Moon Mindfulness ::: Mind Your Moon

02.27.13

Today moon transits Virgo in Uttaraphalguni. It is now in the dark half (waning) phase of its transit. Our energetic tides are moving inward. Succumb to them.

Uttarphalguni is ruled by Aryaman, one of the twelve Adityas (children of the all-pervasive mother of goodness, Aditi). Arayaman gives health and strength to the body and has to do with marriage arrangements, companionship and bringing children through these commitments. In this way, he is connected to the ancestors, as marriage and children are dharmic actions.

The symbol for both the Phalguni stars is a bed. Purvaphalguni comes before Uttaraphalguni and both have to do with relationships. Only Uttaraphalguni has to do with lasting relationships and the things required in order for that to happen. This is a star concerned with long-term effects of our actions. The month of Phalguni in the Vedic calendar is in the spring- fertility, growth, flowering and abundance begin to ripen. It is connected to marriage and other contracts that must endure. It is said even the Gods get married under Uttaraphalguni.

Today is a good day to start dharmic actions that need a positive jump start. If you need to seal a deal of any kind, today might be that day. Pay special attention to your partner and children and listen for messages from the ancestors. Make them an offering. Notice where your dharma is ripening.

On 2.24.13, Ketu entered Bharani nakshatra. This is a complex placement for him and will bring a wide range of results depending on what house Ketu is transiting for you. Mostly, Bharani is associated with death, and its symbol is the Yoni (Vagina). Ketu will be in Bharani until November of 2013. Bharani's deity is Yama, who is lord of dharma and restraint, but also dying, death and transformation. When we restrain ourselves from adharmic (non-dharmic & non-lifesupporting) actions, these tendencies die within us. This is a great time to clean up ones life, move towards inner and outer transformation, and let negative life habits and choices die and fall away. This can be a time of moving towards ones dharma. There may be many "deaths" over the next few months, but every death brings a rebirth. Next, Ketu will enter Ashwini, a nakshatra associated with healing.

*Contact me if you are interested in knowing the personal impact Ketu's transit will have on you.*

*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.

Horoscopes for the Week of 2.25.13

Aries: Gains seem to be coming with struggles right now. Pay attention to your health and digestion this week. Eat simply. Truly a metaphor for you right now. Simplify your life. With Ketu in your first house, you are being shredded on every level. You need support and new alliances. Start thinking in terms of community, village and divine intervention. Protect your children.

Taurus: What are you digesting and how? Your ability to digest your life: emotions, environment, relationships, etc. are delicate and need your attention. This is a time of clean up. Harness the storm and try to purify your life. A good spring cleaning is in order. Trim the fat on your relationships and use your scrutiny. Your energy and efforts are precious and shouldn’t be used carelessly.

Gemini: You are craving growth and knowledge. Seek ancient and time-tested resources and you won’t be led astray. By giving your self time alone and away, you will gain new insights about your path and purpose. Use this time to gain information about relationships, emotional well being and growing in your Self. Use your courage.

Cancer: Transformation is afoot. The epic kind. The kind that can be quick and sudden. The kind that requires courage and perseverance, but that is also very vulnerable. Your dharma is being refined and re-defined. Whatever isn't working for your highest good is getting snipped away. Be prepared for sudden change, or make it happen on your own.

Leo: Relationships are your mirror into your own soul. Watch your ego and pointing fingers, playing victim and forgetting your inner, spiritual work. Remember, puffing your self up, brings a false sense of courage and self-reliance. Go into your vulnerabilities and insecurities. There's a tendency right now to be avoiding the small, fragile self and exchanging it for the fancy and powerful. Make new friends, but keep the old.

Virgo: Your appetite for comfort and security is ravenous. Your desires for material splendors will come with intelligent, time tested efforts though. Put your efforts to good use. Right now, some bad habits are keeping you awake at night and hurting your ability to fully digest. What is plaguing you? Look to your childhood for answers.

Libra: This can go one of two ways. Either you start focusing all your efforts on your self growth and harnessing your own powerful energy, or you get lost in the storm. Your relationships are vulnerable and likely you are seeing this manifest itself already in losses and sudden changes- further reinforcing that the only stability is within. Use this time for gaining new knowledge. Protect your children.

