As the new Moon arrives, the light dims even more. This is a powerful time to listen to your body and its wisdom. At this sacred time of year, slowing down, pausing, tending to the needs of the body and spirit become even more important. Less is more.
Diwali (or Deepavali) is a very significant five day festival in the Vedic tradition. The most important day of the Diwali festivities is on the new Moon.
This five day celebration honors inner light, Lakshmi, and the divine resources available through Nature. Lakshmi is the giver of health, vitality, nourishment and wealth. The “festival of light” spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Remember that light always overtakes the darkness. This is a Law of Nature. Diwali is a powerful reminder that when you tend to your darkness, your grief, your own inner demons, the light will return. Transform your darkness into light and Lakshmi will support you.
Three of the most important days of Diwali are dedicated to Dhanvantari, Hanuman, and of course the new moon being the most important of all, which is solely dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali is the celebration of light conquering darkness and the increase of positive, life supporting forces in our life.
Multiple traditions celebrate Diwali, from Hindu, Jain to Sikh; over 15% of the world’s population.
During Diwali, Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama from his exile- a reflection of good over evil. Legend has it the kingdom was adorned in lights upon his return! Jain’s celebrate the moksha of their guru, Mahavira, and his attainment of enlightenment during this time. Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru who was released from capture and returned to the Golden Temple during Diwali. Plenty of reasons to celebrate!
Dhanvantari kicks off the celebration. This is a day of celebrating the father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari, physician to the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A day dedicated to health and wholeness, as well as praying for longevity.
Health is the biggest form of wealth. Use this as a powerful reminder for increasing your light, as well as a time to awaken inner and outer balance. Eat lightly and follow Ayurvedic routine and guidelines. Ask Dhanvantari for tools, wisdom and the ability to take action towards health and well being.
Hanuman Puja comes next- the celebration of Lord Hanuman, the much loved and revered monkey god. His strength and devotion to Lord Rama, is honored today. (Some celebrate Kali on this day instead).
Devote your efforts today to dharma, creating bold action steps towards actualizing your full potential and pray to receive the strength of Lord Hanuman. May we each awaken to the compassion, strength and love within us!
Lakshmi pujas continue throughout the festivities. This exuberant festival of lights, is a powerful time of spiritual practice and celebration. Moon will be reaching towards its darkest, most inward point, on the 15th tithi (Amavasya). At this time we celebrate the light of lights within all of us. The light of the soul.
During this time, light candles, leave a light on over night, buy new clothes, make offerings to Maha Lakshmi, eat sweets and enjoy the sweetness and abundance of life that Lakshmi so generously offers us.
Wealth, prosperity (material and spiritual), as well as beauty (inner and outer) are aspects of Lakshmi that are to be honored and treasured. She is also the giver of health and vitality- the most important wealth of all!
Lakshmi is often depicted with gold coins dripping from her hands. This is symbolic of healthy white blood cells and her powerful protection for your health and vitality.
In the days to come, let in the light, the abundance that is present in your life- no matter how small or nuanced. Turn on the light switch of your soul and let this be a poignant moment, intentionally driving out the shadows and inviting in more light to your life.
Possibility, hope and joy are significant resources for increasing your inner light. Honor Lakshmi, light a candle at your altar and invoke her spirit of abundance and wealth. Make your altar dedications to her and sing your desires to the goddess.
Many blessings to you and may the light of your soul continue to strengthen,
Saraswati