Unlike Western, or Tropical astrology, Jyotish, or the Sidereal approach to astrology, does not place the most importance on the Sun sign. The rising sign is actually considered the most important piece of the overall chart, as it organizes the placement of the all the planets, the karmas, and the intimate details of the chart as a whole. Jyotish is actually soli-lunar based, meaning that equal importance is given to the Sun and the Moon. I will share more about the Moon sign in my next article, but for now I will focus on the Sun sign and its role.

In Jyotish, the Sun represents father and masculine energy. His attributes are likened to the king. He shares rank and position, power and authority, as well as respect and ruler-ship. The Sun will give us our dharma, the proper path to follow for our enlightenment. Traditionally, the father is supposed to help guide the child on their path of dharma. It is the father who is responsible for instilling self-esteem and ultimately gives the spark of life via his sperm.

The Sun is also responsible for illuminating the Moon, as well as the other planets. The Moon directly reflects the Sun's light and shares this filtered light- which is nourishing, supportive and doesn't burn. In fact the glow of the Moon is said to offer soma, or divine, healing nectar. Together, Sun and Moon represent God and Goddess, who together create life and our experience of reality. Read more about the importance of the Sun.

The Sun is our father energy, the part of our being and our karma that was given to us from our father and his lineage. This of course plays a vital role in our human experience as well as how we use our power in life. The masculine is the container that supports the expansiveness of the feminine. We need the power of the masculine to take action, to be seen for our gifts and to share our gifts with others. Our father energy plays a very important role in how we shine and share ourselves with the world.

How do you shine? How do you show up for yourself and others? Do you allow yourself to be seen? In what ways? Your jyotish chart is a powerful resource for exploring your Sun energy, your masculine self, as well as uncovering the birth karma you acquired from your father.

Use my previous step by step articles to explore the basics of your birth chart. Step one here and step two here.

The Sun sign shares how your light is able to shine and what its purpose is for shining. Remember that the Sun sign shares the gifts of your father- for better or worse. Ultimately, the challenges we face are also resources, so thank the positives and negatives!

Your Sun sign is a powerful resource for unlocking the mystery of your inner power. Let's take a deeper look at your father energy and the light of the soul shining within you.

Step #1:

Identify Your Sun. First, notice where the Sun is located in your chart. The abbreviation is likely SU.
What sign is it in?

Step #2:

Who Rules Over Your Sun? The planetary influence upon the sign is a vital piece of information. What is the planetary ruler of your Sun sign? Mars acts very differently than Saturn. What can you determine about your Sun sign based on its planetary ruler?

Step #3

Where Does Your Sun Light Shine? Next, determine what house (or bhava in Sanskrit) your Sun is placed in. The house of your Sun shows how it will share its solar energy- and in what capacity. Each house has very specific meanings, so use this to refine your understanding of how your light shines and what is important for you to share with the world in this lifetime.

1st House: Sense of self, worldly house, being seen, ego, appearance, intelligence.
2nd House: Nourishment, wealth, support, gems, speaking, voice.
3rd House: Communication, writing, courage, the arts, creativity, self expression, using the hands.
4th House: Home, land, mother, emotions, spirituality and moksha.
5th House: Children, creativity, romance, intuition, knowledge.
6th House: Enemies, bad habits, healing, disease, legal issues, competition, debt.
7th House: Relationships, others, partner, sexuality, desire, travel, trade.
8th House: Death, disease, transformation, transcendence, vulnerability, mysticism.
9th House: Dharma, guru, wisdom, education, foreign travels, fortune, religion.
10th House: Career, achievement, success, father, action, fame, social status.
11th House: Gains, wealth, income, friends, desires, fulfillment of desire.
12th House: Endings, loss, liberation, marriage, retreat, foreign lands, alone time.

Step #4

Putting it all together. It's time to combine all the layers now and derive some meaning from it all. What can you determine about your Sun sign based on the previous steps? How does your light shine? What parts of your father support this self expression? What power are you here to share? Where do you need more power and strength? Use the resources below to further explore these questions in relation to your Sun sign.

Aries: Mesha in Sanskrit, translates as its symbol, the ram. Qualities are leadership, pioneering. Need to work on flexibility, anger issues, “hitting one’s head against the wall”. Body parts are head, brain and nerves. Odd, Male, ruled by Mars. Pitta. Correlates to the number 1 in the chart.

Taurus: Vrshabha in Sanskrit, translates as its symbol, the bull. Qualities are strength and stability. Need to work on issues with being “bull headed”, stubborn and going beyond the material realms. Body part is neck, face and parts therein. Even, Female, ruled by Venus. Kapha. Correlates to the number 2 in the chart.

Gemini: Mithuna in Sanskrit, symbolized by a couple holding a mace and a lute. Translates as couple (male and female) or copulation, companion. Qualities are extremely creativity, communication and artistry. Need to work on issues of mental body and taking effective action steps. Body parts are arms and hands. Odd, Male, ruled by Mercury. Vata. Correlates to the number 3 in a chart.

Cancer: Karka translates as female crab in Sanskrit which is its symbol as well. Qualities are sensing and feeling, with depth and compassion, heart centered. Need to work directly with emotional body awareness, co-dependency issues, mother issues. Body parts are heart, breasts, chest. Even, Female, ruled by Moon. Kapha-vata. Correlates to the number 4 in a chart.

