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

MARCH Planet Report: Total Solar Eclipse on 3/08 – Then Saturn Goes Retrograde 3/25

Anyone have the Total Solar Eclipse Blues Yet?

For all who think solar eclipses are “cool,” er, not so much, in terms of the effects known to the ancient science of Vedic Astrology. The advice of the wise is to avoid looking at, or being out in the eclipsed light of, this Luminary of our solar system. It is also not advised to eat from a couple of hours before, until a couple of hours after, an eclipse. All of the above advice applies even more so, to pregnant women.

This eclipse will be totally visible in Sulawesi, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Borneo, and the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  It will also be partially visible in northern and eastern Australia, in South Asia, and in East Asia. The areas in which an eclipse is seen will feel the astrological effects the most, per the classic texts.

This eclipse is occurring in the fixed air sign of Aquarius.  There will be a five-planet pile up going on in this sign at the time. The Sun and Moon will be at the same exact degree here in Sedona (MST) at 6:00 p.m. local time on March 8th. 

Who feels it the most?  LEOS (those with this Rising and Moon sign) are ruled by the SUN.  When the light is temporarily “extinguished” they will experience something out of the ordinary, even if it is just some feeling of displacement, being out of sorts or not quite themselves. Leos are born leaders and take pride in being noticed for their accomplishment. To suddenly feel “not seen” is not comfortable or fun for them. So hang in there, Leos!  They have already been going through the yo-yo factor with the malefic north node of the moon, RAHU, crossing Leo since January 8 of this year.  Having benefic Jupiter also crossing their sign, has been the saving grace here.

Those with Aquarius Ascendants or Moon signs will feel the intensity as well.  The south node of the moon, KETU, is the culprit trying to swallow the Sun on this day. It is joined in this sign by Venus, Mercury, and of course the Sun and Moon.  There could be issues with some relationships and certain feelings of vulnerability on this occasion, but I still think it will affect the Leos even more.   About the only thing an eclipse day is good for, is having a Yagya, which is an ancient type of remedy in Vedic Astrology; a ritual in which skilled priests take on the job of mitigating the karma which one’s birth chart may show in various aspects of life. I do have a wonderful source for yagyas, done in India on the banks of the Ganges, if anyone is interested in that service.

March 1 – Mercury moved into Aquarius on this date.  This is the 9th house for Geminis, thus a good place to begin feeling more luck and support of nature for those with this Rising or Moon sign. However, for the other sign ruled by Mercury, VIRGO, this represents their 6th house so not as comfortable.  The 6th house represents health problems, worry, anxiety, stress, enemies, rivals and competitors. The only Virgos who may benefit would be lawyers and doctors or health professionals, who may attract more clients at this time.

March 7 – Mercury goes combust the Sun.  This is a time when the nimble Mercury travels too close to the Sun and “feels the burn,” and not in a good way. Thus qualities of tactfulness and diplomacy may suffer. Watch your tempers, Virgos and Geminis!

March 7 – Venus enters Aquarius, a friend’s sign.  Venus rules good houses for those with Aquarius Rising or Moon signs, thus providing some comforts or even “luxuries.” This normally very cerebral sign may even be feeling a little sensuous now. For both Libras and Taureans, the signs ruled by Venus, this position represents very good houses for them both.

March 8 – Total Solar Eclipse in Aquarius. See discussion above. I should add that many Jyotishis (Jyotish is the Sanskrit word for Vedic Astrology) feel that the effects of an eclipse last from two weeks before until two weeks after, they occur. Some even feel the effects last for one month on either side of an eclipse.  That is why many have been feeling unsettled for some time now.

March 13 – Sun moves into Pisces….and not a moment too soon. It will feel more comfortable now, getting away from mean old Ketu, and out of an enemy’s sign (Aquarius) into a friend’s sign now.  However for LEOS, this represents their 8th house of transformation, vulnerability, battles and disunion, as well as knowledge of past and future. I urge Leos to listen to their intuition and be vigilant of their boundaries during this 30-day period.  The Sun represents for Pisces Rising and Moon sign folks, the ruler of their 6th house, thus bringing some discomfort, worry or anxiety and perhaps the tendency to get “overheated” one way or another.

March 18 – Mercury moves into Pisces.  This is a more helpful position for the Virgos, as it represents their 7th house of partners and travel. Being able to connect with others now, becomes smoother and more comfortable.  It’s also a good house for Geminis, also ruled by Mercury, representing their 10th house of career, action, name and fame.

March 23 – PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE.  Usually there are at least two eclipses per year of both Sun and Moon, and they do often occur within the same month, often within two weeks of each other.  This penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from most parts of Asia, Australia, North America and South America.  There are some very good sites online which you can google and see the full path of this eclipse.  It will occur in the earth sign Virgo.  At least it is just a partial darkening of the Moon’s light…but let’s keep in mind that the Moon represents mind and emotions in the Vedic system, and thus the normally logical Virgos could be slightly thrown off their usual game on this day.

March 25 – SATURN GOES RETROGRADE.  This period of the appearance of “going backwards” begins at 2:57 a.m. MST.   It does not move into direct motion again until August 13th.  There is already the uncomfortable situation that Saturn has been in Scorpio for some time, thus in an enemy’s sign.  Mars is also transiting through Scorpio now, too, and these great enemies being in the same sign together create much friction which spills over into the world scene, adding to the chaos of current times.  The two signs ruled by Saturn are Capricorn and Aquarius.  While this represents good houses for both of them, the retrograde period will bring some delays and obstacles. It may also bring the unavoidable need to finally resolve some issues they have been putting off, or thought were already settled.  Patience will be needed.

March 31 – VENUS  moves into water sign Pisces. Here the great benefic experiences its sign of exaltation.  Those with Pisces Rising or Moon signs should feel rather playful and attractive now, if not downright self-indulgent.  Venus rules Taurus and Libra. For those with Taurus Ascendants or Moon signs, this is a very nice transit, through their house of gain, income and fulfillment of desires.  For the Libras, Pisces represents their 6th house, so efforts will be needed to relax, try and avoid extra stress and worry now, and focus more on taking care of themselves.

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