by Somya Devi | Jun 1, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
The Moon will be full in sidereal Scorpio on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 9:19 am PST, in the Vedic nakshatra of Jyeshtha. The full Moon (Purnima) is when we see the light of the Sun (the higher Self) fully illuminating the Moon (our emotional bodies). This cycle, which began on the May 17th New Moon in Taurus, compels us towards solidifying our material surroundings, including home, family and possessions. We are working towards our goals as reflected by our values. The Full Moon brings our soul’s reflection to the opposite zodiac sign, Scorpio, where we must work to strengthen and stabilize the emotional body, in its awareness of life’s ultimate uncertainty. With the radiant Sun shining on it from Taurus, there is the potential for much growth around this now.
Jyeshtha translates as the “eldest” or “Seniormost,” and in the sky we locate it as Antares, a red supergiant (a star many times bigger than the Sun). It is known as the “heart of the Scorpion.” There is much power associated
with this star, as its deity is Indra, the chief of the Gods in Hindu mythology. Indra was known for letting his ego get carried away and being drunk with power (and Soma), which caused him to lose his status as a primary godhead. Through penance, or devoted practice, however, he was able to gain prosperity. The symbol for Jyeshtha is an umbrella, and Indra is also associated with raindrops. This symbolizes the idea that we are able to benefit from the divine Universal power in a positive way, if we engage our knowledge of its mystic qualities through spiritual practice.
Scorpio is a watery (emotional) sign ruled by Mars (strength, passion and intensity). It is a feminine sign, meaning self-reflective. It relates to the reproductive organs, which naturally symbolize rebirth and transformation. Full Moon in Scorpio, therefore, gives us the potential to be spiritual warriors, as the Sun’s light shines on the deepest most intense parts of our emotional bodies, usually kept hidden. Feeling into this illuminated Scorpio energy, we will face the place in ourselves that is most open to profound transformation–which we can experience if we allow it. Whichever house is Scorpio in your chart will be an area to pay particular attention now.
Because Scorpio is a fixed sign, there can be some resistance and fear around feeling difficult emotions, and they can sometimes get bottled up. This full Moon joins retrograde Saturn in Scorpio, as well, which can bring added feelings of fear and pressure, but a good opportunity to seek inner wisdom. The well of emotion found in Scorpio can be overwhelming to face in general, but with the radiance of the Sun (the higher Self) brightening it for us, this full Moon is a time for powerful introspection and insight. Only through facing ourselves fearlessly can the emotions flow to stable ground, rather than staying dammed up.
Saturn’s influence on the Moon causes pressure by compelling us to look at the long term and make decisions with wisdom rather than momentary compulsions. We are feeling these compulsions too, however, because Mars (the planet of the gut) is directly aspecting this full Moon from Taurus. Retrograde Mercury also joins Mars and the Sun in aspecting the full Moon, so watch out for mental agitation and communication challenges. This whole lineup could cause some intense emotional upheaval as we process the opposing energies.
The Mars-Saturn-Moon positioning may reveal a discrepancy if our short-term goals for material stability are not in alignment with what is beneficial in the long-term. Feel into it through your heart to see. It takes the emotional courage of Mars turned inward to face our emotions and change course if needed. Offer yourself to the process by being willing to self-examine and listen to the inner voice of your heart’s wisdom.
At the time of the fullest Moon, Venus and Jupiter in will be on the horizon in Cancer. Venus moved into sidereal Cancer on Saturday, joining Jupiter there. Though it will be beautiful to see these two planets coming close together in the sky over the next month, the energies of Jupiter and Venus can sometimes conflict with each other, so it is best to be mindful of them. The house themes of wherever Cancer is in your chart will come up during this time.
Venus, especially Venus in Cancer, is the part of us that wants pleasure, happiness, and comfort. We may feel very lovey this month with Venus in this water sign, ruled by the Moon (nourishing heart/Mother energy). Jupiter’s confluence with Venus, however, raises awareness of our beliefs and values, and how these align with our pleasurable pursuits (or do not). For example, if we are making too many compromises on our values in an attempt to secure happiness, this could become apparent this month and around the full Moon, when our emotions are lit up. On the other hand, it could also be a great time to integrate your values and beliefs into your relationships, as the Moon (heart energy) is the ruler of both Jupiter and Venus for the time being. Having satsang (spiritual discourse) and doing spiritual practice with your loved ones could bring you closer together right now.
