Sun enters Aquarius

Today the Sun enters the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius ruled by Saturn. As with every transit moment, this is the time for new beginnings on a smaller scale, reflecting new opportunities and changes in our everyday life. Sun in Aquarius brings innovative ideas and a free spirited approach, the Element of Air being very pronounced during this transit, affecting ideas and thoughts.

Red Tourmaline Gem for the Sun

The Sun is right now sharing the Sign with Ketu and the presence of the Shadow Planet in Aquarius is going to cause some pessimism and self doubt, but the Aspect of Lucky Jupiter from Leo brings opportunities for growth and expansion. During this transit, best is to trust your ideas and allow your imagination to roam freely, as really good ideas regarding carrier and business can become fruitful and profitable under the Aspect of Jupiter, but make sure you are meticulous in the implementation of these ideas, because Saturn, the Ruler of Aquarius demands discipline and dedication in work matters.

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, the Planetary Gem for Ketu

Ketu is going to give a boost for scientific research, so this Sun-Ketu conjunction in Aquarius is extremely favorable for people working in the field of science. If allowed by the Dasha (Planetary Period) and the Birth Chart, wearing the Planetary Gems of the Sun (Ruby, Red Garnet, Red Spinel, Red Tourmaline) will enhance the power of the Sun, which is particularly beneficial for the first few days of the transit, setting the "tone" for Sun's journey through Aquarius.

Yellow Sapphire the Planetary Gem for Jupiter

Jupiter and Rahu Conjunct in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo are receiving the Aspect of the Sun from Aquarius, bringing out the more positive aspects of Rahu during this transit. The power of Jupiter and Rahu are magnified as Leo is Ruled by the Sun and currently also Aspected by the Sun, bringing wonderful opportunities for gain, profit and expansion in business.

Hessonite Garnet the Gemstone of Rahu

Rahu's tendency to tempt us to use unethical means are greatly weakened by the Sun, leaving us with a reasonably safe and very powerful energy for growth. Wearing Yellow Sapphire or Hessonite Garnet (Gomed) can be very lucky for attracting wealth and encouraging growth and development of business projects. wearing different gemstones at the same time
Because Jupiter is still in its Retrograde Cycle this Auspicious Planetary Position is still not favorable for real estate.

Moonstone the Secondary Gem of the Moon

The Waxing Moon is in Aries today in the Lunar Mansion Bharani, exchanging Aspects with Mars in Leo. This mutual Aspect of Moon and Mars in Fire Signs are favorable for forging ahead with romantic plans, and projects related to art. This is not the "creative time" this is the time to take action in these areas of life. As the Moon moves very fast, this alignment only last for the next 24 hours or so, so take advantage of this moment!

Red Carnelian the Secondary Gem for Mars

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 in Sagittarius January 21

   Venus is currently transiting the Mutable Fire sign of Sagittarius, joining Retrograde Mercury. Venus is very well placed in Sagittarius, as the ruler of the sign, Jupiter is in Planetary Friendship with the Planet of Love and Beauty. The time of this transit is beneficial for creative and artistic pursuits, especially as right now the whole sign is aspected by Jupiter. Even though Jupiter is Retrograde at the moment, it still casts some of its benefic energy on Venus in Sagittarius.

   The mutable nature of the sign promotes "big picture" ideas, a flexible approach, and a generally free spirited way of dealing with relationships. There is a lot of opportunity for growth and development in the areas of relationships, art and creativity during this transit.

   Mercury, also in Sagittarius, is still Retrograde, so investments and financial dealings will not benefit from this otherwise favorable planetary position until Mercury resumes its forward motion on the 26th of January.

   As Mars, the Warrior Planet is in Libra, this is also an excellent time to solve disputes, as Mars in Libra is focused and strong, but without its often unnecessarily aggressive edge.

Unless otherwise indicated by the Birth Chart, Diamond, White Sapphire and White Topaz will enhance the beneficial effect of Venus for Love, Relationship, and Art during this transit.

Diamond, the Primary Gemstone For Venus

   Red Coral or Carnelian can be very helpful for focusing efforts and increasing stamina. Be mindful that natural (untreated) Red Coral is a very hot gemstone. Regardless of the position of the planets, Red Coral should not be worn on very hot days. (Like right now here in Malaysia!)

Red Carnelian, the secondary gem for Mars

Natural Red Coral, the gemstone of Mars

Natural Red Coral

   The best gems for hot and dry weather are Blue Sapphire, Gomed, Diamond, Emerald and Pearl. These are Planetary Gems, so before you put them on, you need to check whether these gems are suitable for you as per your Birth Chart, or not. (On my website www.tarotgems.com there is a page on explaining the suitability of gemstones in details.)

   Other than the Planetary Gems, there are other very safe gemstones that have the ability to considerably lower body temperature. Clear Quartz, Kyanite, Fluorite and Smoky Quartz, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz and Amethyst are perfect for anyone for cooling the body on a hot day.

Clear Quartz, also known as Rock Crystal is a very cooling stone

Amethyst, basically a purple Quartz is cooling and calming

Blue Zircon is a rare, but wonderful gem with a cooling, calming effect

Smoky Quartz is probably the most "manly" of all the cooling stones

Kyanite comes in many colors, the most spectacular is a strong blue

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!