Leo: Simha translates as lion in Sanskrit, the symbol of Leo. Qualities are leadership, dominance, authority and power. Need to work on ego issues, needing authority and power, as well as father issues and ancestral issues. Body parts are stomach and abdomen. Odd, Male, ruled by the Sun. Pitta. Correlates to the number 5 in a chart.

Virgo: Kanya means a girl, a virgin or daughter in Sanskrit. It is symbolized by a woman in a boat holding grains and fire in her hands. Qualities are purity, cleanliness and perfection, creative, entrepreneurial. Need to work on the critic and inner judge, overly puritanical beliefs. Body parts are hips, loins, buttocks. Even, female, ruled by Mercury. Vata-kapha. Correlates to the number 6 in a chart.

Libra: Tula means the balancing scales in Sanskrit which is its symbol as well. Qualities are ability to see both sides of situations, good business skills, able to weigh and measure options, able to work with equality issues. Need to work with decisiveness, clarity and not swinging to extremes, going beyond the surface, as well as finding one’s own beliefs and ideals. Body parts are lower abdomen. Odd, Male, ruled by Venus. Vata-Kapha. Correlates to the number 7 in a chart.

Scorpio: Vrschika means Scorpion in Sanskrit which is also its symbol. Qualities are depth, going beyond the surface, occult and mystical knowledge, passion. Need to work with emotional body awareness, polarities and extremes, mother issues, one’s darkness and shadows. Body parts are genitals and anus. Even, Female, ruled by Mars and Ketu. Kapha-pitta. Correlates to the number 8 in a chart.

Sagittarius: Dhanu means bow in Sanskrit. The symbol of Sagittarius is a man holding a bow and arrow, the lower part of his body being that of a horse. Qualities are oriented towards seeking knowledge, wisdom and growth as well as spirituality. Need to work with being overly dogmatic, taking effective action steps, working with depth on the mental/emotional levels. Body part is thighs. Odd, Male, ruled by Jupiter. Pitta- Kapha. Correlates to the number 9 in a chart.

Capricorn: Makara translates as sea monster in Sanskrit which has a head of a deer or goat and the body of a crocodile, which is also its symbol. Qualities are hardworking, persevering, steady. Need to work with “doing less accomplishing more”, self care, not pushing so hard to get an outcome. Body part is knees. Even, Female, ruled by Saturn. Vata-kapha. Correlates to the number 10 in a chart.

Aquarius: Kumbha translates from Sanskrit as a vessel that holds water, a water pot. The symbol here is a man holding a pot. Qualities are ingenuity, out of the box approach to life, oriented towards gaining and acquiring. Need to work with balancing both shadow and light, working with shadow parts, finding the silver lining and excessive drive to acquire. Body part is calves. Odd, Male, Saturn and Rahu. Vata. Correlates to the number 11 in a chart.

Pisces: Mina translates from Sanskrit as relating to the ocean and large expanses of water. The symbol here is two fish tied together with their heads and tails in opposite directions. Qualities are expansiveness, universality and deep compassion for others with strong spiritual inclinations. Need to work on emotional body issues, grounding expansiveness into clear goals and action steps, actualizing dreams. Body part is feet. Even, Female, ruled by Jupiter. Kapha. Correlates to the number 12 in a chart.

By now, you've probably heard that sidereal Jupiter is shifting into Leo for a year, bringing a surge of power and possibility that can be felt even as this transit begins.

"Jupiter provides expansion, growth, wisdom, knowledge and is considered the most benefic planet of the nine because he mostly gives positive results. Sometimes his results may not seem positive at the outset, but often he provides a silver lining or some protection ultimately in the long run. I like to think of Jupiter as a provider- the planet who offers us support and some sense of ultimate comfort because he gives us awareness and expanded thought. Awareness and personal expansion are powerful tools if used properly. His satva (purity) is a sustaining force that brings happiness, grace and peace with him."

Read more about Jupiter, Leo and the fifth house in part 1 of my Jupiter in Leo article series.

The effects of this transit will be felt specifically with all things related to Jupiter, the 5th house and Leo, as well as Leo's ruling planet, the Sun. Themes connected to father, the masculine, ego and personal power, will be strong influences effecting us in this cycle. How these details of your personal chart express themselves, will determine the effects you feel during this cycle. Other prevalent themes surface with regard to relationships, passion and power dynamics.

Will You Roar?

To determine the personal effects of this transit, first find Leo in your natal chart. What house does Leo occupy in your chart? Jupiter will be enlivening this area of your life and the themes of this specific house. Remember that Jupiter is expansive and increases wherever he sits or gives his gaze. Expansion is usually considered positive, however, the process can be very uncomfortable at times. As Jupiter opens doors, other doors will naturally close. What areas of your life will be expanding and what parts of your life will you be pruning or releasing as a result?

To determine if Jupiter is a positive influence on your chart, notice where this spiritual planet sits in your natal chart and if any challenging planets give their drishti (gaze) to him. The house and the house lord, as well as any other influences upon him from the other planets, will determine how he is able to express himself in your chart. If he feels compromised in any way, this will effect how well he is able to share is expansive, benefic qualities.

Leo's ruling planet, the Sun, is also a vital piece for assessing this transit, as the solar qualities of this sign will determine a lot about our experiences of self, ego, father, masculine and soul matters. If the Sun is a challenging planet for you, the effects Jupiter amplifies may be extra difficult as a result. If the Sun is able to express itself more positively in your chart, Jupiter will naturally support expansion in these areas in a more life affirming way.

