August Planet Blog. Mercury Direct Now

Greetings, Star Followers! What a relief August should be, after the intense planet dance of July. Mercury just got out of Retrograde, the night of July 31st. Are you noticing that communications have improved already?

August 2 – PLANET PILE UP IN CANCER.  This movable water sign has been hosting Mars, the Sun and Venus. Now MERCURY moves in to join the party.  Mercury had briefly backed up into its own sign of Gemini for a couple of days, while it was still in retrograde motion. It was there about 48 hours, from late July 30 and moves to Cancer in the evening of August 2.  The planets crossing the sensitive sign of Cancer are doing mostly good things, from increasing financial gain to adding to the love of beauty, music and the arts, and possibly bringing in some romance, to increased communication, conversation and writing skills.

The signs ruled by Mercury are Gemini and Virgo. Both benefit from this transit, as it increases income for those with Virgo Ascendants and Moon signs, while increasing the Geminis’ already ample talents of connecting with others through conversation.  Very nice. Enjoy, Mercury-ruled friends!

August 8 – MARS moves out of its sign of Debilitation into Leo, which is a friend’s sign for this energetic planet.  Leos benefit now from more drive, ambition and courage (just need to watch out for hasty actions, impatience or some irritability). Cancers benefit to have less “heat” going on in their 1st house of self, body and personality. Mars is actually their BEST planet (as it is for the Leos), so they will enjoy benefits that can show up now in the form of funds that can be banked.  Aries and Scorpios are ruled by Mars. This transit is beneficial for both of these signs and those with either sign as their natal Rising or Moon signs, will enjoy the following: For Aries, this transit stimulates their desire to learn, teach, have success in speculative matters, or romance. For Scorpios, this is their 10th house of action, career, name and fame. Mars helps blast through obstacles here, and the Scorpios can go full steam ahead. Which they like, of course.

August 11 – JUPITER GOES DIRECT!! This is great news, as finally this benefic planet gets out of retrograde motion, where it has been since April 10, 2019.  Both Sagittarius and Pisces are ruled by Jupiter, so those with this Rising or Moon sign, will benefit and start to feel some happy progress in their goals and plans, which may have been bogged down for the past four months. Yea, team!  Jupiter has been traveling through the friendly sign of Scorpio for some time, and it will continue to bring blessings to those with this water sign Rising or Moon sign until it moves into its own sign of Sagittarius on November 4th.

August 15 – FULL MOON in Capricorn. This full moon occurs in the late degrees of this earth sign, just a little before 7:00 a.m. MDT, and then it moves into the next sign, Aquarius, just a little before 10:00 a.m. MDT. The brightness of the full Moon’s rays, with Capricorn behind it in the zodiac, displaying the qualities of practicality, and an earthy stability that is comforting to emotional Cancer, the sign ruled by the Moon. It is the 7th house for Cancerians, highlighting travel and partners.  

August 16 – VENUS enters LEO. Those with Leo Rising or Moon signs, will continue to feel quite energized, since Venus rules their 3rd house of vitality and their 10th house of action and career. There’s nearly no stopping them now, and it’s a great time to enjoy some artistic pursuits, including photography.  The mix of Mars and Venus can serve to make Leos feel sexy, attractive and magnetic now.

August 17 – The SUN enters Leo, its own sign.  It joins its friend Mars there, plus Venus, but both of them will be Combust (traveling too close for comfort) the Sun. Mars plus Sun in Leo brings an excess of Pitta Dosha (for those of you who follow Ayurveda), i.e. too much heat. Beware the Leo temper, those of you who have to be around them now! Best for them to channel their strong leadership energy into projects at this time. They will feel strong and empowered, and more like themselves with the ruler of their charts sitting right there, if they can keep that Pitta “heat” under control (and possibly a tendency to be a bit “bossy” now!)

August 20 – Mercury goes Combust the Sun. This condition lasts until September 21. It causes the qualities of Mercury to be overshadowed. This shows up as lack of clarity in communications and affects communication devices, too (not as much as Mercury Retrograde does, though), less tactfulness and diplomacy when dealing with others and misunderstandings in the arena of commerce are possible.

August 25 – Mercury enters Leo, joining the Sun, Mars and Venus in this fire sign. Thus we see that the same party of planets that were earlier in the sign of Cancer, have now all moved onto Leo. This is primarily good news for those with Leo Rising and Moon signs. They will feel outgoing, more social,  and enjoy all the attention they will be receiving. 

Please don’t feel left out, Capricorns and Aquarians! Your day will come. Here’s a preview of a positive change: Saturn goes Direct motion, getting out of its long period of being Retrograde on September 18th. You know by now that the ruler of your chart is the slowest moving planet, don’t you?

As usual, please keep in mind that in this short Blog, I can only lightly touch on the effects of each transit. To fully understand how these shifts will affect you, please call me for a reading.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Boulder, CO.  Tel: 720-448-3742.  Your referrals are appreciated; thank you!  Services I offer include: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for someone, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes session, which you are welcomed to record.  http://www.vedicstarcharts.com Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer,  healingevents@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

March 2018 Planets: VENUS Goes Into Exaltation

Spring Comes in with Benefic Venus Becoming Exalted.

