In the Northern hemisphere, the spring/vernal equinox occurs on Sunday, March 20 at 4:31 AM UTC; 12:31 AM EDT which is Saturday, March 19 at 11:31 CDT; 10:31 PM MDT; 9:31 PM PDT; and 6:31 PM HT. It is autumnal equinox in the southern hemisphere, but since I live in the northern half of the world, I will mainly focus on the vernal equinox in this article. That said, both vernal and autumnal equinoxes universally represent a time when the earth energies as well as our own bioenergetic systems are dramatically shifting gears, so our emotional and physical health can be quite sensitive and we may need extra rest and care to protect our life force and maintain equipoise. Continue reading
Category Archives: Astrology
Chiron Conjunct Ketu: Surrendering Our Suffering
As a Universal Neo-Vedic astrologer, I employ the outer planets and asteroids, which I will just call “outers” for the sake of simplicity. I consider them similar to upagrahas in Vedic astrology. The latter are secondary energy points in a horoscope, which become significant when they closely influence the grahas and other important chart points such as the angular cusps. When analyzing these outers, I only use the sidereal zodiac which is traditionally the observable zodiac of Indian astrologers as well as the ancient Babylonians. 
Chiron is one of the outers I employ quite frequently, and he has really been on my radar recently as I have been working with some amazing clients going through tremendous trials and tests indicated by the influence of Chiron in their fixed and dynamic horoscopes. Chiron is also really noteworthy in transit now, which means it is significant in the present dynamic situation represented by the movement of the solar system bodies, to be addressed further on. 
Continue reading
MahaShivaratri and New Moon of Purification 2016
We’re in the waning balsamic Moon phase now, time to rest, heal and let go, and this is the most special balsamic Moon of the year as we are moving toward MahaShivaratri which occurs tomorrow night, Monday, March 7. This is the Great Night of Shiva before amavasya tithi which will culminate on the super new Moon total solar eclipse in (sidereal) Aquarius in the nakshatra of purification called Purvabhadrapada on March 8, 2016 at 8:57 PM Eastern Time. You can see in the charts below that Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Neptune and the South Node~Ketu are aligned in sidereal Aquarius opposite Jupiter-Rahu and in square with Mars-Saturn in the eclipse chart. This chart has an intense tamasic/fixed signature for transformation (the essence of Shiva) which will resonate ahead the next six months+.
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 always 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.
Every six months the new Moon lines up in such as way so that it passes directly between the Sun and Earth, and its shadows fall upon the Earth’s surface while the Moon blocks the Sun. Simply put, eclipses are like supercharged new and full Moons that operate at both the personal and collective level, pointing to transformation, upheaval or new directions. This new Moon/solar eclipse will be March 8 and the full Moon/lunar eclipse will be March 23, 2016.
This week’s new Moon/solar eclipse is also happening at perigee – the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its monthly orbit, indicating high tides and a massive lunar effect. Astrologer Richard Nolle of AstroPro News calls this a “Stealth Super Moon.” So we have a total solar eclipse falling in a purificatory asterism and happening right after MahaShivaratri and it is also a super Moon, and MahaShivaratri happens on a Monday, the Moon’s Day which makes this extra powerful Shivaratri because Shiva has a close relationship with the Moon/read further on about that. All of this conspires to churn things up at a dizzying pace and intensity.
Each month of the year, yogis celebrate the night before new Moon as Shiva’s Night (Shivaratri), 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 through my personal relationship with Divine Oneness. 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, peace and rebirth.
As mentioned, this coming new Moon solar eclipse also falls in the nakshatra of purification called Purvabhadrapada, which is ruled by Lord Rudra, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva known as the “Howler” who is associated with winds, storms, and wild animals. The fact that this year’s MahaShivaratri falls on the Moon’s night (Mon-day) is also very significant because Lord Shiva is Himself known as the “Moon behind the Moon”! His only adornment is a crescent Moon worn atop the head which symbolizes His control over time as represented by the waxing and waning Moon. Shiva exists beyond time and guides us to wake up and remember who we really are as eternal beings.
