by Somya Devi | Feb 8, 2016 | Astrology, Planets Changing Signs
The New Moon cycle begins tomorrow morning, February 8th, at 6:39am PST in sidereal Capricorn. This New Moon will occur in Dhanishtha, the Vedic nakshatra (star-sign) related to wealth, dignity, and musical ability. The symbol of this star is the drum and its energy brings the power of rhythm. As we surge ahead in the new year, we can begin to really get into our new rhythm. It’s a great time to establish routines wherever we are choosing to focus our energy this year.
With Sun and Moon together in Capricorn, this New Moon can really help us to get clear on our priorities. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, who compels us to check in with our responsibilities and prioritize that which brings value to our lives in the long-term. He gives the ability to put in the hard work necessary to take care of what is important. Since Capricorn is a feminine earth-sign, we can tune into this emotionally and trust our gut when it tells us what is really worth our time and effort. The earthy nature of Capricorn brings practicality and helps us to establish routines that support our values.
The heavy nature of Saturn can often bring a feeling of pressure, and since Saturn is also aspecting this new Moon from sidereal Scorpio, his power and pressure may feel doubled right now. Be sure to take it easy and take lots of deep breaths, especially if your inventory of priorities feels overwhelming. Yogic breathing is a great way to connect with the energy of Saturn. The sharp nature of Mars is also influencing this new cycle, as he aspects Sun and Moon from his position in sidereal Libra. This can elevate our feeling of gut-instinct about what to put first on our list of plans, but could also add a fierceness to our efforts to be practical. Be sure to take it easy on your loved ones when trying to establish your own routines and regimens.
The energy of both Saturn and Mars is most helpful when we turn it on ourselves, not against others. Saturn gives us a sense of pressure and reminds us we must endure the temporary ups and downs of life, while remembering the eternal nature of our soul and cosmic energy. He pushes us towards the hard-work that must be done in life as part of this endurance effort. Doing our own work happily with devotion and surrender is the task at hand, not trying to organize those around us or delegate our to-do lists to them.
Mars’ energy gives us an energized impetus to “get-er-done,” and may compel you to speed up tasks that must be done with patience. He could also push you to command others to get in line with your vision plan, but again, his energy is best utilized internally, calling forth the self-discipline needed to create and support a steady structure around you. Meditation will help you to center yourself and internalize (rather than project) whatever pressure and impetus you feel towards focalizing your routines and efforts. New Moon in general is a great time to meditate and go inward, so with this New Moon in Capricorn, slow down and take some time to get clear on how to establish your own healthy rhythm for managing your responsibilities while honoring your emotional needs, with care and respect for those around you.
We are also beginning to feel a new rhythm for the coming year as Rahu and Ketu are settling into their new seats in Leo and Aquarius, respectively. This brings us into a new year-and-a-half cycle where the lunar nodes will open the doors of our psyche around that particular house axis, bringing forth our inner struggle for balance between personal empowerment and service to the greater good. This will have far-reaching affects for you depending on which houses this axis overlays in your personal Vedic chart. Visit somyadevi.com to sign up for a personal reading to find out what this year brings for you, as well as receive a copy of my free Rahu-Ketu 2016 report.
by Somya Devi | Jan 20, 2016 | Astrology, Eclipses, Planets Changing Signs, Retrograde
This Saturday, January 23rd, we will have a Full Moon in sidereal Cancer at 5:46pm PST. Opposite the Sun who is in the austere, Saturn-ruled sign of Capricorn, the full Moon in the loving, comfort-seeking sign of Cancer compels us to cozy up and nourish ourselves and others during this cold, vata season. Moon is in the Vedic star-sign or nakshatra called Pushya, which is all about nourishment.
Pushya literally translates as “nourishment,” and its symbol is the udder of a cow, another emblem of sustenance. Cows are revered in Hindu tradition for this reason. They give so much towards our own livelihood — dairy, meat, bones, leather. Ghee (clarified butter derived from cow milk) is one of the most sacred substances in Vedic practice. It is used to light oil lamps, is offered to deities in worship, and is also one of the most nourishing substances for the human body to consume, according to the tradition of Ayurveda (the health science of the Vedic tradition). It is easily absorbed and metabolized by all the layers of tissue in the body, and for that reason is also the best medium for taking medicinal and nutritive herbs.
