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Mercury Retrograde, Paradox, Samsara and Oneness: January 2016

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Juliana

Heads up as Mercury is now slowing down to station retrograde in early sidereal Capricorn on January 5 at 8:06:15 AM EST. Welcome to the truly paradoxical new year year ahead: just as we get started back to work and focusing on our new year plans and resolutions, the planet of business, communication, speech, memory, writing, travel and transportation will appear to stop (station) and go backward for three weeks!

Mercury is just preparing us for what I feel is the big collective wake-up call of this new year, which is about going deeper, transcending dualities and connecting to Oneness. The paradox of a retrograde planet is that it just appears to be going backward from the perspective of Earth (geocentric), but from the perspective of the Sun, this is not happening, i.e., planets do not go retrograde (heliocentric). It’s all about perspective in the realm of duality!

And coming back to duality and our geocentric view of things, the gift of Mercury retrograding in methodical and practical Capricorn near the beginning of the new year is that we are give some extra time to prepare for what’s ahead. We can slowly ease into our resolutions and plans. If we find ourselves thwarted or frustrated in achieving certain goals at any time during this period, it is important to take some time out (and go within), and prepare to come out on top once Mercury goes direct on January 25.

The usual advice for Mercury retrograde is important now, especially as Mercury is exactly squaring Mars at its station (yikes, that can be quite stressful, irritable, impatient and hot-headed), and also we have a whole slew of other “interesting” transits ahead (like Jupiter stationing retrograde January 8 UT). So, keep commitments in mind; take care of all electronic and mechanical equipment; proceed cautiously with plans; be extra-patient and mindful when traveling; be clear and honest with communication; and heed this wonderful advice from the late best-selling motivational author and speaker Stephen Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People): “How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.”

As Mercury retrogrades, the idea is that he takes us along on a transformational journey into the underworld of our unconscious, where we can be rejuvenated in mind and spirit. This can be a time to rethink ideas and plans and go deeper in our healing and spiritual practices to find new understanding about ourselves and others. This is typically a good time to clear the decks of the past, complete old projects, and contemplate what is shifting for us from the old to the new year.

We don’t have to rush into anything. Just because it is 2016 doesn’t mean we have to charge full steam ahead. Re-member that the Mercury re-trograde cycle is about all those “re” words…re-flect, re-consider, re-organize, re-charge, re-boot, re-invest, re-store, re-regroup, re-vitalize, and most of all, re-spect the inward process here…just re-lax and breathe.

Mercury rules the lungs so it is a good time to do sacred breath practice and pranayama (like nadi shodhana). Gotu Kola or Tulsi are important herbs for the nervous system and can be especially helpful during Mercury retrograde cycles. Sandalwood oil (like the pure doTERRA or Young Living brands) or paste (chandan) on the forehead twice a day is very helpful to balance Mercury energy/calming for the mind any time, and especially now. Emerald Gem Elixir is also a great remedy.

The cosmic wheel of samsara depicts the illusion of duality. It is always churning through the movement of the celestial bodies which are taking us on the ride of our lives, but as the great yogi-saint Swami Sri Yukteswar said, “The wise person defeats his planets.” How to do that? Start by re-membering Oneness, the truth behind this whole amazing play of consciousness in which we exist.

2016 Astrological New Year Horoscope

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Juliana

Happy 2016, dear friends! Vedic astrology employs several charts for the New Year, with the two most important being the springtime charts for the New Moon in Pisces and the later chart for Sun’s ingress into Aries (sidereal zodiac). I like to also look at the chart for midnight on January 1 just because this is the beginning of the civil New Year and is a significant moment in time simply because most people consider it to be the year’s new beginning.

The chart for New Year’s Eve at midnight has an intense and somewhat “fated” partial Kala Sarpa Yoga, in which all the grahas are on one side of the chart inside the axis of lunar nodes ~ Rahu and Ketu ~ except for Jupiter which is slightly outside the axis but moving very closely into Rahu and at the fated 29th degree of sidereal Leo, and the nodes are sandhi (on the cusp) so this means that even more than usual, the cosmic circus of duality will embrace and entertain us with its usual blend of madness and magic.

I sat and studied the chart(s) for hours and wrote a detailed and somewhat depressing analysis, but decided not to post it after my younger son told me last evening that he is willing to listen to astrology but only when the message is constructive. He told me this while we were hiking and just noticing thousands of birds flying overhead, a beautiful omen of positive energy and powerful life force affirming his words to me. So I am going to start the year being constructive.

Paramahansa Yogananda said that in the current realm of duality, things are happening as they have to, according to the Divine Plan, and we have to deal with and confront the shadow side of the dichotomous world in order to develop and evolve. In the New Year chart, you can see how the sky mirror is reflecting this polarized play, with Jupiter outside of the karmic axis beckoning us to invoke grace as a real guiding presence and resource.

The planetary dynamics in America’s New Year chart are predominantly mutable, which is creative, restless, and oriented to the world of Spirit but can use some serious discipline and guidance, too. The Kala Sarpa is also highly sensitive and somewhat unpredictable, and this year will bear witness to many intense fated events and karmic conclusions, but there is nectar to be enjoyed too, since all the grahas including Jupiter are moving in the direction of Ketu, the Moksha Karaka indicator of wisdom and enlightenment.