Sun, Leo and the 5th house all connect us to the father and masculine energy in general. In many regards, Jupiter can also be an indication of the father, or the extension of the "father" because he represents our teachers, guides and those who provide support. This cycle will certainly influence our personal mythology with father and authority figures, as well as our relationship with these parts of our life story. Jupiter will bring learning, growth and new wisdom as well as personal development in the realm of father and all things father figure, authority, teachers and power issues. What parts of your relationship with your father and power need attention, healing or extra support? Now is the time to put some focus on this part of your inner and outer life.

The body part connected to the fifth house is the upper gut- a place of intuitive insight and the seat of our inner power. Deepening our relationship with this part of the body will be helpful to increase healing intentions connected to power, ego, trust and sense of self. We need a healthy relationship with our ego in order to thrive. Gut wisdom can help us find this truth within, while also deepening balance and harmony with inner and outer dynamics. Pay special attention to your digestion, agni, inner fire and intuition during this cycle as there will be ample guidance available.

Relationships, Ego and Power

As the Jupiter cycle kicks off, he will be passing through the first pada (part) of Leo which is influenced by Magha nakshatra. This lunar constellation is actually ruled by the deity Pitr, who has intimately involved with the ancestors, lineage matters- especially the father's side. Jupiter moving through Magha will amplify the effects of father and sudden changes within our masculine dynamics- both inner and outer. The ruling planet of Magha is Ketu, who is notorious for bringing sudden change, quick awareness and shifts in perception. Spirit and spiritual tendencies are increased with Ketu and his influences. The Magha nakshatra part of the Jupiter transit lasts until September 14th, so for the first three months expect inner and outer shifts with regard to father, lineage and the masculine on a very intimate level. This may also surface in more spiritual ways. Look for insights and connections to your ancestors as well.

The changes that occur during the first part of the Jupiter in Leo cycle will impact how we move forward within our relationships during the rest of the cycle. As Jupiter shifts into the first half of the Phalguni constellation, Purvaphalguni, sparks of shakti increase and expand us. This nakshatra is notorious for increasing romance, sensuality and sexuality. We may know this energy as the inspiring and addictive feeling that creates passion in the early stages of a romantic relationship. It is a highly creative star, one that brings increased life force energy with it. The Phalguni stars are like the potency of spring- flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and there's a tangible increase of life force energy available and flowing.

As Jupiter brings his expansive qualities to the Purvaphalguni lunar constellation, we will get many opportunities to work with relationship dynamics and our masculine energy. How does our relationship with our own power, effect our ability to relate, create and co-create. Do we take powerful steps forward or negate our potency? Do we jump in with passion or wait cautiously? Do we jump into relationships without pause, or listen carefully to our needs with self and others? The effects of this process will be supported by ruling deity Bhaga, who is responsible for offering fertility and relationships as well as increased sexual energy. Its ruling planet, Venus, does the same. Consciously working with themes connected to art, creativity, women, vitality and relationships, will provide maximum growth and learning.

The effects of Bhaga and Purvaphalguni last until November 28th, when Jupiter shifts into the latter half of the Phalguni constellation, Uttaraphalguni. The effects of this nakshatra and its ruling deity, Aryaman, have more to do with the sustaining factors of relationships and the pieces necessary to make connections last and solidify. He is less concerned with passion and more pleased by family ties, maintaining the flow of love, and solidifying relationships through marriage contracts. The planetary ruler of this nakshatra is the Sun, which will certainly amplify any issues we may have with our masculine/father self, especially within relationships. We may feel the passion wearing off, the fertile and expansive joys dwindling, and a need for more clarity with our needs and wants at this time. A new commitment to growth and inner work may increase or we may feel a need to differentiate between our self and others more strongly. Some may feel a stronger pull to solidify relationship contracts, while others will feel the need to break them.

As Jupiter retrogrades on January 7th, he begins to retrace his steps back through Uttaraphalguni and then into Purvaphalguni until he goes direct on May 9th, 2016. Retrograde planets intensify the effects of a transit as the backward motion is an expression of the shadow nodes, Rahu and Ketu. The first half of the Jupiter in Leo cycle will provide us with a taste of what's to come in the second half. After January 7th, we will receive more opportunities to look at our personal mythology connected to power, relationships, masculine and ego more closely. Track the insights that come from July to January closely as these will likely be areas of your life that will intensify and increase in the second half of the Jupiter transit.

To increase the intensity during Jupiter's retrograde cycle, Rahu will join Jupiter in Leo on January 29th, kicking up cravings, desires, confusion and uncertainty. He also brings worldly increases with him, however, Jupiter is spiritually oriented. Their energetics bring conflict which can bring a heightened confusion with it. Additionally, Saturn will be giving his gaze to Leo during this Jupiter transit which will request diligence, consistency and commitment. He insures hard work and struggles, but we must trust he has our best interest in mind in the long run. 

This Jupiter cycle is one of increase and expansion, one that will ultimately help us deepen our truth and a commitment to our own strength and power. How we get to this awareness of inner strength will vary, but the effects will undoubtedly be transformational.

Now is an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming transit with extra jyotish astrology guidance and support, as well as having a Jupiter yagya for a smoother transition.

Need some extra guidance and clarity for the big planetary transits ahead? Schedule a Jyotish Astrology coaching session with me.


