The nights are long and the moon is at its darkest phase. We’re in the autumn season of darkness and endings, but the new moon of Oct 21 (5:25 am PT) brings a spark of light and a new beginning. It’s the new moon of Diwali, the Hindu “festival of lights,” celebrated as the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Lamps and candles are lit on this new moon to dispel the shadows of the past and welcome a new year of prosperity and success.
This auspicious new moon falls in Chitra Nakshatra, the brilliant star of opportunity. Symbolized by a shining diamond, which is formed under great pressure and heat, Chitra’s light cuts through the darkness with piercing clarity.
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The celebrations of Diwali begin on Oct 18, with Dhanteras, when the god of Ayurvedic medicine arose from the cosmic ocean with a pot of amrita–the nectar of immortality.
Diwali is also the time to call in the divine mother and nourisher of the world, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Oct. 18 is the day that expansive Jupiter enters sidereal Cancer, the sign of its exaltation. Jupiter is highly influential in the weeks to come and a current of divine grace is increasing for those who open to it. Jupiter will slow down and turn retrograde on Nov 11 in Punarvasu, the star of the “return of the light.”
This radiant and powerful Jupiter also aspects the stern planet of law and order—Saturn throughout November, bringing a healing opportunity for relationships, and an energy boost for education, humanitarian organizations, diplomacy, and charity.
Take a moment to light a lamp or candle on this dark moon night, and remember how light shines brightest in darkness. Prosperity, compassion and peace shine from within us—even in the darkest of times.
How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart.Book a Vedic astrology reading to learn more.