3/01/18 – VENUS enters Pisces late in the night, which is its sign of exaltation. Taurus Ascendant and Moon sign people should be very happy, as the ruler of their chart will be now in their 11th house of gain, income and fulfillment of desire, exalted, no less. Woo hoo!  Venus also rules Libra, but for the Librans this is the 6th house of worry, stress, obstacles, health issues, so it will not be as positive a transit for them. Pisceans will gain energy and feel warm and loving, as their sensual and artistic side comes out more thanks to Venus. Those with Cancer Ascendants or Moon signs will be delighted to see Venus move into their 9th (best) house to increase their good luck and fortunes now.

3/02/18 – MERCURY enters Pisces, joining his friend Venus in this dual water sign. The only thing is, that is his sign of debilitation, where he feels weakest. Fortunately, having Venus conjunct in this sign now, grants him Neechabhanga yoga, which is a cancellation of that debilitation, to a large degree. These two planets, when traveling together, bring more playfulness, so that’s the party Pisces Rising and Moon sign people will be feeling now.  For Virgos, ruled by Mercury, it’s a good house to connect them to partners, business and/or travel. For Geminis, also ruled by Mercury, this is their 10th house of career, action, name and fame so it’s also a helpful transit for them.

3/05/18 – Mercury goes non-combust. That means it is now traveling far enough apart from the Sun, to no longer have its qualities suppressed.  Much of the recent irritability and impatience will be gone, for everyone, as Mercury rules communication, but the Virgos and Geminis will especially benefit.

3/07/18 – MARS moves into Sagittarius.  Here it joins its enemy Saturn. This will not be so comfortable for those with Sagittarius Rising or Moon signs, because this duo together represents push/pull energy or “hurry up and wait.” It will also not bring the most positive situations for the Aries and Scorpios either, as Mars rules their charts. At least this is the best (9th) house for Aries, and will increase their good luck. This is the 2nd house for Scorpios, so can help them with finances, but with some delays or obstacles, brought on by Saturn.

3/08/18 – JUPITER, the great benefic goes retrograde now, and it will stay in this condition until July 10th. Retrograde status for a benefic, makes it stronger in its benefic qualities (and the opposite when it is malefic planet). The only folks who may feel a sudden halt or slowdown in some of their plans will be those ruled by Jupiter, the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces.  Jupiter is currently in the sign of Libra, which is not a great thing for the Librans, for even though it is a great benefic, it does not rule the best houses for Libra. Thus, it is bringing 6th house energy to those with this Rising or Moon sign, i.e. worry, stress, obstacles, delays, health issues, etc.

3/14/18 – The SUN enters Pisces, joining Venus and Mercury there. The Sun can bring some stress to the Pisceans, as it rules their 6th house of worries, stress, enemies, rivals and competitors. For those ruled by the Sun, Leos, the ruler of their chart is now crossing their 8th house of vulnerability, transformation, battles and disunion. So Leos need to be ready for some “changes” with three planets now transiting their transformation house. 

3/22/18 – MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE!  Hang in there Virgos and Geminis.  You know the drill with this influence. It will last until 4/15/18, and affects communication, commerce, tactfulness and diplomacy. The positive, cheerful qualities of Mercury will be lacking to a degree now.   Traditionally, this is never a good period for anyone to sign a contract, start a new business, get married, etc. Conditions get further aggravated when Mercury goes COMBUST the Sun on 3/24/18. Combustion makes a planet (and those ruled by it) more easily angered or irritated, and just feeling somewhat rough.  This combustion period lasts until 4/08/18.

3/26/18 – VENUS enters Aries, fire sign of new beginnings, just as Spring has officially gotten underway.  This brings both good finances and partners to those with Aries Rising or Moon signs, due to the houses it rules for them.  Libras will be happier to have this benefic ruler of their chart now traveling through their house of partners, business and travel. Taureans will either feel to isolate themselves a little more, or need to watch out for spending too much now. At least it is the house of “bed pleasures” and foreign travel for them.

Remember that for any difficult transit or dasha period (personal planetary cycle) there are ancient Vedic remedies known as Yagyas, which I can describe to you, to alleviate some layers of obstacles. These are most beneficial for “engineering the karma” away from the owner of the chart.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Boulder, CO.  Tel: 720-448-3742.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com

February 2017 Planets: Monthly Vedic Astrology Blog

February Planet Report….

Are you Scorpios enjoying the relief of Saturn’s recent movement OFF of your Rising Sign, Moon sign or Sun sign?  That occurred on January 26th. Already some of my friends, especially the Scorpio Moon groups, have shared with me their feelings of relief from Saturn’s grinding pressure.

2/03/17 – Mercury moves into Capricorn, a friend’s sign. It will join the Sun there.  This placement is fine for the Virgos, ruled by Mercury, but not so good for the other signed ruled by Mercury, Gemini.  This 8th house for them represents Transformation, battles and disunion, vulnerability, life and death. So it’s never exactly comfortable when it’s making this transit each year.  Mercury will move on 2/22/17 into Aquarius, bringing some relief.

2/05/17  – The great benefic Jupiter goes Retrograde!  This lasts until 6/09/17.  Jupiter is currently in Virgo, which should bring to this earth sign both friends and partners, so that is a nice placement for them. The two signs ruled by Jupiter are Sagitarius and Pisces.  The placement for both of them is okay. When a benefic planet goes retrograde, it is generally thought to enhance its benefic energies. (The opposite is true for a malefic planet).

