Jan 31, 2006 07:58
Festival/Holiday: Festival of Sarasvati (India)
Goddess: Sarasvati
Themes: Learning; Wisdom; Communication
Symbols: White Flowers (especially Lotus); Marigolds; Swans
About Sarasvati: A Hindu goddess of eloquence and intelligence, Sarasvati extends a refreshing drink from her well of knowledge to complete the month with aptitude. In Hindu tradition, Sarasvati invented all sciences, arts, and writing. In works of art she is depicted as white skinned and graceful, riding on a swan or sitting in an open lotus blossom.
To Do Today: Today is an excellent time to embark on any course of study or to reinforce your learning in a specific area. In Hindu tradition, Sarasvati's festival is held on or around this date. During the celebration, students gather in the Katmandu Valley (Nepal) bearing gifts for the goddess, who visits here today. Traditional offerings at the temples include lotus and marigold blossoms and incense, while students often bring pens of books to invoke Sarasvati's aid with their studies. Adapting this a bit, try dabbing your personal tools or educational books with a little lotus oil, and burn any sweet-scented incense to improve your awareness (rosemary is one good choice).
To generate Sarasvati's assistance in matters of communication, find a white flower and remove its petals. Place these in any moving water source saying:Sarasvati, let my words bear gentle beauty and truth,
falling lightly on others' ears, even as these petals to the water.
Let the water (which also represents this goddess) carry your wish.
goddess