In the rhythmic flow of our lives, each day brings with it a distinctive celestial energy that has captivated our imaginations for centuries. Across diverse cultures and ancient traditions, the days of the week have been intricately woven with the mystical threads of planetary influence. Where each day resonates with the energy of a specific celestial body, providing us with a fascinating lens through which to view our daily experiences.
From the luminescence of the Moon to the fiery determination of Mars, each planet lends its distinctive qualities to shape the tone and mood of our days. With deep roots in mythology, astrology, and folklore, reflecting a profound connection between the earthly and the cosmic. Throughout history, the names of the days of the week have been inspired by a blend of Nordic mythology, Roman influence, and celestial dance. Sunday and Monday pay homage to the Sun and Moon, while the remaining days draw inspiration from the Roman gods of Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, the Nordic weekdays seamlessly transitioned into Tyr, Odin, Thor, Frigg, and the distinct 'hot water day'—Saturday, a nod to washing or bathing rituals.
It is within this cosmic dance that we uncover the subtle influences guiding our emotions, actions, and aspirations.Â
My introduction to the meanings and energies associated with each day of the week came a few years ago, through online communities within kundalini yoga, astrology, and human design. As someone not inherently drawn to rigid structure but who finds the occasional benefits of it; this metaphysical insight provided a framework with just the right amount of mysticism. Rather than resisting the current of daily life, I had found a way to harmonize with it.
This shift in perspective reshaped the narrative of my weekdays, while injecting a subtle alchemy into my daily schedule. The awareness of each day's unique energy became a guide, redirecting me away from mundane routine and towards a more intentional engagement with the present. By embracing Monday as the day of the Moon, I became attuned to the ebb and flow of emotions, setting intentions that resonated throughout the week. Whereas, Venusian Fridays offered a gentle pause, and a moment to appreciate the small wonders often overlooked amid the rush of daily tasks.Â
From daily practice to dancing effortlessly with the celestial energies of each day, this foundation discovered within its explanations is a magical way to navigate your days with curiosity and purpose. Read on for this celestial map of the week, to discover the wisdom held by the planets. If you choose to embrace these energies in your own life, be prepared for richer, intentional, presence and inspiration from these cosmic influences that have stood the test of time.Â
Moon Day : The Moonlit Prelude
Mondays set the tone for the week ahead, just as the Moon sets the landscape of our emotional world. If the mere thought of Monday mornings has you spiraling into the sunday scaries, I invite you to reflect on your own emotional state. As the moon’s powerful influence highlights your inner world of feelings, What might be getting in the way of embracing the fresh start of a new week? Use this day to harness your intuitive insights and emotions to propel you into a week of purpose and alignment.Â
To infuse your Monday with the calming lunar energy, begin with a moment of quiet reflection. Check In with yourself, with your heart, and with your body. Embrace the stillness and let it serve as a conduit to establish meaningful intentions for the week ahead. In this tranquil setting, capture your thoughts and emotions in a lunar-themed journal, creating a space for self-reflection and introspection. Consider weaving the lunar energy into your bedtime routine on Sunday, allowing it to gently carry you into the start of the week. Engage in mindful breathing exercises to cultivate a sense of ease, allowing the gentle influence of the moon to guide your breath.
Deeply rooted in ancient Indian texts, particularly in yogic and tantric traditions like Kundalini yoga, is the concept Nadis or energy channels. The classic text, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, discusses the role of these nadis in the awakening of Kundalini energy. Alongside the sushumna nadi, on either side of the spine, and intersecting at the energy centers or chakras, are the Ida and Pingala nadis. Ida refers to the yin energies of the moon, while pingala refers to the yang energies of the sun. The balanced flow of energy through Ida and Pingala is believed to lead to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. To begin your week from a more grounded and balanced state, try Alternate Nostril Breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, a yogic breathing technique that helps to balance the flow of energy in the body.
Step 1: Find a Comfortable Seated Position Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair with your spine straight. You can use a meditation cushion or a folded blanket for added comfort.
Step 2: Relax Your Shoulders Place your left hand on your left knee, with your palm facing upward. You can adopt Gyan Mudra by touching the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb, keeping the other three fingers extended.