2/10-11/17 – Depending on where you live, this partial (penumbral) lunar eclipse will occur over one of these dates.  The range of visibility will be in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia.  Please remember that eclipses are never auspicious but just the opposite and their effect is felt most greatly in the areas in which they are visible. It looks to me that it will be at full effect here in Sedona, AZ on Feb. 11th around 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.  This eclipse occurs in the sign of Leo.

2/12/17 – The Sun moves into Aquarius for a month. Though still in an enemy’s sign (as both Capricorn and Aquarius are ruled by Saturn), this will be a much better placement for the LEOS, who are ruled by the Sun. It is going away from their 6th house of rivals, enemies and competitors into their 7th house of business and partnerships, also travel.  

2/16/17 – Mercury goes combust the Sun (traveling too close for comfort). This condition will last until 3/21/17. Those most affected are Virgo and Gemini Rising and Moon signs, but everyone will have to watch for being less than tactful. Try and keep communications positive and thoughtful now.

2/22/17 – Mercury enters Aquarius.  This is helpful to Geminis as it is their 9th (best) house, but not so helpful for Virgos.  This is their 6th house of worry, health problems, enemies, rivals and competitors. Plus it will be traveling with tricky Ketu, so watch your back, literally and figuratively.

2/26/17 – Annular Solar Eclipse.  This partial eclipse will not be seen in the USA. It occurs in the sign of Aquarius. Those with Aquarius Rising or Moon signs may feel especially intuitive at this time, but it’s not a good moment to make big decisions or take actions.  It will be visible in S. America, Atlantic, Africa, Antarctica.

If you haven’t already taken a look, please visit my newly redesigned website, which looks awesome and much more up-to-date. http://www.vedicstarcharts.com Now is a great time to have a reading with me, to get an in-depth look at your year ahead. As you can see on my website, I can now accept PayPal payments for my services.

Blessings of the planets to you, from the Sunshine Corner in from Sedona, AZ.  Tel. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minute, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

 

 

 

 

September Skies: Vedic Astrology Blog by Mary Stevenson

There’s much to report in the realm of planet interactions this month.

9/01/16 – The Sun was eclipsed by malefic north node of the Moon, Rahu, in its own sign of LEO.  However, this eclipse was barely visible anywhere, and not at all in the USA so other than those with Leo Rising or Moons signs, who may have felt some energetic shifts, I do not feel this was a very significant event, for most.

9/06/16 – MERCURY (which is already retrograde) goes combust the Sun.  This condition lasts until 9/16. It does not make Mercury a happy camper, thus misunderstandings and verbal disagreements may ensue, with Mercury not able to provide his usual tactfulness and diplomacy.

MERCURY RETROGRADE began last month and will go until 9/21.  At first, it won’t be too much of a problem, since this planet that deals with communication has been crossing Virgo, its own sign, where it is strong and happy. BUT!  It will back up into LEO, the previous sign on 9/09/16.  There it will be sitting with the Sun (briefly, until it moves) and malefic RAHU.  Things will get more dicey for those ruled by Mercury, Geminis and Virgos.  Especially the Virgos may experience more challenging results at this time, with the ruler of their charts crossing their 12th house of loss, expenses, seclusion or isolation.  Add to this Rahu playing a wild card thrown into this transit.  This condition lasts until 10/03/16, when Mercury will return to Virgo, and peace and order will be restored for you.

9/11/16 – Benefic JUPITER goes combust the Sun.  This condition lasts until 10/10/16 affecting those ruled by Jupiter, Pisces and Sagittarius.  You have a normally happy, upbeat nature, but could feel some inner “pinch” at this time. Take care of yourself and know that “this too shall pass.”

9/16/16 – the Sun enters Virgo. Here it escapes its one month transit with malefic Rahu.  That will come as a relief.  Jupiter and Venus will still be in Virgo at this time.  Those with Virgo Rising and Moon signs may have to watch their tendency to spend now, caused by the Sun, their 12th ruler, crossing the 1st house of self.

9/16/16 – Meanwhile, that same day, there will be a Penumbral Lunar eclipse (partial).  We are fortunate that it will not be visible in the USA. Regions which will be seeing at least some parts of the eclipse: Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, West in South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica. Eclipses are not auspicious in the tradition of  Vedic Astrology, thus those in the areas where the light of this eclipsed luminary is visible, will experience the greatest effects. 

9/17/16 – MARS ENTERS SAGITTARIUS!  Finally this long ordeal that has been going on since 7/12/16, with Mars transiting Scorpio in conjunction with Saturn, will be over. Both planets will breath their respective signs of relief.  This has not been an easy transit especially, for those with Aries Rising or Moon signs, since Scorpio represents their 8th house of vulnerability, battles and disunion, transformation, life and death.  It will be such a blessing for the ruler of your sign to now enter your 9th “best” house in your chart and bring you support of Nature, good luck and good fortune.

9/18/16 – VENUS enters Libra its own sign. This great benefic will be very happy here and benefit those with Libra Rising or Moon signs greatly.  The other sign ruled by Venus is Taurus. They will not have as easy a run of it, since Libra represents their 6th house of stress, worry, enemies, rivals and competitors, plus possible health problems. This transit lasts until 10/13/16.