The immortal 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” in our sublime energetic system. This is all dramatically magnified by the Ketu eclipse of the luminaries, since Ketu the Enlightener promises some necessary release in order for positive transformation.
During the days around MahaShivratri, the alignment of Sun and Moon (Shiva and Shakti) becomes most profound in Aquarius, the sign of higher wisdom through which kundalini shakti streams so powerfully. Today, Monday and Tuesday are a wonderful time for contemplation and reflection, to tap into deep recesses of spiritual power, allow the clearing out of outmoded notions and patterns, and open to recharging of body-mind-spirit to set the stage for new intentions and possibilities coming in the near future. It is said that turning within and performing spiritual practices during MahaShivaratri and also during eclipses will enhance and magnify the auspicious results a thousandfold. So just one “omnamashivaya” becomes like a thousand in terms of spiritual impact. 
Oh you the creator, you the destroyer, you who sustain and make an end,
Who in sunlight dance among the birds and the children at their play,
Who at midnight dance among corpses in the burning grounds,
You Shiva, you dark and terrible Bhairava,
You Suchness and Illusion, the Void and All Things,
You are the lord of life, and therefore I have brought you flowers;
You are the lord of death, and therefore I have brought you my heart—
This heart that is now your burning ground.
Ignorance there and self shall be consumed with fire.
That you may dance, Bhairava, among the ashes.
That you may dance, Lord Shiva, in a place of flowers,
And I dance with you. ~ Aldous Huxley
Will Donald Trump All?
So far, many astrologers and media pundits have been repeatedly wrong in judging Donald Trump and his US presidential campaign. Every time someone predicts that he will collapse, he only grows stronger. Like him or not, given his most recent success in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries, one has to now acknowledge that he is a “force to be reckoned with.”
I have often said that it is difficult for an astrologer to read Mr. Trump’s natal chart because he was born right before a lunar eclipse, within four hours ahead of the eclipse actually, so it is said that his natal Moon is “eclipsed,” which can cloud perception of his public image just as eclipses shadow the luminaries. Astrologers have argued that his chart is not powerful for success and rise in his political race, and some have made great points for such an argument, and I agree that there are some astrological indicators that could make one question it.
Yet, even though many great astrologers have maintained that Mr. Trump is not a serious candidate, I have continued to hold that he is serious and could possibly go far in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, due to what I see as his empowered natal Moon, which is disposited by a very strong and auspicious Mars, and also due to many other factors including his powerful stationary mahadasa lord Jupiter (using 360-day year length), with Jupiter well placed in Leo navamsa near his main chart’s ascendant degree, and the fact that his secondary progressed Sun (also his chart lord) is conjoined the ascendant now and for some time to come.
I actually had wondered on an astrology forum the day that Mr. Trump announced his presidential run if he might have had an astrologer advising him, since the announcement chart set for June 16, 2015 seemed promising. For instance, the astrological “election” for his announcement was set for an hour after the New Moon, a good time for new beginnings. Interestingly, Jeb Bush, who just dropped out of the race on Feb. 20, 2016, announced his run the day before Mr. Trump announced his. Mr. Bush’s campaign announcement was made when the Moon was transiting in its weakest phase of the month on the day before New Moon. More than anything, I feel that Mr. Trump’s Moon in eclipse makes it difficult for astrologers to truly “see” and understand what he is about or understand the karmas of his natal chart especially as they tie into America’s collective karma.
Because of this, I believe we astrologers have to read omens to get a true handle on Mr. Trump and his campaign. Omens are prophetic signs found in nature or astrology. They are often signs of synchronicity; for instance, Donald Trump’s last name in Bridge, Whist and other card games means “something that ranks above the others.” There are a few astrological omens that I find especially meaningful, but only time will tell if they truly are signposts pointing the way to a win.
The first astrological omen happened last summer, on August 4, 2015, at the time of a very rare conjunction of the three benefic planets — Jupiter, retrograde Venus and Mercury —with the fixed star Regulus, the Heart of the Lion in Leo constellation. Such a conjunction resonates far into the future, i.e., with implications that are long-lasting. Many astrologers had thought this conjunction might represent the birth or emergence of a spiritual or political leader. Regulus is the star of kings (leaders) and this conjunction was aligned near the Leo ascendant (lagna) of Mr. Trump’s natal chart, which happens to be the sign of the “larger than life optimist and entertainer”. The ascendant of course is the most important point of the natal chart representing the man himself.