Step 3: Use Your Right Thumb and Ring Finger
Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril.
Step 4: Switch Fingers
Close your left nostril with your right ring finger.
Release your right nostril by lifting your right thumb.
Exhale slowly and completely through your right nostril.
Step 5: Inhale through the Right Nostril
Inhale deeply and slowly through your right nostril.
Step 6: Switch Fingers Again
Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
Release your left nostril by lifting your right ring finger.
Exhale slowly and completely through your left nostril.
Step 7: Repeat the Cycle Continue this cycle, inhaling through the nostril you just exhaled through, and vice versa. Each time you complete both nostrils, it counts as one round. Aim to do 5 to 10 rounds when you're starting out.
Step 8: End the Practice After completing your desired number of rounds, end with an exhalation through your left nostril. Then release your hand back to your knee and take a few natural breaths.
Tips:
Keep your breaths slow, deep, and controlled.
Focus on the sensation of the breath and keep your mind present.
If you feel lightheaded at any point, return to normal breathing.
As you harmonize with the lunar cadence, Monday becomes a canvas for emotional exploration and intentional living, setting the tone for a week that unfolds with purpose and flow.
Mars Day : Igniting the Fire Within
If Mondays are dedicated to setting intentions for the week ahead, Tuesday steps onto the stage as the day for getting things done. With the dynamic and assertive energy of Mars casting its influence, Tuesday becomes an opportune time for infusing your plans with a burst of clarity. The red planet, synonymous with action and determination, aligns perfectly with the need to dive into tasks, harness motivation, and be courageous in pursuit of your goals.
As you navigate Tuesday's energetic landscape, consider how the influence of Mars can serve as a powerful catalyst for productivity and personal growth. This is a day to seize opportunities, tackle challenges head-on, and infuse your work with a renewed sense of purpose. Embody Martian energy by setting ambitious goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and cultivating a mindset of determination. Whether it's advancing your professional endeavors or pursuing personal passions, let Tuesday be a day where you call upon the fiery spirit of Mars to propel you toward your dreams.
When the time is on you, start and the pressure will be off. - Yogi Bhajan
The Power Hour Technique
Set Clear Goals:
Begin your day by identifying one or two main goals you want to achieve. These goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable within a relatively short time frame.
Break Down Tasks:
Break down each goal into smaller tasks or steps. This creates a clear roadmap for what needs to be accomplished during your Power Hour.
Allocate a Dedicated Hour:
Choose a specific hour during your day, ideally in the morning. This becomes your dedicated "Power Hour" for focused and determined work.
Eliminate Distractions:
Create a focused environment by turning off unnecessary notifications, closing irrelevant tabs, and minimizing interruptions. Ensure you have all the tools and resources you need.
Set a Timer:
Set a timer for 60 minutes, representing your Power Hour. This time constraint creates a sense of urgency and helps maintain a high level of focus.
Work with Intensity:
Dive into your tasks with intensity and determination. Avoid multitasking and concentrate on completing each task before moving on to the next.
Track Progress:
Keep a simple log of your accomplishments during the Power Hour. This serves as a visual record of your determination and progress.
Celebrate Achievements:
At the end of the hour, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate what you've achieved. This positive reinforcement enhances your sense of determination.
Reflect and Adjust:
Spend a few minutes reflecting on your Power Hour. What worked well? What could be improved? Use this reflection to adjust your approach for the next Power Hour.
Mercury Day : The Art of Communication
On Wednesdays, we wear the cosmic spotlight, as we shift into swift and eloquent Mercury, the planet of communication and mental acuity. Mercury's influence encourages us to focus on effective communication, making it an ideal time to refine your interaction skills and express your ideas with clarity. To make the most of this day, engage in meaningful conversations, active listening, and practice adapting to different communication styles.
Active Listening is without a doubt the most valuable skill I learned in becoming a coach. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what's being said in a conversation. Going beyond simply hearing words or the common habit of formulating a response in your mind as you wait for your turn to speak, active listening is a mindful and engaged experience of communication. Here are some important components:
Give Your Full Attention
How: Dedicate your full attention to the person you're speaking with. Minimize distractions, put away your phone, and make eye contact.
