The month begins with a Venus-Rahu-Neptune conjunction in Pisces, setting the stage for major shake-ups in March, when Mercury, Saturn, the Sun, and Moon join them for a once-in-a-lifetime alignment. Many things come to an end, leading to new ways of being in an ever-changing world.

Yet, the Venus-Rahu-Neptune conjunctions may bring you either delusion or a more grounded perspective. It all depends on where you are situated (dasha).

Despite a turbulent start to 2025, these transits symbolize hope for a brighter future as we move past initial challenges.

Venus is exalted for the next four months. Though it’s overshadowed by Rahu and diffuse because of Neptune, we can use the blurry outlines to dream up a new reality. However, it can lead to much confusion about right and true. And if you don’t know what’s true, you’re unlikely to do what’s right.

No matter; it won't be long before Saturn joins them and tells us what is real.

Jupiter is turning direct in early February, clarifying our aspirations and boosting optimism. Venus and Jupiter also exchange signs, a powerful combination of the two most benevolent planets in the heavens that bodes well for peace—at least in the short term.

Though Mars remains retrograde in Gemini until February 24, influencing Pluto in Capricorn puts more pressure on leaders to reveal what they’ve been hiding. The release of hostages in Israel and Gaza is an obvious example of how these transits are playing out.
By February 9, Mercury aligns with the Sun, offering sharper focus and opportunities to resolve earlier frustrations.

Mid-February sees the Sun and Mercury enter Aquarius, bringing a wake-up call as they meet Saturn. A Sun-Saturn conjunction encourages us to reassess our goals but may also challenge us to stick with them, fueling doubt about our capabilities. Leaders around the world are likely feeling the pressure at this stage.

As the month concludes, Mercury meets Saturn before entering Pisces. Fantasies may overshadow reality after an initial sense of realism, leading to unrealistic expectations and confusion. The Mercury-Venus-Rahu-Neptune alignment could further blur reality and overwhelm the mind.

Thankfully, Mars turns direct in Gemini and offers relief, helping us reorganize our thoughts and prepare for the next stage and challenge.

All planets are moving forward by the end of the month and until Venus begins its retrograde in Pisces by the beginning of March.
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Everything is moving forward in some way. We must clarify what is possible, whatever dreams may come.

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The year begins with intense energy due to Pluto's exact opposition to Mars and Rahu's influence from Pisces. This amplifies and drains Mars' energy, potentially triggering explosive events or burying issues deeper as retrograde Mars retraces its steps.

In the first two days, the Moon joins Pluto, acting as a catalyst, whether outwardly or internally. Mars retrograde in Cancer, aspected by Rahu, with Neptune, adds confusion and misinformation.

Mid-January sees the Sun entering Capricorn to conjoin Pluto and oppose Mars, shining a spotlight. By January 21, Mars retrogrades into Gemini, redirecting energy toward unresolved issues from late 2024. As Venus meets Saturn in Aquarius and the Sun moves into Capricorn, a shift occurs toward practical reflection, replacing unrealistic resolutions with grounded intentions.

Mercury’s transition from Scorpio to Sagittarius introduces optimism once it moves beyond Saturn’s influence. Venus enters Pisces by the end of the month, fostering optimism but risking self-deception with its conjunction with Rahu and Neptune.
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​Finally, Uranus stations direct at Aries’ final degree, signalling the start of a new phase in initiating projects. 

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The month begins with a New Moon in Scorpio, a dark Moon in its debilitation. Our minds may feel the tug of what is the worst that could happen. This is not the time to bury our heads, nor is it the time to have our heads in the clouds.

Mercury retrogrades back into a square to Saturn in Aquarius, and the Sun joins it halfway through its retrograde, bringing insights into hidden motivations. Jupiter is also halfway through its retrograde opposite in Taurus, bringing further insights and clarity. Yet midpoints are not endpoints, and we shouldn’t draw any conclusions.

Everything seems to be lining up at year’s end for a dramatic finale, but one that is an absolute cliffhanger. It may feel like a docuseries without a final outcome.

Venus and Mars oppose by December 12, after Venus has conjoined Pluto on December 7. There are many opposing factors and fractions at this stage. Everything may feel like on a knife edge. Mars is finding its strength in Cancer while retrograde, fuelling up again after being depleted. It’s time for round two.

We’re more likely to see extremes as Mars retrogrades in Cancer, in all kinds of spheres, including in weather forecasts and fighting wars. Rahu’s aspect from Pisces, which is itself conjunct Neptune, adds further extremes in water-related damage and confusion.

Rahu and Neptune in Pisces are also adding another strange development: the U.S. government claiming UAPs are to be found in our oceans!

Mercury’s retrograde in Scorpio may not help getting to the truth of the matter right away. Its muddled way of expressing itself is ill-timed. By mid-month, Mercury has stationed direct, while the Sun moves out of a tense square to Saturn and into Sagittarius.

This is during the Full Moon in Taurus on December 15, in stark contrast to the New Moon in Scorpio at the beginning of the month. Highest of highs; lowest of lows. A Taurus Full Moon conjunct Jupiter helps us remain buoyant, whatever else we may grapple with.

The month draws to an end with the Moon back in Scorpio, conjoined Mercury, which remains here until the New Year. Mars may be moving backwards in the Moon’s sign at this stage, but the Moon moves into Sagittarius for a second New Moon this month, by December 30, ending the year on a more optimistic note.
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The month begins with a New Moon in Libra, coinciding with Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This is a dark time of the year, as the Sun is weak, the Moon is new (dark), and Mars is also weak and aspecting the New Moon.

Angry reactions are likely one expression adding to the dark mood. This is exacerbated by Mars’ opposition to Pluto, bringing with it power struggles, within and without. We’re likely to see this play out in more obvious ways on the world stage in November, but let’s not get too distracted from the inner clear-out that this could bring in our own lives.

Despite these volatile transits, there is still hope (Jupiter) and trust in the process (Venus), as Venus in Scorpio supports Jupiter in Taurus. During this time, we may find comfort in simple pleasures, especially if our energy is low (the Sun and Mars are debilitated).

Mid-month, Venus moves into Sagittarius after the Sun enters Scorpio, bringing a renewed sense of energy and optimism. The Sun’s opposition to Jupiter in Taurus highlights Jupiter’s mid-point in its retrograde journey. We, too, are likely to feel something turn a corner. However, just as things seem to be progressing into the end of the month, Mercury goes retrograde at the end of Scorpio. This shows a need to retrace our steps and assess what went wrong.

With Mars also slowing down ahead of its retrograde in Cancer, we might feel uncertain about how to move forward or what steps to take next. Mars in Cancer alone is unsure how to act. We may not act at all or overcompensate by overdoing it.

Adding Mercury’s retrograde in Scorpio into the mix requires even more patience, as our everyday lives are impacted by setbacks and delays.

Yet there is something moving forward as Saturn stations direct in Aquarius by mid-month, that is, our long-term plans. Although it may feel as if this grinds to a halt, in a way, it also shows progress. It may not be the way we had envisioned but it’s a way forward, nonetheless.

The month ends again on a dark note, as the Moon joins the Sun in Scorpio for the New Moon phase. The New Moon is debilitated, just as it began the month, and the mood may be low, yet Jupiter’s opposition from Taurus, with Venus exchanging with it in Sagittarius, brings hope for a better situation. 
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The month begins with Mercury at its exaltation degree in Virgo, conjunct Ketu, during an annular solar eclipse. This is a time of purification, on many levels. This is followed by the nine nights of the goddess, or Navaratri, where worship of goddess Durgā can help us transform our darker impulses into light.

As nature begins to slip into its slumber, we can go within to awaken. As the saying goes, “The only way out is in”, which is apt for a Ketu eclipse, a comet, and asteroid, all due to come into view in October. We must look within for the significance of these sky events in our own lives, even when dramatic world events are likely to grab our attention.  

Mercury’s strength and the combined eclipse can bring a practical approach to any challenges. A Virgo eclipse changes something in our daily lives. Ketu can remove problems but also remove too much in the process, leaving feeling ungrounded.

Venus in Libra for the first couple of weeks may make it easier to find balance in the process. Jupiter stations retrograde on Oct 9, holding in place before shifting our awareness inward, so we can tap into the next appropriate step. Whatever has been presented thus far, we must look within for guidance. Jupiter’s retrograde in Taurus asks us to question whether sensual comforts are enough. 

Venus enters Scorpio by Oct 13, presenting further challenges to peace, especially as Mars is about to enter Cancer. Venus looks to Taurus and Jupiter placed therein, reflecting our desire for peace and harmony, but perhaps because of their apparent lack.

By Oct 20, Mars enters its sign of debilitation in Cancer while the Sun moves into its debilitation in Libra. This creates a tense and frustrated configuration, with a weakened Mars influencing a weakened Sun. Leaders around the world are likely challenged and we may even see one step down for some reason.

Mars opposes Pluto in Capricorn as it slows down in Cancer, signalling a crucial phase between these two planets over many months. This is likely to manifest as internal conflicts and more obvious power struggles on the world stage. Whatever happens in early October is likely a big theme we return to in 2025.

Finally, if you were to get up before sunrise between Sep 27 and Oct 2, you may be able to view Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the east (northern hemisphere) just before sunrise, and again in the west just after sunset between Oct 12 and Oct 30. The comet will be positioned below Regulus (Maghā), the brightest star in the constellation Leo. This is yet another indication of the downfall of a leader. The recent indictment of New York's mayor and Sean "Diddy" Combs' arrest are just two examples of Leonian figures. 

To top off some dramatic skies in October, a newly discovered asteroid is due a fly-by from Sep 29 to Nov 25, although it may not be visible to the naked eye. 
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Eclipses and comets were referred to as Ketus in ancient India. Ketu, the significator of loss, is the main story in October, it seems, where some losses are almost certainly par for the course, as things are dredged up from the past to be removed. 

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This month presents challenges related to Mercury and Venus, such as business, finances, and diplomatic relations. Although Mercury is moving direct, it’s traversing the Cancer-Leo cusp again, which complicates matters, especially as it does so on the same day Venus aligns with Ketu in Virgo. This occurs on Sep 4, around which we are likely to see some significant fallout.

The trines between Jupiter in Taurus, Venus in Virgo, and Pluto in Capricorn suggest a need for significant changes, particularly in business, banking, food distribution, and healthcare systems. This may be due to outages, storms, health scares, or all the above.
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​Meanwhile, Saturn’s ongoing transit through Aquarius highlights the importance of addressing humanitarian crises on an ongoing basis.

Venus will move out of debilitation and away from a square aspect with Mars in Gemini by Sep 18, before which the mood is likely to drop significantly. There may be many more Venus-related issues to address all month, including women-related challenges, health issues, and a general sense of discord.

Mercury will enter Virgo, its exalted sign, by Sep 23. If there is to be a financial or health issue, it may be dealt with more appropriately at this stage. We cannot ignore the role of the Jupiter-Saturn square which trends towards tightening measures.

By the time Mercury makes it to Virgo by the end of the month, we should see better communications develop. Although Mercury faces challenges from Mars' argumentative stance in Gemini, we can handle the issues more rationally.

We have the first of two eclipses on Sep 18, beginning with a partial lunar eclipse at the first degree of sidereal Pisces, just as Venus moves into Libra. When lunar eclipses come before a solar eclipse, something more immediate is brought to our attention that needs resolving, before we can start again after the revelations have stirred things up.

Things won’t settle down until after the annular solar eclipse on Oct 2 in Virgo conjunct Ketu. This is likely to bring something to an end. We may see Sun-type things, such as leaders, end their reigns, for example. We may lose confidence in leadership, perhaps around an economic or health issue, before the Sun then makes its way towards its sign of debilitation by mid-October and confidence is at a low point in the year.
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As September concludes, the Sun meets Ketu in the middle of Virgo by exact degree, with Mercury moving towards its exaltation, but also towards Ketu. Despite the potential losses, we are more likely to be able to address the issues and cut them out. 

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Mercury slows to start its retrograde in the first week of August, opposite Saturn, which is already retrograde in Aquarius. With Mars forming a square to Mercury, we will likely feel tension from these turnarounds. We may be turning a corner but not the one we expected. It may feel like we’re moving backwards through something we’d rather leave behind.

As Venus moves through Leo opposite Saturn, we might not feel good about what we must do, or because we’re prevented from doing what we want. Mars amplifies its influence on Venus in Leo, making us feel more passionate about what we do.

With Saturn’s strong presence and aspect to planets lining up in opposition, we must consider the consequences of any of our actions. The Sun’s entry into Leo by mid-month boosts our confidence despite Saturn. Yet such confidence is hard won, earned through a lot of hard work and initial self-doubt. We must adapt to the changing landscape and keep moving forward despite the retrogrades and oppositions.

Venus then slips uncomfortably into Virgo, where we’re likely to find ourselves complaining, possibly about what others are doing - or perhaps about what they’re not doing we think they should.

Mercury’s backtracking into Cancer complicates Venus’ transit through Virgo, especially as Venus is conjoined Ketu. Before the fall, there’s one last blowout in August as Venus transits Leo. This is likely enjoyable but frustrating, especially around travel plans and everyday life. The mood is likely to then drop by the end of the month as Venus enters Virgo.  

August is far from business as usual (Mercury retrograde and Venus debilitated) and may lead to economic challenges, especially as Venus and Ketu align.

I hesitate to predict financial catastrophe, as Saturn’s strength in Aquarius may keep things stable enough. Yet we might still see significant challenges ahead. Certainly, the mood begins to drop in line with the fall of Venus.  

Have a time-out with Mercury retrograde in August if you can, and enjoy Venus in Leo as it reappears in our evening skies and puts on an entertaining show.

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Mars continues to transit Aries for the beginning of the month, forming a sextile with Saturn. Although this aspect is helpful, it’s also tense, as Saturn’s strength, now stationing retrograde, pulls back on the forward momentum of Mars.

Saturn’s retrograde and aspect on Mars demands careful consideration, prompting us to rethink impulsive actions. This may be a case of having to revisit our long-term plans repeatedly.

On July 12, Mars enters Taurus, joining Uranus and Jupiter. This transit could be very disruptive, but whether that’s good or bad depends on what’s being disrupted.

This may disrupt supply chains, for example, possibly due to power outages or issues with infrastructure. Natural disasters may be to blame. Expect some disruptions, especially around July 15, when Mars conjoins Uranus by an exact degree.

The more positive expressions of Mars in Taurus, that of determined action with fortunate outcomes, are more likely as Mars joins Jupiter by mid-August, signalling a more hopeful period after some initial disturbance.

Another expression of the erratic Mars-Uranus combination is likely felt at the Olympics, which may have a lot of stops and starts. But it may also show some new world records and personal bests. Let’s hope that’s all that’s broken.

Jupiter buoys up Mars and Uranus. Ye whether that increases the chaos or holds things together depends on the circumstances. This combination may bring all kinds of breakthroughs and innovations in science and technology. Yet it may predominantly express itself in more extreme weather and major seismic activity.

Mercury quickly moves from Cancer into Leo in July but slowly returns with its head bowed in contemplation come August. July prepares us for the review. It does so by slowing down the planning so we can reassess.

In Cancer, Mercury is more emotional and reactive, especially when it’s opposed to Pluto in Capricorn. This brings a need for more security to offset the challenges we face around changes we have no control over.

By July 19, Mercury enters Leo, crossing a sensitive point it will revisit twice more because of its retrograde in August. This may bring some initial chaos and uncertainty in practical matters such as travel, trade, and communications. The world may seem more unsafe.
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Mars aspects Mercury in both Cancer and Leo. This square aspect can cause strong reactions to perceived threats (Mercury in Cancer) and the need to express oneself (Mercury in Leo). With Mars also conjoining Uranus, we may say things we later regret, or try to push things through prematurely.

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In June, Uranus transitions into Taurus after spending seven years in Aries, symbolizing a shift from warlike disruptions (Aries) to economic transformations (Taurus). Yet we mustn’t think planets leaving the sign of war puts an end to war. While it may take some of the surprise element away, as in, we are now aware of it, it doesn’t necessarily end them, unfortunately.

Replacing Uranus in Aries is Mars, its ruler. Expect a surge of energy, both in personal wilfulness and assertiveness, as well as in wars. Uranus' unpredictable influence in Taurus suggests significant economic changes – because of wars.

The one saving grace comes in the form of restrictive Saturn, an ally in Aquarius assuaging things from getting out of hand. Yet it remains to be seen how much Saturn can hold back Mars. Still, Saturn in Aquarius restricts Mars in Aries from becoming too impulsive and reckless.

As Saturn slows its transit all month, leading to its retrograde by June 29, we feel the pushback against what we have envisioned for our futures in Aquarius. While these delays conflict with what we desire (Jupiter and Venus in Taurus) and value, Pluto’s continued retrograde in Saturn’s other sign Capricorn, leads to deeper changes in what we do because of these delays.

Mars is the front runner in all of this in Aries, which means we may wish to run away from these big issues somehow. But we can also use Mars’ energy to focus on doing what we can while accepting what we cannot.

The transits of June can be channelled to create focus and discipline, despite the setbacks of our long-term goals. And actually, we can use the setbacks themselves to get more focused.

Now that Uranus is exiting Aries after seven years of chaos, Mars and Saturn can help us rally all our resources to do what we must to get ahead. We must be mindful of pushing something ahead that is not ready yet.