There is no doubt that next month will be an easier ride for most of us, once Mars finally moves away from Saturn on 9/17; Mercury gets out of retrograde on 9/21 and we get further past the two eclipses of September.

To get a better understanding of how all these transits and other factors affect your personal life, call me for a reading!

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner in from Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minute, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

Planets of MAY: Jupiter Out of Retrograde on May 9th

How are the planets treating you this month? To me, it’s been like a case of “planetary bumper cars” – in other words, rather jarring. I never liked bumper cars, as a child.  One of my spiritual teachers said “Your chart is your curse,” and by that he meant, that all the karma we souls have taken on in this particular incarnation can be seen in our charts, including our strengths and talents. (Currently Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter are still all in retrograde motion; Venus and Mercury are combust the Sun).

May 9th – JUPITER GOES DIRECT MOTION. This is the first bit of good news to share, since we’ve had the occurrence of FOUR planets in retrograde motion and TWO in combustion with the Sun….all of which produce rather challenging conditions.  Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces, and has been traveling through the fire sign Leo since July 13, 2015.  Since Jupiter is a great benefic, that’s fairly nice for the Leos, except for Jupiter’s 8th house rulership in their charts, bringing a certain amount of vulnerability and transformation to their lives during this transit.  Since malefic Rahu (north node of the Moon) joined it there on January 8, 2016, that adds to those qualities.  Jupiter can also add a certain degree of arrogance to those with Leo Rising or Moon charts, which is a quality they don’t really need more of, in any case! Now this forward movement of Jupiter, can bring more progress for the three signs in question, which will be a nice relief.

May 17th – Mercury gets out of Combustion. So that is the next piece of good news!  Not only do those signs that are ruled by Mercury: Virgo and Gemini, benefit and feel relief now, but any type of communication with our fellow human beings should go smoother now, whether it is verbal interaction, emails, letters, bank statements, or other important documents in which there are items we could have misinterpreted before.  Since the challenging condition of SIX planets has been so intense since late in April, this will be a welcomed change.

May 19th – VENUS moves into Taurus!  Ah, how this great benefic loves to be in her own sign.  Those with Taurus Ascendants or Moon signs will suddenly feel like they are swimming in familiar waters, and Venus adds a touch of luxury or at least creature comforts here, as well as renewed interest in art, music, romance, etc. (and possibly some self-indulgence!)  Remember that Venus is also combust (traveling too close to) the Sun now.  This makes a planet grouchy, angry, more reactive than normal, so you may find your moods mirroring these qualities, at times.  This condition lasts from  April 30 until July 13.

May 22th – MERCURY GOES DIRECT MOTION. Ah, yes, finally it is out of Retrograde! A good time will be had by all Virgos and Geminis, or at least a better tim ethan you’ve had all month, up till now.  Mercury is still in fire sign Aries at this time, which is the beneficial 11th house (gain, income) placement for the Geminis. It is not as good for the Virgos, in that the ruler of their chart is still in their 8th house of battles and disunion, transformation and vulnerability – this may produce feelings of being “in the gap,” watching and waiting for conditions to form and gel so that they can manifest for you, once Mercury moves onto the next sign and a better house (9th) for you, on June 7th.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

February Planets Dance Through the Vedic Star Sky

We start the month with Jupiter being the only planet in retrograde motion.

January 7th is the date Jupiter went retrograde. It gets out of this condition on May 9th, which is when relief comes to the signs it rules, Sagittarius and Pisces. Thus if your Ascendant or Moon sign is one of these, you now have the opportunity to work on finishing up some old business or getting to the bottom of a situation that had eluded your grasp previously.  That is one thing a retrograde period is good for.

A further complication for our Sag and Pisces friends is the situation of Jupiter being conjunct, to the very same degree for some days now, with malefic Rahu, the north node of the Moon, who is known as the “seizer.”  The lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu, only eclipse our solar system luminaries, the Sun and Moon, in the technical sense. Energetically though, those ruled by Jupiter could feel that something is trying to “eclipse” their goals or feelings at this time.  Because both Rahu and Jupiter are in backwards (retrograde) movement now, this to-the-very-degree situation will continue for some time.  By Feb. 20th they will finally at least be more than one degree apart, which will help some.

Virgos and Geminis in the Vedic Astrology zodiac have been feeling relieved since the ruler of their chart, Mercury, got out of retrograde on January 25. 

Feb. 8 – MERCURY moves into Capricorn, a friend’s sign (its friend Venus joins him there on Feb. 12th).  For Virgos this represents the 5th house of learning, education, success, children and love affairs, plus inclinations of the mind.  Thus Virgos get the good end of this particular transit.  For Geminis, the other sign ruled by Mercury, it is not as much fun, as Capricorn represents their 8th house of battles, disunion, transformation and vulnerability.  We can only ask the all-important question, “What am I to learn from this situation?” rather than let possible insecurities overtake us during this period of changing circumstances.

Feb. 12 – VENUS enters Capricorn, a friend’s sign.  This bodes well for both signs ruled by this great benefic, Libra and Taurus. For the Libras, the ruler of their chart will now be crossing the 4th house of home, real estate, friends, vehicles, self confidence.  There could be some cozy times spent at home or genial social gatherings with friends now.  For the Taureans, Capricorn represents their 9th house of good luck, good fortune, destiny, dharma, remedies, pilgrimage, natural law, higher education, etc.  Thus our Taurus friends should be in for a period of feeling lucky and on point in their endeavors.