In this January 1 New Year chart, the main theme for me is about living in a consciousness of Oneness, and I plan to focus on this a lot in my work and writings. The chart looks lopsided but that is the illusion similar to Yin-Yang, which also includes a third force beyond the balance of polarities (Oneness), or as the late Zen philosopher Alan Watts said, “Every explicit duality is an implicit unity.”

Rahu and Ketu are the overriding influence in a Kala Sarpa chart. They represent the polarizing karmic forces that emblematically eclipse the Sun (ego) and Moon (mind), and thus they have an intoxicating effect on consciousness. Whether they will intoxicate with the light of truth (Oneness) or the veil of misapprehension (Separation) is up to each one of us.

It is going to be an exciting year as many amazing new discoveries and awakenings will occur amid all the ups and downs. America’s presidential political battle is going to become quite hard to take for many of us (the chart says this), and there is potential for cultural/racial/political/ideological divisiveness such as we have not see in America since the War Between the States 150+ years ago. Europe is facing a similar fate already.

I say this about divisiveness also because we will have Saturn and Mars retrograding in Scorpio in the spring of 2016. The fixed star Antares, in the heart of the Scorpion, which is a symbol of malevolence and war, will also be activated several times by Mars and Saturn (close to 16 degrees sidereal Scorpio) in 2016. The last time Mars and Saturn retrograded in Scorpio like this was during the American Revolutionary War, our first civil war.

The Kala Sarpa here represents a super-schismatic situation ahead, and can also bring out the worst kinds of evangelists, crusaders and extremists willing to sacrifice everything for their sacred mission. It also points to self-righteous dogmatism coming from the left and right. The best advice my guides have given me is that it is important for each of us on this planet to now and regularly detoxify and do what it takes to get stronger physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, to help us manage what’s ahead of us in the coming two years.

On the Edge: End of the Year, Jupiter and the Lunar Nodes

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Juliana

I have received a barrage of calls and emails from anxious clients requesting emergency astrological and energy/breath healing sessions today. What is going on? Well, partly I assume is because we are coming to the end of 2015, when it is typical to consciously or unconsciously experience a sense of transitional urgency and anxiety. The past 12 months are drawing to a close, and last year’s resolutions and plans may just not have panned out exactly as hoped. Yet, the next set of expectations for 2016 looms large in the minds of many! In some cases, holiday festivities have taken their toll on finances, patience and energy levels. And if that were not enough, we can always look to the Sky Mirror for further understanding.

One set of transits that mirrors the transitional energy of the end of the year can be seen in the current zodiacal movements of Jupiter and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. Using the sidereal zodiac of Vedic astrology, transiting Jupiter and the lunar nodes are now at the edges of their respective signs: Jupiter is at 29 degrees Leo, and Rahu, the Moon’s True North Node is at 0+ degrees Virgo; and the Moon’s True South Node Ketu is at 0+ degrees Pisces. The last or first degree of a sign is known as “sandhi” in Vedic astrology, and refers to a critical juncture, hinge or boundary between the signs.

Sandhi planets are considered weak and fuzzy in terms of what they can offer. Their energy is unclear or nebulous due to the intermingling of different energies between the two signs they span. Sometimes their effect feels like neither here nor there, similar to what we feel moving across the edge between the old and the new year. The sandhi is also like a crevice in which things (or we) can accidentally slip, be dropped, temporarily misplaced or even lost. We can lose our footing trying to cross the crevice, and so may feel a bit out of sorts. It can be a good time to call upon all our best practices, resources and support systems to help us bring balance and equanimity now.

In addition to sandhi weakening effects, planets at the 29th degree (Jupiter in this case) are said per western astrology to be anaretic, an ancient Greek word which means “that which destroys form.” Anaretic planets often represent a “too little/too late” dynamic, which carries a sense of angst, urgency or even compulsiveness. On the other hand, the beauty of sandhi planets is that they can open us up to other realms and alternate viewpoints when we are willing to ride the waves of uncertainty that they can represent. One example that is often given for understanding this potential refers us to the liminal (sandhi) times of day ~ dawn and dusk ~ when the veil between the worlds is lifted and we can access more magical “spiritual” power.

Jupiter in astrology represents dharma, path and purpose. It also signifies wisdom, morals, beliefs, finances, children, fortune, long distant travels, higher education, benevolence, protection, advisers, spiritual preceptors, compassion, generosity and speech. Jupiter is very weak in the last anaretic degree of the sign now and also it is afflicted as it conjoins sandhi malefic Rahu within two degrees. They are moving closer into each other every day, as Rahu moves backward toward Jupiter in Leo, and Jupiter is slowly moving forward but soon will be grinding to a halt for its retrograde station.

Rahu will enter Leo and conjoin Jupiter right around when Jupiter goes stationary retrograde on January 9. Rahu adds some potential for drama, confusion, chaos, insecurity, or unsettled conditions to any and all of Jupiter’s significations from now until the station, but then also, Jupiter and Rahu will travel close together on and off through much of 2016. The lunar nodes moving into Leo and Aquarius (Jan. 9, 2016) also represents a sea change ahead, and I will write more about this at another time. For now, I believe we are feeling the coming change as the lunar nodes reflect our karmic path, and it is changing fast.

