Sankranti: The Golden Day of the Month for Planning & Reflection

In two days’ time, on December 15th, the Sun will move signs into Sagittarius, offering us a golden opportunity to plan for the Vedic month ahead.

The six hours before and after the Sun’s move from one zodiac sign to another is called ‘Sankranti’, and whilst it marks an unsettled period for the Sun, it’s an auspicious time for us to tap into the transitional energies of the day – to reflect on the previous Vedic month, and plan and prepare for the upcoming one.

Imagine the few days before and after moving to a new home – the feeling of unsettledness as you pack up in anticipation of the move, the discomfort of shifting your belongings and later, the sense of balance that dawns when you reach your new space, unpack and settle in. The Sun experiences this same sense of unsettledness as it moves between the Signs.

Our ancient seers declared these days of solar transition unfit for any auspicious beginnings. Instead, it’s time to look back at the month that has passed and reflect on the key challenges you faced, noting the pros and cons of choices you made and, most importantly, the key lessons you learned.

These periods are very auspicious for paying any debt you may have. It is believed that the process of repayment will be enhanced by the energies of the day, so even if you contribute a small amount during Sankranti, it will bring the reward of a speedy settlement. So if you are thinking of making a repayment to that loan, Sankranti is the day to do it!

In addition, the day of Sankranti is extremely auspicious for meditation, prayer, contemplation and self-exploration. You can benefit greatly by reading ancient scriptures on this day.

There are twelve Sankranti days in a solar year, each marking the movement of the Sun between signs, and the transition from one Vedic month to the next. The Sun represents the king, the soul, the government, the ego, the personality, and the vital force within us.

Honor the Sun this Sankranti and tap into the powerful energies available with the following rituals.

Rituals

Offer Arghya (see steps below) and recite or listen to Sri Aditya Hrudayam Stotram. Aditya Hrudayam is a hymn to the Sun God, Aditya. It was given to Lord Rama on the battlefield by Sage Agastya.
Meditate on issues and challenges in your life and receive an instant divine solution.
Recite the Gayatri Mantra, ‘Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ, Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ, Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi, Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt’ (Available on the Japa108 app).
Ask for blessings from your father or fatherly figures in life, as the Sun represents the father.
Listen to Surya Mandala Stotram (which you can find on YouTube), given to Arjuna by Lord Krishna.
Chant ‘Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah’ – which is the Beeja (core) mantra for the Sun and connects with its wavelength.
Donations of any kind are considered extremely auspicious today
Feed wheat to red ants, if possible, to strengthen the Sun.
Drink energized water from a copper container.
Do Surya Namaskar’s (Sun Salutations) to honor the Sun.
Remember and honor your ancestors, who are related to the Sun’s influence, opening yourself up to their blessings and love.
Be courageous and independent today, channeling the Sun’s qualities.

How to Perform Arghya

In Sanskrit, Arghya means “oblation” or “offering”. Arghya might be the most important ritual one can perform to imbibe the Sun’s life-giving cosmic force – the main source of energy for the entire universe. Honor and align with the sun’s permeating powers, as it rises in the morning, with this simple yet profound ritual:

If possible, wake up before sunrise and take a shower as a self-purification rite.
Face east while standing with a copper vessel filled with water.
With both hands stretched forward, raise the copper vessel to heart level.
Then pour the water, little by little, as you chant ‘Aum Suryaya Namaha’.
If the sun is visible from where you stand, you can also make eye contact with it by gazing through the water as you pour.
Even if you’re unable to wake up before sunrise, you can still do this ritual after you shower.
If you don’t have a terrace or balcony and you’re unable to go outdoors, no worries – you can make the offering from indoors as well.
As you pour, focus on gratitude toward the Sun for all it makes possible on Earth.
After the ritual, close your eyes for a few minutes and meditate silently.