4.7

The 8th day of Navaratri, dedicated to goddess Saraswati. Moon is on the wax (Shukla Paksha) and the week begins with Moon in the 8th tithi at the end of Gemini and Punarvasu nakshatra.

At 16:41 CDT Moon enters the auspicious ninth tithi (navami) while sandhi in Gemini, but moves to Moon's own sign of Cancer at 16:47 CDT (still in Punarvasu). In Cancer, Moon receives drishti from Saturn which offers a restrictive energy as well as one pointed focus. Punarvasu, however, gives expansion, clarity and a sense of wholeness from the deity Aditi "mother of all goodness". Look for both in the second half of your day- a fixed mode of expansion with a clear trajectory.

Moon moves to Pushya nakshatra at 23:31 CDT.

4.8

Pushya nakshatra is ruled by Saturn and Brihaspati (another name for Jupiter) and offers nourishment, support, usually by providing us with knowledge and awareness.

Today is the final day of Navaratri which culminates with the celebration of Lord Raam's birthday, Raam Navami. This is a potent and powerful day of activation. As the previous eight days of Navaratri provided a complete inner overhaul. First with the tilling of our internal soil through clearing and purging (Durga), then came nourishment and support for our seeds (desires) through Lakshmi's abundance, and then finally wisdom and clarity and a wealth of creativity has been offered through Saraswati so that our desires may blossom into a rich harvest in the days and months to come. Raam then provides the power and dynamism to take these silent gifts of the Divine Mother into action so that they may truly actualize. Historically, this is the day Lord Raam was born in Ayodhya and so we give honor and praise to his life and name as well. He was the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. Jai Ram!!

4.9

Moon moves to Ashlesha nakshatra in the wee hours of the morning. This is sarpa's nakshatra, ruled by Mercury. Sarpas are snakes, connected to Rahu (as opposed to the other type of snake, Nagas, which are connected to Ketu). Sarpas are sly and cunning, but offer insights and bring wisdom through their occult studies. Be mindful off illusion, deception and overconfidence today- which are attributes of both Sarpa and Rahu's nature. Currently Mercury is transiting Pisces (conjunct Sun) and transiting Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra which is ruled by Ahirbudhnya, a naga. The mental/emotional body is getting a chance for clarity today with a higher purpose. Get clear on what you need to do and trust your intuitive powers.

4.10

Moon moves to Leo and Magha nakshatra at 05:15 CDT. Magha is ruled by Ketu and Pitr, which relates to the ancestors, particularly the father's lineage. Karamas with power and authority arrive with this nakshatra. Moon receives drishti from Venus here, currently in Satabisha nakshatra. Do good work and uphold dharma, but avoid being overly critical to your Self and others. Works steadily today, but don't push too hard. Where are you overly connected to power and authority?

4.11

At 07:42 CDT Moon moves to Purvaphalguni nakshatra which is ruled by Bhaga and the planet Venus. It's Friday, day of Venus, so expect some fruiting and flowering- assisted by Bhaga of course, who rules relationships, harmony and sexuality. Jupiter's drishti to Venus helps the heart feel more expansive and relationships to feel a bit more harmonious. Though, Rahu's drishti to Venus as well can give too much of a good thing, or misjudgement. Listen closely. Does it feel good to your heart? Emotions? Do you feel supported and nourished? Are your needs being met? Look for warning signs and back up if necessary. Don't rush in too quickly.

Sun becomes sandhi late in the evening.

4.12

Moon moves to the latter half of Phalguni, Uttaraphalguni nakshatra at 09:43 CDT which is in the final portion of Leo. Ruled by Sun and Aryaman, there is still a connection to relationships, however, he's more connected to lasting relationships than Bhaga is. Aryaman wants love, commitment and family life to be harmonious. With Sun sandhi in Pisces, in Revati nakshatra (ruled by Mercury), the "Self" needs may be weak today. Do what's best for group harmony today. Shine through communication, verbal affirmations and keep group dynamics in mind. Speak sweetly.

Moon moves to Virgo at 16:09 CDT joining retrograde Mars there as well. Retrograde Mars moves back into Hasta nakshatra at 18:25 CDT.