Your Relationship with Power and Passion- by Rising Sign

*Horoscopes are based on your Vedic (sidereal) 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 (Tropical) 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: Passions increase, bringing strong desires for romance, relationships and dating. This is a cycle which will help you deepen your sense of core power, intuition and inner wisdom. Pay special attention to your gut intelligence and what it can share with you about self trust. Expansion and growth, as well as challenges and uncertainties, arrive with regard to children. Get more playful, creative and curious. Let your child like sensibilities enliven. Deepen your dharmic wisdom and trust your path.

Taurus: Your heart passion expands you and motivates you. Let the lion out of your chest and listen carefully to its messages as it won't take no for an answer. There is spiritual growth possible as you commit to your sense of self and well being. Nurture your intentions for life and living. Home, land and property matters intensify, while career receives a dose of your expanded heart wisdom as well. Trust your passion to lead you from the heart. Spend ample time in quiet reflection, meditation, on retreat and pausing to listen through contemplation. This is where you will find the answers and wisdom that you seek.

Gemini: Expand your creativity, self expression and artistry. Be courageous and bold with your hands and words. Use these to communicate your passion through writing and the arts. Gains come with more authenticity and being true to your inner power and strength. It's important to be clear on your wants and needs- especially within your relationships- or you will be doing a lot of clean up along the way. How can you communicate your needs more effectively and clarify your desires? Your success and creative expansion depends on this clarity.

Cancer: Increase nourishment and ingest satvic, pure foods, experiences, relationships and environments. Clean up your diet and how you feed yourself- on all levels of life. Cravings for sweets and intoxicants may increase during this cycle so be intentional about your choices. Wealth and money expand as do desires for more worldly success. Consistent action steps and a strong savings plan will help you feel safer and more supported. Early childhood issues will surface around safety and security. How does this impact your ability to give and receive money? Seek inner and outer nourishment.

Leo: Expand what you think is possible for your life and your path. It's time to be bold and ask for your deepest desires, while being open to receive more from life. Your sense of self, inner power and personal growth increases, is tested and strengthened. You rise to the occasion, stepping into roles of teacher, guide and guru. These roles will provide you with challenges and uncertainties, while testing who you are. Trust that a new resolve and clarity will result in the long run. Your lion power is increasing. Are you ready for the surge of strength and power coming? How do you channel it for maximum results?

Virgo: It's a cycle of pausing and listening more deeply. Are you taking enough alone time, rest and vacations? Your expansion and your relationships will be supported with pausing and listening, stopping and slowing down frequently. Make sure you are taking time to meditate. Plan time away, travel long distances and learn along the way. Deepen your healing abilities and be healed as you share your truth. Use your heart wisdom and emotional body messages to help you land, ground and find deeper support. What do you really need for your own awakening process? Do that.

Libra: Gains and increase arrive with worldly pleasures, wealth and desires, but at what costs? Your choices help you create increases for your self, but only as a result of strategic actions and intentions. When one door opens, another one must close. Can you let go, release and not let your ego get overly attached to the outcome? Relationships are an important part of your options and choices in this cycle. Are they impacting you positively or negatively? Can you make choices that are courageous and aligned with your inner power? Or are you still just trying to please others?

Scorpio: Expand what you think is possible for yourself and your work. Share, shine and be seen. Test your inner strength and power. Show up in bolder and bigger ways, just don't let your ego get out of control. As you increase your worldly awareness and help others do the same, you grow as a human, as a power house. You are learning how to land, ground and stabilize yourself in the process. Increased nourishment and support arrives as a result. Enjoy some surplus and the fruits of your labors. It will not come without effort, but suddenly you feel up to the challenge. Make bold statements and align with your truth, power and inner wisdom. Listen to your heart and let it help you shine and share.

Sagittarius: Now is the time to recommit to your dharma, strengthen your life purpose and deepen your intentions for being alive. This is a powerful cycle of self development and inner awareness- which will be intensified by being in service, standing in your power and using the support of your father and gurus. Give and receive guidance, higher learning and support from spirit. It's time to express, create, write and share your wisdom. Don't hold back. Start taking action steps for deeper fulfillment. Take plenty of time alone, meditate, go on retreat and find time for playfulness, romance and children.

Capricorn: In many ways, this will be a rest cycle for you as Jupiter dips into your 8th house, the most hidden house. It's a time to dig into your past, harvest from your depths and deepen your introspection. A more authentic alignment with your sense of self and power will result from your efforts, so take the challenges in stride and trust that they are bringing you depth and purpose in the long run. Spend ample time meditating, on retreat, and grounding. This will be time well spent and good use of your efforts and energy. The inner work you do in this cycle will prove useful to dharma and life path in the next Jupiter cycle, so use this time wisely.

Aquarius: Relationships are your main source of learning, growth and wisdom in this cycle. Your power, strength and inner wisdom will be tested, confronted and provoked. How do you find a new sense of stability and support, greater grounding and landing? Who are you in relationship to others and how do relationships either support or challenge your needs and wants, your strength and power? Do you know how to express yourself and get your needs met or do you need to find new pathways for sharing? Gains arrive when you can find harmony with boundaries, while navigating inner and outer dynamics more consciously. Use relationships as a mirror for necessary change.

Pisces: The coming transit of Jupiter in Leo is a powerful time to align more firmly with your healer path. Deepen your role as a healer and be of service in more intentional ways. Clarify your ability to lead and be in leadership. How can you find greater nourishment yourself, by providing nourishment and support to others? Your inner strength is the essential ingredient for expanded career and more potential in worldly ways. Filled with uncertainty, fear and inner turmoil? Now is the time to consciously overcome these inner hurdles, the parts of yourself that undermine your strength and power, that keep you playing small. Stop questioning and just do it.

