Planting Seeds in the Slow Lane: Navigating the New Moon in Libra & The Retrograde Shadow

"The quieter you become, the more you can hear." 

— Ram Dass

Introduction: A Rare Cosmic Convergence of Light and Pause

The stars have delivered a potent triple-header today, October 21, 2025. We are experiencing the simultaneous arrival of three major, converging energies:

1. The New Moon in Libra: Peaked this morning, its fresh, balancing energies will last for the next 72 hours.

2. The Festival of Diwali (Kartika Amavasya): A beautiful celebration of the New Moon, focusing on light, wealth, and spiritual awakening.

3. The Mercury Retrograde Pre-Shadow: Officially begins today, casting its reflective influence as we head toward the full retrograde.

The universe is giving us a clear message: The time for dreaming is here, but the time for action is one of intentional review and refinement. This is a profound moment to light your inner lamps, honor your abundance, and prepare the ground with wisdom.

Part 1: The New Moon in Libra and the Light of Diwali

The New Moon marks the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. In the graceful sign of Libra—the scales of justice—the focus is squarely on balance, harmony, and relationship.

This year, the New Moon falls on Diwali (Kartika Amavasya), the most sacred New Moon of the year. The traditional lighting of lamps (diyas) symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Here is how to set intentions aligned with this dual energy:

• Financial & Spiritual Abundance: Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Use this New Moon window to set clear, powerful intentions around attracting financial flow and spiritual wealth.

• Harmony in Relationships: Libra energy asks: Where is the balance between giving and receiving? Diwali’s theme of homecoming and unity reinforces the need to heal, forgive, and establish deep, respectful relationships.

• Inner Illumination: The New Moon is a moment of darkness, symbolizing the internal work required before the light returns. Use the next 72 hours to light your inner lamps: to gain clarity, release old resentments, and see your own worth.

The New Moon in Libra / Diwali gives you the vision—the clarity of the abundant, harmonious life you want to manifest.

Part 2: The Mercury Retrograde Shadow (The How to Proceed)

Just as we are asked to celebrate and set bright intentions with Diwali, Mercury's pre-retrograde Shadow (or Retroshade) arrives to ensure those intentions are built on solid, prepared ground. This is the period when the universe politely asks you to slow your pace.

• Review & Revisit: This is not the time to sign big contracts or initiate major purchases. Instead, review and refine any existing financial, relationship, or travel plans. Look at the balance of your budget. Examine the fine print.

• The Power of the Pause: You might be feeling a surge of tiredness or a need to retreat. Honor this. Rest is not a luxury right now; it is a strategic necessity. You are gathering energy and clarity that the retrograde period is trying to protect.

• Clean Up Communication: Mercury rules messages. Before you announce a big plan, use this time to proofread, double-check, and clarify any misunderstandings that surface.

The Mercury Retrograde Shadow provides the methodology for manifesting: it’s a call to be slow, intentional, and focused on reviewing and optimizing what you already have, ensuring your foundation is stable for the future.

Conclusion: Lighting the Path Forward with Wisdom

What a magnificent convergence of celestial and spiritual energy! You are simultaneously being asked to celebrate the light of your path (Diwali) and to walk it with cautious wisdom (Retroshade).

Honor your commitments, but honor your rest first. Light a lamp (real or symbolic) for abundance, clarify your intentions for a balanced life, and know that the work you do now in the slow lane will create exponential heights later.

Your most powerful action today is a personal one: Take a quiet moment now. Write down one intention for balance on a sticky note and place it somewhere you'll see it every day. This is the seed you plant under the light of Diwali.

Happy Diwali! And remember to rest and recalibrate to Manifest the Good Life, Why Not You?

AMOR FATI 

Thank you and good night