Samvatsara is a Sanskrit term for “year.” In the Vedic system, there are 60 samvatsaras. The South Indian calculations for the samvatsaras are different from those in North India, and there are also two different ways of ordering the years, but most astrologers today use Sage Varahamahira’s method.

Each samvatsara carries a particular essence that correlates with its Sanskrit name. Though the last three samvatsaras from 2009-2012 were somewhat taxing and challenging, this year’s is considered to be quite fortunate. It is known as Nandana Samvatsara, “the year which bestows joy.” Civilization can experience great progress through our evolving mass consciousness; greater humanitarian action and implementation of democratic ideals; and important scientific and technological achievements. The last Nandana Samvatsara occurred in 1952-1953, when Mother Teresa opened her Kalighat Home for the Dying; India had its first general elections; and the discovery of DNA’s molecular structure was announced by Watson and Crick.

Usually on or around the first day of the Lunar New Year, Hindu pandits will install the new calendar (panchanga) during a ceremony in which the year’s upcoming predictions are read aloud. I recommend two panchangas that offer a good deal of interesting information about the New Year ahead (linked below).[ii]

The Vedic New Moon/New Year chart is based on the moment when the Sun and Moon conjoin in Pisces once a year, which is at the very end of the 15th Amavasya Tithi Gandanta in the lunar month of Chaitra. Immediately after this moment of joining, the tithi (lunar day) changes to the 1st Shukla Pratipada. The tithi in effect at the next day’s sunrise marks the first day of the New Year; in this case, the next sunrise occurs on the day after the March 22 conjunction, on Friday-March 23 (and Friday is the day of Venus), so Venus becomes the Year Lord of this Lunar New Year (this and other mundane horoscopes are posted below).

Another sidereal chart used for reading the New Year is known as the Mesha Sankranti Chakra. This chart is erected for the moment when the Sun, supreme source of light in our solar system, moves into its exaltation sign of fiery Aries (sidereal). This chart determines the Minister (Mantri) of the Year. This year’s Mesha Sankranti occurs on a Friday too, April 13, 2012 at 9:48:59 EDT. Thus, Venus is not only the Lord but also the Minister of the Year. This is interesting especially as Venus is playing a very prominent astronomical and astrological role this year.

First, from April 2 until June 4, 2012, Venus will be traveling out of bounds (OOB), that is, in extreme declination north of the ecliptic (beyond 23N26’22”). When Venus, planet of harmony, wealth, beauty and love, is out of bounds, its essence can become more prominent in an almost exaggerated way. As Venus enters its OOB cycle, it aligns with the Pleiades (in sidereal Taurus). The Pleiades are the Seven Wives of the Seven Rishis who symbolize the divine mother archetype. According to ancient occult traditions, this asterism of stars has a very important role to play in the evolution of humanity. On a less harmonious mundane level, Venus OOB in Taurus can reflect economic volatility and intense passions and greed. Personally, this cycle can be a time when we are driven to re-examine our inner and outer relationships in a big way.

The other big news about Venus occurs on June 5 or 6 (depending on location), when quite a rare phenomenon will take place via the Venus occultation of the Sun, when the Sun and Venus align through three coordinates—declination, celestial latitude and celestial longitude. This according to Mayan prophecy indicates our global initiation into a much brighter new world consciousness. If you would like to read more about this unique and significant transit of Venus, I have posted three links for suggested Web sites below.[iii]

Venus is known as Sukra in Vedic astrology. When Sukra is the Lord of the Year, we are promised material and spiritual happiness as well as progress in the areas of peacekeeping, business, the arts and entertainment. When Sukra is Minister of the Year, we are promised more of the same helpful results. Additionally, Venus is the ruler or guardian of the USA New Year chart because it is the planet that rules Taurus, which is the sidereal rising sign. Taurus is the constellation associated with creativity and material reality. The nakshatra portion rising is Rohini, whose shakti is growth, creativity and abundance. It is said that heaven can descend to the earth plane through this asterism.

Ketu, the Moon’s South Node, is found very close to the Taurus ascendant at ~15 degrees. When rising in a chart like this, Ketu has a great influence and modifies the results of the whole chart quite significantly. In mundane astrology, Ketu is considered to have a blistering effect that can wreak havoc. He can symbolize earthquakes; tidal waves; comets and meteors; volcanic eruptions; war; intrigue; assassination; catastrophes; and epidemics. He represents the past and burns up karma. He can have a destabilizing and transformational effect on material matters but can also represent positive karma from the past. Ketu’s influence is most often quite surprising and unpredictable.

