Category Archives: Astral Weather Report

Saturn Retrograde

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Are you feeling it? Saturn is slowing to a rapid halt now for his retrograde station, when he will appear to start moving backward somewhere in the February 18-20 range depending on the parameters we use to establish the exact stationary movement.

The five days before the actual station can be a time of intense mood shifts, financial concerns, apprehension, unease and dramatic shifts in your plans (as well as seismic and atmospheric events). Saturn retrogrades for about four and a half months every year. He will remain retrograde until July 9 this year.

In Vedic astrology, Saturn is called Shani, which means the one who moves slowly, because Saturn takes about 30 long years to revolve around the Sun. As an actual deity, he is personification of time and moves very slowly. He tends to delay matters as a natural course, so when he is retrograde this slowing down affect can be intensified and especially maddening.

Saturn’s purpose is to teach us patience and fortitude. He represents the tests we have to undergo in the material world. He is the irritant that produces the pearl and the pressure that creates the diamond heart.

Saturn symbolizes the psychological shadow that we have to face and integrate in order to be whole and manifest our full potential. He is the representative of the material plane with all its lessons and limitations. Ultimately, Saturn is the divine servant whose hard knocks are meant to reveal the truth about the divine play of consciousness.

Unbalanced, the essence of Saturn can be contracting, fearful, anxious, depressed, or blocked. When balanced, Saturn is the epitome of reform, conservation, organization and practical achievement. He signifies the principle of reality check, limits, boundaries and consequences.

When a planet appears retrograde, its essence is strengthened but internalized, and often delayed or skewed. A retrograde planet will often point to issues from the past that we need to go back and resolve.

A retrograde planet can show us how to move forward spiritually even while it may indicate that we have to experience some delays or restrictions in worldly matters. When we are patient and aware, the Saturn retrograde cycle can be an especially productive time to establish new priorities and transform our ambitions.

Saturn is currently transiting in its exalted sign of sidereal Libra where it puts an emphasis on important relationship or business decisions. Astrologer David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) says that Saturn is exalted in the sign of Venus Libra because “here Saturn represents the higher principles of justice, order, and detachment, which are necessary in using our heart energy in the right way, without attachment or bias.”

During the strong retrograde transit of Libra, Saturn will force certain unpleasant issues to come out into the light, and as Sat Graha, planet of Truth, Saturn reflects some potent lessons. This is even truer because Saturn is transiting with the Moon’s North Node Rahu for the next year and a half, and this may be a challenge at times because the essence of these two working together may show itself as workaholic tendencies and added stress and anxiety.

Meanwhile, on a mundane level, Saturn is the significator of the economy; laboring classes; disease; anxiety; misfortune; and sorrow, among other things. During Saturn’s retrograde period, all its significations can at times seem worse than usual. For instance, the economy may surely slow down at some point in the next four and a half months (as one economist said the stock market is very tired right about now).

Per a classical Indian astrology work called Sanketa Nidhi, when Saturn retrogrades, it mostly affects the sign ninth from it, which would be Gemini, the indicator of the stock market and business; as well as communication; transportation; travel; and respiratory or nervous illnesses.

Of course, to understand the nature of this retrograde cycle of Saturn on a really personal level, we would need to analyze it through one’s birth horoscope as well, especially noting the houses it rules natally and the houses it occupies natally and in transit, as well as aspects it makes and so forth.

I feel that during this Saturn retrograde cycle and especially within the next 10 days, we might all benefit from added mindfulness and spiritual practices for centering and grounding, including conscious breathing. As Saturn rules the Mooladhara (base) chakra, keeping one’s energy system connected to the earth can be helpful. As Saturn is exalted in the Anahata (heart) chakra’s sign of Libra, simple awareness of the breath as it moves in and out of the heart can be a priceless practice. Especially when feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions, seek refuge in the heart…
“Breathing in, I calm body and mind.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”
(Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace)

Heart Chakra

Love,
Juliana ♥

Flowing with Ease

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Good news for all my friends living in a cold climate…spring is eventually coming, in case you forgot that! From this week’s Sky At A Glance (Sky and Telescope.com): “[Beginning Sunday Jan. 27] The Moon shines high in the east by 9 p.m. Lower left of it, by roughly a fist-width at arm’s length, sparkles Regulus in Leo, as shown here. The Sickle of Leo extends upper left from Regulus. The emergence of Leo in the evening sky [every year around this time] is always an early sign that spring is eventually coming.”

