Moon is waxing (Shukla Paksha) and transits Pisces, Aries, Taurus and into Gemini this week. Moon is exalted on 2.07 and transits its Mulitrikona sign (Taurus) on 2.08 and part of the day on 2.09.
For a jyotish Moon-centered approach to your day, follow my daily Moon Mind posts via Face Book. This week kicks off a fascinating waltz of the signs. As I've written about in quite a few of my posts and articles recently, there will be an intricate dance of the planets this year with multiple unusual retrograde cycles happening simultaneously. Lots of overlapping changes happening all at once. This cosmic dance of planets really brings to life the interwoven web of this existence and the intricate network of movements, changes, stops and starts that life presents us with. To me, the metaphor of a "dance" is really the most descriptive way to explain the fancy footwork of the planets at this time. Mars moves to Libra on 2.04 and will join Rahu and Saturn there. He will be sandhi this week (in weak degrees transiting the gap between signs). This will bring experiences on the inner and outer levels of stops and starts- with a bit of chaos and shadow mixed in. Think: lurches. Lurches feel frustrating so I've created a special Creative Engagement activity with this in mind. He won't be in Libra for long before he retrogrades back into Virgo. You can read all about his unusual transits back and forth between Virgo and Libra for the coming year in my current Elephant Journal article Mars as the Karma Yogi and His Unusual Transits This Year. Saturn is also sandhi right now, inching towards the edge of Libra, but will soon do a retrograde of his own. Suffice it to say, Saturn is requesting us to mind his manners right now as he "weakens". This usually results in his brut force and an insistence that we attend to our lives in a more harmonious Saturn way. We may feel more fatigued at this time, some depression could set in; in general a desire and need to draw our focus inward and slow down will present it self. He likes meditation, yoga, structure and to be in tune with the rhythms of Nature. Use these tools to listen to Saturn's messages and he will grant you more stability and grounding. It is actually good timing with the rest of the retrograde motions which require and request we pause, re-evaluate, re-adjust and retrace our steps more consciously and intentionally. As per usual, Saturn has our best interest in mind. If you are curious about his movements through Libra, you can read my articles on his transits here: Part 1: Rahu and Saturn in Libra Part 2: Saturn Retrograde + the Influence of the Nakshatras In keeping with the theme of flux and change with retrograde and forward momentum- very much alive in the planets in the coming weeks and months- Mercury begins his retrograde movement on 2.06 and will be moving backwards for the greater part of February. Despite the common dire predictions associated with Mercury retrograde, I am rather looking forward to his backward dance. I offer a different perspective in my latest article Mercury Retrograde, It's Not What You Think. Jupiter is still retrograde as well and moving back through Gemini- currently in Ardra nakshatra. Here is an article I wrote months ago on his transit through Gemini and how his retrograde movements will impact each sign. Jupiter in Gemini: Expanding Our Creativity Plenty of Mercurial delights and introspection offered above through my articles! Enjoy the information and may it be of benefit for your mental body, emotional body, physical body and spiritual body. For increased awareness, utilize my jyotish inspired Body-centered Expressive Art Therapy articles. Each week I post a new Creative Engagement Activity to help inspire your own unique creative process, Self-tracking, and to enrich your cultivation of presence. This week's activity has to do with "stopping and starting". If you have been uncertain about seeking guidance and support for the coming year, I urge you to reach out and get help refining your vision for 2014. Intention is potent! It is a big year with multiple {major} planetary changes. We will experience the changes of Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu, Saturn and unusual movements of Mars all in the next eleven months. Big changes are in store for each of us! Feeling uncertain about your action steps? What needs to change in order for growth? What kind of support you need? Schedule a yearly progression with me in order to make your New Year a truly transformational year. *Horoscopes are based on your Vedic rising sign. You can also check your Moon and Sun signs for further insight. Do the same with your Navamsa signs for further clarity. Do not use these horoscopes with your “Western Sign” as there is likely no correlation. These horoscopes are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual’s unique chart. Aries: Start looking for gains in unusual places; this may be connected to returning friendships and relationships. Father and early childhood could inform these insights. Both work and personal relationships are re-presenting themselves. Career is super charged at this time; use thoughtful action steps and courage to close the deal. Watch your mouth and try not to get overheated. Avoid rushing into relationships right now in order to avoid getting burned. Learn from past gains and losses. Taurus: Creative offerings are presenting themselves from your depths. Teaching, sharing and offering your Self in new and different ways can be helpful. Father, emotions, heart, home and mother may lend some insights. Work on digestion, assimilation, processing bad habits. Being in service is your best resource right now. Gemini: Your expansion in reverse continues. Do you know where you are going or has confusion set in? You may be doubting your Self and feeling uncertain about direction. Clearing and cleaning your gut will help with intuitive (gut) responses. You're in a rest phase. Stand still. Get the most out of your recharge with yoga, meditation and the creative arts. Cancer: Your mind has some intuitive strengths right now, but slowing down to hear these messages is important. Passions are high, desire is strong, emotions are somewhat tempestuous and charged. Seek stability, comfort and support in your relationships, home life and with