LUNAR OBSERVANCES
Participating in fire pujas (homas) and gazing on the flames is a powerful way to draw divine energy to our souls.
The Full Moon is called Purnima and is presided over by Mother Divine. It is a good time to bring plans and activities to fruition. Connecting with Full Moon energy helps strengthen mental and emotional functions and soothes the nervous system.
The New Moon is called Amasvasya and is presided over by Shiva. It is a powerful time to germinate new ideas and projects, and create circles of protection for our life.
Modern science tells us that the Moon governs the wind patterns, tides and the growth and hormonal cycles of all living beings on this earth. Jyotish, the predictive science of the Vedas, tells us that the Moon has a tremendous influence on our subtle emotional and intellectual processes, cardiovascular, lymph and hormonal systems, intuition and imagination.
Consciously incorporating the lunar energies into our spiritual practices and honoring the moon phases speeds our personal progress. Participating in a Fire Puja burns accumulated karmas and illuminates our soul with Divine energy. Please bring a fruit or flower to the Lunar Pujas. Donations are appreciated
Monday, Sept. 15, 7-9 pm. Full Moon Puja.The full moon nearest to the Autumn Equinox is called the “Harvest Moon.” This is because for several nights it appears large and bright in the early evening, bringing farmers valuable extra time to gather in their harvest. Actual Full Moon peak time is 3:13 am MDT on Sept. 15th.
Monday, Sept. 29, 7:30-9:30 pm. New Moon Fire Puja and Shiva Abhishek.The darkness of the new moon is an ideal time to create a protective influence and germinate new projects. The New Moon energy is presided over by Lord Shiva.
The Abhishek or ritual bathing of the Shiva Shakti Lingam is most powerfully done at New Moon and creates an influence of purification and clarity. Actual New Moon peak time is 2:12 am MDT on Sept. 29th.
Tuesday, Oct. 14th, 7-9 pm. Full Moon Puja.The Farmers Almanac says when the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. This is the Full Hunters' Moon -- since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, along with other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. Actual Full Moon peak time is 2:02 am MDT on Oct. 14th.
Wednesday, Oct. 29th, 7-9 pm. New Moon Fire Puja and Shiva Abhishek. Actual New Moon peak time is 5:14 pm MDT on Oct. 28th.
Wednesday, Nov. 12th, 7-9 pm. Full Moon Puja. Full FROSTY Moon. The Farmers Almanac suggests it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon come from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. Actual Full Moon peak time is 11:17 pm MST on Nov. 12th.
Wednesday, Nov. 26th, 7-9 pm. New Moon Fire Puja and Shiva Abhishek. Actual New Moon peak time is 9:54 pm MST on Nov. 27th.
