“Beam of the Sun! O thou that seest from afar, what wilt thou be devising? O  mother of mine eyes! O star supreme, reft from us in the daytime! Why has thou perplexed the power of man and the way of wisdom by rushing forth on a darksome track? Art thou bringing a sign of some war, or wasting of produce, or an unspeakably violent snow-storm, or fatal faction, or again, some overflowing of the sea on the plain, or frost to bind the earth, or heat of the south wind streaming with raging rain? Or wilt thou, by deluging the land, cause the race of men to begin anew? I in no wise lament whate’er I shall suffer with the rest!”  (Greek poet Pinder, addressing the Thebans, referring to the solar eclipse of 30 April 463 BC, which was nearly total at Thebes, quoted in Historical Eclipses and Earth’s Rotation, by F. Richard Stephenson, Cambridge University Press, 1997, page 344, and, in part, in Encyclopedia Britannica CD 98.)

Welcome to Part III of my Great American Eclipse series. In Part I and Part II, I laid the groundwork for this and my next and final article. In this installment, I explain something about how astrology analyzes eclipses in general. In the next and final installment, Part IV, I will offer my analysis of the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. One thing that is important to understand is that the eclipse day itself may or may not be eventful, but more importantly, eclipses often point to changing trends and larger cycles which extend sometimes for years going backward or forward. That said, the eclipse day itself, as well as the days and weeks around eclipses, are a sensitive time, which I have discussed in my previous articles.

What do eclipses mean astrologically? In a nutshell, they shine a spotlight on a certain area of the zodiac, just as with any other planetary transit. Astrologers then superimpose the transit chart of an eclipse over an individual birth horoscope or a mundane (world) horoscope, i.e., a chart for a country, business, or other entity. When the eclipse closely aspects planets or sensitive points, then matters relating to these planets or points will be highlighted. In natal astrology, eclipses often awaken new awareness and bring changes in the areas of life they activate according to the sign, house, planets, and points that the eclipse activates. Whether these changes are “good or bad” depends on the natal significations of that planet or point, as well as aspects, other transits, natal combinations (yogas), and dasas (progressions). In mundane astrology, solar and lunar eclipses are omens of change which reflect important and far-reaching world events extending over some considerable time.

Continue reading →

On August 7, 2017, two weeks before the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, we will have a partial lunar eclipse. This will occur on August 8 in parts of Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific Ocean. The lunar eclipse will be visible from most parts of South and East Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Exact lunar phase will occur at 18:10 UTC / 14:10 EDT, and the greatest eclipse will occur at 18:20 UTC / 14:20 EDT. The less intense penumbral portion of the eclipse will extend from 15:50 to 20:51 UTC, and the stronger partial eclipse will extend from 17:23 to 19:18 UTC. According to NASA, the duration of the eclipse will be one hour and 55 minutes.

Above Image Credit:  https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2017-august-7

The term “eclipse” refers to the ecliptic, i.e., the Sun’s apparent path, where the Moon crosses the Sun’s path on the eclipse points. These points are the lunar nodes, where the Moon crosses in either a) an ascending path, called the North Node/Rahu/Dragon’s Tail or Caput Draconis, or b) a descending path, called the South Node/Ketu/Dragon’s Tail or Caudus Draconis. A lunar eclipse occurs on full Moon when the light of the Moon is blocked by the Earth’s shadow, at which time the Earth is between the Sun and Moon, or we say when the Sun and Moon are at opposition, or 180 degrees apart in opposite signs and houses. This solar and lunar eclipse YouTube animation helps to visualize the lunar nodes and eclipses, which are also shown below. You can see that they are not always in the same zodiacal longitude as the luminaries they eclipse. Continue reading →

Monday, August 21, 2017 will mark the first total eclipse in the contiguous United States since 1979, and it even has a special name – the Great American Eclipse. It looks to be promising more drama than we usually see around eclipse times, which according to astrology reflect extended periods of intensity and unrest in the world and especially in the areas they cross over! An entire industry is sprouting up from coast-to-coast as people from all over the world are planning to see it. At least one million people are expected to view it from Oregon, where it will first touch down around 9:06 AM PDT (with totality from 10:19-10:21 AM PDT).

