Full Moon in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo

Photo of The Moon

Today the Full Moon is in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo, ruled by the Sun. The Moon is in the Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) Magha at the moment of its fullness. 
Magha "The Mighty One" is ruled by Ketu, and it is a somewhat problematic Lunar Mansion, as its energy is strong, forceful and harsh. This domineering, proud energy can be harnessed for creative projects, arts, literature, but it is not beneficial for interpersonal relationships. 

Magha (Regulus) in the Constellation Leo

 Lucky Jupiter and Rahu are also in Leo, but this month we are not getting an eclipse as the Moon and Rahu are too far apart. (For the next year and half all eclipses will happen in Aquarius and Leo, because of the presence of Ketu and Rahu respectively in these signs.) 
 

Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) within the Zodiac

As always, the day of the Full Moon is Auspicious, a good time for socializing, getting together with friends and family and also perfect for a romantic evening. Incidentally, this Full Moon marks the official end of the Chinese New Year Festivities

As Leo is ruled by the Sun, this Full Moon is not quite as peaceful and serene as last month's Full Moon in Cancer. There is a lot of pride, domination and passion when the Moon is in Leo, be careful that these impulses don't get the better of you when dealing with others. 
 

The High Priestess II represents the Moon in the Tarot Deck

The presence of Lucky Jupiter and Rahu in Leo adds an energy of expansion and growth to the mix, which makes this Full Moon quiet complex and powerful. Creativity and artistic endeavors will get a wonderfully strong boost, and have the potential to be richly rewarded. 
 

Moonstone the Secondary Gem of the Moon

In relationships and romantic matters give free reign to your passion, but watch out for obsessive behavior, as Rahu can wreak havoc with obsessive, sometimes even manic tendencies.The Full Moon is receiving Saturn's Aspect from the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio, somewhat diluting the explosive nature of today's Full Moon. 
 

Pearl the Gemstone of the Moon set in silver ring

Wear Natural Pearls and Moonstones to channel the nurturing energy of the Moon, and don't forget to go outside tonight to enjoy the beauty of the Full Moon in the night sky!

Venus enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn

Tomorrow the Planet of Love Venus enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn. Venus leaves the benefic Aspect of Jupiter and also the House of Jupiter, Sagittarius, to enter Capricorn, both ruled and Aspected by Saturn.

Shukra Deva the representation of the Planet Venus in Vedic Astrology

Unlike Mercury, Venus is very comfortable under the influence of Saturn, as these two Planets are in Planetary Friendship. Venus in the Signs of Saturn brings auspicious time for art, love, romance and marriage, and Capricorn being a Cardinal Sign it is a particularly good time to initiate long term projects in these fields, as well as in businesses involved in fashion, cosmetic industry, entertainment and vehicles.

Rough White Sapphire the Secondary Planetary Gem for Venus

These projects if started during this time will greatly benefit from the Earth Element of Capricorn, providing the grounding energy necessary for the development and long term success of the venture.

Rough White Topaz excellent Gem for attracting the energy of Venus

Venus shares the Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) Uttatashada with Mercury, as the two Planets are only 4 degrees apart. This Conjunction of Mercury and Venus is favorable for negotiations and communication regarding the industries associated with Venus, even though the Planet Mercury is not really in its element and comfort in Capricorn.

Princess cut Diamond the Primary Gemstone for Venus

Excellent time for wearing Diamond, White Sapphire and White Topaz.

The whole Sign of Capricorn is right now also under the Aspect of the Warrior Planet, Mars from Libra, the martial energy influencing all three Planets currently in Capricorn.

The Empress III representing Venus in the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Sun, Venus and Mercury will benefit from Mars's energy, as focused strength, self confidence and a certain amount of aggression will be a very welcome addition to the energies of these Planets. The courage of Mars on well placed Venus is a perfect time for marriage proposals, especially as Mars is Aspecting Venus from the Cardinal Air Sign Libra, keeping the Planet of War in a balanced and diplomatic mood.

Mercury enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn

Today Speedy Mercury enters the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn to join the Sun in the House of Saturn. Almost exactly at the same time with Mercury's arrival, Moon is leaving Capricorn and enters the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius.

