March Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse - sifting through, choosing wisely

Hello Moonchild :)

On March 3rd, we see a Full Moon and a Lunar eclipse. This follows the Solar eclipse that happened on 17th February. While the Solar eclipse was not visible in India, this Lunar eclipse is partially visible. In India it is Phalguna or Vasanta Purnima, a full moon festival marking the end of winter and the start of spring. It coincides with Holi. Holika Dahan that signifies the victory of good over evil happens under this moon. It is also Lakshmi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Goddess Lakshmi.

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Here are the eclipse timings for Bangalore India. Please check exact timings depending on where you live. It plays out from 2.13PM to 7.53PM IST. The peak occurs at 5.03PM which is not visible. So in most of India, we get to watch the partial eclipse as soon as the Moon rises at 6.28PM until 6.47PM and the penumbral eclipse till 7.53PM.

I found this informative site where it is all explained and shown beautifully. You can configure your observing location here and get the timings too!

The rituals followed in terms of abstinence (sutak) apply. It is advisable to fast during the time and refrain from doing anything intense at a physical/mental/emotional level. The time is best for reflective and meditative practices. With regard to the restrictions, please check with your elders, gurus or priests, as they vary depending on geography, community and other factors.

As a reminder,

Eclipses bring forth destined events that fuel much-needed transformations in life. The nature of the time is such that you are bound to react, read too much into things and blow them out of proportion. The invitation is to not do that, instead ride the wave consciously, in a grounded calm state, staying open and curious, so that what needs to be revealed to you as a direction will show up with clarity, sooner than later. The eclipse season is a catalyst for release and endings, which translates to wonderful new beginnings.

You will remember the guidance for the last Dark Moon Solar Eclipse on 17th February. Do go through it if you have not, as it will set a good context for this Full Moon eclipse.

How can you approach the day?

Begin your day by cleansing the body mindfully. Dissolve rock salt in water and splash yourself with it at the end of your bath. Offer prayers, sit in silence for sometime before beginning the day. Tell yourself that you will stay calm and grounded through the day, maintaining a sattvik state of mind and body. Avoid entering into arguments or difficult conversations and situations. Reschedule plans if necessary. Rely on your breath to keep yourself anchored at any given point in time. Stay close to the Earth, walk barefoot when possible.

If disturbances occur externally or internally, close eyes, breathe and simply remember to ask yourself this question - What can take me into a space of stillness right now?

As a ritual what can you do?

Set aside about an hour. You can do this anytime, ideally post moonrise. Try not to take it too close to your sleep time.

(Please check Moonrise/Moonset timings, I use the My Moon Phase app.)

Start by creating a safe and sacred physical space for the ritual. Choose a room that you feel comfortable in and will not be disturbed. You can decorate the space with flowers, incense and anything else that holds meaning for you. Keep your journal/some papers and pen handy. Sit down and close eyes. Offer gratitude to your Gurus and ancestors. Visualize a Full Moon in your eyebrow centre, take a few breaths asking the lunar energies to guide you. Become aware of how you are feeling in the moment.

A. GROUNDING

Ground by consciously placing your palms or feet on the bare earth/floor or being aware of the parts of the body in touch with Mother Earth. Visualize taking in energy from the earth as you inhale and releasing energy (energy that doesn't serve you well) into the earth as you exhale. Do this for 14 breaths

B. REFLECTIVE JOURNALING

Take your journal and pen.

Answer these questions as well as you can, honestly, sans judgements, without any rush.

1. In the recent past, what have I been sensitive to?

2. What have my predominant emotions and feelings been? Why so?

3. Have I reacted to anything?

4. Has any situation stood out for me or occupied a lot of my bandwidth:

a - in a new/different/productive/positive way? 

b - in a challenging way/drained my energy?

5. Have I been able to manage life and the situations/emotions/feelings I have identified above? If yes, how? If not, what could the reasons be?

Once you finish writing, read all of it, not getting carried away or justifying, but keeping the attitude of an observer. Then put your journal away and sit in silence without dwelling on the writing.

C. MILD MOVEMENT

You could do a few gentle stretches to ease the body out. As you do so, be aware of all the parts that are calling for your attention. Notice the sensations in the body as you go through the movements. Avoid anything intense, inversions, weights, cardio etc.

D. YOGA NIDRA OR BREATH PRACTICE FOR SAMATVAM

All of us inherently have the ability to remain in a state of SAMATVAM, our natural state. A state of equanimity or even-mindedness. A state of mental and emotional balance and composure, characterized by the ability to remain calm and unperturbed in the face of all challenges and fluctuations. This will help you be a witness to the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of your life coming together.

Go through a guided Yoga Nidra practice with a Sankalpa included. You can choose the following Sankalpa: "I am balanced, in a state of Samatvam. I am a witness to all that is unfolding." Here is a link you can use. If you have any other recording you follow, please go with that.

OR

Do this breath practice.

Sit with an erect spine.

Watch your breath

Follow the journey of your inhale and exhale for a few breaths.

Allow your inhales and exhales to become comfortably equal. Do not force the breath.

After a few breaths, also start noticing the small pauses between the inhale and exhale and between the exhale and inhale. Those micro moments of no breath and silence are already there, you are only becoming aware of them, not forcefully creating them.

Continue equal breaths and observation of the pauses between the breaths for a while, till you feel completely at ease, calm and centred.

Rub your palms together and place the palms on your heart.

Remember the intention of SAMATVAM.

Notice if anything has surfaced for you as a result either practice.

If yes, note this down in your journal.

E. REVIEW JOURNALING

Answer these questions from the heart, not thinking or reasoning too much before you write. Try to write continuously without applying the mind.

1. How do I want to move ahead?

2. Where should I invest my time and energy? Should I start anything that will energize me?

3. Where should I not invest my time and energy? What do I need to release?

4. What should I physically let go of from my living space?

5. Do I need to forgive myself or others for anything?

6. What are some simpler rituals I can integrate as part of my routine that will address some of the things I reflected on?

Once you finish, read all of it, with the attitude of an observer. Keep the journal away and sit in silence absorbing all of it.

F. AFFIRMATION

Write this down and read it aloud 3 times:

"I am grounded, calm and balanced. I am a witness to all that is unfolding, watching patiently as intuition and higher powers guide me along. I am kind and compassionate to myself and others."

G. CLOSING

Close the ritual by offering gratitude to your ancestors, Gurus, the Moon and Mother Earth.

What next?

1. Sit with your writing for a day or two or more. Let it process and clarify. Add things as they occur to you.

2. Take steps forward, also being prepared to change plans along the way, if you witness misalignment with your heart. Revisit the breath or Yoga Nidra practice to regain Samatvam, reflect, replan, and move ahead.

3. Start observing the waning Moon everyday as a reminder of your journey.

4. Stay open to insights-they may come to you in meditation or when you wake up or through people you interact with or even as dreams. Take action mindfully (it could also mean consciously not taking action) and be prepared to go with the flow. The path may not be a bed of roses, but will be strewn with tests that are meant to bring out the best in you.

5. Smile more often :)

Here is a reminder that you have the agency to own and transform anything in your life, and this eclipse time more than any other is conducive for it!

Have a blessed practice and meaningful Full Moon Lunar eclipse!

Love & Gratitude

Sheetal