According to GreatAmericanEclipse.com, even though “the rest of the United States offers a longer duration of totality, sections of the eclipse path in Oregon offer the best weather prospects anywhere along the entire eclipse path.” Rural areas in Oregon and other parts of the country will be jam-packed, leading to some potentially dangerous situations. Hotels and campgrounds along the path of totality have been booked up far in advance, and residents in these areas are renting their homes for exorbitant amounts of money. It will be peak wildfire season in the West, which makes this even more ominous, thus causing state, local and federal authorities in many areas to coordinate plans and run emergency response simulations.

Visitors and residents are being warned to stock up on emergency supplies (especially food and water) as supply routes will likely be held up for days on end and some people will be likely to get stranded.  A friend of mine in Ketchum, Idaho told me that 30-40,000 visitors are expected in her small town of 4,000 which has only two gas stations and two grocery stores. This same story is repeating itself across the country. This will probably be one of the most viewed eclipses in history: Michael Zeiler at Great American Eclipse has estimated that 127.5 million or 39% of Americans live within 300 miles of the path of eclipse totality, and that 12.2 million people live within the path, and that 88 million live within 200 miles – which is easy driving distance. But of course it is impossible to know how many million will travel on that day. It may be a lot since this is happening at the height of summer vacation season and because it’s such a hyped up event, kind of like Y2K, only bigger. Continue reading →

Blessings of the upcoming solstice to all! Solstice falls on June 21 (or 20th depending on where you live). It will be summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, and winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. The exact dates and times are June 21, 2017 at 4:24 AM UTC which is 00:24 AM EDT, and converts to June 20 at 11:24 PM CDT / 10:24 PM MDT /  9:24 PM PDT / 6:24 PM HT. When the Sun reaches a point where it is furthest away from the celestial equator at 23.5° declination, it is at the zenith on summer solstice and at the nadir on winter solstice.

Above is a diagram of the Earth’s seasons as seen from the north. Far left: summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere. Front right: summer solstice for the Southern Hemisphere. (Image by Tauʻolunga – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=927625)

When the Sun is at the zenith, it is the time of maximum daylight and the beginning of summer; when the Sun is at its nadir, it is the time of minimum daylight and the beginning of winter. The solstices mark the time when the Sun achieves maximum declination and appears to pause for three days before changing direction, and so the term “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium: sol = Sun, and stitium/statum = “to make stand still.”

Also known as Midsummer Night, summer solstice is associated with the first harvest, and thus represents a time to pause, enjoy, and appreciate what has been created in the past six months. In the process, it is a good time to evaluate one’s progress and make any necessary changes. The three days on either side of the solstice are supercharged with subtle, spiritual energy, but these days can also reflect some shakiness, which is even truer as the planetary transits now and in the next few months are so potentially precarious, as I’ll write more about in my next blog. So anyway, it’s important to stay grounded and focused more than ever, and it’s imperative that we are extra mindful to empower and protect our mental and physical health now and through the summer months ahead (winter months ahead in the southern hemisphere).

In Vedic astrology, the waxing half of the solar year is called uttarayana, which extends from winter to summer solstice, and the waning half of the solar year is called dakshinayana, which extends from summer to winter solstice. Therefore, on June 21, uttarayana is beginning in the northern hemisphere, and dakshinayana in the southern. It is said that uttarayana is ideal for the worship of and focus on Lord Shiva, nature’s active/yang principle; and that dakshinayana is best for worship of and focus on Shakti Maa, nature’s receptive/yin principle.

According to Muhurta, Vedic astrology’s Electional astrology system, uttarayana is considered the most fruitful half of the year for initiating anything of worldly consequence, such as moving into a new home or starting a new business; but the last three days of either ayana are to be avoided for beginning important events, which means that from June 21 through June 24 this month, we should do our best to avoid setting into motion any vital events that are to have lasting value.

Solstices generate subtle magnetic changes within us and out there in the world: as above, so below, as within, so without. Many of us are feeling these shifting energies now and in the past several days, whether we are moving toward summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, or winter solstice in the southern. In the summer solstice, the life energy is bursting forth, and in the winter solstice, it will soon begin spiraling inward. Summer solstice, which is happening where I live, is the time of year when the Sun — our inner and outer Light — is achieving maximum potency.

