We are in the waxing Moon phase now, and light is increasing as we move toward the full Moon on February 10, 2017. This Moon will also be a very subtle lunar eclipse (penumbral or appulse).

According to Earthsky.org “The ideal spot to watch this penumbral eclipse is from Europe, Africa, Greenland and Iceland. From there the whole eclipse can be seen, from start to finish, and it occurs at late night in a dark sky. In Asia, the eclipse will be obscured by morning twilight on February 11 and will be in eclipse at moonset (sunrise) February 11.

Although the whole eclipse, from start to finish, lasts for some four and one-third hours, the beginning and ending stages are not visible to the eye. Given a dark sky, free of twilight glare, the eclipse might be visible to the eye for an hour or two, centered on the greatest eclipse (February 11 at 00:44 UTC).  At North American time zones, that means the greatest eclipse will happen on February 10, at 8:44 p.m. AST, 7:44 p.m. EST, 6:44 p.m. CST, 5:44 p.m. MST, 4:44 p.m. PST and 3:44 p.m. AKST.”

In an appulse/penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon moves through only the Earth’s penumbra and is only slightly dimmed. Please refer to Timeanddate.com for more information about your local eclipse times and visibility. Regarding the matter of visibility, Vedic astrology suggests not looking at an eclipse but instead, staying inside and going within, as all spiritual practices performed during any kind of eclipse are greatly enhanced no matter where it is visible on Earth.

Two weeks after this lunar eclipse on February 26, we will have a solar annular eclipse in sidereal Aquarius, and I will write more about this one at a later date. For now, I will say that solar eclipses generally tend to carry more weight than lunar eclipses, but both can be good for deepening spiritual practice and awareness. In addition, solar or lunar eclipses closely conjoining or aspecting a natal planet or chart point reflect significant changes, the nature of which will depend on the significations of that planet or point, as well as all the other aspects, yogas, and dasas in place.

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In this, my third installment about President Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration horoscope, I examine the horoscope set for January 20, 2017 at 12:00:26 in Washington, DC, United States, the moment when he swore the final words of his oath of office, “So help me God.”

The cardinal (chara) modality is the strongest based on the Ascendant, Sun, Moon, and Midheaven occupying cardinal signs. Having the cardinal signs in the all-powerful angles (kendras) increases their power: The rising sign is in sidereal Aries; Moon is in Libra; and the Sun and Midheaven (MC/bhava madhya) are in Capricorn. In Vedic astrology, this cardinal lineup is called Rajju Yoga, which indicates a lot of initiative, quick action, and change. Though the cardinal is the strongest mode, the fixed (sthira) and mutable (dual/dwishwabhava) modes are also strong enough to balance the cardinal rajas with stable (fixed) tamas and adaptable (dual) sattva.

When the seven grahas (not including the Lunar Nodes) fall in contiguous houses as in this chart from Jupiter to Mars, the combination forms an auspicious Akriti Ardha-Chandra Yoga which suggests strong leadership, honor, and courage. When the grahas (not including the Lunar Nodes) fall in seven houses, the yoga is called Vina (Vallaki) which is one of the Sankhya yogas for prosperity. It also usually points to the buildup of a strong military.

The Moon in the seventh house is in Durudhara Yoga hemmed in by Jupiter and Saturn in the sixth and eighth houses. This is a propitious combination that supports the Moon and the seventh house and indicates prosperity and charitable action by and for the people. On first glance, there is Sakata Yoga in which Jupiter and the Moon are in a 2/12 relationship with each other. This combination often brings extreme extreme ups and downs, but it is mostly cancelled (neutralized) because the Moon is in a kendra (seventh house).

As mentioned in my previous article, the Sun is strong in the 10^th house on the Midheaven (Abhijit Muhurta) and also in Abhijit nakshatra. The tenth is the most important house in the chart for a nation (which this Inauguration chart represents). The tenth and eleventh houses both indicate the Congress. The tenth also tells something about foreign trade and the overall well-being of the nation. The Sun represents the leader and his administrative office as well as the political party in power; the nation’s image, status, and honor in the world; and the country’s influence in geopolitical world affairs.

The Sun and tenth house are hemmed by benefics Venus (eleventh house) and Mercury (ninth house) which is called Ubhayachari Yoga and Shubha Kartari Yoga, combinations that reveal strength and fortune to the tenth house and the Sun. The Pars Fortuna (Part of Fortune, or Punya Saham) is well placed in the tenth house with the Sun, in exact trine to Jupiter, reflecting further protection, success, and some grace shining down on the nation.

There are no retrograde planets in the Inauguration chart (not counting Lunar Nodes which are retrograde). This is a rare astrological event that happens only in about eight percent of astrological charts, and it does not always happen in every year. It is actually quite common in the charts of US presidents and represents tremendous persistence, focus, and optimism.

Western astrologer Stephanie “Wave” Forest has named this cycle “APDM” (All Planets Direct Motion) and says it is a time that offers “hope for the future…[and] cosmic assistance to any endeavor created to benefit, rather than to hinder, human life on earth…wherein the whole planet can be energized by cosmic fuel rather than fossil fuels.” This year’s cycle APDM runs from January 8 to February 6, 2017. It’s interesting that former President Bill Clinton’s second term Inauguration happened during an APDM cycle; his term was marked by an economic boom but also marred by great scandal.

The Marc Jones chart pattern in President Trump’s Inauguration chart (sidereal wheel shown below) is a Bowl, which occurs when most of the planets are on one side of the horoscope, as in this case where they predominantly occupy the southern hemisphere above the horizon. This pattern reflects passion and dedication but also disunity and contention as mirrored in the half-empty, half-full design. The Bowl chart is often on a mission to fill the empty half, seeking to balance and strengthen what appears to be lacking, which in this case is the empty half below the horizon. This area in a mundane horoscope refers in part to infrastructure and the heartland. President Trump’s plan is to rebuild the forgotten and depressed areas of America and its aging and broken infrastructure.

The Bowl chart pattern can represent an obsessive dynamic, and with all the energy above the horizon, it suggests a significant presence on the world stage but also a need to attend to the issues at home, as with President Trump’s platform of “America First.” I feel there will be some evolution in thinking and a realization that to achieve certain goals, cooperation and partnering with the global community will be necessary, as much as President Trump said he wants to erect a wall and close some of the doors to the rest of the world. The Bowl certainly reveals this great tension and a need to achieve some middle ground in the Yin-Yang.

It’s interesting that the leading planet of the Bowl is Jupiter, placed in the sixth sign (Virgo) and the sixth house which both relate to public health matters; repealing and replacing Obamacare happens to be the first item on the President’s agenda. Jupiter leading the Bowl also gives hope and optimism, philanthropy, and divine providence. Interestingly, President Trump is in his fortunate Jupiter Return now, and his Jupiter (dharma karaka) is conjunct Saturn (karma karaka) in the US birth chart in the tenth house of leadership, uniting Donald Trump’s purpose and path with action on behalf of the nation.

The ruler of Aries Ascendant is Mars (Lagna lord or Lagnapati). This first house ruler of a mundane chart relates to public health; the nation as a whole; the disposition of the people; all government affairs; the executive cabinet; and national objectives. Clearly, we have some affliction here, and for many astrologers analyzing it, this is one of the most disconcerting astrological placements in this horoscope as Mars is placed at the zero degree of Pisces in Cancer navamsa where it is further weakened in debilitation. It is technically considered weak (not noticeable or readily expressed) and is also unfavorable (not fully supportive to the chart).

One factor of the Mars weakness is rashi sandhi, in which Mars is on the edge between two signs at the zero degree, and this is based on the most commonly used Lahiri ayanamsha. However, there are many variations of ayanamsha used to calculate the positions of planets in the signs. In some of them, Mars is not rashi sandhi but further along into Pisces, well past the sandhi (edge).

Yet, with Lahiri ayanamsha, Mars is in an even sign at zero degrees, so it becomes Mrit(yu) Avastha, which scores “no strength” according to the calculation known as Baal Adhi (Baaladhi) Avastha, in which the last six degrees of an even sign are considered in extremis. I asked my friend, Vedic astrologer SueAnn McKean, about this and she described this Mrit Avastha Mars quite elegantly as being a planet of war that will not need to use a show of force, i.e., by showing strength instead of force, Mars will be at ease and stay “quiet,” as if in some repose.

