Chaitra NavaratriGoddess Archetypes & Spring Equinox Chaitra Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to nine forms of the God/dess. Most celebrated in Northern and Western India, this festival celebrates Spring and the creative power of the feminine principle. For some, this holiday marks the beginning of the new year. The celebration takes many different forms, from region to region. Goddess images vary as do the rituals: dances, fire ceremonies, mantras, fasting, decorations, and contemplative practice. Every community in India joins the festivities in one form or another. Each Goddess archetype offers an opportunity for introspection, contemplation…and growth! This week marks a time to start new ventures: businesses, relationships, routines, practices, etc. HAPPY SPRING! |
Celebrate the nine nights with me!
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Each night you will receive a full module including audio files containing archetypal wisdom. LEARN MORE BELOW!
Receive nine nights of celebration to your email inbox.
Each night you will receive a full module including audio files containing archetypal wisdom. LEARN MORE BELOW!
Meet the God/dess Archetypes
Invocation Mantra
NEW MOON
NIGHT TWO
NIGHT THREE
NIGHT FOUR
NIGHT FIVE
NIGHT SIX
NIGHT SEVEN
NIGHT EIGHT
NIGHT NINE
Invocation Mantra
LISTEN: Yā Devī
Yā Devī Sarvabhuteshu
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥९॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu nidrā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||9||
To the God/dess who abides as sleep; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु छायारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥११॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu chāya rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||11||
To the God/dess abiding as reflection; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१२॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu shakti rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||12||
To the God/dess who is omnipresent as the symbol of creative and transformational power; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१३॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu trshnā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||13||
To the God/dess who abides in all as thirst; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१७॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu shantī rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||17||
To the God/dess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२०॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu Lakshmī rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||20||
To the God/dess who abides everywhere as beauty; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२३॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu dayā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||23||
To the God/dess who is everywhere in the form of memory; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१९॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu kānti rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||19||
To Devī who abides everywhere, in all living beings as faith; Salutations to her, again and again.
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥९॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu nidrā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||9||
To the God/dess who abides as sleep; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु छायारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥११॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu chāya rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||11||
To the God/dess abiding as reflection; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१२॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu shakti rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||12||
To the God/dess who is omnipresent as the symbol of creative and transformational power; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१३॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu trshnā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||13||
To the God/dess who abides in all as thirst; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१७॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu shantī rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||17||
To the God/dess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२०॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu Lakshmī rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||20||
To the God/dess who abides everywhere as beauty; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२३॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu dayā rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||23||
To the God/dess who is everywhere in the form of memory; Salutations to her, again and again.
या देवी सर्वभुतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१९॥
Yā Devī sarvabhuteshu kānti rūpenna samsthitā |
Namastsyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||19||
To Devī who abides everywhere, in all living beings as faith; Salutations to her, again and again.
NEW MOON
NEW MOON
patience. strength. centered composure.
patience. strength. centered composure.
On the first night of Chaitra Navratri, the goddess archetype, Shailputri (daugher of the mountain), is invoked for her patience, strength, courage, and centered composure.
Also known as Sati, Bhavani, and Hemivati, Shailputri is associated with Mother Nature and the moon. Shailputri is also popularly known as Pārvatī, the wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Skanda. She rides Nandi, the bull, and carries a trident in her right hand; a lotus in her left.
Stories of Pārvatī advance a respect for the physical body and the Earth.
Together Shiva and Pārvatī represent the balance of moksha (liberation from suffering) and dharma (activity in the world). The tension of these two opposite principles sets the stage for their interdependence within the sacred marriage—the transcendent/immanent basis of ultimate reality.
Also known as Sati, Bhavani, and Hemivati, Shailputri is associated with Mother Nature and the moon. Shailputri is also popularly known as Pārvatī, the wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Skanda. She rides Nandi, the bull, and carries a trident in her right hand; a lotus in her left.
Stories of Pārvatī advance a respect for the physical body and the Earth.
Together Shiva and Pārvatī represent the balance of moksha (liberation from suffering) and dharma (activity in the world). The tension of these two opposite principles sets the stage for their interdependence within the sacred marriage—the transcendent/immanent basis of ultimate reality.
Color
Saffron (or orange)
This is one of the most sacred colors in India.
