<h4>September 21st - 29th, 2017</h4>
<h5>by Gwen Burdick</h5>
<img class="size-medium wp-image-5644 alignleft" src="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Navratri-300x225.jpg" alt="Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati" width="300" height="225" /><em>Navratri</em>, a nine night-long celebration of the Divine Feminine, occurs every year on the New Moon in the Vedic month of<em> Ashwin</em> (usually our September) near the autumnal equinox. Worship of the Goddesses <em>Durga</em>, <em>Lakshmi</em> and <em>Saraswati</em> occur for three nights each. Prayers are performed, offerings are made and mantras are recited to honor and invoke the blessings of the Divine Mother.

The first three nights are devoted to <em>Durga</em>, which means "invincible" in Sanskrit. In Vedic energetics, <em>Durga</em> presides over the <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/the-three-gunas-tamas-rajas-and-sattva/">tamasic</a> realm and annihilation. She is depicted fearlessly riding a lion and carrying weapons in her many hands. Her job is to destroy the darkness, ignorance and weakness that interferes with spiritual growth. She is responsible for the first step of the spiritual journey to remove fear, pain, suffering and confusion. The simplest mantra for <em>Durga</em> is: "Om Dum Durgayei Namaha."

For the next three nights Goddess <em>Lakshmi</em> is honored. <em>Lakshmi</em> means "goal" in Sanskrit and she governs the <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/the-three-gunas-tamas-rajas-and-sattva/">rajasic</a> realm which allows for the enjoyment of worldly life. Shown with coins representing abundance, she assists in understanding the <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/yamas-and-niyamas-in-the-new-year/">niyama</a> of <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/santosha/">Santosha</a>. At this point along the spiritual path, we can experience gratitude and appreciation for all we have received. The mantra for <em>Lakshmi</em> is "Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha."

The final three nights are dedicated to Goddess <em>Saraswati</em>, which means "essence of Self" in Sanskrit, and her dominion is the <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/the-three-gunas-tamas-rajas-and-sattva/">sattvic</a> realm.<em> Saraswati</em> carries a book, mala and lute. She oversees learning, knowledge, and the Arts for those who have been prepared. Only when we have passed through the first two stages can we be ready to access <em>Saraswati's</em> blessings and, as a result, use acquired knowledge and higher consciousness for the welfare of all. Her mantra is "Om Shri Saraswatiya Namaha."

On the following tenth auspicious day of revival of the feminine aspect of God, devotees recommit to their worldly duties and vocations and to their <a href="http://theyogasanctuary.biz/sadhana-by-gwen-burdick/">sadhana</a>. As we enter the Fall season, might we notice how easy it is to see the qualities of the Goddesses in Mother Nature herself.