A zero degree planet represents “new beginnings,” changing of the guard, with a pioneering dynamic. It’s in a brand new territory, like the Fool in the Tarot’s Major Arcana, which is a symbol of infinite possibilities, but there is a caution here too as in the need of the new administration and the people fighting against it to be careful to avoid missteps. For instance, promises will be (have been) made and will be broken by the new administration; and some of the opposition aimed at the new administration will be ineffective and weakening to the nation’s overall best interests.

Within Pisces, Mars lies in the fourth pada of Purvabhadrapada nakshatra, Cancer navamsa, and signifies a divisive theme related to two faces, as with “the persecutor and the persecuted” (Prash Trivedi, The 27 Celestial Portals, p 410). This brings to mind the Trump detractors who believe that he is out of touch and diabolical, versus the Trump supporters who look to the detractors as being delusional and pretentious. Such a play! Because Mars is Lagnapati, ruler of the chart, this theme predominates at the start of the Trump presidency; because President Trump has been seen by his detractors as such a polarizing figure, this theme will probably continue, at least among some segments of society.

Purvabhadrapada nakshatra is ruled by Aja Ekapad, a devil-like character, and also Lord Rudra, God of the Storm, and is associated with the front legs of a funeral cot which all can indicate, as I have seen elsewhere in the chart, a possibility of some difficult cathartic collective karma ahead within the next four years. Yet, Mars in this nakshatra almost undoubtedly signifies enormous economic and other kinds of gains in President Trump’s term of office. Ultimately, one should remain encouraged as the shakti of Purvabhadrapada is “the power to raise the evolutionary level,” though it often does this through tumultuous events.

Transiting Mars just entered the eighth house of President Trump’s natal chart around the inauguration, and will remain there until March 1 (“first forty days”). This is quite fitting as the warrior (Mars) comes to “drain the swamp” (eighth house/Pisces). The eighth house is an effective house for Mr. Trump, and Mars is his best planet (yoga karaka, planet of power and purpose), so this transit can indicate that a lot of change will be happening fast; and support will be coming to him quickly; his mind could be full of creative vision; he may be fighting for a new kind of health insurance for Americans; and he will continue to stir up a great deal of controversy.

Mars in the twelfth sign or house is said to give malevolent results when it is afflicted, which it is in the main Inauguration chart by a square from Saturn; it is further afflicted in the navamsa chart by its conjunction with Rahu. Mundane astrologers often surmise that this can indicate danger of a major world war. However, this is not so clear to me. I looked at the Inauguration charts of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), each of whom was inaugurated in the exact year that the US became significantly involved in major wars: the former being World War II (1941) and the latter, Vietnam in 1965.

In both cases, the seventh houses of the charts (indicating open enemies and wars) were hemmed by malefics in adjoining houses forming the very destructive and powerfully impacting Papakartari Yoga. In FDR’s Inauguration chart, Mars was in Scorpio in the eighth house and Rahu was in the sixth house. In LBJ’s, Mars was in the sixth house and Ketu in the eighth. This set-up is more compelling for war than Donald Trump’s Inauguration chart which has the lords of dharma and karma hemming the seventh house offering more strength and security.

Mars in the twelfth sign (and twelfth house of the rashi chart) can point to civil unrest that could require emergency measures; and it can indicate a buildup of the military. Mars here can point to increased crime; infectious diseases (public health crisis); and drastic changes to all kinds of policies and laws; enemy espionage and underground movements to subvert the government as well as difficult legal issues for the administration (fines, insubordinate government employees, penalties, judicial and other conflicts, or threats of impeachment – notice I said threats only... it is highly unlikely that President Trump will ever actually be impeached).

Mars is in the eleventh house of the bhava chart and twelfth house of the rashi chakra. In terms of houses, I read it as being in the eleventh because it is about fifty degrees back from the Ascendant (Lagna) which clearly places it further in the eleventh bhava. Mars here indicates some undesirable results such as disputes in Congress and in the ruling party; outspoken enemies; deceptive or disappointing allies; and unfavorable public approval ratings for the President, as we are already seeing.

Yet, Mars is the lord of the whole chart, the administration will develop well over time as the eleventh house is an upachaya house where planets (especially malefics like Mars) will grow to give better results as effort is applied. This could mean that there will eventually be great gains in industry; economic expansion; more bipartisan cooperation in congress; some international approval; fulfillment of many ambitious projects and plans; and enhanced foreign trade agreements.

Though I interpret Mars as in the eleventh house, Uranus is in fact in the twelfth house, a bit less than thirty degrees away from the ascendant. Uranus is in an auspicious and idealistic aspect opposite Jupiter, and this is in place from late 2016 through much of 2017 indicating major new plans and reforms. Uranus is also in a fortunate trine with Saturn (within a few degrees orb) which may suggest a grounded, sound, and methodical capacity for enacting positive reforms. Uranus opposite Jupiter in the 6/12 axis indicates that reorganization will occur in labor unions, military, prisons, health care, charitable institutions, and public assistance programs.

The upheaval already occurring between the new administration and national intelligence agencies is reflected by this Uranus placement. Underground subversive movements, violent riots, peaceful marches, and insubordination occurring at the beginning of President Trump’s new term and throughout the next four years are further related to a tension square from Pluto to Uranus (within a few degrees orb).

With the Pluto-Uranus aspect, zealots hostile to the government in power will do anything and everything to destabilize it. Secret enemies could cause tremendous harm to the nation and the people on a lot of levels. There will be much civil unrest. Uranus in the twelfth house has at times indicated strong damaging earthquakes and prison riots, as well as epidemics or attacks from foreign enemies. Immigration issues are seen from the ninth house of the chart, and this aspect of Pluto in the ninth (immigrants) in tension square with Uranus in the twelfth (foreign matters and exiled persons) points to sweeping controversial immigration reforms.

Saturn is another wild card in this chart as he is strong at the end of a sign in the 29^th degree of Scorpio but weak in the eighth house of the chart. I looked at Saturn’s house placements using more than 30 different ayanamshas, which are the calculations used to determine the sidereal zodiac signs. With twenty-three of them, including the most commonly used Lahiri version, Saturn is indeed in the eighth house; but with nineteen others, Saturn moves to the ninth house. So I am reading both house placements for Saturn. I am doing this also because in the Chalit Bhava (Unequal House chart), also known as Sripati Bhava chart, Saturn actually does move into the ninth house. Saturn is not bhava sandhi, but I feel he does give some effects of both the eighth and ninth houses and this is also because he is fast moving out of Scorpio.

Some will say it is good to “lock up” the natural malefics like Mars and Saturn in the “prisons” of the dusthana/trik houses (six, eight and twelve). But in this case, Saturn is a very key planet as lord of the tenth house. We would prefer that he is in a more auspicious sign, degree, and house than this because Saturn is important as the tenth house ruler, known as Karmesha in Vedic astrology. The tenth house and the Karmesha in a mundane chart represent the leaders of the country (rulers of state, as with President Trump); the party in power; all government; foreign trade; a nation’s status and honor in the world; business and influence in world affairs; politics and politicians; national goals; and most importantly, national integrity.

The Karmesha’s placement in the eighth house can indicate that the leader has low approval ratings and is looked down upon by many, such as in the eyes of his vehement critics including a few million around the world who marched in the anti-Trump demonstrations the day after his Inauguration. Throughout his term, he will probably have to continually fight the press and his many enemies in Washington and elsewhere over accusations of unethical behavior and attempts to delegitimize him.

The tenth lord in the eighth house also signifies that the new leadership will work hard to transform the country, and may be involved in exposing various clandestine cover-ups such as the President did recently in a speech to the CIA when he subtly alluded to upending the secret shadow government (“fifth column”). Saturn in the eighth can mean that the President will have to employ emergency measures at some time during his term to enact social change or protect the health and well-being of the nation. As did JFK, whose Inauguration chart also has the Karmesha in the eighth house, President Trump may have to face a serious, perhaps even nuclear, international crisis or crises.

The Karmesha in the eighth house can sometimes indicate a very serious pandemic or other kind of crisis (like a terror event) on US soil in the next four years. It can mean that many prominent people will die in the next four years, and the death rate of people in general could escalate. Saturn here is often said to indicate that the people will suffer perils of war, epidemics, or drought.