The deity for Pushya is Brihaspati, a form of Jupiter, a Brahmin priest who is the guru or teacher of the devas (Gods). A well-known story of Brihaspati is that of his marriage with Tara. The story goes that Tara ran away with Chandra, the Moon, and had an affair (some say she was abducted), which resulted in the birth of Budha (the planet Mercury). Eventually Tara returned to Brihaspati, and he graciously accepted her and even raised Budha as his own. This caring benevolence is a quality of the nakshatra Pushya, and of the energy around this Full Moon. It is a time when compassion will be high, and you can tap into your qualities of forgiveness and acceptance and offer that forward wherever it is required in your life.
Mercury is still in his retrograde course, and is joined with Venus in Sagittarius. We may have big ideals for our relationships right now but may be holding back a little in communicating them. Jupiter rules Sagittarius where these two are residing, and is also aspecting them from his retrograde position in Leo. This period of Jupiter retrograde gives us a chance to slow down before projecting our philosophies and ideals out into the world. It’s a good time for meditating on which belief systems and sets of teachings are serving us the most, and to resist imposing them on others, especially when we are still in contemplation. We may reevaluate some of our convictions over the next few months and expand our vision to encompass new ideas.
A very important transit will be happening on January 29th, opening up a new chapter for us all for the next year-and-a-half. Rahu and Ketu, the north and south nodes of the Moon, are finally shifting from the Virgo-Pisces axis into the Leo-Aquarius axis. They sat in Virgo and Pisces for the last year-and-a-half, which brought light to our shadow work that needed to be done around our tendencies of over-organizing vs. escaping and avoiding responsibility. Some of us tend towards one extreme in some cases and the opposite in others. The themes apply especially to what houses those signs occupy, which is different for each individual according to your birth chart.
For the next-year-and-a-half, Rahu and Ketu will be stirring things up around our Leo-Aquarius issues. This means we’ll really be examining our sense of personal power and strength, vs. our sense of commitment to universal duty and service. These things may sometimes come in conflict with one another, or we may emphasize one more than the other in different places in our lives. Both need attention and balance, to be utilized in a healthy way without going to extremes in either direction. We will particularly feel the affects of this transit around the Eclipse Cycles (the first of which comes in March), and around the houses in your chart that fall on Leo and Aquarius. Personal readings are available now to help you understand what themes this transit will raise for you in the coming year.
For now, enjoy the Full Moon light from the loving, maternal sign of Cancer, and the caring, paternal constellation of Pushya!
by Somya Devi | Dec 24, 2015 | Astrology, Events
Happy Solstice, Full Moon, Christmas and New Year!! The winter solstice on December 21st was the turning point in the annual Sun cycle. It was the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, as the Sun reached the furthest point in his southerly course as seen from Earth. From now forward we experience the return of the light, as the Sun begins his northerly course and daylight hours get a bit longer each day. The winter solstice and the days around it bring a still point before the new beginning of the annual solar cycle. This is similar to the still point that we experience each month before the New Moon begins the lunar cycle, bringing with it renewal and a fresh energy for that cycle related to the position of the planets at that time.
The December solstice passes while the Sun is aligned with Sagittarius constellation and the core of the Milky Way galaxy, in the Vedic constellation or nakshatra called Mula (or Moola). Sun is also in Mula on this coming Full Moon (December 25th!). Mula literally means “the root” (muladhara = root support) and represents the energy of roots — origins, deep meaning, and life rising out of the darkness. The deity for Mula is Nirriti, a dark goddess who relates to death and destruction.
This symbolism reminds us of the great opportunity for spiritual growth associated with this part of the sky and this time of year. It is when we let go of the material that we can begin to pursue deeper spiritual meaning (and then light can dawn!). With the physical death that occurs in nature at the end of the solar cycle, we are offered a moment for stillness and contemplation. As daylight begins to return, we can recognize that the physical death of winter is actually just a period of transformation–that life continues and grows again each year with the coming of the new cycle.
The Full Moon occurs in Ardra nakshatra (within the constellation of Orion, near Gemini) on December 25th at 3:12am PST. The brightest moonlight of the cycle is on the night of December 24th! Ardra is often translated as “moist,” “fresh,” or “green,” and represents the energies both of destruction and renewal. Its deity is Rudra, a destructive and stormy form of Shiva. The symbolism of the storm also illustrates both the purifying and nourishing power of rains, which wash away impurities and feed the seeds and soil to allow new life to sprout.
