by Somya Devi | Oct 5, 2017 | Astrology
Two Zodiacs by Somya Devi
Almost every month I get a few responses to my blog or newsletter with people telling me I have gotten it wrong stating where the full Moon is. “It’s not in Pisces, it’s in Aries! That’s what my moon calendar says and that’s what all the other astrologers say.” What people don’t realize is that I am using the astronomical zodiac, while most Western astrologers use a different zodiacal system, one that does not line up with what we see in the sky.
I approach astrology from the Vedic tradition, called Jyotish, “the science of light,” commonly called Vedic or Hindu astrology. Most Vedic astrologers, myself included, use the sidereal, “star-based” zodiac, for calculating where the planets are. A zodiac is a system, or set of reference points, for locating where things are in the sky. It’s not simply the twelve constellations as we see them. The sidereal zodiac is the zodiac that correlates most closely with how we actually see the stars and planets in the sky from Earth. Western astrologers, who get a lot more press, generally use the tropical zodiac as a reference system. This is a different celestial measurement system, with reference points based on the seasons, not on how we see the planets and constellations from Earth.
For example, when I wrote that we’re experiencing a full Moon in Pisces today (Oct. 5, 2017), some people write to me and say “no, it’s in Aries!” That is what Western astrologers (and many popular calendars), will tell you, basing their calculations for the Moon on the tropical zodiac. But you can look at this astronomy-app screenshot from right now (or look at the sky, tonight) and see that the Moon is actually still aligned with Pisces, from our perspective here on Earth. You can compare this astronomical image to the Vedic and Western charts for today, below. Check out this online planetarium that will show you what is overhead in the sky right now, or at a given time. Makes it easy to see what I’m talking about!
SkyView Free app, Screenshot from October 5, 2017
Sidereal Vedic chart 10/5/17
Tropical Zodiac chart for 10/5/17
If you live in a place where you can see the stars against the backdrop of the full Moon, I also encourage you to go outside and look at the sky and identify the constellations tonight, and on each full Moon, and you will see what Vedic astrologers are talking about. After all, astrology originated from star-gazers paying attention to the patterns that came with the movement of the stars and planets (called gola, or observation, in Jyotish).
So, what happened? A few thousand years ago, the two zodiacs lined up. All astrologers and astronomers could calculate that the Sun entered Aries’ part of the sky around March 21st, the spring equinox (hence this became the common zero-degree starting point of the zodiac).
Because of the wobble of the earth, however, over time the perspective from earth has shifted. The location of the fixed stars behind Sun on the equinox (or any other day), actually shifts eastward about one whole zodiac degree every 72 years. That is to say, if you could see the Sun and the stars simultaneously on March 21st of this year (or if you study a modern astronomical calculation), you would see that the Sun is near the beginning (approx. 7°) of sidereal Pisces on the spring equinox:
SkyView Free app, Screenshot from March 21, 2017 (bright white orb represents the Sun, Pisces and Aries constellations to the east)
The Western school of astrology at some point decided to “fix” the tropical zodiac, so that what they call “Aries (the zodiac sign)” is the first 30° longitude of the sky that the Sun traverses, beginning on the spring equinox, regardless of its relationship to the fixed stars of the constellation Aries that we see in the sky. Hence, wherever the Sun aligns on the spring equinox, that part of the sky will be designated as 0° Tropical Aries, even though it does not align with the visible constellation of Aries. Because the fixed stars have been slowly shifting over thousands of years (often called the “precession of the equinoxes”, the Sun does not align with the constellation of Aries until mid-April in modern times.
To simplify the difference between the zodiacs, the sidereal zodiac and the tropical zodiac are currently around 23° of a sign apart. Planets in a sidereal chart will be around 23° of a sign behind where they are in a tropical chart (so about ¾ of the time they will be in the previous sign). Most Vedic astrologers use the sidereal zodiac while most Western astrologers use the tropical.
