Astrological Highlights: November 2012

November 2012 is an intense month astrologically. Surrounding the United States presidential election we will have two eclipses, a retrograde Mercury, and a debilitated Sun with a strong Saturn, and a debilitated Venus.

The Astrology Behind Hurricane Sandy

As we enter November we need to first address the megastorm Sandy that has been ravaging the East Coast during these last few days.  Let’s take a close look at the water element and the Moon during the last days of October.

The Lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu, are still placed in Scorpio and Taurus. Rahu has been churning the deep waters of the water sign Scorpio since May 2011,  Rahu is of the air element and can without a doubt whip up a storm in Scorpio where he can stir up secrets, scandals and floodings.

In the chart of the United States the sign of Scorpio relates to the twelfth house, which governs loss, expenses and debt.

Rahu is presently joined by Mars creating a powerful and intense energy. The planet Mercury  (communication, transportation, trade and commerce) is also in Scorpio at this time. Scorpio governs the underground and Sandy knocked out several of the subway- and transportation systems in New York. The stock exchange had to close. Scorpio is a sign of transformation and change and many people are experiencing sweeping changes in their lives at this time.

When the Moon  became full, on October 28, the Moon was transiting its Gandanta point in the very last part of Pisces, also a water sign. The Gandanta point represents transitions, transformation and is unstable and turbulent. The outer planet Uranus, currently in Pisces, is unpredictable, erratic and represents change. Uranus also governs electricity. It was this position of the Moon that triggered this powerful storm that knocked out the electricity for eight million customers on the East coast. Both Uranus and the Moon were aspecting a debilitated Venus in Virgo. Venus is of the water element.

The Presidential Candidates from an Astrological Perspective

As we move into November we are approaching the presidential election. Which of the two candidates has a better chance? Let’s take a look at their charts.

Obama recently went into his Saturn period. His Saturn is powerfully placed in his rising sign Capricorn. This gives him discipline and capacity to work very hard with focus and concentration.  A strong Saturn makes a person serious, methodical and very responsible. For the next couple of years Saturn transits Libra, its sign of exaltation. This is Obama’s tenth house of career. The planet Saturn governs the masses, the common people. Saturn in Libra will put focus on social awareness, fairness and reform.

Mitt Romney is in his Sun period with Mercury as the sub period. Both Sun, Mercury and also Mars are in his tenth house of career which falls in the sign of Aquarius. The sign of Aquarius often associates with politics. The co-ruler of Aquarius, Rahu, is placed in his first house Taurus. The material planet Rahu does well in the material sign of Taurus. Rahu is the politician and when placed in the first house it gives a person karisma. The Sun represents power, individuality, leadership and creativity. Interestingly, the Sun and Saturn are both in the same sign at this time. This means that there is a struggle between individual power and leadership on the one hand and social principles on the other.

At this time Saturn is exalted and the Sun is debilitated. The Lord of Mitt Romney’s rising sign is Venus and Venus is presently debilitated. With both the Sun and Venus debilitated it does not look so good for Romney. However, Saturn governs his 10th house and is presently exhalted while transiting his sixth house which gives him the ability to beat his opponents. This makes for a close race between the two candidates.

Planetary Movements and Eclipses

The day of the election Mercury goes retrograde. It is presently placed between two malefic planets: Rahu and Mars. There will be confusion with communication and perhaps some unexpected result in regards to the election.

Mercury will remain retrograde until november 26th when it becomes direct again.

There will be a full solar eclipse on November 13, and a lunar eclipse on November 28.

The Sun will move into Scorpio on November 15th where it will be conjunct Rahu, and Venus moves into Libra on November 17.

The eclipses, a retrograde Mercury, and a debilitated Sun with a strong Saturn and a debilitated Venus may cause this to make November 2012 to be a disruptive and confusing month.

Astrological Highlights: August

The month of August begins and ends with a full Moon– in Capricorn on August 1st and in Aquarius on August 31st.

Important planets occupy earth signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus on August 1st. The Moon is in Capricorn, Saturn and Mars are in Virgo, and all of these planets are receiving beneficial aspects from Jupiter and Ketu in Taurus. The concentration of planets in the earth signs creates a focus on being practical and a need to understand the right course of action.

Mercury has been retrograde since mid July and may cause challenges in regards to communication. Communication will improve when Mercury goes direct on August 7th.

Venus leaves Taurus and moves into Gemini on the last day of July. This will make life more pleasant for Geminis throughout the entire month.