However, the Karmesha being in the eighth house will only indicate the death of the ruler and overthrow of the administration IF the Sun is afflicted by Saturn, which it is not. JFK of course was assassinated in office. In his Inauguration chart in 1961, the Karmesha is in the eighth house BUT the Sun is also aspected by Mars, and the Sun is in a Papa Kartari Yoga hemmed by Saturn and Ketu, and the Sun is also aspected by Mars in the D9 chart. It seems safe to say that the Karmesha in the eighth house of Donald Trump’s Inauguration chart reflects the many threats made to his life by all kinds of characters.

The aspect from Saturn to the Sun in President Trump’s Inauguration chart is not a true aspect when we are using exact orbs (in sphuta drishti, which gains only 15 of 60 points); but the aspect from Jupiter to the Sun has 49 of 60 points which is pretty strong and protective. Saturn in the eighth can mean that the President’s Cabinet will go through several reappointments, and that there may be some conflicts to work out among the President, his Cabinet, and Congress.

Saturn in the eighth house of a mundane chart may point to tax reform and revision of social security and public assistance policies and benefits.Trade policies and agreements may also undergo revision. Saturn does not fare well in the D10 dasamsha chart or the D3 drekkana, so I cannot spin it: the lord of karma does not promise an easy path for the President or the country, because the karmic burden of the nation as a whole is in need of purifying and rebalancing.

Yet with the lack of affliction to Saturn per aspects in the main chart, and the fact that it is sandhi and moves to the ninth house using various ayanamshas and in the Sripati Bhava chart, many such negative factors can be mitigated and the administration can serve to elevate society in ways that align with certain important traditional values. Concerns will rise in matters of ethics and justice and those related to religious ideologies and higher education. The fact that Saturn is quickly changing from Scorpio to Sagittarius (on January 26, 2017) but will come back into this gandanta water-fire edge later in 2017 represents some crisis and rebirth ahead for the nation and government.

Saturn and Mars are in a close tension square, representing that the President’s new administration begins under enormous burden, conflict and acrimony, further indicated by Saturn’s conjunction with President Trump’s natal Moon in Scorpio. Clearly, the President will be making many concessions and compromises as evidenced by the Saturn and Mars square. It is not uncommon for leaders to take office when Saturn is making strong contacts to the natal chart as in his case with the natal Moon (sade-sati), since Saturn represents being under pressure and working hard.

Additionally, this signifies the aggressive powers directed at the President, his family, his administration, as well as his multitude of supporters. Yet, the higher expression of Mars square Saturn can be seen in the administration’s perseverance and hard work in spite of enmity; and formidable drive and determination regardless of massive resistance. Challenges can be met with firmness, discipline, and focus.

Finally, and most importantly, the tenth house and lord in a mundane chart represent national integrity, as in a sense of unity, which is not at all healthy right now. The country is severely divided in terms of politics, values, and ideologies, and this current state of divisiveness and turmoil could feasibly point to the eruption of some cataclysmic mass karmic event(s) in the next four years as indicated by Mars and Saturn in this chart.

The 29-degree of Saturn in Scorpio here and for much of 2017 tells me that though there is a spiritual battle taking place on the inner realms between the dark and the light, we can overcome it and will recover from any setbacks if we each do our part. I believe the 29-degree Saturn could mean that we will have to face an external enemy or enemies, and that afterward, our national integrity can recover well. I also have faith in such a recovery based on the fortunate Shubha Kartari Yoga in which benefics Moon and Mercury hem Saturn from either side (from the seventh and ninth houses).

Rahu is in the fifth house in a 6/8 inconjunct the Sun which is said to indicate the potential for political plots against the ruler (fifth house is eighth from the tenth) but this can also reflect some potential for danger to the public through chemical or biological attack as Rahu is in a few severe inconjunct aspects with Mars, Uranus, the Sun, and MC/midheaven. The greatest danger to the citizenry might be in places of entertainment, sports and recreation, and schools.

Jupiter is in the bright Chitra nakshatra in the sixth house in a trine to the tenth house, protecting all aforementioned tenth house matters and the Sun. Interestingly, Jupiter at the time of Inauguration was also transiting in a close trine to President Trump’s natal Sun in Taurus, further protecting him and his family and administration as well as the government, promising a relatively smooth transition of power. When Jupiter is in the sixth house of a mundane chart, it is said that there will be improvement for the working classes and expansion of the armed forces.

However, because Jupiter is afflicted by a strong aspect from Mars, the expenditures for the military may be heavy or excessive, and the people may suffer some health, safety, or healthcare setbacks (a recurring theme of this chart). The twelfth lord in the sixth can also reflect that President Trump will always be accused by his enemies of inappropriate behavior.

Jupiter in mundane astrology represents finances, banks, commerce and national revenue; prosperity and peace; religion and ideologies; the judiciary; politics; hospitals; the morals and traditions of the President and his administration; education; foreign relations; and huge expenditures. Having Jupiter afflicted in the sixth house of enmity, struggle, and conflict means that all these areas can be under duress.

The sixth house rules the armed forces; police and law enforcement; wars; common people; disease and health care; food supplies; labor and employment, so with Jupiter afflicted here, these are possible areas of concern, but they can also be improved in time as the sixth house is also upachaya, a growing house. Also, Jupiter as twelfth lord in the sixth, exchanging signs with Mercury, lord of the sixth, is in a doubly lucky and success-filled Vimala Viparita Raja Yoga which can indicate that good things come in time after difficulties, and losses can be regained and even turned into profits.

The strongest planet in a mundane chart is of importance as it will impress itself strongly upon the nation and the people. Venus is the strongest planet per various factors including shadbala and placement in a friend’s sign in the eleventh house (Aquarius/Saturn traditional ruler). Venus is also the day lord which makes it quite significant.

Venus is considered more unfavorable than favorable in this chart for various reasons, such as being disposited by Saturn in a dusthana and ruling two maraka houses (known as death inflicting or health disturbing). Venus is in a three-quarter strength tension square with Saturn (peace in short supply); is widely conjoined the Moon’s South Node Ketu and opposite Rahu (some drama related to women, education, and women’s concerns); and is at the midpoint of Mars and Neptune (possibly some danger of misdirected passion or some illusion or confusion among the people).

Venus is in Purvabhadrapada nakshatra (20 degrees Aquarius to 3 deg. 20 min. Pisces), moving toward a fiery conjunction with Mars, which is also in this nakshatra. Purvabhadrapada which is connected to fierce activities, stormy conditions, deception, hypocrisy, secret societies, the darker side of life, sexual harassment and abuse, and conspiracy theories. Venus here as the strongest planet suggests some purifying energy and the significance of a powerful movement of protest by “women” against the “Patriarch” of society.

Venus in mundane astrology rules women as well as the harmony among people in general. When it is afflicted as in this case, especially being in the eleventh house of organizations and fellowships, it represents civil action and disruption as we saw in the days around the Inauguration, including on January 21 when about 1% of Americans marched against President Trump. One can have no doubt that most of the protesters were coming from a very good place of wanting to demonstrate for positive change, and this is clearly part of the Purvabhadrapada-style purification and empowerment process that they as individuals and as a large group need to go through.

The anti-Trump protest on January 21 was even advertised as a “Women’s March” which is a reflection of the passionate and fiery Venus-Mars energy here in Purvabhadrapada nakshatra (Venus = Women and Mars = March). Much “righteous anger” was expressed among several participants including celebrities Ashley Judd and Madonna, and this anger is quite characteristic of the nakshatra which counts a sword among its various symbols. On the other hand, which we have to consider since Purvabhadrapada is symbolized by a man with two faces (as in two sides to every story), some reports such as one written by Asra Nomani  of the New York Times suggest that there was outside interference in the January 21 demonstrations and that the event was mostly funded and supported by a secret New World Order group involved in ongoing strategic and divisive identity politics.

All such controversies aside, I will predict that with Venus and Mars in Purvabhadrapada, a major theme for the next four years will be related to conspiracies, sexual misconduct, hidden agendas, plots, and secret enemies, and this is especially so as Lagnapati Mars brings this energy through. Further, though I cannot predict if there will be a great war involving America in the next four years, chances are that if there were, it would be won by America based on Venus here in the eleventh, which is yet another upachaya “growing” house where planets over time give improvements. I say this also as Venus in times of war is a planet of victory and does well for that in the eleventh house of “gains.”

