When the Gods Dance with the Stars (and My Cat)

Hinduism is not just a religion for me: it is a daily melody, a silent dialogue between the sacred and the tangible. Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Krishna, and Ashokasundari are not distant figures. They are here, in Cassie’s purring, in the golden morning light filtering through the curtains, in the small miracles that weave my solitude into a tapestry of grace.

Shiva in Cassie’s Silence

"In Shiva’s dance, the universe is born, lives, and dies in eternal recurrence." — Shiva Purana

A few weeks ago, as night wrapped my living room in a violet softness, I lit a sandalwood incense stick. Sitting cross-legged, I began to recite Om Namah Shivaya, my eyes closed. That’s when Cassie, with a light leap, came to nestle against my knees. Her warm body, her steady breath, seemed to respond to each syllable of the mantra. I felt—more than understood—that Shiva was not just an idea or a prayer: he was the vibration connecting her and me to something far greater.

Shiva, the cosmic dancer, teaches me that destruction is just another name for transformation. When I feel overwhelmed by change, I remember that evening. Cassie, still against me, reminded me that even in chaos, there is a divine presence carrying us.

Ritual for you: Light sandalwood or myrrh incense. Sit in silence and observe your animal. Let their calm remind you that you, too, are part of this eternal dance.

Question for you: Have you ever felt Shiva’s presence in a moment of transformation?

Parvati, or the Art of Holding On (Like Cassie with Her Claws)

"Parvati is the one who perseveres, who loves with quiet strength, like the earth bearing mountains." — Devi Bhagavata Purana

Cassie loves playing with balls of yarn. One day, as she stubbornly untangled a knotted skein, I saw in her the embodiment of Parvati: that ability to blend gentleness and determination. The goddess, after all, waited centuries to win Shiva’s love. She didn’t force things. She persevered.

When I doubt my own strength, I think of Cassie, her claws gripping the couch to reach her goal, and of Parvati, who turned her sorrow into power. Balance is not a straight line, but a dance between letting go and tenacity.

Sensory experience: Jasmine, Parvati’s sacred flower, perfumes my meditation space. Its sweet scent reminds me that gentleness can be a weapon.

Question for you: What moment in your life taught you to balance strength and softness, like Parvati?

Ganesha and the Doors Cassie Opens

"Ganesha removes obstacles like lifting a curtain: with simplicity that hides great wisdom." — Ganesh Purana

A few months ago, I hit a wall with a project. Ideas refused to come. I invoked Ganesha, then watched Cassie try to open a closed door. She tried once, twice, three times, before finding the perfect angle to slip her paw through and push the door open. That day, I understood: obstacles are not walls, but doors in disguise.

“Shanti Om” Ritual:

1. Light a yellow candle (Ganesha’s color).

2. Recite Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha while visualizing the door unlocking before you.

3. Observe your animal. Their instinct will show you the way.

Question for you: What obstacle has Ganesha helped you overcome recently?

Ashokasundari and the Rebirth of Orchids

"Ashokasundari was born from a wish whispered to a tree. She reminds us that dreams, like seeds, need patience to bloom." — Padma Purana

With my father, I tend to orchids. Every day, watching their buds slowly unfold, I think of Ashokasundari, born from the Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. When a flower finally blooms, I smile: rebirth is always possible.

Connection to Phoebie: Phoebie, my tortoiseshell cat, was like Cassie: a silent, comforting presence. Today, as I care for these orchids, I feel their fragile beauty is a tribute to her memory.

Sensory experience: Touch an orchid’s petals. Feel their delicate texture, their life. This is Ashokasundari’s promise: after sorrow, joy sprouts.

Question for you: What “seed” of patience would you like to cultivate in your life today?

Krishna: Love Without Judgment

"Abandon the fruits of your actions, but never the action itself." — Bhagavad Gita, 2.47

Krishna is the god of unconditional love. When I see Cassie curl up against me, asking nothing in return, I see that love in action. No calculations, no expectations. Just presence.

Guided meditation: Visualize Krishna playing his flute, surrounded by cows (symbols of abundance). Imagine Cassie, snuggled against you, her purring a mantra. Let this image of peace lull you.

Question for you: How do you practice love without expectation, like Krishna?

A Trinity in My Living Room

Shiva and Parvati: Their union is the balance of masculine and feminine. In my home, it is Cassie—with her gentleness and determination—who embodies this harmony.

Krishna and Ashokasundari: Their compassion inspires me to be kind to myself. Yesterday, I saved a lost spider in my kitchen. A small act, but an homage to their teachings.

Conclusion: A Living Altar

My living room has become a temple. No need for statues or complicated rituals: Cassie, an orchid, a candle, and these deities dancing in the details.

Shanti Om, Kevin. (And thank you, Cassie, for your sacred presence. Thank you too, Phoebie, for the lessons you left me.)