As a reminder, your Dashas are King! That means your personal planetary cycles weigh more in the analysis of a chart reading, than do the transits.  I give insights on where the planets are in the sky each month in this Blog, to offer a taste of what this 5,000-year old aspect of Vedic Science can do to offer insights into the trends going on in your life, but nothing replaces a personal chart reading, FYI.

Feb. 13 – The SUN moves into Aquarius.  For the Aquarians, the Sun owns the 7th house, representing partners, thus those with Aquarius Rising or Moon signs could easily attract to themselves a business partner or new personal relationship during this 30-day transit.  Conversely, for the Leos, who are ruled by the Sun, they will find themselves able to and interested in reaching out to other people and partners, as the ruler of their chart will be crossing their 7th house.

Feb. 20 – Things heat up for Scorpios as their planetary ruler, MARS enters their sign, joining its enemy Saturn, which has been transiting there for some time.  Mars remains here until June 17.  Saturn doesn’t move until January 26, 2017.  These two planets represent the cross-purpose concepts of “hurry up, and slow down.”  Mars wants to get everything done YESTERDAY (or sooner), thus bringing much drive, energy, initiative and action into the energy field of Scorpios.  But Saturn wants a more moderate, deliberate pace.  Saturn brings detachment and delays, humility and hard work.  It is not to be trifled with! And certainly won’t let itself be pushed around by impatient Mars, which can sometimes cause an individual to act rashly…the very opposite of Saturn’s cautious nature.  Thus if  you have a Scorpio Moon or Ascendant, you may experience some internal push/pull or paradoxical forces operating within your psyche and your life until Mars moves on, March 1st.

We shall have some interesting changes to discuss next month, with a March 8/9 (depending on your time zone) total solar eclipse, and a partial lunar eclipse on March 23.  As if that were not enough excitement, Saturn goes retrograde on March 25!  Stay tuned.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

 

 

Planet Moves for January 2016 – Mercury Retrograde 1/05-25/16; RAHU & Ketu Move 1/08

HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO ALL!

Let’s see what the Vedic stars hold in store for us in this new year.  As always, you can contact me at 928-284-4060 if you would like to set up a personal reading to see what secrets your own chart reveals for the year ahead.

January begins with a fairly peaceful line up of planets.  Mercury is in Capricorn (a friend’s sign); Jupiter is in Leo (a friend’s sign); Mars is in Libra, and it was a big improvement when it moved there on December 15, getting out of that conjunction with Rahu in Virgo.  Yes, Virgos still have to contend with Rahu (north node of the Moon, and a tricky malefic) but only until January 8th!  Likewise, Pisces has the other half of this “cosmic serpent” crossing this compassionate water sign until that same date. More on this big move, below.  Venus joined its friend Saturn in Scorpio on December 25, bringing some ease to the Scorpios who have been weighed down by hard work taskmaster Saturn for some time.  This is an easier line up than we’ve had for a while, for most signs. However….here come the changes, for these planets are always moving!

1/05/2016 MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE.  We all get affected by this condition of the planet that governs communication, diplomacy, tactfulness and commerce, but those with Gemini or Virgo Rising or Moon signs always feel it the most. Mercury will go Direct motion again on 1/25/2016.

Be cautious about the usual snags in communication, misunderstandings and the like now, and the frustrations they cause.

Thus during this time things may appear to be “going backwards” in your life, or feelings of being misunderstood or miscommunications may occur. ANYTHING that deals with communication may be affected, from my experience.

From some error on your bank statement, to telecommunications equipment, faxes, computers not working right, one must be prepared for glitches. Be very vigilant if you plan to prepare your income tax returns during this time. “Avert the danger before it arises” can be an apt phrase here for laying low through this time of frustration. It’s not YOUR fault, and in many cases there’s not much you can do about it, so determine to ride the storm out, resorting to your clever sense of humor to make it through those big waves.

1/06/2016 – Speaking of retrogrades! Tonight the great benefic planet Jupiter goes retrograde motion.  This “appearance of going backwards” as seen from our vantage point on Earth, actually means that Jupiter’s influence gets stronger. That is what happens with the benefic planets. Their benefic qualities actually get stronger in such a period. The two signs ruled by Jupiter, though, will feel different results.  Sagittarius Rising and Moon sign people get the best of the deal, since Jupiter is crossing their 9th (best) house of good luck, good fortune, remedies, pilgrimage, dharma, natural law, higher education, religion and philosophy. As with all retrograde periods, they get an opportunity to revisit some previous issue, not totally resolved in the past.  The planets make sure that we cannot run and hide from working out situations that our soul wishes to learn and grow from. Pisces Ascendant and Moon sign people have the lord of their chart crossing the 6th house.  That house deals with health problems, mental stress, anxiety, delays, enemies, rivals and competitors. Some of the opportunities for growth that life presents to these compassionate individuals is to transcend the need to be a “rescuer” and not let people lean on them and constantly drain them. That ends up helping no one, in the end. Thus Pisceans can sometimes end up being “their own worst enemy” especially with a transit like this.  This retrograde period for Jupiter lasts until May 9th.

1/08/2016  Mercury goes Combust the Sun.  It remains in this condition until 1/19/16.

