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Happy Ganesha's Birthday, everyone! Remember, nO LOOKING AT THE MOON tonite!

Eat some sweets, and ask the Elephant Headed God to remove the obstacles from your path -- or in my case, I ask him to remove those that others put in front of me, so I can work on the ones I put in front of myself. :)

I really feel excited about today -- not for any particular reason, its been a good day so far with indian food, Harry Potter in Imax and more good fun this evening, but I think that bathing my little Ganesha and taking those moments for myself have really put some things into persepective.  I thought about these things as I bathed him and put him in with my other items on the altar. Stolen from the link above:

The elephantine ears guide us to give people our full attention, particularly to our family and friends. The overly large head further guides us to reflect on what people say and to carefully judge the merits of their words. The narrow eyes caution us to focus on our surroundings and be ever watchful.

The small mouth hidden behind the trunk prompts us to speak sparingly, but with clarity and truth; and the enormous stomach symbolizes our need to digest all good and bad experiences life brings our way.

A rear hand holds a noose directing us to control our senses and desires; the other rear hand wields an axe, useful in severing our desires and attachments, which trap us in this materialistic world.

The front right hand is always raised in blessing, in a posture called the abhaya hasta - removing fears of the unknown. Seeing such a posed hand soothes our heart, drives away worries, and reassures us that we are ever in God’s care. And despite all the challenges that come our way, he stands by us and loves us dearly, always!

And finally, with his left hand presenting modaka.  Ganesha promises us sweet fruits of our labors and ultimate peace in our spiritual quest.