The Darkest Moon of the Year: Bhakti Yoga and Diwali’s Message When Your Life Force Feels Low

October Dharmic Guidance

Guided Home by Dharma: Bhakti Yoga and the Dīpāvalī New Moon in Libra, Chitra Nakshatra | Vedic Astrology Insights

The New Moon arrives on 21st October at 1:25pm in Libra, where the Sun is debilitated, inviting us to turn inward to rediscover balance, harmony, and peace—the essence of Dīpāvalī, which is celebrated with great vigour at this time. 

Libra is ruled by Venus, the expression of Śakti, embodied as Lakṣmī Devī, who brings abundance to both heart and home.

This is a tender moment that asks us to face the blocks within the heart chakra. The days leading up to Dīpāvalī are traditionally spent cleansing and decorating the home; a clearing of old energies to make space for new prosperity: the physical act of purification mirrors an inner purification of the heart.

Life-force energy (prāṇa) can feel low under this alignment, and lighting dīyās (lamps made from oil or ghee) becomes an age-old ritual of remembrance; a way to honour the undiminished light of the Self. 

Dīpāvalī is the story of being guided home by Dharma, embodied by Śrī Rāma and Mātā Sītā. It is also the celestial union of the Sun and Moon, reminding us that no matter how dim their light, even in the darkest night and deepest inner turmoil, truth continues to shine bright.

The Moon resides in Chitrā nakṣatra, ruled by Mars, whose higher qualities are embodied through Śrī Hanumān. A reminder that it is through righteous action that dharma is sustained. 

When disturbances cloud the mind and emotions, it is decisive, courageous, and selfless action that restores harmony. 

Just as Hanumān carried the mountain of healing herbs to save Lakṣmaṇa (Sri Rāma's brother), so too can our devotion, courage, and perseverance overcome great obstacles and realign us with destiny.

(Art on Instagram: Cloth & Canvas)

The ruling deity of Chitrā, Viśvakarmā, the divine architect of the gods, signifies our power to design our own life: from nothing, something arises; from darkness, light emerges. When action is guided by dharma, the path ahead becomes illuminated and purposeful.

Dīpāvalī thus celebrates not only spiritual victory but also the creative power of human will, the ability to manifest beauty and divine order amidst external chaos.

The Moon here in Chitrā reflects the śakti of puṇya — the accumulation of good merit born through artistic effort and brilliance.

Venus, the ruler of Libra, remains debilitated in Virgo, which can heighten tendencies toward perfectionism or self-criticism. As Libra governs relationships, this transit encourages us to be careful in our thoughts, speech, and reactions toward others. Channel this energy into constructive projects: organising and beautifying your home, journaling, refining routines, and tending to your inner relationship.

Healing begins when you restore harmony within your own heart.

This New Moon also coincides with Jupiter’s auspicious movement into Cancer, its sign of exaltation, amplifying spiritual renewal and expansion of inner wisdom. Profound transformation is possible when we release patterns that no longer serve or align with our higher truth.

The Rāmāyaṇa teaches that Bhakti Yoga — devotion and inner courage — is the strength that carries us across every threshold.

New Moon Blessings & Happy Dīpāvalī!

Payal

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