It represents fire, purification, asceticism, and the quest for light–awakening to higher awareness.
Flower
Durva or Hibiscus
Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Mān Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Soul Question
How can I embrace spiritual practice as a more consistent aspect of my every-day life?
Empowerment Action
Create a designated space, construct your altar, and commit to a daily meditation practice that includes mindfulness of your breath to cultivate patience and centered composure in all aspects of your life.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening oil bath, or abhyanga.
Saffron (or orange)
This is one of the most sacred colors in India.
It represents fire, purification, asceticism, and the quest for light–awakening to higher awareness.
Flower
Durva or Hibiscus
Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Mān Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Soul Question
How can I embrace spiritual practice as a more consistent aspect of my every-day life?
Empowerment Action
Create a designated space, construct your altar, and commit to a daily meditation practice that includes mindfulness of your breath to cultivate patience and centered composure in all aspects of your life.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening oil bath, or abhyanga.
NIGHT TWO
NIGHT TWO
simplicity. purity. wisdom
simplicity. purity. wisdom
On day two of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon), goddess Brahmacharini is celebrated. She is the archetype of the ascetic. Walking barefoot, she carries a japa mala for meditation and a kunda (vessel for carrying water). She subsists on a diet of flowers, fruits, and leafy vegetables and sleeps on the earth. She is the unmarried avatar of Pārvatī, devoted to her practices of yoga and meditation. Invocation of Brahmacharini means committing to one’s own steadfast spiritual practice, as well as letting go of all excess. Because of her simplicity and purity, she is radiantly beautiful and reminds us that beauty comes from serenity within.
Color
White and Orange. White is the color of peace, purity, and asceticism. Considered, in India, to represent the absence of color, it is associated with un-attachment to the pleasures of the earthly human experience. On the other hand, it can be viewed as the canvas of infinite potential and spiritual awakening.
Flower
Shevanti , or Chrysanthemum
Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥
Invitation
Brahmacharini invites you to the deep wisdom of living life more simply.
Soul Question
What can I release to simplify my life?
Empowerment Actions
Purge all excess! …from your closet, your cabinets, your shelves, your drawers, your refrigerator, your to-do list, your contacts, your desk, your life! Count the bags and boxes and let us celebrate the detox with you.
Self Care
Commit to at least one full day of digital detox per week.
White and Orange. White is the color of peace, purity, and asceticism. Considered, in India, to represent the absence of color, it is associated with un-attachment to the pleasures of the earthly human experience. On the other hand, it can be viewed as the canvas of infinite potential and spiritual awakening.
Flower
Shevanti , or Chrysanthemum
Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥
Invitation
Brahmacharini invites you to the deep wisdom of living life more simply.
Soul Question
What can I release to simplify my life?
Empowerment Actions
Purge all excess! …from your closet, your cabinets, your shelves, your drawers, your refrigerator, your to-do list, your contacts, your desk, your life! Count the bags and boxes and let us celebrate the detox with you.
Self Care
Commit to at least one full day of digital detox per week.
NIGHT THREE
NIGHT THREE
sensuality. courage. compassion.
sensuality. courage. compassion.
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third night of the festivities. She is the form of the Goddess Pārvatī after she has married Shiva. Her name derives from the Chandra (moon) that adorns her hair. She rides on a tigress and is depicted with ten hands carrying both weapons of destruction and symbols of peace.
In her four left hands are the trishula (trident), gada (mace), khadga (sword), and kunda (vessel for carrying water). Her fifth left hand holds Varada Mudra (the gesture of gift-giving and compassion). In her right hands she holds a padmadi (lotus flower), dhanu & bana (bow & arrow), and japa mala (for meditation). She keeps her fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra, which symbolizes protection and the message of courage: “Fear not.“
In her four left hands are the trishula (trident), gada (mace), khadga (sword), and kunda (vessel for carrying water). Her fifth left hand holds Varada Mudra (the gesture of gift-giving and compassion). In her right hands she holds a padmadi (lotus flower), dhanu & bana (bow & arrow), and japa mala (for meditation). She keeps her fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra, which symbolizes protection and the message of courage: “Fear not.“
Color
Red indicates both sensuality and purity. In India red is the most common color worn by a bride. It also symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the birth of a child. It invokes bravery, dynamism, and positive energy.