Why:Â In giving your full attention, we show respect for the one another and ensures that you are mentally present in the conversation.
Paraphrasing
How:Â Repeat or paraphrase what the speaker has said in your own words. This helps confirm that you understand and/or provides an opportunity for clarification.
Why:Â This practice makes sure that you're both on the same page and minimizes misinterpretation.
Try Not to Interupt
How:Â Resist the urge to interrupt. Allow others to express their thoughts fully before responding.
Why:Â Interrupting someone can disrupt the flow of the conversation and can make the other person feel unheard. Allowing someone to finish their thoughts supports constructive conversation.
Body Language
How:Â Use non-verbal cues like nodding, smiling, and maintaining an open posture to convey your attentiveness.
Why:Â Non-verbal cues reinforce your engagement and provide positive feedback to the speaker, creating a more comfortable environment.
Ask Clarifying Questions
How:Â If something is unclear, ask questions for clarification. In doing this, you a genuine interest in understanding their perspective.
Why:Â Clarifying questions ensure that you grasp the speaker's intended meaning and prevent miscommunication.
Reflect Feelings
How:Â Acknowledge and reflect the emotions conveyed by the speaker. Something I like to say when I'm picking up on emotions is "It sounds like you're feeling...." using whatever feeling I'm sensing.
Why:Â Reflecting feelings shows empathy and validation for the speaker's emotional experience, cultivating a deeper connection.
Provide Feedback
How:Â Offer feedback on the speaker's message, summarizing key points or expressing your understanding.
Why:Â Feedback shows the speaker that their message has been received and allows them to share more openly.
Hold Your Judgment
How:Â Suspend judgment and avoid forming opinions prematurely. Focus on understanding one's perspective before offering your own thoughts.
Why:Â Deferring judgment nurtures an open and non-confrontational environment, for more honest communication.
Remember and Recall
How:Â Make an effort to remember key points from the conversation. This demonstrates active engagement and respect for the speaker's words.
Why:Â Remembering and recalling information shows that you value the speaker's input and are committed to the conversation.
Jupiter: Expand Your Horizons
Delve into the vast and optimistic energy that defines Jupiter, the planet associated with expansion, abundance, and boundless optimism, as it influences Thursday with a promise of growth and a positive perspective. Tap into Jupiter's energy by seeking opportunities for learning and expansion, as you cultivate a positive outlook that transcends challenges. Consider how this energy promotes not just tangible growth but also a mental landscape rich with possibilities.
To harness Thursday's expansive energy, immerse yourself in creating a Growth Vision Board. This creative and visual tool aligns seamlessly with Jupiter's guidance toward a brighter and more abundant future. Begin by reflecting on your goals, both personal and professional, and curate visual representations that resonate. You can even organize your board into sections, each symbolizing the different facets of your life you're currently focusing on.
Display the board prominently as a daily reminder, infusing your space with the energy of growth. Regularly review and celebrate your accomplishments big and small. Integrate strategies for seeking mentorship and exploring new avenues for growth, acknowledging Jupiter's role as a cosmic mentor to inspire you. Use Thursdays to check in with your vision board as you actively engage in shaping your future.
Venus: Invoke Love & Beauty
On Fridays, bask in the glow of Venus, the planet synonymous with sensuality, love, and beauty. Dive into the enchanting and harmonious energy that defines Venus, making Friday a day that invites in more pleasure, love, connection, and appreciation for the beautiful aspects of life. Explore how this Venusian energy can enrich your relationships through expressions of love, intimacy, and shared joy.
To fully integrate Venusian energy into your Fridays, consider practical ways to enhance relationships and self-care rituals. Dedicate time to indulge in activities that bring pleasure, nurture meaningful connections, and prioritize self-love.
In writing this blog, I immediately thought of the "Artist Date" from the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The Artist Date is a weekly, intentional solo activity or experience desigend to nurture and activate your creative essence. Treat yourself to an outing or any activity that might spark your imagination and encourage playfulness. It could be a walk in nature, a visit to a museum, or trying a new artistic technique, whatever you choose this practice is a beautiful way to connect with your innate creativity and wonder.