The alignment of the Full Moon in Ardra and the Sun in Mula offers great opportunity for transformation, rebirth and renewal. It is not surprising that this occurs around the time of the solstice, and the holiday of Christmas. The prevalent energy of Ardra, however, is its intensity, which may be a quality we feel during the transformation and rebirthing happening at this time. Whatever storms have been brewing in your life or nature, you may feel a peak in the upheaval around this Full Moon.
Allow the winter storms to aid in your own personal renewal and refreshment. This is a good time to witness and accept the death of stagnant and collapsing energies from the last year and last season. Let loose on the reins and let all your endeavors rest for a moment while you enter the void before new beginnings. You can align yourself with the pure and mysterious energy of this space through practicing meditation. What is washed away in the storm will be composted and recycled, later to become the fuel for your new endeavors in the coming year. Allow yourself to pause and sit with the stillness, and discover its deeper meaning as you connect with the root of your own heart. This quiet moment of listening will help your desires and purpose to become clear, so that you can enter the New Year in more alignment with your goals and dharma.
Enjoy this magical time of winter stillness. Happy Solstice, Full Moon, Christmas and New Year!
by Somya Devi | Dec 10, 2015 | Astrology
The new Moon cycle begins in the early hours of Friday, December 11th, at 2:30am PST. The Dark Moon night is December 10th, and is a good time to stay quiet and still and to prepare for the next cycle. Feeling introverted? With Sun and Moon in Scorpio, as well as Saturn, we’re likely to be feeling extra sensitive and inward both now and throughout this cycle, due to the nature of this sign.
Scorpio is a water sign–emotional, intuitive, and flowy, yet it’s also a fixed sign, which can keep us from surrendering to those waves of emotions at times. It’s ruled by Mars, a fiery planet, which adds intensity and passion to whatever we are feeling. It is also a feminine sign, which compels us to tune inward and reflect on our own energies and emotions. We’re more likely to keep them to ourselves and brew over them than to act out right now. With celestial energies gathered here, we’re not likely to take things lightly.
Scorpio energy is also potentially transformative, however. With Scorpio energies heightened we become aware of our vulnerability. We may feel intensely passionate towards some things (or people), but the emotional intuition and watery nature ultimately alerts us to the fact that everything ebbs and flows, and despite our desire to keep things fixed, there is always movement and change. The Martian energy of Scorpio helps us to face this awareness with courage, and to strengthen our capacity to go with the flow and accept our deepest desires and the emotional waves that accompany them.
Saturn is also in sidereal Scorpio with Sun and Moon, adding his influence to the new cycle. Saturn has sat here for a little over a year now. He is the planet that makes us aware of time, and how our choices will reverberate into the long term. Saturn in Scorpio has made us face our commitment to our own process of emotional strengthening and personal transformation. Saturn also relates to fear and pressure, and his influence here brings awareness of how we handle these things. His transit here is a great opportunity to face our fear, our vulnerability, and where we are most deeply sensitive, and to find the courage to make changes that will help us in the long term. This Moon cycle will also highlight that opportunity for self-examination and our commitment to transformation. Now is a good time to re-commit to the tools and practices you have chosen to assist your personal growth process.
This cycle begins with Sun and Moon joined near the end of sidereal Scorpio constellation, in the part of the sky called Jyeshtha in the Vedas. The deity for Jyeshtha is Indra, the King of the Gods, who is associated with storms and lightning, which also bring the power of purification and transformation. This star brings courage and the potential for great accomplishment. It also relates to Vishnu and his spinning disc (sudarshana chakra). While you are taking stock of your emotional body this month, consider how best to manage your own power. Personal health is still an important factor, as Sun joined with Saturn can put stress on our nervous system.
Venus remains in Libra, his own sign, which can add pleasantry and cooperation to our relationships. At the same time, however, Rahu and Mars are joined in Virgo, which can bring out anger or intensity with others when it comes to material organization (especially when the Moon transits here later this cycle). Jupiter in Leo is still bringing a lot of power to philosophical debates. He is now aspecting Mercury in Sagittarius as well, which will make us extra loquacious about this during the coming cycle. The new Moon in Jyeshtha nakshatra in sidereal Scorpio initiates a cycle where all of these energies are present.
