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 

 

 

 

Vedic Astrology: The Eclipses of JULY, 2019

July 2019  features some significant planetary action to report. (And yes, I’m late in posting this; chalk it up to my move on 6/30!)  Can you handle TWO eclipses, THREE retrograde planets and THREE planets combust (too close to) the Sun, all in the same month? If so, read away. And hey, “I don’t make the rules; I just work here.” Reporting what’s up so everyone can be prepared.

July 2nd featured the total SOLAR ECLIPSE. It was visible only in the South Pacific and parts of South America, mainly Chile and Argentina. Even though people here in the West run to catch a view of eclipses,  in Vedic Astrology, they are considered inauspicious. They symbolize one of the demon/Rakshasa nodes of the Moon (either Rahu or Ketu) trying to “swallow” and put out the Light and life of one of the luminaries, the Sun or Moon. This time it was Rahu (north node of the Moon), trying to swallow the SUN. But since the luminaries are immortal, they escape that grip. Generally effects are worse where an eclipse is visible. In ancient cultures they found that these celestial messengers, including comets and meteors, would symbolize war, the death of a beloved leader, or earth changes. Citizens were advised not to look at an eclipse, not to eat during one, nor to let their bodies be within the rays of the eclipsed Orb. According to Indian Vedic Astrologers I have worked with, the effects of an eclipse last from two weeks before to two weeks after. Some even say from one month before to one month after! Those who would feel the most impact from this eclipse are those with Leo Rising or Moon signs, as the Sun rules their charts. This occurred in the sign of Gemini, thus those with this Ascendant or Moon sign could have also experienced some low energy.

July 7th – MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE. Oh yes, here we go again. And it lasts until July 31st. Mercury is currently transiting water sign Cancer, along with Mars (which is in its sign of debilitation). For those ruled by Mercury, the Geminis and Virgos, at least this represent good house placements for them. Once again, everyone needs to bring to mind the need to be tactful and have diplomacy. But with fiery Mars conjunct the planet that represents communication, that will be a lot to overcome.  Be careful with all communication devices, or you could end up sending a text or email to an unintended person! The Mercurial natural sense of logic may be influenced by emotions now, due to going through the sign of Cancer. When a planet is retrograde the energy turns inward, more self reflective, or internalized. Saturn and Jupiter already have been retrograde for some time now. Problems and aggravations seem to be enhanced during these cycles. During these retrograde periods, we often have an opportunity to revisit and rework matters we thought we’d already completed or had a handle on. I guess a positive way to look at it is that retrogrades bring second chances.

July 8th – Benefic VENUS, currently in the sign of Gemini, along with Rahu and the Sun, now goes Combust, i.e. traveling too close to the Sun. This reduces its ability to be at its best in terms of generating the usual Venusian qualities that bless our lives: luxury, comforts, affection, pleasures and desires, as well as social behavior. Passion can still be there, with that Rahu conjunction, but be wary of making decisions in haste regarding relationships at this time.  This combustion lasts until September 19th, which is a long time for Venus to be so affected. 

July 11th – MARS goes combust.  Tempers may flare, and as this planet represents the action priniciple,  deeds can be “done in haste” and repented later. Better to attempt to maintain equanimity despite such challenging planetary events this month, if possible. Stay cool, both physically and emotionally. A nice cool dip in the pool, or iced beverage may be just the thing to chill out some now.  Of course, if you have a beach trip planned, these various planet combination are apt to open the door to hurricanes or tropical storms, so stay on top of the weather reports, before you travel.  This Mars combust status lasts until August 8th. And of course Mars is currently sitting in Cancer, its sign of debilitation. It is just not at its best this month.

July 13th – MERCURY becomes the third planet this month in Combust status.  Ruling speech as it does, words may be said that one later regrets, added to the Mars-influenced actions mentioned above.  The Mercury combustion lasts until July 29th.

July 16th – SUN enters Cancer, joining Mars and Mercury there, and adding to the “heat” those with Cancer Rising or Moon signs are already feeling. At least it may be good for finances as the Sun rules the second house of wealth for Cancerians. That’s something.