Aries: Be courageous with communications and creative endeavors. Work with your hands and make art and music. Passion for children and romance increase as you step into your power center, moving from your heart wisdom to activating it now. This is an important time to shine and express, while learning a lot about yourself in the process. Increase your knowledge and skills. Learn to trust your gut instincts.

Taurus: Speak and share your words of wisdom, but avoid spewing fire and venom. Is there a way to speak the sweet truth? Work with your boundaries very carefully. Anger and agitation are reminders that your needs are not being met on some level. Home, heart and emotions will be heating up in the coming months. Do what you feel, say what you mean and get clear on what you need for your own well being- inside and outside of your relationships.

Gemini: The warrior mind will help you get a lot accomplished, but at what costs? Get your goals, lists and agendas clear and prepare for action steps. Accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently, but don't burn yourself out in the process. Balance your work with creativity, art and joyful excursions and let this rejuvenate your mental and physical bodies. How can you work smarter and more creatively, not harder? Work from home and let the internet be your greatest work ally. 

Cancer: Head congestion begins to dissipate and your voice requests to be heard. Speak the sweet truth and share from your heart. There's a passion stirring within you, making you crave travel, rest and alone time. Can you bridge this with your work and share your discoveries along the way? Take time for relaxation and meditation to help you find clarity and strength, but make sure you aren't hiding from your anger. Where is the agitation coming from and what does it tell you about your needs?

Leo: Rise and shine lions and lionesses! Seize the days ahead as expanded passions take hold within you. There will be no stopping your magnanimous and dynamic personality and self expression as the Venus and Jupiter cycle in Leo unfolds. Gains come through self expression, writing and communications. Keep  focused on your strong desires, but only move towards what deeply nourishes and serves you and your dharmic path. 

Virgo: Career gains come from your consistent, clear and tenacious action steps. Are you on auto-pilot or are you able to listen deeply to the messages arriving? Use this time to get focused on the bigger plan and long-term goals. Write, create, communicate and share your message with a larger audience. Channel your passion and step into your power. Deep grounding is coming for you as you commit to landing in your heart more and more. Open your wings and heart wide to receive.

Libra: Gains continue to arrive with your consistent action steps. Get clear about who you are and what you offer to the world that is unique, special and valuable. Communicate your message and speak your truth, even if it is hard to do or expresses a challenging experience. People want to connect with you, so let them in. Gains are coming and your efforts will be paying off. You'll have to close some doors in the process. Get clear on which ones to close. Only open the doors that really fill you with passion, joy and enthusiasm.

Scorpio: Some change will do you good. How can you balance work and rest a bit more? Find a way to take a break from life yet still get your work done. Is there a way to do both? You need the rest and alone time to find clarity and deeper purpose right now. Harvesting from your depths will help you work smarter and more effectively, not harder. Simultaneously, work life is stepping up and providing passionate expansion for you and your dharma. Keep your hand on the pulse of what matters most to you and your path.

Sagittarius: Communicating clearly and effectively will benefit your relationships. Non-violent communication is essential for preventing challenging confrontations. Skillfully express your self and your needs. Don't back down. You are developing necessary skills to articulate yourself in more powerful ways. Speaking is an art form, explore its nuances. Dharma is passionately provoked in the coming weeks. Take from your depths and turn it into an offering.

Capricorn: Rest and recycling are coming to you. You're embarking on a time period of diving deep, going inward and discovering new territory while traveling very familiar old ground. Transformation is inevitable, but make it intentional. The ego will be going through a metamorphosis as well. Discomfort is a necessary part of the change process, but our suffering is optional. How will you dance with inner depths in new ways?

Aquarius: Passion and relationships are about to become your main focus. Are you ready for a big dose of dopamine? Get your priorities straight or you may find yourself being led by your sexual desires and fantasies, rather than truth and intuition. This warning may be moot as the flames intensify and the embers flare. Put this passion into all areas of your life. Channel it wisely and let it fuel you for many months to come, rather than burn you out. 

Pisces: The cutting and releasing continues, but with an new edge of tenacity and passion in the heart. Speak from your heart wisdom and share yourself thoughtfully. As Venus, then Jupiter,  move into Leo, your sixth house becomes a prominent force in your life. Healing and transforming the ego will be a major theme for you, providing you with a lot of new nourishment in the process. The deeper the release, the more available space you will have to hold the bounty of life.

This waning cycle of the Moon is filled with many movements and changes as Venus, Mercury and the annual transit of Jupiter occur. These planetary shifts bring dramatic, swift momentum to our sense of power and passion. With so much in flux at this time, staying grounded will be vital. 

Venus moves into Leo on July 4th, only days after the full Moon. The planet of beauty, creativity and wealth lands in the Sun's passionate sign, causing the gentle waters of Venus to stir. He leaves the gaze of Ketu, but now receives the cold stare of Saturn instead. This transit begins a multi-month escapade of unusual movement for Venus that won't end until November. As he makes his way through Leo, he will retrograde on July 24th, eventually landing back in Cancer. His movement back through Cancer will take him until the very end of September at which point we will experience yet another transit of Venus in Leo as he moves in forward motion. Finally November 2nd, Venus moves to its debilitation sign, Virgo, ending the wide strides of backward and forward motion in and out of Cancer and Leo.