family matters. Regardless let these details inform your needs. Learn from the past and what hasn't worked in your favor in this regard. Leo: Cleanse and cleanup some old habits, share and offer these findings through service. Creativity, intuition and the gut can help you with your findings and are a resource at this time. Create, connect, share and take bold action in new ways. But look before you leap. Virgo: Say what needs to be said. Go ahead, blurt it out. You may end up sparing your Self some headaches in the long run. This vocalization is about boundaries and feeling like you can express your needs and wants effectively. Singing can help open the throat chakra. Go ahead, sing your desires and comfort your own soul. Libra: The storms rage on for you Libra. Carefully navigate anger and rage, passion and drive or you will burn your Self out quickly. This is a good time to use these pieces for growth and learning, rather than letting them rule you. Use anger and passion in your creative processes and let them invoke and stoke your fire of life. Stay out of blame and victim-hood. Learn from your cravings, wants and desires. What are your greatest needs? Who and what needs to be cut free and let go of for different results? Scorpio: Transitions, releases, and letting go are effective strategies for you right now. You may feel a sense of urgency to act- especially with career. Some frustrations may arise and things may go slower than you like, but act anyway. Make sure the cart is not before the horse. Romance and passion are stoked. Tend your heart fire- even if it's only mental right now. Remember to ask for what you really want and don't settle for the old ways and old days. Sagittarius: Watch what goes in and out of your mouth. Don't over indulge on sweet and alcohol. Relationship and heart matters may be more soothing now, but you are still working on these pieces: giving/receiving, gains/losses, attraction/repulsion, keeping/letting go. Listen carefully: What's working well? What is not? Take an action step. Just pick a direction and let the arrow go. Capricorn: You are gaining momentum and drive towards goals. You are learning to offer and share your Self in new ways which assists your career. Your light is shining from your depths and others are noticing. Continue to speak your mind and find new ways to do so. Teach, create, inspire. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Aquarius: Re-learn, revise, re-listen. Stop, slow down and integrate the messages fully. This is a powerful time of learning, growth and awareness. Did you get all of that? As you power down the drive and the rushing forward, power up your senses and sensibilities. Teach, advise, share. Learn as you go, but trust your instincts. Pisces: Clean up continues for you in all corners of your life. Remember to look under the furniture for dust bunnies as well as vacuuming cracks and crevices. Digest, purge, rummage, release, transform and transcend. It is good for your heart and home; tangibly and metaphorically.
0 Comments
Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. - Zen Proverb I. I often have clients say to me "I've been through that already. I'm done with that work now!" Which always causes me to say "Think again." Let me explain my Self. The short answer is, the work is never done. In terms of karma yoga (action for the sake of unification with Source) the yogi's work is never done. This is the work of the spiritual warrior, the kshatriya. This is true for actions and the process of life; whether it be on the level of the mental body, emotional body, physical body or spiritual body. I have come to realize that the biggest mistake we can make (or that our egos tell us) is that we have moved on and are "done" with something. I am particularly referring to our individual emotional/mental work and how we "move through things" but I do think this can be applied to other parts of our spiritual life process as well. True. We are always moving. Moving towards. Moving away. Moving with or against. The movement is constant even if the pace shifts or the momentum waxes and wanes. We can not not move. As my guru would say, "the nature of life is to grow and progress." And progress we do. But some things stay the same. We can not change our past. We can't change our early childhood imprinting nor the karmas we brought to this life. We can not change our past experiences. That all stays the same. This is evident from one's jyotish birth chart (rasi). The karmas you come in with are set and do not change. These karmas created you and caused you to birth into this lila for the purpose of transformation and evolution. What we do change is our response to these experiences. We do change; we grow and progress. It is our karmas (actions) that allow us to walk this path of change. And it is the navamsa (a specific and particularly important divisional chart in jyotish) that shows how an individual works with their karmas and how they are able to use them for change and growth in the life process. In jyotish terms, there are four different types of karmas as well as three levels of intensity for these karmas that we must also take into consideration when determining how hard or harsh the actions/reactions will be for an individual and how hard it will be to work with and change the karmas. To think that you are "done with something" on an emotional/mental level, however, should require one to hit the pause button. The process of life continues to unfold and causes one to change one's responses to life. Mars, the planet of action, the doer, the agni of life and the transformational power planet, shows us in a jyotish chart how an individual takes their action. Mars is the ultimate warrior- for better or worse! Mars also likes conclusions, finality, endings and can take a decidedly egoic slant on finishing tasks or "getting the job done". Perhaps he is the one that tells us "we have finished" our emotional/mental work and have some how "moved on"? In any case, the emotional/mental/spiritual/physical work continues. It is all part of the process of life that continues to unfold. I come from a yogic tradition where many feel the rush to get to enlightenment. Enlightenment is the ultimate destination- for us all according to some. I question this destination often. The