I feel that Ketu’s prominence in this chart may reflect Western culture’s current identity crisis. Ketu is considered to have benefic influence according to some systems of astrology, so one can hope for breakthroughs that open the way for a more positive future. Ketu in this chart is vargottama which means it is found in the same sign in the main rashi chart and the all-important ninth-harmonic (navamsha) chart. According to the Vedic astrology classics, vargottama malefics are not ultimately as harmful as they might have been otherwise; even though they reflect some challenging lessons, they usually reveal success over time. In addition, the ashtakavarga score for the first house of this chart is very high, which also enhances the more positive qualities of Ketu in this position. What might those be?

Sage Satyacharya is of the opinion that the Moon’s nodes/Rahu and Ketu have no effects of their own but produce the results of the planets joined with them, aspecting them or those in whose rashi or navamsha they are placed. Mostly, their nature is to be understood from the nature of their dispositors. In the case of Ketu’s dispositor, that would be Venus, which is located with Jupiter in the 12th house of the chart in sidereal Aries. Ketu and the 12th house both relate to moksha (enlightenment). So with the two benefics located here, there is potential for personal and collective breakthroughs in awareness, which can lead to a greater spiritual and humanitarian action (additional 12th house matters).

Further, Venus as the 6th lord and Jupiter as the 8th lord in the 12th house form a powerful Viparita (Vipreeta or Vipreet) Raja Yoga, which indicates a rapid rise to power and position at the expense or loss of others (through foreign investment or through enemy downfall, for example). Jupiter and Venus in the 12th house can also indicate huge government expansion projects. They are opposite (with a very wide orb) Saturn in Libra in the 6th house (health care matters), which mirrors the current US government drama over Obamacare. Based on this New Year chart, it does not look like there will be a simple or quick solution to this ongoing health care crisis; and certainly based on my surface analysis of this New Year chart, all is not as it appears with this health care dilemma.

Visual Astrologers Bernadette Brady and Darrelyn Gunzburg have an interesting take on the upcoming Venus transit through Taurus, denoting a theme similar to the one I have described related to Venus and Ketu in Taurus in the Lunar New Year chart:

By June, Venus disappears from view only to re-emerge a few weeks later as the Morning Star, growing bright until mid-August and early-September. As she emerges she will be sitting in the face of the Great Cosmic Bull – the stars of Taurus. This radiation of the Cosmic Bull implies that something will be destroyed or ruined but will then be re-cosmogised, reborn or remade afresh. The Assyrian priest Nergal-etir wrote that this implied a loss of the harvest, while Bel-le’i added that if Venus is bright it will be worse,       particularly if, ‘Ishta wears a silver crown!’ Translating this into a modern concept it could well mean yet again another crises in Europe over currency or another global stock market crisis – a harvest being destroyed in this period. This is a time when the heavenly patterns are indicating cosmogising – destroying to remake afresh. [iv]

Brady and Gunzburg discuss how they track the phases of Venus rather than using individual charts to make long-range predictions, as there are “larger patterns at work than reflected in the charts of individuals or nations…a hierarchy with the heavenly patterns overlaying the vacillations of transits or progressions to personal or national horoscopes.” Using their methods, they predict that Obama will return to the White House in the next election. [v]

The Pisces New Moon occurs in the 11th house (with Mercury, Uranus and Sun in Pisces) indicating this repeating theme of our increasing awareness of social responsibility. Uranus here can point to sudden and unexpected events in Congress as well as some valuable new legislation being passed and perhaps some beneficial reforms in the stock exchange. The unpredictable nature of Uranus may also relate to airline strikes; upheaval in the government; unrest and agitation among the people; and on a more constructive note, astonishing technological discoveries.

One example of the kind of breakthroughs in technology that we have already seen is that of James Cameron’s Challenger Deep record-breaking solo dive into the Marianas Trench a few days after the March New Moon. Billionaire Richard Branson is also planning to plunge the depths of the Puerto Rico Trench in the Atlantic Ocean. What is fascinating as an astrologer is that Uranus transiting in Pisces now and conjunct the New Moon in the New Year chart indicates new discoveries (Uranus) related to the ocean (Pisces); and also Neptune (oceans) is culminating in this chart (10th house), revealing that we could hear a lot more about the ocean, particularly the deep sea environment and its exploration.

Neptune in the 10th house can symbolize scandals and intrigues among high government officials. Trading exports are said to suffer when Neptune culminates, though fishing and maritime businesses may prosper, and oil will continue to be king. Mars is in the 4th house of the chart where it often reflects unusual flooding and seismic events; and with its aspect to Neptune, Mars here can indicate record rains and floods and other kinds of disasters related to the ocean; oil, gas and mineral wells; shipping industries; or the Navy.

