Today is a Tuesday, the Mars day of the week known as Mangalavaar in Vedic astrology. Mars is planet of fire, energy, logic, and will power. He has finally moved out of Scorpio where he was severely afflicted since February due to his conjunction with enemy Saturn.  Now he transits in sidereal Sagittarius from September 17 to October 31, 2016, which has its own new set of challenges.

Mars travels all the way around the zodiac every ~2 years, and usually stays in one sign for about 45 days. However, Mars was in Scorpio for almost seven months (from February 20 until September 17, 2016) due to his retrograde cycle. When he is in one sign for that long, the effects are so much more penetrating and extreme, and in Scorpio with Saturn often felt quite toxic and frustrating.

In the natal horoscope, Mars in Sagittarius in its more favorable manifestation relates to courageous action, wealth, and the ability to set goals and fulfill them with enthusiasm, joy, and purpose. When afflicted, this combination can be too bold, boisterous, or outspoken. It can go over the top and lead to unsafe behavior, self-indulgence, overspending and debt.

Some astrologers have conjectured that this current Mars transit will be a violent period because on 9/11 Mars was in Sagittarius/Mula nakshatra which spans from 0 to 13 degrees 20 minutes of Sagittarius. It is true that Mars in Sagittarius (when afflicted) does have the potential to reflect ideological extremism. But that was also a very different set-up on 9/11, as Mars was conjoined violent Ketu and opposed Jupiter-Rahu, a combination for terrorist events motivated by fundamentalist extremism as with Islamism.

Though this current Mars transit has its own set of potential disturbances, it is not impacted by an aspect of Ketu as in 9/11, though it is aspected by Rahu which also has a potentially perverted and violent energy. Further, Ketu does have an impact in that Mula nakshatra is ruled by Ketu, which is the jiva or overlord of Mars during the Mula transit, which can point to extreme karmic events. Mars traveling in this section of Sagittarius especially can evoke intolerance and aggression.

During this Mars in Sagittarius transit, the sign dispositor Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, is square Mars, which is a ~90-degree aspect of friction. As soon as this square aspect begins to separate, Mars will exactly conjoin Pluto. The square between Jupiter and Mars is a rashi drishti in Vedic astrology which ties the planets and signs together.

In its lower expression, this can be an aspect of extravagance, dangerous risk-taking, hubris, self-indulgent behavior, and restlessness. Depending on the houses that Mars and Jupiter rule in one’s natal chart, the houses where they fall in transit, and their natal relationship and dignity, this Mars-Jupiter square can represent unrealistic expectations which end in disappointment or frustration.

When Jupiter squares Mars, there is a tendency for heated philosophical disputes, so it is best to avoid arguing about anything controversial during this transit. In polite society, it is considered uncouth to argue about religion, finances and politics at any time, but during this transit, such quarrels will have no good outcome. There will be a lot of scapegoating and angry, delusional accusations made in this period by those stuck in a lower consciousness.

Alternately, with the higher more “conscious” expression of the Mars-Jupiter square, some may feel energized with purpose and a sense of expansiveness and adventure. We can make the most of it if we use the tension between these two planets of energy and optimism to stretch beyond our usual capacity, in a balanced way of course as we find the middle ground of harmony between these two forces.

Mars will conjoin Pluto from ~October 10-27 using an orb of five degrees applying and separating, and the exact conjunction occurs October 19. This is a combination for tremendous energy and power, which can be used for “good or bad” depending on one’s motivation. Pluto transits in Sagittarius from 2005-2020, so every two years Mars joins up with Pluto in this period.

This Mars-Pluto conjunction is nothing new…we have been here several times before. In the mundane sphere, in the past eight years during this periodic conjunction, there have been significant natural and man-made disasters, including terror attacks, violent public disturbances, explosions, tragic weather events, transportation catastrophes, seismic eruptions, and disease outbreaks.

With our thoughts we make the world, and it is important to envision the divine manifestation of the grahas all the time, including that of Mars which has many positive expressions, such as the following:

May Paravara, the form of Mars as supreme goodness, show us the way.

