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!

Mars enters its own sign the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio

Today the Warrior Planet Mars entered the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio to join Saturn. This is a very good placement for the Planet, as Mars is the Ruler of Scorpio. Mars transiting Scorpio brings out the feminine, secretive and manipulative qualities of Mars. During this transit we can expect secret plots and hidden enemies, especially in the work place. Although Mars is a Natural Malefic, in Scorpio the Warrior Planet is not really malicious, but problems can arise from the straight forward nature of the planet being expressed in a covert manner. The Conjunction of Mars and Saturn will make this time all about work and effort.

Red Coral the Planetary Gem for Channeling the Energy of Mars

Sun and Ketu Conjunct in the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius is under the aspect of Lucky Jupiter from Leo, and Mars from Scorpio. As Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, here again we see the effect of Mars and Saturn energies together. The work and effort pattern. The aspect of Jupiter adds a potential of growth to the mix, and Mars's inherent strength and vigor helps the otherwise pessimistic and lethargic mood caused by Ketu. As Aquarius is all about thoughts, don't let lack of confidence and low self esteem stop you from developing new ideas, especially regarding carrier. The benefic aspect of Jupiter brings a wonderfully creative and fruitful time for scientists and researchers.

Ketu represented in Vedic Culture

Mercury and Venus Conjunct in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn is exchanging aspects with the Waxing Moon in Cancer. Moon is Mooltrikona, a very powerful position especially in the waxing cycle, like right now. This mutual aspect makes this a short but extremely auspicious time for communication regarding romantic matters and art. This is a perfect time for action in financial matters for businesses in the fields of fashion, beauty, e commerce and advertising. Remember that this mutual aspect is very short lived as the Moon changes Lunar Mansions every day, and by tomorrow it will be in Leo, joining Jupiter and Rahu. Opportunities given by the transit and aspects of the Moon must be seized right away.

Moon is the fastest moving Planet, influencing our daily lives to the strongest degree

Speedy Mercury and Venus the Planet of Beauty are only 5 degrees apart in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn, in the Nakshatra Shravana ruled by the Moon. The energies of this conjunction under the influence of the Moon provide fabulous opportunities for increased cash flow and success in businesses related to Venus. In private matters, this is the time for communication with loved ones, marriage proposals, engagement.

Citrine Secondary Gemstone for Jupiter

Lucky Jupiter and Rahu in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo are only 2 degrees apart. Although Jupiter is still Retrograde, this closeness gives incredible potential for growth and expansion. But make sure you err on the side of the legal and the moral, as Rahu does have a tendency to encourage greed to get out of hand. The aspect of Saturn can make the result of a bold and daring action somewhat delayed, but spectacular results are coming all the same.

Hessonite Garnet (Gomed) the Gemstone of Rahu

The Importance of the Moon in Astrology

The Birth Chart in Vedic Astrology is drawn up to show the exact moment of birth. The Zodiac Sign rising on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth is known as the Ascendant or Rising Sign. Naturally, in the Birth Chart this is the Sign (Rasi) that will be the 1st House (Lagna), and the rest of the Houses will be the Signs that follow the Ascendant in the order of their appearance on the horizon. The Birth Chart gives vital information for the person's life, but if one wants a very accurate insight into the character of the person, and the details of how planetary energies will play out, the Moon Chart is needed.

Photograph of the Full Moon

The Moon Chart is drawn up with the Astrological Sign where the Moon is placed as the 1st House. The position of the Planets will be the same as in the Birth Chart, but they will occupy different Houses.

Chandra the visual representation of the Moon in Vedic Astrology

 Planetary Periods (Dasha) can only be calculated if the exact position of the Moon is known, and knowing the Dasha is one of the most important tool for predictions. The Moon also represents the Mother (or the Feminine). It is a receptive, yet nurturing force, a person's Moon Chart will show the "how" and "when" relating to events predicted in the Birth Chart, as our actions and reactions in life are the product of our mental state and emotional response, which are solely affected by the Moon.

 A wonderful way of working with the Moon Chart is the Sudarsana Chart. In this configuration, the Birth Chart, Moon Chart and Sun Chart are drawn up in concentric circles joined at the 1st House of each Chart. The Sudarsana Chart make it very easy visually to see the different areas of life, as each House (Bhava) is in the same segment of the circle.

The green circle is the Birth Chart (The Ascendant, Virgo is lined up as the 1st House with Taurus and Aquarius in the Moon and Sun Charts respectively)
The white circle is the Moon Chart, and the pink circle is the Sun Chart.
Looking at the Sudarsana makes it very easy to see all the combined effects from Ascendant, Moon and Sun on each House, providing a very thorough look at the different areas of life determined by the Houses.

