Astrological Signs and the Tarot

Aries (Mesa) is the 1st of the Signs of the Zodiac. It is a Cardinal Fire Sign represented by the Ram. This is the sign of initiation, martial spirit, competitiveness, action, leadership and dynamism. Aries is located between 0° and 30° on the Celestial Equator.

The Emperor IV Aries

The ruler of Aries is Mars

The Tower XVI Mars

Mars is Mooltrikona 0°-12° Aries

The Sun is Exalted 10° Aries

The Sun XIX the Sun

Saturn is in Debilitation 20° Aries

The World XXI Saturn

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Aries are:

Ashwini  (0° - 13°20') Ruled by Ketu

Bharani  (13°20' - 26°40') Ruled by Venus

Krittika  (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus) Ruled by Sun

The Sun transits Aries yearly between the 15th of April and 15th of May (approx)

Taurus (Vrsabha) is the 2nd Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Fixed Earth Sign represented by the Bull. Persistency, stubbornness, dependability, loyalty, materialism and generosity are the dominant characteristics of Taurus. Taurus is located between 30° and 60° on the Celestial Equator.

The Hierophant V Taurus

The Ruler of Taurus is Venus

The Empress III Venus

Moon is Exalted 0°-3° Taurus

The High Priestess II Moon

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Taurus are:

Krittika  (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus) Ruled by Sun

Rohini (10° - 23°20') Ruled by the Moon

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

The Sun transits Taurus yearly between the 15th of May and 15th of June (approx)

Gemini (Mithuna) is the 3rd Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Mutable Air Sign, represented by the Twins. Independence, intelligence, adaptability, indecision, superficiality and wit are the dominant characteristics of Gemini. Gemini is located between 60° and 90° on the Celestial Equator.

The Lovers VI Gemini

Ruled by Mercury

The Magician I Mercury

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Gemini are:

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

Adra (6°40' - 20°) Ruled by Rahu

Punarvasu  (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer) Ruled by Jupiter

The Sun transits Gemini yearly between the 15th of June and 15th of July (approx)

Cancer (Karka) is the 4th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Cardinal Water Sign represented by the Crab. Strong emotions, intuition, shyness, moodiness, tenacity, protectiveness and shrewdness are the dominant characteristics of Cancer. Cancer  is located between 90° and 120° on the Celestial Equator.

The Chariot VII Cancer

Ruled by the Moon

The High Priestess II Moon

Moon is Mooltrikona 4° - 20° Cancer

Jupiter is Exalted 0°-5° Cancer

Wheel of Fortune X Jupiter

Mars in Debilitation 28° Cancer

The Tower XVI Mars

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Cancer are:

Punarvasu  (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer) Ruled by Jupiter

Pushya (3°20' -16°40') Ruled by Saturn

Aslesha (16°40' - 30°) Ruled by Mercury

The Sun transits Cancer yearly between the 15th of July and 15th of August (approx)

Leo (Simha) is the 5th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Fixed Fire Sign represented by the Lion. Power, high energy, dignity, passion, creativity, love of family, generosity, egotism, pride are the dominant characteristics of Leo. Leo is located between 120° and 150° on the Celestial Equator.

Strength VIII Leo

Ruled by the Sun

The Sun XIX the Sun

Sun is Mooltrikona 0°-20° Leo

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Leo are:

Magha (0° - 13°20') Ruled by Ketu

Purva Phalguni (13°20' - 26°40') Ruled by Venus

Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo) Ruled by the Sun

The Sun transits Leo yearly between the 15th of August and 15th of September (approx)

Virgo (Kanya) is the 6th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Mutable Earth Sign represented by the Maiden. Analytical mind, inflexibility, reliability, precision, reliability, observation and helpfulness are the dominant characteristics of Virgo. Virgo is located between 150° and 180° on the Celestial Equator.

The Hermit IX Virgo

Ruled by Mercury

The Magician I Mercury

Mercury is in Exaltation 0° - 15° Virgo

Mercury is Mooltrikona 16° - 20° Virgo

Venus in Debilitation 27° Virgo

The Empress III Venus

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Virgo are:

Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo) Ruled by the Sun

Hasta (10° - 23°20') Ruled by the Moon

Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra) Ruled by Mars

The Sun transits Virgo yearly between the 15th of September and 15th of October (approx)

Libra (Tula) is the 7th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Cardinal Earth Sign represented by the Scale. Diplomacy, balance, gracefulness, vanity, superficiality, indecision, unreliability, peacefulness, idealism are the dominant characteristics of Libra. Libra is located between 180° and 210° on the Celestial Equator.