need and desire to be anywhere beyond this moment, clearly causes some issues. But this human need to have a destination, to get past a certain point, to know that you have made it to the top of the mountain so to speak, is also a metaphor for fooling ourselves into thinking we've "done the work already". But the work continues. The chopping of wood and the carrying of water continues; even after realizing what needs to shift inside of you in order to have a more fulfilling life. Even taking the necessary actions to make the shift. Even after no longer making the same, tired, out worn choices. The work is the same. The karmas you are working with are the same. And you have to keep walking. You keep chopping. You keep carrying. Though you may be getting different results as you change your responses. I liken this ongoing journey to a suitcase. It's like packing a bag for a trip. Once you've worn all the clothes you've packed, you start to get really bored with what's in your suitcase. You begin to wear outfits in new ways, combinations that you wouldn't normally put together. You may decide to add some new pieces to your wardrobe out of "desperation". New options arise. As we work with our past karmas (the suitcase that we've packed), we are forced out of necessity to begin to rearrange the pieces, change the combinations we put together, rearrange some things. We begin to make new choices, desire new things, add, subtract, change, cut sleeves off, buy a new pair of shoes at times, but we are still hauling around the same suitcase; don't be fooled. By the end of the journey, many pieces have been rearranged, changed, incorporated, shifted and moved, but we still find ourselves clinging to our favorite T-shirt or longing for the shoes we had to throw out or perhaps realizing the important lesson in giving away the sweater no longer needed. We are all still working with the same bag we packed at the moment of our birth- the one we chose to travel with for this life time. And so the emotional/mental work continues to evolve and shift but is based on the original map you came in with. And you must act and be in action (karma) to be alive. You must chop your wood and carry your water now, and even once you've walked the same ground over and over and over again there's still more wood and more water. And every log you chop and every bucket you carry will offer a new opportunity for awareness and awakening in a new way. Whether you had a rotten child hood or a parent die, or some other chaos and fragility, joy, pain or sadness; it all informs your life process and your actions. Always. And when you finally wake up and see it for what it is, there's another layer to go. Always another layer to go. And rather than have this be daunting, I prefer to see it as comforting in some strange, endless, consistent way. The way that Saturn might encourage, or Kali, with their connection to the wheel of time. I believe T. S. Eliot says it well: "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T. S. Eliot II.
Let us never be fooled by our egos into thinking that there is not another layer of our Self process to unfold, to unshadow, or unveil ourselves from. Life requires the very actions of chopping wood and carrying water which is a metaphor for karma and being in a human body among other things. Astrologically speaking "chopping wood and carrying water" is a reference to both Saturn (sustained, consistent and repetitive action that provides one with enlightenment) as well as the action itself and the transformational quality of the action (Mars). These two planets can greatly inform our life process and how we let it unfold, or resist its unfolding. Which gets me to the upcoming transits of Mars and his unusual movements this coming year. (You can read about Saturn's transits here). It is a year of expansion (due to Jupiter entering its sign of exaltation, Cancer, mid June) and at the end of the year a shift in structure (Saturn moves to Scorpio in November for the next 2.5 years) however Mars will inform us of our actions within this expansion process until September so it is good to be aware of his effects. Mars is the fiery planet of action (karma) and is connected to agni and transformation. He is a powerful warrior always ready to fight, but only carries out the orders of the general (the Sun); he doesn't think much for him Self. Because of his action-oriented energy, he can get us into trouble if we let him tell us to leap before looking. The anger and rage that he brings us are proof of his power, but going more deeply into the emotional outburst will give us food for thought and deeper insights into our needs and wants that have gone unmet. Normally Mars moves through a sign in roughly two months time which takes him through all twelves signs in about 24 months or two years. That is a rough estimate because his retrograde motion throughout his transits may or may not prolong his time in any given sign. Currently Mars is in Virgo- a sign ruled by Mercury, who he is not friendly with. (Mercury is the thinker, and Mars is the doer). Soon Mars will move into Libra (on February 4th) where he will be moving forward for several weeks until he begins his retrograde motion (March 1st) when he has only just passed the 3 degree range. Saturn then begins to retrograde through Libra on March 2nd while Jupiter goes direct on March 6th in Gemini. Since there will be a lot of retrograde activity (including multiple retrograde planets simultaneously) it is important to know that certain past desires will intensify as a result at these times. The indications of the planet will determine which cravings will strengthen during these periods. (Note: retrograde planets are acting like the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, who always move in retrograde motion and indicate our worldly cravings and desires of various kinds). Mars slides back into Virgo on March 25th. He continues his dance backwards through Virgo until May 19th when he goes direct and then begins to move forward once again- retracing his steps all the way back through Virgo. Mars enters Libra yet again on July 13th where he continues to move in forward motion until September 4th when he enters Scorpio. Incidentally, Mars will be in exact degrees with transiting Rahu/Ketu on July 12th as