Navaratri: 9 Nights of the Goddess

Held four times a year, Navaratri is the sacred celebration of the goddess represented in 9 avatars of Shakti or Durga. “Durg” means a state which is impossible to win over. Durga is this fierce but loving mother goddess riding forth of a lion, holding up many weapons against avidya (ignorance) and dukkha (suffering that comes from ignorance). This festival stretches across nine radiant nights, each one holding the essence of the Divine Feminine. During these nine nights, we honor Shakti, the embodiment of strength, abundance, wisdom, and ascension through the avatars of Durga. These include avatars of Lakshmi and Saraswati as well – the goddess wears many masks. Navaratri invites us to step into our own power, to nurture our inner light, and to honor the sacred feminine that flows within each of us.

These days are more than a ritual; they are a journey—a blossoming. The goddess tiptoes into our home and whispers her wisdom in each present moment, reminding us of the strength we hold, the love we deserve, and the wisdom we already carry. Let's embrace the poetry of each day, the rhythm of ritual, and the medicine of self-love.

Day 1: Rooted in Strength
Shailaputri – The Daughter of the Mountain
Symbolism: In the Devi Mahatmyam, Shailaputri is revered as the first form of Durga who helps the soul begin its spiritual ascent. Translated as the “Daughter of the Mountain,” Shailaputri greets us this first day with her indomitable strength. She reminds us that we are unshakable, deeply rooted in the earth’s wisdom. Her presence whispers, "You are strong enough. You are grounded enough. You are enough."
Self-Love Ritual: Begin with gratitude for the body that holds your spirit. Stand tall, barefoot on the earth, and feel the ground beneath you. Imagine roots growing from your feet, connecting you to the heart of the earth. Wear something red, the color of power, to honor the fire within you. Offer a bowl of ghee into a ritual space to invoke inner radiance, good digestive fire, agni, and mental fire, tejas.
Affirmation: "I am grounded. I am steady. I am held by the earth beneath me."

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