The waning Moon will be moving through the sensitive gandanta zone between sidereal Cancer and Leo tonight, arriving in Leo Monday morning Jan. 28 around 7:30 AM Eastern Time (ET) just in time for your morning commute (for those on ET). Monday evening (again ET), the Moon will conjoin the fixed star Regulus, the heart of the Lion located at about 5 degrees of sidereal Leo. You may be able to see Regulus shining brightly to the left of the Moon tonight or in the next few nights if the sky is clear.

In astrology, Regulus and the sign of Leo are a passionate and generous placement for the Moon, which is a symbol of our consciousness. The Moon will remain in sidereal Leo until Jan. 30 in the afternoon ET. The Moon in Leo is said to enhance courage, idealism, and benevolence, but when transiting near Regulus for the next day or so it can also reflect a higher than usual incidence for accidents. Knowing this, we can be extra mindful in the coming days while there are also some other potentially stressful astrological events taking place that are activating the Moon too: Mars is moving toward a conjunction with Neptune and both are in a wide square with the lunar nodes and opposite the Moon (a grand square) which can indicate some extra tensions or tendencies toward heated emotions or even carelessness and violence.

Jupiter is also stationing now, getting ready to go direct after being retrograde since October 5, 2012. It will go direct on the 30th January, which also can make us feel some big tension in the coming days. I have noticed that there is also more potential for seismic activity (earthquakes and volcanoes) within a few weeks before and after the Jupiter station. Please God forbid!

Jupiter stationing direct is often indicative of big changes that will begin happening now and in the next few months in business, politics, social and religious institutions; for example, change can be in terms of new rules and regulations being established and information coming out related to organizational matters. Jupiter has been retrograde in sidereal Taurus for almost four months, where it can signify some discontent or frustration related to fulfilling material desires. Of course to really understand this retrograde cycle in your own life, you would need to see what it is influencing in your individual natal chart, so I am speaking more in general. Jupiter retrograde can be a period when fanaticism or simply the attachment to an ideal can obstruct progress and practical solutions. Sound familiar? One hopes that as Jupiter advances in direct motion, we will begin to move forward on certain complicated conundrums plaguing our society, as well.

To see how this all plays out in the US in general, we can use the US Kelleher chart, with Sagittarius Rising. In this chart, Jupiter transits in the 6th house in sidereal Taurus from May 18, 2012 until June 1, 2013. Jupiter as the ruler of the US chart transiting in the malefic 6th house of disease, conflict, violence, enmity, and struggle is one sign of the uncertainty as well as many of the social and economic challenges we face nationally and internationally. Perhaps things have felt more challenging because of the retrograde cycle, which can strengthen the potentially negative vibrations of the 6th house.

Jupiter is a karaka (significator) of prosperity and peace, as well as government, politics and politicians, huge government expansion schemes, revenue of the nation, and capitalism; with Jupiter transiting in the malefic 6th house (and especially when retrograde), these significations can be somewhat marred. This is a signature for health and debt concerns. Yet, Jupiter transiting the 6th house brings some potential for transformation to Jupiterian matters as well because the 6th house is an upachaya or growing house, which signifies that some matters can improve over time and with effort. The 6th house governs employment matters. I hope that as Jupiter ends his retrograde cycle here, the jobs numbers will continue to improve though it is “iffy” given the 6/8 inconjunct between Jupiter and Saturn (which I have discussed before).

According to astrology, a few weeks before and after a station of a planet (either when it turns retrograde or direct), and especially the closest days around the station (from Jan. 25-Feb. 4, 2013) many of us will experience mood swings and changes in our psychological and physical energy. Jupiter is expansive in nature, and this can feel like a relief to some (again depending on your natal chart which requires extensive analysis), like a huge release. You may suddenly find the energy to deal with something you have been putting off or just not able to deal with. Perhaps it has to do with travel plans, or a new course of study, a relationship issue, or a new health regime, or any number of possible matters actually depending on the houses Jupiter rules and occupies in your birth horoscope.