Saturn will continue transiting through its best exalted sign of Libra for most of the next year, though it will travel back into Virgo for a short period from May 18 to August 5. This period of Saturn’s return to late Virgo could signify some instability, especially during the weeks around the eclipses on May 20 and June 4. Of particular concern to me is the annular solar eclipse chart for May 20 which has Saturn exactly conjunct the ascendant at the critical 29th degree of Virgo over Los Angeles. I was thinking that this indicates some unsteadiness for Southern California, especially because in the LA eclipse chart, Mercury (ruler of the rising sign Virgo), is in the 8th house of difficulties and upheavals in late Aries and inconjunct (6/8) the 1st house of the chart. There is a mitigating influence however in that the 29th degree of Virgo aligns with the fixed star Spica, which symbolizes tremendous grace and good fortune.

This May 20 solar eclipse will extend from China and Japan to the USA northwest coast and down into New Mexico and Texas, and any of these areas could be especially highlighted in the coming year, most likely after the eclipses. I have posted the NASA Eclipse Web site link below to access more information about the path and details of this eclipse.[vi] The May 20 solar eclipse will occur in (sidereal) Taurus, and the June 4 lunar eclipse will occur in (sidereal) Scorpio, activating the Lunar New Year chart even more, triggering the most dominant and significant 1/7 axis of the chart. The eclipses are continuing to set off themes related to the 6th and 12th houses of the US Kelleher chart, which we have been experiencing since last autumn, as with the health care predicament; debt crisis; war; a cultural revolution; overwhelming economic struggles; as well as positive spiritual awakening.

Saturn’s transit in Libra is said to uplift the people and restore democratic ideals to the nation, though progress may seem quite slow at times. In the 6th house of the New Year chart (11th house of the Kelleher US chart), Saturn is in a great position to help us to set things straight, supporting social justice; redefining healthy living habits as well as our relationships; urging us to be more individually and cooperatively accountable and transparent; to simplify our lives, be more realistic; and, live more in accordance with moral principles and compassionate action. This follows the theme of the Taurus Rising New Year chart and the coming eclipse in Taurus which are all about grounding spiritual principles into material reality and truly questioning ourselves about what we need versus what we can let go of (it’s about how to s-i-m-p-l-i-f-y our lives).

On the New Moon of July 19, Mars and Uranus will square Pluto. The Pluto-Uranus square is a long-term transit, i.e., on and off for years. It began with a wide orb in 2009 and will last until 2017. However, most astrologers understand that when the planets are within a certain range of each other (orb), the influence of their aspects will intensify. From June 24 until September 19, Uranus and Pluto will near an exact square. This will happen again several times in 2013-2015. Throughout history, hard aspects like this between Pluto and Uranus have been associated with times of social upheaval, racial tension and cultural revolution. Things are heated up even more when Mars in Virgo exactly opposes Uranus in Pisces while both square Pluto in Sagittarius. This Mutable T-square with Pluto at the apex can indicate a time of radical social upheaval that stimulates transformation in the collective consciousness, especially as Uranus (revelation and revolution) is in the sidereal sign of transformational Pisces (sign of the underdog) and in a tense T-square with Pluto (indicator of death, cataclysms, propaganda, big business, nuclear energy and concentrations of immense wealth and power).

On August 15 at 6:35:14 EDT, Mars and Saturn will conjoin at 0 degrees of sidereal Libra. Mars and Saturn come together about every two years, and mundane astrologers use this conjunction chart to glean more information about the coming two years. This conjunction takes place within a close orb of 2 degrees of the Midheaven (MC) of the USA Kelleher chart, which symbolizes the government in power. The MC in a mundane chart can also symbolize the leader of our country as well as the way our nation projects itself or is perceived by the rest of the world. This conjunction of Mars and Saturn on this point can be a sign of power struggles and antagonism between various opposing forces, both nationally and internationally. We may need to be careful during the weeks before and after this conjunction as it can prompt dangerous terroristic events as well as storms, accidents, aggression, turmoil, conflict and interpersonal pressures.

Could the conjunction of Mars and Saturn on the USA chart’s MC mean more of the same dirty politics that we have come to expect in an election year? The issue here is that this conjunction will reverberate for the coming two years, so it may not bode well for our government’s ability to transcend party lines in order to make effective changes. Of further concern is that Mars and Saturn will form a tense Cardinal T-square pattern with Mercury in the 8th house and Pluto in the 2nd house of the USA Kelleher chart (these houses 2 and 8 deal with financial and economic matters). This transit suggests a possibility of some extreme events and possibly even a situation in which our nation’s President will have to take quick, effective and decisive executive action.

