by Somya Devi | May 28, 2018 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Retrograde
Full Moon in Scorpio and Anuradha
The Moon is waxing into fullness tonight, reaching total opposition with the Sun at 7:20 am P.D.T. on Tuesday, May 29th. This full Moon aligns with Anuradha nakshatra, in the middle of sidereal Scorpio, opposite the Sun and Mercury in Taurus. Flanked by retrograde Jupiter and retrograde Saturn in the adjacent signs, this Scorpio Full Moon packs a powerful punch for devotion and transformation.
Scorpio Full Moon
Yes, there may still be a few of you who are thinking that the Scorpio full Moon was last month — if this is you, read up on the sidereal zodiac here, and refer to the star-map in title photo. If you’re a star-gazer or have been following my blog, you know that astronomically, the Moon is aligned with the constellation of Scorpio tonight.
We began this lunar cycle with both Sun and Moon aligned in Taurus, the steady earth-sign that brings forth our desire for stability and groundedness. As the Moon becomes fully illuminated in the opposite sign of Scorpio, our sense body contacts a feeling of being on the edge, facing uncertainty some watery emotional rides. The Moon is considered exalted in Taurus, which offers our minds and hearts a place to feel secure, and is considered debilitated in Scorpio, the sign that raises our deepest vulnerabilities to the surface when the Moon is full here.
Vulnerabilities are ultimately related to things like love, devotion, and deep bonds. We are only afraid of losing what (or whom) is important to us, that which has a special place in the deep chambers of our heart. This Scorpio full Moon therefore will illuminate our deepest passions, while reminding us simultaneously that we cannot hold too tightly to them, for there is an ebb and flow to everything.
There is a great power for emotional rebirthing and transformation around and under this Moon. Scorpio’s quest is to find the emotional and spiritual courage to love fearlessly, with total devotion, while knowing that there may be turbulence and change at different points along the journey. You may recognize this mood or pattern if any planets in your chart are located within Scorpio.
Anuradha
There are three Vedic nakshatras or star-signs that bridge sidereal Scorpio. Anuradha and Jyeshtha lie entirely within Scorpio, while Vishaka’s sky portion has three-quarters in Libra and one in the beginning of Scorpio. Represented by the lotus flower, and located around the star Antares, Anuradha has to do with concepts of devotion and success after difficulty. It is also a sign associated with friendship.
Saturn and Jupiter
Last night, the Moon was closely aligned with Jupiter, and shared the sign of Libra with him for a few days before moving into Scorpio. The Moon-Jupiter conjunction brings a lot of inspiration to our hearts and minds. This is augmented by the fact that Jupiter is retrograde, nearly opposite the Sun himself, and incredibly bright right now. This bright Jupiter can add a lot of grace to our emotional state as we enter the challenge of Moon going through Scorpio for a few days.
As Moon leaves Scorpio, he will then be joining Saturn as he transits Sagittarius for the next couple of days. Saturn is also retrograde, nearly opposite the Sun, and quite bright. This will help us to strengthen our resolve, and know where our efforts are needed going forward, after any transformational processes that occur on the full Moon.
Lunar Return :: Alternative “Birthdays”
Last week was my solar return, AKA my “birthday” in Western standards, but I’m celebrating my lunar return tonight. It got me thinking that this would be interesting to share, as others may also want to consider celebrating astronomical/astrological anniversaries, instead of just Gregorian.
By birthday, we usually mean the date (month and day) on the Gregorian calendar that is the same as it was the year we were born. By solar return, I mean the time that the Sun returned to the exact degrees in Taurus where it was on the day I was born. Now, because the Sun only progresses one degree every 72 years, my Gregorian birthday is still the same as my solar return. My lunar return, however, happens tonight. This evening, the Moon phase (tithi), the rashi (Scorpio) and the nakshatra will all be the same as the night I was born. It doesn’t happen that these three coincide every single year, so I’m considering this one special.
Take a deeper dive into what’s up in your chart with a personal reading.
by Somya Devi | May 12, 2018 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Uncategorized
The Sun and Moon will coincide on Tuesday morning at 0°30’ sidereal Taurus, less than an hour after the Moon leaves Aries to join the Sun here. The exact time for the New Moon is 4:48 am PDT on May 15th. This begins a lunar cycle under the energy of Taurus, in the Vedic nakshatra of Krittika, “the cutter.” Following the Aries cycle of initiation, this month will help us to bring ourselves and our goals into fuller embodiment, as the Sun traverses the Venus-ruled earth sign of the bull.