Justice XI Libra

Ruled by Venus

The Empress III Venus

Venus is Mooltrikona 0° - 15° Libra

Saturn is Exalted 20° Libra

 

The World XXI Saturn

Sun is in Debilitation 10° Libra

The Sun XIX Sun

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Libra are:

Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra) Ruled by Mars

Swati (6°40' - 20°) Ruled by Rahu

Visakha (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio) Ruled by Jupiter

The Sun transits Libra yearly between the 15th of October and 15th of November (approx)

 

Scorpio (Vrscika) is the 8th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Fixed Water Sign represented by the Scorpion. Passionate, secretive, resourceful, dynamic, observant, obsessive, unyielding, manipulative are the dominant characteristics of Scorpio. Scorpio is located between 210° and 240° on the Celestial Equator.

Death XIII Scorpio

Ruled by Mars

The Tower XVI Mars

Moon is in Debilitation 3° Scorpio

The High Priestess II Moon

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Scorpio are:

Visakha (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio) Ruled by Jupiter

Anuradha (3°20' - 16°40') Ruled by Saturn

Jyeshta (16°40' - 30°) Ruled by Mercury

The Sun transits Scorpio yearly between the 15th of November and 15th of December (approx)

Sagittarius (Dhanusa) is the 9th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Mutable Fire Sign represented by the Archer. Independence, religion, philosophy, law, emotional unavailability, optimism, recklessness, creativity are the dominant characteristics of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is located between 240° and 270° on the Celestial Equator.

Temperance XIV Sagittarius

Ruled by Jupiter

Wheel of Fortune X Jupiter

Jupiter is Mooltrikona 0° - 10° Sagittarius

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Sagittarius are:

Mula (0° - 13°20') Ruled by Ketu

Purva Ashada (13°20' - 26°40') Ruled by Venus

Uttara Ashada (26°40' Sagittarius -10° Capricorn ) Ruled by the Sun

The Sun transits Sagittarius yearly between the 15th of December and 15th of January (approx)

Capricorn (Makara) is the 10th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Cardinal Earth Sign represented by the Goat. Patience, responsibility, ambition, loyalty, resourcefulness, lack of imagination, dictatorial, inhibition are the dominant characteristics of Capricorn. Capricorn is located between 270° and 300° on the Celestial Equator.

The Devil XV Capricorn

Ruled by Saturn

The World XXI Saturn

Mars is Exalted 28° Capricorn

The Tower XVI Mars

Jupiter is in Debilitation 5° Capricorn

Wheel of Fortune X Jupiter

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Capricorn are:

Uttara Ashada (26°40' Sagittarius -10° Capricorn ) Ruled by the Sun

Sravana (10° - 23°20') Ruled by the Moon

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

The Sun transits Capricorn yearly between the 15th of January and 15th of February (approx)

Aquarius (Kumbha) is the 11th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Fixed Air Sign represented by the Water Bearer. Wit, cleverness, originality, humanitarian endeavors, sarcasm, stubbornness, inventiveness, rebellion are the dominant characteristics of Aquarius. Aquarius is located between 300° and 330° on the Celestial Equator.

The Star XVII Aquarius

Ruled by Saturn

The World XXI Saturn

Saturn is Mooltrikona 0° - 20° Aquarius

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Aquarius are:

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

Shatabisha (6°40' - 20°) Ruled by Rahu

Purva Proshtapada (20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces) Ruled by Jupiter

The Sun transits Aquarius yearly between the 15th of February and 15th of March (approx)

Pisces (Meena) is the 12th Sign of the Zodiac. It is a Mutable Water Sign represented by a Fishes. Compassion, adaptability, imagination, devotion, sensitivity, indecision, apathy are the dominant characteristics of Pisces. Pisces is located between 330° and 360° on the Celestial Equator.

