March 2024 Week 4

Earlier in the week I wrote to you about the full moon and some rituals around this time of release. I have attached the writing at the bottom of this weeks dharma and I would instead like to focus on 2 readings I have recently come across about persistence.

“Persistence is necessary if you are to advance in spiritual things. By persistent prayer, persistent, firm and simple trust, you achieve the treasures of the spirit. By persistence practice, you can eventually obtain joy, peace, assurance, security, health, happiness, and serenity. Nothing is too great, in the spiritual realm, for you to obtain, if you persistently prepare yourself for it. I pray that I may persistently carry out my spiritual exercises every day. I pray that I may strive for peace and serenity.” Twenty-four hours a day book

We are closing out this month with our intention - Everywhere I go, I bring light with me. I see this is an invitation to get to work lol!! If I want any chance of bringing light with me into my days I need to be persistent in my daily spiritual work. As I said in class this morning, with this intention and the intentions of this new year along with the full moon, lunar moon and spring equinox we are again and again as a spiritual group, the Calm Crew, prompted to self inquiry, unburdening and opening up to new possibilities. I for one think that is amazing and am willing to be persistent in my daily spiritual practices so I can get out of the way. Remember…. “Get out of the way, you are slowing God down!!!!!!!”

Finally, retouching on Sutra 1:5 this month we are taught that there are five kinds of mental modifications which are either painful or painless. This builds from last month - when we discussed identifying with the mental modifications of the mind if we are not grounded and clear. Satchidananda explains there are 5 kinds of vrittas or mind modifications - one variety brings us pain, the other does not. A better way to categorize these thoughts are: selfish and selfless thoughts. Selfish thoughts ultimately bring us pain. “Forget your selfishness, make others happy, and you will be the happiest person.” If we persist in our spiritual practices wea re more likely to stay away from the “painful modifications of the mind.” Next month we will learn what the 5 are, stay tuned.

“Spiritual development is achieved by daily persistence in living the way you believe God wants you to live. Like wearing away of a stone by steady drops of water, so will your daily persistence wear away al the difficulties and gain spiritual success for you. Never falter in this daily, steady persistence. Go forward boldly and unafraid. God will help and strengthen you, as long as you are trying to do His will. I pray that I may persist day by day in gaining spiritual experience. I pray that I may make this a lifetime work.” Twenty four hours a day book

Full moon/lunar eclipse/spring renewal:
According to astrologer Catherine Gerdes, the full moon today, Monday, March 25, was at 3 a.m. EST and is a particularly special full moon — sometimes referred to as the Worm Moon — will also coincide with a lunar eclipse in the zodiac sign of Libra, so to say it’s extra powerful is an understatement.

In astrology, the full moon always represents a time of release and surrender, and that’s because it’s the final phase of the month-long lunar cycle. Spiritually speaking, “it can be an opportune time for reflection and clearing space to prepare for something new,” says Gerdes.

The full moon also metaphorically illuminates your path, so you can clearly see where you need to go. When you add a lunar eclipse into the mix, it amplifies the effects of the full moon, as well as the emotions associated with it, says Letao Wang, an astrologer and spiritual counselor.

The moon is only full once a month, so it’s a special time that marks a period of ending, as well as an emotional release. “Of course, when something is completed, we naturally feel the time has come to let go of what no longer serves us,” says Wang. “And that is why full moons always facilitate endings and transitions.”

Since this full moon is also an eclipse in the sign of Libra, Gerdes says your relationships will likely be what changes most. Libra is an air sign represented by Venus, the planet of love, and it also rules the seventh house of relationships.

When you add everything together, it means March 25 will have you thinking about your family, friends, and your partner.

Since lunar eclipses happen about every six months, Wang says they usher in a period of completion and release, especially as it relates to whatever happened at the start of that cycle.

Libra is represented by the scales, so you may find that you’re finally ready to seek peace and equilibrium. “The heightened emotions and revelations brought forth by the eclipse demand careful consideration and patience,” Wang says, so don’t expect to find answers from the moon right away.

What’s more, the full moon’s energy can start to kick in a week or two before it culminates, and with the eclipse happening, the energy may also stick around until the end of the six-month cycle. In other words, whatever happens on March 25 sets the stage for what’s to come next.

Here are a few full moon rituals:

Release and Let Go
******To embrace the energy of the full moon, write any habits, thoughts, or emotions that you want to release onto pieces of paper, and then (safely) burn them under the glow of the moonlight tonight!!! This ritual is a symbol of letting go of what no longer serves you.

Meditate for Balance
If you’re in the mood to chill out with your eyes closed, focus a meditation on the theme of balance and harmony, in honor of the sign of Libra.

Cleanse Your Space
Spring cleaning can be done until June, but it’s very powerful during the full moon.
“Physically cleaning and cleansing your living space can mirror the internal process of clearing out the unnecessary to make room for the new. Picture yourself washing away old energy as you work.

Jot In Your Journal
Journaling can be tough with no direction, so use a prompt to get the creative juices flowing. Spend a few minutes writing down your wishes and thoughts to ground your energy during the full moon.
While it isn’t wise to manifest during the chaotic energy of an eclipse, Wang says you can still think about what you’d like to work towards in the future. (Envision the light of the full moon illuminating your path!)

Take A Break
This is also the perfect time to kick back, relax, and let the universe take the wheel. “Eclipses are an opportune moment to just rest and allow events to unfold around us,” says Gerdes. “With this highly-charged energy, engaging in practices to calm the nervous system, like salt baths, aromatherapy, and meditation, could be really helpful.”

Sources:
Letao Wang, astrologist, tarot reader, spiritual counselor
Catherine Gerdes, astrologer