Globally, many things will be rattled as Mars moves into a square with Pluto, the first ‘opening square since their conjunction in October 2023.

Saturn, Mars, and Venus each occupy their signs—Aquarius, Aries, and Taurus respectively—allowing their energies to manifest more effectively and tangibly. This alignment could facilitate building new stability in our lives. There may be some discomfort, prompting us to seek a deeper meaning, but we can channel these planets’ strengths to dig deep and do what we must.

Yet we may question why we are doing what we’re doing, either because it’s not enjoyable or because it’s not happening quickly enough.

Despite these challenges, the alignment of Venus and Jupiter in Taurus brings a chance to appreciate what we have right now, whatever about what we want for the future.

This period encourages a steadier, more grateful, and graceful, approach to life's challenges and the pursuit of deeper, more meaningful experiences amidst external turmoil.

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In May, Jupiter enters Taurus, the first time since 2019 that it is not in debilitation or in conjunction with or receiving an aspect from Pluto, Saturn, or Rahu. In June, Jupiter is once again joined by Uranus, introducing potential upheavals with resources, despite our desire for a good time and steady progress. This period signifies a mix of hope and challenges, with possible tumultuous events in the summer signalling a critical juncture for global events.

Despite potential disruptions, Jupiter's ingress into Taurus promises some comforting influences, further enhanced once Venus joins it in its home sign by May 19. In June, Mercury's arrival aligns all three benefic planets in Taurus, fostering a more positive environment. All of this can be seen on the horizon in May.

However, the positive outlook of Jupiter in Taurus is tempered by unexpected challenges due to Uranus, as well as these planets in combustion, leading to anger. Jupiter asks us to seek deeper meaning beyond what is presented on the surface of things. The Scorpio Full Moon brings more depth, and more awareness of what could go wrong, with Taurus, in that case, balancing any catastrophic thinking with much needed enjoyment.

As Venus and Jupiter transit close to the Sun, we may be feeling burnt out and need to recharge.

Rahu and Neptune bring a sense of confusion about what is possible, with the Mars-Rahu conjunction on May 18-19 further testing our perceptions and limits. Our energy may be all over the place, with no clear and direct route.

The New and Full Moons in May occur in Mars’ signs, with an Aries New Moon on May 8 and a Scorpio Full Moon on May 23. These lunations bring about the need for more pleasure and stability amidst much change and uncertainty.
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​Despite the challenges to global peace, Jupiter’s and Venus’ presence in Taurus offers a stabilizing force, grounding us in many sensual delights amidst the uncertainties of the world on the brink.

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April is probably one of the busier months of the year astrologically. We have the New Lunar Year on April 8, which also happens to be a total solar eclipse. Mars catches up with Saturn in Aquarius, with Jupiter meeting with Uranus in Aries. This places Mars and Saturn on one side of the New Moon and Jupiter and Uranus on the other. This makes for so many new possibilities, yet many frustrating false starts.

We may even see a comet appear in our skies in April (if we are ‘lucky’). Comets, known as Ketus, in ancient India, are harbingers of change. When added to the eclipses and Mercury’s retrograde, along with the conjunctions, change is the only thing we can be sure of this month.

​Mercury’s retrograde from Aries, and its return to Pisces the day after the eclipse, adds to the lack of clarity about how exactly we can move forward. April is best used for working things out in more creative ways, not necessarily for being clear about the details as yet.

The Mars-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius is tense. As it’s a signature for the year ahead, what we do with that tension will be important. Some things may buckle under pressure, with others feeling just enough to focus on getting things done. As usual, individual blueprints matter.

While Jupiter’s conjunction with Uranus in Aries, in a trine to Mars and Saturn, is more hopeful, Mars’ subsequent conjunction with Uranus in July may trigger something that’s been set off now. Natural disasters and attacks are likely expressions.

Jupiter joins Uranus by an exact degree on April 20. This is exciting and optimistic but maybe a little delusional when we consider Rahu and Neptune in Pisces. No matter, it still feels better than the Mars-Saturn conjunction. Yet this means Jupiter is busy dealing with something unexpected, which may challenge our sense of what is right during the eclipses.

One of the more positive expressions in April is Venus’ exaltation in Pisces, despite it being involved with the eclipse along with all the other planets. And while it’s not unusual to see Venus in Pisces in April, we’ll take whatever joy we can at this point.

We're likely feeling at least a little idealistic as we grapple with many changes. The many changes themselves are likely to fuel a more optimistic stance.

Mars moves into Pisces and joins Neptune by an exact degree on April 29, which also sees Mercury having rejoined Rahu as it stations direct from April 25. This is likely a highly charged and confusing time, despite the excitement of the new potentials opening up.
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If we can keep an open mind throughout, we can take advantage of all these new possibilities, whatever comes out of the blue - out of Pisces. 

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Mercury enters Pisces by March 7, moving into a sign that can sometimes challenge our mental equilibrium. The mind may be overwhelmed with everything that is going on.

Yet this may also spark creative thinking and solutions to certain problems. We just need to be mindful of the pitfall of being mentally overloaded and confused, while feeling overwhelmed by things we cannot fathom. This is exacerbated by Mercury's conjunction with Neptune and Rahu, making it difficult to discern the truth.

As Jupiter approaches a precise conjunction with Uranus in late Aries, and Mars influences from its exalted position in Capricorn during the first half of March, expect something significant to occur on the world stage. This may even lead to seismic activity. Although propaganda may play a big role in these events, especially in terms of attacks and wars, the astrological setup encourages a "fake it 'til you make it" attitude that can benefit us if we’re willing to do what it takes.

The beginning of March is especially potent for making necessary changes in our lives, with Mars exalted, ruled by a powerful Saturn in Aquarius. Everything is moving forward, whether we want to or not.

For the second month in a row, all planets move in direct motion, making it at least feel like all areas of life are moving forward in March. Best to make the most of this forward momentum, as the end of the month sees things begin to shift again, as we experience a lunar eclipse on March 25 and Mercury slows its transit in Pisces to prepare for the next retrograde cycle beginning April 1.

By March 15, Mars' entry into Aquarius places all visible planets within the three sequential signs of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, forming a Shula Yoga. This alignment, symbolized by Lord Shiva's trident, suggests a war-like theme, not just for the end of March and the coming months, but also for the coming year. This is because the next New Moon in April, which also happens to be a total solar eclipse, will see this formation solidify until April 2025.

A lunar eclipse in sidereal Virgo on March 25 starts all of this off. This signals a period of transformation, which may feel as if it reaches some new turn by the total solar eclipse on April 8.

The end of March begins a period that is likely to bring about significant change in our lives and on the planet, while also emphasizing the importance of letting go of how we think things should be.
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Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly as it should be. 

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In the first week of the month, Mercury and Mars enter Capricorn, followed by Venus around mid-month, grounding/grinding big ideas into reality. As planets align in four consecutive signs, we see the potential of progress through consistent action.

All planets are moving forward in February and March. Yet this means we may see things escalate we may prefer did not, especially as Mars, the ‘planet of war’, enters exaltation and casts its sight onto Jupiter and Uranus in Aries. Mars no longer exchanges signs with Jupiter; instead, it gives its full force behind protecting its territory. The exact Mars aspect to Jupiter occurs on Feb 27.

Further into March, Mars aspects Uranus (exact Mar 9), which continues to transit through the latter degrees of Aries, having just stationed direct. Uranus moving forward with Mars’ force behind it could lead to all kinds of surprises, including surprise attacks. This may be seen in more bombings, cyber-attacks and/or issues with energy. This could also see major disruption in the coming weeks due to weather events and seismic activity.

Personally, this is a powerful time to blow through our blocks and move forward. We just need to be mindful of how we react if something or someone seems to get in the way. As Jupiter and Uranus get closer from February through April, we’re likely to see things develop in one way or another.

Saturn continues to look closely at Aries and may prevent things from getting out of hand. Saturn brings fear of the repercussions, which is the only thing preventing wars from spilling out over more borders. But how long can Saturn, i.e., fear, hold things back? As it’s said of Saturn, ‘it doesn’t deny, it delays’. That amounts to the same thing to our linear way of thinking.

Mars is especially potent conjoined Pluto but only if we are willing to look at things we may otherwise avoid. If we are willing to blow up something and bring it to the surface, it frees up all that energy that would otherwise be wasted in keeping the same old stories going.

Venus meets both Mars and Pluto in Capricorn, an intense time for relationships. This has the potential to lead to power struggles around Valentine’s Day. Best to use this intensity in the bedroom! With the planets of war and peace coming together, compromise may be hard to come by, as Mars is strong and Venus is sensitive.

Mercury shifts to Aquarius by Feb 20, promoting a more focused expression as Venus and Mars remain closely aligned. The Sun's entry into Aquarius, its conjunction with Saturn, along with Mercury, exact on Feb 28, calls for an objective approach to realise goals.

The Sun-Saturn dynamic is a tense one. This year, as has been the case for some years, Saturn is stronger than the Sun when they meet. We’re likely to see more conflict for world leaders as tensions build and wars escalate. This may be expressed by people protesting so that governments feel the pressure to make big changes.

All of this comes to a head by the end of February, as Sun and Saturn conjoin while Mars aspects Jupiter (exact) and Uranus in Aries.
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The people will have their say; those in power must take heed. 

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New Year begins with Mercury stationing direct at the tail end of Scorpio. A week later, it moves into Sagittarius and over the sensitive juncture between Scorpio and Sagittarius. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. This is probably one phrase that sums up the year ahead. Fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin, and Mercury’s transit throughout 2024 could feel like both. Each of its retrogrades in 2024 are within the juncture between the water and fire signs (gandanta), reflecting a highly volatile year in terms of travel and trade. 

By mid-month, as the Sun enters Capricorn and heralds the New Year in earnest, and the long journey through Saturn’s signs until March. Mercury and Mars come together in Sagittarius. High ideals and practical implementation are likely big themes on this trek. 

Venus joins them in Sagittarius by Jan 18, crossing the Scorpio/Sagittarius divide, showing an idealistic vision for the New Year. All the Sagittarius planets trine Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, which are now moving forward from the end of January. Onward and upward. 

Any and all things can move forward at this stage as all planets move direct by the end of January. Sagittarius is known to stoke wars, however, wars that are based on religious fundamentalism, all of which are fueled from the very beginning of the year by Mars, Mercury, and Venus.

Mercury stations Direct Jan 2
New Year begins with Mercury stationing direct, while Mars, its current host, trines a stationary Jupiter in Aries. This is a powerful and positive configuration to start the year, for sure. There is likely an electric sense of what is possible moving into a new calendar.
However, both Mercury and Venus receive a square aspect from Saturn in Aquarius, bringing a more sober view of what is possible. Perhaps another possibility is that we can focus on what inspires us.

The Moon in Leo opposes Saturn as Mercury stations and moves plans forward. This balances inspiration with a more sober perspective. But isn’t that what New Year's Day is all about?

If we have overindulged, we're likely to take a step back, so we can get ready to move forward after Mercury stations on Jan 2. The overindulgence might not have been food and drink, of course, it may be a fantastical idea or ideal situation, which must now be met with a more realistic expectation.
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As Mercury stations at the very end of Scorpio, it exchanges signs with Ketu in Virgo. This is yet another strong indication for New Year’s, a helpful time to set intentions and figure out the details – all the while realising that it’s all taken care of, anyway.

Try not to beat yourself up if you feel frustrated with how slow something begins, or how unfocused and unclear it may feel initially. Instead, use the heightened anticipation and excitement to fuel forward momentum, even if you don’t know exactly how it’s all going to pan out. 
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In December, Venus, Mars, and Saturn are positioned strongly in their respective signs: Libra, Scorpio, and Aquarius. This brings back certain strengths that have been lacking. Yet despite Mars being powerful in its own sign, it is combust (hidden by the Sun) and in a square aspect to Saturn. This introduces a lot of tension into the mix. What you do with that will alter how you experience it. How do you usually deal with tension?

A positive Venus-Jupiter opposition on Dec 12 adds a more buoyant feel as tensions persist elsewhere. The more tense one feels, the more likely indulgence creeps in to compensate.

The journey from Scorpio's dystopian to Aquarius' utopian views is a long and arduous one. This journey takes us from our worst fears to the invention of something new. This journey will feel especially relevant by the end of the year, I imagine.

Mercury stations retrograde on Dec 13 in Sagittarius, prompting a year-end review, aligning with Jupiter's retrograde in Aries to reconnect with more meaningful pursuits. While this is initially more positive, Mercury must backtrack into Scorpio, where Mars meets with it as it leaves the sign. This occurs on Dec 27, a complex juncture in the month and year.

Mercury and Mars conjunctions are already challenging; one wants to talk about it but cannot; one wants to fight. Both conjoining between Scorpio and Sagittarius is complex but it does offer a means to slip out of the gap between our worst fears and our hopes for something better, to observe both extreme predictions. It probably also offers very real expressions of both of these extremes.

Despite the setbacks of Mercury’s retrograde, there is much to be grateful for in December. Perhaps it’s because of the setbacks that we take a breath and see what we’ve been missing all along. The downtime offer a pause to reconsider how lucky we are.

Practically, however, you may find you are unable to do business as usual, even if you experience it as a nice break because of the delay. Some may use the time to impulsively book a last-minute break, while others find last-minute changes to their plans work out better. Hey, I’m trying to put a positive spin on this! If you are travelling, make sure to keep an open mind about how things pan out.

Venus in Scorpio offers a cushion to help absorb more difficult emotions, yet it may also make us feel them more intensely.  We must trust we are as somewhere we need to be.

As December and the year ends, Mars's strength in Sagittarius, in a trine to Jupiter in Aries, we can foster a positive outlook, promoting self-assured steps forward. This is more the case for certain signs than others, as Mars and Jupiter exchange signs.

On Dec 31, Jupiter stations direct, positively influencing (aspecting) Mars and the Sun in Sagittarius. This may feel like we can tap into the silence within, however noisy it is without.

All the while, Saturn's aspect to Jupiter poses a challenge, but a much needed restraint. Without Saturn in 2023, I feel things would have been much worse- in wars, and the economy. With Saturn, we can take a long, hard look at our own lives and how we wish to continue.

Yet still, we must expect unexpected surprises all along, which are primarily driven by Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, propelling us forward, one way or another.
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By Nov 2, Venus will have entered Virgo, its sign of debilitation. This does not bode well for the economy, more especially as Venus meets with Ketu at the end of the sign, by Nov 28. Now, every time Venus moves into Virgo feels a bit flat. This year, however, Venus is ‘eclipsed’ by the south node, showing even more potential repercussions.
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As Ketu meets with Virgo, Rahu enters Pisces. Rahu leaving Aries may, at least, take the foot off the accelerator for wars around the world. However, Rahu continues to aspect Aries, along with Saturn and Mars in November. This means all 3 malefics are impacting the sign of war.

Yet there may be other issues that are rearing their head now, including a potential economic fallout. Rahu in Pisces is no longer strongly impacted by Saturn in Aquarius. In other words, Saturn no longer keeps Rahu in check. Along with all malefics influencing the planet of growth, Jupiter, growth is either hampered, or it’s gained by dubious means that have negative long term repercussions.

Rahu in Pisces brings with it so many contradictions we may grapple with for the upcoming 18 months, as Ketu in Virgo has the potential to dredge things up from the past and completely remove any sense of order. This may bring a need to check out of the chaos, through whatever means necessary.

Mars moves into Scorpio by Nov 16, conjunct the Sun. The mid-November period is explosive. Mars’ combustion in a place of strength could lead to all kinds of explosive events through the end of the year. Add Mercury into the mix, and everyday pursuits are impacted.

Mars aspects Saturn in Aquarius from Scorpio, while Saturn looks back at Mars. This square between Mars and Saturn is always tense. But when we add it to this particular mix, it can be deadly. How we each use this tension will vary. While it doesn’t bode well for peace in the immediate timeframe, we can use these transits to effect real change in our lives.

Mars and Saturn are now in their own signs, which means the harsher aspects of our being are more able to express themselves. This can express itself as doing the necessary, however we feel about it. Mars and Saturn may challenge us but without being challenged we never make the necessary changes. Use these cruel planets to work on issues, as opposed to just being cruel to others.

If someone else acts cruelly to you, see it as a challenge to respond in a way that improves yourself, as opposed to lashing out with no clear direction. Mars and Saturn combined are like a ninja warrior. Focus your energy to get more done.

Because the Mars-Saturn square occurs as Venus conjoins Ketu, and because Mercury moves through the Scorpio-Sagittarius divide at the same time, it may seem as if it’s all too challenging, of course. All may seem lost in a worldly sense. Yet something more important is gained when things seem to fall apart.

Venus in Virgo may challenge diplomacy at such a critical juncture. Do what you must. Consider the consequences.

Thankfully, Venus doesn’t hang about long at this degree, and quickly moves into its own sign, Libra, by Nov 29. All is not lost. Whatever was, must be relinquished at this stage. 

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Mars comes together with Ketu, the south lunar node, which is finishing up in Libra after a year and a half. This may be bad news in terms of war and the economy but everything is good for something. Yet still, Mars and Ketu opposite Rahu, Jupiter, and Uranus, in a square to Pluto in Capricorn, is likely to leave a lot of devastation in its wake. But it is also a period of personal transformation and strength. Let’s face it, we only get strong when challenged to.