Because the fixed-stars zodiac is shifting “backwards” each year, and the Sun on the vernal equinox is now at 7° Pisces, and all of the planets in a Vedic chart are measured as being about 23° behind where they are in a Western chart (about ¾ of a sign behind). As a result of this, about ¾ of the time, Vedic astrologers will cite a Full Moon, or the rising sign and any planet in your birth chart, as being in a different sign than what you have commonly heard from the more mainstream Western/tropical perspective.
This is very interesting when you look at your natal chart, because about ¾ of your planets will be in different signs in your Vedic chart than they were in your Western. The Sun does not transit through sidereal Aries from March 21st to April 20th, but from April 13th through May 14th. The Vedic sidereal natal chart is a representation of the astronomical map at the time of your birth. It shows where one could have identified the planets and stars through observation of the night sky. For example, your Western tropical chart may indicate that you are “Libra rising,” but your Vedic chart may show Virgo rising, meaning that if you were born at night and had looked straight out on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth, you could have actually identified the constellation Virgo rising in the sky (if it were a nighttime birth).
These are the dates that the Sun aligns with the 30° segments of the sidereal zodiac, which is closely aligned with the measurable/observable astronomical alignment of the Sun and these constellations in the sky (save for the varying breadth of the constellations, see end of article):
Aries: April 13th – May 14th
Taurus: May 14th – June 14th
Gemini: June 14th – July 16th
Cancer: July 16th – August 15th
Leo: August 15th – September 16th
Virgo: September 16th – October 15th
Libra: October 15th – November 15th
Scorpio: November 15th – December 15th
Sagittarius: December 15th – January 13th
Capricorn: January 13th – February 12th
Aquarius: February 12th – March 13th
Pisces: March 13th – April 13th
Dates may vary by a day or two from year to year. You can also see that I have listed the signs with overlapping dates. That is because the Sun does not pass the imaginary 0° mark of a sign at exactly midnight each month. If you were born on one of these cusp days, you would want to review your Vedic astrological chart to see which sign the Sun was technically transiting during your birth. You will also want to discuss with your astrologer what it means for you to have your Sun so closely on the cusp of two signs.
It is also very important to note that in a Vedic astrology natal chart reading, most Vedic astrologers would not identify you as a “[your Vedic Sun sign, above].” Rather, we generally look at your Vedic rising sign, the constellation that was coming up on the eastern horizon at your birth time, as your most prominent energy. This is the one that most influences your personality, physical body, and everyday experience. The rising sign changes every couple of hours each day, so this helps us to get much more specific about your individual makeup, rather than grouping everyone born during the same month of the year together. The rising sign also determines where all twelve houses in your chart overlap with the twelve major constellations, telling us more about your style in each area of life. (For example, everyone with Libra rising has Aries for their house of relationships, and Cancer for their house of Career.) Of course, understanding the placement of all the planets in the birth chart will give us the best understanding of your make-up, as there are many factors that can add a lot of influence to your life.
Another notable point that you can see in the screenshot above, is that some of the constellations take up far more space in the sky than others (see Aries vs. Pisces, above). The twelve major zodiacal constellations are the ones in the same band of the sky where we see the Sun and Moon rise and set each day, called the ecliptic. (Each of these major constellations also rises and sets each day.) Hence, the “circle” of the ecliptic is mathematically divided into 360°. At some point, there were designated twelve equal 30° sections, for ease of identification. Each of the twelve major signs “gets” exactly 30° of the ecliptic, even though the constellations themselves may fill slightly more or less than that distance of visible arc.
Wikipedia image
So, please don’t be surprised or think that an astrologer has made an error if you see them writing about a Full Moon that is one sign off from what you have heard others say. Take note of which astrologers are using the sidereal vs. the tropical zodiac (some Western astrologers also use the sidereal zodiac, and a few Vedic astrologers use the tropical).
Get to know both your Vedic and Western charts to see the differences, and feel into what resonates more for you. Usually both do to some degree, but many people breathe a sigh of relief when they finally learn about their Vedic chart, because it often makes a lot more sense, resonates on a deeper level, and reveals more about their being. Above all, don’t just take the word of any astrologer, but go out in the night sky and observe the stars and planets for yourself! Feel into them and begin to interpret your own astrology, because astrology is inherently an observation of astronomy, and how the movement of the stars and planets relate with us, physically, energetically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I hope that helps! Thank you for your interest. I love educating people about the two different zodiacs and the wisdom of Vedic astrology … I would love to work with you through a personal Vedic astrology chart reading to share insights on your personal sidereal natal chart, and what it illuminates about your personality, karma, and life course.
