Navratri: The Inner Evolution of Form

Navratri began on September 29^th. It is a nine day festival worshiping the different forms of the Shakti culminating in Dussherra, the tenth day celebrating the victory of good over evil (both words good and evil used subjectively).

#Navratri starts on the first day (first tithi, pratipada) after the new moon in sidereal Virgo, in the month of Ashvin. New Moon in Hasta occurred on Sept 28^th, setting off an intense transformative energy that also celebrates the divine feminine.

The main Goddess of worship during Navratri is Durga. Through the nine days, the evolving forms of the Durga are worshiped, namely, Shailputri (day 1), Bramacharini (day 2), Chandraghanta (day 3), Khushmanda (day 4), Skandmata (day 5), Katyayani (day 6), Kalaratri (day 7), Mahagauri (day 8), and Siddhidhatri (day 9). 

Durga is first worshiped as Shailputri (Parvati),  the daughter of the mountain king, then as the tapsvini, Bramacharini, who practiced austerity to marry Shiva. She then takes the form of Chandraghanta to coax Shiva to take a socially acceptable form to marry her. She is then worshiped as the fertile and creative form (Khushmanda), as the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda (Kartikeya) mata (mother)), as the fierce transformative force (Katyayani and Kalaratri), as the all empowered, resplendent woman (MahaGauri), and finally as the one who has attained and also the one who bestows the highest wisdom (Siddhidhatri). As the fetus evolves in the womb for nine months, so are the evolving forms of Durga from maiden, mother, to all empowering feminine, worshiped through the nine days.  Shakti is all pervasive, taking various physical forms like the mountains, rivers, ocean, the five elements, body, and others - yet she remains formless. She is takes tangible forms yet her essence lies in the intangible. 

I am writing about the forms of Durga worshiped this Navratri because it very relevant to the current affairs. Women of eastern cultures are allowed mostly to express their maiden and motherly natures; the maiden phase often expressed as weak, submissive, and 'nice' girl. Very seldom are they encouraged to embrace all their power, walk in the truth of their being, and shine their light brighter than the Sun. As I reflect upon the inner transformations of Parvati, as a young girl, to Siddhidhatri, I realize that not only women of the east but also women and men around the globe haven't given themselves permission to embrace their own authentic power.

The month prior to this Navratri brought the heat of Mars aspect on Jupiter in Scorpio, making us reevaluate teachers, teachings, principles, laws, organized thought processes, religions, and authority figures. The rise of authoritarianism globally has been the talk of town. During this Navratri, notice being put through the wringer to choose between personal power and authoritarian control. Mars now joined Sun and Venus in sidereal Virgo, and aspecting Saturn and Ketu in sidereal Sagittarius will highlight the themes of control and power. Notice the feelings of injustice or unfairness rise in you. Saturn is the part of us that seeks justice and equality for all, hence, it is highly perceptive of inequalities. Mars pushing Saturn to a boiling point with its one way aspect will push us to act on the inequalities, whether social or personal. Rahu transiting in sidereal Gemini directly opposite Saturn is also seeking pathways outside the existing norms with a strong intention of destroying the unjust norms. Venus in sidereal Virgo has a hard time being content in relationships and transactions (personal, social or business) that are not mutually beneficial. Sun joined Venus and Mars is highlighting the muck of the world that we are traversing through - yes it feels like walking through molasses.  Together as a global society, we are undergoing immense change which may also be apparent at a personal level. Rejection of authority figures and policies that do not serve us on a higher scale will be very common. 

What is required from each one of us is a high level of maturity in walking our paths with absolute authenticity like Maha Durga; instead of fighting for worldly power, reclaim the inner power and stay steady on our paths; fight for justice in a non-violent way; have a high personal standard of existence in the world; exercise great judgment and discretion without blindly following authorities; and be an active and not passive participant of life and the world.