We are now entering the sacred fortnight of Pitṛ Pakṣa, which runs from September 7-21st. This two-week period is set aside for remembering and honoring our ancestors (pitṛs). According to tradition, this is when the veils between worlds are thinner, and offerings made with sincerity reach our forefathers, bringing blessings and peace both to them and to us. By making offerings to them, we both bless them and strengthen our own foundations.
Pitṛ Pakṣa is the time when the ancestral realm is especially receptive. The act of remembrance and offering ‘feeds’ the pitṛs and, in turn, clears both seen and unseen obstacles in our lives. It is said that honoring our ancestors can bless up to 7 generations before us and ensures continuity of blessings for our future generations.
There are very particular and intricate offerings done in traditional practices during this time, but there are many simple ways we can offer to them. To begin, it is ideal to have a picture of your most beloved ancestors in your home. These pictures should only contain images of those who have passed and are separate from any other alter. It is ideally placed in the southwest corner of the home.
During these nights, and in fact on every new moon evening, we can offer them water or black sesame seeds. If there is a favorite food or drink of a particular relative it is a sweet personal touch to offer that. Remember that what we offer to the ancestors we ourselves should not eat or drink, so after a day they can be put in the southwest corner of your property, or into a flowing body of water.
Beyond rituals, we can simply bring our ancestors to mind more often or daily over these next 15 days. Remembering or writing about family patterns, gifts received, and healing what needs to be released can be a more modern observance of the traditional rituals.
This fortnight ends on September 20th or 21st (20th in the USA) depending on your location with the final and most important offering. Even if you do not do offerings every day of this cycle, try to do something this night.
This year the beginning and end of pitr paksha is marked by eclipses. There is a lunar eclipse tomorrow, September 7th, and a solar eclipse on September 21st. For the exact timings in your location you can go to timeanddate.com. Eclipses are moments in time where whatever we do is more potent. Ideally, we use this time for meditation or mantra but at least remember to use this time for an inward pause, quiet reflection or restraint. Eclipses are seen as inauspicious for any outer worldly undertaking.
The end of pitr paksha marks the beginning of Navaratri, the 9 nights of celebration of the goddess Durga. More on that next time!
Love and Blessings,
Mrin
***My next round of 12 Week Vedic Astrology Foundations begins September 24th. Follow the link below to register or reach out with any questions!***