One mitigating factor to the Mars-Saturn conjunction on the USA MC is Spica again (which is within a degree of this conjunction of Mars and Saturn), indicating the potential for positive transformation through divine intervention (as Spica reveals certain “gifts to mankind”). Libra relates to the marketplace, relationships and cooperative ventures, and the 0 degree symbolizes an awakening and brand new direction, as well as (possibly) some dire need for political intervention between the USA and other part(s) of the world. Mundane astrologers believe that countries associated with the sign of Libra will have to weather some serious troubles in the next two years, including the possibility of wars, riots and the “murder of kings”. In mundane astrology, the Libra countries are usually considered to be Japan; Egypt; N. China; N. India and Tibet; Burma and Argentina.

Some good news is that there is a very special and auspicious event happening in one of the Vedic calendars, from August 18 to September 16, called Bhadrapad Adhika Masa, which means that there will be two lunar months in a row when the Sun will not transit to another sign, and when the New Moon will occur twice in the sidereal sign of Leo. This happens because of the difference between the solar and lunar calendars (365 versus 354 days per year), which means that every ~2.5 years, an extra (intercalary) lunar month needs to be added. During this fortunate time of the Nandana Year, special prayers and pujas are performed by the Hindu priests, thus enhancing harmony between the spiritual and material worlds.

Neptune has a lengthy transit in sidereal Aquarius from 2008-2023, and will conjunct the Aquarian Moon in the USA Kelleher (sidereal) chart in closest range in March 2012; August 2012; Jan. 2013 and in the fall of 2013. The Moon falls in the 3rd house of the USA chart, the realm of neighbors, transportation and communication in a mundane horoscope. The last time Neptune transited here (~165 years ago) was during the United States-Mexican War in 1847-1848, which was fought in large part over Mexico’s refusal to accept the United States annexation of Texas. Neptune has come full circle, yet here today we are waging another kind of war along the USA-Mexico border.

The USA Moon (the populace) in sidereal Aquarius (humanitarianism) being triggered by Neptune’s transit (idealism) can signify some movement toward socialistic ideals. In addition, this transit can reflect unemployment troubles and the fact that trade deficits are out of control; additionally, fraud in government and big business may continue coming to light through mainstream and alternative media. At the same time, one wonders if the Neptune transit of the Moon reveals our environmentally and emotionally stressed and toxic world and a collective awakening about this and some of the other massive social and environmental issues that we face.

From March 28 to July 31, Venus and Ketu will transit together in Taurus. One of the greatest peacemakers in history was born with Venus and Ketu conjunct in Taurus…that would be Nelson Mandela, who said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Venus and Ketu in Taurus can have quite a harmonious impact on the world at large. Venus is the graha /planet that signifies harmony, diplomacy, compromise, beauty and balance, and Ketu magnifies these qualities. I once heard a Nadi astrologer say that when Venus is with Ketu in Venus’s sign (Taurus or Libra), this acts like a very auspicious combination of three exalted planets, reflecting quite a bit of good fortune and positive vibrations. It also can be a combination that is over-the-top in terms of materialistic desires and monetary gains, as the exalted planets are said to embody masculine energy that controls and dominates in a worldly sense.

From May 17 when Jupiter enters Taurus, the aforementioned may be more true, as Venus and Jupiter together can indicate too much of a good thing, i.e., excess desire for sensory gratification that can go out of balance. Overall though (ever the optimist that I am), it looks like further confirmation of constructive progress in the year ahead. I tracked the last time that Venus, Jupiter and Ketu joined in Taurus, which was from July 1881-May 1882. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881 (a few months before the conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and Ketu in Taurus), but in the months following, she and her associates campaigned for endorsement of the Geneva Convention that protects the war-injured. Their efforts were not in vain, as the United States ratified this treaty in 1882. Such is an example of the kind of humanitarian progress that I am envisioning for the coming year.

Venus is known as the teacher of the asuras, supernatural beings who govern the material plane. Jupiter is the teacher of the devas, “shining ones” who oversee the heavenly realms. Often in myth, the asuras and demons are found battling as the forces of darkness and light in the divine play of duality. Because of this, many Vedic astrologers feel that when Jupiter and Venus join together, there has to be conflict. In my opinion, this is not necessarily true. As Jupiter and Venus join in Taurus, a sign of human progress and material development, along with Ketu, the graha representing spiritual discernment, we could actually see a deepening alignment and practical integration of spiritual and material principles. As our thoughts and actions help to make the world, much of what happens is up to each one of us and how we choose to play this marvelous game of life. The key is to remain heart-centered and appreciative, no matter what.