May Mars as Lord Skanda, the vanquisher of mighty foes, help us take responsibility to overcome the weakness and darkness within ourselves.

May Parvatipriyananda, the beloved son of Shakti and Shiva, teach us unconditional love and compassion.

Om Mangalaya Namah! I bow before the Mighty Mars and ask for his peaceful blessings for all beings. May peace rain down on us…Peace of Body. Peace of Mind. Peace of Spirit. Peace…Peace…Peace, Eternal Peace.

The above image is a Mars Yantra sculpture created by Mick McDonough. Original sculpture is 36″ x 36″ —  acrylic on wood and Swarovski crystals. Digital background, Pamela McDonough. Learn more about yantras at www.yantramandala.com.

The very rare conjunction of Neptune and the Moon’s South Node Ketu in the constellation (sidereal sign) of Aquarius occurs from ~April through December of 2016, with the exact conjunction occurring on November 17.  This is using about a 10-degree orb applying to the conjunction, and about a 5-degree orb separating from it.

Neptune transits in one constellation for about 14 years, and around the entire zodiac approximately every 165 years. So Neptune is in Aquarius for approximately 14 years every ~165 years. The current transit of Neptune in Aquarius extends from April 2008 to February 2023. Generally, this ~14-year period of Neptune in Aquarius is a time of cultural and spiritual awakening, especially as Uranus the Awakener has also been in Pisces, thus exchanging signs with Neptune since 2010.

This combination highlights scientific and technological inspiration, innovation and discovery. It also characterizes a period of mass deception, confusion and delusion amid political and social upheaval, all of which are echoed in many other astrological transits and progressions which I and other astrologers have written about before. (This image below is of Uranus on the left and Neptune on the right.)

Along with Neptune, the Moon’s South Node Ketu is also transiting in Aquarius now. It transits all the way around the zodiac every ~18 years, staying in one constellation for about 18 months. So once every ~18 years, Ketu transits in Aquarius for ~18 months. The current transit extends from January 2016 to September 2017. Ketu and Neptune conjoin every ~16-17 years, but in Aquarius they come together only every ~165 years. In general, this transit of Ketu in Aquarius has much of the flavor of Neptune in Aquarius, in that Ketu and Neptune have many similar qualities.

As an example. Ketu and Neptune are significators of spiritual enlightenment. In the sign of the Water Bearer — Aquarius — they can each individually and also together exponentially represent some deep awareness of Oneness; a desire for emotional attunement to higher dimensions; and a dissolution of certain boundaries. They can urge us to escape reality in either a constructive or destructive way, depending on our individualized and collective state of evolution.

Neptune and Ketu are the planets of fantasy, mysticism and the occult. Neptune also rules art and photography, and both Neptune and Ketu relate to film-making. In Aquarius, they tend to manifest in the most unusual visionary creations. In Aquarius, and especially in Shatabisha nakshatra (from 6 deg. 40 min. to 20 deg. Aquarius), Neptune and Ketu also tend to expand our potential for body-mind-spirit healing through metaphysical, ancestral and energetic methods. In the subject of healing, along more traditional medical lines, Neptune and Ketu rule over microorganisms, infections, and vaccines, and as they are transiting in innovative scientific Aquarius, one hopes that many new discoveries will be made for viable medical and pharmaceutical prevention and treatments. At the same time, there are more and more scandals and conspiracy theories emerging related to the consequences of Big Pharma’s deadly greed.

As an example, the present-day epidemic of opioid and prescription drug addiction in America is known to exist in large part as a result of the drug industry as well as unethical medical practitioners. Neptune specifically relates to drugs, alcohol and addicts, and the added effect of Ketu’s involvement can attract very dark energies. At the same time, as Ketu is eclipsing Neptune in 2016-2017, the enormity of this crisis is coming to light. It’s interesting that this conjunction is occurring in Lord Varuna’s Shatabisha nakshatra which relates to soma, the nectar of the gods which is like poison when taken in excess.