4.13

Debilitated Mercury moves into Revati nakshatra at 10:33 CDT, ruled by Pushan who gives nourishment and safe journeys. Shortly thereafter, Moon moves to Hasta nakshatra joining Mars there at 11:13 CDT. The Moon and Mars conjunction brings heat to the emotions and there is a heightened tension with the mental body simultaneously as they are in a Mercury ruled sign (Virgo) receiving direct drishti from a sandhi Sun and debilitated Mercury.

If tempers flair, it's probably due to pushing for too much, forcing an agenda that needs to be re-evaluated and having expectations that are too high. Today is calling for downsizing in a big way. As we near the Lunar Eclipse on the 15th (and Hanuman Jayanti), we need to have emotional/mental balance at the front of our needs list. Where can you do less and lower your expectations of your Self and others?

Sun moves to Aries (its home of exaltation) for the next month at 20:42 CDT. This is a powerful placement and causes us to use our brute strength and the physical body to accomplish goals and agendas. But does the body comply? Do the mental and emotional bodies say yes as well? With the lunar eclipse and Full Moon arriving next week, we near the delicate two week period between eclipses (Annual solar eclipse on the 29th). This is a time to really be cognizant of working smarter, not harder. Though plenty of temptations will arise.

More on all of this in next week's Planetary Transit + Horoscope Report.

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Moon Mindfulness ::: Mind Your Moon

04.19-4.20.13

Moon in own sign of Cancer on the 19th- the last day of Maha Saraswati and the culmination of the Navaratri festivities. Moon in Aslesha nakshatra, ruled by Sarpa, the serpent. Though Sarpas are connected to Rahu and highly unpredictable and untrustworthy, they also can perform intense study and research, and thereby be very knowledgeable. Many Sarpas are keepers of wisdom and mystic knowledge. There is a relationship to kundalini energy as well as hypnotism and trance states. Tonight is a good night for losing your self in music- but avoid drugs and alcohol- one of the dark sides of Sarpa and Aslesha.

Aslesha nakshatra is ruled by Mercury, coinciding with the last day of Navaratri and final day of Maha Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and creativity- all attributes of Mercury as well. Finding time for increasing your intelligence today is essential. With a debilitated Mercury currently in Pisces, it may feel more difficult to use your innate intelligence, but put in the extra effort and find ways to increase knowledge and wisdom today.

Saturday is the Ram Navami celebration- Lord Rama's birthday in the Vedic calendar. He was born when Sun was exalted in Aries and on the 9th lunar day of the Vedic Calendar (Navami) on a waxing moon. Navami days are ruled by the Sun. Lord Rama was an avatar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born in the sacred city of Ayodhya. He is said to be bright like the Sun, strong, compassionate and an immensely powerful force. His devotion and love for his wife, Sita, are among his many attributes. He used is powers to overcome the Rakshasa Ravana- who kidnapped Sita- thanks of course to a few friends and siblings (Hanuman among them!)

Moon moves from Cancer to Leo at 8:53 am and into Magha Nakshatra. Magha is ruled by Pitr and is connected to the ancestors and the father or the paternal lineage. Today is a good day to align with the wisdom "seven generations behind me, seven generations forward" and to think about legacy. What are we returning to our ancestors? What have we gained from them? What is my family gaining from my dharma? What are my gifts/offerings to my ancestors and those who will come after me?

Today we celebrate Lord Rama's strength, love, devotion, power, and his destruction of evil. Lord Ram is the reminder that good always overcomes the dark forces. Some how, some way, the light always returns and dharma is restored. Each of us has this battle of light and dark (Rama and Ravana) within us. It's through our choices and actions that we create these epic tales, stories and myths that we call life. The stories of our ancestors were gifted to us and now we must learn how to use these, change them, transform them and ultimately find the Truth within them. May each of us find ways to dance our stories, move them, shift them and heal them.  

Jai Ram!

Navaratri (Nine Days of Mother Divine) culminates on Friday the 19th, followed by Ram Navami (Lord Rama's Birthday) on the 20th. Sun, Mars, Venus and Ketu are all in Aries now (Mars in its own sign and Sun Exalted). This produces a lot of heat, fire and combustion. It can be an experience of purification, however it may be uncomfortable. Fire rites come to mind. You may experience this on the level of ego, Self, relationships and in the physical body. Currently, Mercury debilitated in Pisces, Saturn and Rahu in Libra, Jupiter in Taurus. Moon is waxing (bright half). Follow my Moon Mind posts for daily updates on the moon and nakshatras.