I have tried to simplify this topic to give readers a basic understanding of the difference between these two zodiacs and astrological perspectives. One can go into much deeper research about the origins and subtleties of these and their use/preference by astrologers (there is much debate on the topic, and I am a perpetual student myself). Here are a few articles from colleagues and public sources that begin to dive deeper into this topic. Please feel free to send me other links you think would be useful here:
Wikipedia article on Zodiacs
Wikipedia article on Axial Precession
Story of the Zodiac Vedic Astrology by Sam Geppi
Vedic Astrology and the Sidereal Zodiac in the Age of Misinformation by Sam Geppi
The Tale of Two Zodiacs by Freedom Cole
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by Somya Devi | Apr 29, 2022 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Events, Holy Days, Planets Changing Signs
Eclipse Season, Venus-Jupiter Conjunction, and Akshaya Tritiya
There is so much going on in the sky right now, this is an exciting time for astronomers and astrologers alike. Tonight brings a Dark Moon as Sun and Moon approach each other for an exact New Moon conjunction on April 30th at 4:28 pm ET. They join in sidereal Aries, where Sun is exalted and Rahu is currently transiting as well. This meeting of Sun, Moon and Rahu stimulates a solar eclipse around the time of the New Moon, the first eclipse of this spring’s eclipse season, with the lunar eclipse following on the Full Moon of May 15th-16th. Additionally, Venus and Jupiter are having their closest conjunction of the year on April 30th as well!
Aries Moon Cycle
The Aries Moon cycle begins when Sun and Moon join in sidereal Aries. If you’ve forgotten the difference between sidereal and tropical systems, here it is! I just re-read this article and definitely recommend checking it out if this is a concept you strive to understand. The Sun is exalted as it travels through Aries, bringing forth a strong sense of vitality and energy as we emerge into the growing season in the northern hemisphere. The Aries cycle is a time for beginning and giving birth to things, just as we see reflected in nature.
Bharani Nakshatra
This Moon cycle begins literally with Sun and Moon in the Vedic nakshatra Bharani, “the bearer,” the star of birth and death. It is represented by a womb, associated with fertile Venus, ruled by death deity Yama, and opens a portal between the worlds of living and dying. This moon cycle is an opportune time to plant the seeds you are wishing to cultivate, both literally and figuratively.
Akshaya Tritiya
Three days after the New Moon in Aries, on Tuesday, May 3rd, the Moon travels through its sign of exaltation as well— Taurus. A sign of exaltation is the place where a planet is considered extremely well-placed, supported by the ruler of that sign, and in good relationship with its home sign. It’s where the planet is most likely to be able to express itself positively through us. With the Sun exalted in Aries, it is supported by its ruler Mars, a planet that adds courage and strength to Sun who seeks to express power and vitality. With the Moon exalted in Venus-ruled, earth-sign Taurus, it gets to rest on fertile and stable ground, an excellent place for our watery, emotional and often changeable mind to reside in the feminine.
With both Sun AND Moon exalted at the same time, this signals that our minds, bodies, and spirit are extremely well-supported. For this reason, this “tritiya” (third waxing Moon) day is thought to be a day that offers only auspicious, prosperous, everlasting results. Hence it is deemed Akshaya Tritiya, “akshaya” being that which is without loss, that which never diminishes. In India this is a major moment for investments, new beginnings, and large purchases, especially of gold and silver. It is thought that your returns will be “never diminishing.”
Although usually I like to offer specific Muhurta selections based on one’s individual natal chart, this day is generally considered auspicious in general for new endeavors, purchases, and investments.
