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 Tree of Life Tarot Spread

Even though the Celtic Cross Spread is probably the single most popular Tarot Spread among professional Tarot Readers today, there is another, lesser known 10 Card Spread worthy of note. 

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life Spread is based on the Kabalistic interpretation of the 10 Sephirot, the series of Divine Emanations which culminate in the manifest reality. Gipsy mystics have learned from Jewish sages during the late Middle Ages, and since that time the Tree of Life spread is widely used by Gipsy Tarot readers. This spread provides a detailed, in depth analysis of the situation. A big picture view which takes into consideration external and internal influences and forces regarding the matter.
 

The Tree of Life harnessing the power of Gemstones

The Tree of Life Spread also carries numerological connotations, so this particular spread is most effective in the hands of tarot readers who also practice numerology.

Since this spread uses 10 cards (11, with the Da'ath Card) the reading takes about 1 hour, the same as the Celtic Cross reading. 

The Positions of the Cards in the Tree of Life Tarot Spread

1.Force, 2.Form, 3.For, 4.Against, 5.Feelings, 6.Thoughts, 7.World, 8.Persona, 9.Advice, 10.Spirit, 11.Da'ath (This additional card reveals the hidden connection between all the other cards in the spread.)

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.

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

7 Reasons Astrology doesn't help people, even though it Could and Should!

1. Image

Kapiel Raaj

 

Joni Patry

Kenneth Bowser

People tend to have a preconceived notion about the "image" a legitimate astrologer should have, and they automatically reject opinions coming from sources that don't correspond to this image. The truth is that Astrology has been practiced even in the past by vastly different people. Brahmin sages, untouchable barbers, Christian monks, Gipsy women, European aristocrats, Protestant clergymen, and the list just goes on and on. Similarly, today's great and insightful Astrologers come in many styles and shapes (not to mention ethnic and cultural backgrounds). Don't disregard Astrologers because they seem "too spiritual", or "not spiritual enough" or "too traditional", or "not traditional enough".

(Kapiel Raaj Joni Patry  Kenneth Bowser  couldn't be more "different" if they tried, in looks, approach and presentation, and yet all three of them are Fantastic Astrologers!)

2. Speed Dating Syndrome

Astrological Predictions are NOT based on personal preferences!

So many people keep asking for different opinions and ordering more and more Astrological Charts in the hope of finally getting the one that pleases them. Even though there are many perfectly legitimate approaches to astrological interpretation, don't go to an Astrologer if you won't accept an opinion you "don't like", because Astrology is, after all, based on facts. You can't (or at least shouldn't) expect an Astrologer to give you a Chart showing long life, good marriage, perfect health and millions of dollars in earning just to make you happy! Also, chances are that if you finally (after several reports by different Astrologers) receive an interpretation to your liking, by that time subconsciously you will disbelieve that one too.


3. Blaming the Stars

You need to Man Up! Stop pointing fingers and blaming badly placed Planets!

Astrology's goal is to deepen our understanding of the Universe and ourselves. Blaming Retrograde Saturn in the Birth Chart for everything, from bad manners, poor grades, failure to pay child support, unpaid credit card bills to having a bad haircut and for generally being a dead beat is not conducive to positive change! Some people manage to find relatively weak malefic planetary influences to blame for pretty much everything they do wrong in their life. These people often feel absolutely wonderful after receiving their Chart, as in their mind it excuses them and further enables them to continue living without any improvement!

4. Unreasonable Fear

No, Planets are NOT Monsters!

Sometimes it would seem safer to "forget" to mark certain Planets in the Astrological Chart. Mentioning Saturn, but to a lesser extent also Rahu and Ketu often sends clients in an absolute panic. All the Nine Planets figure in everybody's Chart. The popular misconception about Shani (Saturn) as a positively evil planet literally out there to get you is so pervasive, that no amount of scholarly explanation to the contrary seem to have any effect on it. Astrology is a complex matter, placements, houses, signs, aspects and Planetary Periods have to be calculated properly BEFORE one can establish whether Saturn is indeed going to cause all the horrible things the poor planet has been accused of, or not. Similarly, just having Rahu in the Birth Chart doesn't automatically make one a degenerate alcoholic mass murderer with a gambling addiction. Rahu is in everybody's Chart, and most of us still manage to escape a life of degradation and crime, so don't panic!

5. Poor understanding of Planetary Gems

Small, heavily treated stone sold as "birthstone"

Natural gems and crystals are very powerful tools for channeling energies, including Planetary Energies, but they don't work if they are not completely untreated, not set properly (there is a barrier between the stone and the skin) and most importantly if the gems are not selected after very thorough calculations. Simply put, people tend to run into two problems. First is buying a gem because it is sold as the "birthstone" of a certain month. Most of these pieces of jewelry are heavily treated, often improperly set and not calculated for body weight. The result is absolutely zero improvement. The second problem can be a lot worse. Buying a good quality gem that was chosen before a proper analysis of the Birth Chart can be very dangerous, as increasing the influence of a badly placed (Functional Malefic) planet is clearly a pretty bad idea.

Certified Untreated Gemstone in a proper setting

6. Addiction and Codependency

No, you DON'T need to consult an Astrologer every day!

 Astrological terms and concepts can be sometimes intimidating for the layperson. As Astrology is an ancient, international and very complex field, the confusion is quite natural. But don't let it turn you into an obsessive addict. Once you have your Chart and Analysis from a reputable Astrologer, the ball is in YOUR court. Thanks to the internet, there are numerous resources available to everyone. If you don't want to calculate the Auspicious Times (Hora Calendar) for your location by yourself, or the times of Rahukalam, you are only a click away from finding this information for free online. For example
 http://www.astroloka.com
People often become so codependent on Astrologers, that they require almost daily contact and advice just to make the simplest everyday decisions. Obviously, this is not a recipe for success!


7. Lack of Taking Action and Follow up
Astrology's aim is to help people understand the Universe, and this understanding gives the potential to an incredible improvement in every areas of life. It is in a way like a weather report. Just knowing that there is a chance of rain means nothing if we don't either change our schedule or at the very least bring along an umbrella. Astrological Charts are absolutely useless if the information given is not followed by thought and action. The stars don't decide whether we can achieve something or not, they inform us How and When to Achieve them. Going to an Astrologer in itself will do nothing for your life. You need to consciously use this information to maximize your chances to succeed!

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.