Saturn went back into Virgo in May but will now move into Libra on August 4th where he will stay for two years. Saturn, a planet of democracy, is comfortable in Libra. We may see increasing social awareness and some social reforms during this time.

Mars will make an exact conjunction with Saturn as he moves into Libra on August 14th. Mars will stay in Libra until the end of September. Mars and Saturn have a difficult relationship with one another. Mars is quick and impulsive and Saturn is slow and thorough. The conjunction may result in impatience and anger, particularily in regards to financial restraints, as Mars is also aspecting Jupiter and Ketu in Taurus.

There are a number of astrological factors that may lead to intense political discussion at the end of the month. The conjunction between Mars and Saturn takes place in Libra (a sign connected with politics and ideals); 6 of the planets are placed in fixed signs (indicating inflexibility); and the Aquarius Moon tends to hold strong opinions. The combination of these effects could lead to political tension during the full moon on August 31st.

Beautiful Images of the Venus Transit

A Rare Event

Transits of Venus across the face of the Sun are rare. They occur in pairs with more than a century separating each pair. The first Venus transit was on June 8, 2004 and the second one was on June 6th, 2012. We will not have other transits like this by Venus during this century.

Astrological Significance of the Venus Transit

Astrologically Venus is powerful right now. We are experiencing much activity in Taurus – a sign ruled by Venus. A full solar eclipse occurred on May 20th with six planets in this sign. We can see that Venus is “hot” in more ways than one.

Venus in Taurus relates to our material values, our earthly comforts and our financial security. Venus is an advisor and can show us the truth. Issues of Venus have an impact on our consciousness now. Venus is strong and we may experience some changes and new ways of looking at our material reality.

Astrological Highlights: May 2012

May will be an interesting month, with many planets shifting signs, and a full solar eclipse.

We will see a rapid congregation of planets in the earth sign Taurus this month. By May 21st there will be four additional planets that will join Ketu and Venus, resulting in a total of six planets in Taurus: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Jupiter, Mercury and the Moon. Seven of the nine planets used in Vedic astrology will be in earth signs  (Saturn retrogrades back into Virgo on May 15th) and there will be a full solar eclipse occurring in Taurus on May 20th.

Eclipses can potentially lead to great changes in our lives, and are especially powerful in the areas where the eclipse is visible. On May 20th there will be a solar eclipse beginning in southeast China. The eclipse will travel across the coast of Japan, over Alaska, California and the western states of America. It will pass near Redding, California. Earthquakes can be a danger at this time.

As a result of the solar eclipse and much activity in the earth signs, we may need to focus on material reality and on material values. These coming days may create some major global shifts in our thinking.

While Ketu is in Taurus stability is questioned. Taurus is a stable sign, but Ketu can be unpredictable. Ketu relates to our past, and reveals issues relating to material matters that may need to be sorted out. Ketu can act quickly and instinctively.

People with planets in Taurus may feel a bit overwhelmed. It is good to simplify our activities at this time.

Mercury finally moved out of its debilitation in Pisces on May 5th. Communication will be more straightforward and quick while Mercury makes it transit through Aries. On May 21st Mercury will join the other planets in Taurus.

The sign of Virgo has been surrounded by two malefic planets, Mars and Saturn, since November last year. Virgos may have felt some tension as a result.
Saturn retrogrades into Virgo on May 15th and this may ease the tension. Virgos may be required to work harder and to shoulder more responsibilities while Saturn is in this sign (from May 15th to August 3rd).

May is a busy month, with many planets coming into the earth signs. The eclipse, and the placement of the planets may cause this to be a chaotic time, but it can also give us the opportunity to make positive changes in our material lives and in the way we use the products of the earth.

Astrological Highlights November 2011

Mars is presently situated in Leo and will stay there until June 21st, 2012. This is increasing the energy and self-confidence in Leos, especially since Jupiter is also influencing this sign.  Leos feel lucky and Jupiter can inspire Mars to take positive action and initiative.

Virgos are likely to be relieved when Saturn leaves Virgo and enters Libra on November 15th.
The many planets in Libra did put an emphasis on partnership and cooperation during the month of October. We saw many long meetings, diplomatic efforts, and negotiations between leaders of the European Union in regards to the financial crises of the Euro zone. Saturn’s present position in its sign of exaltation, Libra, will make us aware of the need for discipline, restraint, balance and social reform. Saturn will stay in Libra for approximately two and a half years, except during the summer when Saturn goes retrograde back into Virgo for two and a half months.