the nodes move into Virgo and Pisces respectively. Mars and Rahu will be crossing each other in exact conjunction at this time. This is not a time to be foolish. Actions will be shadowed and the forces of Rudra (chaos/storms/calamities/power) will likely be at an all time high. Be cautious at this time and in the weeks/days before and after these transits. Remember Saturn will also be retrograde at this time, bringing an emphasis to Libra as well and all things Venus. Expect chaos during these planetary shifts. What does all this "action" of Mars in and out of Virgo and Libra mean? What can we expect from these transits? Mars is the "doer" and pushes us to act. He won't take "no" for an answer. When in balance he provides our momentum- helping us reach goals, productive outcomes and nurturing our path with progress. When out of balance, Mars brings forced action, anger (because healthy boundaries have likely been crossed), aggressive agendas, and not being in tune with the need to slow down (Saturn). This will be an important time to notice where we are forcing rather than allowing. The tendency with these upcoming Mars transits will be to push our goals and agendas to a fault, causing imbalances, frustrations and disappointments ultimately. The mental body and emotional body may be imbalanced as a result. (The mental body always has an agenda and likes to remind us of it constantly!) This can bring "upset" to the emotional body. Listen and stay alert to the fluctuations of these two. They will bring clues if you are Self-tracking your experiences and can offer insights into what shifts are necessary in order for more balance. Being able to surrender and let go will be an important part of the process during Mar's transit through Virgo as well as in Libra. Putting action towards only what is absolutely necessary will ease some of the tension. Watching for the "critic" and its judgement is also necessary. This will be especially important within our relationships- both personal and business. Being very aware of anger and frustration will be paramount as these emotions are the "red flag" that we have pushed too hard, or are feeling that a need or boundary has been over-stepped or somehow unmet. This Mars cycle will give us a very good chance to evaluate and re-evalute our personal actions. What actions were previously unable to manifest? What tasks previously went unaccomplished or unfinished? Themes may surface around "being in step" or "out of step" with life and what we need to shift in order to find more balance on the mental/emotional levels of our lives. This may bring up issues with boundaries and speaking needs/wants clearly within our relationships. We may also feel anxious and hyper critical of ourselves and others, this can also help us Self-track where needs are not being met. Movement is inevitable with these transits as the nakshatras will enliven Vayu's winds of change, Vishvakarma's building/planning and Indragni's transformational qualities. Use this time for personal progress and conscious action steps. Surrender to the chaos rather than resist it. Take one step at a time and prepare to work with Mars and your karmas in ways that will help you awaken mentally and creatively as you relate to Self and others in new ways. We are each getting an opportunity to retrace our steps thanks to Mars, which can bring us an opportunity for healthy growth and positive change that moves us in a forward direction. Use this time of action wisely and track your emotions for best results. Mars is insistent and persistent, so try not to be a bull in a china shop as you take action. Here are possible themes for this Mars transit based on each rising sign. Remember that these trends are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual’s unique chart. Aries: Healing relationships and bad habits. Expand your courage and creativity. Allow your Self to be nurtured and ask for support. Taurus: Educate your Self and trust your gut instincts. Use your inner awareness as a tool of service and healing. Mind your health. Meditate. Gemini: Your heart and intuitive intelligence are deeply valuable to listen to and follow. You must listen to them in new ways and start trusting your emotions more than your head. The mental/emotional bodies will offer great insights, so be vigilant with them. Cancer: Use courage to work on heart and emotions and expand your emotional work in bold ways. Love in bigger ways and use it to inform your actions and artistry. Leo: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Your words will take you places so be intentional with them. Create and step into your creation process boldly. Let your Self be surprised. Virgo: It's time to take bold action for your Self, regardless of relationships or past experiences. Start trusting your Self and your needs as valuable. Seek comfort, support and nourishment. Libra: Take necessary time for meditation and rejuvenation; your Self work and Self care are essential. Find your balance as you surrender to the flux and flow of expand/contract energy. Scorpio: Your metamorphosis is working its magic on you. Gains will be healing but don't let the losses keep you in the dark. Use it for inspired creative action. Grow from your depths and stand tall. Sagittarius: Take action with career but use your inner guidance for checks and balances. Work with a clear agenda and take methodical action. Use money as incentive for your action steps and follow through. Capricorn: What you offer, how you offer and who you offer to are paramount. You are in a bold career transformation. Be powerful and take a stand for your gifts. Aquarius: Take what you are learning from your depths and transform it into a dharmic offering. Use your vulnerability as a strength and listen to your intuition more closely- it will inform your process. Pisces: Relationships are transforming and transforming you. The past is dictating a lot of your responses so be aware that personal clean up is in order. Work with vulnerability in new ways. Seek emotional comfort and support. The beginning of the week, Moon is in its last three tithis of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) before it is full (purnima) and then begins its Krishna Paksha phase (waning) mid week. Moon transits Gemini, Cancer and into Leo this week.