By now, you may know how this goes: watch your temper and tendency for impatience or irritability, which may get imbalanced now. This cycle in which a planet travels too close to the Sun makes it feel grouchy, angry, more reactive than normal.  Combustion occurs more frequently for Mercury than any other planet, because it habitually travels closer to the Sun. Nonetheless, you may feel the effects of just being more sensitive or reactive to things you normally would let pass. Employ meditation practice to maintain your equilibrium and peace of mind during these cycles. Mercury rules the skin and  nerves, so being combust the Sun may cause imbalances in either of these areas now.

1/08/2016 – RAHU AND KETU CHANGE SIGNS ONLY EVERY 18 MONTHS. This is the day that Rahu moves backwards (the only direction the Nodes ever move) into Leo and Ketu moves backwards into Aquarius.

This brings big relief to the Virgo and Pisces Ascendants and Moon Sign people in the Sidereal Zodiac upon which Vedic Astrology is based. Congratulations. You survived the last year and a half of some ups and downs, tricky, unexpected events, even chaos, or in the case of the Pisceans, hindrance, embarrassment or just not feeling “seen.”  All that gets alleviated for you now.

For LEOS, since you already have benefic Jupiter crossing your sign, this should not be so bad.  Because the nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, are “upagrahas” i.e. “planets with no body,” they absorb the energies of any planets with which they may be conjunct during a transit.  In other words, Rahu will be soaking up some of the benefic qualities of Jupiter! Nice.  Leo Rising and Moon sign people will thus feel more passion and intuition, a greater need for excitement and transformation, but that can be a good thing. Keep in mind, please, that Jupiter does move out of Leo and into Virgo on 8/11/16. Then you will have to deal with Rahu alone in your sign.

Aquarians must utilize the energy of Ketu now for going within, doing work behind the scenes, and having a more spiritual focus for the next 18 months.  That should be right up your alley.  There may be sudden “aha” moments, epiphanies of cosmic insights, if you cultivate an openness to receiving that type of guidance.

1/14/2016  The SUN moves into Capricorn for its one month voyage in this movable Earth sign.  The Sun typically is not so happy in this sign ruled by its enemy, Saturn.  It cannot feel as expansive as its nature would like here. Leo Rising and Moon sign people will find this time of year somewhat of a challenge as the ruler of their charts crosses their 6th house of delays, enemies, rivals, competitors, stress and health issues. So take care of yourself and have patience, as “this, too, shall change.”

1/14/2016 MERCURY backs up into Sagittarius, during its retrograde motion. You may get the opportunity to finish something important that you started in that earlier transit, but didn’t get to finish at that time, or get to the root of a problem that you had to put off dealing with before.  This represents “good houses” for both signs ruled by Mercury. For Virgos, it is the 4th house and for Geminis, it is the 7th, so that should help some, even though you are still dealing with the retrograde status of the lord of your charts.

1/18/2016 Benefic VENUS joins its friend Mercury in the fire sign Sagittarius.  The “Sags” get to feel all happy, playful and attractive for this period. Communication and social events will be the hallmark of this transit for you.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

 

 

The Planets of April in the Vedic Sky

First of all, I’d like to share an example of how the planets’ influence can work in our lives, even in small and practical ways. As you know, I try and get my blog written and sent out the very first of each month. Well….here it is mid-April, and I’m just getting a chance to get to it! For various reasons including travel, my time has just been totally absorbed with other things. I’d think about my blog and want very much to get to it, but there were always “hindrances.” Considering that the Sun rules my 2nd house of communication, and that its been transiting with malefic Ketu – which stands for hindrance and degradation! – from mid-March until just yesterday, now we see the explanation for this delay. Finally, with Sun now in Aries, I can write.  So that’s my planet story and I’m sticking to it. LOL.

4/04/15 – much ado was made about the “Blood Moon” lunar eclipse on this date. It was visible in North America so those of us living here would be affected by it. Some Jyotish pandits feel the effects last from 2 weeks before, until 2 weeks after, an eclipse. Some extend that period to be a month before, up to a month after. This eclipse occurred in the practical earth sign of Virgo, so those with Virgo Ascendants or Moon signs would have felt it the most. Rahu, the malefic north node of the moon which caused this eclipse, has been crossing Virgo since 7/13/14 anyway, causing a range of upheavals, transformation and unexpected events. We have to remember that eclipses are not auspicious events, in the Vedic Astrology system.

4/06/15 – Venus entered its own sign of Taurus, where it is strong and happy.  Those with Taurus Ascendants or Moon signs should be feeling especially good now, and yearning to be surrounded by affection, beauty, luxury and comforts.  Librans are also ruled by Venus, but having the ruler of their chart now crossing their 8th house is not as good, because it can increase the feelings of vulnerability and bring too many changes to deal with.  Depending on what house Taurus represents in your chart, will determine how good this transit may be for you. Having a personal chart reading with me, will let you see all those details. http://www.vedicstarcharts.com

4/08/15 – Benefic Jupiter got out of retrograde motion and went Direct again! This very positive planet has been crossing the sign of Cancer, where it is exalted and thus most powerful since 6/18/14 and it will remain there until 7/13/15.  When a benefic planet is retrograde, it makes it even more powerful, yet retrograde periods can still produce a period where things seem to be “going backwards.” Now Jupiter can happily march forward bringing good influences to many, and especially generous benefits to those of us with Cancer Rising or Moon signs.