July 16-17 – A partial LUNAR ECLIPSE occurs. MDT this will occur from 12:43 to 6:17 p.m.  However, we are fortunate not to have it visible here. Areas of visibility will be: Australia, S. America, most of Europe and Asia.  There will be some slight partial visibility in the very southern tip of Florida and uppermost eastern New England. The Moon represents mind and emotions, so when the light is “put out” for that brief time, those arenas get affected. It is a good time to dive deeply into some spiritual insights and reset one’s compass, if the need for that becomes apparent during one’s time of reflection.

July 23 – VENUS enters Cancer, stirring up romantic and affectionate feelings within those with this Rising or Moon sign.  Especially considered that Mars is already sitting there. This type of conjunction usually brings in romance!  The desire for comforts and luxuries may also increase for those born under this domestic, compassionate sign.

July 29th – Mercury becomes non-combust (see above).

July 30th – Mercury retrogrades all the way back into the previous sign, Gemini, which is its own sign, and it is comfortable there. This will assist the Gemini Rising and Moon sign people to gain some mental clarity, which Rahu traveling there has muddied to some degree. 

July 31st – MERCURY GOES DIRECT MOTION. And on that cheery note ends the month of three combustions, three retrograde planets and two eclipses!  Communications and commerce can now roll forward with greater ease and success. Plus the Geminis and Virgos will feel more like themselves now.

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.  Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, http://www.vedicstarcharts.com 720-448-3742 healingevents@yahoo.com

November, 2018 Vedic Astrology Blog – Mercury Retrograde on Nov. 16

Wishing you the best of the planetary energies as we move into another month and the planets again play “musical signs” as they move from one position to another. Let’s see what the month of November holds for you. As usual, I’m available and delighted to provide more specific insights if you book individual readings with me.

11/05/18 – MARS moves from Capricorn which is its exaltation sign, into Aquarius. The biggest blessing of this move is that Mars gets away from the conjunction its had with malefic Ketu, south node of the Moon, and a real sticky, tricky player in the pantheon of planets.  This will be a big help to just about everybody!  When Mars is that strong (exaltation) it can be overpowering and just a little “too full of himself” – sure, he stands for energy, courage, drive, competition, initiative, but also on the other side of the coin, anger, irritation, impatience and temper. Ketu would have played a role in bringing out his worst qualities. Things can begin to cool off for Capricorn Rising Sign and Moon sign people, and the world as a whole. Mars represents the principle of war, after all.  Amazing, isn’t it, that this planet shift occurs the night before the election?  Cooler heads should prevail, and voters could get the credit, but Mars moving into a place where it can cool off some, is the planetary reason here.

11/11/18 – JUPITER combust the Sun.  This great benefic, representing good fortune, wisdom, happiness,  recently (last month) began its one year transit through Scorpio, a friend’s sign. As it travels a little too close to the Sun, it’s qualities can feel impinged upon a bit, affecting those with Sagittarius and Pisces Ascendants and Moon signs the most. It moves beyond this combust condition on 12/09/18.

11/16/18 – A big day with several planet changes:

VENUS goes direct motion. This is helpful to the Libras and Taureans, to begin to feel progress again, after the retrograde period which began 10/05/18.

Sun enters Scorpio, so it’s getting out of its debilitation status that it was in for a month in Libra. This is helpful for Leos, the sign ruled by the Sun, and brings more energy to Scorpios, along with an inclination to play some leadership role, which is great, as long as you don’t let the ego get too big. Sun energy can do that! But, for sure, enjoy that extra vitality now. Sun also stands for government, so it does seem like this one month transit can bring more balance to those holding ruling positions at various levels of government.

MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE today. Yes, here we go again. Mercury rules commerce, so deals you are involved with may find sudden snags popping up. Mercury rules communication, thus interpersonal misunderstandings can be the norm now, as well as glitches in communication equipment. Mercury rules friendship, so watch for getting too impatient with your friends, and don’t let inadvertent misunderstandings damage long standing positive connections. It’s a time for all to have more patience and really focus on being tactful, because Mercury does also rule diplomacy and tactfulness, so while it’s in retrograde motion, those qualities may be harder to come by naturally. This period lasts until 12/06/18. As usual, those with Gemini or Virgo Rising or Moon signs, get impacted to the greatest degree.

11/21/18 – Mercury goes Combust the Sun, adding to the quicker trigger conversations, etc. described in the above Mercury retrograde paragraph. If you were already concerned about how those family Thanksgiving conversations were going to go, yeah. It will be even more challenging than usual with the above afflictions on Mercury! It will come out of combustion on 12/02/18.