Solar Eclipse
April 30th, the New Moon, itself brings with it a solar eclipse that will be visible from parts of South America and Antarctica. Its effects, however, can be felt across the globe. You may have already noticed tensions rising in your life this week, especially around certain areas where you have felt stuck. Eclipses are when the shadow energy becomes visible (we literally see a shadow when the grahas Rahu and Ketu align with Sun, Moon and Earth). They tend to bring to light areas that require our attention and change, whether it be by eliminating limiting beliefs or patterns, or by stepping into something we have resisted.
This is the first eclipse of a 1.5-year cycle that began when Rahu and Ketu transited into the Aries-Libra axis on April 12th, after their year-and-half transit of Taurus and Scorpio before that. This longer cycle and the biannual eclipse seasons within it are likely to “bring stuff up” for you in whatever areas of life are indicated by Aries and Libra in your Vedic natal chart, and may stimulate other karma depending upon what other planets are there in your chart.
As in many traditional cultures, in Vedic thought eclipses are considered inauspicious times, because the natural order of the universe is turned on its head. It is best not to plan any important activities or new beginnings during the hours of the eclipse itself (2:25 PM – 6:38 PM ET, with maximum eclipse at 4:42). Instead, spiritual practice such as prayer or meditation is advised, as these are the best remedies for dealing with the disruptive, confusing and often virulent energy of the nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Hindu culture advises against eating, drinking or being outside during the eclipse hours as well, especially if you live in its visible path.
This is the first eclipse of two that are coming this eclipse season, the second being a lunar eclipse on the Full Moon of May 15th-16th, which will be visible from most of the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. After that the eclipse season ends until the next set which will come in October-November of this year.
Some astrologers advise people to do things around an eclipse as these can be transformative times. They can definitely be transformative, but I always caution clients that if you are to make a major decision during an eclipse season, be sure that it comes from a place of clarity, after much reflection and introspection, and that it is not based out of stress, fear, or overwhelm with your current situation.
Jupiter-Venus Conjunction/War
In addition to the New Moon and Solar Eclipse, Saturday also brings the exact conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, at 5:14 pm ET in sidereal Pisces. The two will be traveling together in this sign from April 27th through May 23rd, when Venus moves into Aries. Jupiter is the ruler of Pisces, while Venus is exalted there, giving the two brightest planets a lot of power right now. It will be a beautiful sight to behold on the early mornings of April 30th and May 1st, while they can be seen extremely close together rising a little while before the Sun. (EarthSky has some great visuals on what to look for in the early morning eastern sky.)
The intense proximity of the two, however, creates what is known as a graha yuddha or planetary war in Vedic astrology. This happens whenever two planets come within one degree of each other, as these two do from April 29th through May 1st. When this happens, both planets are considered to be weakened because they must vie with each other for power and our attention. Thus the areas ruled by Jupiter (inspiration, hope, beliefs) and Venus (happiness, romance, art, beauty, nature) in general and in our personal charts, may suffer during this time.
The war between Jupiter and Venus can be particularly difficult as these two are quite inimical to each other, Jupiter being the guru of the Gods and Venus that of the Asuras (demons). Jupiter or Guru guides us to acquire our higher belief systems, knowledge, and wisdom, while Venus or Shukra motivates us mainly towards pleasure. It is for this reason that Venus becomes exalted in Pisces, because when under Jupiter’s influence, in this other-worldly water sign, we are often able to align our desires with a higher power or purpose.
So enjoy the spectacle of the two brightest planets this weekend, but consider the highest potential of the two as you feel the waves of emotion that may come as they battle it out, with the Moon and eclipsed Sun joining Rahu in fiery Aries. Overall I do believe this whole setup offers a lot of potential for inner growth, if we take the time to go inward and seek insight around our highest purpose, desires, and intentions for this season’s new beginnings.
by Somya Devi | Oct 24, 2019 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Holy Days, Planets Changing Signs
The Sun and Moon will join at 10° sidereal Libra this Sunday night, October 24th, at 8:39 pm PDT. This Dark Moon night commemorates the Hindu holiday of Diwali, the festival of lights. October 27th will actually be the third but main night of celebration of this festival, which begins on Dhanteras on October 25th.
Libra cycle
The New Moon in Libra will begin a Libra cycle, compelling us to find balance, harmony, beauty, and compromise. Venus will have just left his own sign of Libra, a couple of hours before the New Moon, but has been strong there the last several weeks and during most of the Amavasya dark Moon phase leading up to the exact New Moon moment.
