This weekend finds us in days three and four of Ashwin (Fall) Navaratri, the nine day celebration of the Divine Mother in her aspects of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Swami Niranjanananda writes that Navaratri represents "nine dark nights of the soul." Part of our journey through life includes facing obstacles, challenges, and difficulties that tax our inner strength and test our faith. These encounters can either lead us to cynicism and despair or provide an opportunity to deepen and strengthen our faith. When we can identify with the "protective, motherly nature of the universe," Swami Niranjan says, we can find the power and strength to lift us from our sense of helplessness during these times. Navaratri is a time to reinforce our connection with shakti, the cosmic mother energy, so that it is available to us when we need it most. 

What is your own experience with" the dark night of the soul"? How has the sense of the strength and protection of the Mother helped you through those times? Come explore with us at our Navaratri sadhana this Sunday, 5:45 p.m., Ruscombe Community Health Center. 

In addition to the fire, the offering of samagri, and the chanting of mantra, we include several more symbolic elements in havan:

• Light: We light candles at the four corners of the kund. Light represents the Divine Light that dwells in each of us and gives life to all of creation.
  
• Incense: The fragrance of incense reminds us of the Divine whose presence pervades the universe.
  
• Water: We sprinkle water at the four corners of the havan kund. Water symbolizes the divine nectar of immortality. 
  
• Camphor: We light the fire with camphor. Camphor burns with no residue and fades after shedding its light. It represents the dissolution of the individual ego.
  
• Ghee: We use ghee to nourish the fire. Ghee symbolizes mental clarity, abundance, and spiritual wealth.
  

Join us for our monthly havan this Sunday at 4 p.m., Ruscombe Community Health Center.