​This Week's Intention: Changes are happening within you and around you.
Use your creative powers within to strengthen your steps and purpose.
Allow vulnerability to create possibility- rather than defeat and fear. Integrate and
unify opposing forces and let harmony be your guide.

The week begins with a waning Moon. Three planets have just changed signs. Mars has moved to Libra, Venus to Scorpio and Mercury is now in Capricorn. Gather your resources and attend to self care diligently this week. It's a potent gap for landing before Mercury and Jupiter go retrograde next week. Jupiter is at the very edge of Leo, sandhi. Rahu and Ketu prepare to leave Virgo and Pisces on the 30th of January. Changes are in the air. Find your grounding and inner support this week and walk softly.

Monday begins with a waning Moon moving through the 4th tithi (Moon phase). Find ways to contain and hold yourself with comfort and support. As Moon continues through Cancer and Ashlesha nakshatra, Sarpa brings illusions and deception to the foreground. Are you stuck in the shadow? Where can you shine more light on your darkness? Your emotional body can give you the necessary messages for increasing the light within. It is your barometer for wellness, for how well your needs are being met. Where do you need more support, new resources, extra self care? What changes need to be made in order for your inner nourishment to increase? It's a time of change and making new choices in order for new and different results in the weeks and months to come. Start now.

Just before midnight, the Moon jumps the tricky gap between Cancer (water) and Leo (fire), landing in fierce and mighty Magha nakshatra.

Tuesday, Moon transits Leo and Magha nakshatra, the magnificent one, known for its regal nature and powerful authority. There is a strong connection to the ancestors here, especially the father's lineage. Pay attention to messages from spirit and make an intention of calling on the ancestors for support and guidance. Our power is supported by their wisdom and strength. Ask for their assistance. We do nothing alone. Saturn's drishti to the Moon gives some slowing effects, while also offering grief and depression as well as containment and structure. Attend to the emotional body with wisdom today. What is the need your emotional body is asking of you? Can you attend to your grief with diligence and intention?

Just as Wednesday begins, Moon shifts to Purvaphalguni nakshatra, a fertile and creative star known for its excess of Shakti, life force energy. It is a star that notoriously attracts bees like honey and increases sensuality and sexual energy. The translation is the "earlier fig tree" which connects to its spring-like essence. There is a ripening, a certain juiciness today; the sap is running. How are you using this life force energy moving through you? Where do you channel it and let it flow? The body part connected to this nakshatra is the right hand, or the giving hand. Move your creative energy and turn it into an offering. Create clear and focused containment for your creative flow in order to maximize this energy and use it wisely.

Mid morning Thursday, Moon shifts to the latter half of the Phalguni constellation, Uttaraphalguni. The translation of this star is the "later fig tree" which expresses the ripened fruits of a mature tree. There is a certain strength and wisdom that comes with a season of harvest- when the fruits have ripened and dropped. The sap has moved and created, allowing the wisdom to be used, integrated and absorbed. Uttaraphalguni connects us to the nourishment that sustains creativity, love and our life force energy. It is only through time, commitment and consistency that we get the benefits of these gifts. Make your efforts sustainable and find the rewards. What can you do today to help your success? Use effective action steps and keep your vision alive through trust, support and nurturing. The body part of this star is the left hand, assisting the act of receiving. Receive the wisdom of time and the many gifts it provides you with. Slow down and find your pause.

Just before noon, Moon moves to Virgo, joining Rahu here. Moon and the north shadow node will be in tight conjunction until late evening. Confusion and uncertainty may arrive or big ideas and grande desires. Find the middle ground and stoke your flames, while making sure your footsteps are firmly rooted in the earth.

Late morning Friday, Moon shifts to Hasta nakshatra and Savitr brings his dawning light. There's a certain sensitivity with this lunar constellation as it can feel and sense with absolute accuracy. The body part connected to this nakshatra are the fingers. The fingers are a main resource for sensation and sensory awareness for humans. The hands heal, create, touch, grasp and release. The fingers can move ample amounts of energy out and through them, being conduits of healing and creativity. What are you sensing? How are you using this input for creative activation? What are you creating? What are you grasping and holding onto? What are you releasing and letting go of? Let your inner wisdom be your guide. Land in your emotional body for active insights.

As late Saturday morning arrives, Moon moves to Chitra nakshatra, the brilliant one. Symbolized by a shining jewel, this lunar constellation is notorious for creating, adorning and building beauty. Ruling deity Vishva Karma is an action oriented creator, called the divine architect. He is an Aditya, one who brings resources to us. As an incarnation of lord Brahma, his creative powers have potent manifestation abilities. Much creative activation can take place under this star pattern, so use it with conviction and let your desires be activated by your intentional action steps.

