Vedic Purana describes the Moon as Soma riding a chariot with three wheels. Ten white horses, five on one side of the yoke and five on the other side pull the chariot. This is a beautiful allegory describing psyche or consciousness as Soma, the five white horses on one side are Jnanendriyas- five sense organs; and the other five horses are Karmendriyas – five organs of action. The three wheels are three primordial attributes Satwa, Rajas and Tamas. Unless Soma or human psyche riding the chariot of human body has a clear goal, it cannot direct and control ten horses. If the mind loses the sight of its goal, a person is sure to experience disorder and chaos in his life. Also, it is important to have disciplined and coordinated sensory and motor organs for a smooth journey. In this story, Soma, his chariot and all the horses are portrayed white. White is color of purity. It emphasizes the requisite of purification of the senses and mind. (YY9DSVX6ZHTK)

Astronomically speaking, the moon is not a luminous body. It has no radiance of its own. It reflects the radiance of the sun. Madame Blavatsky in her book The Secret Doctrine describes the moon as “shining in the borrowed robes of her master, saturated with and reflecting every passionate impulse and evil desire of her grossly material body, Earth.” She associates the moon with the fourth principle Kama Rupa. In Sanskrit Kama means desire. Desires and aspirations can arise two ways. Inputs through sensory organs can create desires of manifestation and sensory experiences. Interaction with the higher principles of Atman, Buddhi and Manas can generate impulses for spiritual experiences. The fourth principle Kama Rupa is colorless, merely reflecting borrowed impulses.

Full moon days are important as on these days there is no obstruction between the sun and moon. The moon reflects the radiance of the sun in its full glory. The sun and moon have great influence on all the life forms on the Earth. The sun bestows spiritual prowess and the moon is connected with psychic abilities. On full moon’s day, the influence of moon is revitalizing, energizing, invigorating, and healing. It pours down the celestial nectar on all the sentient beings on the earth. This healing elixir induces divine intoxication and peace of mind. Herbs and crystals kept under the rays of the full moon have increased capacity to heal and energize.

© Tim McCord

Wesak moon is the most powerful full moon of the year. It is also known as supermoon, as the moon is closest to the earth on this day. As per Vedic astrology, this year the moon transits through Swati Nakshtra in the sign of Libra. Under the influence of Libra spiritual and materialistic aspirations are properly balanced. Swati is ruled by Rahu and presiding deity of Swati Nakshtra is Vayu or the life-breath. On this Wesak Moon abundant spiritual energy would be available for healing. Rahu is well known to give sudden realization of heartfelt desire. The effect of Rahu is similar to quantum jump. At one moment you are at point A and instantaneously you jump to point B. Wesak Moon is ideal to initiate healing. The moon transiting through Swati Nakshtra creates strong desire for mental, emotional freedom and need for space in relationships. It encourages breaking taboo to experience love and beauty. During this transit people may feel to break out of restricting relationships or rigid structures that curb freedom. On this day people may wish for taking a journey or buying a vehicle to get away from conventional routines and feel freer.

While talking about full moon, healing, structures, boundaries and freedom, minor arcane tarot nine of wands comes to mind. The nine of wands symbolizes the power of perception, vision and intuition. It is also described as the strength in reverse. In some tarot decks, the 9 of wands portrays preparedness for confrontation, even though there is no apparent threat. In this card the atmosphere is grim and the figure looks isolated and withdrawn. Gazing in the left direction indicates that either past memories or some hidden apprehensions are emerging into consciousness. There are possibilities that the person has cut himself or herself off due to hurting experiences or painful memories of past. It is also possible the seeker is recovering from some illness. It is likely that the seeker is going through some paranoia, and as a result feels uncomfortable. Beautiful wands of inspiration and spiritual energy are surrounding her, but she is stuck with one wand and unable to take advantage of abundant energy available.

Here is another image of nine of wands from the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot. In this image, a bar is connecting the unconscious indicated by the moon to the bright light of consciousness indicated by the sun. The four intersecting arrows indicate inner strength that can be utilized for healing and empowerment. By awakening dormant powers, great energy can be released. Wesak moon is ideal time to let go of the past memories. Supermoon is a perfect day to release all types of fears. Supermoon awakens dormant powers that can be used to banish darkness and ignorance. On this full moon day connect your subconscious with the higher intelligence through third eye and illuminate dark corners of your psyche. Let go of all the resistance and destroy all the boundaries you have set up on psychic level. Surrender to God and visualize yourself cruising towards the light of divine spirit. Let go of your individuality to become one with the One.

Tarot images Nine of Wands from Fantastical Tarot by Natalie Hertz, Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot published by US Games