11/22/18 – Now I don’t want to rain on your Thanksgiving dinner, but…we have a FULL MOON this very day! The height of the Moon’s fullness is reached close to 11:00 p.m. Mountain Time, so the energy is building up to and through that point.  This occurs in the sign of Taurus, where it is exalted. The Moon represents mind and emotions. Here in Taurus it is the strongest. Yet we all know how full moons pull on the emotional states of human beings, as research in hospitals, prisons and mental hospitals have shown. It’s a good house for those the Moon rules, Cancers, as it is their 11th house of gain and income. Yet if you add together, the energy typical in many Thanksgiving family gatherings, with Mercury retrograde and combust and now this full Moon stirring the deeper emotions and memories, there can be more drama this year than usual, in your family gatherings!

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Boulder, CO.  Tel: 720-448-3742.  Thank you for referrals you 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, recorded session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer,  

healingevents@yahoo.com    http://www.vedicstarcharts.com

 

The Planets of August, 2018: We Start the Month With 3 Planets in Retrograde Status

AUGUST 2018 – I am creating this Blog post a week late. Will I blame it on the retrograde planets? You bet I will! (plus a residence move a few days ago). We start this month with three planets in retrograde motion: Mars, Saturn and Mercury – and the latter is also combust the Sun. Thus do not be surprised at experiencing challenges, delays and unexpected obstacles.  Plus, not to forget, we are still recovering from the one-two punch last month of the partial solar eclipse, and total lunar eclipse. It’s a real “planet soup” of intense energies right now for us as individuals, society and the planet.

August 1st – VENUS, great benefic, symbolizing beauty, art, music, comforts and partners, entered Virgo, its sign of Debilitation.  It remains there until September 1st.  Ironically, Venus brings some helpful financial gains to those with Virgo Ascendants or Moon signs, due to the houses it rules for them, even though its energy is weakest when it is debilitated in that sign.  Venus rules Taurus and Libra. It’s a good house placement for those with Taurus Rising or Moon signs in their natal charts, for this is their 5th house of children, success, learning ability and romance. It’s more challenging for the Libras, as Virgo represents their 12th house of loss and expenses, solitude and isolation.

August 1st – MERCURY began traveling too close for comfort to the Sun this day, bringing more edginess to the field of communication in general (and that, added to the fact that this planet is in retrograde now, until August 18th). As usual, those with Virgo or Gemini Rising of Moon signs will feel it the most, as Mercury rules their sign. In addition to communication and any equipment that deals with same, Mercury represents commerce and trade, as well as diplomacy and tactfulness.  All of these qualities will be strained and frayed at the edges during this time. Mercury gets out of combustion on August 16th.

August 11th – Partial solar eclipse in the sign of Cancer.  Those who may feel it the most are the Cancer and Leo Rising and Moon sign people. Once again, we are fortunate that it will NOT be visible in the USA, so the influence will not have as big of an impact on us here. The eclipse will start out over the North Atlantic Ocean and Greenland, moving north and east so that the shadow simultaneously moves toward Iceland, northern Europe and the northern polar regions. Continuing its path over the top of the planet, the shadow will be wide enough to cover most of northern Russia from east to west. It will then dip down into Mongolia, China and surrounding areas.

August 16th – The SUN enters Leo, its own sign, where it is strong and powerful. Those with Leo Rising or Moon signs, will benefit from this strengthening of the ruler of their charts. However, it can contribute to both their leadership qualities AND being a bit top-heavy on ego or arrogance during this one month transit. Cancer chart individuals benefit from having their 2nd house of wealth, family and communication strengthened. Cancerians have already had enough to put up with rough and volatile Rahu crossing their sign since September 9, 2017. And Rahu and Ketu do not change signs until March 23, 2019, so both Cancers and Capricorns have to dig in and just “handle it” until the nodes leave their respective signs. Remember that there are planetary “yagyas” – ancient Vedic remedies, to allieviate the intensity you may be feeling. Just contact me for some references to these services, which I enjoy utilizing myself.