Venus as the karaka of prosperity, currencies, and revenues, and also as the second money lord in the eleventh money house, forms a dhana yoga, good for the economy; Venus as seventh lord in the eleventh house can be fortunate for foreign trade and alliances, but because of the aforesaid afflictions, there are serious difficulties and complications ahead which have to be worked out, as to be expected.

The Arudha Lagna (AL) falls in the eleventh house in Aquarius, sign of humanity, and the Moon falls in the ninth from the AL. The Moon thus becomes the great protector of this chart. The Moon is in the ninth tithi (synodic lunar day) which is ruled by the Vedic goddess of transformation named Durga. This means to me that the people, each one of us, operating individually and collectively, are the most important ingredient for peace and prosperity in the coming four years, which is a message I have heard many times from the Dalai Lama.

With our thoughts and actions, we make the world. It is important to do our own individual and familial healing work and withdraw our negative and divisive projections in order to make a better world. It may be more constructive to protest for what we want more of (like peace) rather than what we are against (whatever or whoever that may be). Either way, the warrior goddess Durga gives this Inauguration chart some real “power to the people”!

It’s interesting that the Moon in Aquarius in the US chart opposes Mars and the Ascendant in Leo in President Trump’s chart. This is another point of conflict between some of the citizens of America (signified by the Moon, the people, especially women) who believe that Donald Trump is too aggressive, impulsive, and simply an anathema. I find it fascinating that the Moon’s South Node Ketu, a shadow graha, is transiting near the Moon in the US chart now and will be eclipsed by Ketu in the next solar eclipse on February 26, 2017, which can instigate outrage and confusion and cause projections of disillusionment, anger, and fear…in other words, it brings up shadows. Where are they projected? Onto the country’s new figurehead, of course, as the Moon is opposed to his Ascendant-Mars! What else is impacted? The media, as the Moon in the US chart falls in the third house of communication and media.

President Trump also takes up the projections of the US Moon from all directions and projects it back out through his message. His chart will be directly impacted by the August 2017 Rahu solar eclipse to his Ascendant-Mars, a rare total eclipse that will cover the United States and which I believe points to a huge rebirth for America. The solar eclipse in the US chart in February will start the rebirthing process by bringing significant domestic changes.

The Moon in the seventh house opposing the Ascendant of the Inauguration chart also shows that the attention of the public and the government will be very much concerned with our relationship with other nations. With the Moon in harmonious trine to Venus, President Trump and his administration may adjust any alleged hard-line thinking and take another tack beyond isolationism toward forging important global alliances. Because the Moon trines Venus and Venus is in an upachaya growing house, I am hopeful that women and people in general can continue to find ways to empower themselves, and that many of their concerns will be heard and alleviated in the coming years.

Mercury in the ninth house according to Raphael’s Mundane Astrology “denotes activity in commercial and legal affairs, and legislation affecting these matters; it denotes activity in publishing, scientific and inventive circles. If afflicted [as it is by Rahu’s trine], disputes over trade and commerce, important legal cases, libel, forgery and the like, and much recrimination in the press.” Mercury is the ruler of the third house and sixth house which represent the administration’s ongoing conflict with the press (third is communication and sixth is conflict).

Mercury is widely conjunct Pluto and as mentioned, trine Rahu, which may refer to President Trump’s apparent concern for good “ratings” in the media alongside his tendency to deliver shocking statements at nearly every turn. Mercury could be said to be afflicted here by Rahu’s aspect, which along with the wide conjunction of Pluto represents the tumultuous relationship and death-rebirth process that the new administration will undergo with the press and mainstream media during the next four years. These aspects also speak to the extensive immigration and border reform promised by President Trump as Mercury rules the third house of neighbors and borders, occupying the ninth house of immigration, in an aspect with Rahu which is the planet of immigrants, thus placing these heated immigration and border issues at the forefront of policy change and new development in the next four years.

Pluto in the ninth house in a wide-orb square with Uranus can represent important changes in our intelligence agencies; modification of international treaties; a shifting focus related to various global conflicts; and of course the reshaping of the federal judiciary through many new appointments. Pluto here can also adversely affect the shipping, insurance, transportation, and airline industries. Mercury and Pluto in the ninth house point to the possibility of exciting new scientific discoveries and inventions and possibly some progress in matters related to education.

I hope my analysis offers some upliftment and hope. This is my intention. I wish you, my reader, love, ease, peace, and well-being in this time of great change. Thank you.

Today as we all know, Donald John Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. I will be working on a little write-up this weekend on his inaugural chart set for Jan. 20, 2017 at 12:00:26 PM in Washington DC at the US Capitol. This time is when he completed the statement “So help me God” which is the birth of his presidency.

In my opinion, the inauguration horoscope is read to understand the karma of the nation for the upcoming term of the US President. It is not a chart that we read to understand the personality and character of the President. It will reflect the personality and character of his office and the collective karma (samhita) of a nation.

I was surprised to hear from friends today that some astrologers are remarking on the lagna of President Trump’s inauguration chart being Bharani nakshatra, and the Sun being in Abhijit and Uttarashadha nakshatra and Abhijit muhurta, as if these things are unique to this president’s inauguration chart. They are not!

Let me backtrack a moment for those who don’t study Vedic astrology in detail. First, Bharani nakshatra spans from 13 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes of sidereal Aries. This nakshatra is rising in the inauguration charts for most presidents starting in 1933 as it rises in Washington DC on January 20 around noon. It rises in Washington DC around noon from the 1700s and for almost 400 more years into the future. All the recent presidents except for JFK and LBJ (first term) have Bharani rising. The rulers of Bharani are Mars and Venus so where they fall in the various inauguration charts will be important to analyze for more specific information.

Re: Abhijit, there are two different Abhijits, one a nakshatra, and the other, a muhurta.

Abhijit nakshatra is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra or lunar mansion in the zodiac (Lyrae-Vega) between Uttara Ashadha and Shravana nakshatras. Its longitude starts from 06° 40′ to 10° 54′ in sidereal Capricorn i.e. from the last quarter of Uttara Ashadha to the first 1/15th part of Shravana. Its span is approximately 4° 14′ (4.2277 degrees).

One may wonder if those who established the inauguration to be held on January 20 at 12 PM planned this for a good astrological reason, as Abhijit nakshatra and muhurta are both auspicious. The Sun rules the president and his executive office so when in a good zodiac sign as well as high in the sky in the diurnal chart like this, the timing is auspicious and gives some protection for the leader and his administration.

The Sun has been in Abhijit nakshatra on January 20 since the 20th Amendment was ratified in 1933. It will be in Abhijit nakshatra on Inauguration Day only through the year 2026. The Sun is also in Uttara Ashadha nakshatra in the inauguration chart (which runs from 26/40 Sagittarius to 10 Capricorn) and this has been true for January 20 for hundreds of years and will be until the middle of the next millennium; so in other words, this is also standard fare.

Abhijit muhurta is another matter. It is a 48-minute section of the day that occurs near midday (the exact muhurta time-span depends on location) and is also propitious and often used for electional astrology when a quick auspicious time is needed for beginning an important action. In this era, in Washington, DC, the Sun is always in Abhijit muhurta on Jan. 20 around noon, and will be until the year 2496.

Vedic astrologers are expected to maintain equipoise when studying and interpreting astrological charts. This is written in Brihat Samhita, Vol. 1, Ch. 2, “Canons for [the] Astrologer,” by Sage Varahamiha. I will approach the inauguration chart analysis with as much equipoise as I can muster because when we can do this, it is easier to “see.”

I also wanted to mention that in Vedic and Western astrology, when interpreting the charts of public figures, we are meant to follow an ethical code. Our interpretation is to be “confined to areas that are considered public domain due to specific achievements or notoriety as revealed in interviews, published documents, or recorded observations. When interpreting charts of public figures, astrologers refrain from making slanderous comments. Information should be presented in a manner that is respectful to the individual whose chart is being discussed.” (ACVA.org/ethics/)

Further, we astrologers are meant to offer hope and a positive message as well as remedial suggestions for any pending karmas that we might deem to be “challenging,” and this is especially because “Astrological variables can manifest in differing events of similar meaning, and astrology cannot predict with absolute certainty the outcome of future astronomical events.” This is also because we have a lot of power to create change. Reality is not all fixed. We are changing it all the time with our thoughts and actions.

