::: Moon Mind :::

02.25

Moon Joins sandhi Venus in Sagittarius. Moon is transiting PurvaAshada nakshatra, ruled by Apas, the water goddess. Apas brings us cleansing, purifying and fluidity. This nakshatra's connection to Venus indicates life-giving qualities and creative forces. PurvaAshada is helpful for emotional balance as well. Let the awareness of your emotions run free like fluid water- without judgement or conviction. Use your emotions as a way to inform your needs and wants and then make corrections where necessary. With drishti from Jupiter and Saturn on Venus and Moon today, expansion/contraction energies are enlivened. You may have trouble "going with the flow" or feel like your "stuck" somehow. Look for where you are resisting. What is not working? What needs to shift?

Moon moves to UttarAshada at 17:56 CST ruled by Sun and Vishvadeva. The Vishvadevas or "all-gods" are actually universal principles or Laws of Nature (as opposed to man made laws). Harmony with the Laws of Nature means being in harmony with the Vishvadevas as well. When we are in harmony with them, they grant us fortune, talent and success. In other words, when we follow our dharma, the rewards are felt.

Venus moves to Capricorn at 23:57 CST.

02.26

Moon chases Venus into Capricorn, joining retrograde Mercury there and moves to Sravana late afternoon. These three planets receive drishti from Mars, so expect some heat today! Though support and positive momentum is likely, let Vishnu guide the forward movement. Use his dynamism for inner and outer balance. Take time to collect your thoughts, creative impulses and goals with contemplation and pause. Then take action. Calculated steps will take you far today. 


I am taking a short pause this week with an intention of more listening and receiving; aspiring to cultivate a "less is more" approach with extra rest, more attention to my needs and to Saturn, mixed with some very intense work. Horoscopes will resume shortly. Thank you!

Moon is waning (Krishna Paksha) and transits Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and into Pisces this week. New Moon is on 3.1 at 2:00 am CST. New Moon will be in Aquarius and Satabisha nakshtatra with the Sun there as well. More on this below.

For a jyotish Moon-centered approach to your day, follow my daily Moon Mind posts via Face Book.

Beyond having the New Moon occur, this is an extraordinary week planetarily in several ways. Venus changes signs and moves to Capricorn, Mercury goes direct, Saturn and Mars both begin their retrograde movements and we celebrate Shivaratri all in one week! We will feel these shifts both on the inner and outer levels of life, but the experience of Shivaratri requires an extra special pull towards the inner. Use this time to stop and get silent.

New Moon in Satabisha Nakshatra in the wee hours of 3.1 reminds us to pay close attention to our health, be vigilant in attending to the needs of the Self- with compassion, devotion and a certain conviction. Keep this focus on the Self, rather than projecting on others, which can lead to criticism and harsh judgments. Moon and Sun in Aquarius and Satabisha receive drishti from both Jupiter and Rahu. Though Jupiter's benevolence usually trumps all, he is currently transiting Ardra nakshatra which is ruled by Rahu. Additionally, Satabisha is ruled by Rahu and Rahu itself is currently transits Swati nakshatra- also ruled by Rahu. In other words, there's four levels of Rahu's influence on this placement. Rahu brings cravings, shadowed thinking and misconceptions. On the flip side, he can bring worldly gains, momentum and monetary wealth. The coming weeks will show themselves to be a bit of both. Pay special attention to overuse of alcohol, intoxicants and drugs, overworking, being overly competitive and excessively forceful. This is a time that can offer us what is "not best practice" in our behaviors and patterns, in order for us to correct and re-direct towards more harmonious options and choices. Look for ways to get support and needs met in more sustainable, life supporting ways.

Venus moves to Capricorn on 02.25 at 23:57 CST where it joins retrograde Mercury there and also a sandhi Moon there at that same time. With the drishti of Mars on these planets, sparks fly and mental creativity is at an all time high.  Use the coming weeks to shine- just don't burn your Self out!! Best practice at this time will be to follow the orders of Saturn (slow and steady wins the race and mind your routine/Self care practices), stay in tune with the Laws of Nature and ethics for best results. Act on dharmic endeavors. Make your dreams come alive with action steps.

Shivaratri begins on the eve of the 26th here in the USA (13th tithi) and continues through the 14th tithi (Chaturdashi) on the 27th, followed by the culmination of the waning cycle (15th tithi) on the 28th and a climax of the New Moon during the wee hours of the 1st. This is a marking of time that is profoundly connected to inner silence and stillness. It is within the stillness (the Absolute) that all creativity and the potential for creation exists. Shiva brings this silent potential to us before the fertility of Holi (on 3.17) and the expansive growth of Mother Divine (Vasant Navaratri or the Nine Days of Mother Divine beginning on 3.31) awakens the abundance of nature within us and around us.

