shiva
Shiva is the God of destruction, and everything, in the end, is converted into ashes.
Shiva, the third member of the Hindu trinity, is one of the most complex gods and one who seems to embody contradictory qualities.
Shiva, whose name means “auspicious one” in Sanskrit, is both protector and destroyer. Like Shakti, Shiva takes many—and often paradoxical—forms. As the divine god of the yogis, Shiva is ascetic, celibate, and self-controlled and is portrayed deep in meditation on top of Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. In his role as a householder, Shiva has a wife, Parvati (Shakti), with whom he has two children, both sons: Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles; and Skanda, god of war.
He is linked with time itself, as a destroyer of all things, as well as associated with creation. Destruction and creation are inextricably linked—one cannot exist without the other—making Shiva particularly important.
Shiva, like other divine archetypes found in the Vedic tradition or even in movies and books, can be a source of inspiration or act as a role model as you try to achieve a goal. You might identify with Shiva’s self-control as you attempt to channel that virtue for yourself.
Deities such as Shiva are associated with an animal or bird that acts as a vahana, or vehicle, that transports the deity and is an extension of his powers.
A white bull called Nandi is often associated with Shiva and is depicted as an extension or embodiment of his sexual energy, virility, and strength.
Nandi is also seen as a gatekeeper and one of the primary followers of Shiva.
(The Editors at Chopra.com, Shiva: The Protector and Destroyer)
Ways you can work with shiva
add an image of shiva to your altar
meditation
affirmations
prayer
Prayer
Lord Shiva, Hindu father of death and time.
Help me see through the illusion of time and false conditions so that eye may live a life of truth.
Bring forth my light from the darkness, remove the obstacles placed in front of me, gift me the ability to travel through time and space freely.
May my spirit be unbound to the earthly desires that surround me daily, give me the strength to overcome my ego and be free.
Affirmation
eye let go of my ego’s control over me.
eye rise like a pheonix from the ashes to become the embodiment of purity and passion.
recommended blend
other dēîtēs