Venus is responsible for relationships, creativity, artistry and is connected to all things femininee. It offers beauty, fluidity, wealth and life giving powers, most essentially, shakti. Worldly comforts and resources can increase through Venus's benevolence and help us feel more stable in material ways. As Venus moves through Leo, we can expect passions to increase for relationships and connection, while strong desires may emerge. Expect intensified strength, determination and power to materialize, while aggression and agitation increase.

The transit of Venus through Leo is the instigation of an unfolding theme that is ripening within the planets right now. Working with power and authority dynamics is vital, especially the masculine energy within you. Notice where you are pushing, using excessive force and using an overactive drive to accomplish and succeed. Take time to contemplate the meaning of success from different angles. Your ego may feel challenged by this. How can you soften your action steps? Where can you let go and surrender more? How can you be a winner- on all levels of life? As Venus retrogrades, these cautions will be even more vital. When a planet retrogrades, it acts like the shadow nodes, Rahu and Ketu, creating a certain intensification with the indications of the planet. I'll be sharing much more about Venus and his unusual transits in an upcoming article.

On the heels of Venus's transit into Leo, Mercury's moves to its own sign, Gemini, on July 4th as well. Mercury will join Sun and Mars in the sign of communication and co-creation, leaving behind the shadowed gaze of Rahu. Mercury is the indicator of the mental body, the mind, imagination and the stories we create through thought. Though Mercury feels very comfortable and secure in Gemini, the heat of Sun and Mars can cause agitation and aggressive tendencies. As he conjuncts the two hottest planets, the mind heats up and has the potential to get scorched. Are you in warrior mode? Where can you pull back? Too many irons in the fire? It's really a time to cool off and focus only on the essentials. You can't keep running on pure adrenalin or burn out is surely on its way. Remember that the focus of a warrior is highly skilled and very useful for success with clear goals and agendas. However, warriors aren't trained to think think, they just act and carry out orders. It will take more than actions to get what you really need in this cycle. Reign in your task master and spend more time leisurely enjoying nature, being outside and having simple pleasures.

Just before the new Moon, the biggest transit of the year occurs as Jupiter shifts into the power sign, Leo, July 14th. The year long transit of Jupiter in its sign of exaltation, Cancer, ends. However, like most major transits of this kind, it actually begins weeks in advance. As Jupiter nears the edge of Cancer, becoming sandhi the first week of July, the transitions and changes start. Pay close attention at this time to themes that connect to Leo, the 5th house and the Sun. Simultaneously any final lessons and understandings from the Jupiter in Cancer transit will be intensifying. This is a time of crystalization, where the final offerings of the Cancer cycle are being shared with us. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Cancer.

Self identity and self awareness will be very prominent themes for this Jupiter in Leo cycle. Finding increased growth, wisdom and nourishment for the ego will be a part of the transit as well. Children, relationships and romance will be important factors at play, as well as creativity and passion. However, the personal effects of this transit will be determine by your own Jyotish chart and how well Jupiter is able to express himself in your chart. The placement of the Sun, your 5th house and other factors in your natal chart will also play a role in the outcome of this year long cycle. Read more about the effects of Jupiter in Leo.

Now is an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming transit with extra jyotish astrology guidance and support, as well as having a Jupiter yagya for a smoother transition.

Need some extra guidance and clarity for the big planetary transits ahead? Schedule a Jyotish Astrology coaching session with me.


*Horoscopes are based on your Vedic (sidereal) 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 (Tropical) 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

The year long transit of Jupiter in its sign of exaltation, Cancer, is ending on July 14th. However, like most major transits of this kind, it actually begins weeks in advance. As Jupiter nears the edge of Cancer, becoming sandhi the first week of July, the transitions and changes start. Pay close attention at this time to themes that connect to Leo, the 5th house and the Sun. Simultaneously any final lessons and understandings from the Jupiter in Cancer transit will be intensifying. This is a time of crystalization, where the final offerings of the Cancer cycle are being shared with us. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Cancer.

Interestingly, Cancer is ruled by the Moon and directly connects to the mother, home, grounding and the emotional body. Leo is ruled by the Sun and correlates to the father, our sense of power, the ego and the solar plexus. There is a divine integration being shared with us, as the planet of wisdom, Jupiter, moves from the sign of "the mother" to the sign representing "the father". Be aware of stories, patterns and threads of insight that emerge as Jupiter changes signs. What parental wounds can be transformed and healed through wisdom and deeper understanding?

Jupiter: The Planet of Wisdom

As Jupiter arrives into Leo on July 14th, a new cycle begins for our inner guru. Jupiter is the planet of wisdom and in Sanskrit referred to as, guru, the teacher. The expansion and deepening heart wisdom of the previous cycle is replaced by an expansion and growth with our power. The balancing effect of Jupiter giving his gaze to Saturn in Scorpio ends, but Saturn continues to share his contractive, focused energy to Jupiter. The tables turn and Saturn's effects will be felt in a more intensified way in the coming months. We will feel these effects on our sense of power and our ability to shine and be seen. What is holding you back from standing in your power? Challenges and obstructions are Saturn's way of helping us transform and change. What are your challenges teaching you?

Jupiter provides expansion, growth, wisdom, knowledge and is considered the most benefic planet of the nine because he mostly gives positive results. Sometimes his results may not seem positive at the outset, but often he provides a silver lining or some protection ultimately in the long run. I like to think of Jupiter as a provider- the planet who offers us support and some sense of ultimate comfort because he gives us awareness and expanded thought. Awareness and personal expansion are powerful tools if used properly. His satva (purity) is a sustaining force that brings happiness, grace and peace with him.