One thing to note about the Libra cycle is that the Sun is considered neecha or naturally debilitated there, so self-care becomes especially important during a Libra cycle. Since the Sun relates to our sense of strength and vitality, and Libra is the sign of compromising (or over-compromising) with others, it is possible that our own strength becomes diminished as we elevate the level of energy and attention we give to those around us. Caring for others doesn’t necessarily translate to depleted health, but it can when we overemphasize the outer world and others to the point of neglecting our own self-care.
This is a very important time of year to nourish ourselves, and our inner light, as the outer light is descending. At the beginning of this cycle, set an intention for a mindful self-care routine this month. Light some candles (or turn on your electronic ones) for Diwali on the Dark Moon night, and if possible, take some time each day to offer yourself some time to nourish and honor your personal light. Self-care practices can include yoga, meditation, chanting, art, or self-abhyangha (oil massage). You can also make some herbal tea to nourish yourself during this vata (cold and dry) season.
Swati Nakshatra
This New Moon joins the Sun in Swati nakshatra, a nakshatra that is also known to add to vata conditions, as it gives the power to scatter like the wind, so be aware of restlessness this Dark Moon night. It is ruled by Lord Vayu, wind embodied, and is symbolized by a young plant blowing in the wind, both flexible and strong amidst it. It can be translated as the “priest” or the “sword” and carries hidden spiritual potential from its association with Rahu. The male buffalo is the animal symbol for Swati nakshatra.
Venus, Jupiter and Mercury
These three benefic planets will be traveling together in sidereal Scorpio from October 26th through November 4th, when Jupiter transits into Sagittarius. The conjunction of these three planets creates a Sarasvati yoga during certain times of day, which could offer auspicious muhurtas (moments) for initiating artistic, educational or spiritual activities. If you were born with a Sarasvati yoga in your natal chart, you may find it more activated during these times.
Jupiter in Sagittarius
On November 4th, we will experience a major movement in the cosmos, as Jupiter transits from Scorpio into Sagittarius. Because the outer planets move slower, they spend longer in each sign, so this transit is important because it will take effect for over a year while Jupiter travels through his own sign. Generally that brings strength to a planet, but with the current conjunction with Saturn and Ketu, also in Sagittarius, we could see an intensification of strange and radical ideologies vying for their place on the world stage.
Dhanteras and Diwali
On the new Moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin (this month), we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. The festival begins this year on Friday, October 25th (North America), on the 13th waning Moon phase of the previous cycle. This day is known as Dhanteras, or Dhanvantari Tryodashi, the celebration of the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurvedic medicine. If you practice any healing tradition, especially Ayurveda, this is a good day to give thanks and call in auspicious blessings to your healing path or practice.
Diwali is strongly associated with the Goddess Laxmi, and is a powerful time to connect with her, calling in her blessings for both material and spiritual prosperity. Dhanteras commemorates the day that Lakshmi emerged from the milk ocean in Vedic lore. In India, it is customary to purchase metals on this day — anything from jewelry to new statues to kitchenware (excluding iron), especially silver and gold — as a part of celebrating Lakshmi and calling in more prosperity. The metals can then be offered to your altar and will absorb and amplify the benefits of worship performed over the few days of Diwali.
We celebrate Diwali while the days are getting noticeably shorter and darker, and it is a time to invite more light into our lives, our hearts, and our world. This festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, which is something to rejoice in and have faith in, even if we can’t outwardly observe it sometimes. Creating positive vibrations internally is the best way to begin growing and spreading them externally.
Diwali also commemorates Lord Ram’s and Sita’s return from exile after fourteen years (a story from the Ramayana). Lord Ram embodies the highest qualities of dharma, devotion, compassion, courage, and leadership. Diwali is also the start of a new lunar cycle, so it’s a great time to go within and summon these qualities to awaken and live through you.