On an energetic level, as if all this Jupiter business isn’t enough, the water element will be quite vulnerable in the coming week. This is as reflected in the placement of the grahas in the constellations (only one is in a water sign, that would be upa-graha Uranus in Pisces). In addition, the graha (planet) that rules over the water element, Venus, is changing signs from freedom-loving and expansive Sagittarius to practical (but sometimes rigid) Capricorn on Monday (Jan. 28) indicating some further weakness and adjustment needed to the element of water.

What does this mean to us as individuals when the water element is weak? Physical and emotional toxins can build up, emotional upsets may be triggered, and you may find it difficult to flow through the day with ease, in which case you may need to be more mindful about drinking enough water or fluids. Other ways to strengthen the attunement to the water element include Polarity Therapy or other energy healing work focused on moving the water element; receiving a lymphatic or deep tissue massage; as well as being in and around water; contemplating water in any way you like; and listening to the sound of water can also be good. Massage your feet (the negative pole of the water element in the body) with sweet oils or lotions (jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, etc). Move your body! Dance or flow yoga can be very good. Set healthy boundaries; take time to nurture yourself; be kind and generous; make a gratitude list; and practice unconditional self-love. Eat leafy greens and lots of fruit (melons when in season), cucumbers, and even salty foods can be helpful in moderation.

Om Loka Samistah Sukhino Bhavantu….May All Beings Be Happy and Free of Suffering…a good mantra for all of us in this uncertain world.

January 11, 2013 New Moon

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The New Moon chart occurs on January 11, 2013 at 2:44 PM ET in the USA  and is set for the capital at Washington DC. The chart has Taurus rising, the sign in mundane astrology that relates to trade and business, food production, the automobile industry, banks, loans, investments and the earning capacity of a nation. Therefore, these things come into focus as part of the combined karma of the nation. The rising sign also occurs in Mrigashira nakshatra which has to do with auspicious beginnings and new experiences, quite fitting for what we would like to collectively invoke with the first new moon of 2013.

This new moon occurs in the expansive sidereal constellation of Sagittarius, a sign of enthusiasm, wisdom, faith and intuition. Per Vedic astrology, the Sun and Moon are vargottama, in the best position per their placement in the same sign in the harmonic 9th (navamsha). They occupy the nakshatra known as Uttara Ashadha in the most auspicious Pushkara navamsha. According to astrologer Vic DiCara in his brilliant new nakshatra book 27 Stars, 27 Gods, Uttara Ashadha “empowers human beings to give ‘110%’ to their tasks, drawing all available power and pouring it into each of their endeavors.” Now, how’s that for a kick in the pants! This lunation, no matter how challenging, also brings forth some really positive energy.

The lunation occurs in a stellium (a gathering of several planets and luminaries) in the eighth house, and can be analyzed according to one of my old favorites, Raphael’s Mundane Astrology:

  • The eighth house has special reference to death, mortality, and all matters to do therewith. It also governs the Privy Council [which in the USA today might relate to the executive branch of the government]. The Lunation falling in this house is important, depending upon the houses ruled by the luminaries and the planetary aspects thereto. When evilly aspected, it denotes deaths in high circles and amongst notable people, especially females. [In this chart, there are some ‘evil’ aspects including Saturn’s aspect to the 8th house from the 6th, as well as a 6/8 inconjunct with the ascendant and the dispositor of the 8th house stellium Jupiter].
  • The Sun in the eighth house denotes deaths among important people…royalty, nobility, and the upper ten [the latter refers to higher classes and leaders].
  • The Moon in the eighth house shows much mortality among common people, especially women, and, if much afflicted, panics, resulting in many deaths.
  • Mercury in the eighth house, afflicted, denotes deaths in literary and publishing circles, and among children and young people. It shows activity and changes in the Privy Council.
  • Venus in the eighth house denotes gains to the Exchequer through death duties, but if afflicted, will cause many deaths among females, artistic and musical people, and notable ladies of the land. Care should be taken to observe the house ruled over by Venus [in this case Venus rules the first and sixth houses which have to do with overall well-being of the nation as well as debt and employment, health and safety matters]. 
  • I would add that Pluto here just further intensifies the activities of this stellium and also refers to some heavy-duty transformative event or events which may or may not involve actual “death.”
  • Both the third decante of Sagittarius and the third decante of Taurus (where the USA lunation ascendant and the actual lunation occur) are associated with “pestilence,” per Raphael’s Mundane Astrology, and of course now there are concerns about a flu epidemic.