Neptune and Ketu are not only the planets of drugs and infections, but also of cover-ups. Someone recently sent me an article titled Superbug’ scourge spreads as U.S. fails to track rising human toll which discusses the current crisis of drug resistant infections and a commonplace practice in which these infections are not accurately reported. Who suffers because of this? The People, who are ruled by Aquarius. The following is a microscopic image of a superbug known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better-known as MRSA). The individual cocci (bacteria) look a bit like Neptune, don’t you think?

The less evolved nature of Neptune and Ketu in Aquarius portrays a tendency for victimization, serious mental health issues, and unhealthy escapist habits and patterns. This former is revealed in the current era of PC/political correctness in America. PC is a manipulative, fear-based method of controlling people and their speech which feeds into the widespread occurrence of shared victim mentality. This ties into the rise of “progressive social justice” activism on college campuses, which critics have described as an absurd and immature hotbed of totalitarian racists, charlatans and bullies who sow hatred and divisiveness rather than true “justice.” I recently read an article in the Washington Post titled In the safe spaces on campus, no Jews allowed which articulates more about this point of view:

“The recent surge of progressive activism on college campuses across the country has led to many debates on the merits of concepts such as ‘microaggressions’ and ‘safe spaces’ in educational settings that should respect free speech and dialogue. Student uprisings against racial injustice and discrimination at Yale, the University of Missouri and dozens of other universities have shown the power of students who have banded together against institutionalized racism in academia and the student body, but little has been said about how the idea of ‘intersectionality’, the idea that all struggles are connected and must be combated by allies — has created a dubious bond between the progressive movement and pro-Palestinian activists who often engage in the same racist and discriminatory discourse they claim to fight. As a result of this alliance, progressive Jewish students are often subjected to a double standard not applied to their peers — an Israel litmus test to prove their loyalties to social justice.”

The dynamics of Neptune and Ketu conjoining in Aquarius can be seen in large democratic or humanitarian societal movements which seek to alleviate social injustice, like what is mentioned above and also in the Black Lives Matter movement. Yet, without a firm peaceful foundation aligned with higher principles, movements like this tend to backfire and become ineffective and dangerous. These planetary energies can be quite unconscious, eliciting violent, confusing, incoherent, and disintegrating shadow forces. They can also represent sudden transformational events; whatever is unsustainable will be dissipated under their watch.

Aquarius is the sign that presides over elections. The shadow of this transit explains the fact that we are in the least transparent Presidential election in modern history. For example, medical information has up to now been withheld by the two candidates, and Donald Trump is repeatedly criticized for not releasing his tax returns. Both candidates have so far declined to travel with the customary protective pool of reporters. The current election cycle has been very baffling on a lot of levels; for instance, during the primaries, many of the various state rules seemed to get muddled.

The election has also been fraught with deceit and scandal, as we saw with the recent WikiLeaks DNC exposé  and later firing of various higher-ups for favoring Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders. This is in addition to the allegations circulating about Donald Trump in major conflict with the Republican Party, and allegations that Hillary Clinton is in poor health but hiding the fact; and there is the scandal of her emails-emails-emails, and of course the Clinton Foundation has also come under suspicion of fraud.

Shatabisha nakshatra is known for secrecy, and it governs media in all its forms, including the Internet. The dynamics of this Shatabisha transit reflect in the growing power of Wikileaks, an organization created by journalist Julian Assange in 2006, which releases secret information, classified media from anonymous sources as well as news leaks exposing government and corporate corruption.

Given the confusion of this transit, it is hard to know what it true most of the time, as the mainstream media has become more unreliable than ever, and conspiracy theories abound and are fed even further by Wikileaks and other hackers. We have lost some significant ability to trust what the mainstream media is feeding us in the way of information.

Even astrologers are muddled in this election, because there is no valid birth time for Hillary Clinton; many various times have been suggested but all are basically guesswork at this point. Yet many astrologers continue to conjecture, argue and make predictions about her and the election based on what they feel might be her correct birth time, and quite often I have noticed that many astrologers allow their personal opinions and desires to sway their birth-time rectifications. Confusion reigns!