August 27th – MARS goes direct motion. Well, that’s a step in the right direction.  Remember that Mars has been crossing Capricorn, its sign of exaltation, which would be great for Capricorn Rising and Moon sign people, were it not for the fact that malefic Ketu (south node of the Moon) is also traveling there with it.  Now Mars will march forward once more, but does not change signs and thus get away from Ketu’s hindering influence until November 5th. Otherwise, the Capricorns would enjoy the burst of drive, energy, courage, clarity and initiative that Mars is trying to bring them, as well as some good karma with real estate. There will still be some of those benefits to a good degree. It’s just that Ketu hinders or degrades otherwise promising situations.

Please refer to my last month’s blog to review the significance of retrograde planets and eclipses.

All the best, from the Sunshine Corner, here in Boulder, CO.  Tel: 720-448-3742.  Thank you for referrals you 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, recorded session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com http://www.vedicstarcharts.com

Vedic Astrology Planets of July 2018: TWO Eclipses This Month

Greetings, Star Gazers!  Wishing you a happy July 4th celebration as the summer progresses. Let’s see what the stars are up to this month. There are some significant events to report. As ever, if you need personal insight on your individual situation, please call me for a session. My readings can give precise details on timing and answer your questions. See info on the type of services I provide, below.

July 4th – VENUS enters Leo, bringing those with this fire sign Rising or Moon the sweetness of affection, romance, and good fortune, as Venus rules their 9th house. Enjoy!  Venus rules the signs of Libra and Taurus. For the Libras, this is a nice, helpful transit of their 11th house of income, gain and fulfillment of desire, so no complaints there. For Taureans it’s their 4th house of friends, real estate, the comforts of home, so it should be a pleasant cycle for them as well.

July 10th – JUPITER goes Direct! This is good news for the Sagittarius and Pisces Rising and Moon sign people, whose signs it rules. Now things can begin to have a “moving forward” feeling. Sweet. This has been a long period of Retrograde status for this great benefic planet, as that started all the way back on March 8th. Jupiter remains in Libra until October 11th, 2018, when it enters Scorpio. More on that bridge, once we cross it.

July 13th – This partial Solar eclipse occurs in the air sign of Gemini. It will be visible in Australia and the Indian and Pacific oceans. It’s mainly the areas of visibility that feel the most impact of any given eclipse. Though the Leo Ascendants and Moon sign people may not feel so comfortable on that day, as the “Light” of this luminary is being partially hidden. We are fortunate that it will not be visible in the USA. (see more on eclipses, below).

July 16th – The SUN moves into water sign Cancer for its one month transit through this friend’s sign. This is helpful to Cancer Rising and Moon sign people as it can serve to connect them more with family, wealth and provides stronger communication energy for them. However, for the Leos, whose sign the Sun rules, that is their 12th house of loss, expenses, isolation, seclusion, foreign travel and “bed pleasures.” Thus it can be a good month for meditating, going inward to balance and get clear on what they want….and enjoy the foreign travel if you have a way to make that happen!

July 25th – MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE. Is that groaning I hear from afar here? Yes, we’re in for it again. Let’s remember it is not just the signs ruled by Mercury that get affected (Virgo and Gemini) but this planet governs for all, the realms of commerce, diplomacy and tactfulness, as well as communication and any equipment related to same.  Mercury has been transiting the sign of Cancer. This retrograde period lasts until August 18th, causing Mercury to remain in Cancer until September 2nd.  For Cancerians, due to the houses it rules for them, this can bring both spiritual influences as well as keeping them active with projects including writing.  At least this sign represents positive houses for both the Virgos and Geminis.

July 27th – Total LUNAR eclipse – This one is visible in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, so that is where the biggest impact will be felt. The Moon governs mind and emotions, travel, prosperity and the public. I have a feeling that recent tariffs could cause further ripples in foreign markets around this time, as well as social unrest in these areas.  The eclipse occurs in earth sign Capricorn, where the Moon will be conjunct with Ketu, the south node of the Moon, as well as the very strong exalted Mars. This increases the chances for anger, restlessness and irritability to be felt and expressed, in a no-holds-barred sort of way. Both the Cancer and Capricorn Ascendants and Moon sign people will feel this one. It’s especially impactful for the Cancerians, as the Moon rules their charts.

We should remember, too, that eclipses give their influence from two weeks before to two weeks after they occur (one Indian Jyotishi told me that could even be from one month before and after they occur). 