By the time Mars meets with Ketu by exact degree on Oct 5, we are likely to see a major adjustment in our world. This may be through some acts of violence or natural disaster, which has the potential to disturb the peace. Panic may set in and disturb the financial sector.

Yet Mercury’s exaltation in Virgo may help us keep a level head, as Venus opposes Saturn, exact Oct 9, which may feel more restrained. Venus itself will move into Virgo in November and this may show the fallout, especially as Ketu joins it later in November. Yet despite how restrictive this may feel, Saturn is very much needed, and cool heads may win out.

Mercury in Virgo is in a strong position to guide us in proper analysis and planning, before moving into Libra by Oct 18. We need this kind of rationality to assuage other, more reckless, impulses.

Before the Sun slips into Libra, it’s sign of debilitation, on Oct 17, it is eclipsed by Ketu on Oct 14. This could show the fallout into November, perhaps for some of those in power. Yet it also reflects our own lack of power, and assurance. The eclipse degree has already been activated by Mars by the end of September and will be reactivated by Venus and Ketu by the end of November. Expect some events to disturb the status quo, moving the story forward, whether we like it or not.

A partial lunar eclipse follows two weeks after the solar eclipse, on Oct 28, at 10 degrees of sidereal Aries. This is where Jupiter backs up to by the very end of the year – another trigger point. With both benefics and representatives of financial stability (Venus) and growth (Jupiter) caught up in the eclipses, a readjustment is unavoidable.  

The only saving grace is Saturn's aspects, which may contain the situation. But I guess we'll never know how bad it could have been. A more stoic approach to these events may be called for. Think to yourself, it could have been so much worse, however ‘bad’ it gets. And remember, everything is good for something. Economic challenges are a good time for taking stock of what's truly important.

​By Oct 28, Mercury meets with Mars in Libra, opposite the eclipsed Moon. Cool heads may find it difficult to prevail at this point. By Oct 30, Ketu (mean node) enters Virgo, as Rahu enters the confusing and enlightening realms of Pisces. Ketu lies in wait for Venus, which joins it in November. If you use the true node, Rahu and Ketu hang out at the juncture between signs all month, not moving until Nov 29. Whichever calculation you use, change is upon us.
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If we didn't have enough to deal with in October, Mars moves into combustion by the end of the month, and into the New Year, as it initially moves through Libra, the sign of fair trade. It may seem that nothing is fair at this point. All is fair in love and war, I guess. 
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Jupiter stations retrograde by Sep 4, before slowly moving back through the same section of the zodiac Mercury backtracked through in Apr/May of this year. We’re likely to be asking ourselves why we did what we did, or why things happened the way they did, throughout the rest of the year, until Jupiter stations direct on Dec 31.

Venus stations direct on Sep 4, just as Jupiter stations, passing the retrograde baton over. When we get clear about one thing, it frees up energy to focus more on reassessing other things, I guess. Uranus has already begun its retrograde, placing all 3: Jupiter, Rahu, and Uranus, retrograde in Aries. Mars and Saturn look on as well, so there’s a lot of focus on the sign. Whatever Aries represents for you personally is keeping you busy. Make sure you’ve got something to focus your energy on, ideally, something you’ve already done, as you remove any blocks to your full potential.
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​Retrogrades are a time to re-orientate ourselves around external changes that have already taken place in the world around us. It’s best not to add too many new things into the mix as you rework certain things. There is much to adjust to in September. If you’ve got something you can rethink and redo, go do that.

The whole month is a process of getting your ducks in a row, but it’s not your typical September by any stretch of the imagination. Usually, September is one of the more efficient months of the year, as we organize and plan our routines. This year, it’s more complicated. Any plans must also include doing things you used to, as well as redoing something you have recently begun, all the while, planning and implementing new things.
The mind can be too busy to do anything effectively, of course. With all of the planets retrograde, all that busyness may not feel as if we are getting anywhere quickly in September. At least Venus is direct from Sep 4 and Mercury stations direct by Sep 15.

We can make use of the remunerations and re-calibrations until then. Use the first two weeks of the month for planning and strategy, so you can hit the ground running once Mercury stations direct mid-month. The excitement is likely to feel quite intense by then, as Mercury stations in a trine with Jupiter. But it may not be clear to you why you are doing what you are doing, even if it feels good doing it, but at least things are moving forward.  

Mars is the only planet keeping the forward momentum going from the beginning of the month, pushing plans through even if we are not clear about the details, as it transits opposite Neptune.

​This is another reason to get clear about why you do what you do, not so much the details. If you’re not clear, you’re unlikely to keep going when hurdles present themselves. When you are, you’ll overcome any kind of setback to get to where you need to be. 

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Wishing you the very best of what the month has to offer. 

Venus continues its retrograde and moves into combustion (disappears from our evening skies) from the beginning of August. It will not return to our early morning skies until the end of August, after which it will have been through a process of purification.
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Venus retrogrades back to Sidereal Cancer by Aug 7, back over the sensitive juncture between fiery Leo and watery Cancer. As it does so whilst entering combustion, this adds further volatility; to weather patterns; to the economy; and in diplomatic relations. This will likely shake the world in the coming months.

July and August is setting the stage for an economic downturn; perhaps because of some adjustment that are rushed through by leaders who attempt to maintain control. The last time Venus did this in this section of the zodiac was in 2015, when we saw Greece's economy tank. The time before that, in 2007, saw the Fed put billions into the U.S. financial system to steady volatile markets. What happens in Jul/Aug of 2023 is likely to lead to a downturn by Oct/Nov.

Mars and Mercury transit together in Leo in August, as Venus looks for some comfort and safety from the heat in Cancer. As Mars ventures forward and into Virgo by Aug 18, Mercury then backtracks in Leo (retrograde) from Aug 23. All thoughts are on business and pleasure, as Mars pushes forward with an action plan in Virgo.

Once Mars enters Virgo, all the 'cruel' planets, Saturn, Mars, Rahu-Ketu, impact Aries in a powerful way, most likely leading to even more explosiveness. This is likely to play out more obviously in wars, but recent wildfires extreme weather events are also likely to continue. Yet Aries is also the most pioneering sign, which shows huge leaps forward in other realms. How this plays out for you depends on the specifics of your birth chart.

The Sun makes its way towards its yearly opposition to Saturn by the end of the month. This year, both the Sun and Saturn are strong in their own signs, Leo and Aquarius. The people will have their say; leaders will have theirs.

As all the faster-moving planets line up on one side of the zodiac, in Cancer and Leo, the slower, Pluto and Saturn, line up in Capricorn and Aquarius, in an opposition. This shows the need for safety and fun (Cancer and Leo), but also the dire situations and predictions (Capricorn and Aquarius).

We must keep things in perspective, of course. We must do what we can now, or perhaps redo what we must (Saturn in Aquarius), while observing any tendency to catastrophize. There may indeed be reason to think the worst, but if we are not withdrawing our negative projections from an imagined future, we are little help to anyone now. 
 
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Venus re-enters Cancer Aug 7
Venus' previous transit over the gap between Cancer and Leo, on Jul 6, is when the U.S. Federal Reserve announced a likely recession later this year. There is likely a lot of back and forth on this in the coming weeks as Venus moves back and over this juncture in August through October. I was sent a video by an economist recently. David Hunter expects a market ‘melt-up’ followed by a bust. Venus’ back and forth over this juncture reflects this.

Apart from the economic outlook, war is another important factor for Venus retrograde. Venus represents refinement, expressed in the world at large as diplomacy, and in our lives as good manners, enjoyments, and loving relationships. Diplomatic relations and personal relationships may be strained as Venus disappears into the rays of the Sun. More extreme storms, flooding, and fires are also likely as it does so between the watery Cancer and fiery Leo.

Personally, we are all asked to look at what or who we are attached to as Venus re-enters Cancer, and whether or not we should be. As always, Venus retrogrades are not the time to make any definitive decisions about anything to do with purchases and relationships. Keep an open mind about what is happening, if indeed, anything is. It may all just play out in your imagination without speaking to anyone about it. However, it is the prefect time to ‘have that talk’ with someone special. Just choose your moment; hopefully, when both of you are feeling relaxed and safe.

Look to the signs involved. This means looking at what Venus rules in your chart, counting initially from your rising sign to the signs Taurus and Libra. Then, look at Leo and Cancer, to see where all of this is playing out. If you have a good grasp of this, then look from your Moon sign. Only then should you also include your Sun sign, so you have all three points of interest: body (rising), mind (Moon), and soul (Sun).

Venus represents the arts. It's station opposite Saturn in Aquarius highlights the recent strike by actors and writers in Hollywood. Saturn is retrograde in Aquarius, reflecting this need to pull back recent technological advancements, or to at least regulate them in some way. As Venus slips back from Cancer to Leo, from an opposition to Saturn to one with Pluto, we may see some of these power struggles go underground for a time. Although it further intensifies the struggle, it may not be that obvious.

Venus will meet with the Sun by exact degree on Aug 13. As Venus is purified in its rays, we're likely to see further developments at this stage, more possibilities to change our relationships to people and things, but also more complications. Relationships are messy, aren’t they?!

Venus will return to our early morning skies by the end of the month. The return of Venus' visibility, yet its continued retrograde until Sep 4, is a tricky portion of the whole retrograde period. This is when one last temptation is thrown our way, as it were. We may see this play out globally as decisions made by economists and leaders that have long term consequences.
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In our own lives, we must be mindful of Venus' transition, so we can use the time to purify our values and relationships. We can get clear about what is important to us throughout, as long as we are aware that a purification means burning some things. Just make sure you don’t burn all your bridges. Or do, I guess – if it’s in everyone’s best interest to move on. 

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Wishing you the very best of what the month has to offer. 

There's an emotionally damp start to July, as Mars enters Leo on Jul 1, while the Moon transits Scorpio. There's a lot of volatility during the first week, as a result.  

Mars faces off with a retrograde Saturn in Aquarius, exact by Jul 21. This is where we may feel challenged to slow down after an initial flurry of activity. The Mars-Saturn opposition suggests we may struggle to be patient, especially as Rahu and Uranus in Aries look to Mars in Leo, promoting erratic and revolutionary impulses.  

Venus follows Mars into Leo by Jul 6 but doesn't move into an exact opposition to Saturn due to it stationing retrograde by Jul 23. With Venus in the same sign as Mars, in opposition to Saturn and a trine to both Jupiter and Rahu, there's a lot to consider, and reconsider, with Venus-related things. 

With all the 'big players' involved in what Venus is re-doing, there is no avoiding some major economic and diplomatic issues, as well as the adjustments we must make in our personal relationships, to people and things.


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Mars in Leo Jun 30 - Aug 18
​The heat - and pressure - is on, as Mars moves into Leo and an opposition to a retrograde Saturn. Thankfully, Mars moves out of its sign of debilitation. Yet this can create volatility, as the energy returns in spurts. The meandering nature of Cancer gives way to a more determined stance in Leo. 

Mars' initial transit into Leo is more volatile and will likely set some things off that have been brewing of late. Any unrestrained release of energy is likely to be more destructive, with Saturn's influence bringing long-term implications. 

While Mars much prefers Leo to Cancer any day of the week, its opposition to Saturn in Aquarius highlights a juxtapose position, between seemingly disparate parts. Previously, Mars had a strong aspect to Saturn but it didn't go the other way so much. Now, Saturn pushes back. We're likely to feel this through some sense of restriction. This is not a bad thing for Mars, as the more focus and restraint we have, the more we can acheive.

Saturn, on the other hand, does not benefit from Mars' pushiness. Structures that are already under review may feel our wrath when they don't change quickly enough. 

Leo represents the self and self-aggrandizement; Aquarius reflects the needs of everyone. The Mars-Saturn opposition pits two things against each other: self-promotion vs doing what's best for everyone. 

This is likely to play out in more dramatic ways around the world, and in power struggles within our relationships. Mars in Leo is determined to push forward, while Saturn in Aquarius is even more determined (retrograde) to push back. 

If we can focus all our energy on specific tasks at a time, without scattering our attention, this can be more productive. If, however, we feel a surge of energy and forge ahead without due consideration, we'll probably feel something or someone asking us to pay more attention and slow down. 

But there's a catch. Rahu and Jupiter are also strongly influencing Mars from its sign Aries, a trinal aspect, which spurs us on to act impulsively. Thankfully, Jupiter is getting clear about what we're doing and why, despite Rahu casting a shadow of doubt over proceedings of late. Rahu can at least bring innovations and exciting changes to what we're doing but it may make us feel less sure of ourselves when we're on the 'cutting edge'. Yet without new perspectives, we would never gain access to the new insights and ways of doing things. 

The Mars-Saturn opposition may be full of tension, but how we each frame it in our minds will determine how we make use of it. One person may just feel tense and back down, while another may feel spurred on to do the necessary. 

Whatever you do, make sure you are deliberate and focused. Try to let go of immediate outcomes in favour of the bigger picture, focusing as much on why you are doing what you are doing as getting it done.  
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Full Moon in Sagittarius (Pūrvāṣāḍha) Jul 3
This Full Moon in Sagittarius is called Guru Purnima, a time to pay homage to our teachers (gurus) on the Full Moon day (Purnima). I think it will be a pivotal time, in a pivotal month in 2023. 
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With Jupiter now moving away from Rahu, we're in a much better position to get clear about what is true, and how our beliefs shape our experience. A certain amount of questioning long-held beliefs is healthy. It gives us different perspectives. Yet too much questioning is likely to lead us astray. 

Sagittarius is a fiery sign, one of the dharmic signs, representing our purpose and path in life. Though we all have specific paths to follow in a practical sense, spiritually it's simply about being present, which is the most practical thing we can do for ourselves. Because, well, that's all there is!

Gurus bring us to this awareness, one way or another. There may be many routes, but the destination is the same. And because the destination is the same for every single person, there is a comfort we experience when we are in the presence of a guru. 

Travel, another signification of Sagittarius, is another way we can be more present. When we travel and see different cultures and countries, we no longer operate on autopilot like we do when in familiar surroundings and routines. 

Whether you express Sagittarius through travel or learning, or both, this Full Moon is a time to give thanks to whatever and whoever has brought you to this present moment. 

The Full Moon occurs in Pūrvāṣaḍha, meaning the 'former victorious'. It's a sharp lunar mansion, and often interpreted to mean 'declarations of war'. This is where Venus retrograde at the beginning of 2022 fueled the war in Ukraine. With this Full Moon, we may see a culmination. But we may also see a turning point, with Venus' next retrograde changing the direction the war takes. 

Pūrvāṣaḍha is ruled by the goddess of the waters, which reflects a need for purification. Just as water reinvigorates, so too does this lunar mansion. It's probably the lunar mansion that epitomizes the sign Sagittarius more than any other, bringing a sense of optimism, exuberance, and joy. One of its symbols is the elephant's tusk, representing the ability to plough ahead and get through something, while another is a fan which is used to keep its passions cool.
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Let us hope cool heads win out when it comes to this potential overheating Full Moon.
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​Venus in Leo Jul 6 - Aug 7 + Oct 1 - Nov 2
​Venus moves over the gandanta juncture between Cancer and Leo by Jul 6. This is likely to create a wobble in the economy and/or a wobble in diplomatic relations.

​You may find you have your own personal wobbles, in your personal values and relationships. You may question what or who is important to you. You may have good reason to.

This will especially be the case once Venus slows and stations retrograde by Jul 23 (more on this below). The beginning of July brings the first of three major wobbles as Venus backs up into Cancer again by Aug 7, before stationing direct and moving back over into Leo once last time by Oct 1. 

Personally, we must be mindful of the potential of feeling unappreciated and taking it out on others, who may not be feeling our appreciation. It works both ways, of course. 

Venus in Leo is not only looking for love, it wants to be adored by everyone. You may find yourself saying and doing things that express this need. You may see others doing so and react to them promoting themselves. 

Recognize that we all seek love in different ways. If you have Venus in Leo from birth, you may prefer grand displays of love and affection, such as the gifts and romantic breaks, etc. You may wish to see it in a more obvious way, not just feel loved and cared for like in Cancer. Leo is more expressive and creative; more romantic, in a movie-type way. 

Think about how you express love and ask yourself what is love. There is the love we think of when we say "I love you." But there is the Love that is our natural state of Being, which can be cloaked in all kinds of other feelings and labels. Hatred is Love in another form, for example. Anger is Love. 

We all want love, but this is just a need to experience our true nature, which is LOVE!

Whatever way you express it, Venus in Leo is a time to be more expressive; at least until it stations retrograde. Then it's a time to recapture whatever you feel you may have lost. 





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Mercury in Cancer Jul 8 - 24
​Mercury zips through yet another sign in July, moving through three different signs for the second month. It begins the month in its own sign, Gemini, before moving into Cancer, a more emotive and instinctual place, by Jul 8, finishing the month in Leo, where it will stay for much longer due to its upcoming retrograde in August (more on this next month). 

With Mercury following Venus into a tailspin in Leo, we're likely to see a lot of backtracking in this are of our life. Whatever we have put in place at this point needs to be reassessed. We're likely to be at least a little hesitant in this areas we may otherwise proudly boast about. 