Neptune and Ketu both rule oil and gas, and Aquarius indicates those who aspire to preserve our land, water, natural resources and sacred Native American sites against the ostensible progress of oil and gas development. These environmentalists across America have been speaking up against the massive technological expansion of oil and gas production and pipeline infrastructure. The big demonstration happening now is against the North Dakota Access Pipeline in Standing Rock, North Dakota.

The Standing Rock demonstrations represent the largest convergence of Native peoples in more than a century, and because of independent news and social media coverage, the mainstream media has also started to bring some awareness to it, as well. Fracking has also been blamed for creating earthquakes in the Midwest, and is clearly destroying water and roads throughout various locales in America.

Protests could escalate in the next few months, and all the various struggles against gas and oil development, including that at Standing Rock and many other sites, are by no means over. They will continue for many years during the Neptune in Aquarius transit, whereas In the near future (now through December 2016), around the closest period of the Neptune-Ketu conjunction, there is a strong possibility for a pipeline environmental disaster and perhaps some fluctuations in oil and gas prices.

Labor issues are also heating up in this transit, since Neptune and Ketu relate to rallies, rebels, and socio-political movements, whereas Aquarius is the sign of the People and can also refer to exaggerated hopes and ideals and mass demonstrations. As one example, the largest general strike in India’s history involving a walkout of 180 million workers just happened in September. Typical of Neptune cover-ups and mysteries, this story was hardly covered by mainstream media around the world.

In America, on September 9, when Neptune squared Saturn for the last time, the biggest prison strike in history occurred in America, as prisoners from over 25 nationwide prisons waged a protest calling for the end of inhumane conditions including their alleged enslavement by prison authorities. Neptune and Ketu rule slavery, prisons and prisoners, and together in Aquarius they can bring compassionate  transformation and greater public awareness about the complex issues of mass incarceration. This movement could really intensify in the months ahead. Meanwhile, President Obama has been commuting prison sentences for inmates at an unprecedented rate.

The chart above shows the conjunction of Ketu and Neptune in Aquarius in 1849, which was the last time they conjoined in the Water Bearer sign. Aquarius is the sign of both literal and metaphoric groundbreaking, and Ketu and Neptune here reveal certain progressive cultural changes. This was the second year of the California Gold Rush in America in 1849.

Issues related to Temperance and Women’s Rights really began to emerge during this period, as well. This was the year that the female physician graduated from medical school in the US. Her name was Elizabeth Blackwell. The Lily, a Temperance and Abolitionist newspaper specifically for women, and the first newspaper published by a woman (Amelia Bloomer), first came out this year.

As I write this article, we are nearing a Pisces Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (on September 16). Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces. The BBC has just reported that “violence has broken out in India’s technology hub Bangalore in Karnataka state over a long-running dispute about water. Protesters are angry at a Supreme Court ruling ordering Karnataka to share water from the Cauvery river with neighbouring Tamil Nadu.”: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37346570 Neptune is planet of water, and Ketu rules war, and of course Aquarius is the sign of the “Water Bearer.” Sometimes astrology is really this literal!

In a 2015 National Geographic article about “Water Wars,” it was stated that the “world’s largest underground water reserves in Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas are under stress. Many of them are being drawn down at unsustainable rates. Nearly two billion people rely on groundwater that is considered under threat.” I imagine we will see this matter in Bangalore and even more of these water rights disputes and issues over clean and available water coming to a head around various parts of the world in the coming months

Slavery and human rights issues are also big ones for Neptune and Ketu in Aquarius. In 1849, Harriet Tubman, dubbed the “Moses of Her People,” escaped from slavery in the South in 1849, and made it to Pennsylvania with the help of the Underground Railroad. She went on to free many more slaves through her own network of safe houses and transportation.

President Zachary Taylor was inaugurated in 1849 as the 12^th US President. He died in office the next year, and some theories have suggested that he was assassinated. I have read articles that attempt to draw parallels between President Taylor and Donald Trump, both being categorized as rough-cut Washington outsiders with unclear ideologies and political inexperience. They have both been accused of “killing” their respective parties, the Whigs for Taylor, and Republicans in the case of Trump.

