FULL MOON
Artwork: Unknown | Painting; gouache on watermarked paper, Ram holding a bow and a crescent tipped arrow, Trichinopoly, ca.1825.
January 13th 3:56 AM IST | 14:26 PST
The first Full Moon (Pūrṇimā) of the year rises in the Vedic lunar mansion of Punarvasu (Sidereal Gemini), the Star of Renewal. This is a time of profound reflection and rejuvenation—a moment when light returns after the storm, bringing hope and the promise of abundance.
Punarvasu, symbolized by a quiver of arrows, embodies the energy of rebuilding and rebirth. Arrows, when directed with focus and intention, always find their mark, returning full circle with purpose—just as the energy of Punarvasu teaches us to align our actions with our higher vision.
Similarly, the goddess Aditi, ruler of Punarvasu, is pregnant with puṇya (spiritual merit), representing nourishment and fertility. This Full Moon activates our inner resources, and asks us to protect and replenish our spiritual bank account with renewed vitality. The seeds we’ve sown in the darkness begin to sprout, signaling that prosperity and renewal are at hand.
The Full Moon’s energy echoes the tale of Lord Ram, born under this nakshatra. His exile and subsequent return to Ayodhya symbolize the cyclical nature of life—how light and victory emerge from hardship. Just as Ram’s return marked his rightful restoration, this Full Moon calls us to embrace our own path of recovery and renewal. It offers a second chance to reclaim what was lost, rebuild what was broken, and find strength in resilience.
Now, more than ever, we’re urged to direct our energies with intention. This is a time to nurture what truly matters—whether that is our health, our relationships, or our long-term goals.
There is a call to protect our most sacred resources and restore order—placing everything in its rightful position. We must cultivate the right energy, protect our immune system, create space for abundance, and honor the wisdom keepers and wisdom that will guide us forward. This call can only be answered by a mind that has become still and established in it’s own seat.
Only a land or person who’s immune system is low can be “attacked” from the outside.
During this Full Moon, take stock of what needs to be renewed in your life. Reflect on the lessons of the past, but resist the temptation to rush forward. Pace yourself and trust in the divine timing of your journey. You may feel as if you’re taking two steps forward and four steps back. Like the arrows of Punarvasu, your efforts will circle back, bringing rewards in their own time.
Focus on grounding your emotions, clarifying your goals, and nurturing your personal growth. Stay aligned with your higher purpose, and resist distractions that might pull you away from your vision.
All my Relations
Join us for Vidyā & Chai—our monthly Full Moon gathering of meditation, storytelling, and reflection
Toko-pa-Turner // “To be baffled and obstructed is what engages creativity. This is the practice of poets, dreamers, and artists alike: to show up at the frontiers of uncertainty where we are met by ten thousand things. We practice there, on the verge, amateur and unprepared, at being friendly - or at least willing - towards the discomforts of our confusions. As Rumi says, ‘Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment!’