Saturn: Building Foundations
As Saturday unfolds, immerse yourself in the steadfast and disciplined energy of Saturn, the celestial force associated with structure and order. Saturn-day's influence prompts a reflection on your personal and professional responsibilities, urging you to lean into organization and strategic foresight. Explore the ways this Saturnian energy calls for a mindset of diligence, preparedness, and organizational prowess.
From methods of prioritizing tasks to maintaining a bit of structure in your routines, let Saturday be a day where the disciplined influence of Saturn helps root you in personal power and self-mastery.
Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world.
For me, the simplest and most practical way to approach this day is by making it a weekly reset of my home environment by cleaning up around the house, doing laundry, organizing, and setting myself up to have the most worry and clutter free Sunday as possible.
Sun: Radiant Energy & Renewal
As Sunday bathes us in the radiant glow of the Sun, immerse yourself in the illuminating and invigorating energy that defines this celestial force. SUN - days are for creative expression, vitality, and a celebration of the self under the influence of the Sun.
One of my favorite practices, though seasonal in nature depending on where you live, is to draw the sun's energy into the solar plexus. This holistic practice involves exposing your solar plexus region—the area located above the navel and below the chest—to sunlight with the intention of cultivating energy balance and vitality. The solar plexus is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem so what better practice for Sundays.
Here's how:
Find a quiet and sunny outdoor spot where you can comfortably sit or lie down. This could be in your backyard, a park, or any open area with direct sunlight. Make sure that the area above your navel and below your chest is exposed to the sunlight.
Take a few moments to center yourself. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, bringing your awareness to the present moment. Begin to envision the sunlight as vibrant, golden energy entering your solar plexus. Imagine this energy filling the area with warmth, brightness, and vitality.
With mindful intention, allow the energy of the sun to be absorbed by your solar plexus. Feel the warmth penetrating your body, revitalizing and balancing the energy in this region.
While basking in the sun, you can weave in positive affirmations or focus on thoughts that empower and strengthen your sense of personal power, confidence, self-esteem, and inner strength. As you express gratitude for the sun's energy, practice mindful breathing, by inhaling the energy of the sun and exhaling any tension or stress. This rhythmic breathing can strengthen the connection between your breath, sunlight, and your solar plexus.
And for the colder months where being outside, let alone expsoing your navel to the sun aren't feasible, Â practice solar plexus charging through visualization. Close your eyes, visualize a warm, golden light radiating from the sun, and imagine this energy nourishing your solar plexus.
For Your Journal...
Moon Day - Reflective Energy
What emotions and feelings do I want to carry into this new week? How can I harness the gentle energy of the Moon to set positive intentions for the days ahead?
Mars Day - Action-Driven Energy
What goals or tasks require my bold and assertive action this week? How can I channel the dynamic energy of Mars to overcome any challenges and move forward?
Mercury Day - Communicative Energy
How can I elevate my communication skills today? What thoughts or ideas do I need to express, and how can I do so with clarity and precision?
Jupiter Day - Expansive Energy
What areas of my life can I focus on to cultivate growth and abundance? How can I adopt a more optimistic outlook and embrace opportunities for expansion?
Venus Day - Sensual Energy
How can I infuse more pleasure, love, and beauty into my life and relationships? What self-care practices or activities bring me joy and fulfillment?
Saturn Day - Disciplined Energy
What responsibilities and tasks require my attention and organization today? How can I use the disciplined energy of Saturn to structure my goals for personal and professional success?
Sun Day - Illuminating Energy
What creative and self-expressive activities can I engage in today? How can I recharge and prepare for the upcoming week by embracing the illuminating energy of the Sun?
A confession: this blog has been on my mind for years but like other areas I love to explore and practice, it felt as though there were plenty of resources out there, it had "already been done". However, in the spirit of doing me, I decided that while there are many expert writings that beautifully articulate the days of the week, there were none by me. So, I'm taking that energy into the rest of this year and sending it your way if you need it.
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