The last time before 1849 that Neptune and Ketu came together in Aquarius was in 1682. Halley’s Comet appeared this year, an omen of great change at the time. This year was the beginning of the reign of Russia’s Peter the Great which brought sweeping reforms; social modernization; and a bigger and better navy, all of which established Russia as a significant world power. Neptune rules navies, and Aquarius is the sign of technology. Ketu’s conjunction enhanced Neptune’s capacity to build up the Russian navy.

In America, Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love,” was founded in 1682, reflecting the higher principles of this transit. The opposite less-enlightened principles were certainly demonstrated the same year as King Louis XIV’s Court moved to Versailles, a most decadent and extravagant enchanted island of pleasures. This was the same year that Robert La Salle claimed Louisiana for France, establishing the French Territory in North America and thus defining commercial and diplomatic policies that remained in place for the next century or so.

For individuals, the conjunction of Ketu and Neptune in Aquarius will have an influence if it closely connects to (aspects) a planet or point in the natal chart. In terms of life events, it can represent a significant loss of someone or something, or a completion, or an important new beginning, depending on its placement and the rest of the natal chart.

An interest in not only mysticism but also fantasy and science fiction may be activated. In its lower principle, this combination can bring about a serious mental disorder in one who falls prey to isolation, victimization, delusion and addiction. This would be shown by malefics involved in the natal chart with the transit, and the overall thrust of the natal chart and the native’s own state of mind to begin with.

The general essence of this transit, when acting through its more rarefied vibrations, is to dissolve the ego; awaken consciousness; strengthen prophetic abilities and past life knowledge; inspire the imaginative process; and magnify emotional attunement to higher planes so that powerful dreams, visions and creative gifts come forth. Ultimately, this transit wants to wake us up to the reality of our Oneness.

(Thank you for this beautiful art image by Bill Frymire (2007).)

Two significant astral events are happening this week, reflecting part of the broader whirlwind of great cosmic intensity that we have been in and will be in for some time to come. First, there’s Mercury retrograde. Second, a solar eclipse.

This will be the third of Mercury’s four retrograde cycles in 2016, this one spanning from August 30 to September 22. Mercury disappeared and ended his sojourn as evening star at the retrograde station at ~9:04 AM ET on the 30th of August. On September 13, Mercury will be at inferior conjunction; after that, Mercury will move toward its morning star apparition around the time of his direct station which will occur on the Fall Equinox, Northern Hemisphere, on September 22.

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Have you seen the Moon? Are you feeling it? The Full Moon will culminate on Thursday, August 18 at 5:27 AM EDT. Because this Moon is such an abundant one in the Northern Hemisphere, Native Americans named it the Full Green Corn Moon and the Sturgeon Moon.

Scientists at NASA have discovered that the Moon enters the Earth’s magnetotail three days before it is full and takes about six days to cross and exit on the other side. During this time, many people feel the “lunar effect” most intensely as the Moon gets charged up with magnetism. As above, so below, so the Moon reflects our emotional energetic nature. Full Moons are full of magnetic energy!

The transiting Sun moves into sidereal Leo on August 16 at 9:10 AM EDT, joining Venus, Mercury and the North Node of the Moon/Rahu. Rahu is in Leo from January 29, 2016 until August 17, 2017. Mercury is in Leo from July 26 to August 19, and then retrogrades back into Leo September 9 to October 3. Venus entered Leo on July 31 and will leave on August 25. The Sun will be in Leo and thus under the influence of Rahu from August 16 until September 17.

The Rahu-Sun conjunction in Leo will create the solar eclipse on September 1. The eclipse season technically begins when the Sun comes within 18 degrees of the eclipsing node (Rahu this time), which will be around the Full Moon on August 18. Normally the Sun is considered auspicious and powerful in Leo, his own sign, where his qualities are poised, regal, ambitious, independent, and energetic. However, in the eclipse axis, the Sun can reflect anxiety, worry, health problems, and a lack of confidence. Power struggles and discord can also ensue.

