Shravana Full Moon & Vamana
lessons from vishnu, vamana and the nakshatra of shravanaClick here to join Membership and gain access to practical insights and horoscopes
Image source: unknown. King Mahabali bowing to the feet of Vamana.
Who is Vishnu, and why does he matter now?
The Full Moon on July 29th is in Capricorn, inside Shravana nakshatra. This window of energy is a portal that stretches until the New Moon Solar Eclipse on August 11th.
It is through Shravana nakshatra that Vishnu’s power and blessings come through for us in the coming weeks. Every nakshatra (sanskrit term for constellation) has its own ruling deity or group of cosmic beings who reign over the portion of the sky in question.
It is my belief as an astrologer that when we align our awareness with the higher blessings of each New and Full Moon, we reach a more evolved practice of astrology, and a more divine experience of the passing moon cycles. So let’s dive in to the secrets hidden within Shravana nakshatra, and the specific lessons of Vishnu’s mythology.
One particular Vishnu-centred myth is one of great significance now, especially for anyone who has ever been underestimated.
Vishnu is considered to be one of the most important deities in Hinduism. Amongst the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) he is known as the one who maintains and preserves the universe. However in addition to his mighty and powerful form, he also has other avatars.
We first encounter the little boy, dwarf version of Vishnu in the Bhagavata Purana, Skanda 8. This text tells the story of a time when the Vedic universe was embroiled with chaos for there was great conflict between the Asuras (malefic beings) and the Devas (divine beings). The asuras continued to steal evermore land while King Mahabali oversaw the proceedings.
We learn that Vamana (dwarf boy avatar of Vishnu) approached King Mahabali who was reigning over the kingdom while the Asuras (evil beings) were gradually taking over all land from the Devas (Divine beings). Little Vamana asked the King for just three portions of Land, the detail being that he would measure the portions of land requested with his own dwarf feet.
Mahabali did not listen to the warnings of his advisor Shukracharya, who could see that the dwarf boy was really Vishnu in disguise. Mahabali failed to foresee that should he grant this boy his wish, he would lose his kingdom. Surely three small dwarf feet of land would cause no problem.
So the King granted Vamana his wish, only to then watch the small dwarf boy swell to the size of a great deity, returning to his Godly dimensions. With three swift steps, he overtook the three worlds, reaching with his final step the highest heaven. In doing so he restored order to the cosmos and restored humility to the King.
What are the core lessons entailed within this myth that we can draw upon in the coming weeks?
Do not underestimate others, nor yourself.
Staying humble while ascending to greatness is important.
I believe there is a more beautiful message of the powers of good finding a way to overcome chaos and evil,
perhaps through disguise, but nevertheless, that in the end, Good prevails. On a personal level, for anyone who feels like they are still on their journey to their highest potential, sometimes growth happens in sudden leaps. You may be the one who ends up being surprised.
Keep the faith as we enter August. This Full Moon is wonderful preparation for Eclipse Season.