Generally, we are likely to see leaders and governments review policies, including diplomatic and monetary ones. There is already an EU draft for a Euro digital currency that will be put into law in the coming weeks and months. 

Before any of that, Mercury is in Cancer, asking us to look at how we feel. Mercury in Cancer gets us to think about what makes us feel happy and safe. It's about "rooting the mind in the heartfield", as Kishori says. The mind disconnected form the heart quickly runs out of ideas. When we're connected to the heart, our minds are illumined. 

Yet Mercury in Cancer is not as effective in communicating. The heart wants what it wants, which may seem irrational at times. But you cannot argue with how you're feeling. It would probably serve you better to tune into how you feel, and speak about that as clearly as you can, accepting that words don't do it justice. 

Better still, Mercury in Cancer asks you to 'listen to your heart', instead of trying to articulate every whim and fancy. 

Mercury quickly moves on into Leo, either way. 




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Sun in Cancer Jul 16 - Aug 15
The Sun's entry into Cancer moves into an opposition to Pluto in Capricorn as it did last year. This year, Saturn is not directly involved by opposition. This may mean more freedom to enjoy some time off, at home or on holiday, without the restrictions of recent years. 

Yet the Pluto opposition may be a vague threat that hangs in the air, hidden in the sub terrains of the mind. A vague sense of unease may fill the air, and the heart, even though there may be no evidence for why one feels that way. 

The Sun moves into a square to the lunar nodes as it opposes Pluto, with the upcoming New Moon in Cancer further triggered them in all kinds of interesting and unnerving ways.

​There may be obvious things happening in the world in terms of the ongoing war, for example. But even if there seems to be no obvious expression, Pluto and the lunar nodes represent something hidden in the psyche. Their square (see below) offers up insights from the depths of our subconscious, reflecting deeper changes within. 

​We have been sensing this build up for some time, and now with the Sun in Cancer, we feel it, too. 



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New Moon in Cancer (Punarvasu) Jul 17
​The New Moon and lunar month begins in Punarvasu lunar mansion. Punarvasu means 'light again', representing a return to clarity as the Moon meets the Sun upon entering Sidereal Cancer.

Themes of repeating something is connected to this lunar mansion. We may experience this by seeing a repeating pattern in our lives, or by wishing something into begin that we wished for before.  

This New Moon is ruled by Aditi, the goddess of infinity. When we can step out of our space-time reality, we can simply be; we can experience our wish instantaneously, without the time lag. Beyond space-time, our wishes and their manifestation are one and the same. 

Punarvasu's symbol is a bow and arrows, reflecting our need to be precise in our thoughts, to direct them clearly to our target, while seeing them return in manifestations, seeing the repeating patterns that form our life experience. ​

A New Moon in Punarvasu is certainly a time to experience stillness of being, in whatever form we acheive it. Whether we consciously wish for anything or not, we are always sending out arrows of desire through our lived experience. This is reflected in the Moon, which shows our likes and dislikes. If something is not to your liking, the mere observation of it is enough to send another arrow of desire. 

The Pluto opposition is the hidden part we may prefer remained hidden, on our trip down memory lane with this Full Moon. But it we acknowledge what lies beneath, including our fears of not having - or having - what we want, we can get clear and focused. Fear is at least a good focusing mechanism!

As always, the New Moon day is not the most auspicious to actually begin something new, although it is a time to intend it, to send out a clear message to the universe.

​Combined with Mars' opposition to Saturn at this time, we can focus all our energy and attention on what we wish to start again. 
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​Venus Retrograde Jul 23 - Sep 4
The last time Venus was retrograde in this section of the zodiac was in 2015, when Greece's economy went into a nosedive. We're likely to see some economic issues again this year. But there were a lot of other things that happened in 2015 that may be more positive in our current context, including changes in diplomatic approaches to the current wars. 

The last Venus retrograde in 2021/2022 saw the beginning of the current war in Ukraine, so perhaps another retrograde may bring people back to some sort of talks? I'm not sure if that's wishful thinking on my part, but we do have Jupiter's aspect on Venus. We also have Rahu's, of course, so I don't want to raise false hopes. 

Venus retrogrades are complicated at the best of times. For many, these are not the best of times. Yet this could be a 'double negative' for those who are already struggling. When something is not working out as preferred, a Venus retrograde can alter things and make them better.  

This is something to think about in your own life, in your finances, and your relationships. Venus retrograde is a time to reassess what and who is important to you, to think more about these things, although it's not necessarily the best time to act on impulses that feel more urgent than they may appear. 

It's kind of like the sticker on the sideview mirrors of cars: "objects in mirror are closer than they appear." Perhaps Venus retrograde should come with its own sticker: people are closer than they appear!

Whatever negotiations you go through in the coming weeks and months, make sure to be patient with yourself and others, as we all have to work out what's important to us, what will make us happy; what will make us feel cared for, loved, and appreciated. 

You can care for yourself, of course, and appreciate the simple things in life. You don't have to wait for someone else to give you permission, as everyone works through their own issues. As Leo Sun and Moon, Madonna said in Justify my Love, "Poor is the man who's pleasures depend on the permission of another."

Read an article I wrote about this particular Venus retrograde, including for each sign,  here: https://www.timelineastrology.com/venus-retrograde-914767.html​



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​Mercury in Leo Jul 24 - Oct 1
Mercury stays longer in Leo because of its retrograde from Aug 23 to Sep 15, not leaving the sign until the beginning of October. With Venus stationing retrograde in the same sign, just as Mercury moves in, we are going to focus a lot of this area for the coming weeks. 

Generally, Leo represents leaders, as well as our own ability to lead and inspire; to express ourselves and our unique talents. We all have this need. Even the most introverted individual has Leo and the Sun somewhere in their chart, highlighting a need to shine their light in the world. Sometimes, we hide behind others who seem to shine brighter, and, sometimes, we hide behind what we have to offer. 

Whatever it is we do that lights us up, it's time to pay close attention to what you think (Mercury) and how you feel (Venus) about it. Mercury's slow down and retrograde in Leo suggests this could do with at least a little tweaking. We can learn to express ourselves better, more clearly, once we are clear about what we stand for. 

Whatever plans you have already set in place in this area of your life, keep them as loose as possible initially. Mercury beings to slow down by August, and Venus has already begun to slow down from the beginning of July, stationing retrograde as Mercury enters the sign. We're all about to take a deep breath in and review something important. 

The world is likely to experience this as major reviews in governments, including diplomatic and monetary policies that must be altered to meet the new terrain. We may see a lot of bluster and bravado coming from those who are more visible. 

​Venus in Leo may be a bit boastful, but try too hard for admiration and you don't get it. Heck, we're unlikely to feel like we're getting it with Venus retrograde, anyway. Add Mercury into the mix and we might have plenty to say about it!

Remember, you are but a spark of the One. But your spark is no more or less important than anyone else's. 


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Pluto square Rahu & Ketu
This square is one of the slow burners (pun intended) in the summer of 2023. It's a very hidden dynamic and may not show up in your life experience in any obvious way. 

Pluto and the lunar nodes are not visible to the naked eye. Their square in the movable signs, Aries, Libra, and Capricorn, brings a sense of things moving in a direction we may not consciously choose. Yet we must acknowledge our choice on some level if we are to rest easy with this one. 

Knowing where the movable signs are placed in your birth chart, especially from your ascendant and Moon sign, you can get more of a handle on it. If not, you may not be on board with the changes that are happening, or the vague sense that something inevitable is occuring, while not knowing exactly how it's going to pan out. 

By the time the Sun moves into Cancer, and an exact opposition to Pluto and square to the nodes by Jul 21, just as Mars and Saturn come into their exact opposition, you may have more of a sense of what's up, or what's coming up, from the depths of your subconscious. 

Generally, the Pluto-Nodes square may seem fated in terms of worldly and personal affairs; in the ongoing war (Aries), in the economy (Libra), and in structures that keep us safe (Capricorn). With the Sun in Cancer, safety is most definently on the agenda, possibly because of things happening that are not. 

Pluto changes things. In Capricorn, it is slowly changing the structures and systems we rely on. Yet Pluto is an often unnerving sense that all is not right and must change, even though we may not know how to change it. Add the nodes into the mix and you have even more uncertainty - and more change. 

The ongoing wars, and general sense of angst, continues to trigger our fears of the worst. We can keep this in perspective, of course. Perhaps changing our perspectives is all that needs to change. 

Pluto and the nodes remain in a tight square all summer due to Pluto's retrograde alongside the nodes, which retrograde all the time. By the time Mars makes it to meet with Ketu in Libra in October, the changes are likely to be more obvious, pushed out into our conscious awareness, whether we like it or not. 

Best to get on board now, so we can adjust as needs be when the time comes. 
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Wishing you the best of what the month has to offer!

Mercury moves on from Aries in June, entering Taurus by Jun 7. Before it's done with Aries, it conjoins Uranus at the threshold between both signs, in the 'sharp' lunar mansion Kṛttikā. We can use this bright spark conjunction to turn on a few light bulbs in our mind. There are likely some surprises as we begin to venture forward, but keep an open mind and you might be pleasantly surprised. Yet there may also be some potentially unnerving events around their exact conjunction by Jun 4. Whatever surprises are in store for you, this is an opportunity to use the frenetic energy to start something new. 

It's worth stating that this is Uranus’ last year in sidereal Aries. The next time Mercury makes its way back to Aries in May 2024, it will meet with Jupiter and Uranus as they both move into Taurus. I include this now because whatever happens now, and for the rest of this year as Jupiter retrogrades through the same degrees Mercury did, it will bring us towards those changes. Keep your eyes and ears open throughout for new opportunities. 

Another instigator for change, Rahu, is currently transiting alongside Jupiter, as it casts doubt on all the above, of course. Yet this instills an intense hunger for change, all the same.

Globally, this means further development in wars (Aries), eventually leading to bigger economic changes (Taurus). Next year is likely to see a complete overhaul of the current economic system, after a crash that is likely by the end of this year. ​By the time Jupiter and Uranus make it to Taurus in the summer of 2024, bigger changes are likely due.

Saturn’s continued aspect to all the planets in Aries is keeping things contained for now. If things do fall apart, there may be a rescue situation, although fear itself could add to the hesitation which could lead to further problems. Saturn represents the things we know we should do, but don't always get on board with right away. 

Saturn itself stations retrograde by Jun 17 in Aquarius, halting long term plans around the necessary innovations. Alterations are necessary at this point. Whatever changes Saturn is slowly bringing about in this area of your life, and on the global stage, they're likely to go through some setbacks or attempts at rewinding some things. This is a time to reassess your commitment to whatever that is. The A.I. advancements and discussions are likely a reconsideration on the world stage. There seems to be a lot of fear around A.I. technologies, as reflected in Saturn's transit in Aquarius.

Venus moves into Cancer by the end of May and throughout June, catching up with Mars in a frustrated state as it moves towards its exact degree of debilitation. This latter part of Cancer can challenge us to shake off our comforts and attachments; to do what we must, despite how we feel.

Yet we may ruin a perfectly lovely thing when overreacting to any sense of threat. Cool heads are needed as Mars and Venus move through the sensitive degrees between Cancer and Leo by the end of June. Venus subsequently moves back over this juncture twice more later in the summer and autumn due to its retrograde. Economic volatility is likely. Reconsider any big spends or relationship decisions. Any overindulgences or expensive and impulsive purchases may need at least a second thought. 
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Join me on Sunday Jun 4 at 7pm BST for a discussion about the transits of June. 

Here's the link to join the zoom meeting: 
​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87202799906

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Passcode: 718851




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Venus in Cancer May 30 - Jul 6 + Aug 7 - Oct 1
Venus in Cancer is an interesting pairing. It's a complicated relationship in many ways. There are plenty of things to enjoy and indulge, of course, it's just that the Moon's impulse to care mixed up with Venus, to negotiate, can sometimes get confused. In Vedic astrology, Venus is said to 'block' Cancer. It's the 11th house ruler, and, counting from Venus to the Moon using the weekday order, it's 6 signs away. 

This complex plays out more obviously in mothering vs romantic relationships. And you don't have to be a mother, or romantic, to have to deal with this complex. Co-dependent relationships and care for others that ends up feeling more like a parent child dynamic can be evident.

To add to the complexity is Venus opposing Pluto, exact by Jun 5. Venus then catches up with Mars at the end of the sign, adding fuel to fiery passions. This adds power struggles, which may look like wishing to care for someone. 

Mars is not happy with Venus coming up from behind, draining its energy. It's already feeling spent having to consider feelings, but must now consider and compromise more. 

Mars and Venus conjunct natally is an interesting mix of energies. If Mars is the accelerator and Saturn the break, Venus is your beloved distracting you from the passenger seat! If you're also trying to get where you want to get to as quickly as possible, their need for your attention and appreciation may be distracting. 

We've all got somewhere we want to be, but we cannot get there alone, especially with Venus involved. We must compromise. If we think we can do it alone, we'll soon find we are on our own. So what if we get to our destination on time, if there no one else around to enjoy it with?

Best sit back a little on this Venus and Mars transit in Cancer and enjoy the ride. Enjoy the meandering for a while, as it won't be long before Mars is focused once it moves into Leo. Venus, on the other hand, will slow down as it moves into Leo, before stationing retrograde and returning to Cancer later in the summer.

​Venus' initial transit in Cancer will be revisited later this year, which means being open to lots more to reconsider; in our relationships, and finances. It enters its 'shadow phase' by Jun 19, moving past the point it will return to by Sep 3. It eventually leaves its retrograde zone by Oct 7. In this time, we will be reevaluating many things in our life, depending on what Taurus, Cancer, Leo, and Libra represent for us individually. 

Globally, we're going to see a lot of reassessment of the economy, and what governments around the world do about the volatility that is possible. Relations may also be strained as these changes take place.

I'll write more about this important transit next month.  
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Rahu (True Node) conjunct Jupiter (Truth) Jun 1
If you thought this story had gone away, think again. Actually, if you think it has, you're more likely to be duped when you're not looking! The 'true node' conjoins Jupiter by the Jun 1, with the after effects of this likely felt for a long time to come. 

The last time Rahu and Jupiter came together was in 2016, when decisions that were made back then still having a huge impact on how we live today. The potential for this conjunction to shake things up in Aries, in wars, and the economy, is high through the beginning of June. 

Rahu tends to bring shocks and surprises. This is furthered because of its counterpart, Uranus also being in Aries, with Mercury approaching it at the end of the sign. The exact conjunct of Mercury and Uranus occurs by Jun 5. This is very much in the shadow of the Rahu-Jupiter conjunction. 

Another observable trend that occurs when Jupiter and Rahu get together is the passing of many prominent figures. We've already seen the passing of Tina Turner, Barry Humphries, and Burt Bacharach, all Jupiterian in their own right. We're likely to see more pass in the summer. 

Jupiter is Jivatman, life itself. Rahu is anti-life, in a way. Rahu obscures the life that is Jupiter. The passing of those who buoyed us up in some way, either through their teachings, their music, or their comedy, is highly symbolic at this time. 

The fact that this combination occurs in the sign of war is another thing altogether. Expect the unexpected. And expect it to be explosive, both figuratively and literally. 


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Full Moon in Scorpio (Jyeṣṭhā) Jun 4
We had a lovely exalted New Moon a couple of weeks prior to this Full Moon in Scorpio. If we used it wisely and looked after the basics, we can 'go there' for a Full Moon in Scorpio. We can think up the worst case-scenario to help prepare our minds for what may happen. 

The thing is, it very rarely happens the way it does in our darkest imaginings. And even if the worst was to happen, the fact that we spent so long worrying about it makes us less capable of dealing with it. This is more so indicated because of Mars' concurrent transit in Cancer, the Moon's sign. Although this is a major mitigating factor for a debilitated Moon and Mars, as if they were in their own signs post exchange, it is still a complex dynamic we must be mindful of overdoing. 

The strength of Moon in Scorpio, exchanging signs with Mars, is that we can deal with the emotional reactions and temper them to do the necessary. 

​The Full Moon occurs in Jyeṣṭhā lunar mansion, which translates as 'eldest'. This refers to someone who has acquired skills and secret knowledge. As an elder, those with the sign prominent can sometimes feel overlooked and become bitter, although any bitterness can be used to propel one to even greater heights. This is reflected in Scorpio's ruler, Mars. 

Jyeṣṭhā is ruled by Indra, the chief of the gods who likes to be in control. Its symbols are a talisman and umbrella, both symbolizing being initiated into secret knowledge and the protection it offers. ​Mercury's association with Jyeṣṭhā reflects the secret business dealings that are likely taking place during this Full Moon, especially when the Rahu-Jupiter conjunction takes place 6 signs away takes place - the 6th sign representing debts and enemies (hint, hint). 

Personally, when the Moon transits Jyeṣṭhā, it's a good day for overcoming weaknesses, surgery, and secret activities. It may not be the best Full Moon for auspicious activities, unless you see getting over something or overpowering someone as auspicious, I guess. 

It's a great time to overcome something you've been putting off, but be mindful of overdoing it, as Mars is still in Cancer until the end of June, where it's just not as effective or energetic. 
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Mercury in Taurus Jun 7 - 24
Finally, Mercury moves on from a jam-packed Aries and into a more stable environment in Taurus. A friendly welcome is, well, welcome, for sure. 

