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This Sunday the new moon will coincide with the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice.   A  time when the forces of night have reached their peak and the sun has withdrawn to the farthest corner of the sky,  the Winter Solstice marks the end of the solar cycle and the beginning of  the new year.  In the Hindu calendar this time is the dawning of Uttarayana, the six brightening months that are a single day of the Gods.

The lunar cycle will also be starting afresh with the moon at about 5:30 pm PST that day.    This new moon will fall in the nakshatra of Mula,  the “Root Star.”   Mula is the star that marks the stinger in the body of Scorpio and lies close to the black hole in the Galactic Center.   Like the center of our galaxy, Mula represents the ancient origin or “root” of all things.   The root chakra, called Muladhara, is the chakra that most deeply binds us to the earth and our bodies.  

Mula is ruled by the chaotic and destructive goddess Niritti, a reminder that our bodies are only temporary.  All of life is in a constant state of flux, rooting and uprooting.  

The sun and the moon (along with Mercury, Venus, and Pluto) will be hemmed in by the two malefic forces of Saturn and Mars on the new moon.  Mars and Saturn have been in mutual reception (parivartana yoga) since Nov 26th.  These days certainly have been marked by the exaggerated aggression of exalted Mars.  Military and police powers have faced increased pressures, which has triggered forceful measures of actions and violent reactions.   With the added shock of it all being difficult to cover up (because of Saturn’s exposing influence in Scorpio) the month has lead to many protests and public upheavals.

This new moon is a profound time to uproot the source of our weaknesses and get honest with ourselves and others.   But be careful of getting wrapped up in drama and be aware that people are likely to be on edge this evening.   Because of Mula’s  association with Niritti this star can bring violence and cruelty, breaking things apart.   Try to stay calm and centered with a focus on making the best of what you can.  Fasting on this day should be beneficial.

Create a sacred space to honor the new solar and lunar cycles.   Expose and unearth your vulnerabilities by inquiring honestly within.  In the Mahabharata, Bhishma chose the great boon of dying on the auspicious day of the Winter Solstice. This is a time to discard the old and embrace the coming new light.   The seeds of transformation that you plant today have potential to form deep roots by the next full moon, and will culminate by the Summer Solstice in June.

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