In regard to ethics and a positive message, I think of the Dalai Lama, who is one of the most enlightened beings on our planet, and a wonderful role model for all of us, astrologers included. He said this when asked about Donald Trump:

1. “The president, of course, (is a) very important individual, but basically I (am) always telling (people), the world belongs to humanity…Each nation belongs to the people.” [In other words, we each make the world what it is. Divisiveness and hatred need to be rooted out within each of us.]
2. “I feel during the election, the candidate has more freedom to express.” He said that once in power, all Presidents were forced to work with “reality” and that he is not at all worried about President Trump and looks forward to meeting with him soon.

It’s Shanivaar, the day of Saturn (Shani) who requires some extra attention now as he transits in the nakshatra gandanta between sidereal Scorpio and Sagittarius for most of 2017. The gandanta (gand-knot and anta-end) refers to a karmic knot or transformational point between a water and fire sign: Pisces-Aries, Cancer-Leo and Scorpio-Sagittarius. The gandanta is also a weak juncture point between the solar and lunar zodiacs and often points to a sense of drowning, asphyxiation, loss of control (or need to let go control), and fear of death. Planets and chart points placed here reflect the eruption of many karmic problems, which on the plus side offer the potential for tremendous soul growth.

The most difficult of all three gandanta zones is this one between Scorpio and Sagittarius, as it resides on the edges of the galactic equator in the galactic center of the Milky Way, a sensitive area presided over by two ancient, fierce Kali-esque goddesses named Jyestha (Dhumavati) and Niritti. It is said that here in this section is where the gods and demons go to fight their greatest battle. In other words, the war between the light and dark reaches a climax in this zodiacal section, and with Lord Saturn’s sojourn here, it looks like a violent and disruptive time ahead. Divisiveness and polarization among the people will also reach a whole new level as Shani, Lord of Truth (Sat Graha) seeks to balance karma.

Saturn as Lord of Karma is the most dreaded of all planets. He is the planet of fated events, disease, perversity, oppression, calamity, psychological limitations, abuse, bad luck, pain, suffering and death. He is significator of the Vata dosha which governs all movement in the mind and body, including breath, blood flow, elimination of wastes, and the movement of thoughts across the mind. Saturn is the planet ruling the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. His nature is harsh, contracting, drying and limiting. Saturn’s highest purpose is to help us awaken to our eternal nature as divine beings, but sometimes his methods are less than kind. Remember that in Greek myth, Saturn (Cronus) eats his own children, indicating just how scary he can be as the shadow of our inner and outer world.

Saturn gains strength at the end of a sign, and this strength is for good or bad depending on multiple factors we have to examine when we analyze natal and mundane horoscopes. Saturn will be in the last degree of Scorpio, which gives the highest potential to wreak havoc, from January 16-27, 2017. In this period, the days from Jan. 18-20 look to be especially challenging as Mars will square Saturn while they are also exchanging signs (this exchange has been happening for months now which is yet another aggravating factor). Saturn will be in the last degree of Scorpio again from June 20-July 5, 2017, and again (last time) from October 14-26, 2017. Additionally, Saturn will be in the difficult nakshatra gandanta – which spans from 26 degrees 40 minutes sidereal Scorpio to 3 degrees 20 minutes sidereal Sagittarius – for an inordinate amount of time:

• December 26, 2016 to March 16, 2017.
• April 27, 2017 to November 28, 2017.

That’s around 293 days, the majority of 2017, that Saturn will be in the nakshatra gandanta. The last time Saturn transited in the Scorpio-Sagittarius nakshatra gandanta was in 1987 into early 1988 for only about 119 days total. During Saturn’s transit here in the Scorpio-Sagittarius gandanta in 1987, there were several notable airplane crashes, as well as the worst peacetime sea disaster in history, the sinking of the passenger ferry MV Doña Paz in the Philippines, which had collided with an oil tanker leaving over 4,000 people dead. During this period, the Congressional Committees Investigating The Iran-Contra Affair published their final report, and there was a small tsunami in Alaska, and also a ferry accident in Europe and a typhoon in the Pacific. Also in this period, we saw the Queen Street Massacre in Melbourne, Australia, and the King’s Cross Fire in London.

The current Saturn transit can bring forth very difficult tragic events and experiences on the world stage, but how it affects each of us will depend on our own individual karma, which can be assessed by a well-seasoned Vedic astrologer. We would look at where the Saturn transit falls in relation to our own natal chart, and would also consider multiple other astrological conditions at play in our natal, transit and progressed charts (dasas). Charts with strong placements in Saturn-ruled Capricorn and Aquarius (especially the Ascendant, MC, Sun and Moon) may be quite challenged, as will those with significant points and planets in the Scorpio-Sagittarius nakshatra gandanta. In terms of the mundane forecast, there are horrendous events happening everywhere all the time. The world is so out of balance and “in transition” now, and evil seems to be afoot more than ever, so it is hard to know if all these violent events that are happening are escalating under this transit, or if this is just the new normal.

During difficult Saturn cycles like this one upon us in 2017, it is more important than ever to cultivate peace, equanimity and self-discipline. I would say it is also important to act, not react, as much as possible when difficult Saturnine things happen. Spiritual practices like yoga, martial arts, prayer and meditation are imperative. Yagyas/pujas and specific mantra japa, special herbs, flower remedies and gems or gem elixirs are helpful (which can be prescribed by a Vedic astrologer), especially if Saturn is afflicting your chart. Stay hydrated and well-nourished. It is beneficial to follow a constant routine and schedule as much as possible. Use frankincense, sandalwood, juniper and cedar in the form of oils and resin incense to balance Saturn energies. Any physical exercise helps, and it is especially helpful when performed out in nature. In fact, any time spent in nature, and especially in mountainous areas, can be a healing balm for all Saturn problems.

Om Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan!
Hail to you Lord Saturn, Dark One, Beautiful One.
Seated in a restful asana, riding with the crow…
Worshiped in the Universe, Celestial firefly…
He’s a blissful One carrying a dark blue parasol,
Praised one, a brahmin, Lord Saturn, Lord of all.
Tamasic one, sober one, smeared with dark blue paste.
God who is the lord of the beasts, he is the God who flies,
He’s the lord of all creatures that travel in the sky.
Lord in the form of duty, granting wealth and peace.
He’s infallible, immovable, contemptible and cruel,
God in the form of knowledge, and of ignorance too,
Destroying the root of ignorance,
All lives he does transform…
Giving whatever is desired, a giver of dispassion,
To those whose minds absorbed in him express their great devotion.
I bow down to you, Great Lord, shadowy Sun…
Om Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan!
With all my heart and soul…
The above is based on the 108 names for Lord Sani (Shani/Saturn) and some of it is an excerpt from a delicious book I highly recommend called Driven by the Divine by Frances Kozlowski).

Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” – Alfred Tennyson

How wonderful the New Year feels as we hope it will be happier, and I myself am quite happy to share that 2017 will be a One Year per numerology, as 2017 = 2 + 0 + 1 + 7 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1! The year 2016 was a Nine Year. A One Year indicates a brand new nine-year cycle in the collective karma of the whole world, a true new beginning; whereas the Nine Year represented a completion and culmination of the past nine-year cycle.

The new One Year relates to the number One which in Vedic astrology is usually associated with the Sun, but also with Mars and Ketu. These are the fiery grahas of Vedic astrology, so we can count on 2017 being a year of remarkable leadership, transformation, creative power and new beginnings for the world at large.

For a more specific individual or mundane numerology forecast, we would need to calculate the personal year which is calculated by adding a birth month and date to 2017. For instance, for America, we would use the date July 4 (7/4) and add that to 2017 (7 + 4 = 11 = 1 + 1 = 2 + 2 + 0 + 1 + 7 = 12 = 1 + 2 = 3. A Three Year relates to Jupiter and represents the potential for new developments founded on wisdom, optimism, cooperation, collaboration and inventiveness.

In addition to the aforementioned numerological system, another way to predict the New Year is with a Nadi astrology mini-dasa system which was shared with me a few years ago by Indian Nadi astrologer A.V. Sundaram. Using this system, the United States will be having a Rahu year in 2017, whereas the last two years were Ketu years. You can use this mini-dasa with your own natal chart to get an idea of how 2017 will transpire for you.

