Saturday’s New Moon in Mrigasira Nakshtra: Sidereal Gemini

A New Moon is a mark of transition. There is potent sense of release and completion on the darkest night, which makes the ground fertile for the start of a new cycle.

This New Moon is in Mrigasira nakshatra at the beginning of Sidereal Gemini. In Sanskrit, Mrigasira means ‘the Head of a Deer’. The branching quality of the deer’s antlers are symbolic of the human mind and the branching of mental energy that weaves countless stories, thoughts, and imaginings. Deer are very swift, a bit nervous and forever wandering. The energy of Mrigasira is that of the seeker.

Those with Mrigasira in their birth charts can be very creative and inventive. They follow many ideas and longings and are quickly inspired and on to something new. This can result in a lot of diversity and flexibility, but also in fickleness and restlessness within the inner self. This is something to observe which will be more active in all of us during this next fortnight. It is an excellent time, however, to tap into a brainstorming, creative session, to write poetry & music, or to connect through words with a friend or lover.

The deeper meaning of Mrigasira is seen through the deity or divine archetype, Soma, who presides over this star. Soma represents the spirit of bliss, the flow state, smoothless. It is one of the most sought after states to be in by all people. Mrigasira activates within us this seeking, for the source of this feeling. The search for the source of fulfillment.

Soma is also known in Vedic symbology as a sacred elixir, an invigorating and revitalizing nectar that the Gods would drink. Many of us are seeking this sweetness and fulfillment in the world of the senses and often in temporary experiences bringing us in contact with this pleasure and a state of expansion. This is why when you have some more harsh planets such as Saturn or Mars in Mrigasira it can bring about addictive behaviour and frequent intoxication. In general, this restless, discontented state of mind is what keeps us chasing something outside of ourselves and in a state of constant longing.

What are the Heavens trying to tell us during this New Moon?

Mrigasira is astronomically, the Orion constellation. The Ancient Greeks also saw this as a Hunter or man carrying a bow. This is symbolic of the need for focus. When we apply some mental force to focus all of our attention on a single point, let’s say within the centre of our forehead or simply on our inhale and exhale, all of the tension melts away. This is how the Soma was extracted by the Gods. It was by drawing all of the streams of sensation and thought in the mind into one single point that this smooth flow of bliss was activated. All of the branching streams became one waterfall. This became a practice. This became a remembrance that could be drawn upon at any time because even a moment of bliss is worthy of our focus.

Soma is also the dew on the plants that you see in the early mornings. The Sun feeds and yet also dries up the plants every day. At night, the Moon nourishes and hydrates the plants with this liquid essence, the Soma. On the night of the new moon, when the moon isn’t visible at all in the sky, this is when the plants have the most potent healing elixir in them, according to the ancient Vedic wisdom. This new moon on Saturday, June 17th is doubly auspicious for harvest and wild foraging as it is in Mrigasira which is the abode of Soma, himself.

From my experience, drinking fresh, looseleaf herbal teas is another potent way to build this nectar within the body and mind. When we are craving food, alcohol, cannabis, whatever it may be that is not serving us at the moment, we can satisfy our cravings and reprogram ourselves with the revitalizing essences of the plants. It is the missing nourishment in many peoples’ diets and daily routines. Some of my favourites are rosehip, goji, nettle, mint, hibiscus. I will be out under the new moon night sky harvesting the St. Johns Wort that is popping up along the roadside. Those with Mrigasira activated in their birth charts can also be gifted in the healing arts and have the knowledge of medicinal herbs.

After all, the true source of fulfillment is already within us. This same source is then reflected to us in the healing spirit of nature and its medicines.