New Moon November 1 - "The Independent One"

There will be a new moon in Swati nakshatra in Libra on Friday, November 1st. Swati means ‘independent one’ and is symbolized by a young sprout swaying in the wind. Imagine a hike in the mountains and seeing a little flower growing out of the rock. Seems delicate but how strong do you have to be to grow out of a rock? Its Shakti is the power to scatter like the wind and its desire is the freedom to move at will. It’s a wonderful nakshatra for traveling and for disbursing knowledge.

Swati is an independent nakshatra that may indicate tenuous beginnings but success over time. Feelings of restlessness can cause travel and wandering in the physical or mental world. It likes to communicate and tell stories of its wonderings. It is connected to the air element and benefits from pranayama.

This month it may be valuable to consider where in your life you are independent or where you could be more independent. Where are you too independent and could consider some softening or collaboration or community? If something new is happening in your life and there is struggle involved, know that God’s delays are not God’s denials and be patient. Don’t hesitate from sharing your experience related to where you go or what you think about. Do it in a harmonious, diplomatic way. 

If pranayama has ever been part of your life, this is a good time to revisit it. Or introduce it for the first time. A simple beginner practice is alternate nostril breathing without breath retention. Put your peace fingers down in your right hand, place the thumb on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril. Begin by pressing down on your thumb to block the right nostril and inhale through the left nostril. At the top of the inhale press down on your ring finger and release your thumb, exhaling out the right nostril. Then inhale through the right nostril, still blocking the left. Switch and exhale out the left nostril. This is one cycle. Begin with 3 or 11 cycles each morning or evening and notice how you feel afterwards.