Mercury is still under the shadows of Rahu in Aries and all the action taking place there, and we're probably going to need a bit of steadiness after the first few days of June. Mercury conjoins Uranus at the very end of Aries by Jun 5, as Rahu and Jupiter conjoin. 

While all of these transits can be exciting, too much stimulation creates imbalances. Mercury in Taurus is about using sensual enjoyment to ground ourselves in what is real. 

There are so many unreal situations occuring at this time, that Mercury's skip (Mercury's moving very fast in Taurus) through the sign can be an enjoyable experience, and stimulating in all the right ways. 

Meeting friends in natural surroundings is probably one of the more positive expressions of Mercury in Taurus. 
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Sun in Gemini Jun 14 - Jul 15
The Sun's mid-month transition into Gemini is a time to enjoy others. Many do this by seeking out a festival or gathering. Many more, focus on their friends and neighbours, to enjoy a trip here and there. 

It all sounds lovely. You're waiting for a 'but', aren't you?! No, I think that despite other transits, the Sun is at least out of more challenging aspects with other planets, and has moved beyond the shadows of Rahu. 

Mercury joins the Sun by the end of the month and resets things in this part of our life. This means whatever area Gemini represents for you personally by house position, from  your ascendant, and everything else (Moon, Sun, etc.), as well as travel, trade, communications in a general sense, will benefit from mid-June to mid-July. 

Sex is another big part of Gemini that is not always acknowledged. Often only Scorpio is considered for such hidden things. Yet Gemini is more the flirtatious and playful part of courtship, before it gets all twisted in Scorpio! Just kidding. Scorpios have Gemini in the 8th house, so it's all fun and games.




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Saturn Retrograde Jun 17 - Nov 4
Saturn's slow turnaround every year brings a need to slow down and pay attention to our long term plans; to consider how we are getting to where we need to be - not necessarily where we want to be, mind you. 

Saturn retrograde in Aquarius is about reconsidering where the new tech and advancements are taking us. It's return to Dhaniṣṭhā mansion by the autumn is also bringing back the theme of alliances, and will probably redraw some boundaries in countries around the world. Saturn has reached its limit as it stations. We have, too.  Time to step back and consider how much you have; how much energy, time, will, etc. 

As Saturn stations and retrogrades in Śatabhiṣaj lunar mansion, we can keep an open mind about what or who we are committed to at this point. When we have cleared out all that is no longer meant for us, we can focus on what is, and place our commitment where it is beneficial to all concerned. 

Saturn's retrograde, including its 'shadow phase' takes up about 9 months of the year, every year. You can think of it as a human's gestation period, reflecting how we build our lives every year. We form and reform our lives all the time. 

This time, Saturn's retrograde in Aquarius is a time to make some internal adjustments to some heady changes happening in the 'technosphere'. There are a lot of changes happening, of course, but they are mostly probabilities in our own lives at this point. 

Return to what is real. What exists that you can confirm with touch, a key signification of Saturn. If you cannot touch it, leave it. And yes, you can touch something with your mind, a truer reflection of Saturn's limits. Make it real for yourself in your head, or as real as it can be, so you can make it happen.  

​To make something happen at this point, we must retrace our steps and see where we went wrong. By acknowledging our failures, we can do it right next time - once Saturn moves direct by the autumn. 

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New Moon in Gemini (Mṛgaśirṣā) Jun 18
This New Moon has some nice indications. It's flanked either side by benefics, Mercury in Taurus and Venus in Cancer. All good. It's in a trine to Saturn, out of the shadows of Rahu, and in an auspicious and fun lunar mansion, Mṛgaśīrṣā​. 

Okay, yes, there's the Mars ongoing transit in Cancer, as any Moon phase is tempered (pun intended) by Mars' more volatile transit. Still, there is a lot to enjoy with this new lunar month. 

As always, however, a New Moon is not the most energetic time of the month. It's a time to withdraw somewhat, and plant seeds in our hearts and minds. 

The New Moon occurs in Mṛgaśīrṣā lunar mansion, in the Gemini portion. Mṛgaśīrṣā means 'deer head', and, just like a deer, this sign is curious and likes to roam, innocently exploring new avenues of adventure.

Mṛgaśīrṣā is very creative and intellectual. The soft nature of the deer reflects its innocence in searching out new adventures. The mind more influenced by Mṛgaśīrṣā  is always on guard, just as a deer is hyper-vigilant to any sounds or movements. The deer is a very social creature and highly attuned.

Mṛgaśīrṣā is ruled by the Moon god, Soma, further emphasizing its gentle nature. ​The Moon's transit through Mṛgaśīrṣā is a good day for travel, study, and healing. Many may enjoy it through some intoxicants, of course, another side to Soma, the 'nectar of the gods'. 
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There are certainly some things to enjoy for the New Moon. 

Enjoy!

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Solstice Jun 21
The Solstice occurs on Jun 21 at 15:57 BST, whether the summer or winter Solstice for your location on the planet. Whichever it is, the Sun's change of direction (and tropical sign) is a time to take time to notice the subtle shift. But it's hard to notice it at such an extreme time in the year, the height of summer or winter. 

It's a peak experience, either way. The Sun has risen as high or as low as it gets. The higher you go, the lower you go. Best to keep things balanced so that you don't go to extremes. 

In Gemini, the extremes can be extremely enjoyable, but nonetheless, they can deplete energy. And that's what the Sun is all about, in the end. We need it. It fuels us.

​Fuel yourself for the new direction ahead. 
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Mercury in Gemini Jun 24 - Jul 8
Mercury moves into its own sign by the end of the month. In Gemini, Mercury is dexterous and adventurous, capable, and engaged. Mercury is moving fast, quick on its feet, and quick with a smart remark. Mercury in Gemini is witting and funny, socially engaged; ready for a party!

With no conflicting square aspects, and the shadows of Rahu over there somewhere, it brings more potential for socializing without so much fear. We can channel the strength of Mercury to travel, trade, and engage in more enjoyable ways at this time. 

And let's not downplay how important what some may call trivial is in our lives. Mercury helps our life run smoothly, in our everyday lives and dealings with others. When Mercury breaks down; when travel plans are disrupted; when computers crash and message are lost, it halts the smooth flow of life. 

Thankfully, Mercury in Gemini is in full swing!
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Mars in Leo Jun 30 - Aug 18
Mars is out of its sign of debilitation. Great. Yes, but it's important not to get carried away with this more explosive energy as it enters Leo, especially as it ingresses in the sign. Just a few days after its exact debilitation, it moves into a place of strength - and fire. That can be a deadly mix unless it is handled carefully. We're likely to see this as all kinds of explosive events and major weather disturbances. 

After a time of feeling under par, any return of energy is likely to be spent quick unless we are more restrained. Any sense of feeling less than in any way is likely to be overdone when we get some sense of power and purpose back. 

But don't worry about it because Mars is opposite Saturn!

Mars-Saturn oppositions can be one of the more frustrating oppositions. But looking at the astrology of 2023, if Saturn were not where it was, I think we'd have seen much more devastation.

Saturn in Aquarius strongly aspects (looks at) Aries, Leo, and Scorpio. So Mars is hampered by Saturn. In mundane events, that brings mixed results. It brings restraint and containment. Yet it can also challenge. I guess we will never know how disturbing it could have been if it were not here.

Personally, we may feel like our energy is not completely free to express itself. And that's not a bad thing if we would otherwise be reckless. We can channel these indications in more positive ways for ourselves. 

Mars-Saturn connections are best utilized by focusing to get stuff done. If you don't have something to work hard and focus on, you may get frustrated. Heck, you may get frustrated anyway, but at least you get a lot of work done! Mars and Saturn are known as 'cruel' planets for good reason: they don't allow us to kick back and rest. 

Problems begin if you sit and stew. People who have this opposition in their birth charts complain (Saturn) about not having enough energy for things they want to do (Mars). Yet they may spend as much energy on doing so, energy that would otherwise fuel their activities. 

We must be mindful of the opposite extreme: of overreacting to any sense of restriction and overdoing it, or doing something without due consideration. 
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Apart from the Mars-Saturn opposition, exact in July, Mars in Leo is determined to get it done. You probably will be, too. 
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Neptune Retrograde Jun 30 - Dec 6
Neptune slowly stations in Pisces by the last day of June. Nothing new here, as it retrogrades every year. Yet it hasn't done it where it is in our lifetime, as Neptune takes about 164 years to transit the entire zodiac.

Although Neptune has barely made it into Pisces, it will not leave it again as it very slowly retraces its steps over the first 3 degrees of the sign. It does, however, change lunar mansions, moving back to Purva Bhadra by the end of July, before it returns to its current position in Uttara Bhadra by Mar 2024.

​Purva (former) and Uttara (latter) Bhadra (auspicious) are twin star signs that are symbolized by head and feet of a funeral cot, so don't misread the auspiciousness suggested. While there is indeed much auspiciousness, especially in the latter Bhadra within Pisces, the former Bhadra, which bridges Aquarius and Pisces, is more fierce and potentially destructive. Overall, it's more about the auspiciousness of self-realisation, usually brought about by loss. 

Purva Bhadra is also symbolized by two-faces. This can either be literal or more symbolic. Two faces are said to represent the difference between life and death, so it's a highly spiritualizing star sign. But it's also reflected in contrasted themes of worldly successes and spiritual indications. The two faces can show the need to engage with both, to fully manifest something from the ether (Purva Bhadra is associated with Jupiter) and bring it into actualization at the latter stages (Uttara Bhadra is associated with Saturn). 

Purva Bhadra's pada or 'step' into Pisces shows one of only two instances that a planet both rules the Sun sign and is associated with the lunar mansion. The other occurs opposite in the last 3 degrees and 20 minutes of Leo, where the Sun both rules the sign Leo and is associated with the lunar mansion Uttara Phalguni, the 'latter fruitful'. This makes the last pada, or step, in Purva Bhadra, which is actually the first step into Pisces, a particularly Jupitarian place. 

Confused? Good! That's what I was aiming for. Now you have a sense of Neptune in Pisces!

Neptune blurs boundaries, in a sign that is already blurry on the details. Big themes of life and death, this and that, truth and falsity, all become more confusing as Neptune backtracks through Pisces - kind of like swimming backwards upside down. Yet there is nothing to worry about here, as many people don't even acknowledge Neptune's influence. 

Let me see if we can clarify what's happening. Whatever the sign Pisces is for you, you're likely just beginning to think more idealistically about this, as Neptune has just begun a 14-year transit in the sign. This means, you're likely keeping some dream alive, whether or not it is advisable.

Neptune will station at the very first degree of Pisces in December, on the edge of two worlds. The world will be a very different place at that point, I imagine. The issue with Neptune is we may keep a dream alive that becomes a nightmare. 

The lesson here is to know what to leave in the dream world, and what to take forward into reality. 

Dream big. Write it down. Edit. 
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Wishing you the best of what the month has to offer. 

​Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree on May 27. When they came together 2016, it was dubbed ‘the year of rebellion’. While 2016 shook up leaders with its conjunction in Leo, their 2023 conjunction is all about war in Aries. Thankfully, Jupiter is not staying too close to the Rahu for too long, and Saturn looks on, containing the issues. 

Jupiter and Rahu are opposite in every which way. Jupiter is righteousness; Rahu, a ‘rebel without a cause’.  Jupiter is order. Rahu is chaos. Jupiter is the glue that binds everything. Rahu breaks things apart. Jupiter is life. Rahu can show disrespect for life. At the very least, it transforms laws, policies, and norms when conjunct Jupiter. 

Mars is moving into Cancer on May 10, as Jupiter and Rahu come together in its sign, Aries. Mars in Cancer is potentially more reactive. It can either show a cowering from the threats that are possible, or a recklessness that leads to more problems. Its opposition to Pluto, exact May 21, is more likely to show the latter. 

The Full Moon in Libra on May 5 is also a partial lunar eclipse, resolving some of the conflict since the solar eclipse on Apr 20; reflecting a need to find more compromise and negotiation. The Full Moon is a time to find balance between Aries and Libra; between self and other, war and peace. Yet any potential for peace is eclipsed and further complicated by a breakdown of communication while Mercury continues to retrograde until May 15.

​Venus transits Gemini from May 2 to May 30. This is usually a fun time, despite the bigger changes and war-like situations occurring elsewhere. Venus in Gemini is a good time for travel and social life. But, as Mercury continues its retrograde, none of these activities are straight forward. 

The power of the Sun in exaltation in Aries until May 13 is what can make or break a deal, as and when confident leaders do the right thing. Yet this powerful Sun is also eclipsing the Moon, which is looking for some way to negotiate. Changing circumstances may dictate otherwise, as the Aries drive for power overcomes the Libra impulse to negotiate.


Join me on Sunday Apr 30 from 7 pm to 8 pm BST for a discussion about these transits. 

Here is your exclusive link to join the zoom meeting: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82997046797

Meeting ID: 829 9704 6797
Passcode: 383385



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Pluto stations Retrograde May 1
Pluto stations at 6 degrees of Sidereal Capricorn, which is the first degree of Tropical Aquarius. Astrologers using the Tropical zodiac are speaking about a new tech era because of Pluto in Aquarius, while 'Siderealists' are looking at Saturn in Aquarius.

Pluto in Sidereal Capricorn continues to dismantle the current systems while all of this takes place, of course. We don't start something new without dismantling the old. It's going to take some time.  

Pluto stations at the degree at which it was back in 1776, during U.S. independence. Its first ever return to this degree, in April/May this year and throughout 2024, shows the big changes in systems of power and control, in the economic model, and its impact on the dollar and global markets. 

Pluto's retrograde points to a reassessment; its slow station at this degree is a reminder that small changes creep up on us and lead to bigger changes over time. Personally, we can use this time to reassess the changes that have already occurred in our lives, before going back over them to make sure we drop what we must to move forward. 

We cannot move forward completely until we have removed everything that needs to go. This process is going to take until 2040, by which time Pluto will enter Sidereal Aquarius. For now, we must continue dismantling the old order and ways of doing things. 

Pluto's station is also the time Mercury conjoins the Sun by degree, the halfway point in Mercury's retrograde in Aries, in a square to Pluto in Capricorn. This highlights the conflict we all have as individuals trying to make our way in a system that continues to fall apart. 

With the Moon reaching Libra for the Full Moon in a few days in a square to Pluto, opposite a powerful Sun in Aries, we must find a way to compromise; with ourselves and with others. 


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Venus in Gemini May 2 - 30
Venus may be moving out of its own sign Taurus, but it is quite happy to host a party or two in Gemini. After the sensual enjoyments of Taurus have brought us to our senses, we can share the fruits of those experiences with others in Gemini. 

Venus in Gemini is curious and open to engaging with others in a more pleasant way. Venus enjoys the back and forth, the many options, the interactions, the intercourse. Sometimes it can get too caught up in the exchange, of course, preferring a lengthy discussion. Yet Mercury's own exchange with Mars until May 10 brings the quick-witted humour. It may, however, bring a sharp word here or there, too. 

As Venus joins Mars in Gemini, which continues to exchange with Mercury in Aries, there is a lot of passion to negotiate that could get out of hand - at least until May 10, once Mars moves into Cancer. And there may be many a misunderstanding any kind of interaction until Mercury has stationed direct in Aries by May 15. 

Before any of that, we have the eclipse in Libra on May 5, conjunct Ketu. Communication and negotiation is at a critical point before we make it beyond the eclipses and Mercury's retrograde in May. 

A sweet word here or there is not at all insignificant when a single word itself can ignite an already volatile situation. 

Play nice!




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Full Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) - Partial Lunar Eclipse May 5
The Full Moon and lunar eclipse in Libra brings some resolution to what has been instigated for the solar eclipse in Aries. This is a time to find more balance in our lives, and in our relationships; a time to compromise, to reflect on the power and dominance of a powerful Sun in Aries. 

While the New Moon in Aries and solar eclipse saw Jupiter come to the end of its transit in Pisces, this lunar eclipse has a different focus. Jupiter's transit is always important during an eclipse, as it points the way forward. Although Jupiter has been in transition, highlighting this even more transitory period, we can still look to Jupiter for guidance. 

Look to the position of Jupiter in Pisces for the bigger themes to come, what you are developing, and bring that with you into Aries, for the next stage of growth. Generally, this means by the end of these eclipses we will let go of something (Pisces) to start something new (Aries). We just need to find a balance with others in doing so. 

The Moon is eclipsed at 20 degrees of sidereal Libra, with the Sun continuing its transit in Aries, so any kind of solar dominance may overshadow the negotiation that is possible. While this is not such good news in terms of fighting, especially as Ketu, 'the remover', creates the eclipse in Libra, the sign of peace, we can personally find a more considered approach. This eclipse can temporarily disturb the balance. Despite the commonly-held belief that Libra is all about peace, it's also sometimes about rocking the boat to find peace again. 

Whatever happens on the world stage, we can always find a more positive expression of the eclipses, channeling them into more spiritual pursuits. That's really a fancy way of saying that eclipses are a better time to go within. Although the Full Moons are generally a more social time, an eclipsed Moon within the social Libra is likely to bring some interesting social dynamics. 

Whether you stay in or go out, find the time to find some resolution - with yourself and others, letting go of any sense of judgment. The Moon eclipsed by Ketu can be hypercritical of others. A better approach would be to cut out whatever relationships are no longer appropriate, without being critical of someone who is just being themselves as usual. 