Pearls, the Gemstones channeling the Energies of the Moon

The Moon represents mental state, mind, emotions, imagination, our link to the subconscious and creativity. This is why in order to see life opportunities and obstacles in Astrology, one has to take the Moon Chart in consideration, as the true life path is determined how will we react to the situations encountered. The position of the Moon in the Chart is given by Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) The ruling planet of the Moon's Nakshatra is very important, as the character of the Ruler will have a great influence on the person's nature.

Planetary Periods (Dasha) and their Importance

Planetary Periods are extremely important in determining how is an individual affected by the current movement of the heavenly bodies. Even though the Birth Chart obviously remain the same during one's life, the effect of the position and aspect of the planets changes according to which Dasha is operating currently.

The Nine Planets represented in Traditional Vedic Astrology

Planetary Periods are determined by the exact position of the Moon at the moment of birth. Each Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) is ruled by one of the 9 Planets. There are many different systems of Dasha known in Vedic Astrology, but by far the most popular and best understood among them is the Vimshottari Dasha.

The Dasha system is a unique feature of Indian Astrology, but more and more Western Astrologers are incorporating the idea of the Planetary Periods in their work, because this concept allows for very accurate predictions. Without taking the Dasha in account, it would be hard to understand why people with similar planetary alignments get so vastly different results from current transits.

The Dasha Lords (the Ruling Planet of the Lunar Mansion where the Moon was at the moment of Birth) express their energies according to the Planetary Periods. This is particularly useful in establishing time lines. For instance, the Birth Chart can nicely predict a good and happy marriage, but the timing of this marriage can only be seen through the Dasha system. The same goes for every different area of life, carrier, wealth, children, etc. This is why it is very important to know which Planetary Period is operating at the current moment.

How a Dasha will play out depends on the strength of the Dasha Lord in the Birth Chart. If a Planet is well placed in the Chart, its Dasha will also be easy and benefic, if badly placed, its Dasha will be a period of hardship. During the Dasha of a given planet, the characteristics of the planet and the areas of life determined by the Houses ruled and affected by this planet in the individual's Birth Chart will be in focus. Each Planet's period is of different length, and they follow always in this order.

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye the Planetary Gem for Ketu

Ketu 7 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Ashwini, Magha or Mula, the person starts life with Ketu Dasha.

White Sapphire, the Secondary Gem for Venus

Venus 20 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Bharani, Purva Phalguni, or Purva Ashada, the person starts life with Venus Dasha.

Ruby the Planetary Gemstone for the Sun

Sun 6 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, or Uttara Ashada, the person starts life with Sun Dasha.

Natural Pearl, the Gemstone for the Moon

Moon 10 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Rohini, Hasta, or Sravana, the person starts life with Moon Dasha.

Red Coral the Planetary Gem for Mars

Mars 7 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Mrigashira, Chitra, or Dhanistha, the person starts life with Mars Dasha.

Hessonite Garnet/Gomed the Planetary Gem for Rahu

Rahu 18 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Adra, Swati, or Shatabisha, the person starts life with Rahu Dasha.

Yellow Sapphire the Planetary Gem for Jupiter

Jupiter 16 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Punarvasu, Visakha, or Purva Proshtapada, the person starts life with Jupiter Dasha.

Blue Sapphire the Planetary Gem for Saturn

Saturn 19 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Pushya, Anuradha, or Uttara Proshtapada, the person starts life with Saturn Dasha.

Emerald the Gemstone for Mercury

Mercury 17 years
If at the time of birth the Moon was in the Nakshatras: Aslesha, Jyeshta, or Revati, the person starts life with Mercury Dasha.

In addition to the more precise interpretation of the Birth Chart, knowing the Dasha also can predict how will current planetary positions, transits and aspect will effect an individual's life. Understanding the Dasha Lord's energies can give a profound insight and serve as a guiding light during their Planetary Periods.

The Nine Planets in Astrology

Planets (Grahas)

Navagraha ring, traditional Indian Jewelry representing the Nine Planets

Sun

Ruby the Gemstone of the Sun

Natural Malefic

Soul, ego, true will, central purpose in life, masculine

 

The Sun XIX the Tarot Card representing the Sun

Ruler of the Fixed Fire Sign Leo

Exalted in 10° Aries

Mooltrikona in 4° - 20° Leo

Debilitated in 10° Libra

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Sun aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Sun rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Krittika (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus)

Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo)

Uttara Ashada (26°40' Sagittarius -10° Capricorn )