There are a few more interesting combinations in the new moon chart:

  • Jupiter, the dispositor of the Sagittarius stellium, is exchanging places with Venus. That is, Venus is in Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius, and Jupiter is in Venus- ruled Taurus. In Western astrology, this is known as mutual reception, and in Vedic astrology it is Parivartana Yoga. This combination is unusual in that both the involved planets are also rulers of dusthana houses (houses 3, 6, 8 or 12, i.e., Jupiter rules the eighth and Venus, the sixth) so that then, this becomes a combination for potential misery (Dainya Yoga). When the two planets involved in a mutual reception are both rulers of dusthana houses, this can also become a variation of a Vipreet Raja Yoga (VRY). In this case, Jupiter rules the eighth house, and Venus rules the sixth. The VRY is said to “destroy difficulties,” though in this case, Mercury, the Sun, and Moon are also considered to be somewhat harmed, and this can indicate some scary challenges ahead for our national health, or matters related to national security, health care and overall economic conditions.
  • There is a Yod or Finger of Fate configuration in this chart that is also important as it involves the first house—the most important house of the chart that represents a microcosm of the whole chart—and the eighth house, which is the most challenging house of the chart that deals with potentially devastating energies. A Yod is formed when two planets are in a sextile (60-degree) aspect while both are also in a 6/8 (inconjunct or quincunx) to a third planet or astronomical point, forming a large “Y” across the chart. In this case, the all-important Sun and Moon conjunction is in a sextile with Rahu, the Moon’s North Node and one of the astrological hands of destiny. Note that Rahu happens to be located in the sixth house of illness, conflict, work and enmity. Both the luminaries (Sun and Moon) and Rahu are in a 6/8 with the ascendant of the chart, the most important power point of all. This can indicate an unforeseen turn of destiny and the collapse of non-productive and ineffective systems and attitudes that block necessary growth.

Sagittarius is the sign that symbolizes the solar side of the second Svadisthana Chakra, the second sacral spinal energy center that has to do with our creativity and well-being. The New Moon in Sagittarius triggers this chakra in all of us at this time. This is the power center where we gain and lose our vitality. This chakra transmits our physical well-being and sense of deservedness. Here is also where we know our limits and establish good boundaries. A great affirmation to support us through this new moon cycle and in the coming weeks is, “I love my body and trust its wisdom while flowing ever-freely with the tides of grace.” Blessings all!

New Moon December 13, 2012 (Posted December 10, 2012)

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We are moving into the Kali (Darkening) Moon, also known as the Balsamic Moon phase, about three and a half days before the Super New Moon which will occur on Thursday this coming week, December 13 at 3:42 AM. The New Moon will be a “Super” Moon because it will be at perigee, closest to the Earth than is customary. The Super Moon cycle is associated with intensified emotions as well as tides, storm and seismic activity.

On the New Moon day, the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury and the North Node Rahu will all be located in the sidereal constellation of Scorpio. The chart cast for the New Moon has an additional emphasis on Scorpio, in that the majority of the grahas are in fixed and water constellations, signifying the fixed water signature of Scorpio.The Balsamic Moon is a time for resting and healing. The Scorpio alignment is about connecting with the deepest, darkest mysteries of life. Scorpio is also emblematic of the battle between light and dark within us, which is further experienced as turmoil out in the world.

In the New Moon chart, the Sun and Moon are in one of the most challenging sections of the zodiac known as the nakshatra gandanta, the last pada (3 degrees and 20 minutes) of Scorpio, which signifies a karmic knot that must be confronted and resolved. This may signify  emotional and physical turmoil and intensity affecting many people in the coming weeks, as well as potential for some difficult events in the world, and some extreme turning points.

On a personal level, the astral energies at play now can assist us to go deeply and quietly within, to examine what we fear the most, let go, and cultivate more joy, love, forgiveness and peace. This pending alignment also fits with a similar theme of the current waning cycle of the Sun. As we move toward the darkest day of the year on December 21 (Winter Solstice-N. Hemisphere), it is natural to turn within and be more reflective.

The main caution here is about the fixed energy of the New Moon chart. Oriented toward achievement, the fixed constellations are associated with ambition, will power, purpose, depth and determination. Perhaps we can accomplish a great deal, but at what price? The conflict arises if we push too hard and forget to rest and listen to our higher guidance. Remember, the waning Moon is fast losing its light, and this can make us more tired or emotionally sensitive and vulnerable than usual.