To do this, first find the time of sunrise in your present locale. I recommend that you refer to an online panchanga (Vedic calendar) such as the one offered on drikpanchang.com, because you need to use the Hindu sunrise time rather than the observational sunrise time. The Hindu sunrise time is based on the astronomical sunrise, which is the time of first appearance of the upper limb of the Sun. This time is added to the time taken for the Sun to rise one-half of its diameter, plus the time taken by the Sun to rise further to offset the refractive result.

Once you know the time of local sunrise on January 1, you can calculate the horoscope and determine the nakshatra in which the Moon falls. By the way, January 1 is the date used for this technique as it is the date agreed upon by most world societies as the beginning of the New Year. In other words, it is valid simply as it is based on a universal consensus. Vedic astrology also traditionally calculates other dates for the New Year: 1) New Moon in Pisces in the springtime marks the Lunar New Year; and 2) Sun’s Aries ingress (also in the springtime) marks the Solar New Year, and both are calculated using the sidereal zodiac.

Once you know the nakshatra of the transiting Moon for the sunrise chart in your locale on January 1, 2017, you need to note your own natal Moon nakshatra (janma tara or birth star). Then, you have to count in a table of nakshatras (inclusively) from your natal Moon nakshatra to the nakshatra of the Moon at sunrise on January 1.

Next, multiply that sum by seven, and then divide that amount by nine. The remainder is the number you will use to determine the year lord (starting dasa lord). Note, do not use decimals for your calculation. Also note that this mini-dasa is based on 360-day year:

REMAINDER — DASA — DAYS of DASA

1 — SUN — 18

2 — MARS — 21

3 —JUPITER — 48

4 — KETU — 21

5  — MERCURY — 51

6 — VENUS — 60

7 — SATURN — 57

8 — MOON — 30

0 — RAHU — 54

TOTAL…360 DAY YEAR

Here follows an example of this calculation using the astrological birth chart of the United States. I like to use the Kelleher chart rectified by Vedic astrologer James Kelleher for July 4, 1776 at 18:30 in Philadelphia. It reveals the placement of the US Moon’s nakshatra in Satabhisha.

Once we locate the janma tara of the chart in question (Satabhisha for the US chart example), we then locate the year star (nakshatra) which is calculated for the Moon’s nakshatra in place at sunrise. In this example, I cast a chart for January 1, 2017 in Washington, DC, capital of the US, and the time is 7:31 AM, the Hindu sunrise time. The Moon falls in Dhanistha nakshatra. Dhanistha, the “Star of Symphony,” is ruled by the eight Vasus, solar gods of light and energy, and thus denotes material well-being and charity.

Counting (inclusively) from the 24^th Satabhisha nakshatra to the 23^rd Dhanistha nakshatra, we get 27. So then, 27 X 7 = 189. Dividing 189 by 9 gives 21 with a remainder of 0, which means Rahu’s cycle will be the first of the year (see above table showing 0 — RAHU).

In my own interpretation of this technique, the starting dasa lord becomes the year lord. This is because the starting dasa lord sets the stage and lays the ground for the year ahead. As the leader of this new year journey, it conditions the mind and governs free will and all our reactions. In the case of the US chart, the year lord conditions as well as reflects the collective mind.

Once we know the year lord, we can analyze it based on its natural significations. For more advanced analysis, we have to look at temporal and progressed significations in various natal and transit charts. Just generally, I can say that the past two Ketu years in the US have been very erratic, i.e., full of surprises and mass confusion (the nature of Ketu). Additionally, Ketu as the graha of dissolution and separation has brought great socio-political upheaval. Ketu also stands for chronic dissatisfaction, violence, polarization, hypocrisy and disparity, all of which have become so prevalent in American society in recent years. Add to this list the worst drug epidemic in American history (prescription opioids and heroin abuse), and you will get the full picture of Ketu’s darkest side.

Like Mars, Ketu’s attributes are hot, dry, dark, sharp and destructive. In addition, Ketu in its less positive manifestations can indicate angry, bitter and hazardous forces. Ketu’s lower tamasic indications are contracted, alienated, negative, paranoid, willful, critical, argumentative and suspicious. We see the effects of this everywhere now, a real split down the middle in our culture, with so much animosity and fear among Americans who are at extreme odds with each other in terms of their values and beliefs.

Now here comes Rahu in 2017! He is also the Vimshottari maha-dasa lord of the US Kelleher chart from September 2015 until September 2033. I wrote about the US Rahu cycle at length in a previous article for AstroLogic Magazine and also on my blog.

One key word for Rahu in this New Year is REBIRTH. Not only is Rahu the dasa lord in this Nadi mini-dasa system as well as the Vimshottari, but he will also eclipse the Sun and Moon in August 2017 over the USA, and also will be conjoining our new President Donald Trump’s ascendant in that eclipse. As the graha of revolution, evolution and expansion, Rahu signifies tremendous new possibilities for America if we choose to step up and come together as a people and nation.

Donald Trump is a Rahu-esque character as I have stated before, because he, like Rahu, is the ultimate outsider. It is quite fitting that he will take office under these new Rahu cycles. Additionally, in the Kelleher US chart, Rahu is in the sign of the homeland (Cancer) in the 8^th house of rebirth, and is the dispositor of the Moon which represents the masses. Rahu dasa is a powerful force of change in 2017 and could potentially alter politics, the economy and culture in ways we might not have imagined are possible.

In addition to understanding the year lord and main theme for the year based on that main lord, we can also use the sub-lords to chart the year ahead. As you will see above, Rahu is given 54 days, so the Rahu sub-dasa (Rahu-Rahu cycle) will last from January 1 through Feb. 23, after which the Sun minor period begins (Rahu-Sun, which lasts 18 days), and so on. An astrologer will be able to evaluate each individual sub-dasa according to standard dasa analysis techniques.

So here’s to hope in the New Year ahead!  It will be both a One and a Three Year for America, and this along with being a Rahu Rebirth year indicates the potential for great amazement, wonderful innovations and tremendous new creative ventures. All of us as individuals and as a collective are so full of immensely vast potential. All we need to do is expand, tune in, let go and let it all flow! Here’s wishing you and yours all the best in 2017, with great love and light and hope for all.

The waning crescent Balsamic Moon is once again upon us. This phase covers about three-and-a-half days leading up to the New Moon, and belongs to the ancient “dark” goddess who takes us deep within ourselves for transformation and rejuvenation. Balsamic Moon is time for letting go, burning karma, and healing ourselves as we prepare for new beginnings at the culmination of New Moon, which occurs on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 7:18:09 AM Eastern Time. This is the last waning Moon of the Dakshinayana, the waning cycle of the Sun which will end on the Winter Solstice (N. Hemisphere).

The November 29 New Moon will have the Sun-Moon conjoined at ~14 degrees Scorpio close to the fixed star Antares in the heart of the Scorpion and near the degree of the Saturn-Mars conjunction of last August 24, which fell on the heartland point of the US chart. Please refer back to my previous blog about this conjunction for more information.

(Above is an image titled Red Antares, via Fred Espenak at AstroPixels)

Not only is this New Moon activating the Mars-Saturn-Antares conjunction of last August, but also the luminaries are in an exact T-square with the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu (in the 4/10 axis of the USA chart); and the rising sign of the USA lunation chart is conjunct Antares and the Sun-Moon; and Saturn is the first planet to rise. Key expressions for all this now and through the next few weeks may include: intense emotional turmoil and trauma; political intrigue; cultural upheaval; war and terror; and other dangerous natural or man-made events.

In general, the New Moon in Scorpio tends to draw out shadow themes revolving around depression, fear, aggression, death, sexuality, rebirth, money, control and personal power. When not in harmony, Scorpio can be dogmatic, fundamentalist, rigid, stubborn, or narrow-minded. With Scorpio’s emphasis here, some will have a tendency to feel stuck, tight, or heavy in body and mind.  It may be helpful at this time to focus on spirit, move our bodies, keep with a positive message, enjoy nature, and most importantly, laugh, be kind and soften our hearts.