Mars is right there on Trump’s natal ascendant too, and it was similarly activated by this conjunction with the August 4 alignment. Mars is important as Trump’s yoga karaka, which rules both an angle (karma, power, and action) and a trine (dharma, purpose, and opportunity). When a yoga karaka is well placed by sign and house as this is, it can reveal grand success. Mars is very strong and fortunate and can here reflect a tremendous sense of initiative, drive, conviction, assertiveness (or aggression?), protectionism, team work, and vitality. It also reflects the fact that Donald Trump is playing by his own new set of new rules, which explains why some people champion him and others despise what he says and what he stands for.
Mars conjoined the ascendant in Leo can reflect impulsiveness, spontaneity, warmth, and bravado, as well as a tendency to make outrageous “off the cuff” statements. Mars here can also point to the negative reactions of Mr. Trump’s detractors who call him “racist, rude, arrogant and bombastic.” That same Mars continues to give him the lead in the polls. It has been said that Donald Trump taps into and mirrors a deep vein of collective anger. That would be, again, Mars. He is the social media candidate and like it or not, in the brave new world of reality television and social media, he seems to know better than anyone how to work the system to get himself and his message out there.
Another fascinating omen related to Trump’s campaign slogan also makes me wonder if he is advised by one of my fellow Vedic astrologers. The slogan is Make America Great Again. Apparently, this was also Ronald Reagan’s campaign slogan before Trump recycled it. Trump’s lagna (ascendant) and powerful Mars (which I mentioned above) fall in the nakshatra called Magha, the Mighty One, which lands in the first 13 degrees and 20 minutes of Leo the Lion constellation. Magha is symbolized by a palanquin or throne and stands for leaders. The acronym for Make America Great Again is MAGA, very similar to MAGhA nakshatra which thus dominates Mr. Trump’s natal chart and represents his capacity for leadership. This logo and the MAGA acronym depicted below are being used by a group of Trump supporters not officially connected to Trump’s campaign.
The next astrological omen I find important is that Mr. Trump’s annual tithi pravesh, the yearly soli-lunar Vedic birthday horoscope for 2016-2017, which will fall right on the day of the summer solstice. His tithi pravesh is cast for 3:28:14 AM June 20, 2016). The tithi pravesh is the chart nearest the birthday when the Sun and Moon come into the same longitudinal angle they held at birth, which represents the tithi or synodic lunar day. Last year, Trump’s annual tithi pravesh fell in early June, but this year it will be occurring at the most potent moment of the year for the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun has climbed to its furthermost northern declination (kranti) north of the celestial equator on the first day of summer season in the Northern hemisphere. Mr. Trump’s annual tithi pravesh falls on a Sunday, which is the Sun’s Day, a day that also happens to be the auspicious Full Moon in sidereal Sagittarius falling in Mr. Trump’s natal 5th house of politics, luck (poorvapunya), and success.
Astrology describes the summer solstice as the day when the Sun, symbol of light, power, and leadership, attains fruition. This is emblematic of the “Sun King” enthronement and coronation. Mr. Trump is ruled by the Sun. The solar standstill will occur ~15 hours after his exact annual tithi pravesh but on the same day at 6:34 PM EDT. This says to me that there is an exceptionally strong chance that Donald Trump will win the Republican nomination and the election as well. That said, one can never guarantee such predictions due to Shiva’s Curse on Astrologers, which when interpreted allegorically suggests that much of the future is not etched in stone but is constantly evolving.
Magha Purnima, Full Moon in Leo: Something Is Revealed
Hello friends! I hope you are having a great weekend so far with this lovely waxing Moon in sidereal Cancer. Here’s a heads up about the Full Moon that will occur Monday afternoon, February 22, 2016 (1:19:48 PM ET) in the noble and warm-hearted nakshatra of Magha in Leo constellation. Magha nakshatra is ruled by the Ancestors, known as Pitris, the immortal progenitors of the human race who exist in heavenly realms and help oversee humanity’s progress and development.
