full moon in aquarius ~ dhanishta nakshatra 8.19.24
FULL MOON in AQUARIUS ~ DHANISHTA Nakshatra 8.19.24
*Mercury is Retrograde till August 28
Dhanishta nakshtra lies within the constellation of Delphinius, the dolphin. It spans the area near sidereal Capricorn and Aquarius. It’s shaped like a drum or diamond, with the drum and flute as it’s symbols. Both of theses hollow vessels are connected with dancing, music, rhythm, movement, action and listening to the beat and inner rhythm of the heart. The drum of Dhanishta is Shiva’s drum, and this full moon falls at the end of the month of Shravan, sacred to Shiva. During this time, it’s said that the cosmic ocean was churned and Lord Shiva drank the poison that came up in order to protect all of the universe. As a result of consuming the poison, his throat turned blue.
Dhanishta encourages us to listen to the beat of our own internal drum, the rhythm of our hearts and have the courage to follow our own path. In Aquarius it’s asking us to consider how we have an effect on others, the Earth and how we may be of service? Mars, the fiery, brave, warrior planet is associated with Dhanistha and the supporting energies or Devatas are the 8 Vasus, elemental energies of Apas-Water, Dhruva-the Polestar, Soma- Moon, Dhara-Earth, Anila-Wind, Anala-Fire, Pratyusha-Sun, Prabha (Dyaus)-Sky.
The story of the immortal general Bhisma in the Mahabharata is connected to Dhanishta. Bhisma is an incarnation of the Vasu Dyaus who has to take birth in human form. He made a vow of lifelong celibacy to serve the throne. It shows the inner spiritual battle with being of service to others and the challenges and mistakes that can come with that. It tells a story of responsibility and service towards the family or bigger issues relating to helping the world and humanity. If you are are feeling frustrated, angry or aggressive about what is happening in the world and around you, please consider: how might you channel and transform that frustration into an action that is protective, helpful, creative and useful in the world?
The female lion is the animal for Dhanishta. Lionesses can be fiercely protective, nurturing leaders. Female lions do all the hunting for the lion pride and work strategically as a team, as well as defend their territory against threats from other animals. Through their strong maternal instincts they teach necessary skills to their cubs. She is not unnecessarily aggressive and she does not take more than she needs. The motherly instincts of the lioness teach us to guide, nurture, and protect more than just ourselves.
This full moon in Aquarius asks us to connect to our sense of caring for humanity and all beings. Considering all that’s happening in the world, it’s a good idea to to stop and listen deeply before taking action… Listen to the Earth, listen to your heart…What do you hear?
OM Namah Shivaya
OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
*Photo thanks to: nicnicnic78 from Pixabay