The late Vedic astrologer Bepin Behari described Rahu and Ketu, the Moon’s North and South Nodes, as messengers of a higher power whose primary function is to destroy the darker tendencies within us. The lunar nodes actually represent duality: light vs. dark, good vs. bad, life vs. death, angels vs. demons, etc. The devouring of the Sun and Moon by the nodes in eclipses represents the great drama being played out in our lives here in the Earthly realm of duality.

The lessons and karmas we are to experience become stirred up in eclipses, and often a new batch will be churned out for us for our next cycle. The upcoming eclipses are occurring August 18 (lunar eclipse), September 1 (solar eclipse) and September 16 (lunar eclipse). Around the eclipses, Rahu (and Ketu) have a rebirthing power as they temporarily shadow the lights. We will have access to this power throughout this transit of the Sun in Leo because of the eclipse axis occurring in Leo/Aquarius.

Now as the Sun comes into the eclipse axis, we can start to notice what is blocking us emotionally or otherwise in our lives. The Full Moon on August 18 will be eclipsed just by 2 percent as the Moon will pass through only a tiny part of the outer portion of the Earth’s shadow (penumbral eclipse), which is too dim to observe and so slight that some astronomers are not calling it a lunar eclipse at all. I feel it is still offering a little bit of an astrological lunar eclipse effect.

It is also interesting as the August 18 “almost eclipse” is ending the Saros 109 lunar eclipse cycle which began in 736 AD, the year when Frankish leader Charles Martel defeated a massive invading Muslim army, thus putting an end to Muslim bases in Gaul, and blocking any immediate ability to expand Islamic influence in Europe. Some astronomers believe that Saros 109 ended in 1998, but others say that this August 18 eclipse is the culmination. With the current mass Muslim migrant crisis in Europe, the 2016 culmination seems more likely; and as the cycle comes to a close, I wonder what this might mean in terms of a turning tide.

The lunar eclipse of August 18 occurs with a very wide ~17-degree orb conjunction to Ketu in sidereal Aquarius opposite the Sun in Leo. A stronger penumbral lunar eclipse will occur on September 16 at 0 degrees of Pisces for the Moon, while the shadow of Ketu will still be near mid-Aquarius.  A lunar eclipse, even a slight one, can point out emotionally-triggered subconscious feelings. These can start to arise in the weeks or months preceding or following a lunar eclipse so that they can be worked out, integrated, and transmuted. The Leo-Aquarius eclipse axis is broadly focused on how we act on our inspiration and share it in the world.  The traditional rulers of Leo and Aquarius are the Sun and Saturn, whose contentious mythic relationship speaks of issues of authority, power, and the psychological shadow.

The solar eclipse of September 1 occurs at the new Moon in sidereal Leo. Because the new Moon blocks the Sun’s light during a solar eclipse, some may experience a weakening of energy levels in the weeks before and after the eclipse (especially before). Solar eclipses also reveal personal issues which are depleting our life force. The months preceding and following a solar eclipse are a time for letting go of anything in our lives that impedes our energy and evolution. Should a solar eclipse conjoin a natal planet or angular point, an important new cycle is at hand in that related area.

On the world stage, the solar eclipse reflects more turmoil among certain political leaders (Leo). Secrets will be exposed, and new information revealed. At the same time, Saturn is squaring Neptune (which will perfect exactly on September 10 but is in range during the entire eclipse season), and this repeats the same theme of something(s) hidden being revealed. The September 1 solar eclipse is squaring Saturn and the fixed star Antares too, so all this just reflects more of the same imbalance, war, hatred, upheaval, violence, confusion and chaos we have already been seeing in the world.

Om Lokah Samistah Sukhino Bhavantu.Om Lokah Samistah Sukhino Bhavantu. Om Lokah Samistah Sukhino Bhavantu. 

May All Beings be Safe and at Peace. May Mother Earth Herself be protected from all harm. May peace start within me.