To explain more the significance of eclipses, I’ll quote from another Vedic Astrologer, Tara Divine who sums it up well: “As the ancient Indian legend goes, an eclipse occurs when the shadowy demon Rahu Ketu gets his revenge on the Sun and the Moon by consuming them and stealing their luminous rays. Their pure, creative energy gets twisted and dark during the eclipse and for a few days after. This myth does not exactly conjure a heart warming mental image, and that’s intentional.

The truth, according to Vedic Astrology, is that eclipses can be a terrible time to start or end projects, relationships, jobs, or any other important thing in the material world. This is because auspicious beginnings are blessed with light, ideally the light of a healthy, full Moon and the daytime Sun. With Rahu and Ketu gobbling up this light and warping it in unseen ways, anything you start could turn out very strangely, and you may regret ending something as well…

Eclipses are a great time to stay in, meditate, and do your inner work.  In fact, they provide an especially rich opportunity to connect with spirit because the ‘veils’ are thin.”

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, recorded session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com

April Planet Transits: Mercury Retrograde Until 4/15/18

3/31/18 Brings us a Blue Moon, in Virgo. 

What a nice way to segue into April. The energies of Moon in Virgo are calming, bringing more logic and deductive skills out in the collective mind. Virgos get to enjoy their 11th house ruler, bringing income and gain their way, and fulfillment of desire.

SATURN is such a slow moving planet, that it’s been some time since I’ve written about its travels and how that affects the signs it rules, Capricorn and Aquarius, so it seems only fair to focus on that some.  Since 10/26/17 Saturn has been crossing the sign of Sagittarius. This is the 12th house for those with Capricorn Rising or Moon charts.  This house is all about loss, expenses, isolation or seclusion. Caps do need to watch their spending now, and do their best to push themselves out into the crowd to mingle with fellow humans, to avoid feeling the worst impacts of loneliness, which this transit can bring.  Going on spiritual retreats is advised now, as that is an excellent way to utilize the potential for Enlightenment that a 12th house transit also provides.

For Aquarians, Saturn, the lord of their chart, is traveling through their 11th house, so it can bring income and gain their way, with less effort than previously, so it is a positive experience, for the most part.

SAGITTARIUS is playing host to Saturn. That can bring the ability to focus and work hard for those with this Rising or Moon sign.  Life may seem somewhat hectic, too, with all the responsibilities that Saturn brings. Since MARS has also been transitting this fire sign since March 7th, and Mars and Saturn are enemies, there may be feelings of being pushed in one direction and pulled in the opposite direction. Definitely a “hurry up, and then wait” sensation. Mars will remain in this sign until May 2nd, so the internal angst can ease up some then.

4/08/18 – Mercury gets out of combustion with the Sun. This improves communications and tactful interactions overall, and brings relief to those with either Gemini or Virgo Rising or Moon signs, which are ruled by Mercury.

4/13/18 – The SUN enters Aries, where it experiences Exalted dignity.  The Leos, who are ruled by the Sun, will enjoy this exalted status, especially as Aries represents their 9th house of good luck, good fortune, remedies, pilgrimage and Natural Law.  For those with Aries Ascendants or Moon sign people, the Sun rules their 5th house of success, romance, and educations, highlighting these qualities in their lives now.

4/15/18 – MERCURY GOES DIRECT.  As usual, this brings relief to interpersonal communications. Did you notice any snags with technical equipment or anything related to correspondence during this time?  Virgos and Geminis can experience forward movement now, in their projects and career.

4/17/18 – SATURN goes retrograde. Its malefic qualities get stronger when it is in retrograde status. This can bring some feelings of depression or being down to those with Sagittarius Rising or especially with that Moon sign, as they are in Sadhe Sati at this time, and have to deal with obstacles, delays and hard work, during this cycle anyway. Now add the retrograde condition…so try to nurture and take care of yourselves at this time! It will stay retrograde until 9/06/18.

4/19/18 – VENUS enters Taurus, its own sign, where it is happy and powerful. This brings more comforts and luxuries to those with Taurus Rising or Moons, including the enjoyment of the arts, beauty or music. For Libras, also ruled by Venus, this is an 8th house transit…which is all about Transformation, and can also bring them some vulnerability. Venus remains here until May 14th.

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

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

December 2017 Vedic Astrology Planets – by Mary Stevenson

December, 2017 – It’s nearly the end of another year. This one has brought some momentous changes and seems to have flown by. Let’s see what the planets hold for us, this last month of the year.