Summer Solstice is kind of like a “full Sun,” so it feels a bit like the intense expansive energy of a full Moon. It’s an important time to stop, give thanks, enjoy, and share the bounty of nature’s blessings. I usually have both a sunrise meditation and a sunset picnic on this longest day of the year! Many will be participating in spiritual rituals and ceremonies at this time, and these are highly recommended to help us access and align with the profound love and light generated in this powerful seasonal still point.

Lord Shani (Saturn) wills station retrograde on Thursday, April 6 at 1:06:24 AM EDT (5:06:24 AM UTC. He’s slowing down now, and all day I’ve had the Star Wars Imperial March stuck in my head. 🙂 Then I wrote this blog post and somehow lost it all and had to come back and do it again. Thanks Shani for teaching me to have fortitude and to be more careful and patient. That’s the gift of Shani, and when he’s retrograde… well, he’s stronger but his energy is somewhat skewed, so his “gifts” can make even more of an impact as in “the pressure and fire that forge the diamond soul” (Steven Arroyo).

The ~week before and after the actual station of Saturn can be a time of intense mood shifts, financial concerns, apprehension, and unease. We might expect to hear of some shocking or dramatic announcement in the news. There might be some seismic and meteorological events, explosions, attacks, and mishaps. During the next week as Saturn stations and starts moving backward, we will especially benefit from added mindfulness and spiritual practices for centering and grounding, including conscious breathing.

Saturn will be retrograde until August 25. This cycle of Saturn is a perfect opportunity for strengthening our determination in the face of obstacles and frustrations. Saturn signifies the principle of reality check, limits, boundaries, and consequences. Unbalanced, his essence can be contracting, fearful, anxious, depressed, or blocked. When balanced, Saturn is the epitome of reform, conservation, organization, and practical achievement. Ultimately, Saturn is the divine servant whose hard knocks are meant to reveal the truth about the divine play of consciousness.

On a mundane level, Saturn is the significator of the economy, laboring classes, disease, anxiety, misfortune, and sorrow; during its retrograde period, all these significations can be highlighted. Until late November, Saturn is transiting in the danger zone of the nakshatra gandanta between the Scorpio and Sagittarius constellations, which I already wrote about extensively last January. This is a definitely a difficult year for the world during this transit.

An astrologer has to analyze multiple factors to understand how the Saturn retrograde cycle will influence a mundane or natal horoscope. One of many techniques that I like to work with comes from a classical Indian astrology work called Sanketa Nidhi, in which Saturn retrograde mostly affects the sign ninth from it, which would be Leo, and then as of June 21 (when Saturn moves back in sidereal Scorpio), it would be Cancer. Wherever these signs fall by house (bhava) in a mundane or natal chart may indicate where we have to overcome insecurity, face the consequences of unresolved matters, be practical, work smarter, establish new priorities, and transform our ambitions.

In addition to the houses being activated, the signs will also be activated. Leo relates to personal power; creativity; politics and politicians; world leaders; stock markets; entertainment, entertainers, sports figures, and places of amusement and recreation. In the case of Cancer, issues revolve around security; domestic life; women and families; real estate and land development; fishing industry; waterways; agriculture; food production and distribution; nourishment; and charitable organizations.

Eight years ago I received an email from a Western astrologer predicting a collective awakening due to the cosmic birth of the Age of Aquarius which was set to begin on February 14th, 2009. Well, it clearly did not happen, and was not based on anything that I know to be true in astrology. This idea still comes around now and then, and is quite timely now as the Moon’s South Node Ketu, which rules past karma as well as enlightenment, is transiting across the natal Moon (public, collective mind) in the sign of Aquarius in the US birth chart. In case anyone was under the impression that the Age of Aquarius is happening now or will be happening anytime soon, it is not, and I will try to explain why in this article.

The Age of Aquarius landed in popular culture during the peace-and-love hippie era of the 60s and 70s. In 1967, the smash-hit musical Hair immortalized this notion in its opening song by the musical group The 5th Dimension. The lyrics included the following astrological fantasy: ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ *When the moon is in the Seventh House…And Jupiter aligns with Mars…Then peace will guide the planets…And love will steer the stars…This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius* ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

I don’t mean to be a killjoy, and like anyone, would welcome the Aquarian Age of “harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding, no more falsehoods or derisions, golden living dreams of visions, mystic crystal revelation, and the mind’s true liberation,” but this was all just a bit premature according to astrology. Astrologers who use the actual observable sidereal zodiac agree that we will not reach the Age of Aquarius for at least a few more hundred years. Continue reading →

One of the many New Year charts used in Vedic astrology is based on New Moon in Pisces, when Sun and Moon come together in the same celestial longitude in Pisces constellation, which is called the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada that refers to the first synodic lunar day (tithi) of the waxing Moon in the Vedic month of Chaitra. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on this very day. This Vedic New Year is also called Vikram Samvat, as well as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, and Ugadi in Telegu.