This combination of Jupiter and Rahu is called Guru Chandala Yoga, which has some challenging effects when Jupiter is weak, as it is now and until January 22 being in the last degree of the sign, though the greatest weakness is probably from now until Jupiter stations retrograde on January 9. I say this because a stationary planet gains strength, as does a retrograde planet. The results of weak Jupiter forming a Guru Chandala Yoga can point toward violence, corruption, lack of conscience, self-indulgence, misguided spiritual and political beliefs, false gurus, concerns about children and education, and all kinds of scandals, especially those related to teachers, leaders and those in the entertainment industry since the combination occurs in Leo.

These potentially negative effects are further indicated by the fact that Rahu and Ketu are sandhi (also until the third week of January). Sandhi lunar nodes will often reflect serious life-changing circumstances, including shocking revelations, all kinds of flareups, and disruptions in the status quo; but this is only in certain cases where a natal or mundane chart is specifically being activated at the same time and in a similar fashion.

OK…so now that we know why some may be feeling this vague (or not so vague) anxiety, we can work with our practices to cultivate more peace instead: May peace be in our homes. May peace be in our communities. May peace be in our hearts.

peace-poles

Winter Solstice and Astral Weather Forecast, December 2015

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Juliana

The Sun is receiving its annual rejuvenation at the Galactic Center now, transiting in the early part of sidereal Sagittarius. The solstice occurs on December 21 at 11:49 PM EST / December 22 at 4:49 AM UT, but we are moving into its aura now, and then afterward, the still-point effect will last for three more days. This is an extremely sensitive time for the planet and for our nervous systems, so it is important to slow down and be extra mindful. The spiritual doorways are opening and shifting and that can be a magnificent experience for those who are tuned inward, but functioning in 3D requires a bit of extra grounding and awareness now.

From Dec. 22-26, Mars ~ warrior planet of action and energy ~ traverses the sandhi (edge or cusp) between sidereal Virgo and Libra, which is his own creative and fiery realm of Chitra nakshatra. Planets in sandhi are vulnerable, and here for Mars, we may have to dig deeper to find equipoise and strength as his impatient, impulsive, violent and accident-prone tendencies can go a bit haywire.

Venus also traverses a sandhi at the same time, between sidereal Libra and Scorpio from December 24 to 26, and once in Scorpio will exchange signs with Mars in Libra until January 18, 2016. This is called Parivartana Yoga in Vedic astrology, a mutual exchange or reception in western terms. This particular exchange happened the last time in the fall of 2008 during the global economic crisis. It can be a combination for financial upsets, as well as vehicular accidents.

Devotion, passion and spontaneity are some of the more positive results to be expected when Venus and Mars join forces in aspect or reception, but also sometimes, selfishness, hostility, jealousy, envy and quarrels can ensue, depending on the signs of their placement and houses of ownership. Western astrologers Lee Lehman and Rob Hand have called any kind of detrimental mutual reception “mutual deception.” This is because planets in detriment (in signs opposite their own) are considered weakened. Mars and Venus are in detriment in Libra and Scorpio, so the idea is that, rather than helping each other, the two planets will be at some odds.

A good remedy for balancing the Mars-Venus reception is vigorous physical exercise, with heart rate up and breaking at least a light sweat. Holly flower essence is a Bach flower remedy that is also a good remedy for this transit, as it is a heart healer that can help assuage feelings of envy, jealousy, anger and hostility which can be provoked when the two lords of passion exchange signs. For more about Holly flower essence, I recommend this fascinating article by Patricia Kaminski: http://www.flowersociety.org/heart_healer.htm

Christmas Day, the Moon will be full and in Ardra nakshatra. The higher evolutionary nature of this Moon will shine potently through ardent feelings and deep perception, but the less favorable expression can be revealed through stormy conditions and arduous events. Christmas Night (10:52 PM Eastern Time), Uranus will station direct in Pisces. This will be experienced in the range of 5-10 days before and after the actual station. Uranus has been retrograde since July 26.

Uranus will station within a 2-degree orb of a square with Pluto, which is a longstanding on-and-off aspect since 2012, which speaks to the often-maddening personal and global upheaval we have known during this period. Quite literally, the full Ardra Moon with Uranus stationing on the same day foretells of dangerous stormy weather patterns in the coming two weeks, and with Ketu and Uranus both in Pisces, and Moon in Ardra (in air sign of Gemini) there is significant global potential for strong wind storms, heavy precipitation and flooding.

Uranus as a higher octave of Mercury can actually act like Mercury when it retrogrades or stations, and the effects may be experienced as technological and transportation/travel snafus and a sense of restlessness and unease. This station can reveal itself in some erratic energy and un-ease from the solstice and toward the end of the year. We can often expect some tempestuousness, grave shocks, big surprises or miraculous epiphanies when Uranus goes direct, so hang on to your hats now and through the end of the year as this station is resonating in both directions, forward and backward.