Deep introspection and transformation are possible right now, though we must be brave to navigate the waters of the current alignment. Call upon your teachers and teachings for wisdom to guide you, as Jupiter is aspecting this full Moon. Call on Mars for inner strength and courage to reflect on your deepest emotions, and watch out for impetuousness or aggression that could come from him if the energy is projected outwards. Invite Saturn to help you see how your feelings relate to your long-term goals, or might be interfering with them. Engage retrograde Mercury’s energy to re-examine issues with mindful scrutiny, rather than trying to forge ahead with things that require more reflection. Though this Scorpio full Moon could cause us to question a lot about our current situation, remember that the amplified emotions are temporary, and offered as a tool for us to self-reflect to move forward stronger, not to retreat in fear. Through mindful practice and meditation you can harness the spiritual warrior potential of Scorpio.
by Somya Devi | May 2, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
The Full Moon will be in sidereal Libra tomorrow, Sunday May 3rd, at 8:42 pm PST. Moon is in Libra already today, hemmed between Saturn and Rahu (Saturn is to one side of the Moon in the sky, in Scorpio, and Rahu is on its other side, in Virgo). This alignment has been happening monthly as the Moon transits through the Zodiac, passing through this Virgo-Libra-Scorpio portion of the sky for about a quarter of each month. When this happens, we may feel our emotional body influenced first by the planet of intense, obsessive attachment (Rahu), and then by pressure, and potential stress and fear (Saturn).
During the full Moon, our emotional body (Moon) passes through the sign opposite from the our higher self and soul power (exalted Sun). Sun is now in Aries, where we started this cycle on the new Moon, two weeks ago. The Aries cycle is about tapping into our personal power and energy (Sun) to get moving and start new projects, putting that illuminated energy into actions. We may have felt a big spurt of energy and enthusiasm for projects and plans, and put those in motion over the last couple of weeks.
Every energy has a contrasting and complementary opposite energy from which we must learn. With this full Moon in Libra, we are probably feeling the influence that our relationships have on our emotional bodies. These may help or hinder the efforts we are making from that place of personal power, in Aries. Libra is ruled by Venus and seeks to balance the scales, and make everyone happy, not just ourselves. So if some of the projects or plans we have started are not working well for our close friends, business partners, or significant others, our emotional body will be feeling that discrepancy. We may need to reexamine the course.
The influence of Saturn and Rahu could make this feel really stressful, so do your best not to submit to fear, or the need to control all the details. The light of the full Libra moon can show us a fuller path to compromise and support those around us in conjunction with our illuminated efforts. As always, meditation and spiritual practice support the higher energies of the planets–well-constructed compromises and actions that benefit the whole, not just ourselves. The lower potential of the Aries-Libra axis is holding too tightly to or giving away too much of our personal power.
In the Vedic Zodiac, this full Moon falls on the nakshatra (star-sign) of Swati, related to Lord Hanuman and the wind. Swati has the power to scatter our energy like the monkey mind is often scattered. With the pressure of Rahu and Saturn on either side of the Moon, it is important to do your best to root yourself through grounding practices. Working with the earth, practicing asana yoga, sitting at your altar, and applying oils to the soles of the feet will help. Care for your hips as well, as these relate to the sign of Libra, and a lot of emotional energy can get stuck there. Chanting the Hanuman Chaleesa will be a great way to orient that monkey mind towards one-pointed higher purpose.
Venus moved from sidereal Taurus into Gemini Saturday morning, May 2nd. This could lighten the desire for stable physical comfort, and bring more flexibility and curiosity to our ideas about relationships and happiness. Mars also changes signs this weekend, moving out of Aries and into Taurus at 11am on Sunday, just hours before the full Moon. It is still in the sign of Krttika, “the cutter,” and may help us cut away more of what we don’t need. In Aries it may have been making us a little hot-headed and prone to arguments.
The full moon will be fullest just after it has risen on the Pacific coast of North America. Jupiter will be directly overhead at this time. It’s a great night for sitting up, chanting, and calling in a higher understanding of ourselves and how we relate with others. Specific themes will be illuminated for each individual related to whatever house Libra is in your Vedic chart.