The opposition of Sun and Mars occurs in the middle of the Mars retrograde cycle which began on January 25, 2012 and which will end April 15, 2012. I have previously discussed this Mars retrograde cycle, but now the Mars in opposition to the Sun adds a new layer of meaning; it can intensify our inner struggles as well as conflicts with others, particularly with authority figures. This can be a good time to examine and heal such issues, especially as they may arise spontaneously.

Mars is transiting in sidereal Leo opposite the Sun in sidereal Aquarius. This sign axis is about the individual versus the collective, autocracy versus democracy, egoism versus altruism…basically, how I can get my needs met while also showing up as a whole and conscious person in my world? How can I be myself while also feeling connected, engaged and at peace with the bigger picture here?

Where these sidereal signs are located in your natal horoscope will reveal an area or areas of life where you can now consciously activate your personal power to overcome your inner and outer obstacles, set new intentions and make any necessary changes. Your source of empowerment will most likely be connected to the house occupied by natal Aquarius (and any planets therein), and the obstacles and needed changes will be shown by the house occupied by natal Leo (and any planets therein).

If you attend to setting your intentions and healing and resolving your conflict now and in the coming weeks, you may be able to really make some positive changes and should begin to see some forward movement at least by the time Mars goes direct in mid-April.

Here’s a link to an interesting article about the Mars aphelion: Mars Now at Most Extreme Distance from the Sun : Discovery News:

Namaste.

The New Moon occurs when the Moon in its monthly orbital motion around Earth lies between the Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from the Earth. At this time, the dark part of the Moon faces toward the Earth, so that the Moon is not visible to the naked eye, and so the light of the Moon is blocked from the Earth. The New Moon is felt like a bioenergetic reboot; thus, according to astrology, New Moon indicates a phase of endings and new beginnings. As the lunar energy is withdrawn from us, it is natural to turn inward for healing, rest and retreat.

Each month of the year, yogis celebrate the night before New Moon as Shiva’s Night (Shivratri), a time for deep contemplation and inner quiet, a time to journey within and bask in the true inner light that exists beyond the world of form. Shiva is many things to many people. For me, Shiva represents a peaceful spiritual awareness of inner freedom and oneness through my personal relationship with God.

Shiva’s greatest New Moon night of the year is called Maha Shivratri, which occurs each year in either February or March on the 13th or the 14th night of the Moon’s waning cycle, in the month of Phalguna, when the New Moon is in (sidereal) Aquarius. The Great Night of Shiva takes place in (sidereal) Aquarius because Lord Shiva presides over this astrological sign, which is symbolized by the Water Bearer who pours forth the “water of life,” known as kundalini shakti, the essence of spiritual power, wisdom, purity and peace. In 2012 in India, this auspicious celebration takes place on Monday, Feb. 20.

The ancient rishis of India understood that the days around the New Moon in Aquarius are a special time for connecting with the inner light of Shiva. Physiological and bio-energetic processes can become activated through spiritual practices like chanting and meditation. This is related to the Sun and the Moon alignment that takes place not only “up there” in the heavens but also “down here” via the chakras of our bioenergetic system. During Maha Shivratri, the alignment is most profound as it takes place in Aquarius, the sign of higher wisdom through which kundalini shakti streams so powerfully. The next few days especially can be a wonderful time for contemplation and reflection, to tap into deep recesses of spiritual power, clear out outmoded notions and patterns and recharge body-mind-spirit with new intentions.

The late great Siddha yogi Baba Muktananda said, “This universe is Shiva’s own garden…Meant for a joyous stroll.” Lord Shiva is always dancing the whole of creation into existence, but on his Great Night, the possibilities for connecting with the Supreme Reality of the Divine Self within are greater than ever. Whether you are celebrating Shivratri or Mardi Gras (or both as I recommend), I wish you the most joyous stroll.

The terms of venery became a game of codification in 15th century Europe, where clever names for various other collective nouns became interspersed with the names of venery. Many of these names reflected certain social mores of the time, and were constructed with a great deal of wit, such as, a converting of preachers; a drift of fishermen; a bevy of ladies; an eloquence of lawyers; a worship of writers; a school of clerks; a herd of harlots; a diligence of messengers; a poverty of pipers…oh the list just goes on! This is a fun game to play with loved ones, friends and colleagues. I actually won a newspaper contest once when I played and came up with a name for my then-profession of nursing…it was an injection of nurses.

Venery and the venereal game refer to hunting in relation to the Roman goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite), whose origin was in the Babylonian Ishtar, Goddess of the Hunt. Aphrodite (Venus) hunted hard for love, and once she found it, she spent most of her time out hunting wild animals with her beloved Adonis. My friend Marcia Kalika made an excellent point in response to this on a Facebook, that Venus was kind of compromising to be with her man…which is the essence of Venus in astrology, when functioning in its highest form.