Mercury in Capricorn, in the Sign ruled by Saturn will act somewhat slower than usual. This is not necessarily a bad placement for the Planet of Communication and Commerce even with Capricorn also being under the Aspect of Saturn from Scorpio, as far as the regular function of Mercury goes (education, communication, business, financial transactions, contracts) but this is not the good time to initiate any projects needing Mercury's energy. 

Saturn causes delays and setbacks as well as requires discipline and diligent work. A new venture has a lot higher chance of success if it is started when Mercury is in a better position, when it receives aspects or other influences from planets that promote "growth" and "development". 

Ruby is the Primary Planetary Gem for the Sun

Ongoing projects and established businesses will not be harmed by this period, in fact Mercury Aspected by Saturn can be a very positive time for long term planning. Right now Mars is also Aspecting Mercury and Sun from Libra, bringing energy, action and passion to this otherwise somewhat slow moving situation. Mars in Libra is very well balanced and its Aspect on the Sun is beneficial for increasing self confidence and focused efforts. 

Natural Red Spinel is a superb Secondary Gem for the Sun

Most businesses will do well during this period, provided they exercise caution and base their decisions on careful calculations instead of impulsive ideas. Due to Saturn's influence cash flow can be slower than usual while Mercury is in Capricorn, but by the end of February when Mercury transits into Aquarius, these delays will no longer be a problem. 

Red Carnelian the Secondary Gemstone for the Warrior Planet

Given the weak placement of Mercury, wearing Emerald, Peridot, or other Planetary Gems for Mercury won't be much use until the end of the month.  On the other hand, as Mars is Aspecting the Sun, wearing Ruby and Red Coral can indirectly bring Good Luck to business dealings by increasing focus, charisma and self confidence. Fortunately Ruby and Red Coral can be worn together without problems. (Unless, of course these gemstones are contraindicated by the Birth Chart!) 

Red Coral the Primary Gem for attracting the energy of Mars

Venus and Mercury in the House of Jupiter

Today Mercury and Venus are in conjunction in the Mutable Fire Sign Sagittarius. These two Planets are also under the Benefic aspect of Jupiter and Rahu, conjunct in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo. 

Rough Yellow Sapphire (Jupiter)

Even though Rahu is widely considered a Malefic, when conjunct with Jupiter Rahu can really add superior strength to the "gains" and "growth" already provided by Jupiter. 

Rough Hessonite Garnet/Gomed (Rahu)

This is a really auspicious placement for Venus and Mercury. Art, romance, relationships, business transactions, financial dealings started during this period will automatically benefit from Lucky Jupiter. 

Rough Tsavorite Garnet (Mercury)

This is the right time for signing contracts, investments, submitting job applications, marriage proposals and launching art related projects. 

Rough White Topaz (Venus)

Mercury will transit into the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn on the 9th of February and Venus on the 12th of February, leaving behind both the House ruled by Jupiter and the expanding, growing effect given by the aspect of Jupiter.

Once in Capricorn these two Planets will be aspected by Mars (from the 9th and 12 respectively until the 21st), and also by Saturn (during their whole transit) so plans relating to Venus and Mercury will have a lot higher chance for quick success and growth if those plans are initiated while these Planets are still in Sagittarius under the auspicious influence of the Jupiter Rahu aspect!

Rough Emerald (Mercury)

Wear the Planetary Gems for Mercury and Venus for the next few days and consciously focus on the positive energy that is available right now in order to give your upcoming projects that extra boost and ensure their success! Luckily Diamonds can be worn together with Emeralds at the same time. see more on which gems can be worn together
 

Rough Diamond (Venus)

Mercury still Retrograde, but no longer in Combustion with the Sun

We have three more days before speedy Mercury, the Planet of Communication, Commerce and Trade resumes its forward path. Fortunately Mercury is no longer in Combustion with the Sun, as a matter of fact, because of its retrograde motion, Mercury is getting farther away from the Sun.

Screenshot of the sky in Subang Jaya Malaysia, notice the distance between Mercury  and the Sun

   One detrimental position, the Combustion, is now over, so Mercury's energy is not nullified by its extreme closeness to the Sun. However, it is still in its Retrograde Cycle, so the time is still not favorable for Mercury related "actions", such as financial deals, signing of contracts, or investments.