Dec. 3 – MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE! This condition will last until Dec. 22, so how nice to have it over with before the holidays are fully here.  Get ready for three weeks of communication snarls and mishaps, which also applies to any equipment or devices that deal with communication.  Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo, so those with these Ascendants or Moon signs will feel this appearance of Mercury’s “backwards movement” the most.  Mercury is currently in Sagittarius, traveling with its friend Saturn, but they did have a brief “planetary war” last week, which was uncomfortable for many, so we are glad that is over.

Dec. 3 – MOON will be totally full in its sign of exaltation, Taurus.  The intensity of this full moon is being felt already, by many I know.  Taureans and Cancerians benefit from it.  The moon rules “mind and emotions” in the Vedic system, so having it both full AND exalted, is rather powerful. But the pull on human emotions can feel overwhelming now, coupled with the usual stress and anxieties of the holiday time of year. Be gentle with yourselves, and others.

Dec. 4 – SATURN combust the Sun. This brings more irritability than usual for those with Capricorn and Aquarius Ascendants or Moon signs. Watch for getting more easily riled up than is your normal nature.  Saturn also represents working people, service-oriented groups like the police force, agriculture, and oil.  There may be disruptions and unrest in any of these areas now. This condition will last until Jan. 7th.

Dec. 7 – MERCURY combust the Sun. This cycle in which a planet travels too close to the Sun (which makes a planet grouchy, angry, more reactive than normal) occurs more frequently for Mercury than any other planet, because it habitually travels closer to the Sun than the rest of the planets.  You may feel the subtle effects of just being more sensitive or reactive to things you normally would let roll off your back.  It can be helpful to employ meditative techniques to maintain your equilibrium and peace of mind during these cycles. This cycle lasts until Dec. 18.

Dec. 10 – MERCURY moves into Scorpio.  Here those with Scorpio Rising or Moon signs will find communication mattering more than their somewhat secretive natures may be used to.  But Mercury will be in both a retrograde AND combust status, so all of us will need to strive to be as diplomatic as possible in our speech as well as any written correspondence.  Gains can come to Scorpios now through commerce. Virgos will have energy to expend on various projects. Geminis (also ruled by Mercury) may not feel as chipper, since this is their 6th house of worry, stress and physical health concerns. Mercury stays here until Jan. 6, 2018.

Dec. 15 – The SUN moves into Sagittarius, a friend’s sign.  Leos (ruled by the Sun) will enjoy a month of heightened learning abilities, success in worldly projects or speculative matters. They will feel more playful and romantic as well, or enjoy spending time with children.  Sagittarians get an energy boost from the Sun’s power and experience the “good luck and good fortune” the Sun brings, as their 9th house ruler.

Dec. 20 – VENUS enters Sagittarius. Here it joins the Sun and Saturn, bringing a swirl of energies to those with this fire sign Rising or Moon sign. Interestingly, I just looked at someone’s chart with these same three planets in her first house of self, body and personality, so that is a three-way natal return for her!  Natal returns can be a bit intense. We get the opportunity to really deal with whatever issues our soul brought in to face this lifetime.  Sun and Saturn are enemies, so that part is not so comfortable. Venus is at least friends with Saturn. It can help spice up the planet party for our Sag friends.

Dec. 22 – MERCURY goes Direct motion, as mentioned above. It gets out of combustion Dec. 18, so it altogether will be feeling better and those with this planetary ruler (Virgos and Geminis) will experience life and projects moving forward at a good pace, once more. Communication in general becomes easier for everyone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!  This is a perfect time to give a holiday gift of one of my Vedic Astrology readings to a dear one.  Wishing the blessings of the planets to you, from the Sunshine Corner, in Boulder, CO.  Tel. 720-448-3742 (cell); or 928-284-4060 (home).  Thank you for your referrals.

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 especially as the holiday season nears, please call me to schedule one of my 90 minute sessions.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. vedicstarcharts.com

 

 

 

 

 

Big Planet Changes for September, 2017 – Mercury is out of Retrograde

The Sunshine Corner has moved back to Boulder, Colorado! I look forward to providing my Vedic Astrology services to you from this fair city. My contact info remains the same.