A special New Moon, this is one that Shiva resides over; one that marks the beginning of a new cycle. He offers protection and wisdom to us and reminds us of the spectrum of life which includes both death, chaos, and change, as well as eternal freedom and enlightenment. From this "death", comes life, re-birth and new growth. There is a certain depth possible at this time that can be powerful and potent for one's personal growth. Meditation is essential at this time. Honoring Lord Shiva at your altar with prayers, offerings and chanting will bring him near. Carve out sacred time to be with him- in your silence, meditation and introspection.

In addition to Shivaratri, Mercury goes direct early in the morning on the 28th. Mercury marches forward now and we may feel that momentum, however, Jupiter is still retrograde (until 3.6) and the week closes with two of the other major planets going retrograde- Saturn and Mars. Though retrograde Mercury doesn't bring the calamities most like to blame him for (Read more about Mercury Retrograde here), Saturn and Mars will offer some of their own challenges. Currently Saturn and Mars are in Libra with Rahu there as well. If you've been keeping up with the transits (or my articles), this combination is a powerful storm of sorts. All three of these planets are moving a lot this year and since they are each associated with action, together they point to big change, big momentum, big movement.

Saturn goes retrograde on 3.2 and dances "backward" until 7.20. Saturn is considered exalted in Libra, however, when an exalted planet (uccha) goes retrograde, it is considered debilitated (uccha banga). Debilitated Saturn can effect our physical well being, might cause us to push too hard, overwork, over strain. There can be health issues if we don't follow his requests (Ayurvedic principles are an excellent resource for "being in tune with Saturn"). As Shiva is connected to Saturn, see if this time of Shivaratri can offer you some insights that may have otherwise been missed. You will have to turn towards the silence in order to hear them though. This is a good time to prune, cut back on the unnecessary, and look for energy leaks in your life. Get simple. To read more about this transit of Saturn, revisit my Saturn and Rahu in Libra articles.

Mars and his unique movements between Virgo and Libra this year get a jump start on 3.1 as he goes retrograde. He barely entered Libra and is just over the three degree mark, yet is now starting his movement back towards Virgo. The planet of action is requesting that we re-collect ourselves and take action wisely. I discuss this odd waltz of his in my Mars article.

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. Revisit my past articles for inspiration.

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. I have two sessions still available for the end of March.

I am taking a short pause this week with an intention of more listening and receiving; aspiring to cultivate a "less is more" approach with extra rest, more attention to my needs and to Saturn mixed with some very intense work. Horoscopes will resume shortly. Thank you!

Moon Mind

2.21

Moon transits Libra in Vishaka nakshatra with Mars, Saturn and Rahu there and receives drishti from Jupiter. Moon is in the 7th tithi ruled by Saturn. Today can offer a sense of expansion and a productive agenda towards goals. As the there is much movement being felt energetically with so much Rudra energy here, it is important to effectively harness his strength and momentum. Be practical in your to-do's and set mini goals for maximum achievement. Take time for embodiment and bring conscious awareness to the physical body and the "internal winds"- ie. prana. It's too easy to get "blown around" right now and not be grounded. A three level check in is a great way to Self track and check in with your own needs. Close the eyes and do a scan for Mental body, Physical body and Emotional body.
Listen to their messages.

2.22

Moon moves to Scorpio (its sign of debilitation) and into Anuradha nakshatra. Debilitated Moons give us the ability for refined sensitivity, an internal focus and heightened intuitive awareness. Use your Saturday for stillness, inward attentiveness and grounding. Embodiment ensures a certain ability to "hear" what your needs/wants are so you can better address them. As Anuradha is ruled by Mitra and the planet Saturn, paying attention to the details of the physical body is assisted here. Today is the halfway point in the waning Moon (Krishna Paksha) as the Moon transits the 8th tithi (Ashtami). Let the pull be to the inside. We are nearing Shivaratri on the 27th where the silence is tangible. Though the planets are inspiring an outward pull, it's essential to attend to the calling of the inner realms as well. Today, if we pause, we can move towards greater balance and harmony. Go slowly.

As Sun Moves to Satabisha, ruled by Varuna and who can bring an essence of judgement to us, it is a good time to check in with our critic. The critic is a part of ourselves that feels neglected, small, under served. It acts out and badgers us because it is seeking attention. It has some need or want usually. If we can attend to the need and the want, we often can befriend our critic. Creating a relationship with the critic is essential for artists, creators and those wishing to have more harmonies connections to Self and others.

Mask work is a great way to address the critic "head on" quite literally. Mask work helps us address the layers of ourselves, our personalities and all that we encompass.