Flower
Kamala, or Lotus
Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Invitation
Chandraghanta invites you to deeper levels of courage and compassion for yourself and others.
Soul Question
How do I see my courage and compassion growing through my Eleven Moons journey?
Empowerment Action
Commit to a weekly Tonglen practice. Whenever you recognize suffering in your self, or in the world, this meditation technique may become an automatic response for personal peace and healing.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening water bath ritual.
Red indicates both sensuality and purity. In India red is the most common color worn by a bride. It also symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the birth of a child. It invokes bravery, dynamism, and positive energy.
Flower
Kamala, or Lotus
Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Invitation
Chandraghanta invites you to deeper levels of courage and compassion for yourself and others.
Soul Question
How do I see my courage and compassion growing through my Eleven Moons journey?
Empowerment Action
Commit to a weekly Tonglen practice. Whenever you recognize suffering in your self, or in the world, this meditation technique may become an automatic response for personal peace and healing.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening water bath ritual.
NIGHT FOUR
NIGHT FOUR
creativity. luminosity. dynamic energy.
creativity. luminosity. dynamic energy.
Day four is all about Devi Kushmanda (the cosmic egg), who created the entire universe with the flash of her smile which is so bright that it removes all darkness from the universe.
Her radiance is so powerful that she is said to reside within the center of the Sun—producing its energy and liberating its power for the benefit of the world.
She rides a lioness and has eight hands. In her right hands, she holds a kamandala, dhanush, bada, and kamala (lotus). In her left she carries vial of amrita (nectar of immortality), japa mala, gada, and discus. Again, these symbols unite the principles of destruction with images of abundant life in a unified vision or the ongoing cycles of creation.
Her radiance is so powerful that she is said to reside within the center of the Sun—producing its energy and liberating its power for the benefit of the world.
She rides a lioness and has eight hands. In her right hands, she holds a kamandala, dhanush, bada, and kamala (lotus). In her left she carries vial of amrita (nectar of immortality), japa mala, gada, and discus. Again, these symbols unite the principles of destruction with images of abundant life in a unified vision or the ongoing cycles of creation.
Color
Yellow/Gold and Red are the colors of the sun. In India, yellow is associated with happiness and learning, while red symbolizes grandeur and creative power.
Flower
Jui, or Jasmine
Mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
Invitation
Kushmanda invites you to fully express your joy through radiant creativity.
Soul Question
In what new ways would I like to express my creativity?
Empowerment Actions
Check in with yourself to see what creative endeavors you crave. Have you let go of a creative outlet or expression that once gave you enjoyment and satisfaction?
Is there a new creative project that is calling for you to give it a try?
Give it a try! Allow your radiance to shine through, without judgement.
Self Care
Engage a ritual to cleanse and nourish your eyes. Then practice tratak, candle-gazing.
Yellow/Gold and Red are the colors of the sun. In India, yellow is associated with happiness and learning, while red symbolizes grandeur and creative power.
Flower
Jui, or Jasmine
Mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
Invitation
Kushmanda invites you to fully express your joy through radiant creativity.
Soul Question
In what new ways would I like to express my creativity?
Empowerment Actions
Check in with yourself to see what creative endeavors you crave. Have you let go of a creative outlet or expression that once gave you enjoyment and satisfaction?
Is there a new creative project that is calling for you to give it a try?
Give it a try! Allow your radiance to shine through, without judgement.
Self Care
Engage a ritual to cleanse and nourish your eyes. Then practice tratak, candle-gazing.
NIGHT FIVE
NIGHT FIVE
prosperity. generosity. unconditional love.
prosperity. generosity. unconditional love.
On the fifth day, Skandamātā is invoked for prosperity, treasures, and achievement.
She is Pārvatī as the mother of Skanda, the god of war whom she adopted as an act of unconditional love. Skandamātā rides on a ferocious lion and has four arms. She carries lotus flowers, expresses the mudra of blessing, and holds baby Skanda in her lap. Sometimes she is seated on the lotus and is called Padmā.
She is Pārvatī as the mother of Skanda, the god of war whom she adopted as an act of unconditional love. Skandamātā rides on a ferocious lion and has four arms. She carries lotus flowers, expresses the mudra of blessing, and holds baby Skanda in her lap. Sometimes she is seated on the lotus and is called Padmā.