This eclipse, like any eclipse, is asking us to change. And when we do, our relationships change, too. 

If you have any planets, your rising, Moon, or Sun, in Libra, especially around 20 degrees., then this eclipse is more impactful for you. Yet we all have Libra somewhere, which is where we could all do with letting go of something or someone.

​​Some relationships can actually deepen when we let go of preconceived ideas we have about others. When we change how we look at someone or some situation, it naturally changes before our eyes. This is a more positive expression of a Ketu eclipse. 
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The resolution that is possible is reflected in the lunar mansion, Svātī, where the Full Moon phase occurs. The exact Full Moon itself moves into the very first degree of Viśākhā. As is the case with eclipses, it brings many things to light, including some things we may prefer remain hidden. An example of this is yet another Covid variant of interest, appropriately enough called Arcturus, named after the brightest star in the constellation of, yes, you guessed it, Svātī!

As the Moon enters the following lunar mansion, Viśākhā, it changes its quality and focus. Lunar eclipses changes things more immediately as well. Take the time on May 5 to be still with the changing emotional landscape. 

As the Moon enters Viśākhā, we can dedicate ourselves to our chosen path - or the path that has been chosen for us. We can focus on what is important, and not get blown to the four corners, as it often the case with Svatī. 

Viśākhā asks us to pick a path, to pick a side, and then stick to it. This then, brings us from Libra into Scorpio, as Viśākhā bridges both signs, highlighting the more devoted, and obsessive, qualities of relationships in Libra/Scorpio.  

Yet Viśākhā may just as easily show a lack of direction and indecision, and is probably what most people think of when they think of Libra and the weighing scales of this particular lunar mansion. 

We must weigh everything up, of course, but we must also, at some point, choose. 

For timing of the eclipse in your locale, click here: 
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2023-may-5​

​Mars in Cancer May 10 - Jun 30
Let's start with the good news about Mars in Cancer, shall we?! Although Mars is debilitated in Cancer, it is no longer 'out of bounds' as it enters the sign. This means Mars is not as erratic and out of control as it has been for the past few months. Mars comes back 'into the fold', back under control, in May. 

Mars in Cancer is at least a good time to protect ourselves, even if we end up overdoing the impulse and overreact to perceived threats. 

The problems with debilitated, or exalted, planets is they are more extreme in one way or the other. Mars in Cancer can show someone hiding away and not dealing with what they know they need to. Or someone may overcompensate because of a sense of lack, pushing harder than is necessary. 

Mars is about strength and courage. Cancer is about care and protection. They can, and do, help each other. In fact, Mars is said to be the most powerful planet for Cancerians. Yet this works better for Cancer than it does for Mars itself. Cancerians can feel more energized because of this transit, but Aries and Scorpio individuals may feel more downbeat, and could do with a break. 

Aries and Scorpio must be mindful of overdoing it, pushing harder if they feel under par. 

Cancer is all about how we feel. Yet when feelings override what we should be doing, we can create more problems than are necessary. This has even made it into counselling speak, a Cancerian domain, when therapists question whether we 'should' (!) use "I should" statements.

We may not always feel like it, but we all know what we should, or shouldn't, be doing most of the time. We may, however, overcompensate for the sense of lack and jump into something without considering feelings; others' or our own. 

Added to the complexity of this time is Pluto's opposition to Mars, exact May 21. This adds more power struggles, and more power, as Pluto begins its inner search, its retrograde, in Capricorn.

There are bigger changes and worldly themes of power struggles in the world at large, changes that are likely to instill a need to protect ourselves and loved ones all the more while Mars is in Cancer.

​Mars looks at Capricorn and wishes it was as detached as Pluto seems to be, but most likely because it doesn't feel so. Mars is having to deal with thoughts and emotions it would prefer not to in Cancer. If you're feeling less energy and courage to do something, you're likely to want to make the changes that are necessary despite how you are feeling. 

And when changes take place we hadn't planned for; when things seem out of control on some level, we may stomp our feet when we don't seem to get our way. This is one of the pitfalls of a debilitated Mars. 

Take a step back from doing too much at this time, but do show up and do the necessary. And yes, sometimes, burying our heads under the duvet is what's needed - until we are ready to reemerge with more energy and purpose. 

Remember that courage is not limitless. Know how far to push yourself, and when to quit, preserving your energy for your next battle. 

Read a more in-depth article about Mars in Cancer here: 
​www.timelineastrology.com/mars-in-cancer.html


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Mercury stations Direct May 15
Mercury stations by mid-month in Aries, as Jupiter transits the recent solar eclipse degree. Some things are likely to come to light at this time. Be still, so you can discern truth from fiction. You should feel the anticipation as Mercury stations, maybe even a 'lightbulb moment'.

​Mercury's stations generally feel more excitable and anticipatory, as things begin to open up ahead. This is likely even more the case as it stations in Aries, even if Mars is now in Cancer and running out of fuel. 

While we may not all have the energy that's needed to do what we must, we can at least plan our next move during Mercury's station. 

This is a time to slowly venture forward, precisely because of it doing so in the sign of speed. It's also a time to be open to being wrong about something, and to learn from recent mistakes and setbacks.

Yet we must also be mindful of deceiving ourselves or being deceived (deliberately or not) by others. That's because as Mercury stations, Rahu is close by, with Jupiter moving towards an exact conjunction with Rahu by May 27. 

Mercury doesn't move past the point at which it began to move back until we're into June, so there's no rush to make decisions at this time - unless there is, in which case, it's best to keep an open mind about outcomes. 

There are likely many confusing, even disturbing, details emerging at this time. Take it all in, digest it, and go deeper within, accessing a deeper intelligence and knowing, as reflected in the planet of wisdom, Jupiter. 

As the saying goes, "Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens."

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Sun in Taurus May 13 - Jun 13
The Sun makes its yearly trip to Taurus by mid-month and although it is still in the shadow of Rahu in Aries, we can at least enjoy the shade!

Sun in Taurus is a time for most of us to enjoy being outdoors, connecting to nature and the natural world. It's a time to 'bloom where we are planted' and be happy with what we have.

​All we have to be happy about is all we need to be happy!

Yet the Sun in Taurus is somewhat overshadowed by Rahu in Aries and the ongoing war and strife around the world, which is likely expressed in some shady dealings at this time.

When combined with Jupiter's conjunction with Rahu, it may show potentially ill-conceived ideas and deals that do not have everyone's best interest at heart. 

Yet the Sun in Taurus can be fun, despite global affairs. Actually, we may just want to let our hair down and enjoy whatever is going on in the world at large. 

Just be mindful if something appears too good to be true, it may indeed be. We may not see the repercussions of this in May, but what happens in May is likely to lead to a major repercussions later in the year. 

For now, enjoy where you are, and who you are with. 


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New Moon in Taurus (Kṛttikā) May 19
The New Moon in Kṛttikā is an exalted Moon. And while I would usually portray this as a very positive thing - and it is - there is also the situation with Rahu meeting with Jupiter as it overshadows the Sun during the 'dark Moon' in Taurus. 

What is happening now is likely to lack clarity. Yet the New Moon is a time to move within and set intentions, whatever is being presented on the outside. As within, so without. Look at what is going on in the world as a reflection of what is going on inside. 

The good news is that this exalted Moon is sandwiched between Jupiter and Venus, a more positive configuration we can certainly enjoy. 

During the New Moon, Venus is placed in Gemini, so there's plenty to enjoy with others. Without Venus, life would be unbearably dull. But it offers us something more important: Venus and the Moon, and the sign Taurus, bring us to our senses. Sensual enjoyment is a quick way to be present, enjoying people and things that make us feel more secure. 

There will always be uncertainty in the world, and there will always be a need to go within using the senses as a doorway, to wake us up to the moment, the only thing we ever need.

​The exalted New Moon in Taurus is a time to go within and find more comfort with uncertainty. By doing so, we can live with a sense of certainty, and enjoy ourselves, too. We can remove what is not helpful for our mental health, including bombarding the senses with things that don't help. We can feed our minds positive impressions, including natural settings and foods, which bring stability to the mind. 

Kṛttikā's symbol, the lunar mansion the New Moon occurs in, is s blade, highlighting the need to cut it out - whatever it is that does you no good. Many times, it's not what we do, but what we know we shouldn't (there's that word again!), that causes problems. 

​If you can cut those negative thoughts out, while also thinking positively, you're onto a winner!

But to do so, you must be open to uncertainty, just as the Moon in Taurus must acknowledge the opposite Scorpio. The more uncertainty we can handle, the more we can feel good, having dealt with our demons, and the less we grab unhelpful things to help us cope. 

A new life awaits us when we are done with things that no longer support us. Self-care and support is important to keep in mind this May.

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Jupiter-Rahu Conjunction May 27
Jupiter conjoins the North Node Rahu using the mean calculation on May 27. The true node calculation sees them meet on Jun 2. This is called Guru Cāṇḍāla Yoga in Vedic astrology. Guru is the 'darkness destroyer', while Cāṇḍāla is the 'outcast', the darkness itself. When these opposite qualities meet, it can be quite a complex mix to figure out.

You may get a sense of something to be true, but which is not. Or you may sense what is true and ignore it as fake.

​You may get the wrong advice based on your own faulty beliefs, as everyone you meet during such a conjunction confirms your biases. You may not be able to tell when a hunch is correct or not. The advice is to wait until the shadows pass to make a decision. 

Yet I've seen enough charts of those with this combination to know it can show a sort of 'intuition on steroids', but that the person may not trust their instincts. And indeed, maybe they shouldn't! I would delay any important decisions until this conjunction has passed in June. 

The purity of Jupiter is at least somewhat sullied by the shadows of Rahu. Although Jupiter is a good remedy for the shadows, when it conjoins Rahu, it itself becomes overshadowed and unable to remedy the situation.

​When they are together in a wide orb of influence, not at the same degree, Jupiter can give Rahu a boost, but Rahu lowers the tone of Jupiter. 

In this case, the Sun is seen as the remedy to save Jupiter from the shadowy realms of Rahu. As Freedom Cole writes about in his book, Science of Light Vol. 2, "they [the Sun and Jupiter] watch out for each other."

When we think about the astronomy of our star and the planet Jupiter, they are the two biggest bodies in our solar system by far. It's less of the Sun alone creating the gravitational pull for the planets, but a combination of the Sun and Jupiter, what is known as the barycenter. 

The conjunction of Jupiter and Rahu is one reason I predicted the death of many leading celebrities and public figures this year. Jupiter is Jivatman. It represents life itself. The last time they came together in 2016, in the sign of celebrity, Leo, we saw an inordinate number of very prominent figures die. Thankfully, Jupiter and Rahu will only meet once this year, unlike in 2016, when they transiting alongside each other for months. 

​We will get over this conjunction as we did the last, and quickly, but it leaves its mark forever more, too. Think about how 2016 changes the world.

By the time Jupiter clears the shadows in Aries, it will have begun to settle into the sign, a sign it does better in than Rahu. Rahu shows the shadow side of Aries and Mars, while Jupiter brings more clarity and light.

Rahu will leave Aries by the end of October this year, leaving Jupiter in Aries to instill a better sense of what is appropriate, although Rahu and Saturn continue to influence Jupiter due to their sight (aspect). At least Jupiter moves out of the more intense shadows.

Until then, go within the find the truth, but keep an open mind about what you find. 

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​Om Tat Sat

Jupiter is hidden by the rays of the Sun in the depths of its transition into Aries in April. This has more obvious challenges with regards the economy, but less so for more inner reflections. Righteousness may be challenged in a more obvious outward sense, as treatments of people or decisions taken now are questioned.

The big news in April is the total solar eclipse on Apr 20, visible in South East Asia. This occurs at 5 degrees of Sidereal Aries, and Aśvinī lunar mansion. This has the potential to move the story along in leaps and bounds, changing things radically in movements around the world. ​

The eclipsed Sun is exalted and flanked either side by Jupiter, on the one side, and Venus, which will have moved into its own sign, Taurus, by Apr 6. Although this points to some challenging changes at this stage, at least there is potential for some positive expressions. Yet when we cannot see Jupiter during an eclipse, we may feel lost as to how to progress.  ​
Saturn’s strength and aspect from the innovative Aquarius is a container, although it doesn’t take away from the need for radical changes. It may, however, keep some heads cool when more objectivity is needed in times of transition.

Mercury stations retrograde in Aries by Apr 21. By the time it stations direct on May 15 we will have put the eclipses behind us, but there are still a lot of details to work out as Mercury backtracks through the eclipse degrees in Aries - a section of the sign Jupiter will move retrograde for the latter half of 2023. What is triggered in April/May will likely have a bigger impact later.

​Jupiter's entry into Aries by Apr 21, joining forces with Rahu and Uranus, shows we are due a major shakeup in the world. Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree in late May, but we are likely to feel duped from the start. The last time Jupiter and Rahu came together in 2016 shook our world. This year's conjunction is likely to do the same.

Join me on Sunday Apr 2 at 7pm BST (note Daylight Saving Time) for a discussion about the transits of April. 

Here is your patron-exclusive link for the zoom meeting: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83575570151

Meeting ID: 835 7557 0151
Passcode: 200692



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Mercury in Aries Mar 31 - Jun 7
Mercury transits Aries for a longer than usual period due to its retrograde from Apr 21 to May 15. This is a highly complex period in many ways, even if there are some mitigating factors. 

There are some obvious issues with Mercury in the 'sign of war' for so long. Mars is transiting Gemini until May 10. which means Mercury and Mars are swapping signs. This intricately ties both planets together, for better or worse. 

Gemini, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces should find it easier to deal with - or at least be able to work with it - while all other signs may have a little more to work out. And remember, we all have all of the signs somewhere, so we must all work it out. 

This is the last full month of Mars 'out of bounds', before Mars gets in line after May 4. When Mars transits further outside the 'band of the zodiac belt', as it has been for the past few months, it behaves more unusually, more erratically. Our energy does the same. 

In April, Mars continues to brings this erratic energy, which, when combined with Mercury, can lead to testing exchanges. The best of this is to say what needs to be said, whatever you feel about it, but not to beat someone over the head with your opinions! Mercury doesn't feel, it thinks. Mars doesn't think, it acts. Say what needs to be said, but first make sure you are clear about what needs to be said. And be kind, even if you think you're right. 

Communication is generally strained with Mercury retrograde, but this is even more so when so tied up with Mars. When we combine these indications with Jupiter's transiting into Aries while combust (hidden behind the Sun), as well as an eclipse of the Sun in Aries, to say that this offers great potential, and much confusion, is the understatement of the year.

​We must be mindful of both the positive and negative potentials of this in the world. We've reached a precarious period in the war, for example, which could easily spiral out of control. 

Choose your battles wisely. Our only hope is in a planet we don't usually place hope in; that is, Saturn. Saturn's placement in Aquarius and its strong aspect to Aries should hopefully keeps things contained. 

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Full Moon in Virgo (Hasta) Apr 6
Although this Full Moon is not an eclipse, Mercury transits the upcoming eclipse degree in Aries at the time, leading to a sense of change in the air. Opposite, Jupiter is coming to the end of its transit in Pisces, hidden by the rays of the Sun in the depths of transition. Yes, we're definently in times of change. 

As practical and orderly as a Full Moon in Hasta and Sidereal Virgo wishes to be, we are about to see so many changes that we may find it hard to manage our everyday routines.

The more we try to maintain balance, the more likely we lose it. This is the problem, and the solution, contained within the sign Virgo.

Problems of this Full Moon can certainty be taken in our stride. Indeed, we must do so if we are to balance the Sun, Jupiter, and Neptune in Pisces; all those daydreams of something better, with practical applications in our day-to-day lives. 

Virgo takes all those hopes and dreams and sees if they can work. Hasta, a lunar mansion that typifies Virgo, applies them in the most practical ways, manipulating things so that we can make them work for us. 

The downside of Virgo is attempting to micro-manage, not allowing things to be for a time, to form and reform in ways they must. Most everyday problems would work themselves out if we were to leave them be for a while.

​Don't be too quick to judge or criticize what is happening right now - it won't be long before it's all change. We must be open to better ways of doing things, allowing new perspectives to alter the way we do anything moving forward. 
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Venus in Taurus Apr 6 - May 2
Venus moves into its earthy sign in April, a sweet spot in the year despite other indications of complex changes and upheaval. If things must change, why not enjoy what we can? The ground remains beneath our feet (hopefully!). 

Venus in Taurus is a time to 'stop and smell the roses', and 'bloom where you are planted'. This is probably the most important indication during times of change and upheaval on our planet. If we cannot find space to simply enjoy the simple pleasures, even while things change all around us, how are we going to deal with the bigger changes suggested in the coming years?

One of the bigger changes is in the basics, which really takes hold once Uranus moves into Taurus. This will occur the next time Venus moves into Taurus, in the summer of 2024.

Perhaps this is the last time we can enjoy what Taurus has given us thus far, in this way, for now - before it is altered forever more. 

If you've got a nest egg, or whatever thing you find gives your life stability and predictability, enjoy it now. It won't be the same for very long. Embrace it in its current form, and all new forms it takes in the coming years. 