The Moon XVIII Pisces

Ruled by Jupiter

Wheel of Fortune X Jupiter

Venus is Exalted 27° Pisces

The Empress III Venus

Mercury is in Debilitation 15° Pisces

The Magician I Mercury

The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) situated within Pisces are:

Purva Proshtapada (20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces) Ruled by Jupiter

Uttara Proshtapada (3°20' - 16°40') Ruled by Saturn

Revati  (16°40' - 30°) Ruled by Ketu

The Sun transits Pisces yearly between the 15th of March and 15th of April (approx)

New Moon in Capricorn Chinese New Year

Tomorrow Sun and Moon will meet in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, and at this moment the sign is also under the Aspect of Saturn from Scorpio and the Aspect of Mars from Libra. This month's New Moon is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice, thus marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

The Chinese Zodiac

The Aspect of Saturn, The Great Disciplinary does bring potential delays, but the Aspect of Mars on the Moon and Sun is a very positive and energetic influence.
Particularly so for the New Moon. Mars's courage and focus will make this Lunar Month very well suited for forging ahead with plans and projects relating to agriculture, arts, literature and love.

Moonstone the Secondary Gem for the Moon

Best to exercise some caution before taking action, because the Aspect of Saturn can cause some setbacks and delays in case of too hot headed action. Romantic plans will greatly benefit from the New Moon under the Aspect of Mars. The Warrior Planet is in Libra right now, so it's energy is strong and focused, but relatively non confrontational, making this a perfect time for marriage proposals, undertaking the logistics of wedding plannings and engagements.

Red Carnelian excellent for channeling Mars's focused energy

Businesses involved in the beauty industry, fashion, entertainment will receive favorable conditions for launching new products. Plans and dealings involving government (application for permits, approvals etc.) will take their own time, but there is a very good chance for success, so don't loose patience!

Rahu and Retrograde Jupiter Conjunct in the Fixed Fire Sign Leo are also Aspected by Saturn, so the fantastic and grandiose results promised by this Rahu Jupiter Conjunction are taking slower to materialize. Still not the right time for expansion and upgrading for businesses in real estate. Major investments and mergers should also be put on hold if possible, until Lucky Jupiter resumes its Forward Motion.

Emerald, the Traditional Planetary Gem for Mercury

Venus the Planet of Love and Luxury and Speedy Mercury are still in The Mutable Fire Sign Sagittarius under the Benefic Aspect from Jupiter and Rahu in Leo. Excellent time to initiate projects related to the internet and education, also for negotiations and job applications. In a couple of days Mercury will leave both the House and the Aspect of Jupiter, so take advantage of this time to ensure fast growth and success of new ventures. Wear the Planetary Gems recommended for Mercury and consciously embrace the energies of Mercury to increase your chances for success in business dealings!

Peridot, the Secondary Gemstone for Mercury

Who is afraid of Shani? (The Truth about Saturn)

The Planet Saturn is known in Western Astrology as the "Greater Malefic". In Indian (Vedic) Astrology the Planet of Discipline (Shani) is also considered a Malefic Planet. That being said, there is a huge misconception about the Energies of Saturn today.

Astrologers may have named Saturn a Malefic, but they have analyzed the placement of Saturn in the Chart to see whether Saturn is "acting as a Malefic" or not. Nowadays most people automatically assume that Saturn (Shani) is a bad, unlucky planet, without even checking the details of their Chart.

Shani Dev (Saturn)

It is time for someone to speak up in defense of Saturn. The Planet Saturn is related to delays, boundaries, hard work and generally "restrictions". It should be noted that these"restrictions" aren't random and mean spirited (malefic). This simply means that Saturn gives us a constant Reality Check, hence the other nickname "The Great Disciplinary". As Saturn is very strongly associated with Time, punctuality, along with dedication, hard work, reliability also becomes something that Saturn requires from us.

No matter how "harsh" these words seem, if one takes a step back and considers the role these "harsh" concepts play in our everyday lives, it easy to see that "discipline", "punctuality", "hard work" and "discipline"are only cruel, if we live a life of utter laziness with no purpose whatsoever.

No other Planet has such an undeserved Bad Reputation

Traditionally, the 10th and the 11th Houses are ruled by Saturn. These are the House of Carrier and Public Recognition (10th) and the House of Friends, also known as the House of Gains. The 11th House is probably the single most important House for incoming material gain and earnings. The fact that Saturn rules these houses, really underscores the unbelievable ability of Saturn to give. Saturn is the Planet (provided it is well placed and well aspected) that can give the most, regarding, money, fame, public recognition and success.

The World XXI representing Saturn in the Tarot Deck

The Houses that Saturn aspects in the Birth Chart always receive these characteristics as well. (Saturn in or aspecting the House of Death will give a long life, due to the "delaying" effect of Saturn). Equally, "sudden accidents" will greatly benefit from Saturn, as the Planet of Discipline will invariably dilute major accidents into small easier to manage mishaps.