*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.

Aries: This is the time to get things done! Your week may start with a financial woe, a miscommunication, or subpar
courage and strength. This is the reminder to slow down, cool off and gather your Self. There is so much energy and power in your first house that it may feel overwhelming right now. Be mindful of your relationships- direct your inner power responsibly. Take care of home matters, children, romance, intelligence and comforts this week. Learn something new, but don't let it go to your head! Watch your temper.

Taurus: Liberation, moksha, retreat and meditation, traveling abroad, losses, are likely to be consuming you. You may also be strongly desiring marriage suddenly! Don't make rash decisions until this energy simmers down. Your mind/intelligence is not the most clear right now. Is there discomfort? Lack of financial security and support? Wanting more sustenance? Likely there is a connection from your past and/or early childhood experiences. Gather some insights and clues, then take an action step that is rooted in liberation.

Gemini: Luck and friendships are being maximized- watch for the discomfort and enemies. Be bold and courageous. Career feels cloudy and uncertain- the intelligence needed here is still a storm that needs direction and focus. Retreat time, foreign travel, meditation, and liberation bring expansion. This may be connected with friends or gains. 

Cancer: Your house of career is on fire. Feeling angry, emotional upheavals, desire for change? Your mind is elsewhere and likely in a distant land already. Your heart and home may be feeling stormy. Find the eye of the hurricane and hang on to your hat. You will need courage, good friends and meditation time in order to get ahead and weather the storm. Art, creativity and passion are great resources for you. Use them properly. 

Leo: Your friendships, gains and desires are going through a transformation right now. Find the pause button and slow the pace. The fire is burning in your 9th house of dharma, guru, father, and higher learning. There is plenty to gain for you right now if you take the time and use the inner resources within you. Use this time to go deeply into Self. You may be surprised what comes up for you. Clues: ego within relationships, emotional perseverance, courage to keep growing, trust in the unknown, deep surrender. 

Virgo: You may not be on your best behavior right now- mentally at least. Be careful of what you say in order to prevent issues within your relationships. The transformational powers within are on full blast now. Past karmas are moving you and working their unknown magic. Weather the storm with meditation, transcendental knowledge, wisdom and mystical insights. The discomfort is your vulnerability. Find a new relationship with the void, the unknown, the Absolute.

Libra: Mind your relationships right now- there's too much heat and fire in your 7th house not to expect some combustion. Watch your temper! There may be boons or issues with career and finances this week depending on the nature of your chart. Expect new friendships and relationships to be sparked this weekend. Perhaps they will be helpful for your career?! Use this as a time for inner transformation and personal growth.

Scorpio: The heat is in the stomach for you. What are you digesting? What are you not? Keeping cool and digesting anger, problems with enemies and attack, and mental anxieties are essential right now. The aspect from Saturn is the wind fanning the flames. Use your prana properly. Relationships may be extra hot right now. Your mind is in deep transition and though you are mostly comfortable being in retreat mode, you can't hide forever.

Sagittarius: Your intelligence and decisiveness are fully lit. Gaining new knowledge and skills sounds appealing, as long as it doesn't mean the same old career path. You are healing through and digesting new information, guidance and support right now. Give your Self the necessary and required alone time to do so properly. Meditation is ideal and necessary. Avoid heavy foods and mind your gut.

Capricorn: Heart, home, mother, land and vehicles are fully heated while career may feel uncertain and unpredictable at times. This week, work with the mental body and digest the mind- its anxieties, fluctuations, and its effects on your courage and artistry. Navigate relationship matters and transformations of the ego. Intellect and knowledge can still be bonuses for you if you put in a little elbow grease.

Aquarius: A sudden surge of courage and valor has been awakened within you and may effect your relationships, career path and the knowledge that you attract. Make sure you follow trustworthy sources if you wish to avoid obstructions (an ancient lineage is always a plus). Take the time this week to digest your emotions so the fire doesn't get out of hand. Go with your gut instincts. Avoid arguments- especially with siblings.

Pisces: Is it royal discomfort or powerful self expression? You may be experiencing vulnerability and transformations along with past karmas and inner storms. Be mindful of what you say and how you say it- this will directly impact your relationships. Continue to forward your career and expand your courage, but know that you aren't thinking as clearly as you should. Keep calm and carry on. This week, digest the anxiety that comes up around ego in order to avoid heart burn.