If you are not a Buddhist, chances are you have never heard of the Wesak Festival, but did you know that it is one of the most important events in the Eastern calendar for those who follow Buddhism?

The Wesak Festival, according to Buddhist wisdom, is the most significant time of the year, because it is when the heavenly forces manifest on Earth. It is considered to be when the Buddha himself sends a blessing to Earth. Discover, in this article, the origins, meaning, and how to celebrate the Wesak Festival, as well as its relationship with Astrology!

What is the Wesak Festival?

According to Buddhist tradition, the Wesak Festival is the most special date in the calendar of the believers of this religion, because it is on this day that Buddha descends spiritually to Earth, during a full moon, pouring blessings, hope and positive energies on all humanity. In Sinhalese (language of the country Sri Lanka), Wesak (or Vesak) is the lunar month that occurs between the months of April and May in the calendarGregorian, which is our calendar.

The most common way of celebrating the Wesak Festival is to meditate intensely and fervently, not only as one meditates on ordinary days, asking Gautama Buddha for what is in one's heart, but, above all, giving thanks for the good things that have been received throughout the previous cycle.

The Buddhist calendar has some dates called Uposatha, which can be translated as "day of observance", that is, a day when it is necessary to be more interiorized and turned to spiritual practices such as introspection, reflection, and meditation.

In some regions of the countries Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, the Wasek Festival, also called Buddha's Day, is considered a holiday.

The Origin of the Wesak Festival

In 1950, at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, held in Sri Lanka, the board of the World Fellowship of Buddhists decided to choose the full moon of the month of Wesak/Vesak as Buddha's birthday. This was just a formalization of this celebration, which had been traditionally held for centuries.

How to celebrate the Wesak Festival?

Each country, region or community where Buddhism is present celebrates this date in a different way, and the celebration varies even from believer to believer, but the most common is that long and fervent meditations are made, in which all wishes, fears, hopes and gratitude are exposed, to take advantage of the spiritual presence of Buddha among us.

In some places Buddhists wear only white clothes on this date, decorate their houses with lanterns, and pour water over the shoulders of their Buddha statues, a symbol that everyone needs to cleanse their minds and their lives of fear, anger, and attachment. Energies of love, awareness, and wisdom are emanated during these meditative moments, with the goal of attracting enlightenment and wisdom.

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The puja is a ceremony in honor of Ganesha, one of the best known gods of Buddhism and the most popular deity in India. In this ritual, sacred mantras are chanted, incense and lamps scented and illuminated, and flowers are offered to this deity, as well as coconut, Indian sweets, and dhal, aIndian dish made with lentils, pounded vegetables and chickpeas.

Finally, performing good practices on this day, such as actions of solidarity, giving, and helping, is common among Buddhists. As the spiritual energies emanating from the spiritual presence of Buddha are very positive, it is also beneficial to emanate positive vibrations and amplify this current of good energy.

The Wesak Festival in 2022

In the year 2022, the Wesak Festival will take place exactly on May 6th, which is when a full moon occurs. In Brazil, those who want to benefit from the energy of this date should begin their meditations and rituals on the evening of May 5th.

In the year 2023, the Wesak Festival will take place on May 19th.

Meditation at the Wesak Festival

Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist, the day of the Wesak Festival is very conducive to meditation because it happens at the beginning of a full moon. There are cycles of ebb and flow of spiritual energy, and one of these cycles is linked to the phases of the moon - this cycle is known as the plenilunar rhythm. The peak of this lunar energy cycle, also called high tide, is the full moon, a time when theThe channeling of energy goes through a unique moment, especially if there is group meditation.

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If you dedicate part of your day to meditation on this special date, therefore, you will be part of a global energy channeling movement, since thousands - maybe millions - of people will be meditating at the same time, for the same reason.

The Wesak Festival and Astrology

Besides being the day of the Wesak Festival, and consequently of a full moon, April 27, 2021 will have another special feature, which is the occurrence of a Supermoon.

The Supermoon is a full moon, but much larger than the regular full moon. It is estimated to be 15% brighter and 7% larger than the traditional full moon. This special event occurs between one and six times a year, depending on the astronomical cycle.

This Supermoon of April 27, 2021 occurs with Uranus and Aquarius present in the ascendant, bringing many questions for those who believe in Astrology. Check in the following topic what the stars tell us about this date.

Meaning of the Supermoon

Since Aquarius and Uranus are ascending as base and are conjunct in the 4th house (representing home and family), this Supermoon can bring impactful events, such as scares, twists, and surprises. Also, events with great repercussions beyond any control, as well as sudden upheavals and unrest, can arise on or around this date.

Saturn, which is in tension with Uranus, brings an energy of depression, crises or containment, so it brings some discouragement, but also changes or withdrawals directly connected to the structure of our lives.

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In the days around the Supermoon - since it continues to have influence for up to 14 days after its occurrence - avoid taking radical actions and risks that are not absolutely necessary, as well as imprudent and impulsive attitudes. It is important to communicate well, especially with the person with whom you are romantically related, because Mercury (the planet of communication) and Venus (the planet ofof love) are also in this tense Supermoon configuration.

In short, the Wesak Festival is an important celebration in the Buddhist calendar, a day when we can connect with the spiritual coming of Buddha to Earth. Rituals and celebrations can be performed, but the essential thing is to meditate and be in the presence of this positive energy, mentalizing your wishes and giving thanks. Whatever your religion, do a meditation on this day and take the opportunity tointernalize!