Om shanti shanti shanti.

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Several important astral changes are ahead, including Jupiter’s transit into Virgo (ingress) on August 11; retrograde Saturn’s direct station (August 14); the conjunction of Saturn, Mars and the fixed star Antares (August 24); and three eclipses (August 18, September 1 and September 16). These next few months look tumultuous and are setting the stage for a significant transit of Saturn that will being in January 2017 and last through most of the year.

Beginning August 11, 2016, and lasting until September 11, 2017, Jupiter will transit in Virgo constellation, known as Kanya rashi in Vedic astrology. Jupiter transits through one sign every ~12 years, and the last time it was in Virgo was from August 2004 to September 2005. So if you recall what was happening for you then, you might have some sense of how this transit will work again for your own natal chart. This is not an exact measuring technique though, because in the years since 2004-2005, you have entered a new developmental phase, and the other transits as well as progressed cycles (dashas) have also changed. Continue reading →

Beginning on August 11, 2016, and lasting until September 11, 2017, Jupiter will transit in the constellation of Virgo, known as Kanya rashi in Vedic astrology. Jupiter transits through one sign every ~12 years, and the last time it was in Virgo was from August 2004 to September 2005. The good news is that Jupiter in Virgo moves way from its conjunction with shadowy Rahu in Leo, and also away from the karmic restrictions of transiting Saturn’s square aspect from Scorpio (known as Saturn’s tenth aspect in Vedic astrology).

In Vedic astrology, Jupiter is the significator (karaka) of dharma, the principle of cosmic order which is akin to our highest path and purpose. Known as Guru in Vedic astrology, Jupiter is the head honcho of all the gods and represents the concept of divine grace. Jupiter reflects spiritual protection, wisdom, faith, higher learning, confidence and progress. Continue reading →

Using the sidereal zodiac placements for the grahas of Vedic astrology—the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu—we have a predominant signature of fixed signs (sthira rasis) for much of 2016. The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Jupiter and Rahu are in Leo; Saturn and Mars in Scorpio; Ketu in Aquarius; and the faster moving grahas (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, and Venus) keep moving in and out of the fixed signs.

Jupiter will leave Leo for Virgo on August 11, and Mars will leave Scorpio in late September. Saturn will remain in Scorpio for some time to come (on and off through most of 2017) and Rahu and Ketu will remain in Leo and Aquarius until August of 2017. This week beginning on June 8 at ~10:36 PM EDT, we will have all nine grahas in fixed signs! Mercury will be moving into Taurus early on June 8, and then the Moon will transit into Leo on June 9, where it will remain until the 12^th June. At the same time, the grahas will be forming a grand cross or grand square in fixed signs. Many have already been feeling the intensity of this fixed signature, but it may become a whole lot stronger soon.

The sthira rasis (fixed signs) of Vedic astrology embody the tamo-guna (tamasic principle of energy flow) which in excess can be experienced as inertia, contraction, sluggishness, darkness, doubt, helplessness, loneliness and dullness. Tamo-guna brings a focus on the physical body and material concerns. For an individual who already has a strongly imbalanced tamasic energy, this transiting grand square in fixed signs may feel particularly overwhelming, like being imprisoned an iron cage or locked down through some other means.

Not only are all the grahas in fixed signs, but they are forming a grand cross or grand square in which the grahas in Leo are opposed those in Aquarius, and those in Scorpio are opposed those in Taurus (180-degree full mutual planetary aspects); and also all the grahas are forming powerful squares (90-degree planetary aspects) with each other. This represents extreme tension and “stuck energy.” We can feel at cross purposes to ourselves and others, and can be confused as to where, how or when to act.

On the plus side, in a natal Vedic chart, all the planets in sthira rasis form an Ashraya Musula Yoga which is said to reflect a native who is blessed, secure, decisive, stable, learned and wealthy. However, when the same grahas are falling in the grand square formation, one may manifest more plodding, decisive, depressed and rigid qualities. On a mundane level, especially because Mercury will be squaring the Moon, the fixed grand square formation can indicate extreme earth events like storms and seismic events.