There’s a lot to discuss with some major planets shifting this month, starting with:

9/02/17 – Mercury got out of combustion with the Sun, easing the way for smoother communications and especially helping our Gemini and Virgo friends.

9/05/17 – Mercury went Direct motion! This is of even greater importance to the Geminis and Virgos, whose signs are ruled by this planet, so they really feel it whenever Mercury is Retrograde.  In addition, Mercury governs commerce (buying and selling) so things should flow more smoothly for those engaged in commerce, plus it governs communication in general, thus by extension our communication devices, the intellect, and friendships. It also signifies tactfulness and diplomacy. Expect improvements in all of the above areas now.

9/08/17 – RAHU and KETU CHANGE SIGNS!  These are the north and south nodes of the Moon, respectively.  They only move every 18 months, and always in a backwards direction.  I am aware that some empheris users see this movement as occurring on Sept. 9th, but what my software shows is just about 6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight time for the shift of Rahu into Cancer and Ketu into Capricorn.  The effects are too detailed to mention in this report.  Suffice it to say that those with Leo or Aquarius Rising, Moon or Sun signs will feel some relief, as Rahu and Ketu finally move out of their signs after 18 months.  Those with Cancer Rising, Moon or Sun signs are in for a lot of changes, with Rahu standing for “transformation.” Get ready to turn on a dime, Cancerians, and don’t become too attached to your well-laid plans right now.  Ketu brings more intuition to the Capricorns, but it does also stand for “hindrance and degradation” so they could be in for a time of feeling invisible to some degree, and some embarrassing situations are bound to arise. Either that, or dealing with some situations that arise from past karma.

9/11/17 – Another of our slower-moving planets, benefic Jupiter moves on this date, from Virgo, into the air sign of Libra. He only moves about every 12.5 to 13 months, so this is another big shift of planet energy occurring in September.  Jupiter governs the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. For the Pisceans, this new position represents the 8th house of transformation, vulnerability, battles and “disunion.”  This could represent internal changes, or changes in aspects of the outer life, including career, as Jupiter governs their 10th house of career. It’s a better setup for the “Sags” as this is their 11th house of gain and income. For Librans, Jupiter does not rule the very best houses, so they may experience some “mixed results.” Having to watch out for weight gain, would be one of them!

9/14/17 – VENUS moves into LEO, bringing its pleasure-seeking, comfort-loving ways to this fire sign.  This move takes place close to midnight MDT, therefore won’t be experienced until the next day in time zones to the east of us here in Boulder.  Because of the houses Venus owns from the viewpoint of Leo Ascendants and Moon sign people, they should feel a nice boost of energy and be more active now, as well as enjoy indulging in their favorite comforts and luxuries. Venus rules Taurus and Libra. The Taureans get to enjoy pleasant times at home, entertaining friends and family; also the possibility is there to enjoy some new vehicle.  For Librans, this is their 11th house of gain, income and fulfillment of desire, so it will also represent positive experiences for them during this transit, which lasts until October 9th.

9/16/17  – TWO planet changes happen this date: MARS gets out of combustion with the Sun (good news for Aries and Scorpios, to feel less pressured and irritated), plus the SUN enters Virgo.  The Sun in this practical, logical Earth sign, brings warmth to the land as we move into the harvest season. Virgos may feel a bit more inward now, as the Sun rules their 12th house of solitude and isolation. They will need to watch their spending habits now. Leos will enjoy having the lord of their chart passing through the 2nd house of wealth, speech and family, enlivening these important areas of life.

9/21/17 – Once again Mercury goes combust the Sun, i.e. traveling too close to the fiery orb for comfort. Thus all that Mercury signifies could get “singed” a little, from diplomacy and tactfulness, to communication and clear thinking.

9/26/17 – Mercury will be so much happier to move into VIRGO today, which is its own sign. This strengthens the logical, clear thinking aspects of all who are ruled by this planet, those with Gemini or Virgo Ascendants or Moon signs.  Mercury stays in this sign until October 13th.

Blessings of the planets to you, from the Sunshine Corner in Boulder, CO.  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

The Intense Planets of August, 2017

We have no less than TWO eclipses and a Mercury Retrograde period to get through, coming up in August. Read on….

To get the most out of my blogs, it is helpful to know your Rising Sign (Ascendant or Lagna) and your Moon sign. Have you ever had a Vedic Astrology reading? If so, that information would have been provided to you. If not, you can always schedule a 90 minute session with me.