Color
Pink is the color of comfort and nurturing. Green/blue symbolizes wealth and abundant nature.
Flower
Rose (red)
Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥
Invitation
Skandamata invites you to realize the truth of your infinitely abundant heart.
Soul Question
In what new way can I express my generosity and unconditional love?
Empowerment Actions
Turn inward for introspection. Is there a person, a group of people, a certain situation, or behavior that provokes your impatience or judgement—or simply seems difficult to love? Do a little research to find an organization that is seeking to educate, inspire, or awaken people to improve this situation. Then donate your time or money to help support the cause. You can even simply spread awareness.
Allow this act of generosity to ignite feelings of abundance and well-being within you.
Self Care
Enjoy a bath ritual with rose water and milk.
Pink is the color of comfort and nurturing. Green/blue symbolizes wealth and abundant nature.
Flower
Rose (red)
Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥
Invitation
Skandamata invites you to realize the truth of your infinitely abundant heart.
Soul Question
In what new way can I express my generosity and unconditional love?
Empowerment Actions
Turn inward for introspection. Is there a person, a group of people, a certain situation, or behavior that provokes your impatience or judgement—or simply seems difficult to love? Do a little research to find an organization that is seeking to educate, inspire, or awaken people to improve this situation. Then donate your time or money to help support the cause. You can even simply spread awareness.
Allow this act of generosity to ignite feelings of abundance and well-being within you.
Self Care
Enjoy a bath ritual with rose water and milk.
NIGHT SIX
NIGHT SIX
collaboration. boundaries. discernment.
collaboration. boundaries. discernment.
Devi Kātyāyani is worshipped on the sixth day of the Spring Navratri celebrations. She is the fierce, but beautiful, vision of the warrioress who comes forth to slay the demons of ignorance and limitation. Also called Chandika and Durga, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Goddess Pārvatī. She rides a lion and has four hands that hold a lotus flower, a sword, and the Abhaya and Varada mudras (courage and compassion). Her exploits are described in the Skanda Purana, the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Mahatmya. Her power is the combined power of all the Hindu gods.
You can benefit from the qualities of Kātyāyanī by speaking a clear “yes” or “no” when you need to assert your intentions. When you fail to create strong boundaries in your relationships, you eventually get tired of the imbalanced dynamic. This turns into a fear of collaboration. You stop connecting. True freedom comes when you create loving, but strong and clear boundaries within your relationships. Begin this practice of discernment, so that you may benefit from the joy and efficiency of collaboration.
You can benefit from the qualities of Kātyāyanī by speaking a clear “yes” or “no” when you need to assert your intentions. When you fail to create strong boundaries in your relationships, you eventually get tired of the imbalanced dynamic. This turns into a fear of collaboration. You stop connecting. True freedom comes when you create loving, but strong and clear boundaries within your relationships. Begin this practice of discernment, so that you may benefit from the joy and efficiency of collaboration.
Color
Purple stands for spiritual freedom. It combines the calm stability of blue with the fierce energy of red. It is a color of both dignity and creative collaboration.
Flower
Genda, or Marigold
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Invitation
Katyayani invites you to collaborate with clear, but loving, boundaries.
Soul Question
Am I engaging my relationships in a meaningful and truly balanced way that includes both collaboration and freedom?
Empowerment Actions
Instead of answering with an automatic “yes” when someone requests your time or energy, practice saying something kind but space creating: “I will contemplate this and get back to you.” Then, take some time to be discerning with your intentions and your resources. Is your deepest truth a “yes” or a “no?”
What will be of most benefit to you and the other person in the long run?
If your answer is “yes” it will be easy to respond without any hesitation.
If your answer is “no,” use your courage and compassion to be completely honest.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening abhyanga, self-massage.
Purple stands for spiritual freedom. It combines the calm stability of blue with the fierce energy of red. It is a color of both dignity and creative collaboration.
Flower
Genda, or Marigold
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Invitation
Katyayani invites you to collaborate with clear, but loving, boundaries.
Soul Question
Am I engaging my relationships in a meaningful and truly balanced way that includes both collaboration and freedom?