This year, the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada tithi starts in the night of Monday, March 27 for Washington DC, and the horoscope for the Vedic New Year for the US is calculated for this date and time. However, the New Year lord for not only the US but also Europe is calculated for the following day on Tuesday, the day of Mars, which is the day on which the pratipada tithi is in place at sunrise (March 28). In India, the New Year will occur after sunrise on the 28^th, so Wednesday, March 29 (ruled by Mercury) will be the day celebrating the Vedic New Year, and Mercury will be the lord of the year in India. The beginning of the Vedic New Year also marks Vasant Navratri, the nine-night spring festival of Mother Divine when Devi Durga comes down to bless the world and her children at the beginning of the New Year.

The samvatsara for this new year is called Hemalamba. A samvatsara is a Sanskrit term for “year.” In the Vedic system, there are 60 samvatsaras and these are described in Brihat Samhita in Chapter VIII: Jupiter’s Course (Jovian years). Each samvatsara carries a particular essence that correlates with its Sanskrit name and also is related to its group ruler. The samvatsara for 2016-2017 was Durmukha, which Sage Varahamahira labeled “utterly baneful.” Many people would agree with that assessment for 2016. Continue reading →

Happy Venus Day, Friday, known as Shukravaar in the Vedic tradition. Today’s colors are white and pastel rainbow colors. Wearing these colors on Fridays will lift your spirits and enhance the positive qualities of Venus which are abundance, ease, comfort, peace, and loving kindness. Venus has been in her apparition as Evening Star since last July 2016, and is now preparing to retrograde into the Underworld and revive herself as the Morning Star.

Venus will station retrograde on March 4, 2017 at 4:09 AM EST. The powerful stationary phase will resonate a few days either side of that (March 2-6). This stationary period is when Venus is very strong and can evoke powerful feelings and events. Venus will remain retrograde until its direct station on April 15, 2017, and so the direct stationary cycle will be in range from April 13-17, 2017.

Approximately every 18 months, Venus retrogrades for about 42 days. The last time Venus was retrograde was late July to early September, 2015. When Venus retrogrades, she is transiting about 29 degrees ahead of the Sun in celestial longitude, and will retrograde back approximately 21-29 degrees behind the Sun before turning direct. Venus will reach Inferior Conjunction on March 25, will be invisible for several days on either side of this conjunction, and will shine at its brightest as the Morning Star in late April.

Venus will retrograde at 19 degrees sidereal Pisces in Revati nakshatra, and will station direct at almost 3 degrees sidereal Pisces in Purvabhadrapada nakshatra. At the direct station, Venus will be exactly conjoined Chiron, indicating (for some) an experience of oneness and divine love coming out of this retrograde cycle. If you have important points or planets in your natal chart within 3 degrees of the Venus stationary points (19 degrees and 3 degrees of sidereal Pisces), a memorable event may occur in the days before or after either the retrograde or direct station.

Any such memorable events may continue to unfold for some time to come as well, even as far ahead as the third week of May when Venus will cross forward over the stationary degree mark of 19 degrees sidereal Pisces. If this is an auspicious part of your natal chart, it can be a positive event. If it is a less favorable part of the chart, the difficult effects would be minimal.

The Venus retrograde cycle may also be significant for those running Venus dasha or sub-dasha cycles, and for those who are ruled by Venus (Taurus or Libra Lagna or Moon). For instance, for these individuals, people and events from the past or present may trigger an examination of feelings of “worth versus self-worth,” as “worth” and value are important themes for Venus in astrology.

This along with other Venusian themes related to beauty-arts-music, relationships, love, material wealth, comfort, virility, and happiness can be important areas of focus now as Venus retrogrades and takes us inward to examine and heal certain important “matters of the heart.” As the heart is the seat of all actions in life, such matters could cover a wide range of areas. The house in which Venus retrogrades will be where the main focus is. This is a specific matter which I have been discussing with my clients in consultation.