by Somya Devi | Apr 20, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs, Uncategorized
From today through Wednesday morning (PDT) there is a really graceful alignment of planets in the sky. Five planets are either in their own signs or their signs of exaltation. This combination or “yoga” in Vedic astrology is a powerful one, and grants auspiciousness to activities undertaken during this time. Mars and Venus are in signs that they rule (Aries and Taurus, respectively), and the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are in their signs of exaltation (Aries, Taurus, and Cancer). This means that we will find it easier to connect with our courage and strength for acting (Mars), with spirit and illuminated consciousness (Sun), with peace and contentment in our hearts (Moon), with finding happiness and beauty in life, and through compromise and relationships (Venus), and with our senses of higher purpose, hope and optimism (Jupiter). We will have five exalted or sva planets (in their own signs) again when Moon passes through his own sign, Cancer, from Friday through Sunday morning. For the next two days, however, with the Sun and Moon exalted, we are in the auspicious Hindu holy days of Akshaya Tritiya. The “tritiya” refers to the third day of the waxing moon, and each year on the third day after new Moon in Aries, both Sun and Moon are exalted (Sun in Aries and Moon in Taurus). “Akshaya” means “never diminishing” and is associated with prosperity and wealth. This is a good time for beginning both material and spiritual ventures. With Mars and Sun in Aries, we already have a lot of potency for initiating activities, and with Moon also exalted, this aligns us with our heart’s truest contentment. Moon is exalted in Taurus because the emotions are able to rest peacefully in that fixed earth sign. It is a Kapha dosha sign, which supports the emotional body because it is less prone towards restlessness and anxiety. With a full spirit and peaceful heart, and a strong connection to your strength, pleasure and purpose, do some work these days on manifesting your dreams.
Some times of day are even more potent than others for setting your goals in motion, and as well you may find this window especially graceful for activities related to the specific houses affected in your chart.
by Somya Devi | Apr 15, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
Today the Sun entered sidereal Aries, meaning it is now between the earth and the stars making up the constellation of the Ram. Vedic astrology follows the sidereal (or star-based) zodiac. You may be thinking “didn’t the Sun enter Aries on March 21st, the spring Equinox?” According to the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology, yes, because in the tropical zodiac Aries’ start is defined by the vernal equinox, or the time when the ecliptic (the sun’s perceived path around earth, from our point of view), intersects with the celestial equator (basically, a circle in space aligned with the equator). Below is a good visual from wikipedia. Basically, we think of the equinoxes as the times when the Sun is directly “above” the equator, giving equal light to the northern and southern hemispheres. Because of the tilt of the earth, this happens only twice a year. From our perspective on earth, the Sun was still aligned with the constellation of Pisces over the last few weeks, and has just crossed into the beginning of Aries’ section of the sky today. We will begin to really feel that springtime burst of energy now and through the next month.
Aries, a fire sign ruled by Mars, is where the Sun is exalted, or able to make the most of its energy. Sun, or Surya, relates to our life-force, health, and physical energy, so we may feel a rush of strength, empowerment, and inspiration coming on during this time. Especially because we have passed the heavy energy of the eclipses, this is a good time to get moving forward with projects and plans for the year (…starting after tomorrow! The very day of transition the Sun is not yet fully established in its new sign). With this forward-moving Ram energy behind the Sun, it’s a good time to check in with your health, do a springtime cleanse, or start a new exercise regime. Sun also represents the Atman, or the higher self. It is a sattvic planet aimed at purification and truth, and offers generously its life-giving energy that sustains everything. When it is in this strong position, we feel the abundance of strength within that lets us not only move forward in individual pursuits but also in ways that help others. Give back to the earth by offering your (Sun’s) energy into her as you start your garden. A strong Sun compels us to align with truth on all levels, so it may be a good time to review your own accountability and responsibilities.
Sun is now joined Mars, the planet of strength and courage, which adds even more vigor to our energy this month. He is also joining Mercury in Aries now, which may feel a bit overwhelming to our sense for reasoning and communicating. Mercury is combust at the moment and approaching Mars as well, so all that heat can add fire to our speech and intellect. Do your best to slow down when communicating and avoid arguing or blurting things out too fast. The intellect is sharp now, so if you haven’t finished your taxes yet, give it a try! Sun is a planet of hard work and responsibility, and Aries brings a power to this pursuit, so it is a good time to check in with yours. We’ll fully engage the Ram energy when the New Moon in Aries occurs on Saturday, April 18th.
by Somya Devi | Apr 8, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
Jupiter has been retrograde since December 8, 2014, appearing to move backwards from our perspective on earth. It has also been closest to the earth and brightest from our point of view during this time. The closest alignment was in early February when earth was directly between the Sun and Jupiter. This week it will appear to come to a stop, in sidereal Cancer, between the stars Castor and Pollux of Gemini and Regulus of Leo. It is still very bright, and visible overhead around sunset in California, setting in the west around 4am. It will appear stationary in Cancer for the next couple of weeks, as it slowly begins creeping forward again in direct motion.
