February 23, 2013: Mercury Retrograde in Sidereal Aquarius

As if Saturn stationing retrograde were not enough excitement for one week, we also have Mercury turning retrograde *(appearing to move backward) on Saturday, February 23, 2013. I use 2 days on either side of that as the stationary period, when the characteristically fast-moving Messenger of the Gods is moving much more slowly than usual, when we really can start to feel the strongest effects on a lot of levels.

Mercury retrogrades for about 24 days 3-4 times a year. This transit has a very big reputation even among non-astrologers as a time when things can and will go haywire! Mercury is the astrological indicator of communication, speech, travel, writing, memory, commerce and transportation, so in some cases when Mercury’s movement is backward (known as “vakri” in Vedic astrology) we can experience delays and snafus in these areas of life.

We are admonished not to sign important contracts during a Mercury retrograde cycle, the idea being that it may not work out or will have to be revised later, but in my experience, this is not always the case. As an example, my husband is a real estate agent and I have seen him broker very successful deals that went through without a hitch during Mercury retrograde times. Often in these situations, his clients had been “on the fence” about buying for some time. It seems that it took the Mercury retrograde cycle to catalyze their desire to re-establish contact and re-visit their desire to buy a new property.

It is a fact that many of the most successful Fortune 500 companies were incorporated during Mercury retrograde cycles. Much of my astrological practice is involved in helping businesses incorporate, and in some cases I have found the best muhurta (electional astrology chart) is during a Mercury retrograde cycle. This is because Mercury is stronger when it is retrograde, and can be well suited for success depending on the individual circumstances; and we also have to keep in mind that a muhurta/elective chart involves multiple considerations on top of just a Mercury cycle.

Many astrologers have discussed that the operative pattern for re-trograde cycles can be found among a variety of words prefixed by “re,” as in this being a time to re-consider, re-organize, re-energize, re-affirm, re-formulate, re-generate, re-define, re-negotiate, re-novate, re-discover, re-consider, etc. How the retrograde cycle plays out really depends on the condition of Mercury in the natal chart, the sign in which Mercury is transiting, as well as aspects and yogas Mercury has with the other transiting planets and with the natal planets of a particular nativity or a mundane chart.

In many instances, I have noticed those who have Mercury retrograde in their natal charts experience the retrograde transit as a re-freshing time that feels more natural and uninhibited than usual. For these natural Mercury retrograde natives, thought processes can begin flowing quite creatively and even more in harmony with higher mind during the retrograde transits.

All that said, I am quite astonished at the rare opportunity this Mercury cycle could offer us all as a collective. Mercury will station in sidereal Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer who pours forth the water of life, i.e. spiritual wisdom and healing energy. Mercury retrograding in Aquarius is not at all uncommon, but there is more to this. Mercury will conjoin several other planets during its retrograde cycle while also being disposited by exalted auspicious Saturn (traditional ruler of Aquarius) which is conjoined the North Node Rahu (a destiny point)—and this makes it a potentially extraordinary moment in time.

Thanks to astrologer Steve Stuckey for reviewing the calculations with me, as he confirmed: “The last time the combination of Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Aquarius and Saturn/Rahu in Libra occurred was Feb 9th to 12th, *610 BC.* The time before that was Jan 21st to 24th, 3437 BC. The main problem is needing to have Rahu in Libra also–if we eliminate Rahu and just have the 4 Aquarius planets plus Saturn in Libra, then the last time it occurred was Feb 20th to 24th, 1364 AD. And then many times going further back–1129 AD, 1099 AD, 972 AD, 894 AD, 747 AD and many more.”

The traditional scheme of Vedic astrology does not include the outer planets and other bodies beyond Saturn. If we add those in as many neo-Vedic astrologers like myself will do, we have Neptune and the asteroid Chiron in sidereal Aquarius as well. Mercury will station retrograde at ~26 degrees sidereal Aquarius and move back to ~12 degrees Aquarius when it will station direct on March 17. For any charts having important points or planets within a few degrees of these stationary points or within close significant aspects to these degrees, especially near the 26-degree point of sidereal air signs (Aquarius, Gemini and Libra), memorable events may be triggered before and/or after the retrograde cycle.

In mundane astrology, Aquarius deals with science, invention, and technology; oil and oil wells; media, broadcasting, communication systems and mass marketing; spiritualists, visionary thinkers and alternative healers; aerospace industry, aircraft and pilots; electricity; corporate restructuring, labor organizations, special interest groups, and organizations in general; legislative politics; computer technology; civil rights; and rebels, pacifists, humanitarians, and revolutionary movements. It will be interesting to observe the world news in the next three weeks and see what transpires with some potential intensity and focus noted in these areas. We will see certain important matters of the past being re-activated and re-visited during this cycle, such as the battle between President Obama and Congress over spending cuts which are set to take effect March 1.

My friend Steve jokingly asked me if I think we are going to blast off in the Aquarian Age with this latest transit, and I thought, what a great idea! Technically though, as we sidereal astrologers understand, the real Age of Aquarius will not be upon us for several hundred more years into the future. However, this is an unusual transit of Aquarius that deserves special attention because (most of us would agree) we are truly living in “interesting times” now.

Aquarius correlates with the 17th trump or Major Arcana card of the Tarot, the Star, a symbol of faith, unity, hope and inspiration. While the essence of Aquarius is embodied in this current Mercury retrograde cycle, the inner pressure of the current Saturn retrograde cycle urges us to manifest these aspirations as part of our highest potential. The shadowy aspect of such a powerful fixed signature in Aquarius, when imbalanced, can reveal itself in dark, alienated and rigid thinking and behavior, so it may be more important than ever to remain fluid, flexible and open enough to allow grace and love to lead the way.

The Star (Rider-Waite deck)

Flowing with Ease

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.

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

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

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

Fall 2012 Astral Weather Report

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

2012 Shift

A Mayan great cycle culminates on December 21, 2012. There has been a lot of hype about this being the end of the world, which I do not believe. On this date that marks the end of one particular Mayan calendar, the Sun will also move into direct alignment with the equator of our Milky Way Galaxy, an alignment that occurs only once in every 26,000 years. To be more accurate, because the Sun’s disk as seen from Earth covers about a half a degree in width, the Sun’s disk at winter solstice makes this contact with the galactic center over a 36-year period from 1980 to 2016. Since the 1980s, the world has already gone through a deep transformation as the pace of life continues to speed up; the world population keeps on growing exponentially; and humanity has become increasingly connected through instantaneous worldwide communication, economic and social globalization, and ecological crisis. Perhaps 2012 is simply the peak of this massive wave of change, as many authors have speculated.

Continue reading

Blue Moon Magic!

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

Happy Lunar New Year!

Happy Lunar New Year! In the Vedic tradition of astrology, there are many different calendars and systems of reckoning time (kaala chakra). One of the most commonly used methods to determine the New Year is based on the astro-chart for the New Moon in Pisces, which occurs around the Spring Equinox every year, this year on March 22, 2012, at 10:37:05 AM in Washington, DC.  This chart is known as the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. For anyone wanting to know more about the New Year chart, astrologer Steve Stuckey has written an outstanding article published by both Jyotish Star and Saptarishis Astrology.[i]

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

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

Autumnal Equinox

All of nature dances in the play of polarity, the in-and-out breath of creation through which the primal forces of yin and yang constantly oscillate. Nowhere is this play more evident than in the changing seasons. On Sept. 23, 2011 at 9:04 AM UTC (5:04 AM EDT), the northern hemisphere will once again experience Autumnal Equinox, when we begin to “fall” into Yin Time, when nature begins its evolutionary cycle back to center. Continue reading