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- Shashi Solluna
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Happy MahaShivaratri

Thursday 27th February night is MahaShivaratri...the great night of Shiva. If there is one night of the year to tune into the vibration of Highest Consciousness, this is it! 

Clearing away the attachment to delusions and illusions, and remembering the Truth of who we are. In Tantra this essential Truth is called Shiva....inseparable from the appearance of form and energy which is called Shakti. 
 
It is usually celebrated with an all-night ritual, including chanting the names of Shiva. Devotion and worship in Tantra is not about separating ourselves from the Divine, but is used to help us surrender the ego in the name of Truth. To find out how, read more...
 
MahaShivaratri Festival (taken from Sex to Spirit)
 
Shiva
 
In Tantra, Shiva is the name given to the Divine Masculine principle, also known as Highest Consciousness. It is that part within all of us (men and women) that is unc
hanging and eternal, pure awareness. Shiva is the consciousness of all of existence. 
All of existence is seen as the creation of Shiva Consciousness; of Shiva being born into form and matter. In Tantra this is named Shakti, and compared to a dancing goddess, and ever-changing flow of energy.
If life becomes separated from Consciousness, then Shakti becomes distorted and becomes suffering. Thus in Tantra we aim to unite Shakti and Shiva, and then life becomes bliss. It can be personified by the union of lovers.
 
To find out more about how you can work with Shiva and Shakti principles in your tantric practice click here
 

 
Shiva Lingam 

In the world of Tantra you will frequently come across the word "lingam". This is found in two main references: firstly it is used to refer to the male body part (penis), and secondly it refers to a phallic statue used in tantric puju (worship). Is it that Tantrics worship the male penis?

There is more to the lingam than just the male body part! For a start, the lingam is actually located in a horizontal part, which represents the yoni (vagina). The lingam is vertical, and thus represents the uplifting direction of elevating states of consciousness. The yoni is horizontal and represents life unfolding all around us. To make puja to the Shiva Lingam is to worship the consciousness that penetrates all of life.

Shiva Lingam

Celebrating Mahashivaratri
 
There may be a celebration happening near you! Traditionally, people stay awake all night performing meditation, ritual and bhakti- the devotional chanting of the names of Shiva. The Sex to Spirit team will be joining the all-night Agama Yoga puja, which is featured in the movie. This takes place on Koh Phangan in Thailand.

However, you can also tune into these powerful vibrations from wherever you are. Here are some ideas:

  • Print an image of a shiva lingam to put on your altar, and contemplate the relationship between the play of life and the consciousness that penetrates it.
  • Fast all day or eat light foods to purify yourself and enter deeper states of meditation.
  • When you bathe, turn it into a cleansing ritual. Ask the light of consciousness to purify your shakti (your life). Use the water to clear away any blockages that you may have to highest consciousness.
  • Listen to Shiva chants (such as "Sacred Chants of Shiva" and even chant along. This is a very powerful way to tune in.
  • If you have a partner, you can do a tantric ritual together. For example transfigure each other as Shiva and Shakti. The women sees consciousness, awareness and directionality in her man, and the man sees beauty, radiance and love in his woman (adjust this if you are a same-sex couple and decide who wants to represent each principle).
Uniting as Shiva and Shakti
Uniting as Shiva and Shakti
 
May your Mahashivaratri be blessed by the light of Highest Consciousness!

Om Namah Shivaya
shashi solluna / fairfield house / Windsor (Berkshire), rg10 0pp /