In the Vedic tradition, “Magh Purnima” is the name of this Full Moon day in the month of Magha (which falls in January or February every year). On this day according to Vedic tradition, a holy bath, fast, charities and pujas are performed, including worship and offerings to one’s ancestors and spiritual lineage. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in the Ganga River on this day so that even just touching its holy water on this day provides spiritual freedom.
Leo the Lion stands for courage, an interesting word that comes from the Old French “corage,” which means “heart and spirit.” So this is a wonderful time to contemplate the true meaning of courage as the “fire burning within the heart.” Here is a practice that I like to do for the Leo Full Moon at any time on the day before or the day of the Full Moon (Sunday or Monday):
Mars and Saturn in Sidereal Scorpio ~ Transformation Time
If you follow either or both western sidereal or Vedic astrology, you may have already heard about one of the most significant astrological events happening this year in which Mars will transit through its own constellation of Scorpio (sidereal zodiac, not tropical). Saturn has already been transiting in Scorpio since November 2014, and Mars joins in the same sign transit from February 20, 2016 until September 17, 2016. During this period, Mars will have a brief transit back into Libra, from June 17 to July 12.
Usually Mars only transits in a sign for about two months, but when it retrogrades (~every two years for ~10 weeks), it remains in a sign for a much longer period, as in this case. This makes the transit quite important, strong, and influential by virtue of its grinding down in one relatively small part of the zodiac slowly and for a long time. Mars and Saturn come together in conjunction every ~two years, but usually only for a few months, which is long enough, believe me, since this is not an easy pairing and especially because it falls in intensely passionate and fiery Scorpio. Yet this time, because of the Mars retrograde cycle, their little dance is going to go on for around seven months.
Mars is an enemy to Saturn, and when they are together in the same sign and especially when close within 10 degrees of each other, the result can at times be explosive, overheated, oppressive, aggressive, or at least quite frustrating because they can tend to work at odds with each other when acting through their less favorable expressions. This is because Mars is pitta (hot) and tends to push forward quickly and assertively, but Saturn is vata (cold) and tends to resist and constrict. Continue reading
Pluto Square Neptune in the Recent Deaths of Entertainment Celebrities
Several prominent members of the entertainment industry have passed away in recent weeks, and for a certain generation, all this loss in such a short period is shattering, as it begins to feel a bit like the end of an era: David Bowie ~ age 69; Terence Dale Griffin ~ age 66 (Bowie’s collaborator and Mott the Hoople drummer); The Eagles’ founding member, singer and musician Glenn Frey ~ age 67. Natalie Cole died December 31, 2015 at age 65. Country singer Craig Strickland died in early January. Celine Dion’s husband-manager René Angélil died January 14 after an extended illness. Actor-director Alan Rickman died January 14 ~ age 69. Motörhead frontman Lemmy died December 28, 2015 ~ age 70. Many astrologers are writing about what seems a bit of a disturbing “trend,” trying to make sense of it “as above.”
There are many great theories and ideas. One that I sense is important is that Rahu, the Moon’s North Node in Jyotish/Vedic astrology, has just transited into Leo on January 8 (true node calcuation) and was moving toward the fragile edge of Leo in late December. Rahu is still at the 29th degree of Leo (as it moves backwards and starts at the end of the sign). The 29th degree represents “the end.” Rahu, like Saturn, is a significator of death and dying. Leo signifies entertainers. Of course not all entertainers are going through their passing, as individual natal charts also have to be ripe for the end of life, which is analyzed as part of ayur calculations in Jyotish.
The other thing that is happening is a generational transit of Pluto now in square to natal Neptune in the charts for those born around 1945-1950 (placing the square within a 5-degree orb). Not all the entertainment professionals I mentioned have this transit. For instant, Strickland was younger, born in 1986; he just recently went through his Saturn Return. René Angélil was older, born in 1942. So for them, I would have to think the issue is related to Rahu’s entry into Leo. For the others, well, Pluto is like Shiva and represents death and transformation, and Neptune represents mass consciousness and is also a higher “spiritualized” octave of Venus, planet of love, beauty, harmony, music/ musicians, dance/dancers and art/artists. On surface, the square being a tension aspect can indicate death (Pluto) of musicians, actors or artists (Neptune).