Although Venus is not directly involved with the upcoming eclipse in Aries, and is moving out of a strong aspect from Saturn, Venus does still receive a sly backwards glance from the shadows of Rahu in Aries, moving into a square to Saturn. This is likely felt in the economy, especially when Jupiter's transit along with Rahu is taken into account. 

Venus in Taurus is a time to appreciate the finer things in life, which, are (usually) free, thankfully. It's a great time to step back out into nature for those of us on the northern hemisphere. No matter what is happening with humanity, the birds are singing, the flowers blossoming, the waters keep flowing; mountains are not going anywhere. 

And even if you cannot enjoy nature at this time, you have your senses you can tune into, through some sort of sensual experience. The more tangible the experience with Venus in Taurus, the better. 

Enjoy!

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Jupiter Combust Apr 11
April is a complex month for many reasons, least of all because of Jupiter's combustion at the very end of Sidereal Pisces, as it transitions into Aries. 

When we cannot see Jupiter, we don't usually make the right decisions, although everything is right from a bigger perspective, of course. If we are conscious of this, we can indeed tune in and find the right path, but if we are looking for others to supply us with the right answers without having first checked with ourselves, we're likely to be led astray. 

As soon as Jupiter leaves its combustion in May, it meets with the shadow of the eclipse, Rahu. If we're not blinded by the light, we're blinded by shadows!

The best way to deal with this complex period is to not look outside yourself for advice, no matter how wise the person may seem. But if you have found that 'still voice within', then the voices of those advising you should reflect your own inner knowing. 

That is the strength of a planet in combustion; it's about looking for the strength within. This is likely due to the lack felt without. Jupiter's signifies growth, which is likely hampered while combust, invisible. This has obvious implications for economic growth, or the lack thereof, which likely leads to a propping up in all kinds of shady dealings when combined with the eclipse in May. 

What happens now changes things forever more. Be mindful of false promises and shady characters who promise a lot but do not deliver what's best for everyone. 

I'll write more about the Jupiter-Rahu combination next month, and in article I'm writing on this important conjunction titled, "Black Swan Events & the Jupiter-Rahu Conjunction". This Guru Chandala Yoga, or 'Black Swan', is likely to bring to surprises, even shocking events, that even an astrologer cannot predict. 


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Sun in Aries Apr 13 - May 13
At last, the Sun moves into its sign of exaltation and we can feel the energy of our star shine bright. While this is more especially a welcomed return to light for those of us on the northern hemisphere, and particularly for those with Leo prominent, all the world can feel the Sun in Aries as a sign of initiation and rebirth. 

We can only initiate when we feel confident to do so. Yes, okay, there's the ongoing Saturn storyline keeping a lid on proceedings, but at least the Sun's exaltation shows more confidence overall. I guess we could use the phrase 'cautiously confident' in that case. 

Caution is certainly advised as the Sun is eclipsed by Rahu in Aries, itself 'eclipsing' Jupiter as it enters the sign. In that case, confidence is not likely felt through any sense of surety, but probably through trials and setbacks; because of a surprising turn of events. 

When we can take this changes in our stride, we develop more confidence in our ability to handle anything life throws at us. 

If you're more open to the changes these transits suggest, your confidence won't be knocked when things happen you hadn't counted on, or things happen in a way you hadn't planned for. Instead, you can get ready to meet with the changing terrain with a light-footed approach, and a deeper connection to who you are and what you are capable of. 

Sometimes, you have to know your limitations. But in knowing this, you can acheive more. 

Confidence is gained in many ways other than standing your ground or showing off. You can increase your sense of confidence by learning to change the approach that's needed at any given moment.

Working towards something while being open to more innovative approaches is likely to serve you and everyone else better when all is considered. Anyone who is only self-serving and aggrandizing (Sun-Rahu) is going to get away with such self-promotion for long (Saturn in Aquarius) - unless it serves a greater purpose (Sun-Jupiter). 
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Shine on you crazy diamond!

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New Moon in Aries (Aśvinī) Apr 20 - Total (Hybrid) Solar Eclipse
Okay, so this one's a biggie. This New Moon and eclipse is going to shake things up in a big way. But here's the thing; the changes it suggests for us individually and collectively are necessary. We can get on board, despite what may seem wrong on some level. Nothing is wrong. Everything is as it should be. 

Yet we don't always reach such a state of grace when things are in flux, do we? Usually, we look to Jupiter for a sense of what is right during the eclipse, but Jupiter is itself in transition between Pisces and Aries at the time of the eclipse. Jupiter has slipped from view behind the rays of the Sun, while transiting between the watery realms of Pisces and the fiery realms of Aries. This is highly volatile for Jupiter. 

This may include economic volatility, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine. Keep an eye out for my presentation on a potential stock market crash. There are too many similar patterns to the 1929 astrology occuring in 2023 to ignore such a possibility.

We may rally against the outer changes and think it should have been some other way. We may say to ourselves, "If I just did it this way or that way, it would have been different." Hmm. 'Free' will has a lot to answer for! Remind yourself that it's all happening perfectly. And that, actually, nothing happens, all is. 

When we accept what is happening, it doesn't mean we don't do something about it. Acceptance leads to action, just as Pisces leads to Aries. The more we let go into what is happening, the more we can do with it. 

Yet the eclipse day itself is not the best day to take action necessarily. It's a supercharged New Moon, a time to set intentions and to observe things. Actions can come later, once Jupiter settles into Aries. 

If you have any planets around 5 degrees of Sidereal Aries or Libra, this is an eclipse to keep an eye on, and the areas of our life you experience the sign Aries and what those planets represent in your birth chart. 

Jupiter's subsequent transit in Aries is all about making the right decisions, despite the chaos that is likely to ensue because of this eclipse. "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ..." ​

For timing of the eclipse for your location, visit:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-april-20

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​Jupiter in Aries Apr 21, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Jupiter's transition to a new sign is an important transition each year. This year, it's even more important for several reasons. Jupiter may be leaving its own sign Pisces, but it's also leaving a holding pattern, having being stuck between Saturn in Aquarius and Rahu in Aries. 

Now that Jupiter joins Rahu in Aries, strongly aspected by Saturn in Aquarius, the decisions we make now have long-lasting implications; the changes about to occur in the world around us and in our personal lives have far-reaching effects. 

Whatever you end up doing, the actions you take lead to wisdom, just as Jupiter follows Mars when journeying from our planet. If you didn't do a thing, you never learn, although you must be mindful of the precarious position of taking action that is ill-conceived, and the steep learning curve when doing something you may later regret. 

This is reflected in the conjunction between Jupiter and Rahu, called Guru Chandala Yoga. Read more about the Guru Chandala Yoga and a possible 'Black Swan Event' here

Although Jupiter is overshadowed by Rahu, Rahu is actually propped up by Jupiter, boosting some things we would prefer not to in hindsight. 

When someone has Jupiter and Rahu together in their birth chart, Rahu's period is given a boost by Jupiter, while Jupiter's period can be somewhat overshadowed by some Rahu-type issue. Jupiter wishes to balance out Rahu's greed with its generous approach, yet blind generosity can create many issues.

'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'. 

Jupiter's entry into Aries for the coming year is at least an opportunity to get clear about what you should be doing in the first place, what it's purpose is, even if you are initially challenged in being perfectly clear about it. 

This is especially the case in April and May, as Jupiter enters Aries while combust and involved with the eclipse of Rahu. Even after that, Jupiter must meet with Uranus for a further shake up in 2024, which, when combined with Uranus' transition into Sidereal Taurus, shows the bigger changes in the economic model next year. 

This is likely due to the challenges in 2023, of course. But the changes are necessary, whether a new digital currency or whatever it may be. It's all happening perfectly. 

For those with their Moon in Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, or Pisces, Jupiter's transit in Aries is likely felt as more purposeful. For all other signs, Jupiter's transit in the natural first sign of the zodiac can feel more inspired, but sometimes the areas being expanded upon may not feel as purposeful or deliberate.

Yet we can all benefit from Jupiter's transit, no matter where you personally sense this growth. And you can develop more of a sense optimism from being more proactive about what is meaningful to you. 

Whatever area of your life Aries represents, either from your rising or Moon sign - or any sign, for that matter - these areas will expand one way or another in the year to come.  Expansion does not always mean an obvious external growth. Many times, it shows an inner expansion and more depth of experience, a deeper connection to something or someone reflected in this sign. 

It's time to take all you learned from the depths of Pisces to do the necessary in Aries. And because Saturn continues to keep a close eye on Jupiter from Aquarius, staying focused and inside the lines is as important as ever. 

Now would be a good time to take that inspired action. 
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Mercury Retrograde Apr 21 - May 15
Mercury retrograde on its own is usually a petty nuisance. Add it to other, more complex, changes, however, and it can all become too much so that we don't always handle it with the necessary smile. 

This Mercury retrograde is complex because of its exchange with Mars and its placement alongside the eclipse, with Mercury transiting the eclipse degree in the first few days of April and then backing up from the upcoming lunar eclipse degree, moving back towards the north lunar node, Rahu. 

This means whatever is instigated from the beginning of the month is likely put through a lot of twists and turns, so that it is unclear as to the outcome until June, when it clears the point at which it first began to retrograde in April. Whatever plans you have on the burner, make sure to keep an open mind throughout.

The usual advise applies for Mercury retrograde: take your time with everything you do, paying particular attention to the fine print. It's not that Mercury retrograde is the devil, but the devil is in the details!

Mercury retrogrades are not evil. It's just that the mind is overburden with things it must consider and you may make mistakes when you are too busy. 

Mercury retrogrades, even ones in Aries, are about taking the time to think things through, without necessarily doing anything about your deliberations. There's plenty of time to act later, even if you feel the urgency to act now. And you will likely feel the urgency to act with the eclipse in Aries just as Mercury retrogrades. But this just points to the likelihood that you will have to redo whatever you do now later on. 

If you are at least aware of the potential snag lists that accumulate at this time, you won't 'lose your rag' as we Irish like to say, i.e., you won't lose your temper if things don't go to plan. There's a bigger picture and plan you are missing if you do. 

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Akshaya Tritiya Apr 22
Akshaya means 'undiminished' and Tritiya is the '3rd lunar day' of this auspicious lunar month, with the luminaries 'shining bright' in their signs of exaltation. The Sun is in Aries, the Moon in Taurus. Venus is also in Taurus, with Saturn in Aquarius. Even Mercury, although now retrograde, is exchanging with Mars in Gemini. This is as if Mars were in Aries and Mercury in Gemini, 'post exchange'. The only planet not in its own sign (in some way) or exalted is Jupiter, which has just entered Aries - on the verge of something new. 

Despite the auspiciousness and strengths of most of the planets, Jupiter is lost in the rays of the Sun, hanging out between two signs. Despite all that we have to be grateful for, we may not be. I guess it's harder to be grateful when everything is changing; it's harder to take the time to just be when all around is in flux.  

If you have something you would like to begin in 2023, you could use this day to give it the best possible start, as anything begun when the Sun and Moon are exalted is said to be 'undiminishing'. This is why Indian traditionally buy gold on this day. 

You could invest in something, or begin a project, or simply intend something for your life. Perhaps you could use the New Moon and eclipse on Apr 20 to intend something, and Apr 22 to begin it. 

You just have to be mindful of the fact that this is within the eclipses, two days after a total solar eclipse. This subtracts from the auspiciousness, for sure, but we'll take what we can get, right?!

With that in mind, I invite you to send your wishes for something new in your life, as a 'message in a bottle', sending out your wishes for someone or something to enter your life, by posting your message here: https://xoyondo.com/mb/teyE1tdIfDxnSvP

I will compile everyone's wishes and add them to an article I'm writing about the upcoming Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Pisces; when we can make our big dreams a reality. 

What do you wish for?

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Full Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) May 5 - Partial Lunar Eclipse
Although this eclipse is in May, I thought I'd write about it for the April forecast because eclipses come in pairs. Whatever changes we begin for the New Moon in April leads to some sort of resolution in May. 

If I left this out of the forecast, it would be like not finishing a book, right before the protagonist finished their 'hero's journey'. This journey from the New to the Full Moon is made all the more urgent with the eclipses. 

The New Moon and solar eclipse in Aries brings the spark of change, lighting a fire under us to do something different, while this Full Moon and lunar eclipse leads to a need for compromise with others, as well as with ourselves. 

We cannot be all Aries about anything we do. In other words, we cannot just think about ourselves, or take action without thinking at all. We must consider how our actions impact others, even the world around us. To find resolution for this Full Moon and eclipse, we must be open to the other, in whatever form the other takes. 

The resolution itself leads to its own changes, as and when we are open to others' points of view and approaches. As this occurs with Mercury retrograde opposite in Aries, and Venus as the ruler of the eclipse in Gemini with Mars, we have more to negotiate around changes that are self-evident. 

Taking both Venus and Mars together, we can get what we want only when others get what they want. This balancing of Aries and Libra is at the crux of our relating to others and the world around us, made more urgent during the eclipses. 

​For timing of the eclipse for your location, visit: 
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2023-may-5

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Wishing you the best of what the month has to offer. 

Mercury is the last of the planets to meet with Saturn in Aquarius, by Mar 2. This testing of our new plans will likely feel like a chore at this point. Yet without testing, we cannot know if it will work. Venus is conjunct Jupiter on the same day, so this is more enjoyable, at least. Venus is exalted in Pisces, with Jupiter welcoming it to its home. There are likely many positive expressions of this, a sense that we have might as well enjoy whatever is happening - and find more meaning in it. The downside is overindulgence, or escapism, especially as Neptune gets in on the act.

Mars finally makes it out of Taurus by Mar 12, having first entered the sign in Aug 2022. It then moves past the point it began to backtrack by Mar 17. Whatever plans or projects that were put on hold can now move forward. The planet of war moving forward may mean just that, of course. After many weeks of stalling, it could lead to an escalation and break down of talks. Mars in Gemini must talk, however, no matter how much is dislikes it. At least Mars is now in a helpful relationship with a powerful Saturn in Aquarius, both in air signs. This can lead to some advancements, as new ideas are thrashed out in a more constructive manner.

Venus moves into Mars’ sign Aries by Mar 12, joining Rahu and Uranus placed therein. After a period of Venus in exaltation in early March, Venus joining the distorted Rahu and surprising Uranus may further inflate situations for better or worse. The economy is likely to go through major ups and downs from this point.

Mercury takes a dip into Pisces by Mar 16, conjunct Neptune as soon as it does so. This may leave us feeling completely perplexed as to what is happening. Although Jupiter’s transit in Pisces is a mitigating factor, allowing us to tune into our inner knowing, the facts and figures may not tally with what we sense is right.

The Sun in Pisces from Mar 14 is another indication of a reset and ending before starting over. A big reset takes place on the New Moon in Pisces on Mar 21. This is the Lunar New Year in the Vedic calendar.

​Venus meets with Uranus in Aries by Mar 30, as Mercury moves into Aries by Mar 31, and Jupiter reaches the end of Pisces in April, too. All the planets move into Aries by the end of April, reflecting many new beginnings. Yet Jupiter is hidden by the rays of the Sun in transition. This may show more obvious challenges with the economy, as well as opportunities for more meaningful pursuits. Righteousness may be challenged, but Jupiter’s inner strength guides us forward.


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Venus in Pisces Feb 15 - Mar 12
The first week of March is when we see Venus move to its degree of exaltation, exact on Mar 10. This is certainly a sweet spot in the year. Venus in Pisces reflects our ability to be happy, whatever is happening in the world around us.

Venus conjoins Jupiter on Mar 2, potentially leading to too much of a good thing. The fact that this occurs with Venus and Jupiter hemmed in between Saturn in Aquarius and Rahu in Aries suggests we may overindulge because we feel stuck and stressed somewhere. 

It may be a dietary indulgence (Aquarius rising or Moon), or hope for something better (Cancer rising or Moon), but whatever it is for you, make sure you are not overdoing it and copping out. By doing so, you actually prevent yourself from experiencing the best of what this configuration has to offer. And there is much on offer here. 

Many times, we give in to our most primitive instincts (Rahu) through a fear of lack (Saturn), and then actually create more lack. We could call it ironic if it weren't so tragic. 

Feelings of being stuck aside, Venus in Pisces is a time of year to feel the appreciation for whatever, and whomever, we have in our lives. Its conjunction with Jupiter adds to the potential for feeling grateful. 

The more grateful we are, the more we get, simply because we are 'giving thanks'. When we complain, even if there is just cause, we are taking away from the situation or from someone. We don't get anything back from that. 

Depending on the cycle you are currently experiencing, you will be more in tune with either of these impulses. Those in Venus and Jupiter cycles are likely to feel more appreciative, more grateful - even if they feel more stuck! Those in Saturn or Rahu cycles may not be able to see what's to be grateful for, with these planets keeping them busy looking at what's stuck. 

It's time to 'stop and smell the roses', to see the good in any situation, no matter what it is. But it's also a good idea to accept if you cannot, and love yourself regardless. This is the strength of Venus in exaltation: seeing the good in everyone and everything, including yourself. 

The downside of Venus in exaltation is setting the bar so high that no one and no thing could ever reach your expectations.

​Love it all, anyway, and it will love you back. 
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Mercury in Aquarius Feb 27 - Mar 16
Just as Venus conjoins Jupiter on Mar 2, Mercury conjoins Saturn. This can temper the overindulgences mentioned above, as our thoughts firmly focus on the consequences.