August 7th/8th – depending on where you live, the partial lunar eclipse will occur late in the evening of the 7th, or the wee hours of the 8th.  As a reminder, all eclipses are inauspicious and it is not good to view them.  Fortunately, this one will not be visible in the US, except for Hawaii.  This eclipse will be seen in much of Europe, much of Asia, Australia, Africa, east in South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.  It occurs in the sign of Capricorn, which is the 7th house for Cancerians, the sign ruled by the Moon. Thus the Cancer Rising and Moon sign people’s tender feelings may be more sensitive than usual, and they could have trouble being “seen” in their primary relationships, as the 7th house governs marriage and partnership.

August 12th – MERCURY RETROGRADE, once again. Get ready for another three weeks of communication snarls and mishaps, which also applies to any equipment or devices that deal with communication.  Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo, so those with these Ascendants or Moon signs will feel this appearance of Mercury’s “backwards movement” the most.  It occurs in the sign of Leo where it is conjunct malefic Rahu, who causes chaos in the best of times, so just hang on until Mercury again goes direct motion on September 5th.

August 16th – SUN enters Leo.  Now normally this is a good position for the Sun, to be happily empowered as it crosses through its own sign in transit.  But let us not forget that Rahu is just lurking there, waiting for the right moment to swallow this important luminary in our solar system and put out its brilliant light. More on that event below.

August 19th – MERCURY goes COMBUST the Sun. That means traveling too close for comfort to its friend, the fiery orb.   This makes any planet angry and irritable and those it rules will feel its weakened condition (Geminis and Virgos) on top of the ruler of their charts being in retrograde. The combustion lasts until September 2nd.

August 20th – VENUS enters water sign Cancer, bringing all its good qualities to bless the Cancer Rising and Moon sign people. They will feel more attractive, and be more affectionate, as their focus turns to either artistic or creative projects, music, entertaining or love and romance.  Taurus and Libra are ruled by this great benefic and this sign represents a good position for them both, thus many of them will be enjoying Venusian qualities late in the summer. Remember that your dashas i.e. your personal planetary cycles “rule” and are more important than most of the transits. To learn where you are in that sequential flow, contact me for a reading.

August 21st – TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, with total visibility in the USA from the Northwest, through the heart of the Midwest (below Iowa) and finishing its route through our country, as it passes through South Carolina. Not auspicious at all, and I don’t recommend trying to look at it, both for your eyesight’s sake and to avoid the malicious effects of Rahu’s attempt to put out the light of the Sun. However briefly that lasts, it is certainly not good for any Leos, as the Sun rules their sign and this eclipse happens to occur IN the sign of Leo, so that is like a double whammy.  The classical Vedic literature describes eclipses as being bad omens, not a good time to make major decisions or begin new projects. It’s more of a time to go inward, meditate, read scriptures and spiritual literature and fast during the height of the eclipse, a couple of hours on either side of it.  One of the most famous Americans who will surely feel the effects is Leo Ascendant Donald J. Trump.

August 25th – SATURN goes Direct. At long last, this ruler of the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, will begin to move forward, and not a minute too soon for the Scorpio Rising and especially Scorpio Moon people, who have been hosting him.  He doesn’t get out of this sign until October 26th, but at least the forward motion helps the Capricorns and Aquarians now, to experience more progress in their projects, long-held desires, goals and aims.  This is our slowest-moving planet so any shift of gears in Saturn’s path is a big deal to consider.

August 26th – MARS moves out of Cancer, its sign of debilitation, and into its friend’s sign, LEO.  It will be quite the planetary pile up in this fire sign now, with four planets conjunct there now: Mars, Rahu, Sun, and the retrograde Mercury. It bears noting that Rahu and Mars will be at the exact degree on this date, which is not so helpful to Mars, and the signs it rules, Scorpio and Aries. So please take note of this date and protect yourself from unnecessary risks and accidents.

My September blog next month will also feature some big planet changes, with more of the slower-moving planets shifting signs: Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu. So stay tuned to the Sunshine Corner, currently operating from Boulder, Colorado.

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 session.  Thank you, Mary Stevenson, Vedic Astrologer, healingevents@yahoo.com. http://www.vedicstarcharts.com