The biggest and brightest full moon of the year falls on Nov 5 (5:19 am PT.) This epic supermoon is the sacred Kartika Purnima, one of the most spiritually-charged full moons of the Hindu calendar. Its radiant light can reach the darkest corners of the world and the human psyche, illuminating and healing the heart.
In India, Kartika Purnima is the day when Lord Shiva, the destroyer, defeated 3 demons in the flying cities called Tripurasura. This ancient story represents the ability of consciousness (Shiva) to dissolve inner blockages, destroy illusion, and open new channels of creativity.
This full moon is also celebrated as Dev Diwali in the holy city of Varanasi, where thousands of oil lamps are lit along the riverbanks. This year, those lights will extend into the heavens, as the Southern Taurids meteor shower reaches its peak under the full moon’s brilliance.
In Vedic astrology, the full moon falls in Bharani, the sacred star of the womb, also called the star of restraint. Bharani represents the divine feminine life force and the power of nature to heal and renew itself.
Bharani full moon is ruled by Yama, the god of death, who guides departed souls toward a new womb and eventual rebirth. Under this star, endings and beginnings merge, and what dies becomes the nourishment for what is to come.
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A very exalted and expansive Jupiter turns retrograde on November 11 in the auspicious Punarvasu, the star of renewal. The name Punarvasu means “return of the light” or “restored wealth.” Despite turbulence and uncertainty, a turnaround toward hope and positive possibility is gaining momentum. Furthermore, Venus has entered peace-seeking Libra, creating a powerful raja yoga on this full moon that supports harmony in relationships, diplomacy, and the arts.
A note of caution: Mercury turns retrograde on November 9 and will move backwards over warrior Mars on Nov 12. Around this time try to avoid travel, and be mindful of conflict, power struggles, and miscommunication that can flare up easily under Mercury and Mars in Scorpio, a tense and emotionally charged position.
How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart. Book a Vedic astrology reading to learn more.