4/09/15 – Mars went combust the Sun. When a planet is traveling too close to this fiery luminary, its qualities get “burnt” a bit. Aries and Scorpio are ruled by Mars so they are the ones who need to watch out the most for feelings of impatience, irritability or anger during this time. At least Mars is in Aries, its own sign, so it feels powerful now.

4/11/15 – Mercury entered the fire sign Aries, joining Mars there. It was a relief for Mercury and those ruled by it (Virgo and Gemini) to get out of Pisces, its sign of debilitation, and of course, to get away from tricky Ketu.  It is especially well-placed for the Geminis, in their 11th house of gain and income. For the Virgos among us, there will be some vulnerability or uncomfortable “changes” since Aries represents their 8th house.  It will move into Taurus later this month, on 4/26.

4/14/15 – The SUN entered its sign of Exaltation, Aries. Now we have a planet pile-up there, since Mars and Mercury are already in this fire sign.  Those ruled by the Sun (Leos) will feel more active and have greater success now.  Each year there is a 2.5 day period in which both the Sun and Moon are in their signs of Exaltation. There is one day designated as Akahaya Tritiya, “The Day of Lasting Achievement”, which I understand is 4/20 here in the USA this year (in India it will already be the next day 4/21). It’s a great time to begin something new.

4/22/15 – Mercury gets out of combustion with the Sun, so this is a relief for the Geminis and Virgos, and helps communication in general become more civil, polite and tactful.

4/26/15 – Mercury enters Taurus.  This connects Virgos with their 9th house of good fortune, so it’s a positive change for them. For the Geminis, this is their 12th house of isolation, loss and expenditure, so the best use of the time is to go inward and enjoy meditation, while watching your spending!

To understand how these planetary shifts affect your own life in 2015, please call me to schedule your personal reading.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060.  Thank you for any referrals you may send me.  I offer many services such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  If you would like to book an appointment for yourself, or as a gift for a family member or dear one, please call me, and we can schedule a 90 minutes, taped session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com

 

 

December Planets: JUPITER Goes Retrograde 12/08/14

Here’s my report on the planet changes occurring in December, 2014. Actually they are rather positive this month. There are no eclipses and no Mercury Retrograde periods to deal with! In fact, two planets are fortunately getting out of a long run of being combust the Sun.

Helpful Note: if you have not had your Vedic chart read by me as yet, this will help you understand how your birth chart appears in our system, which is based upon the Sidereal or Fixed Zodiac: just take every planet and the also the degree of your Ascendant as they appear in your western astrology chart back 23 degrees, and that will give you a good idea of what your Vedic birth chart looks like to me, so that my Blog posts can be of use to you.

12/04/14 – Both VENUS and Saturn will get far away from the Sun to no longer be “combust” – a condition that makes a planet angry and reactive. Those who will be happiest about this are anyone with Rising or Moon signs of Taurus or Libra (these are ruled by Venus) and those with Capricorn or Aquarius Rising or Moon signs (ruled by Saturn).

12/05/14 – Venus enters the fire sign of Sagittarius, breaking up the logjam of the four planets that have been piled up in the preceding sign of Scorpio (Venus, Sun, Mercury and Saturn are all in Scorpio at this time.) Those with Sagittarius Rising or Moon signs could suddenly feel more creative, artistic or attractive. There could be some nice gains coming to you since Venus rules your house of income and gain (the 11^th house).

12/08/14 – JUPITER goes Retrograde! Retrograde motion is simply the appearance that a planet is “moving backwards” as seen from our perspective on Earth. A retrograde time period can give us the option to revisit previous projects started when the planet in question was first crossing the degree of the sign it has been in. It does not have all the challenging connotations as a Mercury retrograde period does, for sure.

This giant benefic planet Jupiter is already transiting its most beneficial sign of Cancer, where it receives exalted status. When a benefic planet goes into retrograde motion, it becomes even stronger to do the good that it represents. Not only those with Cancer Rising or Moon signs will benefit from this new condition. Jupiter rules both Pisces and Sagittarius. Those with Pisces Rising or Moon signs should enjoy Jupiter’s current transit through their 5^th house of success, children, learning ability, education, and romance. For the Sagittarians, it is a little more problematic in that the sign of Cancer represents your 8^th house of transformation and vulnerability. I’ve seen some types of vulnerability that my Sag friends have been going through. With Jupiter being both exalted AND now going retrograde, the transformations through spiritual growth and knowledge could reach a new high level, and your intuition should be greatly expanded as well. Jupiter remains retrograde until April 15, 2015.

 12/13/14 – Mercury enters Sagittarius, joining its friend Venus there. Those with Sag Rising or Moon signs will feel extra playful now, just as we come into the holiday period. It’s a great time for parties and celebrations and being noticed by others both socially and professionally, as Mercury governs your 7^th house of partners and your 10^th house of career, action, name and fame.

 12/15/14 – the Sun now also moves into Sagittarius. Here it is in a friend’s sign, so Leo Ascendants and Moon sign folks will enjoy this transit which is your 5^th house of success, education, romance and children. Sags also benefit, to have this ruler of their 9^th house of good luck and good fortune, dharma, remedies and pilgrimage crossing your house of self and body – enjoy!

