Our Mission & Journey
Cosmos Within is the wellspring of a team living and working across continents with a common goal: to inspire others to embrace their higher selves. The Cosmic Birthday Candle was researched and written in this spirit during a two-year spiritual journey across several countries and energized by many beautiful and sacred spaces. We hope to offer inspiration and guidance for all those on their own journeys of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The Beginning
Our Chief Astrologer, Diego, began his research and writing for Cosmos Within in March of 2021, in his hometown on the Croatian island of Rab. The Adriatic Sea, ancient Roman streets, and the island’s beautiful, pristine nature inspired the signs of Aries and Taurus. But after a while, he used the opportunity of remote work to seek inspiration elsewhere, from the places he always dreamt of visiting.
The Azores, Portugal
After leaving Croatia in June of 2021, Diego traveled to the Azores, a remote Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where he wrote Gemini, Leo, and Cancer. For three months, he resided in the picturesque town of Angra de Heroismo, surrounded by lush forests and the restless ocean. Immersing himself in the island's tranquil ambiance, Diego swam in pristine waters and explored ancient forests. Living on a banana farm provided insight into the local way of life. Climbing Pico, Portugal's highest peak, was a rewarding physical and mental challenge, from which he gained profound insights into his life goals and purpose. The Azores sparked Diego's love for adventure and wanderlust, infusing the Cosmic Birthday Candles with the essence of the Sun and the Ocean.
The Caucasus
After Portugal, Diego embarked on a journey through Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. During his year long stay in the Caucasus region, which began in September 2021, he spent three months in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, where he discovered a fascinating blend of Western and Eastern cultures. He explored the areas of Kazbegi and Svaneti, admiring their preserved traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. The impressive Svaneti towers, the dazzling Caucasus glaciers, and the breathtaking nature left him with a sense of profound tranquility. Given the numerous churches in even the most remote parts of Georgia, he was able to make candle lighting a part of his daily itinerary. The journey transformed him with a new sense of self while he finished character readings for Virgo and Libra, empowered by the energy of the Mountains.
Tien Shen, Kyrgyzstan
After a year in the Caucasus, Diego flew to another mountain range, the Tien Shan, to immerse himself in the beauty and culture of Central Asia. For two months, he continued to explore Kyrgyzstan, a country where nature is abundant and where people live in harmony with it. Diego climbed more than 11,000 feet to visit the Ala-Kul and Kol-Suu alpine lakes, witnessing one of the most untouched places on earth. While the thin air was a challenge, he came to realize how adaptable our bodies and spirits can be. After completing Scorpio and Sagittarius, Diego left Kyrgyzstan feeling inspired, knowing that ancient nomadic ways of life are still alive. The sight of infinite mountainous pastures, and witnessing civilizations that still ride horses for transport, changed Diego’s perspective, giving him insights into what might be lacking in modern civilizations. The Cosmic Birthday Candle texts were enriched with the energy of our nomadic ancestors.
Central Asia
Diego's travels through Central Asia next took him to Kazakhstan, where he was amazed by the transformation of nomadic pastures into modern cities. He continued to Uzbekistan, discovering the hidden treasures of ancient walled cities, abandoned fortresses and limitless deserts that stretched before him. His journey through the remote Pamir highway in Tajikistan in November 2022 was especially memorable. For 10 days, Diego traveled above 16,000 feet on one of the highest roads in the world, eating local food, and connecting with the resilient people of the Pamir region. Witnessing the Afghan nomads' caravan moving to the warmer regions before the winter on their camels on the other side of the border was a magical sight. This whole experience made him appreciate the value of mindfulness, simplicity, and adaptation to the environment, inspiring him to write the texts for Capricorn. The journey infused the writing process with the energy of perseverance and adaptability.
The Himalayas, Nepal
Next, Diego embarked on a journey through Nepal in December 2022. The immense beauty of this land, from the towering peaks to the sound of the Buddhist bells, will remain etched in his mind forever. He lived for two weeks in a Buddhist monastery, immersed in the teachings of their philosophy and mythology. His trek through the Himalayas was a particularly important learning and self-discovery process. The solitude he experienced there wasn’t always pleasant, but it allowed him to hear even the tiniest whispers of his heart. He once again confirmed that growth only comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. Monks, villagers, and even the mountains teach us all about the importance of stillness and presence. Immersion into this transcendental philosophy was a driving force behind the writing process for the remaining Cosmic Birthday Candle texts - Aquarius and Pisces.
India
Diego's 2022 Vedic Astrology course with an Indian teacher prepared him for a transformative trip to India in February of 2023. From Varanasi to Rajasthan, Diego's journey was full of wonder and awe, teaching him the value of spiritual practices and self-improvement. He learned about the balance between religion and manipulation and the importance of staying grounded in his beliefs. Holi festivities in Pushkar were a highlight, leaving an indelible mark on his heart. Diego's journey renewed his sense of purpose and appreciation for India's (and world’s) spiritual traditions. It is our hope that our Cosmic Birthday Candles will offer inspiration and guidance for those who are also on their own journeys towards self-discovery and enlightenment. The Holi festivities in Pushkar were a highlight; colorful games and celebrations left an indelible mark on his heart. Diego's journey renewed his sense of purpose as well as his appreciation for India's - and the world’s - spiritual traditions.
It is our hope that our Cosmic Birthday Candles will offer inspiration and guidance for all those on their own journeys toward self-discovery and enlightenment.