The word Navratri means both nine and nights. It is a Hindu holiday that takes place in the spring and fall corresponding to the spring and fall equinoxes (which today is in the West). What fascinates me about the most is that in Jyotish (the science of light) many of the celebrations and spiritual holidays are designed to help heal the life force and stagnant conditions that are more difficult to change. The Navratri festival of the Divine Mother is no exception. While the Divine Mother Durga is the overall Shakti for this celebration each day another aspect of Her power and skill are acknowledged and a great ceremony in gratitude is performed in homes and public places all over India and anywhere those who love these faces of the Divine Mother Presence are.
Image of Mother Kali by Laura McGowen
The first three nights are dedicated to those really harsh places in our lives that only energetic transformation can cleanse. This is the work of Mother Kali whose work it is to take our pain and transform it into useable form in our lives or release completely to the Cosmos.
We are in the second night of this process and the specific aspect of Durga/Kali is:
Image of Brahmacharini by Roovalijuan
Brahmacharini brings healthy detachment through disciplined spiritual practices and practices which purify all the elements of the body, mind, emotions and spirit so that you may see your true beauty.
May Her blessing continue to flow in, through and around your life....
Head to the sky, feet rooted in earth - Awakened Oracle