Paramahansa Yogananda, the great 20th-century yogi, described a tamasic person “as though ossified…not even roused even by the sizzling process of worries. He exists like an inert, lifeless stone.” Yoganandaji also explained that the fire of self-discipline can consume excess tamas. If you are overwhelmed by it, consider that it helps to let go and surrender to it (“like cures like”), such as with restorative yoga and rest.

Once rested, force yourself to get up and do something, anything, to move the physical body, which happens to be the main target of tamo-guna. Breath of Fire (Bhastrika Pranayam) can also be helpful, as can massage therapy. Most of all, remember that this too shall pass. The Moon will leave Leo for sidereal Virgo early on June 12, and later in the day, Venus will leave Taurus for sidereal Gemini. On June 14, the Sun will leave Taurus for sidereal Gemini; and on June 27, Mercury will leave Taurus for sidereal Gemini, so gradually, the pattern will start to shift and lighten up.

So finally, we have reached the day of the Full Flower Moon which occurs this evening Saturday May 21 at 5:14 PM ET/9:14 UT. This is also known as Buddha Purnima, Buddha Jayanti, and Wesak; and in Vedic astrology, it is Vishakha/Vaishakha Puja. Gautama Buddha is said to have been born on this day in the Vaishakha month. His enlightenment is also celebrated today, as is his great exit from the body, and according to legend, He promised to come back on this day every year, along with many other divine beings, to regenerate the Earth.

The Theosophists teach that the Christ (Maitreya) gathers the entire spiritual hierarchy together in prayer and meditation at this Full Moon to invoke the forces of a heavenly realm known as Shambhala, which increases the input and output of the divine light within us on this Earth. Meditation and other contemplative and healing practices will be so very rewarding today and tonight.

I am always particularly drawn to recite and pray on the Great Invocation at this time:

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into human minds.
Let Light descend to Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into human hearts.
May the Coming One return to Earth.

From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide all little human wills,
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center which we call the human race
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.
(The Great Invocation, Lucis Trust et al)

Hi Friends! Have you seen it or are you feeling it? The full Moon in sidereal Scorpio is looming now, and will occur on Saturday, May 21 at 5:14 PM ET/9:14 PM UT. According to some traditions in the Northern Hemisphere, this month’s lunar phase is called the “Full Flower Moon.” Life is springing forth abundantly as we head into the height of summer which will culminate at the next full Moon on the June 20th Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere). For now, nature is reaching up toward the zenith with *intensity* and this is a key word for the Scorpio full Moon which typically signifies strong feelings and transformational events.

The full Moon in Scorpio exactly conjoins a very bright and prominent warrior Mars, and both widely conjoin the lord of karma Saturn, all of which can now bring us in touch with some of our deepest insecurities and darkest emotions, and for some, this might not feel so good. Moon-Mars occur in the navamsa of Virgo in the second pada of Anuradha nakshatra; Anuradha is ruled by Saturn, and Virgo by Mercury. Saturn and Mercury are in a very challenging 6/8 aspect, while Mercury is also retrograde in the sign of Aries, also ruled by Mars. Venus is combust the Sun in Taurus opposite the full Moon.

All of this can activate inner or outer conflict and issues around finances, security, or self-worth, perhaps urging us to look at our own “stuff,” and in some cases, to clear, clean, and let go. With these aspects, many people are feeling exhausted or depressed now. In past history, a similar full Scorpio Moon alignment occurred during times of civil unrest, storms, floods, explosive events, and political turmoil. The South Node, which is known as Ketu in Vedic astrology, can engage some violent energy akin to Mars, and it is conjoining the luminaries of the previous March 8 solar eclipse chart. I advise that in the coming days, we lie low and avoid pushing anything. Wait at least until Mercury stations direct on late Sunday morning to make any important decisions. Now more than ever, we can benefit from cultivating loving kindness, positive thoughts, peace, and harmony.

Here’s wishing all a very happy, healthy and prosperous cycle ahead, with much love, light and auspicious flowering!