Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, or the great night of Shiva, is celebrated once a year before the New Moon in the sign of Aquarius. Though every month the night before the New Moon is dedicated to Shiva, this is the largest annual celebration, the Great Night.
There are many reasons attributed with this being his night. Some stories say this was his marriage night to Parvati, others say it is the night he killed the negative forces disguised as ego. In a broader sense, Shiva represents the non-dual consciousness. He is the Adi yogi, the original yogi or the originator of the yogic path.
Regardless of the reason, devotees will stay up all night to do rituals and chant.
The timing starts in a couple hours from now. In the US this is the night of the 25th/day of the 26th, and in Europe and India it is all day and night of the 26th. Because of starting time the date is a bit awkward this year, but the lunar timing starts from 9:38 pm pacific on the 25th and goes till the 26th at 7:24 pm. Though the night is the main celebration, mantras or rituals any time in this window are magnified.
After Shivaratri, the New Moon of this month is in the sign of Aquarius and the lunar house of Satabisha. Aquarius is a Saturn ruled sign that is connected to the society and shows us that any lasting attainment takes slow and steady efforts. With the New Moon here as well as Sun, Saturn, and Mercury we may encounter self doubt and question our greater benefit to or place in the world, or even just our mark in the communities in which we dwell. The lunar house of Satabisha reminds us that letting something go or giving something up, especially that which doesn’t serve our higher good, is often what’s needed to expand our consciousness at these moments.
So enjoy this great night of Shiva, dwell in that Divine consciousness, and chant his name.
Om Namah Shivaya!
Love and Blessings,
Mrinmoyee
