Shadow Before Light

RAHU, the ‘shadow star’ which eclipses the Sun, prepares to exit Mesha/Aries. In about 2 months, it moves into Meena/Pisces.

Perhaps that is why, my sadhana has been unusually hard over the last few days. Crippling almost. Unmoving. Disenchanted.

I found solace from this painting over the last few days. If you know the artist please let me know!

Shiva as Yogeshwar, Master of Yoga; as Bhairava, the Fierce Protector; as Rudra, the Howling Storm.

On good days, I find joy from my sadhana — consisting mainly of various stages of mantras, some kriyas, and simple pranayama. Most days are average; it is the hard days when you know you really have to push through.

Either your tapasya is about to burn through a deep shadow layer, possibly visceral, or — your fire is about to be snuffed out by some karmic entanglement 

The demons of our inner world can seem very real in our maya realm. Perhaps more so at this time, when Rahu the shadow master is changing signs — moving away from the flaming passion of Aries, and into the karmic dreaminess of Pisces. For 18 months Rahu stays there, weaving its illusion and deception. It is said, if you master the lessons of Rahu — you master this world.

Navigating the spiritual realms becomes tougher, clouded by desire and subtle ego. At best, one recognizes their karmic patterns during this period. At best, creativity and spiritual-awareness grows.

But at worst?

Fake spirituality. Channeling dark entities disguised as angels. Schizophrenia. Psychological disturbances. Losing touch with physical reality. Glorifying wounds in the name of ‘divine purity’.

Reminder: Shadow, before light.

Stay grounded in the body. Continue to work with body and breath. Relinquish attachment to things we see — or think we see — in the mind.

Be mindful of projections. Better yet, own them. Tame them.

Shiva as Pashupati, lord of wild things, reminds us to tame the inner beast. To gain awareness then mastery — and not be overrun by desire so unconscious we don’t even know why and what we’re doing.

Om Namah Shivayah! May those in the path discover breakthroughs never before possible. Hari Om.

S.

27/8/2023