The external world is an unstable place, seemingly more than ever lately, so keeping ourselves at peace and in balance becomes the biggest challenge. Knowing and understanding something of the astral energies at play can actually be quite supportive during such times, not as a predictor of bad things happening, but more as a reminder of where to align our attention. For instance, the current waning Moon moving into Scorpio can assist us to stand in divine light and call out the darkness of the world; and also, to go quietly within and examine what we fear the most, let go, and actively cultivate more joy, love, forgiveness, and peace.

This is even more important now as this Balsamic and New Moon phase mirrors the current waning phase of the Sun, occurring as we move toward the darkest day of the year on December 21 (Winter Solstice-N. Hemisphere), when it is natural to slow down and be more contemplative than usual. Remember, the waning Moon is fast losing its light, and the Sun is also losing light. The Sun and Moon represent our higher brain and chakra centers and all psychological, metabolic and physiological processes. So, the Sun-Moon diminishing cycles can reflect in weariness and emotional vulnerability. Therefore, introspection, awareness, and repose are of utmost importance during this period.

Beannacht / Blessing by John O’Donohue

On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets into you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green
and azure blue,
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.

Today after one of the most vitriolic election seasons of my lifetime, we know that Donald John Trump will be our 45th President of the United States, having won the electoral vote by a substantial margin, but probably coming in under Hillary Clinton in the final tally of the popular vote. This result has come as a shock and surprise to much of America, including many pundits and seers who predicted a Clinton win.

In June of 2015 after Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination, I wondered on the Jyotish Currents Facebook forum if he were being advised by an astrologer, because the announcement chart was so auspicious. At that time and through much of the last year and a half, many astrologers replied that he was not in any way a serious candidate.

In September 2015, I wrote on my Astral Harmony blog about the US Kelleher chart which was rectified by eminent Vedic astrologer James Kelleher in 1985 and set for July 4, 1776 at 18:30 in Philadelphia PA. Vedic astrologer and author Linda Johnsen wrote about the painstaking rectification process which Kelleher followed to come up with this particular birth chart for America, which is just one among many of the mundane horoscopes in use for our nation.

I have successfully made predictions using this chart before and now that the election results are in, I am more confident than ever that it is correct, based on my prediction of a Trump win. In a September 2015 blog, I wrote about the Kelleher chart Rahu dasha and predicted the rise of a Rahu-esque “revolutionary” candidate in the 2016 US presidential race. At the time I was thinking it could be either or both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.

In February 2016, I also wrote on my website blog in an article titled Will Donald Trump ALL? about various natural and astrological omens pointing to the rise of Donald Trump. At the time I could accurately predict that he would win the nomination but admittedly, was never fully certain that he could win the presidency.

My friend and fellow astrologer Gary Gomes predicted a while back that Trump would win, and he based this on the Kelleher chart too. He said (and I agreed at the time) that Trump’s natal chart has more significant connections with the US Kelleher chart than Clinton’s did. Even though we do not know her time of birth, we can line up her planets on the day of birth to see if they fit into the Kelleher chart, which they don’t do that well. For example, her debilitated Sun in Libra is close to the Kelleher MC (midheaven).

Gary had mentioned at the time that other presidents always had close connections with the US chart. Though there are several compelling connections between Trump’s and the Kelleher chart, in my opinion the most compelling is Trump’s Jupiter in Virgo in  exact conjunction to Saturn in the 10th house of the Kelleher chart. This is a variation of dharma-karma yoga of purpose and power in the 10th house of government. This reflects that it is our country’s karma to have him as president, like it or not. It seems so important also as Trump is having his Jupiter Return this year and beginning his Jupiter mahadasha on Nov. 14, 2016 (using 365-day dasha year; but using a shorter day year he is already in Jupiter mahadasha),.

On October 30 this year, I wrote a blog post on my Facebook page in which I predicted a very close election and also said that IF the Kelleher chart were truly the correct chart for the US collective karma, Trump would likely win the presidency. I based this on a very basic and simple transit technique. Because the prediction came true, it once again validates the Kelleher chart, and also it validates this transit technique. I am sharing it because it is a very good technique which I have seen working in other elections, and because I like to try and keep things simple in astrology and hope it can help all of us astrologers learn.

Specifically, what I was looking at is that on election eve, Mercury, lord of the 10th house of the Kelleher chart (ruling party) was transiting in the weak 12th house (loss, ending) and in the weak sandhi sign position too. The ruler of the 4th house (opposition party) is Jupiter, strong in the 10th house of government and applying toward a conjunction with the karma lord Saturn. [Please note that some astrologers use the 3rd house for opposition party but I prefer the 4th as it is opposed the 10th house of the party in power].

Astrologer and friend Mark Ferreira made a really fascinating point in a comment on my Oct. 30 Facebook blog which I also want to share. He said that Mercury [ruler of the 10th house of party in power] would be transiting in Libra when the voting started on the US East Coast … crossing over into Scorpio as the day progressed. He said, “As Mercury is discrimination, the fact Mercury is ‘in-between’ for the greater part of the voting hours could indicate that the ‘undecided’ might carry the day.” I would also add that a “Secret Trump Vote” was reflected in the Mercury transit of the 12th “hidden” house in Scorpio, sign of secrets, as many who supported Trump were afraid to admit it. Why is that?  As Ed Rogers wrote in an October 17, 2016 article in the Washington Post titled “Could There Be a ‘Hidden Vote’ for Trump, “…maybe there are a number of people who will vote for Trump but never say so out loud — not because they are racist, sexist or whatever, but because they don’t want to deal with the wrath, disbelief and social stigma of being labeled as a Trump supporter in today’s finger-pointing atmosphere.” Or, as genius Dilbert creator and blogger Scott Adams lamented, it was not “safe” to come out in support Trump in California. Adams argued repeatedly from the very beginning that Trump was a Master of Persuasion who would win the Presidency.

On Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017, the transiting 4th and 10th house rulers of the Kelleher chart (Mercury and Jupiter) will exchange places in Parivartana Yoga also called Mutual Reception in which Mercury will be in Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius in the 1st house, and Jupiter will be in Mercury’s sign of Virgo in the 10th house. Now we know that this clearly means that the two parties will exchange places in the White House.

This below is the chart for Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on November 9 at 2:41 AM in New York City. Fortunately, benefic Jupiter is first to rise in the 1st house of the chart, which is the house representing the birth of his Presidency. Benefic Venus is in the hopeful sign of Jupiter (Sagittarius), and in the 4th house (the homeland). Angular benefics like this uplift the chart and reflect grace and good fortune. They are a protecting force like a super “fall breaker” for anything else that may be deemed challenging in this chart. It is also quite interesting to see Virgo rising in the chart, as this is the 10th house of the government and executive leadership of the US Kelleher chart, as mentioned earlier.

Psychic medium John Edward wrote an inspiring and refined post-election blog today which I wanted to share as well since it reflects my sentiments exactly. He said, “Many people today are celebrating…others are mourning. We live in a country that has a process and it has spoken. Either way we need to be the best individuals possible. Which will inspire others in our immediate circle (children, family, friends, our community). We make a difference not solely in a vote, but in everyday choices. Holding the door open, smiling at a stranger, having tolerance and compassion for other people’s views, lifestyles, choices, even if we don’t agree with them. In opposition there is the reflection of our own issues thoughts and fears. One ELECTION cannot take that away. Instead, whether victorious or feeling defeated – be empowered to make a difference. Congratulations to your candidate if you voted for him and condolences if you were with Hillary. Fear for many is genuine right now. Uncertainty just beginning. Relief for many. Perspective. It’s yours to shape. But for all the groups that will either be affected or fear intolerance – be united and strong with and for them. We are more than a political party, or a side. We are people…instead of going off here or anywhere – know there’s a course, path, journey… lessons to be learned in EVERYTHING… LOOK FOR THE MAGIC in life’s moments.”

I just returned from my three-week pilgrimage and retreat in India where it was quite refreshing not to hear about the highly unpleasant United States Presidential Election. However, some of my dear friends, readers, and clients have been asking me about the election outcome so I wanted to say a few things about it. I have not been writing much about the election because there is no verified time of birth for Hillary Clinton. The closest to being verified is 2:18 AM, but Shiva’s Curse on astrologers is in full force with this issue, as even the astrologers have been dropping to new lows battling it out over what might be the correct time. Most astrologers, of both Eastern and Western systems, are weighing in now in favor of a Hillary Clinton win. Most of them are using rectified birth times around 8 AM or 8 PM. A few great astrologers have predicted a Trump win. I honestly cannot see what the outcome will be at this time (read on).

