As with most new beginnings, things may feel a bit awkward. The time we’ve spent alone, separate from others, has allowed us to experience ourselves more deeply. It has made us more sensitive to subtle energies, whether we know it or not. Our intuition and deeper levels of consciousness have been activated over the past year and a half, and we must now integrate our growth.

Mars has been weak in Cancer for the past month, and many of you have mentioned feeling rather tired, and maybe unmotivated to make or be consistent with lifestyle changes you know would help you be healthier and more productive. My day usually begins early, but I’ve noticed there have been mornings lately where getting out of bed has been challenging…my body feels sluggish and my head rather fuzzy. It’s helpful to know there is a reason for this…it’s as if collectively we’ve been moving through sludge. Once I get myself out of bed and focused on my day, things lift, but the tendency for lacking motivation will be with us until the 20th when Mars then goes into Leo and the energy will pick up exponentially. Saturn is continuing to be afflicted by Rahu, which has put a damper on our dreams and plans. The best practice for this particular week is to be patient, methodical and, committed…like butterflies released from the confines of our restrictions, it is time to test the waters of our desires for creativity, our heart’s yearnings, and opening to more unlimited possibilities. It’s not time to let the delays derail you. There is something deeper within you, within us all, awakening…our forward motion is not impeded, it’s just the unbounded energy we yearn for that propels us is not quite there…yet. But, we must trust and have faith that there is right timing in this process…that our desires and dreams can be more than longings. It’s time to trust and begin…even when we walk in the shadows.

Mantras to chant during times of change…

Ganesh Mantra – To remove obstacles

Ganesh protects you and brings wisdom and support during times of change. Chant this mantra using a mala bead necklace, chanting the mantra 108 times daily. This practice is called japa.

Mantra: Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha

Phonetic Spelling: Om Gung (rhymes with “rung”) Gana-pat-ta-yay Na-ma-ha

Gayatri Mantra – aka: The Savitri Mantra – For protection and purification

This highly revered mantra comes from the Rig Veda and is dedicated to Savitir, a sun deity. It can be chanted for protection and purification and to align oneself with the divine feminine principle.

Chanting any mantra 108 times a day using a Mantra Bead Necklace (a practice known as japa) is a wonderful form of spiritual practice and brings many blessings. Using a necklace in sandalwood is powerful because the vibration of the mantra is transferred into the sandalwood, infusing the necklace with the mantra and when worn, blesses you throughout the day.

Mantra: Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodaya

Phonetic Spelling: Om Bhoor Bhoo-va Su- va-ha Tat Sa-vee-toor Var-ayn- yam Bar-go Day-vas-ya Dhee- ma-hee Dhee-yo Yo Nah Pra- cho-da-yaat