(Picture of Shiva Rea)

I’m just learning about this myself, as I mentioned in the previous post. However, I wanted to share with you some of the ways Shiva herself honors this sacred ritual and celebration called Navaratri. It’s fascinating, because I had already been honoring some of the practices without even knowing it. My girlfriend and I are eating all raw food between now and next Tuesday. This is one of the suggestions as a practice during this time, i.e. cleansing. And, having recently moved into a new space, I felt inspired to clear out any “old, regressive” energy by getting a few new things to beautify my space. It turns out these are recommended practices. And, I realized last night, the last day of the Navaratri celebration happens to fall on my birthday…October 9th! She describes this day, Day 10, as “Victory of Shakti!”

Here are a few ways Shiva is honoring this cycle which is from the e-mail she sent to us two days ago.

You can enter the ritual festival when and however you are moved.

Below are somome personal ways that I am honoring and aligning with Shakti during this time. It is a wonderful time for honing your practice and devotion.

- spending as much time with my little man Jai as possible and nuturing him with love
- it is very hot here so it is easy to fast from dinner to morning eating only fruits.
I am not fasting for the 10 days in this vata season but eating as whole, organic vegetarian as possible (this is my version this season and suggest that everyone finds what is right for you).
- only listening to Devi kirtan and chants for the next 10 days
particularly in the early morning
- chanting the Lalita Sahashranama daily and offering 108 mantra for the different aspects of the Goddes as fire offering or as flower puja (offering petals with each mantra) with meditation.
- bathing in the ocean everyday and making flower offerings
- connecting with my teachers, family, friends
- resting and laying around like one of Durga’s tiger cubs (I did part of the chanting laying down tonight as I really needed it post- conference)
- clearing my space of unfinished business for the next three days
- envisioning and bringing into fruition a vision for the next six days
- offering a community puja this Friday with Saul David Raye for all
- during the festival and on the final day offering seva in as many ways possible

I love you all! During the Laxmi-Saraswati phase, I will be writing a letter to you all about 2009 and resources available for tending your sacred fire of evolution.

Infinite Blessings!

in her lap
Shiva