I believe, based on my own and other astrologers’ research, that the 2:18 AM time of birth is the most accurate for Hillary Clinton, and I have been using it for the past several months. You can read about all her conflicting birth times on Astro.com. Astrologer Marc Penfield called the birth registry and did his best to verify the correct time but without a picture of the birth certificate, the Rodden rating for Clinton’s birth data is still DD (conflicting and unverified). Just today, the Washington Post published the story about the 2:18 AM time in more detail, title ‘This is not to be trusted’: Astrologers are battling over Hillary Clinton’s true birth time. I disagree with the comments stating it could not be the correct chart, and also know for a fact that Penfield is an honorable man who told the truth.

In my experience of astrology, birth time rectifications can be quite subjective and biased, even when carried out by the best astrologers through any of the myriad specific technical methods that we are taught to use. The fact that there has been a lot of confusion and vitriolic discussion among astrologers over the Clinton birth time feels like an ill omen to me, meaning that we really have little to work with but conjecture, and also more importantly, it reflects (as many believe) that there are confusing forces at hand related to her and her campaign.

With so many birth times and charts floating around for Hillary Clinton, I do not feel comfortable making an astrological prediction about her based on her chart.  That said, if the 2:18 AM natal chart were correct, it does not look so compelling for her rise to the seat of US President, though it does clearly reflect her career as a politician and also shows the many debacles of her career and personal life very well. It does not have an auspicious match to the US Kelleher birth chart or the POTUS chart for George Washington’s inauguration nearly as well as a president’s chart usually does (which Trump’s verified chart actually does match quite well). There is one compelling feature which is that Clinton’s Rahu conjoins the POTUS MC. However, there is some inauspiciousness associated with this conjunction. Let me explain.

A nodal inversion occurs when Rahu in one chart conjoins Ketu in another, and vice versa. This is happening with the POTUS chart in which Clinton’s Rahu conjoins the MC/Ketu of POTUS, and her Ketu conjoins the IC/Rahu of POTUS. This connection is in place no matter what time of birth we use that day. The nodal inversion often indicates the possibility of a reversal of fortune, change of direction or turn of events possibly around or even before the election. I wondered about this also because the Full Moon-Uranus conjunction on October 16, which will resonate for a few weeks, is in a 6/8 inconjunct/quincunx/ aspect to the POTUS IC/Rahu-Ketu inversion, which could indicate a significant break or at least some kind of necessary readjustment as in a health crisis, or a professional or family matter. Here is the biwheel of the two sidereal charts (all my charts are sidereal/Lahiri ayanamsa):

Here are three other charts for you to examine: 1) the Kelleher US chart with Clinton biwheel; 2) the Potus-Trump biwheel; and 3) the Kelleher US-Trump biwheel. In the latter two, there are interesting match-ups, the most significant being that Trump’s natal ascendant is almost exactly conjunct the POTUS ascendant, and his Jupiter (dharma) aligns perfectly with the US Kelleher Saturn (karma) in the 10th house of public office. That is not enough to predict a win, but does at least reflect that he made it this far in an election cycle in which most media and political pundits as well as astrologers had him dropping out over a year ago.

There are so many anomalies in this election cycle, making it unprecedented, including corruption in the DNC/and what allegedly happened to Bernie Sanders through that corruption; the ongoing Clinton email and Benghazi scandals; Trump being such a unique and outrageous populist candidate shaking up the Washington establishment and the GOP; accusations of sex scandals galore on both sides; already reports of alleged voter fraud in the DNC; no verified astro-chart for Clinton; etc. etc. etc. My intuition and common sense for a long time have been that she wins. But following my own astrological ethics, I do not feel comfortable attempting to predict without a verified chart for her; and also at this time, as I have said before and will say again, something significant could turn around events before the election. There are other methods, charts and types of astrological data to use to make predictions, including horary (prasna), transits and progressions to mundane charts, but even with these I am not sure.

As I try to look at this from a higher nondualistic perspective, I believe that we will always get the President we deserve per our nation’s collective karma, and this is for good and bad. The year ahead looks to be bumpier than usual no matter who is elected POTUS. Much poison will be unleashed in our world but it is our responsibility to extract the medicine from the poison and use it as individuals to raise human consciousness and serve the Divine along with the common good as best we can. Those of us who are at all sensitive are aware that the world is really intense and troubling now, and this will be ongoing per astrological forecasting. It seems 2017 will be quite rough, which I see astrologically in a number of ways, including Saturn’s transit in the Tail of Scorpion and in the Galactic Center of transformation for most of 2017.

The Maha Kranti is happening now. This is the term for a great destructive cycle which some call Pralaya (destruction, loss of consciousness). One of my gurus, Haidakhan Babaji, predicted in the 70’s and 80’s that it would come soon, and clearly it is happening NOW. It is a great turning, a revolutionary period of chaos and destruction on the planet. It is not a mass awakening as New Agers would have us think. That does not come fully for about 5000 more years per Sri Yukteswar. But we are ascending toward it slowly, and so gradually progress is made. Babaji said there would be no shanti (peace) until after the kranti.

The Maha Kranti reflects the world going topsy-turvy as seen in mass overpopulation; extreme economic inequity and poverty; dimming consciousness; environmental degradation; human greed and ignorance; hypocrisy and divisiveness; hatred and war. We are not to be disheartened but rather to rise above it all and continue to follow the Dharma (path of righteousness), do sadhana and He said most important is we do Karma Yoga while remembering the Divine, as with chanting the Shiva mantra Namashivaya.

Again, as I look astrologically, I do not believe it matters who wins the POTUS at the higher level. The Maha Kranti is happening anyway no matter who wins the election. The deeper concern is that our country is split almost down the middle and this divisiveness represents a weakening of the collective mind so that the mass delusion keeps rising as the mainstream media keeps programming so many deceptions of “us versus them” (the liberals versus the conservatives, and so on). We are too divided as a nation! Many people do not even know who to believe anymore or which news to listen to! We are turning against each other due to differing opinions about how to fix our ailing society, and the mass media and Powers that Be are turning us against each other. We must wake up and see the truth in this.

Why is there so much delusion being spewed in this season’s political process and so much hatred and negativity (and lies) being expressed from all directions along this huge chasm of philosophical and political polarization? Some of this can be attributed to spiritual warfare, a great battle between the forces of light and dark which is happening in the subtle planes and trickling down here now. It will escalate in 2017 as Saturn, the main Lord of Karma, will slowly grind his way back and forth three times across the gandanta between Scorpio and Sagittarius, which is the most unstable point in the zodiac where the gods and demons go to fight their greatest battle. This battle is something we lightworkers know about, but we also have some capacity to help the devas in the battle by holding the highest truth, light and love vibrations.

During the next few weeks, hold onto your hats. You don’t even need an astrologer to tell you this if you are following US politics. The battles, lies, deceptions, accusations, and manipulations are heating up leading to the November 8 election. Mars the fiery planet of war and conflict is transiting now in sidereal Sagittarius moving toward an Oct. 19 exact conjunction with Pluto, but they affect each other in orb for most of October. Pluto is a planet of transformation and as I have written about before, 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 in past times of this conjunction. It brings violence and turmoil especially related to self-righteousness and ideological conflicts (terrorism, all these election battles, etc.).

Mars will square Uranus near the end of October indicating some dangerous or disturbing unexpected event(s). Full Moon on the 16th October occurs at exact end of the whole zodiac (29 Pisces, another gandanta which is fiery and transformational) which represents dangerous weather or seismic events and some new shocking realizations and upsets. Neptune and Ketu are transiting together in middle Aquarius indicating the deception but hopefully also some unveiling of deception for the US public (Aquarius Moon in US chart = the public).

I may be able to better see what happens on November 8 once we get through this month…as again, by the end of the month new revelations and events may have changed the course of the election. It is interesting to note that Wikileaks has promised a new set of Clinton emails being released November 1 which could be a dramatic blow to her campaign, but the rational part of me doubts it given much of the public delusion (or confusion) being programmed by mainstream media which is simply the propaganda arm of the liberal establishment party, and all of them are simply puppets of the New World Order. And that’s a separate topic for another day.

Love, light and peace to all,

Juliana