nervous on this new moon, slow down to observe your breath. It’s best to avoid large crowds and demonstrations on this new moon and try not to get carried away by the zealous herd. Take extra precaution around large animals, especially horses, as this new moon could increase the risk of accidents involving them.
 
In general, this new moon opens a new cycle of growth and holds a seed of healing for the body and mind. Seize this time to do inner work and review what is necessary for you to move forward with your life in a free and open way. Let go and move with the flow!

To fully understand how these astrological influences affect you on a personal level, book a one-on-one Vedic Astrology Reading with me here.