Scorpio: The heart is feeling overwhelmed. Matters of home, grounding and the mother are being given your full focus. You require alone time and silence, but are probably feeling like these needs aren’t getting met. Be diligent with your spiritual practices, be gentle with your diet, look for the insights that come from your gut.

Sagittarius: Your courage and strength is at an all time high as well as your creative potential. I hope you are using this time wisely to create, write, and find a new set of skill sets- the kind that may typically be unused. Dip into your emotional reservoirs and use them as the crucial link to your creative endeavors.

Capricorn: You are grasping to find comfort, sustenance and support right now. Your early childhood life is your biggest clue into your emotional reactions and responses. Don't neglect your findings. Also study your relationships, how they are working for you, how they may not be. There are some bad habits that need refinement. Your emotions are your biggest barometer. 

Aquarius: There is no denying it, you are being forced to face your self. You are standing in front of a full length mirror with all your clothes off. See if you can peel another layer off this week. Quieting the mind is essential for you to get any real results. See your self as guru.

Pisces: Transition and transformation are inevitable right now. Expect some sudden changes with finances, relationships, or news from a distant land. There may be endings occurring or you may find closure somehow. Your dreams are on high alert. Are you paying attention to the other realms? What are the messages that are coming through? Meditate.

Rahu and Saturn in Libra Both Rahu and Saturn are currently transiting Libra, which is Saturn’s exaltation position and a rather powerful position for it. Saturn is the slowest moving planet and takes 2.5 years to transit a sign; Rahu takes 1.5 years for each of its transits. It is well known that Rahu acts like Saturn. Rahu can do well in Libra, since it is a sign that can bring worldly desires and Rahu loves the material realms. The nodes in general, since they are just shadow planets, take on the flavor of the planet they are closest to in proximity; they are very chameleon-like. So in essence, we have a double Saturn effect happening in Libra. However, these two planets express themselves very differently.

So how is this Rahu/Saturn in Libra combinations going to effect us for the next 1.5 years? Will the conjunction of Rahu and Saturn in Libra bring positivity or calamity? As per usual, nothing in life is all good nor all bad, and this combination is no different. My interpretation of these transits come with a certain complexity. Use these layers of information to help you unfold your personal experience with this transit. And of course all will vary depending on the chart of the individual and the unique set of strengths and weaknesses presented with a person’s unique karmas. So use the rest of this article as a general understanding of the next 1.5 years. See it as a guideline of tendencies and use it as a general map. Let the your own insights come as the year unfolds. If you want specifics, ask me for more information about your personal chart.

Saturn

Saturn is a planet of renunciation, hard work, routine, asceticism, old age, the cycles and rhythms of life. Obey Saturn’s disciplined guidelines, and you will be in alignment, but disobey the Laws of Nature and he will make you miserable. Perhaps this is why Libra is such a good position for him. Libra, after all, rules over balance, legal and political ideals and business markets, which we could call the Laws of Nature. Think: every action has a reaction.

There is a natural correlation to relationships with Saturn in Libra. Relationships are our “other”, our mirror into our self. They require work, time and perseverance- all attributes of Saturn. Libra naturally indicates the seventh house which can be interpreted as our relationship with others, our relationship with life, but ultimately it is the relationship with the self. This is the house of relations, that which we are looking at directly- so in essence, the seventh house becomes our mirror, our looking glass. Libra also has a natural connection to business. Good business practices have everything to do with ones relationship with others and cultivating those interactions. And of course, the 7th house has to do with the spouse, partners in general, which is perhaps the most common indication of this house. The seventh house can also indicate death. This transit of Saturn/Rahu can bring us endings, but take heart, renewal and birth are then inevitable.

Rahu

Rahu is a worldly non-planet, a shadow “planet”. It is really just a mathematical point connected to the moon that moves in a retrograde direction- against the flow of the other seven planets. Rahu shows insatiable worldly appetite, desires and attitudes. Interestingly, Saturn does not. Saturn is fine with little, he just wants to know that the steady work he has put in is actually rewarded- albeit slowly, and over time. Saturn is not swift, and does nothing quickly. Rahu on the other hand can bring sudden changes, shocks, upheavals, even quick boons.

