Diwali: inviting in the light

Since long before the takeover of pumpkins and chocolate, 31st Oct has been part of the Christian calendar. It is the Eve of 'Allhallowtide'; 3 days of commemorating the souls of saints and all the departed. It is also Samhain in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, and this year even coincides with Diwali, the Hindu/Vedic festival of light. There will be fireworks across the world tonight, traditionally welcoming back Sita, the Queen (and an avatar of Lakshmi) to her rightful home. To learn more about the story, I recommend this wonderful animated retelling https://www.sitasingstheblues.com/

When I was on Ayurvedic detox in Hyderabad, I loved watching the daily colourful geometric patterns appear on front driveways. Some were permanently painted, but where I stayed, each morning the kitchen maid would draw something different, using patterns past down from her family. On occasion, I do my own version on my front door step: sweep, scrub, then decorate the wet stone with chalk. An abstract pattern or affirmation, whatever comes. I learned that in India they sprinkle cow urine, which is very sacred and auspicious. My version of this is to embellish with a few drops of essential oil. It provides a moment of delight to all who come or go. Diwali is an opportunity for the most extravagant, of these ‘rangoli’ patters to decorate the hearths and pavements. Its a time to go all out - just as you may have hung bats or put out a carved pumpkin for tonight.

There was a superstition from my childhood, that for every falling leaf you could catch, you would recieve a month of good luck the following year. At Diwali, lighting candles at the windows invites in abundance. As evening comes, this welcomes in Sita/Lakshmi/abundance. This force of nature is actively invited into our homes for the year ahead. A small flicker at the window is a signal indicating our readiness for greater light to arrive.

Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her consort. He is the Maintainer, the embodiment of space and continuity. He is chosen as his vastness means he will never by overwhelmed by the power of Lakshmi’s abundance. Space invites abundance. Just as a clear out is a way to appreciate what we have, less material ‘stuff’ means more time for personal relationships. Editing and downsizing your wardrobe, kitchen drawer or contact list, creates space that invites in the new. More space between, means more room to breathe. I have found it deeply restful.

What can you let go of, today, this month, next year? What will you invite in by creating more space?