The Final 4 Days of Navratri-Life as Art

Image of Saraswati by Michael Sporn

The last three days of Navratri belong to Durga and Saraswati who is the Goddess of learning, speech, wisdom, and the arts. Without Saraswati there would only be chaos and degradation. Not only intelligence of the mind but the heart are Her domains. She inspires beauty, innovation and ways to make life a creative journey. She works very closely with artists no matter what the genre.

Image of Kalaratri by Roovalijuan

Day seven belongs to Kalaratri and Saraswati. Kalaratri is a form of Durga as Mother Kali. She is back with the Goddess of speech because our words are our weapons and salvation. How we speak things into existence determines the quality of our lives. Kalaratri is here to destroy the demons (literal or figurative) which harm the beneficial aspects of communication. She is all about controlling the mind and emotions. She offers protection from dangerous situations, particularly in this case where there is concern of coming under the mental and emotional control of unhealthy yet powerful teachers and gurus, unnecessary hardships and psychic attack circumstances.

This might be a good day for a fast from certain media to sink back into your own truth; to replenish it without having to explain yourself to others or your opinions. Sometimes less is better…

Image of Maha Gauri by Roovalijuan

Day eight Maha Gauri makes Her appearance with Saraswati. Maha Gauri brings wisdom and increases the ability to relax so that you are more receptive to Her gifts. She offers inspiration for artists. Often inspiration is blocked because of expectations and the unhealed hurts that often artists live with. Her job is to help you release these unhealed parts of the mind/emotions so that emotional intelligence can shine through. From there inspiration and guidance are unending.

Image of Mantangi found on Instagram

I feel its important to mention that there are two primary forms that this beloved wisdom goddess takes in a person's life. The well-known Saraswati presides over Creation governing traditional knowledge and arts. There is another aspect of Her, one that is untamed and free in her expression. Her name is Mantangi. Mantangi is the tantric version of the wisdom goddess. Also known as a nature witch and knower of true worth and beauty. They call Her outcast because of Her natural attracting force of charisma and sexual allurement. She bestows true knowledge of alchemy and She understands the intelligence and secrets of the natural elemental world and how to communicate with it. She gives power through mantras, singing, music, ceremony and awakens natural spiritual gifts through devotional practices to Her. She is considered a Goddess for the "outcast" because She stands outside the mainstream to create art forms which can destroy the status quo (rock and roll, jazz and hip hop anyone?) Today is a day for self-acceptance of who you are so that your inspiration is authentic. You may or may not fit into the status quo…

Image of Siddidatri by Roovalijuan

Day nine, the official final day of the nine Durga Shaktis belongs to Siddidatri and Saraswati. She has what may be considered as supernatural healing powers through commanding the elements. All devotees who come to Her and align with Her through Her practices will receive her blessings as visions and guidance; an authentic experience of the Divine Feminine. A special night for those who wish to bring new or innovative artistic forms into manifestation.

Day ten is the culmination of the festival for the victories here and to come. If you celebrate Navratri be open to the challenges, changes, transformation, and healing this practice brings. Ten years after my first Navratri practice I am seeing fruits in ways I could never have imagined. It hasn't been all 'love and light', far from it but it has strengthened me, enlightened me and healed me in places I didn't know needed to be healed.

May the blessings of the Divine Mother as Durga assist you in being victorious in all areas of your life.