Awakening Intuition with Saraswati's Grace
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I was inspired to write this article during my "Awaken the Goddess Within" Shakti Sadhana program this Navaratri. This was a topic of discussion during the last three days of our practice, and while we were focusing on the energy of the Goddess Saraswati.
In the quiet moments of life, there is a voice within us that whispers — sometimes faintly, sometimes with clarity — guiding us toward what feels aligned, true, and deeply nourishing. This voice is our intuition, our inner compass. It is the knowing that does not always come from logic or reasoning, but from a deeper place — a wisdom that is connected to the heart, the body, and the soul.
In the yogic tradition, this inner wisdom is closely aligned with the energy of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, creativity, speech, and intuition. Saraswati's flowing presence reminds us that when the mind quiets, wisdom begins to flow naturally, like a river that knows its way to the sea.
Yet in modern life, we often lose touch with this inner guidance system. Our days are full of noise, distractions, responsibilities, and mental chatter. Many women I work with share that they want to follow their intuition, but find it hard to discern between the quiet nudge of inner knowing and the louder voice of fear, doubt, or conditioning.
So how do we begin to recognise intuition? How can we strengthen it, trust it, and allow it to become the compass that steers us through life?
What Is Intuition?
Intuition can be described as an inner sense or knowing that arises without conscious reasoning. Unlike the analytical mind that weighs up the pros and cons, intuition often feels instantaneous — a gut feeling, a subtle inner nudge, or a deep sense of resonance that says yes, this is right for me.
Think of times when you had a strong feeling about a decision, a relationship, or a situation — and later discovered that your body's wisdom was spot on. Maybe you sensed someone wasn't being truthful before you had evidence. Or perhaps you felt drawn to a choice that didn't make "logical" sense but ended up being the best path for you.
Intuition lives in the body, not the head. It often arises as sensations, emotions, or an inner calm that helps us feel safe and aligned. The challenge is that we are not always taught to listen to these subtle signals. Instead, we are conditioned to value logic, external advice, and what looks good on paper.
Intuition vs. the Mind
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One of the most common struggles is discerning between intuition and the mind. The mind is often loud, insistent, and repetitive. It tends to speak in "shoulds" and "what ifs," driven by fear, expectation, or past conditioning.
Intuition, by contrast, is quieter. It doesn't demand — it simply knows. Its guidance often feels clear, calm, and grounded, even if it challenges us to step outside of our comfort zone.
A simple way to tell the difference is to notice the quality of the message:
Mind: loud, anxious, repetitive, analytical, fear-based.
Intuition: calm, subtle, clear, expansive, embodied (feel it in the body).
When in doubt, bring your awareness back into the body. The body rarely lies.
Notice: does this decision feel tight, heavy, and contracted? Or does it feel expansive, light, and aligned? This embodied awareness helps us access the wisdom of intuition more reliably.
Saraswati & the River of Inner Wisdom
Saraswati is often depicted seated on a white lotus, with a flowing river at her side, or floating on top of a still calm lake. She holds the veena, a musical instrument symbolising harmony, and the Vedas, representing higher knowledge. Her presence reminds us that wisdom and creativity flow naturally when we make space for silence and clarity.
In our own lives, Saraswati invites us to pause and listen. She reminds us that intuition is not something we need to force or figure out. Like a river, it flows when we remove the blockages of distraction, overthinking, and self-doubt.
Practices to Cultivate Intuition
The good news is that intuition can be strengthened, just like a muscle. By creating space for stillness, embodiment, and awareness, we become more attuned to our inner compass. Here are some yogic and holistic practices to support you:
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Breathwork
Conscious breathing calms the nervous system and quiets mental noise, creating the inner stillness where intuition arises. Practices such as Ujjayi (ocean breath) and Bhramari (humming bee breath) are particularly effective. They help to soothe the mind and bring you into the present moment.
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Mantra & Sound
Chanting Saraswati's mantra — "Om Aim Saraswatayai Namaha" — or simply her bija mantra "Aim" awakens her energy within. Try chanting aloud and then drawing the vibration inward in silence. Sound bypasses the analytical mind and brings us into resonance with our intuitive centre.
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Meditation with the Breath (Ham-Sa)
The ancient practice of meditating with the natural rhythm of the breath can deepen intuitive awareness. Silently repeat Ham on the inhale and Sa on the exhale. This mantra means "I am That" — a reminder of our connection with universal consciousness. With regular practice, the mind becomes quieter and more receptive to subtle inner guidance.
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Journaling
Writing can help us access intuition by allowing thoughts and feelings to flow freely onto the page. Try prompts such as:
What inner wisdom am I ready to trust more deeply?
How can I express myself creatively in a way that feels authentic and joyful?
What role does silence play in my life right now?
When journaling, try not to overthink, hold back or censor yourself. Let words spill out, freely, even if they don't make sense at first — often the intuitive gems appear in unexpected ways.
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Creative Expression
Intuition and creativity are deeply linked. Saraswati's energy flows when we paint, sing, dance, or write without judgment. The more we open to creative play, the more we strengthen our intuitive channel. Try something new — it doesn't need to be perfect; it just needs to be alive.
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Embodiment Practices
Intuition speaks through the body. Yoga asana, mindful movement, or simply pausing to notice sensations can bring us into deeper connection with this wisdom. Practice placing a hand on your heart or belly when making a decision, and notice what your body tells you.
Living with Intuition as Your Guide
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The more we honour our intuition, the stronger it becomes. Like any relationship, trust builds with time and practice. Each time you follow your intuition — even in small ways — you affirm that inner wisdom matters.
Living intuitively doesn't mean we abandon logic or reason. Rather, it's about bringing balance — allowing intuition and intellect to work hand-in-hand, so that we make decisions that are both wise and deeply aligned with who we are.
Saraswati's grace invites us to see intuition not as something mysterious or elusive, but as a natural part of who we are. It is always present, waiting for us to listen.
Closing Reflections
When we attune to our intuition, we begin to live from a place of alignment, clarity, and flow. Decisions become less about "should" and more about what feels true and therefore more authentic. Life then opens into greater creativity and authenticity.
Saraswati whispers through silence, through breath, through the soft stirrings of the heart. Her gift is not only knowledge, but the wisdom to trust ourselves — to follow the inner compass that always knows the way home.
So I invite you to pause today. Take a breath. Place your hand on your heart. Ask: What is my inner wisdom guiding me toward? Then listen — not with the mind, but with the quiet knowing of the soul.
Main – Photo by Jordan Madrid on Unsplash
About the Author: Corinne Cooke