Diwali (also seen as Divali, Deepawali or Deepavali) comes from the Sanskrit words deepa (light) and avali (row). It is traditional to light candles throughout Diwali (opt for electronic tea lights if you’re in a fire danger zone!), inviting the highest light into our homes and lives. The candles are lit to remind us of the inner divine light in us all. Though one flame can be used to light many others, it is not diminished by sharing its power of illumination. We can pray for the peace and happiness of all beings, and each one’s awareness of their inner light.
by Somya Devi | Sep 10, 2019 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Retrograde
The Moon is waxing towards a full Moon in Aquarius this Friday night, with peak brightness coming at 9:33 pm PDT. The Moon is opposite a powerful and fiery Sun in sidereal Leo, still joined closely with warrior Mars. While the Moon-mind-heart is illuminated this weekend, we can tune into what it means to be of service when we find ourselves in our own autonomous ring of fire.
Full Moon in Aquarius
The Aquarius full Moon is the integrating reflection point of the Leo Sun cycle. Throughout the Leo cycle, we have felt our own strength growing and shining, as Sun shines strongly from his own sign. This cycle began with Sun in Magha, the throne of the zodiac. We’ve been noticing our own inherent power and leadership potential, and getting a sense of what it means to wield our power ethically and generously. We may have also gotten caught up in the power, letting it get to our heads, and feeling a bit entitled to some royal treatment.
As the Moon waxes into Aquarius, our vision broadens far beyond our individual sphere and into the world at large. With so much suffering across the globe, what is truly the best way to shine our inherent divine light? It was a gift from the universe, and one given through grace, and ought not to entitle us to some special treatment, but rather, blesses us with the ability to share it with others. Aquarius brings to mind service, and relates with the image of a sadhu offering himself and his practice for the good of all. As you count your blessings this full Moon, contemplate how you can use them for the uplifting of humanity and the progress of the whole.
Purva Bhadrapada
The full Moon aligns with the Vedic nakshatra called Purva Bhadrapada, “the one with lucky feet.” This is truly a nakshatra that is helps us to align with a greater purpose than our personal material needs, as it bridges the signs of Aquarius and Pisces. Moving us from Aquarius into Pisces, it highlights the need for surrender to a higher power. Like Aquarius it orients us more towards ideals of improving and helping society, over personal goals. It is fitting as you may be finishing summer indulgences and getting back more into meaningful work with a greater purpose.
Purva Bhadrapada is ruled by Aja Ekapada, the one-footed goat, often associated with Lord Shiva or Nataraj. It is also symbolized by a sword, or the two front legs of a bed or funeral cot. This symbolism shows us that we will need to cut ties with some of the mundane things of life, as we prepare ourselves for the next world or phase of evolution. Though not always literal death, this can symbolize the transition from a worldly to a spiritual orientation.
Mercury-Venus War
The Mercury-Venus war could contribute to a sense of seriousness and less inclination towards pleasurable indulgence. The two are at war from September 11th through 15th, while they travel within one degree of each other, competing for our attention (though both are still so close to the Sun that they are not readily visible). Mercury is strong and exalted in his own sign of Virgo, while Venus is debilitated there, so we may feel Mercury is winning out, meaning practicality will take precedence over desire, or even happiness, for a few days.
Saturn-Ketu Exact Conjunction
Saturn has slowed way down as he approaches his stand-still station on September 18th, and Ketu is catching up. The two will have their third and final exact conjunction on the 15th, before they slowly begin to separate as Saturn begins direct motion again after the 18th. In whatever area of life is shown by sidereal Sagittarius in your chart, you may have been struggling between stepping up to the hard work, and renouncing everything for much of this year as these two planets crept together through this sign. If you feel the intense energy again during this conjunction, be sure to go into a mindful practice to help you feel your way through it, and don’t make any hasty decisions out of stress.
Kala Sarpa
We’ve been circling through Kala Sarpa cycles as the Moon circles the zodiac these last few months, passing from one side of the nodes to the other, either joining or leaving the rest of the planets who are clustered on one side of the Rahu-Ketu axis. Kala Sarpa will be on again from September 21st through October 6th. If you have a prominent Rahu-Ketu in your natal chart, or are running a Rahu or Ketu dasha, you may feel more affected by these cycles.