Just before midnight, Moon moves to Libra, joining Mars here. Passions and anger are sparked. Use your fire with awareness.

Sunday, Moon continues through Libra and Chitra nakshatra until Noon. The tight conjunction of Moon and Mars continues most of the day, even as Moon slips into Swati nakshatra. Passion and anger are closely connected. How are you channeling this energy? Do you use it for creating and activating your desires? Or do you use it to blow torch people and dump your emotions on them? Be mindful about your intensity today and use this energy with intention and purpose. Get a lot done, rather than channeling your frustrations on your relationships. Manage your shadow. What do you really need for support, nourishment and comfort? Get your needs met in healthy ways. Use self care to calm your inner winds. Change has blown in with a certain intensity today. Track Rudra's messages diligently.

Monday, Moon continues through the swift and windy nakshatra, Swati. Vayu, the wind god is ruling deity, bringing change and movement with him. Swati translates as "the sword" since it is decisive, clear and action oriented. Early afternoon, Mars shifts to Swati nakshatra as well, intensifying the type of movement and strength available in the coming days. Force and momentum are stirring within. Where are you directing this energy? How can you use it for activation of desires, dharmic path and moving towards your purpose? Do you waste this energy? Is self-sabotage derailing you and keeping your energy small and fizzled out? Use healthy boundaries diligently and attend to self care with focus. Ride this wave responsibly and don't squander this momentum.

Late afternoon, Moon moves to Vishaka nakshatra. You may be presented with options and opportunities, or you may suddenly realize you have more choices than you originally thought. Keep reaching and spreading your branches.

Moon is waning, Venus has just moved to its own sign, Libra, yet the tenacity of Mars and Rahu in Virgo continues. The Saturn, Sun and Mercury conjunction continues to play out until Saturday when Mercury shifts to Sagittarius. Movement, fluidity, creativity and relationships invite in change and transformation.

Monday begins with themes of balance and harmony as Moon moves through Pushya nakshatra. Venus is weak and vulnerable in degrees so tend to the relationship with self and others cautiously. After noon, Moon shifts to Ashlesha nakshatra and inner illusions amplify. Use resources and tools to work directly with the mental and emotional bodies. Consciously work with shadows and the critical mind. Drop into your heart and notice where you are stuck in judgement and critical thought. Deepen compassion for self and others.

Tuesday begins with Moon still moving through its own sign, Cancer, while in Ashlesha nakshatra. Sarpa continues to manipulate the mental body and calls for increased awareness with matters of the mind. Mid afternoon, Moon leaps into Leo and lands in Magha nakshatra. Power, ego and force increase as well as ancestral matters. Ask for guidance and support. Venus begins to strengthen in Libra which helps to soften judgement, rigidity and self-righteousness. Notice where mental tenacity is over powering you. How can you release the mind and land in your body? Meditate and find time to be in nature.

Moon continues through Magha on Wednesday. Let spiritual resources provide extra support and ask the ancestors to help you with your needs and desires. Land back in your power and notice resources that help you bolster your sense of self and well being. Early evening, Moon shifts to the Phalguni constellation, landing in Purvaphalguni. Increased potency, life force energy and creative forces begin to flow. What relationships are nourishing you? What relationships need to be released? How can your creative life force energy help you increase resiliency and inner strength?

Thursday continues with Moon moving through Purvaphalguni nakshatra. Resource yourself with joy, connection, relationships, sensuality and artistry. Let this be the balm that heals your heart and helps you land in your power and purpose. Seek nourishment and stability, balance and integration. Where does the critic keep you from getting your needs met? How do rigidity and resistance keep you stuck, constricted and in constant conflict with yourself and others?

Moon shifts to the latter half of the Phalguni constellation later in the evening. As Moon arrives in Uttarphalguni, it conjuncts Jupiter exactly. Swells and increases are to be expected on the emotional and spiritual body levels. Watch the critic actively and gather resources from its precision. Where does it support you? Where does it keep you from your power?

Just as Friday morning begins, the Moon shifts to Virgo, joining Rahu and Mars here. Shadows and illusions intensify today, helping us to identify inner challenges. Look for resources within the rubble. The critic continues to be a central focus, inviting us to look at parts of ourselves that we may not like or have pushed away unconsciously. Do you lash out at others? Play the victim? Keep giving your power away? Use anger and resentment to vindicate others? Notice where you need more light and life. Where are you hurting yourself with rigidity and righteousness?