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, and its energy brings expansion and growth wherever it lies. It is known in Sanskrit as “Guru,” the remover of darkness, or ignorance. Jupiter’s influence in our natal chart illustrates our philosophy, trajectory, and relationship to our life’s purpose. Its retrograde motion over the past few months brought a great opportunity to reexamine these things and introspect about them. You may be feeling a fresh sense of purpose and clearer direction as Jupiter begins moving forward again now.
Jupiter rules the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, so the individual themes of the houses that fall here in your sidereal (Vedic) birth chart would have been the ones that you were really focusing on reevaluating during this time. For example, for Virgo rising people, Sagittarius and Pisces are the 4th and 7th houses, so you would likely have been introspecting deeply about your goals in home-life–perhaps real estate or vehicle-related–(4th house), and in relationships (7th house). Jupiter rules two houses and their motifs for each rising sign.
Additionally, Jupiter is the karaka or signifier of children and teachers for everyone. During this time of its retrograde course, we were likely feeling reflective about these people in our lives. It’s possible we felt some discontent or confusion in these relationships, as Jupiter was appearing to move backwards. The grace that is associated with Jupiter, however, made possible a positive introspection period that helped us to sort out what wisdom is serving us towards our higher purpose, and what ideas were not. Jupiter is naturally exalted in early Cancer, meaning that its expansive nature is able to serve us greatly in this feminine water sign, which relates to our emotions and deepest heart-space. Jupiter’s placement here brings the opportunity for inward-reflection and illumination of the divine spark within. The period of retrograde motion added more opportunity for self-examination and emotional awareness. With forward motion beginning again today, we can bring forward the wisdom we have gained during this time of pensiveness, with a renewed and purified understanding of our goals, and the teachings and philosophies that support us in sharing our highest creative potential. Enjoy the beauty and brightness of this planet in the sky, as equally radiant Venus gets closer and closer to it over the next couple of months.
Brihaspati (Guru Graha): 
by Somya Devi | Apr 6, 2015 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
Our hearts’ sense of comfort and happiness may feel some relief starting today, as Venus moves from sidereal Aries into Taurus. Venus rules our relationships, sense of art and beauty, and how we go about seeking happiness and pleasure. In Taurus, Venus can relax into the earthy comfort of this feminine earth-sign it rules. Since March 12th, Venus was in Aries, the masculine, “get-up-and-go,” fire-sign ruled by impulsive and aggressive Mars. That put some “me-first” drive behind the planet of compromise, love & happiness, which may have put some strain on our relationships and ability to work things out with others. Venus was also paired with Mars during most of that time, adding more obstruction to its goals of happy mediums, loving service and devotion. Before its stint in Aries, this graha was transiting Pisces alongside Mars in a planetary war, as well as hampered by its conjunction with critical Ketu. All that fire and pressure did not do much to help our inner sense of peace and love, nor did the intensity and illusion brought on by the eclipses that occurred simultaneously over the last few weeks.
We’re now moving out of the eclipse cycle, and Venus will be in Taurus for the next month, orienting us towards contentment and connecting to devotion through the earth-element. Planets are generally strong in their own signs and better able to express their goals. Taurus is a place related to comfortable and beautiful physical surroundings. The feminine expression of Venus, as well as a fixed-earth sign, planets here are able to relax, ground, and enjoy the simple and sweet fruits of the earth. The Moon is exalted here in Taurus, relaxing and expanding our hearts in the quality of contentment. Venus is opposite Saturn here, getting a direct aspect, so we may even feel a bit of pressure to really ground into Taurean satisfaction. The extreme of planets here is the potential to be stubborn about our desires for comfort and luxury, or sensual desires in general. There will still be more willingness to compromise than we found with Venus in Aries, however, but watch for sensual indulgence or attachment to certain ideas about security.
Earth-element relates to the sense of smell, so augmenting your happiness through fragrant flowers and essential oils will be especially potent now. Simple pleasures can be found in food, crystals, scents, and connecting to the warm soft ground. Adding some new art or beautiful objects to your home or altar will also be gratifying. Fostering this sense of comfort and beauty around us can be a step in our spiritual process, if we make it an offering to the divine, and a practice of reflecting what we are also doing inwardly to beautify our hearts. This is Venus’s higher capacity. Make a beautiful painting of your mind and adorn your inner vision with love, compassion and devotion, things that will bring joy and comfort to you and those around you.
Jupiter will turn direct later this week, giving us a renewed sense of inspiration and connection to our teachers and belief systems.