Rahu, the north node of the moon, continues to churn the deep waters of Scorpio. We have had serious flooding in Bangkok, earthquakes in Turkey, and threats of Iran creating nuclear bombs. Scorpio is a water sign, and often private and secretive. With the churning of Rahu in Scorpio secrets will come to the surface.  The Penn State sex abuse scandal has been front news this month. There has been disclosure of other uncomfortable situations as well. We are likely to see more scandals rise to the surface during Rahu’s continued stay in Scorpio.
Mercury and Venus are in Scorpio and on November 16th the Sun also enters Scorpio. Mars in Leo and Sun in Scorpio are mutually influencing one another.  This will emphasize issues of power and control. We will see governments and banks struggle for more control. The potential for aggression, power struggle and violence is strong. The month of November is intense.

A partial solar eclipse will happen on November 25th. With the Moon in debilitation the mind is challenged. Four planets in Scorpio suggests transformation but also a great deal of resistance.  Saturn is twelfth from the planets in Scorpio. This is the day after Thanksgiving, the busiest shopping day of the year. Astrologically it might be a day better suited for taking a seclusion.

We are hearing talks of a break up of the Euro currency zone. There is a possibility for it during this challenging time. It will take great effort and strength to keep it all together.

Astrological Highlights October 2011

Venus is a planet representing wealth, comfort, beauty and relationship. Venus rules two astrological signs: Taurus and Libra.

Ketu, the south node of the moon, is presently in Taurus. Taurus relates to finances and wealth.  Ketu in Taurus seeks inner understanding and abstract knowledge in regards to finances and material affairs.

Libra is a sign of negotiation, diplomacy, peace and politics.

Venus moved into Libra during the first week of October and was shortly thereafter joined by Mercury. Venus is comfortable in its own sign, and during the first and middle period of October we are seeing diplomatic efforts of negotiation and cooperation in financially challenging times. For example EMU are making a decision to support Greece in their deep financial crises. The European countries are in negotiations in regards to the crises of European banks that are presently short of capital. Their lack of capital is mostly caused by nations that do not have the ability of paying back enormous loans that the banks have been providing.

Mars is presently in Cancer. Cancer is a sign that governs our need of security. During this month there are global mass protests. People are angry and upset because their employment, education and financial security are threatened.

At the end of the month, on October 26^th , the new Moon is in Libra. The focus on negotiation, harmony and unity is being challenged. Mars will aspect Venus to the degree, as well as Sun, Mercury and Moon, from its deepest place of debilitation. The need for wisdom guided action is evident. The Sun is in its place of debilitation and finding strength through cooperation is very important. Jupiter’s influence on the planets in Libra is helpful and can give some optimism during this time. However, Jupiter is retrograde which weakens his influence.

The last few days of October will continue to be challenging. Mars will be in the last degree in Cancer and the Moon, the ruler of Cancer, will be in the last degree of Scorpio. These positions are potentially toxic. They are positions known as “Gandanta”, which means karmic knots. Mars is linked to the knot created by idealistic action, where we did not know the price we needed to pay for our choices. Mars is in the zone where planets has to come to terms whith where they are now and deal with all the accumulated debris. The karma needs to be confronted. But will this release more poison? Will more corruption take place?

Venus and Mercury are leaving Libra on October 28^th and 29^th. They will be joining Rahu, the north node of the moon, in Scorpio. Mars is leaving Cancer and entering Leo on October 31^st.

Astrological Highlights: September 2011

The two Lunar Nodes, Rahu and Ketu, can reveal some of the karmic imbalances that we need to face in our lives. Presently, Rahu is in the sign of Scorpio while Ketu is in Taurus, and the two planets will remain in these positions until January 2013.

Ketu is uncomfortable in Taurus, a sign of material enjoyment. Ketu rejects material attachments and feels guilt in regards to past extravagant behavior. At this time, Ketu is in the stellar constellation of Mrigashira situated in Taurus.  Mrigashira is known as “the star of truth” and reveals the beginning of a search for answers within. Ketu’s search is instinctive, not methodical, and a lack of structure can lead to a sense of loss or confusion.