When not flowing harmoniously, the Scorpio fixed signature can be dogmatic, fundamentalist, rigid, stubborn, and narrow-minded. With this emphasis, we can have a tendency to feel stuck, tight and heavy unless we consciously stay flexible in body and mind. It helps to focus on spirit, move our bodies, keep with a positive message, enjoy nature, and most importantly, soften our hearts and laugh a lot.

There is one more big event this week that I wanted to mention. Uranus, the planet in astrology that symbolizes insight, revolution, technology, higher mind, inspiration and innovation, is stationing and moving direct on December 14, after having been retrograde since July. When Uranus is retrograde, the world may seem less stable than is typical. As it goes direct, there may be somewhat less uncertainty associated with it, though on an individual level, such matters would depend on how it affects each particular natal chart.Uranus is transiting in sidereal Pisces and thus in a benefic trine to the Scorpio New Moon. Here it can reveal intuitive flashes of insight, mystical awakenings, shocking secrets being revealed, shifting stalemates, and remarkable scientific discoveries…overall, some forward movement or even a change in direction in all matters Uranian (possibly including civil unrest in the Middle East).Love and light!
Juliana

Winter Solstice 2012

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I’ve received notices of several different happenings slated to take place on December 21, 2012, including “Birth 2012: Empowering the Movement to Birth a New Era.” Many of my friends and clients have been writing to ask me what is going on with this date.

Over the years, some 2012 researchers have coordinated a Galactic Center-Winter Solstice alignment with the end of a 13-baktun cycle in a Mayan Long Count calendar. This one calendar is believed by some to be ending on December 21, 2012. Some say that on this date, a galactic beam will hit the earth for several minutes and that this galactic light will have an awakening effect on the consciousness of our planet and its inhabitants. Nobody knows for sure. It is all conjecture.

Nice thought though, right? I kind of like the idea that many people will be coming together in prayer and meditation on this day to welcome in a higher frequency of love and light. Maybe a shift in consciousness will result from just that meeting of great minds.

Regarding any such astrological alignment on 12/21/12, it is very complicated. Here is what I know as an astrologer:

First, it is important to understand a few terms: the meaning of “Winter Solstice”; the “Winter Solstice Sun”; and the “Galactic Center.”

1. The Winter Solstice refers to the date every year *around* December 21 when the Sun reaches its maximum southern declination for the Northern Hemisphere (south of the celestial equator). On the Winter Solstice, the Sun at 12 Noon is at the lowest altitude of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the seasonal tropical calendar, this is the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

2. The Winter Solstice Sun refers not only to the Sun’s declination/north or south of the celestial equator on the day of Winter Solstice, but it also refers to its celestial/zodiacal longitude, i.e., its location along the band of the zodiac. On this day, if we cast a chart for sunrise at any given locale, the Sun and the ascendant of the chart are conjunct the center of the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy, known as the Galactic Center.

3. The Galactic Center per the Vedic tradition is known as Vishnunabhi, the Navel of Vishnu, and is considered to be the source of all “light” (spiritual wisdom and power) in our Milky Way Galaxy. It is estimated that the celestial longitude of the Galactic Center is at ~6 deg. 20 min. of sidereal Sagittarius.

What is important to understand is that astronomically, this alignment on 12/21/12 is not unusual. It has already been taking place for the past three decades! Let me explain.

The Sun moves roughly one zodiacal or longitudinal degree per day, so that it moves around the whole zodiac (360 degrees) in a year. In its apparent passage around the zodiac, it comes into alignment with the Galactic Center once every year. The Sun is a disk and not a point, and as seen from the Earth, it spans a diameter of about a half inch to an inch in width. Because of this, the disc of the Sun appears to align with the plane of the Galactic Equator on Winter Solstice each year for a period of about 36 years. This close alignment began in 1980 and will end around 2016. This astronomical alignment is not specific to 2012!

However, there is something very compelling in that this 36-year period from 1980 to 2016 is the first time in ~26,000 years that the Winter Solstice Sun is aligned with the Galactic Center. In other words, it is fairly rare that the day of that alignment occurs in coincidence with the days surrounding the Winter Solstice. This only occurs for several decades once every ~26,000″ years.