Taurus cycle
Taurus, or Vrishabha in Sanskrit (“the bull” or “mighty”), is a strong and steady sign that guides our attention towards the beauty of the natural world. Taurus, a four-footed sign, is good at moving forward with strength and fortitude, but finds it more difficult to change direction quickly. The fertility of the earth is lush during this lunar cycle, and our minds and hearts are focusing on what pleasures bring us the most happiness.
Of course, happiness is not a given, but this month is a time to seriously look at our desires, and what lights up and fulfills our hearts. The flip-side of this examination will come on the full Moon in Scorpio, when we come in touch with the fragility and impermanence of all we hold dear. The overall tone for the month, however, is to really pay attention to our surroundings, and make sure that what we keep around us, both in terms of company and possessions, are truly making us happy.
Krittika Nakshatra
This new Moon also aligns with the Vedic nakshatra Krittika, located by the seven stars known as the Pleiades in the west. This nakshatra bridges the 30° portions of the sky attributed to Aries and Taurus. Though mostly within the Venusian sign of Taurus, Krittika begins in Mars-ruled Aries and is itself under the influence of the Sun.
It is ruled by the Vedic deity Agni, the lord of fire personified. Represented by an axe, flame, or razor, Krittika brings forth sharp and purifying qualities, which can be used to help us to cut or burn away what is not needed. There is also a motherly and nurturing quality to this star, from the association with Venus, as well as with Kartikeya, the warrior son of divine Mother Parvati. The satguru Amma (Amritanandamayi Devi) was born under a Moon in Krittika, and emits this sharp and penetrating yet loving light of purification.
Ketu and Mars in Capricorn
This purifying potential may be especially useful this month, as there is some challenging energy emanating from sidereal Capricorn, as both Ketu (the south node) and exalted Mars are now aligning there. Ketu’s presence can lead to misdirection of energy, accidents, confusion, or unexpected loss. Mars, the warrior, brings a cutting fire-power, and when placed in earth-sign Capricorn, his sign of exaltation, helps us to turn courage into discipline and structure.
The combination of Mars and Ketu, however, could lead to some unexpected acts of violence or intensity. The Kilauea volcano’s violent eruption began on May 3rd, the first full day after this conjunction began. The higher potential of this combination is the possibility for strengthening our psychic powers and wisdom, so sadhana will be incredibly important during this time.
This Mars-Ketu conjunction is going to last for nearly six months, as Mars will transit Capricorn from now through November 5th, and Ketu is taking up residence there for the entire year. Mars’ stint here is so long because he will be in retrograde motion for part of that time, from June 26th through August 27th. During that time, you may find Mars-ruled themes in your life slowing down, and may encounter some deep insights over these. The potential for some upheaval prior to these revelations is definitely strong, especially during the eclipse window from early July through mid-August, as we pass under two partial solar and one total lunar eclipse.
by Somya Devi | Apr 28, 2018 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Planets Changing Signs, Retrograde
The full Moon peaks on Sunday, April 29th at 5:58 pm PDT in sidereal Libra, directly opposite the Sun in Aries. This is the turning point in the Aries lunar cycle, which began two weeks ago as the Sun and Moon came together in the Mars-ruled sign of individual strength and courage. Now, with the full Moon in Venus-ruled Libra, our relationships are illuminated and we examine the compromises and reflections that help us to truly integrate our individuality into a happy existence. This full Moon is also aligned with Swati nakshatra, the Vedic star-sign related to the wind element, and also a place of great independence.
Libra Full Moon
As we began the Aries cycle our attention was on our individual strength, power, and will, as we felt the cosmic encouragement to move ahead into new endeavors. Sun in Aries gives us a great sense of our connection to source, and the courage to translate that into actions. It was an auspicious time for new beginnings, augmented by Akshaya Tritiya, just after the new Moon of April 15th.
As the Moon now becomes fully illuminated directly opposite from the Sun in Aries, our emotional body resonates strongly with the Libran concepts of beauty and harmony. Relationships come to the forefront, and we become aware of the need to incorporate those we care for into our new ventures, and to compromise where appropriate, realizing that our individual happiness can only be as good as the state of our closest relationships. Venus and Libra illuminate our human experience and the need we have for intimacy and closeness. Close social bonds actually support the evolutionary imperative to survive which Mars stimulates in us.
The Libra full Moon also connects our minds and hearts to Venusian concepts such as art, music, and the beauty of the natural world around us. This is a good weekend to spend time in nature, around the arts, or with those we love, recognizing that the pleasurable side of life is integral to our other endeavors.