Just before midnight, Moon shifts to Hasta nakshatra. Let the light in and make room for the dawn to arrive. Where are you shining your light?

Saturday Moon continues through Hasta nakshatra. Savitr brings increased light and awareness but it may come through challenges, obstacles, pains and suffering instead. These are the places you need to be cracked open, places within that need more light. The pain forces us to put our attention here and notice what isn't working. From here, gather resources, support, guidance and wisdom to transform and heal.

Mercury moves to Sagittarius on December 5th at 22:16 PST, leaving the conjunction of Saturn and Sun in Scorpio behind. This eases the mental body pressures on multiple levels and gets the mind out of the dark depths of our subconscious. Mercury in Sagittarius offers spiritual support and transformation for our mental body blockages. This may feel like a welcomed relief after the many months of intensity and identifying deep, dark inner challenges and blockages.

Certain challenges will continue for the mind in this cycle to come if you resist surrender and awakening to your deeper purpose and meaning. If you force outcomes or objectives, there will be intensification. When ego gets in the way of your awakening process, there will be frustrations, obstacles and excess inner heat. Notice when the fire is scorching you. Where can you let go and let spirit guide you?

Creativity is at an all time high, with maximum flow and fluidity moving through the hands. Intentionally channel this creative life force energy through the arts, music, writing and co-creation. Courageously step into community, relationship and support systems that nourish and increase a sense of safety and support within. Seek balance with inner and outer and express your needs clearly.

Self care and deep inner nourishment are essential at this time. Be mindful of what you put into your body and what comes out of it- through words, actions, expression, etc. What relationships and environments feel nourishing? Which ones do not? Get clear on what works for your mind, body, heart and spirit. Remove and let go of all that is draining you, making you feel heavy. Find healthy boundaries within your life. Simplify the heart and home. Clear away old karmic patterns. Where is the ego resisting and holding you back? How is the mental body ruling your life and choices?

Orient yourself towards feelings and sensations. Let this honest wisdom determine your choices and actions. This is a time of creating radical inner and outer balance. Be courageous with your intentions. Gather support, guidance, knowledge and wisdom to assist your efforts. Above all, land in your gut and let your core values determine what you need. Ask your ancestors, father, gurus and guides for extra support. Let spirit into your life in new ways. Spread your wings, extend your reach and find new flight patterns.

Moon moves to the final nakshatra of Virgo, Chitra, just as Sunday morning begins. This nakshatra provides momentum, action steps and the ability to build. Use your light and awareness to visualize your dreams, goals and desires. Then take an action step that supports these visions materializing. Moon shifts to Libra late afternoon, joining Venus here. There is sensitivity, as well as grace, fluidity and artistry enlivened in the coming days. Channel this effectively through the arts. Let the pelvis be a stabilizing force for you- a way to help you land and ground.

Midmorning Monday, Moon moves to Swati nakshatra and joins Venus in exact conjunction. Inner and outer winds intensify. What direction are you moving? Can you stay grounded even in the midst of these strong winds? Creative flow is increasing. Catch the wave with intention and harness the creative powers within.

Moon is waning and our energy is slowing down, turning inward and instigating potential. Attend to and surrender to this vital release process stirring within you and the cosmos. There are ample invitations of transformation occurring through letting go and endings right now. Removal and release of relationships and that which no longer serves you in nourishing and supportive ways, must be severed and set free.  Mercury is now transiting Libra with debilitated Sun. Mars and Venus move to Virgo on Monday, Venus's debilitation sign. This creates two debilitations that will influence simultaneously. Relationships will require extra attention in the coming weeks. Challenges and conflicts are likely. What resources can you harvest?

Monday begins with Moon in its own sign of Cancer and transiting from Punarvasu into Pushya nakshatra in the early hours of the morning. Expand and contract, open and close, find balance between your polarities. Seek balance and harmony within and track the breath closely today. How can you land in your heart more intentionally? Bring your focus to your emotional body wisdom, your feelings, and deepen your connection to home, grounding and well being. The wisdom you seek is within. Attend to home and heart matters.

Feelings and creativity further shift as Venus moves out of the passionate and empowered Leo and into Virgo on November 2nd at 17:39 PST. As Venus lands in its debilitation sign, Virgo, joining shadow planet Rahu here, it's a time to be diligent with relationships, feelings, creativity and finances. Two planets  are now debilitated simultaneously in the weeks to come- our light source, Sun, and the life force energy within, Venus. This is not a time to push the physical body. Take care of your health diligently. This Venus cycle will proved challenging to all things Venus, in that you may miss or neglect resources for support due to Rahu's clouded vision. Simultaneously there will be opportunities to strip away the veils of illusion that are holding you back from fully being nourished by our connections, creative powers, finances, relationships and commodities. Challenge is always an opportunity for deepening change and transformation- so if you notice issues and obstacles, look beneath the surface. Look beneath your mundane existence and take note of the old stories and paradigms running you on auto pilot. How are these stories influencing how you connect as well as who and what you connect to?