When a planet stations, it appears to halt and then move in the direction opposite to what it was before, which triggers and stimulates the planet and also the area of the zodiac where it is located. If you have any planets or chart points in sidereal Pisces, and especially around 21-23 degrees Pisces, or planets at 21-23 degrees anywhere else actually, this station is likely to activate a big change and probably some forward momentum in the areas of your chart that are involved.

Uranus will be stationing in visionary, mystical and inspirational Revati nakshatra in the constellation of Pisces. Uranus is the representative of higher mind, so with this, many of us may experience some ingenious and inventive reflections and insights. REVati nakshatra where the Great Awakener is stationing = REVelations and REVerie and REVelry and REVolutionary… and see how REVved up I am getting about it? That’s the effect of Uranus slowing down to its forward station!

December 28 and 29, the lunar nodes and then Jupiter will become sandhi, transiting on the delicate edge of their signs, and Rahu and Jupiter will be transiting very close to a conjunction with each other at the same time. Jupiter will station retrograde at 29 degrees sidereal Leo on January 8, 2016. The station will be felt at least 5-10 days before and after that. Jupiter will remain retrograde for five months until May 9, 2016. As Jupiter stations and then retrogrades, its nature, as reflected in such qualities as faith and hope, becomes more deeply internalized. In elective astrology, it is not recommended to initiate anything big (like a business endeavor or marriage) during the Jupiter retrograde cycle.

With Jupiter sandhi and lunar nodes also sandhi, this is a kind of sambanda (strong link or connection) and this speaks to certain sense of insecurity and many changes in the air just in time for the beginning of the civil New Year. For those on the path, this kind of liminal (edgy) time and space is a great opportunity, which shamanic dream explorer Robert Moss calls “the borderlands of the tame and the wild,” where the Holy Spirit is poised and ready to guide us in our evolutionary journey more than ever. We must just remember to expand, invoke, ask, let go, and trust.

Happy winter solstice, and to all my friends in the southern hemisphere, happy summer solstice!

Scorpio New Moon: December 11, 2015

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Juliana

The waning crescent Balsamic Moon is once again upon us. This phase covers the darkening three-and-a half-days leading up to the New Moon, and belongs to the ancient goddess who takes us deep within ourselves for transformation and rejuvenation. Balsamic Moon is time for letting go, burning karma, and healing as we prepare for new beginnings at the culmination of New Moon which occurs on Friday, December 11 at 5:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time/EDT (10:21 AM UT).

As I am writing and posting this on Monday, December 7, the Moon is aligned with Venus in sidereal Libra, sign of relationships and politics. This is usually a sweet transit but not as much now because Libra is still hemmed in on both sides by malefic planets ~ Saturn in Scorpio and Rahu + Mars in Virgo ~ a pressured configuration called Papa Kartari Yoga in Vedic astrology, which can tend to bring up the negative power manifesting as disharmony all around.

The Moon will remain in Libra until early Wednesday morning EDT, when it will begin its transit through its fallen (debilitated/neecha) sign of Scorpio, which will last until Friday afternoon EDT. Moon is considered “fallen” or “debilitated” in Scorpio, where it can reflect deep-feeling or intensely attached emotional energy. It can be quite devoted and passionate in its higher principle, versus highly fixated and obsessive in its lower.

The December New Moon occurs at ~25 degrees sidereal Scorpio, Jyestha nakshatra, in conjunction with the Sun, and widely conjunct the karmic taskmaster Saturn. Not for the faint of heart, this combo draws out shadow themes revolving around violence and fear (the “T” word), defense and security, aggression, depression, death, sexuality, rebirth, finances, control, and personal power. When not in harmony, Scorpio can be dogmatic, fundamentalist, rigid, stubborn, or narrow-minded. With Scorpio’s emphasis here, some may have a tendency to feel stuck, tight, or heavy in body and mind. It may be helpful at this time to create more cheer, move our bodies, keep with a positive message, enjoy nature, and most importantly, cry, laugh and soften our hearts.

The external world is an unstable place, seemingly more so than ever lately, and thus, 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, “fight the good fight,” go quietly within to examine what we fear the most, let go, and radiate compassion and peace.

The Balsamic and New Moon phases mirror the current waning phase of the Sun, occurring as we move toward the darkest day of the year on December 22 (Winter Solstice-N. Hemisphere). This is a natural time to slow down and be contemplative. 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 as well as all psychological, metabolic, and physiological processes. So, their diminishing cycles can reflect in weariness and emotional vulnerability. Therefore, introspection, awareness, and repose are of utmost importance during this period.

In the New Moon chart, Uranus is transiting in sidereal Pisces opposite Mars, and both are forming a T-square with Pluto. Actually the T-square is falling in a very close range from ~ Dec. 5-13 or thereabouts, but resonating even further than that on either side as well. This is a stressful configuration, and especially because Mars will be in its debilitation navamsa of Cancer from Dec. 6-12, which can indicate hyper-emotional reactive states.

The Mars-Uranus-Pluto T-square can point to weather disasters; seismic eruptions; volatility; impulsive or reckless behavior; angry outbursts; technical, medical, surgical or mechanical disruptions; violence; accidents; upheaval, terrorism, or just in general, some shocks and surprises. Usually, such aspects in the lunation chart will have the most major impact for those whose natal chart planets and angle cusps are being closely affected, but also this is a collective karmic imprint.