Mercury-Saturn in Aquarius is more 'dry', more detached and objective, more theoretical and scientific. Yet there is another side to Aquarius that is not often talked about; that is, it's the water-bearer. Although an air sign, it's the recognition that air holds moisture, that thoughts have within them feelings; that feelings are actually the driver of our thoughts. 

And yet, Mercury in air signs does so well because it can be more objective - not completely, but more so. Mercury and Saturn are seen to be the least emotional, as they are more connected to the air and earth signs. Yet Venus, the primary planet related to the water element, also rules an air and an earth sign. Air signs show desires, while earth signs are about manifestation. We can desire all we want, but unless and until we rationally apply our intelligence (Mercury) and work at it (Saturn), we are unlikely to make it happen. 

So, use all of these conjunctions, Mercury-Saturn, Venus-Jupiter - all of you - to make something happen. Allow any kind of intense desire combined with feeling stuck be the 'creative tension' (thanks for that one, Sharon!), to actualize it. Then, take a step back from what you have created and ask yourself if it is truly what you want; if it is what your 'higher self' wants, including what everyone else wants. 

When we are more attuned to the whole, we get what we want as the One who is giving gets everything.  
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Full Moon in Leo (Pūrvaphalgunī) Mar 7
There are some more enjoyable indications for a Full Moon in Leo and the creative Pūrvaphalgunī. But, just as with the exalted Venus conjunct Jupiter in Pisces, there are some things to be mindful of. Mars, Saturn, and Rahu all have a close eye on the Full Moon. As mentioned for the Venus-Jupiter thing previously, we need to be mindful of overdoing it if we feel stressed around this Full Moon.

Those in a period of Mars and/or Saturn and/or Rahu are likely to feel the stress more so, but how this gets labelled makes all the difference. Stress is not always a bad thing. It's a motivator.

We can all feel the pressure of the Saturn-Sun conjunction through the first couple of weeks of March. This means we must find a place for both our light and dark, our confidence, and lack thereof, as the Moon opposes the Sun.

We can work hard on something even if we doubt ourselves. Actually, we're more likely to work harder at it when we doubt. When don't work as hard when it comes easy. And while that kind of flow feels more natural to us, the hard work we put in before we get to flow is as important. In other words, Saturn is as important as Jupiter in making anything happen. Problems arise when we question and doubt too much. We cannot acheive anything in such a state. 

The Sun in Aquarius is about finding confidence in uncertainty and change, that others are there for us when we are there for them; when we align with the greater good. And yet, if we don't have a unique contribution, we have nothing to offer others. Sun in Aquarius is asking for our unique contribution, but not to get carried away with notions of grandeur if we offer something great. 

A Full Moon in Leo is about connecting to what lights us up inside. Our feelings need to be heard, but we must acknowledge everyone else in the room with the Sun in the opposite Aquarius, bouncing our idea off of them. The more we can do that, the more confidence we can tap into. The less we do that, the less energy we have to sustain our ego's need for recognition. 
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There may be only one Sun in our solar system, but we all have to share it! 

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Mars in Gemini Mar 12 - May 10 
Okay. At. Last. Mars moves out of Taurus. Jeez. This has been a long haul, a massive trek through the mud. It's been a hike with so many twists and turns, so much to negotiate with others, that its a wonder we made it through without imploding.

Okay. I'm obviously reflecting on my own experience here. That aside, Mars is now moving on for us all, whatever frustrations you were dealing with because of its backtracking through a sign it does not function so easily in. Mars in Taurus must compromise with others, where the natural impulse for Mars is to just do it regardless of what anyone thinks.

Thinking -now there's another problem for Mars! Mars in Gemini shows we must think more than we may want to. We must also cooperate in yet another sign Mars doesn't express itself freely in. But at least it's another sign - another thing to work out. Things are moving on. 

Mars in Gemini is asked to communicate effectively, without getting caught up in arguments or debates that go nowhere; at least, according to its needs.

Mars and Mercury have an 'interesting' relationship. Basically, they don't get along. Mars is about action. Mercury is about deliberating. Action requires, well, action. Talk is cheap for Mars. Yet these two can work together by thinking about what to do and then doing it with a cool, clear head.

By the end of March, Mercury and Mars move into an even more intimate relationship and have more potential of working together more productively. As Mercury enters Aries by Mar 31, it will exchange signs with Mars in Gemini, in a friendlier and cooperative way. It may not be easy for everyone, but those with Gemini, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces prominent should find it easier to cooperate. The rest may have a little more to work out. 

We all have all the signs from some perspective, of course, so it's always a mixed bag. You may feel challenged to cooperative about something, but find it easier with something else. 

Mars moves out of its 'shadow phase' by Mar 17, past the point it began to backtrack at the end of October last year. This should feel good for those who like to move forward with plans, i.e., everyone of us! Yet it doesn't mean we are not challenged in doing so. Mars is always challenging. That's what builds strength.

But we must be aware of the need for rest when we feel to challenged, and how much we can take. Mars in Gemini is like a live wire, where the nervous energy creates a lot of excitement and tension. How you use it makes all the difference. But if you cannot put it aside, you may not be as effective when it comes to taking the necessary action. This is the downside of Mars in Gemini.

You may end up thinking of all the challenges you are facing that, by the time you get to do something about it, you're spent! It's as important to be able to switch off the nervous energy, so you can get back to it with more gusto after you have recharged.  
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You wouldn't expect your tech devices to continually work without charging them up every so often, so why expect it from yourself?!

Mars in Gemini is great for communicating directly about what needs to be said, without beating anyone up about it, including yourself. State your case and listen for the reaction from others, so you can adjust your tone. You get more of what you want from others when you communicate better. This includes listening as much as expressing yourself. 
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Venus in Aries Mar 12 - Apr 6
Venus is no longer willing to meander or take time to appreciate the finer things in life. In Aries, it's ready for action! Yet Venus meets with Rahu and Uranus in Aries, and into an aspect from Saturn, so actions are likely to bring surprises and rebuttals, maybe even shocking events that ask us to take a step back. 

Venus in Aries is passionate. Venus conjoined Rahu, exact on Mar 21, is too much. It can show huge spikes and dips, in how we feel. The economy is likely to do something extreme at this point, as our relations, whether personal or global. 

The Venus-Rahu conjunction just so happens to be the New Moon and New Lunar Year. This means, Venus-Rahu in Aries is a signature for the year ahead. This is likely to be expressed in economic ups and downs due to war, but it will play out differently in various parts of the world depending on where this is placed for each country (see some below). 

Venus conjoins Uranus by Mar 30, before moving into its own sign Taurus in April. Before we get to another sweet spot in the year, we have a bumpy road ahead by the end of March, it seems. 
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Sun in Pisces Mar 14 - Apr 13
As the Sun enters Pisces, it leaves behind Saturn's sign, and Saturn, for the first time since the beginning of the year. This is always a welcomed transition in the year. January through mid-March is always a bit of a long trek. This year, as was the case since the beginning of 2020, felt even more arduous because of Saturn being co-present.

Now the Sun moves into Pisces, with Venus having been through here recently, and Jupiter continuing through until the end of April, we can certainly feel more optimistic at this point.

The issue now is that Jupiter is moving into combustion, hidden behind the rays of the Sun, exact into April. As it does this while itself in transition into Aries by the end of April, it may feel like the optimism we sense does not have any grounding in what is happening in the world around us. Yet a combust planet is asking us to look without, when all seems lost without. 

The Sun conjoins Neptune as it enters Pisces, exact on Mar 15, with Mercury moving in and conjoining Neptune by Mar 16. Whatever you are optimistic about, the picture may seem unclear at this stage. 

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Saturn in Śatabhiṣaj Mar 14 - Oct 15, 2023 + Nov 23, 2023 - Apr 6, 2024
Saturn enters Śatabhiṣaj by the middle of March, and into the lunar mansion in the middle of Sidereal Aquarius. This marks an important shift within the sign, as it ingresses into Tropical Pisces. 

I've noted over the years that astrologers who use Tropical calculations often refer to events occuring when planets transit the end of the Tropical sign. That's because as planets reach the last 6 degrees of a Tropical sign they enter the Sidereal sign of the same name. Of course, they're not the same signs. 

I've also noted how the 3 lunar mansions that are evenly split between signs, the 'Mars lunar mansions', Mṛgaśīrṣā, Citrā, and Dhaniṣṭhā, connect both the Sidereal and Tropical signs: Taurus-Gemini, Virgo-Libra, and Capricorn-Aquarius. When planets move out of any of these lunar mansions they have reached the 6-degree mark of the Sidereal sign, which is the beginning of the next Tropical sign, e.g. when Saturn moves into Tropical Pisces in March, it will leave Dhaniṣṭhā in Aquarius and move into Śatabhiṣaj. 

I mention this because you are likely to hear a lot from astrologers, mostly from the Western traditions, about Saturn's ingress into Tropical Pisces in March. This correlates with Śatabhiṣaj in sidereal Aquarius. And indeed, the themes are similar. 

Śatabhiṣaj and Pisces are both confusing. They blend things together in a way that is hard to fathom. And they include everything, as everything is included from a deeper perspective. The themes of inclusion are going to be prominent for the following year, but so is the theme of exclusion, as Saturn brings up the problems to be solved.

The last time Saturn was here saw a lot of humanitarian issues and social rights movements, e.g. civil rights movements. We're likely to see more of the same in the coming year. 

One of the important significations of Śatabhiṣaj is health and healing, for which Saturn is likely to put in place regulations and systems to keep things orderly. Healthcare was a big theme of Saturn's last transit here in the 90s. Yet the order imposed may also be because of a sense of a lack of order, which can then become rigid. Aquarius is as fixed sign, after all. Saturn's inclusion can stress the issues. It's also an air sign. Fixed air can express itself as rigid thinking, or thinking that progress can only be made in such and such a way. 

The other key aspect of Saturn in Śatabhiṣaj is related to the deity that rules over it; that is, Varuna, the god of the oceans. This refers to the spiritual realms and awakening, but also points to the depths of the unconscious, as reflected in the deep. This is yet another connection with Tropical Pisces. Another, more obvious, expression of Saturn's transit here is water-related problems, contamination etc., like we've seen in Ohio. 

Varuna may be the god of the deep oceans, but Aquarius is also an air sign. So, airborne containments are another expression as we have already seen. 

The symbol for Śatabhiṣaj is an empty circle, representing the 'dark Sun', which relates to both Saturn and Rahu, both of which have more of a connection to this lunar mansion and sign, opposite the Sun's sign, Leo.

We're likely to see more conflicts between order and disorder (Saturn and Rahu), as well as between these planets and the Sun. This is likely to be expressed in those challenging leaders and governments which attempt to maintain some sort of order in times of great progress and change. 

By the way, you'll also be hearing from Tropical astrologers of Pluto's ingress into Tropical Aquarius in March, because Pluto has now reached the 6-degree mark of Sidereal Capricorn. Just as and when Pluto first entered Sidereal Capricorn, Pluto's transit in 'both zodiacs' in Capricorn since 2020 has shown the collapse of the current system. It won't be until Pluto has reached the end of Sidereal Capricorn, when it enters Sidereal Aquarius in 2040, that we're likely to see more tangible events for which Pluto in Tropical Aquarius has set the stage for. This is how both systems work, but only if you are open to both. If not, you're only going to see what doesn't work and put down the other. This is a modern-day tragedy in astrology circles.

And if there isn't an argument about which zodiac to use, there's an argument about house systems! If you haven't been following it, there's been yet another series of debates/arguments about the use of 'Whole-Sign Houses' amongst prominent Western astrologers. 

Back to the here and now. Saturn creates stability, but while it associates with Rahu, instability is often expressed. It's still a need for stability, however. It's just it gets there by shaking things up first. We must move beyond what used to be appropriate to maintain stability.

One more obvious example of Saturn's instability is likely to be worse storms and winds than there have been in recent years. The recent toxic explosions in Ohio is just one example of these kinds of configurations.

We're likely to see more seismic activity as well. Things that collapse now are rebuilt differently later. The things we built on instable foundations, whether literally or figuratively, show their inability to withstand the shake up. The last time Saturn was here 30 years ago saw the longest hurricane on record. If nothing else, Saturn in Aquarius is consistent!

Things are going to change in a big way as Saturn continues to transit through Aquarius. Many things will evolve. The change is absolutely necessary. The sooner we get on board, the sooner we can make the changes work for us.   

Look at the house position of Aquarius from your rising sign to see where changes are occuring - and from your Moon sign to see how you feel about it; what you would like to change on some level. 

Read an article I wrote about Saturn's transit through Aquarius here

Mercury in Pisces Mar 16 - 31
Mercury moves into its sign of debilitation for the end of the month. Thankfully, this is a brief transit and Jupiter is in Pisces, mitigating Mercury's weakness to a large degree. However, we must still be aware of the mind being frazzled and unable to cope.

Mercury conjoins Neptune as soon as it enters the sign, on Mar 16, so this can be even more confusing. Confusion is not a feeling, it's a state of mind. Remind yourself of this if you 'feel confused'. Yet feelings can be confused, can't they? This is why Mercury has such a hard time with Pisces. The mind cannot fathom why we can feel this way and that at the same time. 

The two fish swimming in different directions shows the many things we think and feel at this point, as well as the things that are happening around us and the things going on in our minds. There is great potential here, especially when we acknowledge the undercurrents. We can use them to get to where we need to be. And we can, just like a shoal of fish, move with the energy of the whole, our whole being, including ourselves in the whole of our potential, which is forever combined with everyone else's. 

Mercury conjoins Jupiter by exact degree on Mar 28, at which time Jupiter is moving into combustion, hidden from our view. It's at this point of transition, from one stage to the next, and from the inner world to the outer, that we must hold on to the more important indication of all of these indications: faith. 

The more we can look within when all around us is confused and lost, the more we can centre ourselves in what always has an eye on what must always be. 

On a practical note: Mercury in Pisces is likely to create all kinds of arbitrary situations. We may feel tossed about on the seas of change and unsure as to how to plan our lives effectively. Let go, and all is well. Hold on and you're likely to feel beaten up by the currents. 


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New Moon in Pisces (Uttara Bhādrapada) Mar 21
This New Moon is a special one in the Vedic calendar. It is used to see the themes of the year ahead, a New Lunar Year. Though all the alignments line up differently depending on your location, there are some general themes we can observe. 

​The major theme of the year is that progress has started but we are new to it and don't know how to use it. We may feel stuck in something, no matter how enjoyable it is, not knowing how to progress. Yet we cannot go back to the way things were. 

This is reflected in the 'scissors yoga' or Papa Katari, as the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Neptune transit between Saturn and Rahu.  

Another striking alignment is the Venus-Rahu exact conjunction (mean node), which likely means a highly volatile year for the economy and global relations. This may even mean war on a bigger scale, as well as the economic propping up and eventual downfall.

​Personally, we are asked to think differently about our finances, maybe even change them completely, as well as how we interact with others, in our personal and professional lives. 

Yet despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, there is hope. And while Kishori tells us that hope is an "unword", and actually points to a lack of allowing, we can use it to open the floodgates and let what is dying to come through to flow. I'm using this analogy very purposefully, when we consider this alignment and the need to contain it within Pisces. Weather and floods, as well as containment of leaks, are likely to play a big part of the year ahead. 

Where this all lines up makes a difference, of course. A chart is calculated for each country based on the capital city and the timing of the New Moon. The charts I have included are for London (above), which is the same rising sign for Dublin (Leo), with Washington DC, Beijing, and Moscow below. 
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​What may feel stuck is different for each country and region, with the U.S. tackling leaderships issues, China, homeland security, and Russia, not surprisingly, direct confrontation. This is the same for Ukraine and central European countries, as the New Moon is hemmed in in the 7th house of these charts. 

Saturn and Rahu's interactions with these planets and New Moon may show things are stuck, which may express itself an entrenched situations in the war.

Leadership in countries more directly involved in the war are likely to be challenged as Mars sits in the 10th house of Gemini as the 3rd and 8th lord. This could be an outright challenge and attack or more blustering rhetoric, depending. 
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In each and everyone of these charts, the Venus-Rahu conjunction impacts financial concerns. Again, no surprise there, I guess. But it means that each region experiences and handles the ups and downs differently. 

I'll do more on these charts but if you have a country not listed you would like me to look at, let me know. 

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Śobhakṛta Year Mar 2023 - Apr 2024
The samvatsara refers to the 60 'Jovian years'. These are due to the transits of Jupiter and Saturn. Every 60 years, Jupiter and Saturn return to same relationship they were in 60 years previous. Each year has a particular theme. When someone is born during a particular year, it begins the 60-year cycle once again around the age of 60. 

The upcoming Jovian year is called Śobhakṛta or Śobhana. It begins on Mar 21, 2023 and ends on the next New Moon in Pisces on Apr 8, 2024. 

According to Jataka Parijata, the person born in the year Śobhakṛta will be "wise, possessed of royal virtues and fond of learned pursuits." Śobhana means 'lustre', 'light', 'graceful' and 'good'.

The Jovian year cannot be the only thing to see the themes based on the transits for the year, but it does look like more 'hopeful' than more recent years, at least. Again, I am reminded that where there is hope, there is fear; that there is much of both for the New Year. 


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Happy New Lunar Year, everyone!