Vedic astrology has many controversial opinions about retrograde planets, known as vakri graha. Jataka Parijata says that Venus is strong when retrograde and exalted (in Pisces, as now) and also when it is ahead of the Sun (which it will be until March 27). Another view is expressed in Saravali, a great 10th-century commentary by Kalyana Varma, which states that a retrograde planet while in exaltation produces no effect (i.e. nothing good will happen). Saravali also states that retrograde planets are seen as powerful for good or bad: retrograde benefics in the natal chart confer kingship, and retrograde malefics cause misery and “aimless wandering.”

Mantresvara (Phaladeepika) says that a planet becomes powerful and auspicious when retrograde, which he said is like being exalted even if the planet is in an enemy sign or debilitated. According to Sri Parasara, a planet’s benefic tendencies are greater when retrograde: the greater the cheshta bala (motional strength), the greater the good of a planet. The cheshta bala is greatest during a planet’s retrograde motion.

In my experience, retrograde planets do become stronger, but often that strength is internalized rather than externalized. A planet’s energy is reversed when retrograde; as it turns inward, its qualities are felt and communicated in a way that is somewhat different from what we would normally expect from the planet.  A transiting or natal retrograde planet generally asks us to look within, reevaluate, and consciously activate it.

In the case of Venus, again this can be about self-worth and values, as well as issues of our vitality, and those related to love, relationship, and material well-being. As Venus retrogrades, she goes into the Underworld, and as above, so below, we have a brilliant opportunity to dive deep within ourselves and renew our own unconditional self-love, and reevaluate what is really important to us, and realign our consciousness along these lines as Venus comes close to the Sun (Self) during its retrograde cycle.

As mentioned above, during Venus retrograde cycles, it is common for people or events from the past to resurface, and to reconnect with us, but often this is happening to help us complete and reconcile something that was left unresolved from the past rather than starting over again. It is often said that a new relationship forged under Venus retrograde will not have a chance, though I feel this is not always true and will depend on multiple other factors seen in the natal and progressed charts of an individual, mundane or business entity.

The retrograde Venus cycle, and especially the day of the direct station (April 15, which is synchronistically tax day in the US), can be a good time to sell used items or resolve financial, business, and legal matters, like refinancing a loan, hiring a new agent, or finishing a legal matter. It is not considered a great time to buy luxury items like art, jewelry and cars, though used items like antiques might be considered a good purchase if their true value is not known.

Om. With loving reverence, I bow before Lord Venus, who is the diamond of the sky and the lord of delight, who is highly intelligent and ever benevolent, who is the ever-flowing font of wisdom and protection…Homage to Lord Shukra!

An annular “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse will occur on Sunday, February 26, 2017, beginning at 12:10 PM UTC (7:10 AM EST), peaking at 2.58 PM UTC (9:58 AM EST) and setting at 5.35 PM UTC (12:35 EST). The eclipse will occur in the Southern Hemisphere along a very narrow path (shown in the map below) beginning over the South Pacific Ocean, crossing South America and the Southern Atlantic Ocean and ending in Africa. According to Vedic astrology, an eclipse affects the whole world, but important geopolitical events are often stirred up more in the areas where the eclipse shadow actually falls.

The “ecliptic” is the apparent path of the Sun, i.e., the Sun’s path as it’s seen from the Earth. The name is derived from ecliptik (Late Latin) ecliptica linea, literally, “line of eclipses.” Eclipses occur where the path of the Moon crosses the path of the Sun in the northern or southern direction. These crossing points where eclipses occur are known as the lunar nodes. The intersection point on the ascending path is called the North Node, Rahu, the Dragon’s Tail or Caput Draconis. The intersection point on the descending path is known as the South Node, Ketu, the Dragon’s Tail or Caudus Draconis.

The word “eclipse” is Late Middle English via Latin and the Greek “ekleiptikos” or “ekleipein” meaning “fail to appear.” A solar eclipse falls on a new Moon when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, and the Moon blocks the light of the Sun. In Hindi, the name for eclipse is “grahan,” so Vedic astrology calls a solar eclipse “Surya (Sun) grahan.” A lunar eclipse occurs on full Moon when the light of the Moon is blocked by the Earth’s shadow as the Earth is between the Sun and Moon. In Vedic astrology, the lunar eclipse is known as “Chandra (Moon) grahan.”