To complicate matters, even though Rahu acts like Saturn and Saturn is in a positive sign placement, these two planets together indicate storm energy- Rudra energy. Rudra energy is powerful, no denying it. How the storm is used and directed, however, is a crucial strategy. Think of a boat with a sail. The wind is what moves the sailboat, but you must direct this current in order to end up where you want to go! Awareness is the first step to harnessing the power of the storm, then learning how to be still (in the eye of it) rather than becoming it, is important. Then, if one masters this, the power of Rudra and his fierce storm energy can move mountains. Hanuman was an incarnation of Rudra. His power to leap over oceans and mountains was how he rescued Sita. He also had a very strong and powerful heart that he put to very good use.

Libra

Libra, being the natural indicator for relationships, ruled by Venus (planet of love, passion and creativity), as well as natural indicator of the seventh house, indicates that Rahu and Saturn will be helping us cultivate, transform and change our relationships. These are the “others” in our life- whether familial, love, business, friendship, neighbors etc. But as previously stated, the other, is nothing more than the reflection of self. The Self will grow as a result of our interactions and Saturn is a planet of enlightenment, so Self-growth is inevitable here. Regardless of Libra being its sign of exaltation, Saturn likes hard work, suffering, and has a “no pain, no gain” attitude. Though some of these darker tendencies may be mitigated being in a friendly sign, expect some tears, before happy resolutions. After all, Saturn rules grief.

The association that Libra has with Venus will bring heighten the things that Venus rules over. Yes, this means passion, creativity, love and romance. But Venus is also connected to indulgence, whether it be passions with lovers or with sugar, drugs and alcohol. Use this as a cautionary note and be vigilant with diet and spiritual practices during this time period. Libras ruler, Saturn, would prefer you be moving your body, being physically active and breaking a sweat every day. He loves yoga asanas.

Another association of Libra and the seventh house is with the pelvic region and the organs therein. Libra being ruled by Venus further defines the connection to creative life force, the acts of creation and nurturing of creation, as well as reproductive tissues and organs. Venus is connected to ojas (the finest byproduct of proper digestion- all digestion) and therefor correlates to one’s immune system function. Venus is connected to water, and as a result, is life-giving. Venus works with our lower nature and works with instincts and rules over matters of love. (Love is very healing). With Saturn and Rahu in Libra, health issues can arise with the body parts connected to Libra and Venus. This includes the urinary tract, kidneys, uterus, ovaries, testes, prostate, bladder, urethra, groin, semen and ovum. This is a time to take extra precaution with your reproductive organs as there is vulnerability at this time.

Focusing the Storm Energy

Saturn sitting with Rahu, indicates stormy weather in general. Storms mean power, strength, strong energy, but that will need to be harnessed for lasting, positive effects to be achieved. Saturn can give lasting results if you play by his rules, Rahu is more of the instigator, who talks big but fizzles out in the long run. In terms of relationships, they may start off with a bang, look like they will last, then have a messy falling out. For a relationship to work out at this time, both parties will have to be willing to put in the hard work that a lasting relationship requires for long term gains. Again, we will be learning how to use the storm and redirect it for powerful results, or we will get blown around and get tossed by the storm.

The rule with Rahu is often, what he gives, he will take away. Unless you change or transform what he gives you in some way, it won’t last. Now is the time to learn how Saturn wants you to behave while being cautious of Rahu’s rash behavior and insatiable appetite. If you can befriend Saturn, you will have a friend for life and for death. The rewards you are expecting from your efforts (Rahu) will be rewarded when you harmonize your actions with Saturn’s desires. Remember, slow and steady wins the race for Saturn to be happy. Rahu wants it now! How can you work with both of these energies internally in order to find harmony?

In the news, we have been hearing high profile cases of sexual calamities like instances of rape and disastrous relationships surrounded by darkness. The woman gang raped in India and the Somalian woman raped by government guards are just a few examples. These are also indications of Rahu and Saturn in Libra. As a society, the collective consciousness will be using this time to re-examine our relationship to sex and violence, healthy and unhealthy relationships and the dark shadows that create turmoil and deceit. The storm energy is creating turbulence, and Rahu is leading the pack. Ultimately, my hope is that we can use these horrific experiences to make lasting change. Certainly the blinders have been pulled off for many, and the conversations are happening now. The Indian legal system and Somalian governments are both being scrutinized internationally, examined and evaluated by the global community. Perhaps change can come with this new awareness.