A dear friend of mine, astrologer Dr. Karina Weil, beautifully described difficult transits like these: “They represent an opportunity for us to exercise mind control and focus on creating and projecting luminous, loving, peaceful thoughts, now more than ever.” Knowing there is a potential disturbance in the force, we can all “mind our minds” and make efforts to be extra patient, gentle, peaceful, and cautious…because ultimately, with our thoughts we make the world.

Full Crystal Moon

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Juliana

The Full Crystal Moon occurs on Wednesday, November 25 at 5:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time at 9 degrees of sidereal Taurus in Krittika nakshatra, in the fortunate Pushkara-Pisces navamsa. Quite soon after it becomes full (within two hours afterward), the Moon will move into its favorite abode of Rohini nakshatra, still in Taurus. This is a typically generous, practical, productive, harmonious, grounded and supportive full Moon, which represents the fullness of the heart as it falls in the sign of Venus which rules the heart chakra. Venus is transiting in Virgo which tends to find pleasure and fulfillment in work and service to others, but if out of balance, Venus in Virgo can be super dissatisfied and nit-picky, so this may be something to watch for over the next week.

Yes, there are some difficult aspects happening astrologically now and in the lunation charts ahead, and I have written of some of these elsewhere. But there are some positive aspects, too. For instance, the full Moon trines Mars, which reflects some intense-feeling, courageous, proactive, passionate, protective, and vitalizing capacity. In the D9 chart (navamsa), the Moon is in Jupiter’s sign (Pisces) and trine to Jupiter which signifies some sense of optimism, protection, hope or faith.

Native Americans call this month’s lunation the “Frosty Moon” for obvious reasons, as it is becoming very cold in the Northern Hemisphere now. Frost is like clear quartz crystals and so I call this the *Full Crystal Moon*. Quartz crystals are associated with Venus and the heart chakra. Those of us who work with quartz crystals in healing are taught to leave them out every month under the full Moon for purifying and recharging, and this Moon is especially potent for that.

Clear quartz is known as the master healer. It amplifies energy and thought, clears negative energy, and balances and rejuvenates body, mind and spirit. Clear quartz also enhances psychic abilities, stimulates the immune system, aligns the subtle bodies, and brings the body into balance.

The Crystal Full Moon is akin to a giant quartz crystal that can be used for our physical and psycho-spiritual healing and attunement. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week, it would be empowering to meditate on the full Moon and imagine bringing Her right into our heart chakra as well as into our higher chakras (third eye, crown) or anywhere else that we are guided to direct the healing and nourishing soma, which is like a bio-electromagnetic elixir emanating from the Moon when it is near its full stage. This will be a great time to invoke this rejuvenating energy for ourselves, for others and for the planet (please), and also, to clarify and align with our heart’s deepest desire.

Astrology and the Gunas: Tamas Time

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Juliana

The three guṇas or triguna (Sanskrit: गुण) refer to three universal qualities or principles of energy movement which interact to help define the character of a person or a situation. The gunas are known as rajas, tamas, and sattva. They carry the positive, negative, and neutral charge in the torroidal magnetic field, which is the primary pattern of nature. In astrology, we often correlate the three gunas with the three modes/modalities of the signs (rashis).

The three modes show how the four elements of fire, earth, air and water are expressed through the twelve individual zodiac signs. As we study the gunas, it should be kept in mind that one guna is not better than another, but each has a balanced versus an imbalanced quality. Ultimately, our job is to harmonize all three gunas by bringing balance to body (tamas), mind (rajas) and soul or spirit (sattva).

The three modes of astrology and their relationship to the gunas are as follows:

1. Cardinal (Chara) – Dynamic, Action-oriented, Initiating; Conscious Mind: Rajas Guna ~ Aries-Cancer-Libra-Capricorn. Rajas can be symbolized by an erupting volcano.

2. Fixed (Sthira) – Stable, Determined, Unyielding; Unconscious Mind: Tamas Guna ~ Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius. Tamas can be symbolized by a tall mountain.

3. Mutable (Dwishwabhava or Dual) – Subtle, Transformative, Reflective, Superconscious mind: Sattva Guna ~ Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces. Sattva can be symbolized by a newborn baby.

There is actually some controversy over the magnetic charges of the gunas. My guruji Paramahansa Yogananda said that rajas has a neutral attribute that 1) activates the positively charged sattva to suppress negatively charged tamas, and 2) activates the negatively charged tamas to suppress positively charged sattva, all of which creates constant activity and motion. Hast Jyotishi Ghanshyam Singh Birla also says sattva is positive, tamas is negative and rajas is neutral.

However, Vedic astrology teacher Komilla Sutton says in The Essentials of Vedic Astrology that sattva/dual signs are negative, tamas/fixed are neutral and rajas/cardinal are positive! Vedic scholar David Frawley has written about two different schemes in his books and articles. In Polarity Therapy (one of my modalities as a healer), which is based on a yogic understanding of the human magnetic field, sattva is considered to be neutral, rajas is positive and tamas is negative. According to this theory, positively charged rajas emanates out of the neutral sattvic core as an expansive centrifugal force, and negatively charged tamas returns to the neutral sattvic core as a contractile centripetal force.