On a large piece of paper, create a face drawing. This will be your "critic mask". When you think of your critic, what comes to you? What colors, textures, expressions arrive? Let your mask express your experience with your critic. Does your critic have a name? Does it have a message for you? Let your critic be heard. Let it voice it self and share it self with you.

Harvesting. Ask your critic these questions:

What do you need?
What do you want from me?
I am ___
I feel____

*Extra credit for taking your critic mask into a dance. Dance, play, sing with your critic. Then, return to the harvesting questions. What, if anything, has changed?

Moon is waning (Krishna Paksha) and passes through Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and into Sagittarius this week. Moon is debilitated in Scorpio the 21st to the 23rd.

For a jyotish Moon-centered approach to your day, follow my daily Moon Mind posts via Face Book.

Retrograde Mercury moves back into Capricorn on 2.18. Read more about retrograde Mercury here.

Sun transits Aquarius and moves into Satabisha nakshatra on 2.19 for the next two weeks. This nakshatra is ruled by Varuna and the planet Rahu. Varuna is judgemental and brings punishment to us if we are not in alignment with the Laws of Nature. He is said to have "a thousand eyes" and sees everything. It is especially important to mind ones health during this time; with Rahu giving drishti to the Sun as well (though Aquarius is considered Rahu's own sign), it will likely also be challenging to stay on a good routine and eat sattvic foods etc. as Rahu is notorious for pulling us off our "good routine" and our best efforts. Try hard though, as sickness that comes during Satabisha nakshatra transits can prove hard to manage and heal from. I do like to remind my Self during excessive Rahu periods, however, that the "chaos" has a purpose, that it brings a swing to the opposite side and can remind us at the least what "doesn't work" for us and what is not best practice. We then have the opportunity to swing back the other way for more balance later on. That said, Rahu brings worldly advancements as well; some of us may feel that benefit during this time. Look for increased connections through friends, partnerships, and communication in order for advancement. 

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 we will be working with the critic.

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. I am now booking sessions for late March.

*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: Avoid rushing into partnerships and contracts with others right now. Don't say yes right away; contemplate before answering. Watch your anger and angry words. You're likely trying to do too much and may feel overwhelm. Where can you ask for support and what details can be delegated?

Taurus: When things don't feel like they are going your way, what is your response? A break down? Binging? Seeking out comforts through food or others? All of the above? These are the old habits to be watching for. Get underneath the cravings and ask your self what the real needs/wants are. Look to the past- especially childhood- for clues.

Gemini: As the passions stir within, find a focal point to direct your energies. For you, the dreaming big is never the problem, it's the practical (and methodical) action steps that need to be applied in order for results. These slow steady steps really add up (over time). Take one this week.

Cancer: Love and money. They make the world go round and you're not immune dear one. Notice what you're craving. What are your actual needs and wants, once you scrape out the gooey center. Get back to the basics.

Leo: Courage and bravery require action steps, movement and momentum. Ask for support and encouragement from others. If you want things to change, create it for your Self. The arts are a brilliant tool for assisting you with this. Grab a paint brush. Dance. Sing. Move things.

Virgo: Has the cat got your tongue? Turn it into a song and dance! Feeling the love? Share it before implosion. Prune out the unnecessary pieces of Self and life and get down to the basics. This is where you'll find your real nourishment.

Libra: Forcing things is a waste of time. Right now, learning the art of allowing is best use of your efforts. In other words: surrender. Frustrations may be mounting within you. Use effective tools for letting off steam. I recommend art and creativity. Use it to go with the flow.

Scorpio: Your focus is on all the endings in sight; which requires inevitable beginnings to emerge on the horizon in the near future. You are in attraction mode. Get what you want this time. No settling! Let the past inform your present, but don't return to it. Let the door slam on your way out.

Sagittarius: Pluses and minuses. Gains and losses. Winners and losers. Friends and enemies. You're learning the practical application of "you win some, you lose some" and figuring out how to re-shuffle your care deck for a better game. Watch your team mates.

Capricorn: Ready to charge forward? Listen to the warning signs and put your Self in neutral so you don't crash. Bad habits with love and money are possible right now. Slowing down is a worthy cause and will likely take most of your efforts. Speak your truth.

Aquarius: The learning and growing curve right now is steep. As the dust settles a bit, turn your inner material into your offering. Write it all down and prepare to share, teach and advise. The best way to learn is to teach what you aren't an expert at yet.

Pisces: The portal to the past is bringing out its beasts. Your self-esteem may be getting a hit or two, but use this as an awareness tool for new and different types of action. You are in a heavy transformation phase. Let the clouds come and do all the things cloudy days require. Trust the sun will return.