For some of these artists’ natal charts, including David Bowie’s, Neptune (creativity, idealism) falls in Hasta nakshatra, a sign of immense originality, creativity and light-filled optimism. In his final parting gift of the Blackstar album, Bowie even appeared to take on death as his last act, “defying it by becoming it before it became him,” as author Morad Moazami wrote in a recent article titled Blackstar, and Death as David Bowie’s Final Persona: The artist’s deep spiritual exploration into the transmutation of death itself seems a powerful expression of Pluto square Neptune.
“Bowie-Blackstar-vinylcover” by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bowie-Blackstar-vinylcover.jpg#/media/File:Bowie-Blackstar-vinylcover.jpg
It goes without saying that not everyone born in 1945-1950 will die in this transit. It will only affect individuals who are personally destined to complete their lifespan at this time. Yet, it does seem to indicate specifically the death of certain artistic and musical icons as Neptune is involved generationally. More to the point, the spirit that came through those born in this period of Neptune is itself at a transitional stage, like this sense of “end of era” which will also include some sense of rebirth as well due to the square with Pluto. For instance, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in the music of these artists and their era just since their passing.
Rare Celestial Alignment, January-February 2016
A “rare astronomical alignment” will occur from January 20 until February 20, 2016, an event that astronomers say hasn’t occurred since December 2004 to January 2005, in which five naked eye planets ~ Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn ~ will be visible together in an arc formation about an hour before sunrise in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. All of them except Mercury have already been visible for most of January in the pre-dawn sky and Mercury will join their group on January 20, and the Moon will also join in from January 27- February 6.
You may be surprised to learn that this is is not actually a significant “astrological alignment” per se. Usually in astrology, an important alignment will involve planets in a variety of close angular relationships in their movement east and west or north and south of the ecliptic. In such astrological alignments, the planets influence each other within limited areas of the zodiac, reflecting an intense expression and possibly some imbalance. For instance, we will see this during the eclipses in March when many planets line up in the constellations of Aquarius and Leo.
Here instead, we have the planets parading in a consecutive series of sidereal constellations: Jupiter in Leo, Mars in Libra, Saturn in Scorpio, and Venus and Mercury in Sagittarius. Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury will all be in the southern declination, and toward the end of their parade will also be close in declination ~ known as parallel ~ which means in or near the same area south of the celestial equator, which can be an intense configuration and one that is sometimes seen during major seismic events.
For instance, astronomers point out that the last time we had a similar lineup with Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury in a consecutive sign array was in December 2004 to January 2005. At that time, we also had the deadly Indian Ocean earthquake and disaster (December 26, 2004), but one big difference then versus now is that then there was an actual astrological alignment known as a stellium conjunction, with four planets in one constellation (Scorpio) and in the southern declination, which created a certain added imbalance and intensity.
During this upcoming display, the planets also form longitudinal relationships with each other. For instance, there are a few 2/12 (semi-sextile/~30-degree) formations which often involve struggles and the need for surrender, sacrifice or compromise: Saturn with Mars, and Venus and Mercury with Saturn. On the other hand, there are a few 3/11 (sextile/~60-degree) formations which are considered beneficial and harmonious: Mars with Venus-Mercury, and Jupiter with Mars. As usual in our world of extreme polarities, we will see mixed results.
In natal “birth chart” astrological analysis, Vedic astrology incorporates the Nabhasa Yogas, a large group of important celestial combinations based on the patterns of planetary placements in the houses and signs. We can look at these in mundane astrology to an extent. For instance, here in this “alignment,” the Nabhasa yogas (Sankhya variety) would involve the seven main grahas (the five visible planets sans the nodes but including Sun and Moon) spanning either five or six signs/houses depending on the exact date and placement of the Moon, which means that in their arcing spectacle, the planets are fairly distributed and balanced which can be good for certain kinds of worldly matters in general.