When I do an astrological consultation I measure the balance of the gunas through the placements of all the planetary bodies (grahas) in the signs to understand an individual’s typology. The gunas also play out in the grahas which we look to for deeper interpretation. For instance, Saturn is quite tamasic and this is especially so when Saturn is placed in a tamasic sign as it is now while transiting in sidereal Scorpio since last November 2014 and for the next few years. Following this idea and in another arrangement, the gunas can also be determined by the sign rulers instead of the signs, wherein tamasic signs are those ruled by tamasic grahas Mars and Saturn: Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius; rajasic signs are those ruled by rajasic grahas Venus and Mercury: Taurus, Gemini, Virgo and Libra; and sattvic signs are those ruled by sattvic grahas Moon, Sun and Jupiter: Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius and Pisces! Working with all these overlapping schemes and systems, it becomes quite clear that we are vast multidimensional beings who are not so easily categorized!

Within our natal and progressed horoscopes, we see a picture of our natural and evolving tendencies shown through the balance of the elements (energy and form) and gunas (movement of energy and form). In addition, as we monitor the transiting grahas, we see another picture showing how the karma of the collective is unfolding at this time, and then we can relate that back to our own personal situation as well, as we look to see how the transiting bodies are affecting our natal charts. (Please keep in mind that I use the sidereal zodiac of traditional Vedic and Babylonian astrology, not the tropical system used by most modern western astrologers).

Tamas guna (also called tamoguna) is very high on the planet now from November 17 and through at least the first week of December, as we have several planets transiting in tamasic rashis: Sun-Mercury-Saturn in Scorpio; Neptune in Aquarius; Jupiter in Leo; and every five days, the Moon transits for a few days through a tamasic sign too (it is in Aquarius now, and will be in Taurus next week for the full Moon, and so on).

Tamas guna can be solid, resistant, repressed, attached, denied, underactive and contracted. Tamas represents the earth, the physical body and the forces of inertia and gravity. Dr. Randolph Stone, founder of Polarity Therapy, said that a tamasic imbalance represents a “crystallizing effect of the subconscious mind as rigidity and fixation.” In other words, tamas in its most torpid state can be dark, violent, heavy, depressed, toxic and lazy. However, when tamas is in balance, its nature is persistent, reliable, stable, and strong.

The water element is also strong now, as we have tamasic South Node Ketu in Pisces and also (again) we have the strong Scorpio placements. Many of my clients are writing to tell me they are feeling heaviness. This tamasic energy explains it, and additionally, this is the tamasic season in the Northern Hemisphere as we spiral inward toward the Winter Solstice. It is the season of Going Within and Letting Go.

The tamasic fixed modality is similar to the water element, so strong water modality + strong water element can be a super-trigger to the parasympathetic nervous system which gives us our deep relaxation response. So if you are tired, please give yourself the gift of some good rest. But that’s not all we need. Moderate exercise is also helpful to raise some fiery energy (rajas) to help balance the tamas. And do some journaling, dream work, and/or work with a healer/therapist to help you uncover anything in your mental or emotional bodies that may be lurking beneath the surface and needing to be brought to light.

To further balance tamas guna, we can benefit from dispersive therapies that are forceful and deeply penetrating, like deep tissue massage or Rolfing if you like that. To further invoke the fiery mode to help balance tamas, meditate on fire in a fire pit, or fireplace, or even a candle; and also, take sauna or steam baths and get out in the sunshine.

Elimination is important now, so drink lots of warm or hot water and make sure you have plenty of fiber in your diet. Minimize intake of junk (always), and try to avoid taking in tamasic foods and substances like meat, mushrooms, eggs, cheeses, drugs and alcohol and overcooked food or food that is older than a day.

Releasing the negative pole of the energetic body will help to move any stagnant tamasic energy, so get a foot massage, ionic foot detox, or simply massage your feet (especially before bedtime). Last but not least, remember, you are pure eternal spirit and have everything within you that you need to be able to bring balance to your own energetic system.

Scorpio-Sagittarius Gandanta: Call On Your Angels!

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Juliana

Come, Holy Spirit ~ Fill My Heart!

The Moon yesterday and today is transiting through sidereal Scorpio, its most vulnerable sign, but has passed by Saturn now, all of which might reflect some tests of stamina, courage and faith. Tonight and tomorrow morning, the Moon will cross the edge (cusp) between sidereal Scorpio and Sagittarius, known as the gandanta ~ a sensitive and knotty edge of transformation between water and fire signs, where violent events and intense emotions often occur. When the Moon (our feeling mind) is in the gandanta, we often have to let go of control in order for grace to intervene; and we have to dig deep to find understanding or comfort.

By mid-Saturday afternoon Eastern Time, the Moon will be well through the gandanta and into the much more jubilant and optimistic Sagittarius. Until then, with Moon in Scorpio and then as it is crossing the gandanta, we may feel things very deeply, which is not always so comfortable depending on our individual astrological and life circumstances.

