a special time of the year Mid-December to Mid-January Poush (or Margali in Tamil) is the 9th month of the Hindu calendar, overlapping December and January of the Gregorian calendar. It is the first month of the winter season, the time of the winter solstice when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. It’s a time of the year considered very significant for people on the spiritual path. It’s a time to bring stability and balance in the body. During this time, Earth is the closest to the Sun, with such an angle with the sun, that when the rays of the sun reach the earth they get scattered (spread). But the gravitational force of the sun is at its highest, especially on the 3rd of January. That is why this month pulls you towards your foundation – your balancing or resting point. Because of the gravitational force, the Muladhar chakra (first chakra) becomes active, so life’s protective mechanisms become very active. Growth is restricted during this time, and it is a good time to re-gain body power and to protect itself. It is a time to reserve the energy, not to lose it. That’s why there is no almost no marriage happening during this period in India, and it is not advised for conception in this tradition. For people struggling with mental imbalances, this period is good because the energy of the sun pulls them down so they can feel more stable. This month brings a natural stability in the body – one has to do enough sadhana or SPIRITUAL PRACTICE to stabilize oneself. If the body is pulled up by the energy of this month, but we don’t do enough sadhana, there will be an imbalance. A month to remain in contact with the element of water. The auspicious time is at 3,40am – in the temples in India there used to be swimming pools, so devotees used to go at 3,40 am to take a bath in this water. Devotees also bath in rivers to get these blessings. In the yoga tradition there are also specific practices connected to this period. PASS THROUGH THIS PERIOD IN HIS GRACE AND BLESSINGS.