Using Lahiri Ayanamsha, I have computed the following sidereal positions for the Sun on Winter Solstice in various years:

1. In 1980, the Sun was at 6 deg. 24 min. Sagittarius; it was closer to an alignment with the Galactic Center at this time than it is in 2012.

2. In 1998, the Sun was at 5 deg. 32 min. Sagittarius. You see it is moving away from the exact alignment now.

3. In 2011 (December 22, 2011 at 5:30 AM UTC), the Sun was at 5 deg. 58 min. of Sagittarius.

4. In 2012 (December 21, 2012 at 11:12 UTC), the Sun on Winter Solstice will be at 5 degrees 57 min. Sagittarius.

5. In 2016, the Sun will be at 5 deg. 54 min.

The gradual yearly movement of the Sun in relation to the Galactic Center is because of precession of the equinoxes, that is, the Galactic Center is slowly drifting backward just like the other constellations, in relation to our planet, due to precession of the equinoxes (which is caused in part by Earth’s tilt and wobble).

In 1800 on Winter Solstice, the Sun was at ~8 1/2 degrees Sagittarius. In 1900 on Winter Solstice, it was around 7 degrees Sagittarius. And by the way, not until ~2550 will we really be in the Age of Aquarius (when the Sun will be rising in Aquarius on the Spring Equinox), and at that time, the Sun will have moved out of Sagittarius and will be at 28 degrees of Scorpio on Winter Solstice!

Some say that on December 21, 2012, the Sun will be eclipsed by the Galactic Center. It is not technically an eclipse in the usual sense of the word; more correctly it is an alignment. These same researchers believe that this alignment is like a rebooting of our Sun’s connection to its Galactic Center, and so after this, we will experience higher frequencies of human consciousness.

Though the Sun is not being eclipsed on December 21, 2012, eclipses do have a place in this discussion. The Pleiades conjoined two different solar eclipses in 2012, which some believe represents the return of Quetzalcoatl. This is said to signify the coming of an awakening world and the emergence of a new world teacher.

IF all of this is true, I believe that it has already been happening and the wave of change has already crested. This is why we have seen so much amazing transformation on the planet since the 1980s, mostly through the rise of technology and communication and the fact that the Internet is enacting life’s living oneness (Indra’s Net), connecting us more as the One Being that we are, which perhaps is in process of causing an evolutionary leap in consciousness.

I recently read an inspiring Facebook post about 12/21/12 by professional astrologer Kenneth Johnson, who is also a serious researcher of ancient and modern Mayan culture. Ken has spent months with indigenous teachers in remote parts of Guatemala and is the author of Mayan Calendar Astrology: Mapping Your Inner Cosmos, Jaguar Wisdom: An Introduction to the Mayan Calendar, and The Mayan Prophecies: The Renewal of the World 2012-2072. Ken writes:

Of course, the Maya themselves have never perceived this [2012] cyclic change as a “doomsday” scenario – that was merely the projection of the Western world’s Christian apocalyptic values onto a culture…with an entirely different world view. They have always seen it – and continue to see it – as merely another important nodal point in an endless series of cycles of cosmic time. The elders of Momostenango are recommending these actions to their citizens for their private moments during the transitional days of December 20 and 21:

  • Turn off the computer.
  • Turn off the cell phone. 
  • Turn off the television. 
  • Experience the beauty of silence.

In terms of time keeping, I usually refer back to the yugas, vast cycles of time which are tracked in the Hindu tradition. Instead of the more traditional yugas, I ascribe to an alternate yuga system that was given to us by Swami Sri Yukteswar, a great saint and Vedic astrologer (and Yogananda’s guru). We are now in an ascending cycle of Dwarpara Yuga, the Age of Technology and Knowledge (per Sri Yukteswar’s reckoning). By my very rough calculations, the Sat Yuga, the Age of Enlightenment in which all beings will be living in a state of full grace and truth, is still some 5500 years in the future.

Sri Yukteswar’s yuga model can help us understand that we are eternal beings who reside within great cycles of time. I like to think that since we are in an ascending cycle, every day there is potential for progress to be made. Ironically, even in the 2012 material which is often seen as apocalyptic, we are challenged to awaken to who we are within all these larger phases of time. And even better, for those who are following a path to enlightened consciousness, one does not have to wait 5000+ years for Sat Yuga…it can happen in the eternal Now.