A strong message has been coming through me, both yesterday and today, which is an old message but one we might tend to forget sometimes (I know I do): Call on your angels. They are all around just waiting to help, and often (and especially) they like to assist with the most mundane tasks. They are everywhere, these miraculous light-and love-filled beings. Just ask, open, receive, and don’t forget to thank them! You will be amazed.

Love and light !

Juliana

Saturn-Neptune Square of 2015-2017

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Juliana

Many western astrologers are now talking about the upcoming Saturn-Neptune square which is in less than a 2-degree orb now but will be exact for the first time on November 26, 2015. It is actually coming on strong now as Neptune is retrograding back toward Saturn who is barreling toward him.

As a Neo-Vedic astrologer, I use the outer planets according to certain specific rules; for instance, they are not considered to be primary rulers of the planets as they are in western astrology, and they only become important when closely aligned with angular cusps or the grahas of Vedic astrology. Another big difference in my work versus that of western tropical astrology is that the latter uses a different starting point for the zodiac, and I use the traditional zodiac used by Indians and ancient astrologers, which is known as the sidereal (niryana) zodiac, which is the one that is aligned with the stars. The tropical system was originally based on a seasonal calendar for the northern hemisphere and is aligned to the equinoxes and solstices rather than the constellations. For my work, the sidereal system works best, but I have many tropical astrology friends and colleagues whom I adore and whose work I also admire. So… to each his own!

The two zodiacs are about 24 degrees apart at this time (the sidereal is behind the tropical), so in western tropical terms, Saturn is in Sagittarius squaring Neptune in Pisces, whereas in the sidereal zodiac, Saturn is in Scorpio and Neptune in Aquarius. The square is happening between these two planets in both systems regardless of the zodiac in use, but the interpretation varies slightly as the signs are different, and it is the signs that show us how and where the energy of the planets is manifesting.

Neptune and Saturn square each other approximately every 14-16 years and they do this on and off for 2-3 years each time. The square in astrology is a 90-degree aspect representing internal tension, pressure, and often some conflict between hidden and externalized forces.

One of the best books written on astrological aspects is called Dynamics of Aspect Analysis by western astrologer Bil Tierney, who describes the square as: “a dynamic aspect providing us with much drive and impetus to initiate change. Its frictional nature is best relieved through decisive action demanding direct struggle, aggressive effort, and greater energy expenditure. Squares in general are crisis-oriented, forcing us to act in an explicit manner that allows for purposeful turning points in consciousness. Planets involved in square aspect interact from a somewhat defensive pose and do not easily synthesize. They seem to follow the line of least resistance. The planets tend to block and thwart each other’s basic intentions. But while the urges of the two planets resist smooth, peaceful integration they are also prone to challenge each other’s right of expression…Squares challenge us to act rather than continue to endure the pain and discomfort they generate.”

Neptune will square Saturn on and off through the next few years (due to retrograde cycles) with exact hits on:

November 26, 2015
June 17, 2016
September 10, 2016
June 18, 2017

The last time Saturn in sidereal Scorpio squared Neptune in Aquarius was in 1693, exactly on January 1. Around this time the Salem Witch Trials were winding down, which was due to a wake-up call of sorts, as the hysteria had begun to subside and public opinion was turned against the trials. This makes sense as Saturn represents truth and Neptune is delusion. In this case, Saturn tends to win over Neptune in Aquarius because Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius (dispositor), so he tends to be the boss, and hopefully this means truth will prevail in the current transit, as well.

The largest earthquake in Italy’s history also happened in early January 1693 around the exact square. There was actually a fore-shock on January 9 a few days after the New Moon of January 6, followed by a 7.4 earthquake (followed by a tsunami) on January 11. The damage covered 2200 square miles, destroyed 70 small towns, and killed 60,000 people. This sort of event is not simply an indication of Saturn squaring Neptune. In events like this, there are many astrological and karmic factors at play, not just one, though this one is quite a significant factor.

In mundane astrology, the square represents the possibility of internal tension that might erupt, and Saturn and Neptune signify seismic and meteorological events. This is especially so when they come together in a tension aspect — Saturn represents earthquakes and natural calamities, and Neptune represents earthquakes, tsunamis and water disasters. Saturn also relates to war, death of leaders, and misery in general. Neptune signifies plots, assassinations, and conspiracies; political instability; mass delusion and mob psychology; and crime and subversion. When they are in a difficult aspect like this, they can bring out some of the most difficult kinds of worldly events.

The last time Saturn and Neptune squared each other was in November 2014 and then again several times in 2015 but it was never an exact aspect in those cases (but within 3 degrees). It is the exact aspect and about 10 days on either side that seems to be the most potent. Other times in the last century times we have seen Neptune square Saturn were from 1997-2000; 1978-1981; 1961-1964; 1943-1945; 1925-1927; and 1909-1911. Some of these periods were times when the world was in great turmoil and transformation. This is because Saturn rules structure, which Neptune likes to dissolve. Saturn and Neptune are by nature at great odds with each other:

Saturn is the significator of realism and 3D reality, whereas Neptune represents idealism and the spiritual realms beyond 3D.
Saturn represents the working class, whereas Neptune rules artists, spiritualists and visionaries.
Saturn signifies depression and Neptune, inflation.
Saturn works hard, is patient and persevering, but Neptune wants to just rest on his laurels and wait for his dreams to miraculously manifest out of the ethers.
Saturn represents time, and Neptune escapes time.
Saturn contracts, and Neptune expands.
Saturn signifies rules and boundaries, but Neptune wants nothing but Oneness and no rules.
Saturn represents democracy, and Neptune points to socialism.
Saturn is solid and trustworthy, but Neptune can be deceptive and delusional.
Saturn stands for the status quo, which Neptune likes to dissolve.