Moon

Pearl the Gemstone of the Moon

Natural Benefic

Mind, emotions, intuition, nurturing, feminine

The High Priestess II the Tarot Card representing the Moon

Ruler of the Cardinal Water Sign Cancer

Exalted in 3° Taurus

Mooltrikona in 4° - 20° Cancer

Debilitated in 3° Scorpio

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Moon aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Moon rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Rohini (10° Taurus - 23°20' Taurus)

Hasta (10° Virgo - 23°20' Virgo)

Sravana (10° Capricorn - 23°20' Capricorn)

Mercury

Emerald the Gemstone of Mercury

Natural Benefic

Education, intelligence, communication, writing, commerce, neutral gender

The Magician I the Tarot Card representing Mercury

Ruler of the Mutable Air Sign Gemini and the Mutable Earth Sign Virgo

Exalted in 15° Virgo

Mooltrikona in 16° - 20° Virgo

Debilitated in 15° Pisces

Around Sunrise and Sunset Mercury is strong in both Hora of the Sun and Hora of the Moon, other times it is neutral.

Mercury aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in.

Mercury rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Aslesha (16°40' Cancer - 30° Cancer)

Jyeshta (16°40' Scorpio - 30° Scorpio)

Revati  (16°40' Pisces - 30° Pisces)

Venus

Diamond the Gemstone of Venus

Natural Benefic

Art, love, luxury, beauty, sensuous pleasures, marriage, feminine

The Empress III the Tarot Card representing Venus

Ruler of the Fixed Earth Sign Taurus and the Cardinal Air Sign Libra

Exalted in 27° Pisces

Mooltrikona in 0° - 15° Libra

Debilitated in 27° Virgo

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Venus  aspects the 7th Sign from the Sign it is placed in. 

Venus rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Bharani  (13°20' Aries - 26°40' Aries)

Purva Phalguni (13°20' Leo - 26°40' Leo)

Purva Ashada (13°20' Sagittarius - 26°40' Sagittarius)

Mars

Red Coral the Gemstone of Mars

Natural Malefic

Control, violence, drive, power, domination, strength, masculine

The Tower XVI the Tarot Card representing Mars

Ruler of the Cardinal Fire Sign Aries and the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio

Exalted in 28° Capricorn

Mooltrikona in 0° - 12° Aries

Debilitated in 28° Cancer

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Mars aspects the 4th, 7th and 8th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Mars rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Mrigashira (23°20' Taurus -  6°40' Gemini)

Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra)

Dhanistha (23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius)

Jupiter 

Yellow Sapphire the Gemstone of Jupiter

Natural Benefic

Creativity, Divine wisdom, growth, expansion, luck, vitality, joy, masculine

Wheel of Fortune X the Tarot Card representing Jupiter

Ruler of the Mutable Fire Sign Sagittarius and the Mutable Water Sign Pisces

Exalted in 5° Cancer

Mooltrikona in 0° - 10° Sagittarius

Debilitated in Capricorn

Strong in Hora of the Sun (0° - 15° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius and 16° -30° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces)

Jupiter  aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Jupiter rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Punarvasu  (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer)

Visakha (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio)

Purva Proshtapada (20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces)

Saturn

Blue Sapphire the Gemstone of Saturn

Natural Malefic

Discipline, limitation, time, hard work, delay, slow long term material creation, neutral

The World XXI the Tarot Card representing Saturn

Ruler of the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn and the Fixed air Sign Aquarius

Exalted in 20° Libra

Mooltrikona in 0° - 20° Aquarius

Debilitated in 20° Aries

Strong in Hora of the Moon (0° - 15° Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn Pisces and 16° -30° Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius)

Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th and 10th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Saturn rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Pushya (3°20' Cancer -16°40' Cancer)

Anuradha (3°20' Scorpio - 16°40' Scorpio)

Uttara Proshtapada (3°20' Pisces - 16°40' Pisces)

Rahu

Hessonite Garnet (Gomed) the Gemstone of Rahu

Natural Malefic

Worldly desire, material manifestation, greed, popularity, obsession, feminine

Rahu is not assigned rulership of a Sign, but it is very comfortable in Aquarius, Saturn's Fixed Air Sign.

Rahu aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Rahu rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Adra (6°40' Gemini - 20° Gemini)

Swati (6°40' Libra - 20° Libra)

Shatabisha (6°40' Aquarius - 20° Aquarius)

Ketu

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye the Gemstone of Ketu

Natural Malefic

Spirituality, otherworldly desire, non attachment, liberation, insight, neutral

Ketu is not assigned rulership of a Sign, but it is very comfortable in Scorpio, Mars's Fixed Water Sign

Ketu aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th Signs from the Sign it is placed in.

Ketu rules the Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Ashwini (0° Aries - 13°20' Aries)

Magha (0° Leo - 13°20' Leo)

Mula (0° Sagittarius - 13°20' Sagittarius)