Love and light to all,
Juliana

Milky Way Galaxy and Solstice Galactic Plane Alignment, photo courtesy of Earthsky.org: http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/will-earth-pass-through-galactic-plane-in-2012

November 28, 2012 Lunar Eclipse

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  • A lunar eclipse occurs on Full Moon when the light of the Moon is blocked by the Earth’s shadow (Earth is between the Sun and Moon). If the Sun and Moon are quite close to the lunar nodes (10-12 degrees), total eclipses are formed. As you get a further distance, they become partial solar or appulse lunar eclipses.
  • Appulse or Penunbral Lunar: the Moon moves through only the Earth’s penumbra and is only slightly dimmed.
  • The zodiac positions of the eclipsed Moon and eclipsing node at maximum eclipse on Nov. 28 (at exact Full Moon in the first ~10 degrees of sidereal Taurus) are considered a critical area of the zodiac for about a month afterward.
  • This will be a Ketu Lunar Eclipse, which is often about the culmination of a cycle, often indicating a time for healing and letting go emotionally to make room for a new attitudes and opportunities to emerge.
  • My friend, Sedona astrologer Haizen Paige says, “The cutting off of the light in an eclipse signals the withdrawal of light from the Earth and consequently some area of our consciousness and external life. When there is no light, a situation dies, and then there is a new beginning that takes place…eclipses have a bearing on large chunks of our life: major issues of happiness in life, our sense of aliveness, where we live, what job we’re working in, relationships, and they will sometimes bring up important health issues that we would be unwise to ignore. These areas are highlighted according to the planets and houses where the eclipses land within our natal chart.”
  • According to India’s Sage Varahamihira, an eclipse, whether visible or not, affects the entire world. If the solar eclipse were to occur at the end of the pakña (fortnight) after the lunar eclipse, then the people in general tend to become unruly and unjust and couples quarrel and divorces/separation increases. In the reverse i.e. the lunar eclipse occurring after the solar eclipse [as in this case in which we had a Solar Eclipse Nov. 13 followed by Lunar eclipse Nov. 28], the Brahmins and priests increase their prayers and people are happy and contented.
  • The Nov. 28 lunar eclipse involves an auspicious exalted Moon in sidereal Taurus which is conjoined Jupiter, so it is doubly likely that this eclipse heralds some productive, creative and overall positive spiritual energy, yet also can trigger ongoing security issues and financial concerns related to the eclipse in sidereal Taurus.
  • The Washington DC lunar eclipse chart has Mars conjoined Pluto in the Ascendant in a 6/8 inconjunct with the eclipsed Moon. In addition, from Oct. 27 to Dec. 9, 2012, Mars is traveling Out of Bounds, meaning it has passed beyond the Sun’s maximum declination. This means that Mars is acting beyond normal conditions or expectations, so that its significations (drive, ambition, zeal, heat, aggression, conflict, war, and turbulence) become somewhat intensified and unpredictable.
  • With Mars conjoined Pluto and squaring Uranus, its expression can be even more extreme. As individuals, when we are aware of and sensitive to the astral weather conditions like this, we can make a difference just by consciously cultivating more peace within. In order to make the most of the enhanced electromagnetic potential of the eclipse, it is recommended that we meditate, chant, and pray (around 14:00-15:00 UT on Nov. 28). Spiritual practices are said to lend exponentially positive results when performed during this time.
  • Here’s the Sidereal wheel chart for the USA Washington DC Lunar Eclipse:

Fall 2012 Astral Weather Report

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During the equinoxes, the Sun at 0 degrees of declination appears to be passing right over the celestial equator. Tropical astrologers consider that the Sun moves into the sign of Libra around the time of the fall equinox, but because sidereal astrologers track the movement of the planetary bodies against the actual constellations, and because of the precession of the equinoxes, the Sun is no longer moving into the true constellation of Libra on the fall equinox. Instead, it is currently found at almost 6 degrees in the constellation of Virgo. It will not enter the constellation of Libra until mid-October. If you want to understand the issue of the two zodiacs more in depth, I highly recommend that you read Robert Powell’s History of the Zodiac and Hermetic Astrology (the latter in two volumes). Continue reading →