Moon will be at its fullest point on 1.15 at 22:51 CST while in Cancer (Full Moon). It will have just entered Cancer and will be slightly sandhi (in the gap) in Punarvasu nakshatra. Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi, the universal mother of goodness and expansion of consciousness, as well as the planet Jupiter. In the coming weeks, expect some new assistance to be coming to you, helping with your overall expansion, fulfillment and desires for change. Aditi brings us nourishment, protection and abundance- the offerings of a kind and loving mother. For a jyotish Moon-centered approach to your day, follow my daily Moon Mind posts via Face Book. Mars makes a shift on 1.14, moving from Hasta nakshatra (ruled by Savitr, expansion of consciousness) to Chitra- ruled by Vishvakarma and the planet Mars. Vishvakarma is the "celestial architect" and brings us his divine building skills. Whereas Hasta prepares us mentally and creatively, Chitra puts the plans into action and brings visions into reality. The symbol for Chitra is a shining jewel which exemplifies the fruits of our labors being powerful and directly relates to the ornamentation this nakshatra adores. Resources come with Chitra as well as much creativity as its connected to artisans and those who manifest their visions into reality. Mars will be a prominent player in the many "planetary dances" of 2014. All the major planets will be changing signs this year (expect an article on this) while Mars moves between Virgo and Libra until September with some unusual movements- directly effecting our "action" steps. Use this time to start building your empire. Sun makes a sign change from Sagittarius into Capricorn on 1.14 at 01:19 am CST. This marks an important movement towards a more auspicious time of year (spring and a time of growth) in the Vedic calendar. This day of the Sun's movement into Capricorn is named Makar Sankranti. Interestingly, unlike the majority of Vedic celebrations which are calculated by the placement of the Moon, this celebration is calculated by the position of the Sun. Sun is connected to father, knowledge, power, the Soul and the light within. As Sun will be in transition and considered sandhi (in the gap/the in between realms) until Thursday we may notice a slow start to the week as well as some frustrations with our action steps. Thinking vs. doing might be in a tug of war. Get organized and be methodical in your approach to work and your own shining. Sun is pleasant to Capricorn, and Sun and Mercury (also in Capricorn currently) work efficiently together. Play your cards right (intention, good deeds, abiding by Natural Laws, using good character and good will) and progress will be made in the coming weeks. This is a powerful time to set intentions and goals for the 2014 in order to have a rich harvest. Perhaps the most noteworthy change of the week comes via Jupiter. His retrograde movements have been pushing him back into the belly of Gemini giving us ample opportunities to re-evaluate, re-calculate, re-communicate, re-assess- with creativity, action steps, effort, courage, mental processing and the like. He has been moving through Punarvasu nakshatra (ruled by Aditi- mother of nourishment as stated above) and then began his retrograde movement (which has kept him in Punarvasu) since 9.1 of last year. The theme for many months has been a general trend of "nourishment" and support which has provided many of us with some new underlying sense of stability and growth. This week there is a shift as retrograde Jupiter moves back into Ardra nakshatra for the next few Months. Jupiter goes direct on 3.6 but then must re-trace his steps in forward motion through Ardra until he steps once again into Punarvasu on 4.24. The next 3.5 months of Jupiter's movements through Ardra nakshatra will bring trends of expansion of a different kind. Whereas Aditi has provided a lasting type of assistance and expansion, Ardra is ruled by Rahu and Rudra energy. There is great power and momentum available with this nakshatra, however it is more worldly and destructive. The symbol is a teardrop and perspiration which points to both extreme emotion (especially anger) as well as effort. Rudra is storm energy which can be harnessed for grande movement, epic changes, travels and moves in general (think harnessing storm winds or sails used for powering ships) while the Rahu rulership of this nakshatra elicits worldly motivations, directions and desires. A powerful position for expansion in a different direction. While there is possibility for calamity, chaos and misery, there is also great potential for monetary gains, new fame and notoriety, worldly desires manifesting, and great changes to transpire- moving us forward towards goals and aspirations. Specifically we may notice cravings and shadows develop with regard to our relationships- business, friendships, romantic and how and who we relate. A note of caution is necessary as we will be dealing with shadows and the veil of illusions in general; be mindful of your intentions, motivations and purpose. Are they aligned with a higher purpose? Natural Laws? Beneficial to others as well as your Self? Greatest support and sustainability will come when our actions are aligned with the greater good. Putting some effort into our shadow Self, the illusions of life and being aware that the serpent energy will be alive and well as a learning lesson, can help put this time period into perspective. Read more about this movement of Jupiter and his transit through