The lack of clarity and certainty in this Venus cycle is prevalent, yet we can choose how to respond to the calamities, discord and discomfort. Do you further separate and disconnect yourself, or do you lean in, find ways to deepen connection and get your deeper needs met? It will be necessary to strive for balance- inner and outer. One of the ways this can be supported is through stringent self care and taking care of your needs on the four levels of your being- mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The conjunction of debilitated Venus and shadow node Rahu can increase the use of intoxicants and "feel good" remedies that mask your ability to deeply feel. Old patterns with drugs, alcohol, sugar, food etc. can be activated at this time so be mindful of what the underlying needs are. These addictive patterns are a cry for deeper nourishment on some level of your being. How can you get your needs met in healthy, balanced and nourishing ways? What support do you need for your process? Ask for guidance, support and assistance. Deepen your relationship with self and others. There is an opportunity for deep healing in this cycle if we choose to step towards this as Virgo correlates to the sixth house of healing and healer.

On the heels of Venus's shift into Virgo, Mars moves to this earthy, focused, mental body sign as well. Both Venus and Mars are tightly conjunct, tracking each other closely as they both move from Leo into Virgo. Mars follow Venus into Virgo minutes after it moves at 17:59 PST. Both remain fragile the days following and continue in close proximity through the duration of this cycle. This conjunction, in addition to Rahu's influence, provides a heated and potentially challenging combination. Conflicts and fiery emotions may be felt. What is the root of the anger? What is the underlying need? What passions are stirring that need your attention and focus? There is a powerful opportunity in this cycle to address anger, rage and the often toxic cycle of this emotion. If the underlying root cause, or need, can be found and honored, an unraveling can take place. In the unraveling, there is opportunity for healing and transformation to arrive.

Relationships are vulnerable and fragile in this cycle. Think before speaking, more importantly pause, wait, and take time for reflection before responding. It will be too easy to speak words that you may later regret. If you are feeling strong emotions, pause for 24 hours at least before responding. Give yourself time to meditate, contemplate and release the emotions before sharing your thoughts, needs or motives. At the same time, this can be a powerful cycle of healing for those inclined to do the inner work this time period will provoke. Healing with anger, relationships, power and authority figures are possible. Let your stomach guide you and invite in opportunities for healing your relationships with inner power and emotions, while helping you integrate and digest the messages arriving. Relationship challenges are opportunities for mirroring what we need and also reminding you what needs to shift within you. As Eckhart Tolle says, "Relationships do not cause pain & unhappiness. They bring out the pain & unhappiness that is already in you."

As challenges arrive, identify parts of yourself that need to grieve and release. Past hurts, pains, disappointments, sorrows and heavy emotions are all places within you that didn't get the necessary love that was needed. By attending to these parts of your being now, you can help to move, shift, heal and transform the old pain, bring it to the light and allow this part of yourself to be well fed now. Let yourself grieve and peel back the layers of pain that are asking for your attention. Your are being offered powerful opportunities for releasing the sadness and losses that are masked by anger, rage, and frustration. Lean in and tend to these parts of yourself with compassion, rather than resistance and avoidance.

Tuesday mid morning, Moon arrives in Ashlesha nakshatra, Sarpas domain. The mind and body are fragile today and can be easily fried. Don't push or force actions and agendas. What stories are ruling you and keeping you away from your light? Let challenges and obstacles be resources for transformation and change. Take time for meditation and contemplation today. Walk in nature and find ways to calm, re-center and refuel your body and mind. Use creative energy as a resource. Venus and Mars are still very sandhi and have newly arrived in Virgo. Relationships require extra awareness and are vulnerable.

Wednesday, late morning, Moon jumps the challenging gap between Cancer (water) into fiery Leo, arriving in the bold Magha nakshatra- Pitr's domain. Father, authority, power and lineage matters present themselves today. There is a certain vulnerability in the coming days as Leo's ruling planet, Sun, is currently debilitated. Notice where you are pushing or forcing. Let your body remind you when to slow down, pause or stop. What are you trying to prove? And to who? What stories have you using "shoulds" and "have to's" as well as "supposed to's" on auto pilot? Father issues arrive as reminders of your lineage programming. How can you re-write the story? Honor and give gratitude to your ancestors and lineage today. Ask for their support.