 12/29/14 – Venus enters Capricorn, a friend’s sign. Capricorns will really enjoy this transit, as Venus owns two good houses for you and because it is your Yogakaraka or BEST planet, it brings you much success, including with your career!

 12/31/14 – Mercury moves into Capricorn, where it is also in a friend’s sign, and now will be transiting this movable Earth sign with its friend Venus. Time to party for New Year’s eve for the Capricorns! Sagittarians had their chance for that with the earlier transits of Mercury and Venus.

 Wishing you all a powerful year ahead, with great success and many blessings. Please remember that one of my readings could make a very wonderful and unique holiday gift to your friend or loved one! To best understand how these planetary shifts affect your own life, please call me to book a yearly update reading for yourself. 

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Sedona, AZ.  Tel. No. 928-284-4060. Thank you for your referrals. I offer many services over the phone, such as: natal chart readings, yearly updates, couples compatibility or astrocartography (location) readings.  My readings are 90 minutes, and I make a tape of our session for you to keep and review.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com 

New Year’s Day New Moon in Sagittarius – good for “new beginnings”

Are you ready for 2014?  We are off to a nice start on January 1st as the New Moon occurs at 4:15 a.m. MST in the fire sign of Sagittarius.

New Moons are known to be a great time to start something new, so I advise taking action on your New Year’s resolutions, even if it is just to write down an intention in your journal.  That may feel self-empowering, to set in motion the energy towards accomplishing your goals.  Of course 4:15 a.m. Mountain Time is rather early to roll out of bed and get into action, but that is the exact moment in which both Sun and Moon will be at the same degree and thus the official “new moon” in Sagittarius. The Moon is in this sign along with both Mercury and the Sun. Those with Sagittarius Rising and Moon Signs (in your natal birth chart) should especially enjoy the boost this gives you to start the new year with an optimistic spirit.

As 2014 begins, the two great benefics Jupiter and Venus are both in retrograde motion. Thus, the signs ruled by Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces) as well as those ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra) may have that classic feeling of “some things going backwards” in their lives. Yet when a benefic planet is retrograde, it is even stronger to give its gifts, so this is not entirely a problem here.  Venus will “go direct” on January 31, and Jupiter not until March 6.

Venus is currently in Capricorn, a friend’s sign, but due to the retrograde motion, it backs up into Sagittarius on January 6. This will bring even MORE activity (and pleasure, comforts, luxuries, and earnings) to those with Sagittarius Ascendents or natal Moon signs! No complaints there.

After a couple of days with THREE planets in Sag. (Sun, Venus, Mercury), Mercury moves into Capricorn on January 8th. This is still helpful to the Sag’s, as communication will continue to be stimulated, plus their actions bring in money now and business should be good. For those ruled by Mercury (Virgos and Geminis), the Virgos will enjoy success and easy learning if their focus is on studies now (Capricorn is their 5th house). For the Geminis, Mercury in Capricorn represents your 8th house of transformation and vulnerability, so take care of your health now and don’t get too fixed on certain decisions made earlier, as they are likely to change. Yes, again!  LOL – Geminis are forever trying to decide between “on the one hand, this; but on the other hand, that” as their symbol is the Twins! Indecision thus reigns.

The SUN moves into Capricorn on January 14th and stays there for a month. This is not the most comfortable place for the Sun, on its yearly journey around the zodiac, as it is an “enemy’s sign.”  For Leos, who are ruled by the Sun, this is your 6th house of obstacles, enemies, rival and competitors, so better stay on your toes and try some relaxation techniques like meditation when you get home from all the stress at work each day.

For those with Capricorn Rising, like President Obama, the Sun rules your 8th house, bringing some vulnerabilities and thus still many fires to put out, so to speak, and a changing landscape upon which to navigate, rather than the stability which Capricorns would prefer.

Some of the exciting highlights of our upcoming slower-moving planet changes are as follows, and we will discuss these more in depth as we get closer to these dates are:

• 6/18/14 JUPITER enters CANCER, its sign of Exaltation! This will be a delightful development for those with Cancer Rising or Moon signs, as Jupiter represents good luck and good fortune, happiness, good judgment and for us ladies, it represents husband. What a grand 12.5 months this will be!

• 7/13/14 RAHU and KETU, the lunar nodes move, which only happens every 18 months. They always move backwards, thus Rahu enters Virgo, while Ketu will enter Pisces. This will actually be a HUGE blessing to get malefic tricky Rahu off the exalted Saturn in Libra. Finally Saturn should be able to give us the best of what it stands for in an unimpeded manner: duty, responsibility, structure, humility, dedicated service, and the ability for the mind to transcend. Those in the service industries will feel relief, at last.  Perhaps the minimum wage will finally get raised, at the national level.

• It will be so interesting to experience TWO of the slower moving planets being Exalted at the same time: Jupiter and Saturn. From the sign of Libra, Saturn will be aspecting (“looking at”) Jupiter, which may hold in check any tendency for Jupiter to be too expansive for that period.

In any case, there are some welcome changes to look forward to in 2014, in terms of the astrological influences, and I welcome your inquiries for a personal reading to see what it all means for you. My contact phone number is 303-473-9393, or write me at healingevents@yahoo.com. Website http://www.vedicstarcharts.com.  All blessings to you, from the Sunshine Corner!