The New Year is a great time to receive a personal reading to help you anticipate coming changes! It is also a great holiday gift to offer to loved ones.
by Somya Devi | Nov 23, 2015 | Astrology, Conjunctions
The Full Moon will peak on Wednesday, November 25th at 2:44pm PST. The night of the fullest waxing Moon is Tuesday, November 24th. This Full Moon occurs in Krittika nakshatra in the Vedic system, located where we identify the Pleiades cluster, near the mid-degrees of Taurus constellation. With the Sun in sidereal Scorpio, this full Moon will illuminate the opposing energies of Scorpio and Taurus. From the watery, emotional and uncertain depths of Scorpio, our divine light shines forth and onto the place in us that can achieve stability in the heart (Taurus).
This lunar cycle began with Sun in Libra, where we were reminded to take care of our health and vitality and that self-care is as important as caring for others. Since then, Sun has moved into Scorpio, joining Saturn, a vata planet. Saturn can feel drying and exhausting to the nervous system, so our physical strength and vitality may continue to be tested as Sun (our health and energy) joins him here. Saturn also tends to slow things down, so it is likely that our energy might feel like it just hit the brakes, even though Mars’ rulership of Scorpio fills us with the passion that makes us still want to do a lot. Try to take advantage of this alignment mindfully by consciously slowing yourself down and doing nourishing practices. Apply oil to the bottoms of your feet before bed and get as much rest as your body tells you it needs. Otherwise you may experience unwanted exhaustion that could be accompanied by illness.
With the divine light of the Sun emanating from sidereal Scorpio, we often feel the need to purify ourselves by peering into our deep emotional waters. We get to have a soul-experience this month like what Scorpio people have all the time. This can naturally be a bit scary, but Mars’ rulership here also brings us the courage it takes to face ourselves where we feel the most vulnerable. Saturn’s company here makes us look at what will really serve our spirit in the long term. This is a great opportunity for strengthening the vulnerable caverns of our hearts by facing fears.
Mercury, the planet of the intellect and communication, is also conjunct Sun and Saturn in Scorpio, so it’s a potent time for doing some serious communicating about your vulnerabilities. Call forth your Martian bravery before opening conversations (and watch that it isn’t just fear or uncertainty that does the talking). It’s okay to seek the support you need and to rely on expert advice that offers you tools for coping with delicate emotions. Meditation will also be a support that brings structure to the inner work that you’re doing.
The Moon is the planet of emotion that reflects the divine light of the Sun through the heart and interprets what it feels like to go through our human experiences. While we are working on facing and strengthening emotions and fears in Scorpio, the full Moon in Taurus will illuminate a sensation of emotional stability for us, through its fixed-earth qualities. With the Moon here, our hearts are reminded that we are safe and secure, despite whatever turbulent waves the emotions may go through while we are connecting with their depths.
The Moon will be full in Krittika nakshatra, the constellation commonly known as the Pleiades. Krittika is translated as “the cutter” and is represented by a razor or an axe. What needs to be cut away right now for you to feel peace in the heart? Its deities are Agni (fire personified) and Kartikeya (the Lord of War). Its ruling planet is the Sun, the ultimate purifier. All of this symbology indicates that with the full Moon here, we have the opportunity to bravely and boldly cut away what we don’t need and to stand in peaceful strength after forging through a purification process.
Whatever fears have come up as we face our vulnerability, regarding our physical or emotional strength (or lack thereof), now is the chance to offer ourselves to divine purification. The Moon is close to its point of exaltation (greatest strength) right now, and we are reminded that we can achieve emotional stability and evenness after the process occurs. This balancing point between Scorpio and Taurus is a powerful one, when we are able to recognize and tune into both our deep vulnerability as well as the stable energetic ground on which the divine universe offers us rest. Both Scorpio and Taurus are feminine, or reflective signs, showing that this full Moon will direct us towards taking personal inventory and Self-examination.
With Sun and Moon together in Capricorn, this New Moon can really help us to get clear on our priorities. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, who compels us to check in with our responsibilities and prioritize that which brings value to our lives in the long-term. He gives the ability to put in the hard work necessary to take care of what is important. Since Capricorn is a feminine earth-sign, we can tune into this emotionally and trust our gut when it tells us what is really worth our time and effort. The earthy nature of Capricorn brings practicality and helps us to establish routines that support our values.
