Durga & Lakshmi's Dance & the Libra Full Moon
Happy Libra Full Moon! The first full moon of Spring, Libra's soft energy beckons us into the realm of artistry and grace, that of beauty and perhaps poise. Libra has a natural connection with Venus, goddess of all that is aesthetically pleasing, and hers is the domain of true intimacy with all we hold dear. In yogic lore, Venus has a strong association with Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity, beauty and joy. As one of the softer-faced goddesses, she shows up wherever she is honored; if she is forgotten or ignored, she will disappear from view, choosing instead to bestow her gifts in places where she is held in high regard. She reminds us that when we call upon her energy of abundant love, she shows up immediately, inviting us into the space of the heart and expanding its capacity to experience this sublime and transformative emotion. In other words, when we make ourselves available to love, we choose to honor Lakshmi, and our experience of life is enriched in the deepest of ways. Lakshmi is also known as 'Shri', she who is most auspicious, whose presence can be seen everywhere if only we remember to look. Lakshmi knows that Divine Beauty is always available, even in places that seem least likely to hold it. Again, when we choose to recognize the grace that is contained in each and every moment, each and every situation, no matter how small it may seem to our limited minds, we acknowledge the divine presence that is always right here, right now. And it always has been, we just may not have been able to see it!
During a Full Moon, the Sun is opposite Grandmother Moon. Libra's opposite is Aries, and it couldn't be a more appropriate energetic contrast. The warrior(ess), leader, and pioneer, Aries is anything but soft in most given moments! Mars is the planet associated with Aries, the powerful warrior who stands for what is most important to him. I liken Mars to Durga, the great Mother Goddess who shows up when she is beckoned, but also puts up a fight when she is being diminished. Rather than walk away or disappear like Lakshmi, Durga stands in the face of adversity to uphold what is dharmic, or in alignment with the bigger flow of the Universe and thus everyone's highest good. While this energy may not be the best at softening itself, it does know how to show up fully to defend the parts of life that are most precious. And this is hugely important. Yet also of utmost importance is allowing one's soul to be soothed after a "battle," finding respite after a time of intensity. Durga helps Lakshmi find ferocity when she needs it, and Lakshmi helps Durga find peace when she needs it. And they are both relevant in specific measures that befit what is happening in our lives. In this way, the zodiac invites us to an axis of fullness that is most accessed during the Full Moon, especially for those who hold some of these energies in their natal charts. For when we know how to call on each of their valuable energies appropriately, we know how to be in the flow of Life and to respond to what it's asking of us.
During this Full Moon, what can you do to tap into Lakshmi & Venus's soul-soothing energies? Where can you soften in your life to feel its inherent grace more potently? How can you connect soulfully with someone you hold dear?
If any of this information feels like something you'd enjoy exploring more, consider becoming a part of Cosmically Aligned, which you can read about below! My soul sister and amazing teacher/kitchen witch/wisdom holder Natalie Rousseau also offers a 13 Moons program that is a perfect combination for those participating in Cosmically Aligned. We've decided to offer participants interested in both programs a $100 discount for each! If this is something that tickles your fancy, please reach out!
And remember, the Force is always with you! Enjoy.