Gemini here. If you have been uncertain about seeking guidance and support for the coming year, I urge you to reach out and get help refining your vision for 2014. Intention is potent! It is a big year with multiple {major} planetary changes. We will experience the changes of Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu, Saturn and unusual movements of Mars all in the next eleven months. Big changes are in store for each of us! Feeling uncertain about your action steps? What needs to change in order for growth? What kind of support you need? Schedule a yearly progression with me in order to make your New Year a truly transformational year. Utilize my jyoti/creative arts activities as a healing & awareness tool for your week. This week's activity has to do with steppings towards our New Year, and closing doors to the past. *Horoscopes are based on your Vedic rising sign. You can also check your Moon and Sun signs for further insight. Do the same with your Navamsa signs for further clarity. Do not use these horoscopes with your “Western Sign” as there is likely no correlation. These horoscopes are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual’s unique chart. Aries: Use mental courage with career and what may feel like initial setbacks. Trust that the outcome will prove valuable and provide forward momentum in the long run. You are getting a chance for increased comfort, support and nourishment right now. Celebrate your gains but watch for relationship tests and lessons- especially in the coming weeks. The courage you have been cultivating recently will be required for boundaries and clearly stating your needs. Don't put up with sharks, but try not to become one either. Taurus: Take in new knowledge and guidance for increased comfort and support. Don't get over powered by ego and big personalities. You should be able to see through that by now. Trust your gut instincts. You are still digesting rocks and must watch your diet- avoid overly rajasic and heavy foods. Keep it simple and fresh. Meditation is an excellent use of your time. This is a period of purging and letting go of old relationships and people/things that don't bring lasting comfort and support. Start a rummage pile. Gemini: Relationships continue to provide expansion, awareness, and growth as you re-trace your steps, going over very old, familiar territory. Perhaps it is helping your career, but feeling bittersweet in other ways. As Sun moves to your eighth house, courage may be in hiding for the coming weeks. Use this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective, to dig deep into your past for insights- but don't get taken advantage of while you sit on the bench thinking things through. Start working with your shadows and illusions, you'll need the insights once your Sun emerges from its hiding place. Cancer: Full Moon in Cancer this week gives you a moment of glow, inspiration and new awareness. You need courage right now to deal with friendships that may feel more like enemies- aka frenimies. Boundaries and intuition will prove useful for being clear about needs and wants; take affirmative action to protect your Self. Relationships will either help or hurt your forward momentum with career, home and heart; be intentional with your motives. What pieces are you missing? Gain clues this week into finding new and more harmonious ways to co-exist. Leo: Use your efforts to courageously power forward and harness the changing winds for a new direction. You are in a digestion phase which will prove useful to assimilate and integrate pieces of your Self and your ego. The insights will prove valuable for finding clarity and increased comfort and support. Speak your needs/wants and make sure your relationships are aligned with these. Use intuition and creativity to dive deep. Turn these golden nuggets into new offerings with career and artistry. Listen to your gut. Virgo: Cleaning and clearing the heart is a good use of your efforts and time right now. Art may prove a powerful resource for this. Check in with emotions- especially anger. There is great power here and a need to roar and find your voice. Connect your career with education, learning, creativity and childlike wisdom. Remember when you were a child? What pieces were missing and what do you still need for wholeness? Cultivate that presence and awareness now and focus on getting the nourishment and support that was missing from your early childhood. This will prove valuable with regard to relationships and emotions. Libra: The heart doesn't lie. What is the emotional residue that remains- keeping you from trusting and embracing relationships fully? As the losses continue to feel like they are piling up, check in with anger and the mental/emotional balance within; try to recalibrate. Courage with relationships is necessary right now as well as your creativity and artistry. There is great ability to learn and grow with these tools however so keep moving towards possible gains. Meditation will help cultivate more presence with your mental/emotional bodies so don't neglect your spiritual practices. Scorpio: Watch what goes in and out of your mouth right now. You may be having a reaction to relationships and mental/emotional issues. Your courage is in transformation while intuition and digestion seem to be working in reverse- causing some upsets. Watch for flare ups and indigestion. Get support on some of the old issues that may be creeping back in and don't neglect the red flags along the way. You have a chance to