Navaratri October 13-21

In hindu and yogic tradition, on the first new moon of autumn starts the nine day festival of Navaratri, celebration of the Divine Mother.  The first three nights are devoted to the Goddess Durga who destroys all darkness.  The second three nights are devoted to Lakshmi who nourishes us and creates happiness in our hearts--which is only possible once the darkness and fear have been removed.  The last three nights are devoted to Saraswati who is the Goddess of Wisdom and pure love inherent within our hearts.  All creation and creativity happens through the process of these three powers, destruction of darkness and fear, openness in the heart, and the arrival of deep wisdom and love.  The next nine days is a beautiful time to honor your own path toward self awareness--what internal obstacles need to be removed for you to see, and let go of, darkness and fear?  How can you enhance your practices of self-nourishment and love?  Finally, in the last three days, allow yourself to see the growth you have made and the deeper wisdom that is inherently full within your heart, always. 
Lakshmi T. Plasha

---