In Al-Biruni’s Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology, Venus is considered the astrological lord of wild animals. Astrologers look to Venus in the astrological chart to determine matters of love, the wild hunt of the heart. Hmmm…now I am wondering…would a hunt of lovers be a good term for a group of people searching for love? Or do you like a lust of lovers better? Here I go…

Saturn and Ketu have a tendency to inhibit, contract and block whatever they influence; in this case, Saturn influences Libra (the public marketplace), and Ketu influences Taurus (business, trade, and overall economic conditions).

The last time that Saturn was in Libra while Ketu was simultaneously in Taurus (as they are now and will be for most of 2012) was in the second half of 1955, when consumer prices fell (I believe that this was felt to be a short-term deflationary cycle). So it will be interesting to watch and see if a similar trend continues toward what some are calling the “Coming Great 2012 Deflation.” Historically, sustained deflationary cycles correspond with bear markets, recessions and economic depressions. During deflationary cycles, it is common for interest rates to rise and for people to hoard cash, so investments decline, etc. As I understand it, there is an ongoing debate over whether we are in deflation or inflation. A January 8, 2012 USA Today article addresses this topic and asks if deflation could be a real threat, which you can access through this link:  http://www.usatoday.com/money/markets/story/2012-01-06/deflation-inflation-threat-to-stocks/52457310/1

It is possible that as transiting Venus moves into the nebulous and often destabilizing gandanta section between sidereal Pisces and Aries (~Feb. 27-March 3) and even further into the first week or so of March, that financial markets will be hammered. This is also indicated in the solar return chart for one of the various USA birth charts I use (USA Constitution Declared Effective 3/4/1789 at ~12:01 AM in NYC). I recently attended a 2012 Webinar with Western Sidereal astrologer Ken Bowser who pointed out this chart and explained that the fact of having Neptune in the March 7, 2012 solar return chart exactly conjunct the USA chart’s natal Mars in the lower meridian squaring the ascendant is a difficult combination for the economy. My friend Joni Patry reminded me that this conjunction also speaks to a full-blown international conflict (Mars) over oil (Neptune) that will affect us in our homeland (4th house of the USA chart). Here are the charts in wheel format (the inner wheel represents the USA birth chart and the outer wheel is the upcoming solar return):

Kuja represents the inner fire generated through the Manipura Chakra, the “Lustrous Gem” or Third Chakra. This vital force allows us to overcome inner and outer obstacles so that we can manifest our goals. Kuja also signifies the precision, logic and courage we have to muster in order to flourish in life. According to the late Swami Sri Yukteswar, “Firmness of moral courage when attained removes all the obstacles in the way of salvation. These obstacles are of eight sorts, viz., hatred, shame, fear, grief, condemnation, race distinction, pride of pedigree, and a narrow sense of respectability, which are the meannesses of the human heart.”

Transiting in the sign of a friend (sidereal Leo) as it will be until June 21, the upcoming retrograde Mars cycle offers the opportunity to strengthen personal valor and cultivate a massive amount of creative energy, but also there can be the potential for impatience, aggression, conflict, and frustration unless we can remain firmly centered in the heart (Leo).

Kuja is often represented as Kshitinandana, which as far as I know translates as the “Delightful Son of the Earth,” or “Rejoicing Earth-born Son,” as he was born of the sky (Shiva) and the Earth (Bhumi). Thus, I believe that his archetypal power bridges spirit and matter. In other words, according to astrologer Bepin Behari, Mars is engaged in “articulating the inner potential on the outer surface of life” (Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology, p 81). During the Mars in Leo retrograde cycle, I encourage you to invoke your inner warrior and slay the mind demons that prevent you from living your full glory. Om Namaha Shivaya!

Greetings all! As we are winding down 2011, there will be one final solar eclipse occurring in sidereal Scorpio on November 25, 2011 at ~6:20 AM UT, followed two weeks later by a lunar eclipse in sidereal Taurus on December 10, 2011 at ~14:32 UT. As I have written before, eclipses have a significant role to play in worldly affairs, and they also can trigger changes in our personal lives.