Swati
Within Libra, this full Moon falls at around 15°, aligning with the Vedic constellation known as Swati, “the independent one.” As a Rahuvian nakshatra, this part of the sky does elicit a degree of independence, and we strive to balance that with our relational nature. This nakshatra is ruled by Vayu, the lord of wind, and as the Moon transits here we must watch that our mind does not become too scattered, flitting quickly from one idea to the next. Connecting with earth and water elements would be helpful this weekend to ground these energies.
Jupiter
Jupiter is joining this full Moon in Libra, adding a helpful optimism and an expansive feeling to the heart. Jupiter is also directly opposite the Sun right now, and in retrograde motion, so we will see an incredibly bright “full” Jupiter very close to the Moon tonight, and incredibly close to the Moon on Monday night. Jupiter is generally a benefic planet, who adds grace, inspiration, and good luck, but can also bring forth some difficulty if he is a more difficult influence in your natal chart.
Mars & Saturn
Mars is moving into sidereal Capricorn on May 2nd, ending his conjunction with Saturn but beginning one with Ketu. Mars will transit Capricorn for 6 months, moving in retrograde motion for part of that time. Being in his sign of exaltation, Mars in Capricorn can bring great strength and discipline, and more courage and conviction for us, especially in those areas of life he rules in your natal chart. His conjunction with Ketu during this time, however, will also bring up shadows in those areas of life, and possibly force us to undergo some major changes and processes of detachment with those things. You can receive a deeper examination of this transit as part of a personal natal chart reading.
Mercury
Mercury remains in Pisces, his sign of debilitation, until May 9th. Continue to watch for emotion overwhelming your sense of practicality. Our emotions are also highlighted and heightened by the Moon’s conjunction with Jupiter this weekend, and by Rahu’s continuing transit of Cancer throughout this year.
by Somya Devi | Apr 12, 2018 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Holy Days, Retrograde
The Moon and the Sun align again this Sunday, April 15th at 6:57 pm PDT, in the early degrees of sidereal Aries. They join in the Vedic nakshatra called Ashwini to begin this lunar cycle, the first of the 27 Vedic signs just as Aries is the first of the 12 major zodiac constellations. This new Moon night is the perfect time for planting the seeds of what you want to grow in the coming months.
Aries Cycle
Aries is naturally a place of beginnings, a fire sign ruled by the energetic Mars, who helps us to move towards what we need to survive. With Venus also in Aries this week, this new Moon will compel us to really go for our desires, using Mars’ strength to bring what we want into being. We are likely to feel more physically strong this month, as Sun transits Aries, his sign of exaltation. As the Sun relates to purification, this is also a great time to purify ourselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. Starting a new exercise regime, sadhana (spiritual practice), or cleanse is likely to have more traction if you begin it this week. Choose your actions wisely, as the direction we move under the new Moon of the Ram has a powerful momentum and can be difficult to change.
Ashwini Nakshatra
The new activities we begin have an added power due to the Sun and Moon’s positions within Aries, as they align with the nakshatra Ashwini at the beginning of this cycle. Three Vedic nakshatras (star-signs) bridge the larger sign of Aries: Ashwini, Bharani, and part of Krittika. Ashwini being the first of all 27 nakshatras, there is the most momentum here for new ventures. Furthermore, Ashwini is known as “the horsewoman,” is ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras, the horse-headed twins of Vedic mythology. They bring a strong horsepower to any planets or activities influenced by this nakshatra. They are known as the physicians of the gods, and carry a potent healing energy as well.
Akshaya Tritiya – Day of Abundance
Three days after the new Moon in Aries, we come upon a special day of the year known as Akshaya Tritiya, on April 18th. On the third waxing lunar day (the tritiya phase) of the Aries cycle, the Moon transits Rohini, within Taurus, his placement of exaltation. With both the Sun and the Moon exalted at the same time, a portal of abundance is opened. Across India and the Hindu world this is seen as an auspicious day for new beginnings, marriages, and investments of all kinds, especially in gold or golden items. Akshaya refers to the idea of never-diminishing prosperity, so investments made on this day are expected to have great returns.
Jupiter’s Grace
Jupiter adds some grace to activities we begin on or around this new Moon, as he gazes at the Sun-Moon-Venus conjunction from nearly directly across the sky, in sidereal Libra. Jupiter is powerful at this time, and could be considered a “full Jupiter.” He is in retrograde motion, nearly as close to the earth as he gets, and he is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, so is incredibly bright in the sky (just as the Moon is brightest and “full” when he is directly opposite the Sun from earth). Jupiter brings the power of inspiration, grace, luck, and expansion, so even though he is retrograde, his proximity to earth and his brightness will add these qualities to the endeavors we undertake at this time.