Another interesting point is that Saturn is in the middle of this lineup, with Jupiter-Rahu and Mars on one side, and Venus-Mercury and Sun on the other, with the quick-moving Moon coming in and out. In Vedic astrology, the planets have natural and temporal friendships. Planets placed in houses “3 in front and 3 behind” another planet are considered temporal friends, which is nice now for Saturn, the lord of karma who has this temporarily very friendly support from all the grahas!
However, the overall chart is fairly imbalanced in that *almost everybody* is on one side (one hemisphere), indicating perhaps that for some, there could exist a feast or famine mentality or just some overall intensity and sense of isolation, or at least, some unusual sense of pressure and also, quite a lot of the typical “us versus them” divisiveness operating through the mass mind.
In Vedic astrology, the planets (grahas) represent divine beings as well as living qualities within us and within the external world, and as they make their rare procession here, they allow us to actually see them (most of them) all at once, which is like a special darshan, a lovely opportunity to receive their blessing and commune with and honor the divine powers that they all represent. It is as if they really are coming together for us here in the magical pre-dawn time for us to connect with them all together in one special moment of unity.
Mercury Retrograde, Paradox, Samsara and Oneness: January 2016
Heads up as Mercury is now slowing down to station retrograde in early sidereal Capricorn on January 5 at 8:06:15 AM EST. Welcome to the truly paradoxical new year year ahead: just as we get started back to work and focusing on our new year plans and resolutions, the planet of business, communication, speech, memory, writing, travel and transportation will appear to stop (station) and go backward for three weeks!
Mercury is just preparing us for what I feel is the big collective wake-up call of this new year, which is about going deeper, transcending dualities and connecting to Oneness. The paradox of a retrograde planet is that it just appears to be going backward from the perspective of Earth (geocentric), but from the perspective of the Sun, this is not happening, i.e., planets do not go retrograde (heliocentric). It’s all about perspective in the realm of duality!
And coming back to duality and our geocentric view of things, the gift of Mercury retrograding in methodical and practical Capricorn near the beginning of the new year is that we are give some extra time to prepare for what’s ahead. We can slowly ease into our resolutions and plans. If we find ourselves thwarted or frustrated in achieving certain goals at any time during this period, it is important to take some time out (and go within), and prepare to come out on top once Mercury goes direct on January 25.
The usual advice for Mercury retrograde is important now, especially as Mercury is exactly squaring Mars at its station (yikes, that can be quite stressful, irritable, impatient and hot-headed), and also we have a whole slew of other “interesting” transits ahead (like Jupiter stationing retrograde January 8 UT). So, keep commitments in mind; take care of all electronic and mechanical equipment; proceed cautiously with plans; be extra-patient and mindful when traveling; be clear and honest with communication; and heed this wonderful advice from the late best-selling motivational author and speaker Stephen Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People): “How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.”
As Mercury retrogrades, the idea is that he takes us along on a transformational journey into the underworld of our unconscious, where we can be rejuvenated in mind and spirit. This can be a time to rethink ideas and plans and go deeper in our healing and spiritual practices to find new understanding about ourselves and others. This is typically a good time to clear the decks of the past, complete old projects, and contemplate what is shifting for us from the old to the new year.
We don’t have to rush into anything. Just because it is 2016 doesn’t mean we have to charge full steam ahead. Re-member that the Mercury re-trograde cycle is about all those “re” words…re-flect, re-consider, re-organize, re-charge, re-boot, re-invest, re-store, re-regroup, re-vitalize, and most of all, re-spect the inward process here…just re-lax and breathe.
Mercury rules the lungs so it is a good time to do sacred breath practice and pranayama (like nadi shodhana). Gotu Kola or Tulsi are important herbs for the nervous system and can be especially helpful during Mercury retrograde cycles. Sandalwood oil (like the pure doTERRA or Young Living brands) or paste (chandan) on the forehead twice a day is very helpful to balance Mercury energy/calming for the mind any time, and especially now. Emerald Gem Elixir is also a great remedy.
