Ambubachi

The Kamakhya temple was closed for three days, from June 22nd to June 25th. This was to honour the yearly tradition where the Goddess Kamakhya has her menstrual period.

Menstrual comes from the word month/moon since both cycles have around the same duration. Menstruation cycles often synchronize with the moon's cycle and with the cycles of women close to you.

It is an intense energy shift. There have been many jokes made on the PMS. But for a woman who has lost control over herself, struggled through the pain and sometimes lost her mind, this period is more than just a joking matter.

The fact that it is called "a period" seems to soften the impact of expressing the actual transformation that occurs in a woman at this time. The idea of her body shedding, of her bleeding is considered impure. It is not what people want to look at.

In Assam however it is celebrated. Respected. The Goddess gets a three day holiday. The temple shuts down. Priests sometimes whisper into devotee's ears not to even chant mantras that will disturb Her rest.

Some people say that Ambubachi means spoken with water. That it is a festival for the celebration of fertility.

However I wonder if menstruation symbolizes fertility. For a woman trying to conceive, the sight of blood signifies quite the opposite.

I believe that when a young girl starts to menstruate, when she bleeds red, she steps into adulthood. Fertility is but one aspect of it. The greater meaning is to step into the Age of Experience, to leave behind an Age of Innocence.

Astrological Roots

Ambubachi begins when the Sun leaves the nakshatra of Mrigashira and enters the first pada of Ardra Nakshatra in Mithuna rashi.

He stays in the first pada for three days marking the time of the festival.

Mrigashira is ruled by the God Soma. Ardra is ruled by the God Rudra.

There is shift here of a remarkable kind. Soma is associated with enjoyment, healing, intoxication and blessings in society. Rudra is the one who roared, because he could not bear to see the injustice happening in the realm of the Gods. He fought for what he thought was right, he was shunned and cast out.

Ardra nakshatra is symbolised with a tear drop.

The lunar mansion of Ardra includes the giant star Betelguese of the constellation Orion.

The myths of Orion are similar to Ardra and are popular among ancient cultures worldwide.

Betelguese is the shoulder of Orion. Its blood red hues signify its wisdom and unyielding power. In China, Betelguese is part of the Three Star Constellation representing Imperial Authority. In India, it is called "Bahu" and is revered for its protection against evil forces.

The fascinating quality of this star is its shifting brightness. In China it foretold great changes, while in Europe it was seen as a grim warning of wars and disasters.

We have observed that Beteguese dimmed in October 2019, his brightness factor dropped sharply in February 2020, and he only managed to return to his normal brightness by around April 2023.

Kamakhya Devi

Perhaps someday the Goddess will reveal Her mysteries. For now, her temple opens today. Farmers plant rice and wait for the oncoming rains.

This Ambubachi was extra special because the Moon paid a visit, and Jupiter was already in Ardra. I say it is a good time to plant seeds of your intentions.

Wish you well!