Mercury, Mars & Saturn
Mercury appears more-or-less stationary at the time of this new Moon, having just turned from retrograde to stationary direct in the early morning of April 15th. He also continues to transit Pisces, his sign of debilitation, but without the elevating presence of Venus that was there some weeks ago, so issues of communication and mental acuity could be a bit murky at the moment.
Mars and Saturn continue their conjunction in the sign of sidereal Sagittarius, but as Mars is now moving away from Saturn there is less hostility than in their war of two weeks ago. You may still feel immediate urges at-odds with your long-term goals, or a conflict between the things ruled by Mars and Saturn in your natal chart. The two will no longer be sharing a sign once Mars moves on into Capricorn (his sign of exaltation) on May 2nd, where he’ll transit for a whopping six months. Look for my Mars-in-Capricorn forecast to see how this could affect you (you can join my free mailing list here).
In honor of Akshaya Tritiya, I’m offering 20% off natal chart readings from now through the 19th! Use coupon code AKSHAYA at checkout.
by Somya Devi | Mar 29, 2018 | Astrology, Conjunctions, Holy Days, Retrograde
The Moon waxes toward fullness with the Full Moon in Virgo this Friday night, with the Moon coming fully opposite the Sun on March 31st, at 5:37 am PST. The full Moon culminates at 16° sidereal Virgo. There’s a screenshot below from an astronomy app to show you where you can identify the Moon this Friday night into Saturday morning. This part of the ecliptic is associated with the Vedic nakshatra called Hasta, the hand, which can be identified around the constellation Corvus, just below Virgo.
Full Moon in Virgo
We began this lunar cycle with Sun and Moon together in Pisces, driving our consciousness towards its deep waters, fishing out the dreams that lay buried, as we vision what is most important to us in the coming months. With the Moon now opposite Pisces, in Virgo, we can bring our consciousness out of the ethers and more fully into our bodies, as the Moon is illuminated in this grounded earth sign. Both Virgo and Pisces are dual-nature signs, providing the flexibility for us to shift things around when necessary, and to root down and stay put when there is work to be done.
The fertile, feminine earth sign of Virgo is a perfect place to plant the seeds of our lives for the coming season. Virgo draws our focus and attention to what work we can do in the material plane, helping us to look at the details that we will need to manage in order to fulfill the hopes and dreams that have arisen. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of the intellect, Virgo’s full Moon assists in analyzing what it will take to bring our inspiration into manifested form.
Hasta
The Vedic nakshatra where this Full Moon lies is especially handy in guiding us on how to craft our dreams into realities. Hasta, known as “the hand,” correlates with the middle degrees of Virgo, and symbolizes all that we do with our hands, or our handiness. There is a power here for creating, and any skill that takes a certain amount of dexterity, whether physical or mental. Under this full Moon, call on the power of the divine hands to enter you and help you to mold your creations into being.
Saturn-Mars War
Just hours after this full Moon, Mars approaches Saturn so closely that the two will be within one degree, and in a planetary war, through April 4th. As this happens, the areas of life ruled by both Mars and Saturn in your chart could be under duress this week. Their exact conjunction is around 8:28 am PST on April 2nd. In general, our impulsive instincts could feel at war with our patience and ability to stand strong in our commitments, with Mars coming through slightly brighter in his appearance.
Mercury Retrograde, Debilitated, and Combust
Our Mercurial nature (and those ruled by Mercury) could also be feeling challenged this weekend, with Mercury highly combust (within 3° of the Sun) from Saturday through Monday. This is while he is already in apparent retrograde motion, and traveling through his sign of debilitation, Pisces. In this scenario, our pragmatic nature, sense of humor, and ability to communicate may all seem a little bit lost in the current. Remember this when you’re going over your facts and details, and don’t let hopes and desires skew your analytical ability (watch those generous tax deductions you may be taking). Mercury will be retrograde all the way through April 15th, so after this weekend there’s a good chance to check over some of your numbers again… though he won’t move out of the optimistic Pisces until May 9th.
Hanuman Jayanti (and other holidays)
The purnima Full Moon phase this month indicates Hanuman Jayanti in the Hindu festival calendar, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman embodies the highest form of devotion, and shows us the incredible strength that emerges from within when we practice great faith, humility, and service. In addition to traditional pujas (prayer ceremony), you can chant, sing, meditate, and especially, find some way to be of service, in order to honor Hanuman on this full Moon. The most fitting mantra/song is the Hanuman Chaleesa.
Marked by the first full Moon after the spring Equinox, this full moon marks the weekend for Easter and Passover as well, which are also determined by the lunar calendar.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman!
And in case you missed it, Jupiter is now retrograde, and your sign’s free forecast is available HERE.
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