Full Moon Solstice in the Root Star
Marcia Snedecor
In a rare and auspicious alignment, this month’s full moon will coincide with the Summer Solstice, offering a double dose of celestial light. While the moon will reach fullness at 7:02 a.m. on June 20, 2016, the Solstice, or the longest day of the year, will culminate just hours later, giving a powerful boost to global consciousness and expanding our potential for spiritual insight. Shining its vibrant light onto all aspects of our lives, this full moon illuminates realms long buried, allowing all that is dark to be seen. In Vedic Astrology this brilliant midsummer moon will illuminate the area of the sky known as Mula, or the “root star,” which marks the end of material attachments and the beginning of spiritual realization. Marking the “stinger” in the tail of the constellation of Scorpio, and situated close to the galaxy’s center, Mula is said to hold great spiritual power. Ruled by the untamed Goddess, Nirriti, who represents chaos and subversion from the norm, she holds the fatal venom of the Scorpio’s sting. Nirriti lives in the kingdom of the dead, and like the goddess Kali, she uproots and weeds out what is unnecessary, leaving behind a fertile bed of possibility. The Summer Solstice is not only the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, it also represents the climax of solar energy for 2016. This is a great time for practicing ritual and magic, and for setting goals and intentions. The Full Moon in Mula can bring about sudden epiphanies, revealing hidden gems of knowledge to all those who inquire.
The lunar mansion of Mula contains the most colorful area of the sky - Rho Ophiuchus.
Because this full moon asks us to look beyond the material realm, this would not be a good time to lend or borrow money, or to make new purchases. Instead of acquiring more things, focus on clearing out the cobwebs of the past, literally cleaning out closets or unburdening yourself of wardrobe items you may never wear. Mula Nakshatra upholds a great truth: that the nature of this world is impermanent and we are meant to find our power by releasing and flowing with it. In India, this powerful Full Moon will be celebrated as Vat Savitri, a holiday that celebrates the spiritual power of the ancient princess Savitri. Named after the sun god, Savitr, she embodied the effulgent beauty of sunlight and the steady devotion of its path through the sky. So immense was Savitri’s power that by following Yama, the Lord of Death, into the underworld, she was able to rescue her husband from his clutches. Yama was so impressed by Savitri’s austerity and strength that he allowed her to transgress the mighty power of death itself. Savitri’s journey to the underworld represents the cycle of death and rebirth, which the sun undertakes everyday at sunrise and sunset. Now, as the sun reaches its annual peak of power on the Solstice, open yourself to receiving its abundant light and be prepared to glimpse the full depth of your power. Harness its brilliant energy to reset old habits and take solid action to improve your own life and the lives of others. Be careful, however, not to be too critical with yourself or others, and be especially mindful of the words you choose. Also watch out for possible travel delays in the days surrounding the Full Moon, as Mercury opposes Saturn. This Full Moon also has a unique influence, or sambandha, from expansive Jupiter, who will fully merge with the head of Rahu, the shadow demon, on June 23. On a global scale, this fiery combination amplifies and distorts politics, morality, and human rights issues. Its influence can be seen in the tragic events of Orlando, and the resulting polarization of public opinion. The exact conjunction on June 23 could mark an important breaking point for human consciousness, whereas on a personal level, it could bring about sudden and transformative change. If you are in a Jupiter cycle, or under the influence of Jupiter by transit, you may experience its maximum effect. This rare combination of a bright summer moon on the brightest day of the year can set your heart ablaze and awaken a new yearning for spiritual nourishment. Nirriti has the power to uproot and destroy old patterns, leaving us free and clear to absorb all the light we can hold. Listen to your inner wisdom and remember that only through light can we dispel fear.
-- Kari Field, for a personal reading, click here.
For a personal reading, click here
