This year's Sharada Navratri started on 9/26 and will conclude on 10/4. It is a festival in Sanatana Dharma, (Hinduism), dedicated to the veneration of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. The most famous legend of Durga involves her creation. Durga was created for the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and all the gods, demi-gods, and sages, who were otherwise powerless to overcome him. Embodying their collective energy (shakti), she is both derivative from the male divinities and the true source of their inner power.
Shakti is the primordial cosmic energy, and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the universe. This energy is thought of as creative, sustaining, as well as destructive, and is sometimes referred to as auspicious source energy. Ways that you can celebrate Navratri: Learn about Durga and her Nine Avatars Dedicate your altar to Durga Meditate and Recite Mantras "Om Dum Durgayaia Namaha" "Salutations to Durga, who bestows compassion, fearlessness, and patience" Perform a ritual of gratitude or participate in charitable works Fasting by eating fruit, vegetables, and dairy (milk and cheeses) Dancing & Celebrating with friends and family
originally published: Making Magick Newsletter Sept 26th 2022