The cosmic wheel of samsara depicts the illusion of duality. It is always churning through the movement of the celestial bodies which are taking us on the ride of our lives, but as the great yogi-saint Swami Sri Yukteswar said, “The wise person defeats his planets.” How to do that? Start by re-membering Oneness, the truth behind this whole amazing play of consciousness in which we exist.
2016 Astrological New Year Horoscope
Happy 2016, dear friends! Vedic astrology employs several charts for the New Year, with the two most important being the springtime charts for the New Moon in Pisces and the later chart for Sun’s ingress into Aries (sidereal zodiac). I like to also look at the chart for midnight on January 1 just because this is the beginning of the civil New Year and is a significant moment in time simply because most people consider it to be the year’s new beginning.
The chart for New Year’s Eve at midnight has an intense and somewhat “fated” partial Kala Sarpa Yoga, in which all the grahas are on one side of the chart inside the axis of lunar nodes ~ Rahu and Ketu ~ except for Jupiter which is slightly outside the axis but moving very closely into Rahu and at the fated 29th degree of sidereal Leo, and the nodes are sandhi (on the cusp) so this means that even more than usual, the cosmic circus of duality will embrace and entertain us with its usual blend of madness and magic.
I sat and studied the chart(s) for hours and wrote a detailed and somewhat depressing analysis, but decided not to post it after my younger son told me last evening that he is willing to listen to astrology but only when the message is constructive. He told me this while we were hiking and just noticing thousands of birds flying overhead, a beautiful omen of positive energy and powerful life force affirming his words to me. So I am going to start the year being constructive.
Paramahansa Yogananda said that in the current realm of duality, things are happening as they have to, according to the Divine Plan, and we have to deal with and confront the shadow side of the dichotomous world in order to develop and evolve. In the New Year chart, you can see how the sky mirror is reflecting this polarized play, with Jupiter outside of the karmic axis beckoning us to invoke grace as a real guiding presence and resource.
The planetary dynamics in America’s New Year chart are predominantly mutable, which is creative, restless, and oriented to the world of Spirit but can use some serious discipline and guidance, too. The Kala Sarpa is also highly sensitive and somewhat unpredictable, and this year will bear witness to many intense fated events and karmic conclusions, but there is nectar to be enjoyed too, since all the grahas including Jupiter are moving in the direction of Ketu, the Moksha Karaka indicator of wisdom and enlightenment.
In this January 1 New Year chart, the main theme for me is about living in a consciousness of Oneness, and I plan to focus on this a lot in my work and writings. The chart looks lopsided but that is the illusion similar to Yin-Yang, which also includes a third force beyond the balance of polarities (Oneness), or as the late Zen philosopher Alan Watts said, “Every explicit duality is an implicit unity.”
Rahu and Ketu are the overriding influence in a Kala Sarpa chart. They represent the polarizing karmic forces that emblematically eclipse the Sun (ego) and Moon (mind), and thus they have an intoxicating effect on consciousness. Whether they will intoxicate with the light of truth (Oneness) or the veil of misapprehension (Separation) is up to each one of us.
It is going to be an exciting year as many amazing new discoveries and awakenings will occur amid all the ups and downs. America’s presidential political battle is going to become quite hard to take for many of us (the chart says this), and there is potential for cultural/racial/political/ideological divisiveness such as we have not see in America since the War Between the States 150+ years ago. Europe is facing a similar fate already.
I say this about divisiveness also because we will have Saturn and Mars retrograding in Scorpio in the spring of 2016. The fixed star Antares, in the heart of the Scorpion, which is a symbol of malevolence and war, will also be activated several times by Mars and Saturn (close to 16 degrees sidereal Scorpio) in 2016. The last time Mars and Saturn retrograded in Scorpio like this was during the American Revolutionary War, our first civil war.
The Kala Sarpa here represents a super-schismatic situation ahead, and can also bring out the worst kinds of evangelists, crusaders and extremists willing to sacrifice everything for their sacred mission. It also points to self-righteous dogmatism coming from the left and right. The best advice my guides have given me is that it is important for each of us on this planet to now and regularly detoxify and do what it takes to get stronger physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, to help us manage what’s ahead of us in the coming two years.