Good for Business

This combination of Rahu and Saturn in Libra is also associated with business. Libra rules over business affairs and markets, bazaars and the like. The 7th house is connected to commerce and trade and our desires of creation. Mercury the commerce, communication and money handler is very friendly with Libra’s ruler Venus. Venus also likes the fun, energetic, business savvy Mercury. Many of the same results previously mentioned will also be effecting the business realms.

Sales and connections may start off with a bang, but learning to manage them will be the ultimate challenge. Turning accounts into lasting, sustainable relationships will be the key here. Business may challenge our personal relationships and vice versa, or they may bring good results that will have to be maintained and nurtured in order for sustainability. Remember, Rahu is of the world, he wants money, and the flashy gifts of this material realm. He can help us materialize our desires and give us results, but brings his insatiable appetite for them as well. He can make us lose sight of the overall goal of our spiritual existence, non-attachment, so expect Saturn to remind us of this if we lose sight of our true nature.

How will you know Saturn is asking you to re-evaluate your actions? You will feel a pinch, some displeasure, anxiety, depression or grief. Despite Rahu’s greatest efforts of attachment, we truly own nothing- not even the body- in this life. (Incidentally, the physical body Saturn rules over). This is where Ketu comes in. Ketu is always sitting opposite Rahu, seven houses away, and is the Moksha planet who cuts the ties that bind us to the material existence. Therefore, what Rahu gives, Ketu takes away.

Mind Your Storm

So this brings me to our suffering and grief (Saturn). When the pain comes, as it surely will, this is our guide post along the Path; our reminder of where we are clinging and what we are clinging to, what change we are resisting. If we hadn’t seen the attachment prior to this struggle, we have an opportunity to see it clearly now in the face of tragedy, our tears, our suffering. As Pema Chodron reminds us in her book Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change: “When we resist change, it's called suffering.” And when we resist anything, it will ultimately hurt us. The dynamic of Rahu (clinging, needy, desire, wants) with the combination of Saturn (steady, integrity, slow, enlightenment, structure) will certainly ask of us to grow and mature. Hopefully, with our willingness, he will ease us into a new and powerful relationship with our Self. All we have to do is stay alert, be willing to listen, and make the necessary changes when the messages come. No doubt Rahu will be giving us a few flashy worldly boons along the way as well. Enjoy them while they last.


If you want specifics, ask me for more information about your personal chart.

Part 2: The Nakshatras that Saturn and Rahu occupy and how this will alter and effect their expression and purpose. http://www.swatijrjyotish.com/1/post/2013/03/rahu-and-saturn-in-libra-saturn-goes-retrograde-the-nakshatras-influence.html

Moon Mindfulness ::: Mind Your Moon
02.20.13

Moon moved into Ardra nakshatra at 6:08 am and is now in Gemini, ruled by Mercury- our mind, communication and memory. Ardra is ruled by the storm god, Rudra, who is known for his anger, power and destructive tendencies. Tears are associated with him, which are indicative of both rain storms as well as the cleansing and purifying that comes with destruction, upheaval and ruin. As he was born of mental anguish, it is good to note that Rudra represents our mental storms, those emotional occurrences that come from the mind (which has much stored memory!) The pain is mental in other words. Though the mind is strong, and can very much get its way with us, it is crucial to sift through the various self-realms: physical, mental/imaginal, emotional, spiritual. In the Expressive Art Therapy work, we consider the mental to be intertwined with the imaginal. This is supported by many other philosophies. It shows us that we create this mental realm and is fed by the imagination; this does not negate it however, it just gives it less power over us.

Today, Moon is being aspected by Rahu, Ardra's ruler. Rahu is the imaginal in many ways, since he is just a shadow planet, he isn't even real to begin with. He shows us where worldly fixations are and where we are likely to to "live in the shadows." Watch for it today. See if you can use your detective skills to uncover some of your mental haunts. Likely they will come in the form of an outburst (expressed or unexpressed.) What are the wounds that fester today? What kind of storm is rumbling through? Bring an umbrella.

*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.

Horoscopes for the week of 2.18.13

Aries: You, like everyone else, are working with some complex relational issues. This week starts on a high note, and gets progressively more complex. There are gains because of your efforts. Use your people skills to advance business and maneuver sticky situations. You are feeling the pressure from all sides. How can you start letting off the steam? What steps can you take to help alleviate some of the intensity? There is only one of you and it feels like everyone needs a piece. How can you duplicate your self for maximum results? What can be let go of once and for all?

