mercury trine chiron rx: the power of pratyahara

today Mercury in Leo trines Chiron Rx in Aries

& the next few hours are restful, regenerative.  the Moon is still in Cancer, calling our attention inward as we prep for the energy of the New Moon, which takes place tomorrow…in Leo.

when the Moon is in its last degrees before the New Moon, we call it “balsamic”…its best not to initiate any new plans or even to break up with any romantic partners or jobs…sit with whatever you’re feeling and gather information.

the trine between Mercury in Leo and Chiron Rx in Aries allows us to reflect on emotional wounds that we may have suffered. Mercury in Leo demands that we walk tall, express our truth, be unashamed of who we are.  But use compassion now. Chiron in retrograde asks us to look inward (just perfect for the Balsamic phase of the Moon), to withdraw our senses.

in yoga, we call this “Pratyahara”, one of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga or Raja yoga (upon which Jivamukti Yoga is partially based).  It’s a step on the way to Enlightenment (“Samadhi”).  Pratyahara means withdrawal from the senses (sight, speech, taste, touch, hearing…you know the drill).  but what does this practice of Pratyahara provide?

when we withdraw from the sensations of our body, we are in better connection with our spirit - with the inner world that is not dependent on constant satisfaction of the body’s transient desires.  The body’s cravings…all the habits that shape us.  If we can suspend the hold of these things on our existence, even for a few moments, we have a chance of witnessing the true grandeur of the Universe…

During the Balsamic Moon phase,  you might experiment with Pratyahara… withdraw into meditation or silence, in preparation for the New Moon in Leo tomorrow, which will start a new chapter for our lives.

Sit in silence, turn the TV off, do some yoga nidra, go to sleep a little early…let go of your connection to the outside world for a few minutes. Let it all go.