Late morning on Thursday, Moon joins Jupiter in Purvaphalguni nakshatra. Potent creative energy and Shakti are the gifts of this constellation. Ruling deity, Bhaga, gives enjoyment and pleasures- worldly, sexual and sensual. Ruling planet of this nakshatra is Venus, currently debilitated in Virgo, sandhi, and closely conjunct Mars and Rahu. Saturn also gives his gaze to the Moon, yet another reminder to go slow. Today may give support with pleasurable resources or give challenges with them. It's important to go slow and notice what your needs are very acutely. Relationships may feel taxing or burdensome today, or even under nourishing. Let challenges and resources alike, offer you some insights into your need for comfort, safety and security. Where are you in the dark or letting shadow influence you? Identify excessive wants and what the underlying need truly is.

Just after noon on Friday, Moon shifts to the last nakshatra of Leo and the second half of the Phalguni constellation, Uttaraphalguni. It is another sensitive and fragile day as this nakshatra is ruled by the planet Sun, currently debilitated in Libra. Ruling deity, Aryaman, requests support, stability, commitments and provides resources when we agree to his requests. He is also connected to the ancestors and the support they can provide us. He rules over family life, marriage, love and pleasure- the kind we get from working through challenge, putting in effort and making commitments. Ample creativity and resources are available here, yet may be softened at this time. Frustrations and challenges are a reminder to slow down, pause, listen and surrender wherever possible. Where are you forcing an outcome? Where can you release?

Moon moves to Virgo early evening, joining debilitated Venus, Mars and Rahu here. The coming days could be challenging, so don't plan on doing too much or forcing extra activities. Less is more.

Saturday, Moon transits Virgo with debilitated Venus, Mars and Rahu- all in tight conjunction. The Moon is a magnifier and increases and filters whatever comes into contact with. The soft, gentle and sensitive nature of the Moon may feel frazzled and overwhelmed in the coming days. Today is particularly delicate and extra precautions are necessary for the sensitive Moon children. Moon continues through Uttaraphalguni until the afternoon. Connect and create with others. Find resources through relationships. Network, co-create and let foreign or unusual connections be of help or support. Moon is in tight conjunction with Mars, Rahu and Venus today, while Rahu and debilitated Venus are in exact conjunction. Pause and check in on the four levels of your being- mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Notice when you're forcing or pushing. Slow down and pause. Avoid intoxicants, overstimulation, excesses of all kinds and toxic people. As Moon shifts to Hasta nakshatra, early afternoon, light and insights arrive.

The first day of the five day Diwali festivities begins today. Devotion to Lakshmi, the giver of health, vitality, nourishment and wealth takes place over the course of the coming days. Diwali is the celebration of light conquering darkness and the increase of positive, life supporting forces in our life. Multiple traditions celebrate Diwali, from Hindu, Jain to Sikh; over 15% of the world's population. During Diwali, Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama from his exile- a reflection of good over evil. Legend has it the kingdom was adorned in lights upon his return! Jain's celebrate the moksha of their guru, Mahavira, and his attainment of enlightenment during this time. Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru who was released from capture and returned to the Golden Temple during Diwali. Plenty of stories to celebrate and honor! Light your lamps at dusk and honor Lakshmi and her powerful nourishment in the coming days. The most potent night is on the new Moon, Amavasya, November 11th.

Sunday, Moon continues through Hasta nakshatra, moving away from the tight conjunction with Rahu, Venus and Mars. New insights and awareness may arrive with Savitr's light. What shadows are keeping you from your light source and from shining brightly? It's a powerful time to work diligently on removing the obstructions and hindrances that keep you from your power and purpose. How can you be more deeply nourished and in what ways are you resisting the gifts of life? As evening arrives, Moon shifts to Chitra nakshatra and Vishvakarma arrives with passion and purpose.

This is the second day of Diwali and Dhanvantari, god of Ayurvedic medicine is honored for his gifts of health and well being. Vitality is truly the best gift of wealth!

Monday continues the action-oriented power of Chitra and Vishvakarma. Ruling planet, Mars, may be pushing his agendas with force, anger, agitation and frustrations. Notice where you are holding and not able to surrender. Attend to calculated, steady action steps. Where there is force, there will be frustration or challenge. Go slow and soften your steps today. Attend to physical body and self care attentively. Moon is moving into the final phase of the waning cycle. Turn your gaze inward and attend to your relationship with Self.

Today is the third day in the Diwali celebration and is dedicated to Hanuman, the much loved and revered monkey god. His strength, and devotion to Lord Rama, are honored today. May we each awaken to the compassion, strength and love within us!