make some lasting changes right now so listen up and face the facts. Who and what angers you and robs you of your power? Sagittarius: Some tension exists between you and your career. Losing your momentum and desire? Friction with relations at work and with friends? This is a chance for you to work on your emotions- especially your needs. What type of support and comfort do you need and who do you need it from? Try to get clear on needs and wants in order to lessen the tension. This may be about your boundaries and speaking directly to others about what you are willing to offer and what is beyond your comfort zone. Speak up. Capricorn: Sun moves to your first house this week, moving you out of some reclusive months of introspection and hiding. The lights are turning back on. What will you do with your new vision, power and momentum? There's a lot flickering in your heart fire and still much cleanup and transformation with relationships in general. Career fluctuations and changes continue; align with older and established enterprises for more sustainability and support. The notoriety will come when your feet are more firmly planted. Aquarius: As Sun moves into Capricorn this week, you move into a month of hiding, regeneration, transformation and endings. Don't worry, this can be a metamorphosis that brings renewal on the other side. Use this time for strengthening intuition and digestion; the mind/body connection. You continue to work on themes involving relationships, lessons with your heart and emotions, home and mother as well as siblings and friendships. Though courage feels hard to find at times, keep stepping- one foot at a time. Pisces: As you continue to clean up the residue within your heart, much of the current relationship woes will mend themselves. There's a general restructuring happening around relationships- most appear to be effecting career and work agendas as well as your courage and creativity. Use this time to digest and process the gains and setbacks you've been experiencing with strong personalities and your own passion. Rewind. What pieces of that passion are alive and well within you? What passion is being stoked within you as a result of these encounters? Anger is powerful, so use it for forward momentum and gain. Don't stuff it. {Photo of my current location: Allalin mountain- Saas Fee, Switzerland, the Alps.} The month starts with Moon creating a fresh start in Aries and transiting the first of the 27 nakshatras- Ashwini- as it crosses over Ketu. We will likely feel the experience of something new settling in, a pull towards fresh experiences, the sense that some shift has occurred.
Mars moves to Gemini (an enemy’s sign) on 7.4 where it joins Jupiter, Mercury and Sun there. The mind sharpens- keep it soft rather than letting it get rigid. Saturn goes direct after months of retrograde movement on 7.7 at 23:49 CDT. Structures, plans, intentions begin to move in the “right direction.” New Moon on 7.8 at 02:14 CDT in Punarvasu nakshtatra. Sun moves to Cancer on 7.16 at 04.51 CDT. A new sense of compassion may set in. Venus moves to Leo on 7.17 at 08:43 CDT. Notice your intentions/attention gain a new power this month. Notice how these forces move from the inner landscape, to the outer landscape now. Take action, have a fire ritual, use this as a tool for dynamic activation. Mercury goes direct on 7.20 at 13:19 CDT. Mind begins to move in a forward direction with less resistance and out of “clean up” mode. The month closes with Moon going exalted in Taurus. Another cycle around the zodiac complete. Full Moon is in Capricorn at 13:14 CDT on 07.22 in Uttarashada nakshatra. It is also Guru Purnima- the fullest full moon of the year and most auspicious full moon in the Vedic calendar. Honor your gurus, teachers, guides, your lineage and the masters that have helped you on your path. This is a very sacred day of expansion, purpose, power and sattva. Meditate, chant, do sacred acts that bring gratitude. Jupiter is now in Ardra nakshatra ruled by Rahu, giving drishti to Rahu/Saturn in Libra as Rahu simultaneously give drishti to Jupiter in Gemini. Both Rahu and Saturn currently transit Swati nakshatra, ruled by Rahu and Vayu- the wind god. Consequently, there is an exchange of energy here between Rahu and Jupiter as well as a heightened expression of Rahu right now. For some this will offer big expansion in a worldly sense, for others chaos and calamity. Be aware of storm energy and a tendency toward overwhelm. The momentum that is jumpstarting here will carry us forward for the coming weeks and months. Prepare for change, movement, activation and shifts. Sattva will be tainted by the shadow energy of Rahu. The temptations are strong right now for rajasic behaviors, the foreign and unusual, and general extremes- especially on the mental, emotional levels. Meditation may prove impossible as well as being on a good routine. Do the best you can. Perhaps find liberation in the opposition. We can use this time for “de-centering”, which will later help us return to our “balance” with greater understanding and clarity. Don’t fall too far off the wagon. *Due to travel, horoscopes will be postponed until early August. Moon moves through Gemini, Cancer, Leo and into Virgo. Moon is waxing (bright half). Sun moves to Gemini on 6.14 at 18:01 CDT, putting four planets in Gemini, including Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus. Sun will be in "young degrees" (also known as sandhi, or the gap) as a result of changing signs and therefor delicate.