In Jyotish, we see the Sun as the maha (great) soul of all, but Jupiter is actually considered the support to the soul. He is our guru (teacher) and guide, the adviser who gives us knowledge and wisdom, growth and expansion, and connects us to our dharma (purpose). He removes darkness, ignorance, and aligns us with the higher realms, the positive tendencies of the mind and emotions. He connects us to the divine intelligence which is all pervasive. The extent to which we can perceive this divine existence directly speaks to our relationship with the guru, Jupiter. If Jupiter is able to share his balance in the jyotish chart, then he brings harmony. If he imbalanced we see laziness and lethargy, missed opportunities for life and living, or a lack of nourishment and support in life.

It takes Jupiter one year generally to transit through each of the signs of the zodiac. He is heavy and Kapha in nature (the elements of earth and water) and thus slow to move. He will be transiting through Leo until August 11th 2016, at which point he moves to Virgo.

Jupiter and the Sun Converge: Soul Expansion

The planet of wisdom and expansion (Jupiter) will be transiting Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun and intimately connected to our inner light. The Sun, or Surya in Sanskrit, is responsible for giving light and energy so that all things can grow and prosper. Too much light, however, and the Sun burns and scorches. He reminds us that too much of a good thing can also be harmful. Sun represents resources and the things we need to survive. As the Sun brings light, it shows us truth, satya, while offering clarity, focus and removal of darkness.

In Jyotish, the Sun represents father and masculine energy. His attributes are like the king and he shares rank and position, power and authority, as well as respect and ruler-ship. The Sun will give us our dharma, the proper path to follow for our enlightenment. Traditionally, the father is supposed to help guide the child on their path of dharma. It is the father who is responsible for instilling self-esteem and inner strength in us. Sun also represents the soul, our spiritual body, and will show us our relationship to spirituality in this life. Essentially, the Sun is the light of the soul. It is the light within us that guides our lives. The soul is what insures there is life; if the soul is not happy, the body grows sick and dies. On a psycho-spiritual level, the Sun in an expression of our spiritual body, the house of the soul. By extension, there is a connection to the physical body and the well-being of our physical structure.

Our sense of self, ahamkara, is also represented by the Sun. On a mundane, human level, the ego is also represented by the Sun. The ego is our shadowed self, the part of ourselves that identifies with the material, transitory, changing reality of life. Having a healthy relationship with the ego, the sense of self, is vital for being a well-rounded human being. This must be a conscious practice- one that is invited into our human experience, while not negating the interplay of our spirit and ego. Deepening our relationship with the Sun and studying its expression in our jyotish chart can help us awaken to our karmas around power. There is a necessity to understand the dance between the spiritual and human dynamics at play within the Jyotish chart.

The Sun is the most consistent planet and it sets the pace of time through rising and setting daily. As a result we experience days, seasons and bio-rhythms. In fact, life itself is structured around the Sun as a light source. He is the rhythm of nature and thus represented through the rhythm of music and dance.

Leo and Fifth House Matters

Leo, or Simha, in Sanskrit is symbolized by a lion and connected to the fifth house in the jyotish chart. The qualities expressed by this sign are likened to its ruler, the Sun, and being seen in big, bold ways. Goddess Durga is often depicted riding a lion or tiger and is connected to strength, health, power and overcoming challenges. Her power is an invitation to strengthen ourselves during this cycle. Other themes arrive around leadership, dominance, authority and power. Leos often have to work with ego issues, their relationship with authority and power, as well as father issues and ancestral issues. The important body parts connected to Leo and the fifth house are stomach and abdomen, the seat of the solar plexus, our power center.

The fifth house is directly connected to our power and passionate- just like the energy of a Leo. It is also the house of children, creativity and creative life force energy, and the potency of procreation. Romance and lovers are also strong as a result of this energy. Since the stomach, or upper gut, is intimately associated with our instincts, this house combines with intelligence and intellect or buddhi, as well as the intuition. By extension, education and learning are fifth house mattersas well as intelligence we gain through life experience- which can sometimes be formal, but not necessarily.

As Jupiter moves through the sign of Leo, many of these themes connected to power, creativity, romance, passion and being seen, will expand for us. Look for deepening awareness, wisdom and visibility with these areas of life as a result of this transit. The personal effects of this transit will be determined by your own Jyotish chart and how well Jupiter is able to express himself in your chart. Now is an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming transit with extra guidance and support, as well as having a Jupiter yagya for a smoother transition.

Need some extra guidance and clarity? Schedule a jyotish astrology coaching session with me.

Shadowed Power

Jupiter speeds through Leo in just over six months. As Jupiter nears the edge of Leo, he retrogrades, on January 7th. Jupiter is retrograde until May 9th, 2016. Multiple planets will also be joining him in retrograde during this lengthy backwards dance. No doubt this cycle will bring a powerful opportunity for self-development and self awareness. Retrograde planets act like the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, and invite us to work with our shadows very intentionally.

As Rahu and Ketu move into Leo and Aquarius on January 29th, 2016, a conjunction of Jupiter's purity collides with Rahu's shadow and confusion. Rahu has an intense appetite for worldly gains, has strong desires and won't take no for an answer. Jupiter's nature is one of gentle strength, expanding wisdom and pure intentions. Their energies oppose and negate each other. Wherever Jupiter is in one's jyotish chart, he enhances and supports the other grahas (planets) and the house where he is placed. He is after all a strong support and ally. Rahu, however, will ruin Jupiter’s satvic (pure) nature and destroys that which Jupiter values most. Jupiter may be able to soften Rahu, but Rahu’s nature taints Jupiter’s benefic, spiritual qualities.