In the solar eclipse on November 25, the Sun and Moon will widely conjunct the Moon’s North Node in the constellation of Scorpio, forming a partial eclipse only. It will be visible in high latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, including lower South Africa, Antarctica, Tasmania and most of New Zealand. Though eclipses signify changing trends and cycles on a worldwide level, it is believed that the precise geographical location of the eclipse path will carry some added emphasis in the coming months. You can take a look at its path on the NASA eclipse website: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/5MCSEmap/2001-2100/2011-11-25.gif

For everyone—though certainly for some more than others depending on specific natal horoscope triggers—the days leading up to and following an eclipse can be somewhat destabilizing as our Earth’s electromagnetic energy field experiences something akin to a “reboot.” On top of that, the eclipses are currently occurring in the Taurus-Scorpio axis, which is the area of the zodiac relating to integration of the material and spiritual dimensions. Actually, Taurus is the sign of material security, and Scorpio can shake up material security. For weeks before and after the actual eclipse, one may experience more than the usual confusion, fear, upheaval or turmoil on the material, emotional or spiritual levels; again, for some it will be more challenging than others, depending on where this axis occurs in the astrological birth chart.

In mundane astrology, the constellation of Taurus signifies economic conditions, trade and business; food production; the auto industry; journalism and journalists; and the postal service (probably we will hear some troubling announcements ahead from the USPS). Scorpio stands for debt; floods; mining; organized crime; secrets of all kinds, including secret weapons; nuclear science and energy; taxes, stocks, industries; death and dying; disease; poison; rebirth, and regeneration. The global issues reflected by the eclipses occurring in this area of the stellar zodiac are quiet intense now, as many people on the planet are grappling with basic survival issues; one truly wonders how we can continue to coexist with our mushrooming world population, massive problems on all fronts and apparently limited resources.

The solar eclipse occurs in the fourth astrological house of the Washington DC (United States) eclipse chart, emphasizing the possibility in coming months for intensified seismic activity; mining issues; landslides; floods; ongoing government opposition; and some further spotlight on agriculture, mortgage/loan/banking and housing industries. In the USA eclipse chart, though Jupiter is in the auspicious ninth house, it is in an inconjunct (6/8) “difficult” aspect to the eclipsed Sun and Moon; and is in a shakti yoga with the Moon and Rahu, which further takes away some of Jupiter’s usual good fortune and blessing.

Jupiter is the planet of banks and the banking industry, and based on these aspects, one wonders if there will be major losses or secrets revealed in the banking industry (ninth house is twelfth/loss from the tenth/business). These aspects also indicate some possibility of foreign trade wars and conflict between the United States and the United Nations or other world organizations. Note also that Mars, the dispositor of the eclipsed planets, is very powerful in the first house of the eclipse chart. Mars in mundane astrology has reference to military matters, patriotism, political fanaticism, and infectious diseases, and of concern is the fact that it is squaring the Sun and Moon in the fourth house (which governs the homeland and the people at large) and opposing Neptune and Chiron in the seventh house (enemies).

The solar eclipse is a super-charged new Moon, which means that it intensely activates new beginnings in the area of the horoscope where it occurs. If you were born between November 15 and December 15, your natal Sun will be eclipsed, and that means the coming year will probably be an eventful time of personal or professional “renovation.” In the weeks and months leading up to a solar eclipse, one can often feel more tired than usual in preparation for releasing the old to make way for something new. This is especially true as this eclipse occurs near the end of the year when we are spiraling inward toward the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. Within several days after the winter solstice (December 22, 5:30 UT), there may be some release of the old energy when the Sun begins its northern descent.

The December 10 lunar eclipse will occur in the constellation of Taurus. A lunar eclipse is a super-charged full Moon that often brings up issues in relationship. In general, the lunar eclipse can represent the possible fruition and culmination of a cycle in your life. For some…the lunar eclipse can also trigger the release of passion or aggression.

Because of the eclipses, it may be best not to make important decisions until at least after December 10 if you can hold off a while. This is especially so because Mercury is retrograding (appearing to stop and move backward) about a day before the solar eclipse (November 24), and will remain retrograde until around December 14. For major decisions, it may be best to wait until the second day of the new year after Mercury crosses back over and past its retrograde shadow area.

Mercury’s activation in the solar eclipse can indicate travel delays and frustrations as well as communication challenges in the coming weeks. One is well advised to take it easy and go with the flow, stay grounded and centered, and be extra cautious, gentle and mindful. The current season of the waning Sun (northern hemisphere) is one of the best times of the year for quiet soul-searching and healing, and this is especially true in the hours before, during and after the eclipses, when contemplative or healing practices can produce enhanced benefits.