It is also important to note that all the planets sitting in Gemini are receiving drishti from Rahu which can create challenges, worldly advances, sudden changes, losses etc. Rahu is the unpredictable game changer in other words- for better or worse. He is also our shadow self, compulsions and our reaction to the storms. Be gentle with your Self and with humanity. Expand your compassion. *Follow my daily Moon Mind posts on Facebook and via my blog for increased daily insights into the dance of nakshatra/pranic/intuitive and creative awareness. I have limited openings during the next few weeks for sessions before I leave for my summer travels to Europe. I will not be available for consults from June 19th- August 10th. Book a session by contacting me: swatijrjyotish@gmail.com *Horoscopes are based on your Vedic rising sign. You can also check your Moon and Sun signs for further insight. Do the same with your Navamsa signs for further clarity. Do not use these horoscopes with your "Western Sign" as there is likely no correlation. These horoscopes are meant to be used as a broad overview of the current transits and obviously do not address the specifics of an individual's unique chart. Aries: Pure effort and courage are required with all of your endeavors- with your children and education, enemies and debts, father and teachers, relationships and letting go. Don't be the ram butting its head against the wall over and over again. Change the patterns. Mind maps and some dreaming would do you well. "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere." ~G. K. Chesterton Taurus: Speak your truth and find comfort in the sustenance that surrounds you. Feed off of the gains and glories, the past life credits and open portals, the songs of freedom that have yet to be shared. Give your heart wings to fly and let it soar. Let go. Let god. Let Goddess. "Enlarge your vision of what is possible." ~Osho Gemini: Rock, scissors, paper, air head. Mental, physical, spiritual, creative. Move, stand, sit, dance. Smell, taste, look, feel. Be and become. Paint your life size portrait. Go for the detail. Art is the alchemy that can change the energy. "You cannot find peace by avoiding life." - Virginia Woolf Cancer: Get away, go away, put it away. But don't hide it, or hide from it. Analyze, assimilate the losses, the letting go, the fragile pieces coming undone. Your royal discomfort is self inflicted but the liberation that comes with surrender is yours to keep. "Arrange whatever pieces come your way." ~Virginia Woolf Leo: Don't be stupid, think like a child, with a certain simplicity, a wonder, and thirst for life. Find the gains and the offerings that come with your understanding, creative intelligence, and personal merit. Live, laugh, love, dream. "Love... It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be." ~ Kahlil Gibran Virgo: Your creative spirit is bound up with the eternal father, the dharma, the offerings you have yet to make. What must loosen in order for your gifts to be given, your table to be set, the guests to arrive at the feast? What heart songs have yet to be sung, what bird has yet to be set free? "Even when tied in a thousand knots, the string is still but one." ~Rumi Libra: Growth and gurus are a source of depth for you. Serve the father, serve the teacher, serve the source. Give gratitude for the gains, bless the lessons. Learn from the debts and the losses, the relationships and patterns, the endings and liberation. Go for the gold. "Don't die with the music still in you." -Wayne Dyer Scorpio: Dig into death and dance in the charnel grounds. Shovel your compost and sift through the soil. Hear of the haunts and listen to their whispers. Transformations are here to forever change you. Gather your sacred Kali mala and count your blessings. "Sometimes even to live is an act of courage." ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca Sagittarius: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?! The smoke + the mirrors = You. You + the other = You. Offense + defense = the Game of Life. Roll the dice and move forward two spaces. Or stay where you are and lose your turn. "At the end of our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." ~T. S. Eliot Capricorn: It will come from the depths. From the bowels. Sensing with the gut, let it lead you, like an open portal, to the visions that call, that beckon. Digesting thoughts through spoken words. The assimilation + alchemy process. "The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore". -Rumi Aquarius: Mind over matter or matter over mind? The passion of a child, or the wisdom of the naivete? Certain uncertainty or uncertain certainty? "You realize that our mistrust of the future makes it hard to give up the past." -Chuck Palahniuk Pisces: All love flows from the heart, to the heart, all creativity, all freedom and all surrender. There is nothing left to do, to be, to create, as the seeds have all been planted. Your only job is to surrender to their every need and let these wildflowers grow. "Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." ~Erich Fromm |
The Dharma BlogThe Dharma Circle FB GroupPodcasts
Archives
March 2017
Categories
All
|