How and where this square might personally affect us will depend on where we have sidereal Scorpio and Aquarius in our natal charts. It also depends on if we have any significant placements in these signs, including natal planets and the four main angular chart cusps. One might say that in relation to each other, Neptune represents the unconscious and Saturn the conscious. Saturn in sidereal Scorpio is all about transformation, and Neptune in Aquarius represents awakening, so this square for some will be about transforming consciousness.

The tension of this square is happening not just out there in the heavens, but also within. The word “tension” usually has negative connotations, but as a Vedic astrology coach, I also like to think of it as “the play between opposing forces that leads to extension” or “applying a force to something to stretch it,” and thus, productive tension is a great thing that leads to growth and evolution! It’s often just how we choose to look at something that determines how it will affect us, right?

The strongest aspect will be around the 26th November, but also 10 days before and after, and may manifest as confusion, disappointment, unconscious fear, or insecurity; but with awareness, we can bring any of these or other unconscious struggles to light. However, it may not be the best time to get involved in conflicts or make important decisions. With this aspect, there may be an awareness developing related to a life dream that we want to turn into reality, but again it is not time to push it.

Bil Tierny quotes astrologer Sylvia Carrol about squares. She says that they “do not feel unpleasant unless the energy backs up on you. Tension here can feel exhilarating as long as it is flowing and not dammed up.” She recommends appeasing the aspect by “becoming involved with personal efforts that can sensibly accommodate such intense, driving force.” If we constructively navigate this, we open to the promise of great changes ahead. Why not? That’s what it’s all about anyway. When we are conscious and aware and able to mediate the tension of the Saturn-Neptune square, we can truly align with our highest spiritual power (Neptune) and manifest great purpose (Saturn) from that place of alignment.

Some famous persons whose charts have a very close Saturn-Neptune square include Ramakrishna; Marilyn Monroe; Rod Stewart; Miles Davis; Venus Williams; Joan Sutherland; Edwin Hubble; Queen Victoria; Jawaharlal Nehru; Allen Ginsberg; and H. P Lovecraft.

Happy Diwali

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Juliana

Diwali or Dipavali (meaning Line of Lights) is the Festival of Lights celebrated by those of India’s Hindu/Vedic, Jain and Sikh cultural traditions, and this year it begins tomorrow (Nov. 9th) and will go on for five nights of celebration aimed around the new moon that will occur in sidereal Libra on Wednesday. The Lakshmi puja is perhaps the most significant day which commemorates the birth and blessing of Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of love, wisdom, beauty, and abundance, and this will be the night of the 10th (Tuesday), as Lakshmi was born in the darkest night before the New Moon (Amavasya Tithi, which is the night of 10th-11th before the Sun and Moon conjoin at Pratipada Tithi).

The late Swami Krishnananda Saraswati of the Divine Life Society wrote a beautiful essay about the spiritual meaning if Diwali, in which he explained:

Diwali is an occasion for spiritual exhilaration, a lighting up of all darkness, socially as well as personally, outwardly and inwardly, for the purpose of allowing an entry of the Supreme Light of God into the hearts of all people. Diwali is the celebration of the rise of Knowledge. It is also the celebration of the victory of the Sattvic or divine elements in us over the Rajasic and Tamasic or baser elements which are the real Asuras, the Rakshasas, Narakasura and others. The whole world is within us. The whole cosmos can be found in a microscopic form in our own body. Rama-Ravana-Yuddha and Tarakasura-Vadha, and all such Epic wars,–everything is going on inside us. Dipavali is thus also a psychological context, wherein we contemplate in our own selves the holy occasion of self-mastery, self-subjugation and self-abnegation leading to the rise of all spiritual virtues which are regarded as lustre or radiance emanating from Self-Knowledge.

Bhagavati Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, does not merely mean the Goddess of wealth in a material sense. Lakshmi does not mean only gold and silver. Lakshmi means prosperity in general, positive growth in the right direction, a rise into the higher stages of evolution. This is the advent of Lakshmi. Progress and prosperity are Lakshmi. In the Vishnu Purana we are told if Narayana is like the sun, Lakshmi is like the radiance of the sun. They are inseparable. Wherever Narayana is, there is Lakshmi. Wherever is divinity, there is prosperity. So on this day of Dipavali we worship the Supreme God who is the source of all conceivable virtues, goodness and prosperity, which is symbolised in illumination, lighting and worship in the form of Arati and gay joyous attitude and feeling in every respect. So, in short, this is a day of rejoicing over the victory of Sattva over the lower Gunas, the victory of God Himself over the binding fetters of the soul.

May your light shine brighter and brighter with each coming day, and may all the devas bless you and yours now and forever.

Love and light,