Goddess of the Month ~ Saraswati

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and arts. She is wisdom itself. In Sanskrit, her name means ‘the essence of self’ and as we have come to understand, we always know what is right for us when we tap into our own innate wisdom. She possesses the powers of speech, wisdom and learning allowing us to speak our truth. Saraswati has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning; mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She is depicted with sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus flower in the second which represents supreme knowledge. With Sarawati’s other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a stringed instrument. This conveys that one must tune her mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to use her acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind.
Saraswati uses a swan as her mode of transportation and has a peacock by her side. Swans are said to have sensitive beaks that can distinguish between pure milk and a mixture of milk and water, therefore, the swan symbolizes one’s desire to acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the betterment of all mankind. The peacock represents the arts.

“Knowledge helps man find possibilities where once he saw problems, ” proclaimed Sarawati. Calling upon Saraswati’s essence one can acquire the ability to sense, think, comprehend and communicate. To realize her one must go beyond the pleasures of the senses and rejoice in the serenity of the spirit. A peaceful and happy home is said to be one of her blessings.

Inviting Saraswati into the Modern Goddess’ World

Action Steps:

Incorporate meditation or silence into your day. Upon waking, sit in silence and allow yourself to connect with your buddhi, the higher intellect. Instead of jumping out of bed to get started with your day, give yourself several moments of reflection. Often times, our dreams offer messages to help solve life’s dilemmas, search your mind to see if there were messages being delivered to you throughout your slumber. Throughout the day, give yourself moments to pause and clear your mind. I have come to accept being stopped in traffic or waiting in line or for a train to pass as a sign to check in, breathe deeply and note my thoughts. Are they positive and affirming? Is there a reoccurring message or nagging thought? Pay attention and see what comes up for you.
Listen to Awaken the Goddess Within CD by The Grateful Goddess. Okay, so that could be construed as strictly self-serving and although it is, I will vouch for the powerful effects listening to bija mantras can provide. I choose to listen upon waking offering my body a few extra minutes to awaken and setting the tone of my day with a high-vibration. Whenever you choose to listen, make it a daily practice preferably at the same time each day and for at least 30 continuous days to gain the greatest benefits. CDs may be purchased by clicking on the Go Shopping tab of The Grateful Goddess Club website.
Take care in creating a peaceful, happy home. Plan healthy meals and eat as a family, or if single, prepare a loving meal for yourself or friends. Treat yourself with as much care and concern as you would other loved ones. Prepare a visually appealing meal (do not eat out of packaging), light candles and play music to soothe or enliven your mood, whichever you are most in need of. Eat mindfully and gratefully truly tasting and appreciating your food.
Choose to speak only the truth. It is said that when one diligently seeks to speak only the truth, eventually whatever one says becomes the truth. When we speak our own personal truth, it opens our throat chakra and may prevent manifestation of throat conditions and ‘dis-ease’ such as laryngitis and thyroid issues.
Ask your body for guidance in decision making. When posed with a decision to be made, stand tall with your feet deeply rooted to the earth and your spine tall, feel yourself completely grounded. Ask the question in a clear, concise manner that will have either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. If your body moves forward, the answer is yes, if your body tips backwards, your body is relaying a no to your posed question.

Affirmation:

I listen to my own innate wisdom and speak only the truth.

Meditation:

In tribute to Saraswati being the goddess of music and arts, this month’s meditation will be a moving meditation with NIA Dance. Turn up the volume and join in the fun as you stretch your body and enliven your spirit to move in any direction that provides you pleasure and joy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO-Az_ISy08[/youtube]