The eclipses do have to happen exactly on the new and full Moon, but because of the Moon’s tilt to the ecliptic and the Earth, an eclipse cannot happen every full or new Moon. Further, the luminaries (Sun and Moon) are not always exactly conjunct (in the same celestial longitude) as the lunar nodes. Solar and lunar eclipses occur ~every six months and follow each other within a two-week time span. Sometimes the lunar eclipse occurs before the solar, and sometimes it is the other way, and sometimes there are three eclipses in a row, but usually just two. Vedic astrology teaches that the world will have more unrest when the lunar eclipses precede the solar eclipses, as we see happening in 2017.

Astronomers and astrologers recognize various kinds of eclipses which are calculated according to the celestial latitude and longitude of the luminaries and the lunar nodes at the full or new Moon. These variations are total, partial, annular, or hybrid for solar eclipses; and total, partial, and appulse (penumbral) for lunar eclipses. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun; a partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon only partially covers the disk of the Sun.

An annular eclipse happens when the new Moon is too far away and too small to totally cover the solar disk; which occurs when the Moon is on the far side of its orbit so its umbral shadow is not long enough to reach Earth. A hybrid eclipse involves both an annular and a total eclipse. The February 26 eclipse is an annular one. Those on its path will see the annulus of bright sunlight around the dark Moon which is why it is called the “Ring of Fire” eclipse. (Image below is of annular eclipse via Wikipedia).

To understand eclipses it helps to know that, though the lunar nodes are not planets, they have the same power as planets in astrology, and are called shadow planets or chaya graha. In natal and transit charts as well as progressed cycles, Rahu and Ketu represent the karmic axis and show us much about our evolutionary journey and what in our karma needs to be stirred up to help us move forward. They traverse one rashi (sign) every 18 months and take about 18 years to traverse the whole zodiac. Eclipses occur in the signs where the lunar nodes are transiting.

One way that some astrologers look at the difference between the luminaries and the nodes in an eclipse is that the luminaries determine the timing of the eclipse (when they are exactly conjunct or opposite), whereas the lunar node marks the zodiac point of the eclipse which will be most activated. I have found that both points, the luminaries and the node, can be trigger points. In the February 26, 2017 eclipse, the mean lunar node Ketu at 9 degrees Aquarius will eclipse the Sun and Moon at 14 degrees Aquarius, all in Shatabisha nakshatra. The zodiac position of the node at maximum eclipse (near the exact full or new Moon) sometimes becomes a “critical degree” afterward. Astrologers will watch transits to these eclipse points in the future.

Rahu and Ketu block the light of the Sun and Moon in eclipses, and this often signals dynamic changes especially when the eclipse occurs within ~three degrees of a conjunction or aspect to a natal planet or angle cusp. How we express the energy of that planet or chart point will undergo a rebooting and rebirthing process both before and after the eclipse. Astrologers have access to complex techniques to determine how long going backward and forward an eclipse will resonate.

Whether the changes suggested by an eclipse are “easy or difficult” depends on the natal significations of the eclipsed planet or point, as well as aspects, yogas, and cycles, as well as the eclipse axis itself. Both solar and lunar eclipses have an influence on all areas of life including personal relationships, health, professional matters, finances, and inner growth, and these areas will be highlighted according to the planets, signs, and houses where the eclipses fall within a natal or mundane horoscope.

A solar eclipse carries more weight than a lunar eclipse. Further, an eclipse will be strongest to bring change when many planets line up in the eclipse axis; and, when the luminaries are closest to the node (as in total eclipses). Thus, the February 26 annular eclipse will not be as strong as the total eclipse in August 2017 will be. Yet, the February eclipse involves several planets: Mercury, Ketu, Sun, Moon, and Neptune. Mercury adds some auspicious energy to the mix for sure, but when it transits over the eclipse points from ~ February 28 to March 3, some noteworthy event(s) may be triggered related to communication; transportation; travel; business and commerce; news media and publishing; treaties, ambassadors, and matters of state; and armed services.

