New Moon Invitation for Connecting to the Light Within
Connecting to the Light Within New Moon in Libra · Vishakha Nakshatra · November 2026 • Sidereal Astrology
As we approach this very potent new moon, it’s important to look at the sky and acknowledge the intensity of the planetary energies we’ve been experiencing. I imagine everyone reading this has felt a certain intensity to life recently, each in their own unique way.
We are currently in a period with five retrograde planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. But, what does this mean?
The planets continue moving in their orbits, but from Earth's perspective, they appear, for a period of time, to be moving backwards. Astrologically, retrograde periods represent a stronger activation of the aspects of consciousness that each planet reflects.
During retrograde motion, symbolically the planets are looking toward the past. Therefore, we often find ourselves reliving memories, reflecting on experiences, relationships or decisions, and revisiting issues that still need resolution or closure. Sometimes people from our past reappear, or we feel drawn to reorganize the ways we do things.
Of these five planets, Mercury, Venus and Saturn are visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune have much longer retrograde cycles and tend to reflect broader collective influences. We can see these energies reflected in many of the events unfolding around the world.
At a personal level we may find that this is a time where some of our patterns from the past resurface – the shadow self can show up in ways we haven't seen in a while and we may feel deep emotions rise and a general sense of unease that we can't fully explain.
Mercury and Venus will station direct Nov 13th, alleviating some of the pressure on communication, relationships and finances. Saturn remains retrograde in Pisces until December 11th, continuing the process of stirring up the depths of our unconscious, limiting beliefs and often brings important messages in dreamtime.
During all of this Mars remains debilitated in Cancer, and Jupiter meets Ketu, the South Node, in Leo. They each cross the gandanta point - the karmic knot - where the fires of Leo burn off the waters from Cancer. This represents the burning away or the undoing of some kind of entanglement with the past, and with Jupiter (expansion) and Ketu (detachment) offers an incredible opportunity for letting go of any strong attachments to ideas or beliefs that may be getting in our own way.
And now, as we approach the new moon, this cosmic pressure reaches something of a crescendo.
A Potent New Moon in Libra November 8/9 · Vishakha Nakshatra
Every new moon occurs when the Sun and Moon come together, with the Moon’s light hidden from view. But this particular new moon takes place in Libra, where the Sun itself is debilitated. Energetically speaking, this marks the darkest time of the year.
The Sun represents our identity, vitality, inner light and sense of purpose, while the Moon reflects our emotional and mental well-being and how we relate to the world. With the Moon’s light hidden and the Sun debilitated, we may feel less vital, less certain of ourselves, with less energy or light to offer the world at this time.
And yet, this new moon takes place in Vishakha – a nakshatra associated with Yang energy, determination, a courageous heart, great success and is represented by "the triumphant archway" marking the completion of one journey and the start of another... This is important to remember – after all, light is most radiant in the dark.
It is for this very reason that this time of year holds spiritual significance in the Vedic tradition.
In India, there is a tradition of lighting oil lamps or candles daily during this sacred season, as a reminder that even when things seem very dark, the true light of consciousness within us can never be extinguished. Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair and faith over fear.
This darkness naturally draws us inward, toward the heart. Libra is ruled by Venus, which in the yogic system corresponds to the heart chakra. There is a beautiful alignment of meaning here, with Venus, Libra and the new moon all inviting us to connect more deeply with our own inner light, held sacred within the temple of our own hearts.
Planting Seeds in the Darkness
With so many retrograde planets and both the Sun and Moon experiencing a weakening of their light, this is an energetically dark and inward time. Rather than pushing forward with new ventures, this is the time to look within.
In the Vedic tradition, spiritual practices, sacred rituals and acts of kindness undertaken during this dark month are considered especially auspicious, connecting us more deeply with our soul, more intimately with spirit and bringing us into greater alignment with our true purpose.
The darkness of the new moon begins a lunar month that invites us to connect with that fertile womb space in which seeds are best planted. Any spiritual, nature, yogic or meditative practice we choose to begin or deepen this month is planting a seed in that rich, fertile darkness, allowing it to connect with our inner light and grow through daily practice moving forward.
Now is the time, particularly when the world around us feels uncertain, to remember why we are here.
This does not mean we should forego our daily responsibilities, but it is an invitation to create the space in our lives for connecting more deeply and intimately with our calling. To listen to the ways in which silence speaks. To breathe more slowly and move with intention.
It is a time to turn inward, connect with the heart and remember that even in the darkest moments, our inner light remains.
Invitations for Connection
So in closing it is that I invite you to breathe deep, light a candle and take some time to reflect and connect to the light of your own consciousness in the ways that feel true for you – in your heart.
By the full moon in November there will be a noticeable shift in energies as the moon will be exalted in another Venusian sign – Taurus – in Krittika Nakshatra associated with the fires of purification.
More on this to come in future letters, but it is in harmony and in honouring all the energies described above and this auspicious lunar month that I am offering a most ancient and nature-rooted meditation initiation November 26, 28 & 29th.
Over the course of three sessions and one online follow up Dec 12th, as well as continuous monthly online community gatherings for those initiated, you will receive initiation into your own personal mantra and lifelong meditation practice. You will also receive one very sacred and rarely taught kriya breath practice, only ever given as part of this ancient yogic meditation practice.
This experience is offered in a hybrid format - online and in person. You may join from anywhere in the world. Those who are local to the qathet region will have the option of both online and in person sessions. Everything is detailed and outlined on my website. You are invited to explore and express your interest via a simple form on my site, or respond to this email as you wish.
I only teach that which I myself practice. Vedic Meditation is a simple yet profoundly potent practice that I was first initiated into online myself many years ago. I immediately noticed shifts in myself and my life. Several years later I would go to India and study deeply the yogic science of consciousness. It was there, in the Himalayas, where I received further initiation and the great privilege of being able to teach and initiate others into this practice.
If you've been searching to feel more connected to your own path, to Nature and your true Self, this practice is for you. If you are looking for a way to be more grounded, centred, clear and focused, this practice is for you. If you want to expand your own consciousness and allow yourself to experience life more fully and in greater presence and self-awareness, this practice is for you.
There are many reasons one decides to learn meditation and I couldn't possibly list all of them here. But you know your reasons and that's all you really need to know. The rest will be given to you when you choose to respond to the call.
With so much love,
may the light of consciousness illuminate your path,
Hari Om Tat Sat
