In Vedic Astrology we look to the lunar cycles to review the precise timing for creating, developing, starting and ending processes. The New Moon naturally nudges us to go within due to the darkened nature and lack of light reflected back to us - a withdrawal of light. The Moon is our emotional wellbeing and can be observed in our receptivity and our thought fluctuations. Lunar cycles (approximately 29.5 days) can be considered a refresh or reset, carrying with it the energy of the New Moon’s Nakshatra (star constellation).
This first New Moon of 2022 falls on January 2, 2022, when the Moon is passing through Sagittarius in the Nakshatra of Purva Ashada. Purva Ashada translates to ‘Initiating Victory’ and is ruled by the Goddess who governs water (Apas).
When we need to get things done and overcome obstacles, this is a particularly helpful placement. This timing seems to be a little interesting considering it falls exactly the day after the beginning ‘New Year’ of 2022 in the Gregorian calendaring system.
One of the symbols of Purva Ashada is an elephant tusk - which is connected to Ganesh (pictured here) and is known as the remover of obstacles. Story has it that Ganesha broke one of his tusks to use as a writing instrument to pen the Mahabharata. The elephant tusk is symbolic to pride, wisdom and divine power. This is exactly what one would hope for in a new start!
Keep in mind that Venus (our desires) is still retrograde until January 29, 2022, and how we seek pleasure and comforts through relationships, food, entertainment will likely resurface. If something doesn’t seem to be working you may get some clarity on how to move forward in a new way. If you need to let go of something and restructure, this may also be supported during this cycle. Keep in mind that we and are completely responsible for our own happiness and that it doesn’t come from others nor from the outside world - but from within.
The New Year is pegged in the Western part of the world as a date to set goals or intentions for development - this oftentimes leads to disappointment or self-punishment once the ‘new habit’ is dropped or broken. I’d like to offer a small shift in perspective and consider that instead of creating new habits or making goals, you decide HOW you want to feel and lean into what supports and builds this type of outcome. This is different than goal tasking because you would first need to know HOW you want to feel and then set out to create the day-to-day life that nurtures and grows what you would like to feel.
Taking the action to grow something is different than tracking what one did 'right or wrong' and keeps us out of the artificial and unhealthy practice of trying to match the outside world with our insides. Once you are clear on how you want to feel and what this life structure looks like, then you can draw back on the bow and launch the arrow of desire. If you don’t know what you want to feel, how can you possibly know what you want to do to get there?
If you do not know where to begin, a refreshing starting point would be with Danielle LaPort’s book Desire Map to help with your desire mapping or you could set up a vedic reading with me to guide and support your 2022 growth. Better yet, do both! You are certainly worth it.