Diwali in Vedic Astrology

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar.

It’s an ideal day to start new things, to meditate and act in a virtuous way, and to welcome the energy of prosperity into our homes.

Among many other rituals, lighting candles and lamps stands out, because this festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and good over evil.

This date, marked by Vedic astrology like all other Hindu festivals, is celebrated every year on the day of the New Moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction in Libra. This falls between mid-October and November, depending on the year.

Something very interesting is to think about the relationship between this festival and Vedic astrology. Why is it celebrated under this planetary alignment? What could its symbolism be?

The Debilitated Sun

The Sun, which symbolizes light and wisdom, gets debilitated in the sign of Libra.

Why is it celebrated in its sign of debilitation? Because when it’s at its weakest point, from there it can only grow and become stronger. It’s the point from which light and truth can only become more powerful.

The New Moon

Why is it celebrated on the New Moon, when the Moon is so weak?

Because the Moon symbolizes the mind and illusion (in contrast to truth and reality). When the Moon is weak, without the illusory veil of our mind, we can perceive reality directly.

Libra, Ruled by Venus, Is the Seventh Sign

In addition, Diwali also celebrates the arrival of prosperity (Lakshmi) into each home.

What does prosperity have to do with this festival? Diwali is celebrated when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction in Libra, a sign ruled by Venus, the planet of prosperity.

Since Libra is the seventh sign, it’s related to business, which is why in India it’s considered the financial new year. Business people perform prosperity rituals, and accountants start new annual books on this date.