Menoctoberish - a month of festivals.

On Monday, you were introduced to Navratri and the spirit of Shailputri. The woman who never gave up. Eager and fearless she is determined to get what she wants. Much like a toddler - and this is what the goddess is also representative of; our early years in which all things are possible.

On day two ('dwitiya'), white is worn in honour of the next avatar of Durga-maa, which is Brahmacharini. The Disciple.

This is the title now also given to 'nuns' within Sanatana Dharma (and the title I carried whilst at Sandeepany). It represents the school and study years of life. Also known as Yogini, Mother takes this form as an unmarried and unsullied woman, devoted to spiritual knowledge. The name Brahmacharini means the person who does penance. Remember, Shakti's aim is to unite with and balance Shiva, to keep the cosmos steady. He was so absorbed in his own meditation, he did not see her in her form of Parvati. Her constant austerity for more than a thousand years, however, stirred his consciousness and pleased Lord Shiva. First, she survived on fruits and then on dried Bilva leaves. Later, she quit food and dedicated all the time for prayer. This brought her to attention!

On this second day of worship of the feminine principle, devotees meditate upon benefits of penance, restraint, devotion and solitude and pray for virtue, peace and nobility.