Astrological Weather Report – Fourth Quarter 2014

*Please note that I base all my forecasts on the sidereal zodiac which is aligned with the starry sky, which has always been in use by most Vedic astrologers and is also used by western sidereal astrologers in the ancient Babylonian tradition. Most western astrologers use the tropical zodiac which is aligned with the equinoxes and modeled after an ancient solar calendar for the northern hemisphere. The tropical system is a stereotype of the original zodiac, an anthropomorphic projection onto the sky. The signs are symbolic and no longer relate to the actual constellations after which they were named. The sidereal zodiac is the archetypal or original pattern of the zodiac. I used the tropical system for about 25 years before converting to the sidereal zodiac in the mid-90s. The sidereal works best for me. The longitudinal difference between the position of the planets in the two zodiacs is currently around 24 degrees and the gap is growing larger all the time due to the slow westward drift of the equinoxes known as precession. Thus when I speak of Jupiter’s current transit in Cancer, many could be confused if they are not aware of this issue since tropical astrology says that Jupiter is transiting in Leo at this time. However, if you look to the sky, Jupiter is in fact transiting in the constellation of Cancer now. If you would like to read more about the zodiac controversy, I recommend you begin with Dr. Robert Powell’s History of the Zodiac.

  • Pluto—astrological symbol of power, control, secrets, conspiracies, Plutocracy, inner and outer transformation, the underworld (land of shades), death and rebirth—went direct around 10 hours or so after the equinox on September 22. Pluto had been retrograde since last April, but since it spends about half the year retrograde and half direct, this is not unusual in itself. What is unusual is that it stationed (appeared to stop) and moved in a forward direction during the highly charged magnetic balance point of the equinox window. This may add some extra intensity to the upcoming fall season. Many astrologers have speculated that this direct motion of Pluto points to many secrets being dredged up in the next weeks or even months. Perhaps it also reflects on the deadly Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Pluto stationed in the section of sidereal Sagittarius called Purva Ashadha, at ~16 degrees 55 minutes longitude, which is quite hot-natured and is sometimes associated with declarations of war and zealotry. This is in Virgo in the navamsha, which is the sign of health where Rahu (disasters and pandemics) is transiting from July 2014 until January 2016. Purva Ashadha on a positive note represents the power of invigoration, and this would exert more of a personal effect for those who have planets or chart points at this section or closely aspecting it within a degree or two, in which case, perchance something really pressing that has been in danger of dragging you along since last April (at Pluto’s retrograde) is in process of being transformed and released. Continue reading

Midsummer’s Eve

Summer solstice, also known as Midsummer’s Eve, marks the first day of the summer season in the northern hemisphere. On this, the longest and most potent day of the year, the Sun reaches its highest northern point and then appears to stand still for three days. The exact standstill first occurs on Saturday, June 21 at 10:51 UTC (12:51 AM Hawaii Time; 3:51 AM PDT; 6:51 AM EDT). It is best to avoid initiating anything of major long-term significance during these three days because the electromagnetic energetic effects of the standstill are slightly “wobbly.”

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November 28, 2012 Lunar Eclipse

  • 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:

Mars Retrograde Cycle: Sparking inner fire, valor and drive to get the work done

Kuja (Mars) is the graha that signifies our efforts to find security in a world that is often fraught with danger, upheaval and loss. In relation to our view from Earth, Kuja will become completely stationary (vikal) from Jan. 23-25, after which it will retrograde (vakra) from Jan. 25 until April 15 (tax day :)). When a graha is stationary it is the strongest, and when retrograde it is also very strong. Kuja’s manifestations can be “good” and/or “bad” depending on its placement and various aspects in the natal, mundane and transit horoscopes. Continue reading

Mars Ingress into Sidereal Leo

Been feeling at loose ends? Emotionally frustrated or vulnerable? Lacking some manner of focus or energy? If so, then it may be time to celebrate because Mars is leaving sidereal Cancer and entering Leo today at 12:36 PM EDT. Since Sept. 9, Mars has been transiting through Cancer, its least favorite placement in the zodiac, its sign of debilitation (fall), where… is represents a “disturbance in the force.” Continue reading