In regard to a personally significant eclipse, a Rahu eclipse (like the one next August) is often thought to be more of a positive force than a Ketu eclipse (like this one in February), especially in terms of material conditions. However, I have seen several cases in which a Ketu eclipse occurred in the days and weeks before someone received a major windfall. This can be explained by the fact that Ketu often represents past life merit and the release of karmic debts. Nonetheless, a Ketu eclipse initially feels more difficult and exhausting as it requires letting go of something or working something out in preparation for a new cycle ahead. For someone whose chart is directly affected as mentioned above, it can be very difficult for the emotional, mental, or physical health, and it can temporarily diminish confidence and clarity.

The rashi and nakshatra of the eclipse have a lot to say about possible areas of life which are more generally as well as specifically affected by eclipse. The February 26 eclipse occurs in Shatabisha nakshatra, which deals with healing, astronomy and astrology; stock exchange; fisheries and fishing; rivers, oceans, lakes, dams, reservoirs, and water supplies; prison reform; and electricity. The eclipse also falls in the middle of Aquarius, sign of the Water Bearer, which is also the sign of revolutions and rebellions; science, media, technology and invention; outer space; oil and oil wells; auto and airline industries; labor organizations; civil rights; reclaimed lands; and spirituality. The latter is also emphasized by the presence of Ketu and Neptune in the eclipse axis, which are also strong spiritual indicators.

In the Washington DC eclipse chart, the rising sign is at 27 degrees sidereal Aries in the sharp, aggressive, altruistic, creative, and transformational (fiery) Krittika nakshatra. Mars, ruler of the Aries chart, conjoins Uranus in the twelfth house in Pisces. This gives some challenging results especially as it is afflicted by Uranus. Mars in the twelfth house can point to civil unrest that could require emergency measures; enemy espionage; underground movements to subvert the government; legal issues for the President and his administration (fines, insubordinate government employees, penalties, judicial conflicts, or threats of impeachment); increased crime; infectious diseases (public health crisis); and drastic changes to all kinds of policies and laws. The exalted Venus also conjunct Mars should help to calm and cool down Mars and Uranus, offering some diplomacy to the mix.

The eclipse falls in the eleventh house which is the best house for an eclipse to fall in, where malefics like Ketu tend to give overall good results. The eleventh house also has special reference to legislators and legislation (Congress); national goals; alliances with foreign countries; national treasury and stock exchange; foreign ambassadors; the Vice President of the country; state and city governing bodies; and gains from trade. Mercury in the eclipse axis promises an active and busy time in Congress this next year, with much new legislation affecting trade, commerce, and education.

However, with Ketu and Neptune involved, we will also see more of the same trend of political drama and deception; personal recriminations; and embittered arguments and disputes among various factions of government. Hopefully Ketu in the eclipse axis and eleventh house reflects some positive changes ahead for the government. Yet, the government is a reflection of the collective consciousness of the nation, which is not in good psychological shape now as Ketu is eclipsing the Moon, which represents the mass mind.

The US Moon eclipsed by Ketu has been moving into place since last summer and points to a great deal of anger, misery, delusion, fear, projection, divisiveness, and civil unrest. The Moon will be eclipsed in the third house of the US Kelleher chart, which is also indicative of major domestic changes ahead; continuing issues related to immigration policies; ongoing mistrust of the mainstream media; and general unrest and confusion among the people.

Nonetheless, for those who follow a more enlightened path of self-realization, the Ketu Aquarius eclipse can be one of awakening. I am also hopeful that as Ketu moves back past the Moon in April, and this might start to ease up some of our current state of public unrest, and I sense that around the August 2017 eclipses, when the lunar nodes change signs, we will begin to face a different set of issues related to the economy, food and water supplies, public health, and ongoing threats to First Amendment rights.

Raphael’s Mundane Astrology says that eclipses falling in Air signs like Aquarius signify “famine, sickness, pestilence, tempests and stormy winds hurtful to mankind.” In the second decan of Aquarius, the eclipse is said to “universally damage the seeds of the earth.” Yet, this eclipse is actually considered to be auspicious according to its Saros cycle, so I am not sure these admonitions apply.

Saros cycles are eclipse families designated by their “Saros Number.” This idea came from the ancient Babylonian astrologers who observed that eclipses occur in groups or families that link together the eclipses that happen every 18 years. These families evolve over cycles that last many centuries (10-15), comprising 80 eclipses in a series. Tracking these cycles is a very specific area of astrological research.