Empowerment Actions
Instead of answering with an automatic “yes” when someone requests your time or energy, practice saying something kind but space creating: “I will contemplate this and get back to you.” Then, take some time to be discerning with your intentions and your resources. Is your deepest truth a “yes” or a “no?”
What will be of most benefit to you and the other person in the long run?
If your answer is “yes” it will be easy to respond without any hesitation.
If your answer is “no,” use your courage and compassion to be completely honest.
Self Care
Enjoy an evening abhyanga, self-massage.
NIGHT SEVEN
NIGHT SEVEN
awakening. peace. freedom.
awakening. peace. freedom.
Another warrior goddess is invoked on day seven. This is the vision of Kalaratri whose dark skin represents the infinitude of the night sky (like the image of Kālī) and she is considered the most ferocious form of Pārvatī. As with Katyayani, her violence is channeled toward the defeat of demonic forces.
An invocation of Kalaratri means inviting the complete cycle of creation, including letting go of old, outdated patterns, limiting stories, and useless information.
When you face the wild image of Kalaratri, there may still be some resistance to her shadowy image. This is generally a reflection of the resistance you are holding toward your own shadows. The Eleven Moons journey invites you to lean more deeply into areas of resistance and to awaken to wholeness.
All suppressed shadows become either self-defeating or self aggrandizing monsters. They often get projected onto outside “others.” In that space, there is no room for maitri—little opportunity for real, unconditional love or lasting peace.
An invocation of Kalaratri means inviting the complete cycle of creation, including letting go of old, outdated patterns, limiting stories, and useless information.
When you face the wild image of Kalaratri, there may still be some resistance to her shadowy image. This is generally a reflection of the resistance you are holding toward your own shadows. The Eleven Moons journey invites you to lean more deeply into areas of resistance and to awaken to wholeness.
All suppressed shadows become either self-defeating or self aggrandizing monsters. They often get projected onto outside “others.” In that space, there is no room for maitri—little opportunity for real, unconditional love or lasting peace.
Color
Deep Blue: bravery, determination, mental stability, and depth of character
Flower
Krishna Kamal, or Passion Flower
Mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥
Invitation
Kalaratri invites you to confront all suppressed shadows and limiting stories.
Soul Question
Where are you still holding limiting stories about my life? What still scares you to confront? It is time to awaken to your infinite potential. It is time to break free.
Empowerment Action
In the dark of night, turn off all the lights in your house. Sit until your eyes adjust. Just as the sun is always shining, recognize that even in the darkness, there is a light. There is nowhere you can go where the light will not eventually find you.
That divine light is beyond all duality. It is the infinite potentiality of creative love. Rest in the darkness knowing that it is a vital aspect of the ongoing cycles of creation. Allow it to provide the quiet space for deep introspection that leads to psycho-spiritual awakening.
Self Care
Enjoy a hair or scalp ritual to release any emotional or environmental toxic buildup.
Deep Blue: bravery, determination, mental stability, and depth of character
Flower
Krishna Kamal, or Passion Flower
Mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥
Invitation
Kalaratri invites you to confront all suppressed shadows and limiting stories.
Soul Question
Where are you still holding limiting stories about my life? What still scares you to confront? It is time to awaken to your infinite potential. It is time to break free.
Empowerment Action
In the dark of night, turn off all the lights in your house. Sit until your eyes adjust. Just as the sun is always shining, recognize that even in the darkness, there is a light. There is nowhere you can go where the light will not eventually find you.
That divine light is beyond all duality. It is the infinite potentiality of creative love. Rest in the darkness knowing that it is a vital aspect of the ongoing cycles of creation. Allow it to provide the quiet space for deep introspection that leads to psycho-spiritual awakening.
Self Care
Enjoy a hair or scalp ritual to release any emotional or environmental toxic buildup.
NIGHT EIGHT
NIGHT EIGHT
happiness. well-being. gratitude.
happiness. well-being. gratitude.
Mahagauri is welcomed on the second to last day of our nine-day festival. Mahagauri means the great white. Yesterday we basked in the darkness. We turn, now, to an image of light. Mahagauri is a young goddess of only sixteen years. She has an extremely fair complexion and is associated with the fullness of the moon. She rides Nandi, the bull, and holds a trident and damaru in her back two hands, while her front two hands show the gestures of courage and compassion: Abhaya and Vardara mudras. Invocation of Mahagauri means inviting your greatest desires into your life without shame, fear, or limitation. She inspires us to be grateful for the amazing blessings of life.
