Endings and New Beginnings

In doing some research about the month of September, I noticed that there are two important festivals occurring in the month of harvest.  These two festivals are themed about rebirth and endings: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and Ganesha Chaturhi the God of auspicious beginnings and the remover of obstacles leading to the path of success.

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated for 10 days.  The 10 days lead to preparation for Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).  It is very similar to New Years.  Rosh Hashanah is a time that celebrates appreciation for God creating the universe and the first humans.  Special foods are prepared like apples dipped in honey in the hopes that the new year will be filled with sweetness.

Ganesha Chaturhi is celebrated this year beginning on September 19, 2023 and also lasts for 10 days.  Ganesha is said to break the unseen spiritual distance that exists between humans and God.   Ganesha has 108 names and represents overcoming obstacles.  It is said when you stand before Ganesha your ego disappears and you become a child.  In taking this presence one becomes aware that the elephant head represents the first mantra which is “om”.

It is our responsibility to create success and remove obstacles. Our guides are doing just that, guiding, however in the end we are the ones that have to take action with responsibility.  The word responsibility holds “response, responsible and able”  in it.  Are you able to respond to the action of removing obstacles and create the success you so desire with true authenticity?

When life throws you a “curve ball” how do we handle it?  We can work through that “curve ball” situation by using things like courage, self-determination, responsibility and awareness.  In being aware of oneself you notice your weakness and strengths.  In taking responsibility we have a better footing for what is required for us to do.  In being determined we forge forward and do not sink in despair and in expressing courage we become aware of our inner strength.

We are wonderful human beings with much to offer the world and each other.  To live in harmony is to express compassion for each other. To express compassion for each other it begins in understanding and being aware of ourselves first.  The things we fear, love, dislike and need to change help us to be aware of where the other is coming from for we are all one.

Enjoy September and all it has to offer. In peace.