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

   Today we are in the midst of a full blown Planetary War between Venus and Saturn in the Fixed Water Sign of Scorpio. The consensus of ancient and modern astrologers is that Venus will emerge victorious, as it is brighter. No matter which planetary force will "win", during planetary war (Graha Yuddha) the energies of both planets involved are rendered ineffective. In this case, neither Venus's, nor Saturn's energy function in its usual strength and manner.
   The best thing to do today is to put on hold romantic plans, and everything that you need Venus or Saturn energy for. Planetary Wars are powerful events, but their effect is as short lived as the duration of the "close encounter".

   Today is the last day of the Waning Crescent Moon, relax, rest and don't start any new venture today. As it is Saturday, you can use the day for meditation, reading, a nice relaxing walk in the park.

   Today the two Lunar Nodes (Rahu and Ketu) are transiting into Leo and Aquarius respectively. For the duration of their transit, all eclipses will happen in the signs of Leo and Aquarius. Rahu and Ketu have a naturally retrograde path. As these Shadow Planets will be transiting the same signs for the next year and half, this is a very significant event. The exact effect of Rahu and Ketu in Leo and Aquarius is determined by the Birth Chart of each individual.
   On a broad, general note one can say however, that Rahu in Leo might be problematic, as Rahu is not in "planetary friendship" with Fiery Leo's ruling planet, the Sun. The obsessive nature of Rahu remaining in the house of Sun for a year and half is bound to cause some trouble. On the other hand, Ketu in Aquarius is very well placed, as the ruler of Airy Aquarius is Saturn, a planet in "friendship" with Ketu.

 Hessonite Garnet, also known as Gomed, the gemstone associated with Rahu in Vedic Astrology.

 Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, the gem that represents and channels the energy of Ketu.

Caput Draconis (Head of the Dragon) is the Latin name used in traditional Western Astrology for Rahu, and Cauda Draconis (Tail of the Dragon) is the Latin name for Ketu. As with almost every astrological concept, the imagery is identical in Western and Indian Astrology.

Planetary War

Screenshot of the Sky January 8th. Notice the planets Saturn and Venus close together in the Fixed Water Sign of Scorpio. A Planetary War (Graha Yuddha) between Saturn and Venus will occur tomorrow.