Rahu, on the other hand, represents material desires. Rahu is uncomfortable in the intense, complex and mystical sign of Scorpio. In this sign, Rahu reveals that our material desires and values are undergoing transformation and change. Rahu is often involved in politics, and in the secretive sign of Scorpio political maneuvering can take place behind the scenes. Deception, secret plotting, and even terrorism are all possible ways this energy can be expressed. Rahu is capable of administering medicines but he can also stir up and deliver poison. Rahu’s position in Scorpio is a potentially dangerous one.

The Lunar Nodes are also influenced by the rulers of the signs that they are in. Scorpio is ruled by Mars, and Mars is currently in its sign of debilitation, Cancer, as of September 9th. Mars is a planet of action and one reason for his debilitation in Cancer is that he is not able to act effectively in a sign that is influenced by emotions and fluctuations.

Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus moves into Virgo on September 10th. Venus is debilitated in Virgo and the reason for this is that Venus, a planet of wealth and enjoyment, is in a sign where practical intellect dominates. Venus will join Saturn in Virgo, accentuating restrictions and regulations. This is a time when banks, financial and political institutions may be held accountable for lack of judgment in regards to past financial matters.

Happy Birthday Leos!

August 15th – September 15th (Vedic astrological calendar)

July 23rd – August 23rd (Western astrological calendar)

LEO is ruled by the Sun, and planets in Leo are bright and shine forth with self-assuredness and dignity. People with planets in Leo often have charisma and a strong presence.

The Sun, as the ruler of this sign, radiates warmth and promotes growth and creativity. Expressing drama and entertainment, we can also see actors and directors with planets in Leo.

Leo’s may need to watch for their tendency towards self-centeredness and dominance.

This is a fire sign which emphasizes action. As a fixed fire sign, Leo’s can both inspire and maintain activity, which is why leadership qualities are associated with this sign. Leo can direct and express activity in dynamic ways.

Astrological Highlights: August 2011

The planet Mercury is retrograde during most of the month of August. Planets always move in a forward motion, but at certain intervals they appear from our viewpoint to slow down and move backwards. This is called retrograde motion. Mercury is in retrograde motion between August 2nd and August 26th. Click here to see a short 40 second video on You Tube which visually explains retrograde motion.

Mercury governs the intellect and all forms of communication. The energy of Mercury is influential in negotiations, trade, commerce, education, accounting and numbers.  When Mercury goes retrograde it has an effect on the above matters. The intellect may not be as logical or rational at this time, but acts rather instinctively.

As Mercury moves retrograde from Leo and back into Cancer it passes a critical astrological point. The last degree of Cancer and the first degree of Leo are considered vulnerable and sensitive astrological positions.  This is a point when a transition from a water sign and into a fire sign takes place. The water and fire elements are very different from one another and planets making this transition become uncertain in their expression. When Mercury retrogrades on the cusp of Cancer and Leo on August 16th it is joined by both the Sun and Venus in this very position. Watch out for irrational behaviour at this time.

The signs ruled by Mercury are Gemini and Virgo. Mars is presently visiting Gemini, and Saturn is presently in Virgo. Both of these planets are influencing one another by aspect. Mars in Gemini feels an urgent need for taking action but is restricted and blocked from doing so by a slow and conservative influence of Saturn. Saturn in Virgo, on the other hand, wants structure as well as detailed and methodical planning. Saturn’s need for security is being challenged by the need to act quickly. This conflict causes irritation, fear and anger.

Geminis and Virgos need to be especially aware during this time!

Ketu – The South Node of the Moon

Ketu is represented by the tail of the serpent. Because he is separated from the head, Ketu is not a mental planet and does not rely on reason. His element is fire, and Ketu’s energy is instinctive, subtle, intuitive and very quick.

Ketu is the tail of the serpent that was separated and cut off, and he therefore fears rejection. Ketu represents separation, rejection and non-attachment.

Ketu’s energy is sometimes expressed in the behavior of one who does not want to be involved in a material reality. Through his energy we may try to escape into a fantasy world.

Ketu can bring sudden change and transformation. Chaos can follow in the wake of this change.

The tail of the serpent represents past karma and past lives. Thee can be a sense of separation from something without an intellectual understanding of what it is. A person with a strong Ketu can have an interest in the past–both recent and ancient. They will also often have a good memory.

Ketu represents renunciation and liberation. A Ketu person wants inner knowledge and can look beyond this world. The ability to transcend material reality can create mystics, psychics and astrologers. As the planet of worldly renunciation, Ketu is an important planet for yogis, monks and nuns.