Krittika translates as "one who cuts" and is symbolized as a razor or sharp object. Thus, a critical nature with both creative and destructive tendencies is displayed by this Nakshatra.
The ruling energies of this New Moon are the Sun, The King and life-giving authority, and Agni, The God of Fire. Together they create an immense amount of heat for a sacrificial fire and purification process that is extremely painful yet liberating. Liberation is the process of breaking the cycles of life and death and or the breaking, cutting away of something.
Of critical importance is the heartbreaking news and images coming out of India as they are grappled in skyrocketing Covid-19 cases and casualties. All across the Motherland, funeral pyres burn. There is suffering, loss, despair, and trauma that will be felt for lifetimes. Many relatives cannot even carry out their beloveds' sacred rituals and ceremonies to ensure their safe transition beyond this plane.
I pray that each soul is purified and liberated from their earthy bodies and lovingly guided towards liberation. Please consider taking a prayerful time to imagine their beloved receiving their sacred ceremony as an offering for their safe transition, and for those that are mourning, that they are not alone.
Ritual for the Sacred Journey:
It is preferable for a Hindu to die at home. Traditionally a candle is lit by the head of the deceased. The body is then placed in the entranceway of the house, with the head facing south. The body is bathed, anointed with sandalwood, shaved (if male), and wrapped in cloth. It is preferable for a cremation to take place on the day of death. The body is then carried to the funeral pyre by the male relatives, and prayers are said to Yama, the God of Death. Sometimes the name of God (Ram) is chanted. While doing this, the pyre is circled three times anti-clockwise. This is usually done by the male relatives of the family, lead by the chief mourner.
On the funeral pyre, the feet are positioned pointing south in the direction of the realm of Yama, and the head positioned north towards the realm of Kubera, the God of Wealth. Traditionally it is the chief mourner who sets light to the pyre. The body is now an offering to Agni, the God of Fire.
So as Above and So as Below
Our New Moon in Krittika can potentially destroy or create depending on how you decide to use this energy. It is powerful, and I urge you to be aware of where life is heating up for you. Decide prayerfully before you decide to burn or cut something or someone out of your life. Imagine holding a ball of fire, controlling that fire, and using its energy wisely.
Adding more flames to the fire is Mars, the ruler of Aries, creating tension with the wounded healer Chiron who ties you to the past. You may have the opportunity to cut or burn away a part of you that has been holding you back from your healing.
More fuel for the fire is tensions between Venus and Jupiter. Jupiter in Aquarius is expanding humanitarian efforts as can be seen by countries coming to India's aid; however, Venus is thwarting some efforts at home in Taurus, where the focus is on keeping the economy going and their luxurious lives over lives.
Pluto is in retrograde motion, causing the revisit to crisis and chaos to see what needs correction.
Encouraging conditions between Mercury and Saturn offer the opportunity to use all this planetary action for deliberate conversations to lead us ALL out of the fire towards liberation
Love & Wisdom
Sachi