During the Mahadasa (Planetary Period) of Saturn extra care should be taken of "following the rules" of Saturn, and hard work should be expected. But isn't work a good thing? Purpose, punctuality, discipline, steady work are the backbone of a productive and happy life.

Lapis Lazuli should be worn to enhance the energies of Saturn

Embrace the qualities required by this Great Disciplinary, perform your duties diligently and on time, be reliable, work hard, persevere in your projects and Saturn will give you the Success you deserve. Wearing Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli will bring excellent results! (Unless the Birth Chart indicates otherwise)

Blue Sapphire is the Traditional Vedic Gem recommended for Saturn

As Astrology is best used as a tool for understanding the Universe and improving our lives, Planetary Gems will be way more effective if we consciously embrace the qualities of the Planet whose energies these magnificent gems channel. Wear a beautiful Blue Sapphire and actively "aim" for improving your attitude towards discipline and work, and the results will absolutely amaze you.

Star Sapphire from Sri Lanka

The Aces of the Tarot Deck New Beginnings

The Aces of the four suits, (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) represent new beginnings and opportunities according to their own elements, showing us what is the nature of the new opportunity. In a Tarot Spread depending on their dignity (their exact placement) Aces always show "where" and in "which area of life" will these opportunities present themselves.

There is always the "out of the clear blue sky" feel with the Ace cards, as the opportunities they show are never the consequences of our previous actions, these are really new and unexpected beginnings. Aces are extremely bound by their elements, so the Ace of Wand will always represent an initiative force relating to passions, as its element is Fire.

Element of Fire

The Ace of Cups shows a new and unexpected opportunity in the realm of emotions, intuitions as its element is Water.

Element of Water

The Ace of Swords, is the card of new ideas, new beliefs, a very different way of thinking, as the element of Swords is Air.

Element of Air

The Ace of Pentacles, element of Earth shows a new opening, new opportunity relating to finances, health, and generally the manifest world.

Element of Earth

All the Ace Cards relate numerically to the 10 cards, especially if the 10 card in the Spread happens to be the same suit as the Ace. Of the Major Arcana, The Magician I (1), the Wheel of Fortune X (10 1+0=1) and The Sun XIX (19 1+9=10 1+0=1) relate to the Aces.

The Magician I reinforces all the Aces in a Tarot Spread

The Wheel of Fortune X foretells and supports the new beginning of the Aces of the four Suits

The Sun XIX ensures the viability of the new beginning shown by any of the Aces in a Tarot Spread

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)

Finding Auspicious Time for Greater Luck and Success

As the Signs and Planets at the moment of birth affect us throughout our entire lives, our everyday activities are also influenced by the Planetary Support or Adversity we continuously receive from the heavens. By knowing the nature of these influences and consciously planning our day to day activities according to the placement of Signs and Planets in the Birth Chart, we can fine tune our lives for Greater Luck and Success.

Horas (Planetary Hours) must be carefully calculated for each day on every location, as they depend on the exact timing of the sunrise and sunset.

The time between sunrise and sunset are divided by 12. This gives the length of the Day Horas. The time between sunset and sunrise are also divided by 12, giving us the exact length of the Night Horas. 

Here in Malaysia we have 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of night time because we are very close to the Equator. In practical terms this means that both Day Horas and Night Horas are 1 hour each. In higher latitudes (going farther from the Equator either South or North) the difference between the length of the Day and Night Horas, as well as the yearly fluctuation is a lot greater. 

 

The order of the Planets ruling the individual Horas is the following:

Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, (and it always repeats in this order)

On Sundays the 1st Hora is the Hora of the Sun

On Mondays the 1st Hora is the Hora of the Moon

On Tuesdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Mars

On Wednesdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Mercury

On Thursdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Jupiter

On Fridays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Venus

On Saturdays the 1st Hora is the Hora of Saturn

You can simply go with the system of Natural Malefic Planet give unlucky Horas, and Natural Benefic Planets give auspicious Horas, but I find this a too broad brush approach. Astrology gives way better results when it is carefully calculated on individual basis.

The best way to harness the power of the Planets in our daily life is based on the Birth Chart. Identify the Ruling Planet of the Sign in your Birth Chart that occupies the House associated with the action you want to perform, and perform this action in the Hora of the Ruling Planet.

If you want to propose, or have a romantic date, do it during the Hora of the Ruler of your 7th House . If you want to send out a resume, do it during the Hora of the Lord of your 10th House, etc, etc.