Scorpio-Taurus eclipses can bring trials, tribulations and real crises for sure, but these can lead to important revelations and innovative breakthroughs, so one should not lose heart. In fact, there may be some good news. According to Sage Varahamihira (Brihat Samhita), if a solar eclipse occurs after a lunar eclipse, there is a decline in the overall mood and well being of society. On the other hand, if a lunar eclipse takes place after a solar eclipse, better times are ahead. In the beginning of 2011, we had a solar eclipse that followed a lunar eclipse (a challenging year), but this current eclipse cycle has the solar eclipse occurring first, which I feel will indicate a more hopeful and positive year ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of my work. I wish each one of you a joyful holiday season and blessed new year with much love and light! As always, I welcome your feedback, comments and questions. ~Juliana

About Juliana: I will be available for readings, healing sessions and tutoring classes up until December 15, at which time I will be taking a month-long break. I plan to spend the Christmas holiday with my family in Southern California, and after that, will be back home in Hawaii working on some of my astrology projects. I have a few more slots for readings available before mid-December, and am also presently booking “new year” appointments for mid-January.

I cast a Heliocentric chart for the Fall Equinox, which places the Earth instead of the Sun and Moon inside the chart; this is because the chart is viewed from the position of the Sun (see chart below). Such charts are often used to gauge mundane events. This one has a grand fire trine between the Ascendant and Mercury in Leo /1st house with Pluto in Sagittarius/5th house and Jupiter in Aries/9th house. This trine adds some sense of dynamic energy, good fortune and protection to the fall season, and reflects the possibility of government expansion on big projects. However, as Jupiter rules the 8th house, it is possible that we will see some kind of upheaval or transformative event(s) involving institutions of religion, higher education, business or government.

The placement of Saturn in the 2nd house is generally not good for the ruler of the country, and indicates that public regard for President Obama may continue to decline. Saturn’s position here reveals the ongoing debt crisis and overall adverse economic conditions during this last quarter of the year. The most challenging feature of this chart is the placement of the Earth with Uranus (planet of upheaval) in Pisces (sign of transformation and endings) in the 8th house (death, debts, illnesses, crises and upheaval), which is indicative of the country’s severe debt crisis and also the likelihood of some shocking, tumultuous or scandalous events affecting large numbers of people in the coming months. This may be especially true because the 8th house Uranus/Earth is afflicted by squares from both Mars and Pluto (both dangerous influences). Because of this along with the fact that the MC/10th house is squared by Neptune, there is a possibility of riots and revolts or some kind of turmoil involving high-ranking government officials, or the possibility for a sudden unexpected international attack or event.

The downward shift of nature which extends from Fall Equinox to Winter Solstice signals the season of the Metal Element, according to the Five-Element system of Chinese medicine. Metal relates to the Ether Element (Akash), the fundamental source of all the other elements which flows directly from Divine Source through all of creation. According to Dr. Randolph Stone, creator of Polarity Therapy, the Ether element is “the river from which all other rivers [elements] flow.” In the fall season, nature gives us an opportunity to restore our connection with this, our deepest power.

The essential qualities of balanced Ether are stillness and capaciousness, but when imbalanced, Ether can evoke feelings of angst or futility. The Ether element flows more freely within us when we are grounded and mindful; aligning our will with purpose; listening within; and, telling the truth to ourselves and others. The fall season is an especially appropriate time for letting go of the past and whatever it is that no longer serves our greater good. This is the most natural time of the whole year for cleaning house and getting rid of old “stuff.”

Ether is the element of space. Stepping down through the higher chakras, it streams through the throat chakra, where it activates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which govern metabolism and nervous-muscular system integration. From the throat center, Ether moves into the cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic system and the synovial fluid of the joints. However, it is not only located in these areas. Ether is anywhere that we find space—in the ears (thus relating to hearing); all the intracellular and extracellular spaces; sinus and nasal passages; the lungs; mouth, stomach and intestines; uterus; bladder; and, kidney spaces. With so many bodily systems and networks being activated by Ether in the autumnal season, it is no wonder that the change of season from summer to fall has such a powerful effect on our health and well-being. This is a very sensitive time of year which requires thoughtful attention.

Holistic health treatments, herbs and supplements that address detoxifying, balancing and strengthening the affected bodily systems can be very helpful now. Dry skin brushing, colon cleansing and Abhyanga self-massage are important to help eliminate toxins. Warm foods, especially at breakfast, are also key prescriptions for the autumnal season. Singing and chanting, brisk walks and deep breathing can help to open and purify the sinuses and lungs. Yogic breathing (pranayama) and a calming, gentle yoga asana practice may be helpful (inversions and twists are especially helpful). I always recommend using Super Nasya oil in the nasal passages to clear the mind, but it is especially important to use it in this season, to clear and open the pathways of prana. My favorite Super Nasya oil can be purchased at the Ayurvedic Center via this link: http://www.ayurvedichealthcenter.com/products/index.php?crn=234&rn=506&action=show_detail