   On the other hand, if Mercury is well placed in the Birth Chart in Houses that DO NOT affect money and income of any kind, or communication, Mercury's beneficial energy is already available. You can put back on your Emeralds, Peridots, or other translucent green gemstones, but don't start yet anything that needs Mercury's fast moving energy.

Demantoid Garnet, rare and pricey, but a wonderful gem for channeling the energy of Mercury

Emerald, the traditional Primary Gemstone recommended for Mercury

Chrome Tourmaline, its color is caused by the same element as that of Emeralds, "chromium"

The picture doesn't do justice to the actual color and fire of Peridot. Affordable and stunning gem for Mercury!

   This is the good time to make plans and preparations. Get ready with your resume if you are looking for a job, look over the contract you are planning on signing, prepare your advertising campaign, but wait with action till January 26th.

The conduit between Heaven and Earth, all 4 suits are represented on the Magician's table

   In the Tarot Deck, the Planet Mercury is represented by The Magician, the number 1 card of the Major Arcana. Initiation, beginning, ideas, fresh starts, new opportunities are the main keywords for The Magician. It is a very strong card when it shows up in a spread, always signifying something new. As number 1, The Magician is related numerically to all the Aces of the four Tarot suits. Also to The Wheel of Fortune, the 10th of the Major Arcana (10, 1+0=1), and The Sun, the 19th card. (19, 1+9=10, 1+0=1)

Wheel of Fortune X is Change, Cyclical rise and fall and Good Luck

The Sun XIX is Good Times, Security, Abundance and Success

  Astrologically, The Magician is related to The Lovers (Gemini), and The Hermit (Virgo) as these are the signs that are ruled by Mercury.

The Lovers VI represents the Mutable Air Sign Gemini

The Hermit IX represents the Mutable Earth Sign Virgo

The Planet Mercury is Exalted in Virgo, (it's own Sign) and in Fall in Pisces. This means that when The Magician shows up in a Tarot Spread with The Lovers (Gemini) or The Hermit (Virgo) , it will reinforce and "help" The Magician, but when The Moon (Pisces) card show up in the spread, it will automatically weaken the effect of The Magician.

The Moon XVII represents the Mutable Water Sign Pisces

Sun in Capricorn January 16th

   Yesterday the Sun entered the Cardinal Earth Sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Sun in Capricorn is giving us structure, groundedness and security. This period is a very good time for planning and starting buildings and constructions. As this sign is ruled by Saturn, there should be an emphasis on discipline, punctuality and meticulous planning.

   Waxing Crescent Moon is in Fiery Aries, also a Cardinal sign, and it is aspected by the Sun, further enhancing the "starting" "initiating" energies of today's Sun-Moon combination. Time to take romantic situations to the next level, or simply giving structure to an existing relationship.
Mercury is still Retrograde in Sagittarius, and is still in Combustion with the Sun, so this time is not auspicious for financial transactions and business negotiations
.
   Venus and Saturn in the Fixed Water sign of Scorpio don't give adverse effect, as they are on "friendly terms" with each other.

   Mars in Libra allows for reasonably peaceful resolutions of conflicts, as the Warrior Planet's aggressiveness is under the control of the harmonious nature of Libra, but it's natural strength is intact.

   Retrograde Jupiter in Leo together with Rahu gives some benefit for growth and achievement in the fields of education and wealth, but this beneficial effect will be at its maximum strength only after Lucky Jupiter resumes it's forward path.

    Ketu in the Fixed Air sign of Aquarius may give some tendencies to withdraw from people and enjoy solitude, but don't give in to the temptation, this is the time for community, family, planning and enjoying and reaffirming our place in society.

 Ruby is the traditional gemstone recommended by Vedic Astrologers to channel the life giving energy of the Sun.

 Rhodolite Garnet is a wonderful and affordable secondary gem for the Sun.

Red Beryl, although rare and pricey if it is untreated, is also a superb gem to wear to attract invigorating Solar Energy.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Birth Chart, the first few days of the Solar Month (When the Sun "actually" enters a new sign, which roughly corresponds to the 15th of the Western Calendar Months)
wearing Rubies or other red translucent gemstones can be very beneficial!