Honouring the divine feminine within
Have you ever taken pause to think about the untapped strength deep inside you?
At Yoga for Good, as we immerse ourselves in the sacred rhythms of Navaratri, we invite you to start honouring the divine feminine within. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of female energy or a seasoned matron, join us in uncovering new wisdom and cultivating meaningful feminine rituals.
Navaratri, originating from Sanskrit, translates to nine (nava) and night (ratri). This sacred Hindu festival, beginning on October 15 this year, spans nine days and nights, dedicated to honouring the divine feminine. Traditionally, Hindus devote each day to one of the nine avatars of the goddess Durga.
About Navaratri
In Hindu culture, the nine days of Navaratri are immensely significant as worshipers adore and celebrate their mother in beautiful incarnations. Goddess Durga is the most powerful deity, her ten arms wielding formidable weapons, and it’s firmly believed that with these weapons, Maa Durga protects her devotees from the clutches of evil forces.
Embedded in Hindu tradition is the notion that Goddess Durga manifests in three major forms: Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali, representing the active feminine energies (Shakti) of Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra, respectively. Without these goddesses, the gods lose all their powers.
The vibrant festivities of Navaratri also symbolise a profound spiritual journey. It is a time of reflection and cultural richness. The rituals, prayers and cultural expressions are a testament to the enduring power of Goddess Durga in Hindu culture.
Hindu Goddesses
Many yogis find deep resonance with Hindu goddesses. If they are new to you, let us make an introduction.
Kali
Kali exudes sheer feminine power. She is wild and adorned with a skull necklace, bracelets and elephant-shaped earrings. Blood, intimately familiar to women, drips from the severed head of a demon she holds with one arm. Kali epitomises Shakti—boundless freedom, fierceness and feminine power in all its raw, untamed glory.
Parvati
In contrast, Parvati is the Hindu goddess of fertility, love and devotion. As a manifestation of Shakti and the wife of Shiva, the supreme being, Parvati is characterised by a softer energy, reflecting her role as a devoted mother. Holding a linga, a phallus-like symbol of Shiva in her upper right hand and a pomegranate symbol of fertility in her lower right hand, she makes a protective gesture over her son with her lower left hand.
Evoke the power of Mother Earth
Whether you resonate with Hindu goddesses or find a connection with those from different cultures, the essence remains the same. Throughout Navaratri, the key is to tap into the power of the goddess and pay homage to mothers past, present and future, including the ultimate mother, Mother Earth, whose daily support sustains us. Use this time to deepen your sacred connection with her.
To truly evoke the power of Mother Earth, cultivate gratitude for the nourishment and abundance of resources she provides for us. Seek wisdom from the natural world and apply the inherent teachings in the cycles of nature to your own journey of growth and empowerment.
Rituals to follow
Traditional practices during Navaratri include chanting and devotionals to the deities, but this isn’t for everyone. If you are looking for alternatives, we have some suggestions that will help you feel more feminine and able to connect with yourself.
Indulge in a long, slow bath. Disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of the water. Enhance the experience by adding bath salts, flowers and your favourite fragrance. The warm glow of candles can really set the mood – and consider including a good book.
Recharge with a nap or yoga nidra, a practice of yogic sleep and effortless relaxation. By replenishing your energy, you can foster a deeper connection with the divine feminine within and find a stronger sense of inner harmony.
Incorporate flowing movement into your yoga practice or simply turn up your favourite tunes and dance like no one is watching. Whether it’s 80-90s pop, country or modern beats, connecting with the rhythm allows you to tap into your feminine essence. Let the music guide you and embrace the inner harmony.
Celebrate the earth and your maternal lineage during the next new moon. Gather with sisters, bring four items that honour the earth, and create an outdoor mandala with candles and crystals. Chanting and sharing stories in the moonlight are age-old feminine traditions.
Connect with your true self through the transformative power of yoga
The final day of Navaratri is Vijaya, meaning victory over darkness to luminous light in Sanskrit. Let this inspiration encourage you to release the things holding you back.
At Yoga for Good, we invite you to celebrate Navaratri. Trust your intuition—it’s what fundamentally defines our femininity. Focus on soft, nurturing activities that bring you joy. A little indulgence is good for the soul, redirecting your mind toward harmony, peace and balance.
Connect with your true self on a regular basis by attending our free community classes.
For additional insights on honouring the divine feminine within and other valuable tools for self-connection, explore our Yoga for Good Foundation articles.
Community yoga classes
We are passionate about sharing the joy of practising yoga and offering you an opportunity to connect with your true self on a regular basis.
View previous classes or book now for our next class.
Free
22nd January 2025 - 12:00 to 1:00pm
Reetu Verma – Transformative Yoga Community Class
Online Yoga Community Class Link
Meeting ID: 859 1833 4994
Passcode: 171949
Join Reetu for an immersive meditation session into the depths of our energy centres. Nourish the systems of your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, ready for the year ahead. Be guided by her inspiring voice to relax into meditation and reconnect with and balance the subtle energies within.
Reetu Verma has 25 years of experience as an academic, teacher and coach, providing support, help and guidance to thousands of people from all walks of life from all over the globe.
During a traumatic near-death experience, she experienced pure light and pure love and embarked on a transformational, personal healing journey. Inspired and totally committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others, helping them on their healing journey to live a healthier, happier life.
She founded Healing, Health and Happiness to expanded her teachings of personal development, into finding life purpose and spiritual growth. Reetu has developed a systematic, practical approach to bring more harmony and a sense of joy into life.
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