With Saturn giving his gaze to Leo from his position in Scorpio, he gives his pressure to Jupiter and now Rahu in Leo as well. We get increased pressure, stress and tension with all matters of Leo as a result. The collision of Saturn and Rahu's energy in this powerful and dynamic sign will bring increased strength and potential, while simultaneously offering intensified storms and power issues.

This will be a time to temper one's worldly cravings, as they will likely be stronger and more excessive. We may notice an intense strength increase within us, while we also struggle with our sense of power and identity simultaneously. There may be extra challenges with authority figures, our fathers and those in support roles as a result. If we are in these roles, we may experience challenges and obstructions with regard to sharing our power, strength and passion- depending on the placement of these planets in one's natal chart.

Self identity and self awareness will be very prominent themes for this Jupiter in Leo cycle. Finding increased growth, wisdom and nourishment for the ego will be a part of the transit as well. Children, relationships and romance will be important factors at play, as well as creativity and passion. However, the personal effects of this transit will be determine by your own Jyotish chart and how well Jupiter is able to express himself in your chart. The placement of the Sun, your 5th house and other factors in your natal chart will also play a role in the outcome of this year long cycle.

Read Part 2 of Jupiter in Leo. What will be the personal effects on your sign?

Now is an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming transit with extra jyotish astrology guidance and support, as well as having a Jupiter yagya for a smoother transition.

Need some extra guidance and clarity? Schedule a Jyotish Astrology coaching session with me.

The Sun, or Surya in Sanskrit, is responsible for giving light and energy so that all things can grow and prosper. Too much light, however, and the Sun burns and scorches. He reminds us that too much of a good thing can also be harmful. Sun represents resources and the things we need to survive. As the Sun brings light, it shows us truth, satya, while offering clarity, focus and removal of darkness.

In Jyotish, the Sun represents father and masculine energy. His attributes are like the king and he shares rank and position, power and authority, as well as respect and ruler-ship. The Sun will give us our dharma, the proper path to follow for our enlightenment. Traditionally, the father is supposed to help guide the child on their path of dharma. It is the father who is responsible for instilling self-esteem and ultimately gives the spark of life via his sperm. The Sun is also responsible for illuminating the Moon, as well as the other planets. The Moon directly reflects the Sun's light and shares this filtered light- which is nourishing, supportive and doesn't burn. In fact the glow of the Moon is said to offer soma, or divine, healing nectar. Together, Sun and Moon represent God and Goddess, who together create life and our experience of reality.

Sun represents the soul, our spiritual body, and will show us our relationship to spirituality in this life. Essentially, the Sun is the light of the soul. It is the light within us that guides our lives. The soul is what insures there is life; if the soul is not happy, the body grows sick and dies.

Our sense of self (ahamkara) is also represented by the Sun. On this mundane, human level, the ego is also represented by the Sun. The ego is our shadowed self, the part of ourselves that identifies with the material, transitory, changing reality of life. Having a healthy relationship with the ego, the sense of self, is vital to being a well-rounded human being. This must be a conscious practice- one that is invited into our human experience, while not negating the interplay of our spirit and ego. Deepening our relationship with the Sun and studying its expression in our jyotish chart can help us awaken to our karmas in this regard. There is a necessity to understand the dance between the spiritual and human dynamics at play within the Jyotish chart. I believe this is one of the unique gifts Jyotish provides. Read more about what makes Jyotish so special.

The Sun is the most consistent planet and it sets the pace of time through rising and setting daily. As a result we experience days, seasons and bio-rhythms. In fact, life itself is structured around the Sun as a light source. He is the rhythm of nature and thus represented through the rhythm of music and dance.

Summer Solstice this year is June 21st, which marks the beginning of summer in the Northern hemisphere, as well as the longest day of light in the year.

"The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet's semi-axis, in either the northern or the southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star that it orbits. Earth's maximum axial tilt toward the Sun is 23° 26'. This happens twice each year, at which times the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole. The summer solstice occurs during a hemisphere's summer. This is the northern solstice in the northern hemisphere and the southern solstice in the southern hemisphere."  - Wikipedia

Solstice this year falls on a Sunday which is also Father's Day in the USA. It is a wonderful day to celebrate the Sun and the fathers in our lives, as well as all solar qualities.  Moon will be transiting Leo (ruled by Sun) on this day, in the nakshatra of Magha, which is dedicated to our ancestors and typically the father's lineage. Read more in my Moon Mind Calendar.

The Sun has just moved to Gemini and will continue through this airy, creative sign until July 17th. The hot, fiery combination of Mars and Sun are conjunct during this transit of the Sun. Gemini is a Mercury ruled sign, known for connection and communication and represents the merging of energies. Represented by the number three, Gemini expresses the third energy that is created when two energies come together. Metaphorically, this connects to the energy of lovers joining, creating a "third energy" out of their unification. From an artistic perspective, Gemini can represent the artist and their medium, plus the arrival of a "third" energy- or the emerging transcendental experience. The creative energy of Gemini is unstoppable, changeable and always moving. Sun in Gemini brings light to our communications, connections and creative energy. What are you seeing with this new light? How can you channel it more consciously?