Color
White, Yellow, and Green. Green represents nature, life, and happiness. knowledge and peace from mental clarity; learning and awakening
Flower
Mogra, or Arabian Jasmine
Mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥
Invitation
Mahagauri invites you to realize your deepest desires with gratitude and activation.
Soul Question
What makes me happy?
Empowerment Actions
Contemplate your greatest desires. What three things make you feel the most healthy, happy, and fulfilled?
Make a point to include some form of each of those things every. single. day.
At the end of each day, say a prayer of gratitude for these blessings.
Self Care
Enjoy a marma point ritual and self massage for your face and head.
White, Yellow, and Green. Green represents nature, life, and happiness. knowledge and peace from mental clarity; learning and awakening
Flower
Mogra, or Arabian Jasmine
Mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥
Invitation
Mahagauri invites you to realize your deepest desires with gratitude and activation.
Soul Question
What makes me happy?
Empowerment Actions
Contemplate your greatest desires. What three things make you feel the most healthy, happy, and fulfilled?
Make a point to include some form of each of those things every. single. day.
At the end of each day, say a prayer of gratitude for these blessings.
Self Care
Enjoy a marma point ritual and self massage for your face and head.
NIGHT NINE
NIGHT NINE
supernatural powers & a Love beyond all opposites
supernatural powers & a Love beyond all opposites
HAPPY NAVAMI!
The last day of the Chaitra Navratri festival is celebrated in honor of Devi Siddhidhātri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and grant all type of siddhis, or mystic superpowers. She is Adi-Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of Power, who is considered to be the left half of Shiva in the great form of Ardhanarishvara (the hermaphrodite form of divinity, more on this in the moons ahead!). She is depicted with four hands, with a gada and discus in her right hands (weapons); and a lotus flower and conch shell in her left hands. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus throne. Siddhidhatri reminds you to know yourself as an expression of the Ultimate Creative Source of the universe. She invites you to realize a Love beyond all opposites.
The last day of the Chaitra Navratri festival is celebrated in honor of Devi Siddhidhātri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and grant all type of siddhis, or mystic superpowers. She is Adi-Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of Power, who is considered to be the left half of Shiva in the great form of Ardhanarishvara (the hermaphrodite form of divinity, more on this in the moons ahead!). She is depicted with four hands, with a gada and discus in her right hands (weapons); and a lotus flower and conch shell in her left hands. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus throne. Siddhidhatri reminds you to know yourself as an expression of the Ultimate Creative Source of the universe. She invites you to realize a Love beyond all opposites.
Color
Green and Grey, or Sky Blue
Grey is the color of neutrality, sitting between black and white. It symbolizes the merging of all opposition. It represents the wisdom that comes from age and the attainment of peace within a chaotic world. Like the spacious creativity of the vast, cloudless sky, it invokes a feeling of happiness and calm.
Flower
Chapa, or Plumeria
Mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥
Invitation
Siddhidātri invites you to realize your superpowers and gifts, and to
Soul Questions and Empowerment Action
Consider how invulnerability, levity, super-strength, or even invisibility could be experienced, not as literal, but as psycho-spiritual states of awareness.
What is your superpower?
What superpower would you like to realize within your Self?
How is your practice helping you to realize that siddhi?
Self Care
Enjoy a closing ritual of bath, abhyanga, and meditation.
Green and Grey, or Sky Blue
Grey is the color of neutrality, sitting between black and white. It symbolizes the merging of all opposition. It represents the wisdom that comes from age and the attainment of peace within a chaotic world. Like the spacious creativity of the vast, cloudless sky, it invokes a feeling of happiness and calm.
Flower
Chapa, or Plumeria
Mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥
Invitation
Siddhidātri invites you to realize your superpowers and gifts, and to
Soul Questions and Empowerment Action
Consider how invulnerability, levity, super-strength, or even invisibility could be experienced, not as literal, but as psycho-spiritual states of awareness.
What is your superpower?
What superpower would you like to realize within your Self?
How is your practice helping you to realize that siddhi?
Self Care
Enjoy a closing ritual of bath, abhyanga, and meditation.