Personal readings are available and will help to explain how all of these alignments affect your chart and life in particular.
by Somya Devi | Aug 13, 2019 | Uncategorized
Full Moon in Capricorn
The full Moon will be illuminated in sidereal Capricorn on August 14th, reaching totality at 5:29 am PDT on the 15th. Opposite the Sun in watery Cancer, this full Moon ties in a grounded Saturn energy, bringing us back to earth for a moment in what may be a highly emotional month. The fire energy has also been riding high these current weeks, with Venus highly combust next to the Sun, and Mars now moving through Leo. This full Moon occurs under Dhanishtha nakshatra, the star of wealth.
Capricorn Full Moon
We began this lunar cycle with Sun and Moon in Cancer, aligning our minds and spirit with the cooling waters of the heart. As the Moon becomes illuminated in Capricorn, it’s in an earth sign and under the rulership of Saturn, who reminds us that there’s more to life than the waves of the emotions. Moon in Capricorn helps us to remember what’s most important, to slow down and steady ourselves, and to commit to a path of action that aligns with our long-term goals. It’s a time for creating structure and embracing stability, stabilizing the fickle mind that can change at a moment’s notice when guided by water alone.
Dhanishtha
The Full Moon aligns with the Vedic nakshatra called Dhanishta, “the wealthiest.” Dhana means wealth, and this implies prosperity of both a material and spiritual nature. Bridging sidereal Capricorn and Aquarius, Dhanishtha can bring wealth, innovation and success. It is also known as a musical star, symbolized by a musical drum, showing that it is a place where we can really attune to the cosmic rhythm. It is ruled by the eight Vasus, the elemental gods of nature.
Jupiter Direct
After four months in retrograde motion, Jupiter stationed in sidereal Scorpio on August 11th, and is very slowly beginning his journey forward through the zodiac again in direct motion. Jupiter direct may help you to begin moving forward again in the Jupiter-ruled areas of your chart and life, which have been under heavy contemplation or re-consideration for several months. Collectively, Jupiter’s direct motion will show us more conformity of ideas and beliefs. For example, with Jupiter retrograde this year we have seen a lot of nuanced political platforms coming forward from a huge array of candidates, and as he moves forward we will see fewer of those as people solidify their support around certain “big” ideas.
Venus Combust
Venus has been traveling very close to the Sun this month, within 3 degrees since August 2nd. When this happens, he is so close to the Sun that his brightness is no longer apparent to us. Venus has not been visible to most of us since mid-July, and will not be seen again til late September, which makes it challenging to harness the blessings of Venus—happiness, pleasure, and inter-personal harmony. He is traveling close to the Sun and will actually pass directly behind the Sun, from our perspective on earth, on August 14th, for an exact conjunction then. He will stay within three degrees, in high combustion, until August 25th, though he will not reappear for another month after that. Both Venus and the Sun move into Leo on the 16th, adding more strength to the Sun and more fiery independence to the side of us that is meant to compromise.
Mars Venus War
Mars is also currently in Leo, since August 8th, adding fire to fire and increasing our courage and will significantly, after the month of debilitation while Mars traveled through Cancer. Mars-ruled folks may notice some of the oomph coming back, and a little less emotional heaviness. Mars will soon face some other challenges, however, as he simultaneously comes into combustion as well as a planetary war with Venus. Mars and Venus go to war August 22nd-26th, with both highly combust within 3 degrees of the Sun. This can present challenges in Mars- and Venus- ruled areas of your life, and with managing both our will and our desires appropriately. Mars will become fully combust (aligning exactly with the Sun) on September 2nd.
Kala Sarpa
We’re in the time of year where all planets are on one side of the nodal axis (between or joined Rahu and Ketu), save for the Moon who travels from one side to the other for half of each month. Kala Sarpa can exacerbate challenges for those who have a prominent nodal placement in the natal chart, or are running a dasha of Rahu or Ketu currently. This cycle begins on August 25th and runs through September 9th. Sadhana is the best remedy for nodal challenges.
Personal readings are available and will help to explain how all of these alignments affect your chart and life in particular.