Taurus: Some of your bad habits are kicking up their heels. For the next few months you will especially need to watch your digestion and the foods you eat. Notice that what you eat is intimately connected to how you are relating to others, who you are relating to, and why. This is not just about food. Your career choices are making it a challenge for you to nurture your self, some changes will have to be made. What are you willing to do, to put your body/mind/spirit/emotions first, above money and materialistic life pursuits?

Gemini: There's still this tussle between your heart and your mind going on. The ultimate war for you. I'm a big believer in having your cake and eating it too. Your dharma is really being tested right now. It seems you can't have it both ways, but soon you're about to see otherwise. Don't try to outsmart your self, it will only make things worse. You really have to live your dreams, on all levels, if this life thing is going to work out how you want it to.

Cancer: You are uprooting. It's spring time, so you are aligned with good timing for planting new seeds. But you aren't quite there yet. Right now, you are still transforming. You are the little seed in the dark, wet soil figuring out how and when to emerge, and what you are going to materialize as. You are learning. Keep your eyes closed a little longer. Meditate in order to transform and speed up the process. Pay close attention to your mother right now. She needs your TLC.

Leo: You can't do this alone. No empire was built over night. Your vulnerabilities are appearing. Look for signs in temper tantrums, inner turmoil and emotional combustion. Who and what are triggering you? Be clear and concise with your needs and ask for proper help. There is no award for doing everything alone, only ego. Try it, and you may die trying. Simultaneously, let some relationships end (some of these are with your self) and make room for some new ones.

Virgo: Usually, our bad habits are shrouded in mystery. Yours are no different. Some of them are really baring their fangs right now and its making life quite challenging. You are learning the ways of the heart, and this week will heighten the investigation. You have a chance to really make strides with your greatest fears, maybe even dare to face them. Who is your biggest boogey man? What aren't you able to digest? What is keeping you from moving forward? What aren't you saying? The pressure is on. Rip the band-aid off.

Libra: Storm season just got a little more intense for you.  You are not thinking clearly right now, find safety in the eye of the storm and start to become acutely aware when you become the tornado. Be vigilant with your children and your digestion. Be careful with friends and business partners. There could be a falling out. Be reasonable, but not stupid.

Scorpio: Be vigilant with your dreams and sleep habits. Stop burning the midnight oil and avoiding the messages that can only come with your eyes closed. You will be needing more and more alone time over the next few months, and it will be harder and harder to find. Do what you can to find the peace. Your emotional sensitivity is at an all time high. Honor your mother. Decorate your home and heart space. Create space for transformations from the inside out.

Sagittarius: When you think of bravery and courage, what do you think of? Your strong desires and creativity are at an all time high. How can you maximize this courage and creativity and turn it into a winning combo? Who, what and where are involved with this creative dynamism? Part of you is getting some very clear messages about what to do and how to live your one true life. Are you listening? This week, take an action step in the right direction. Find the right people to be involved. Take time for knowledge and insight. Close your eyes. Make a wish.

Capricorn: It's your turn to speak, sing, vocalize. It's your turn to cuss, preach, posture and educate. It's dharmic for you. But also quite rocky and vulnerable right now. Maybe this is what you need to tell: The story of your existence. The struggles of living and life. The hardships with others and learning to love, trusting to love. The challenge of making enough money to get out of the struggle. The power and insights that have come as a result of this Path. Use your suffering as your greatest gift. Bring them to the feast as an offering to others. Shout it from the mountain top.

Aquarius: It doesn't feel very fun right now, does it? Feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed? Are you doing everything in life all at once? How is that working for you? You are being taught something dharmic and powerful with the recent dramas. This play will continue to develop and unfold over the next few months so be diligent with your relations. Pay attention to your father. Some clues are coming this week. Use your intelligence and stay out of the power play with mind over emotions. For you, emotions are crucial. Cry about it.

Pisces: You are being liberated from others and it's a stormy, uncomfortable divorce. Try on brave and courageous surrender and cut the chains that are holding you back once and for all. Your mind and heart are not in sync. This week is the beginning of the end, and the end of the beginning on many levels. Be ritualistic with it. You are in dramatic need of alone time and inner transformation. The debts with your self are piling up. Your comfort is directly related to your courage. The more you use it, the more you get. Get uncomfortable.