The February 26, 2017 eclipse is a member of Saros 140 which was born April 16, 1512. The last one in this cycle was February 16, 1999 and before that, February 4, 1981. Astrologer Bernadette Brady, in Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark, describes this eclipse as “SS 19 South: This family of eclipses brings with it the elements of the pleasant surprise…sudden happiness, a joyful event, the lucky break, the lucky win. Events [around this eclipse] can positively change the person’s life.”

With our thoughts, we make the world, and I for one will remain optimistic that events around the February 26, 2017 solar eclipse in the sign of the Water Bearer will bring healing, peace, and awakening to the world. For everyone and especially those whose natal horoscopes are closely influenced by this eclipse, I wish you a brilliant lucky break ahead!

It’s Shanivaar again, the day of Shani or Saturn, Lord of Karma. A good color for Saturn is purple. Wearing and meditating on this color increases the highest manifestation of Saturn whose qualities are truth, spiritual awareness, patience, duty, responsibility, practicality, and effective time management and work habits.

Saturn is transiting in a weak position in the transformational gandanta (karmic knot) between Scorpio and Sagittarius for much of 2017, which I have discussed in great detail before in my blogs. Simply put, this transit epitomizes “a world in transition.” Saturn is currently transiting in the first pada of Mula nakshatra from 0 to 3 deg. 20 min. of sidereal Sagittarius in Aries navamsa. From mid-March to late April, he will move into the 2nd pada of Taurus navamsa which is generally more favorable for Saturn’s positive material, spiritual and creative results, as Taurus is ruled by Venus who is Saturn’s friend.

For now, Saturn is in the navamsa (ninth harmonic) of enemy Mars, and Vedic astrology teaches that a planet in its fallen (debilitated or neecha) navamsa acts fully debilitated no matter what its main rashi placement is. The essence of Saturn in Aries in the main sign or navamsa varga reflects ego problems like insecurity and conflict with authority. For those who seek to be more conscious, Saturn in Aries navamsa is now both individually and collectively seriously testing us on how to take responsibility for our thoughts, impulses and actions. For those less aware, Saturn in Aries points to a tendency for damaging psychological projection.

As the son of the Sun, Saturn’s nature is often expressed in the symbolic world of shadows. The late Vedic astrologer Bepin Behari wrote in his Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology that “Saturn spiritualizes but not by arousing an inner urge to discover the real Self. This comes as an after-effect. Saturn causes frustration with the material world. It creates sorrow first. It accentuates the nature of the ‘shadow’ and makes the veil covering the soul’s real nature more prominent through its restricting influence.” (p 91)

Astrologer Steven Arroyo wrote in Astrology, Karma and Transformation that Saturn’s heat and pressure are needed in order that we develop what Buddhists call the ‘diamond soul’ or ‘diamond body,’ which is their way of saying our fundamental innermost nature.” (p 73) In Astrology of Inner Space, Carl Payne Tobey expresses an interesting view of this innermost nature which I believe corresponds to the highest expression of Saturn, which is to reveal the illusions of the outer world:

         “I don’t feel the need to become a part of something bigger. There is more to conquer in inner space than in the outer world. It is unlimited and more interesting. It’s the source of understanding…this does not mean I am antisocial but I prefer to deal with individuals rather than groups…For many, the outer shell of inner space is contaminated and polluted by reflections from the outer world, that ‘something bigger’ with all its corruption and hypocrisy.” (pp 426-427)

I bow to Lord Shani, who removes the illusion of worldliness: Om Virodhadharabumaya Namah!
I bow to Lord Shani, who is the most senior and excellent One: Om Shresthaya Namah!
I bow to the One who speaks little: Om Mitabhasinaya Namah!
I bow to the One who destroys the root of ignorance: Om Avidyamulanasa Namah!
I bow to the One who is lowly and humble: Om Kurupinaya Namah!
I bow to the One who gives dispassion: Om Vairagyadaya Namah!
I bow to the One whose power arises from dispassion: Om Viraya Namah!
I bow to the One who is steady and reliable: Om Achanchala Namah!
I humbly bow to Lord Shani who is my own true nature. Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah!
Jai Saturn! Happy Saturn Day!