March is the last full month of the lunar nodes in Taurus/Scorpio, a transit that has reflected a lack of resources and much fear. The month sees them form an even more powerful configuration with all planets on one side, lining up in just two signs. This occurs for the last few days of February and first few days of March, reflecting a highly reactive and divisive period. On Mar 3, Venus and Mars line up with Pluto. This is Venus’ third pass of the hidden realms, bringing up all sorts of power struggles. Now joined by Mars, there is likely to be many explosive events that leave us longing for peace. Mars and Venus continue to transit close together through March, especially until mid-month. At this point, we may be a little jaded with the intensity. The Sun moves into Pisces on Mar 14 and out of Saturn’s signs, although it still receives a strong aspect from Saturn until mid-April. Mercury enters Pisces on Mar 24, where thinking more creatively is a better use of the time than trying to figure it out rationally. We are likely to cling to any kind of thought that brings reassurance, even if it is not actually true. From Mar 26, the Moon’s entry into Capricorn triggers the nodal axis in a strong way again, with all visible planets in just three signs. This points to further volatility and change, and more uncertainty about how we should change. Venus joins Saturn near the end of Capricorn by Mar 28, at the degree where Mars is exalted and conjunct Saturn in early April. Together with the nodal axis in full force, and Neptune having come to the end of Aquarius, there are many things hanging in the balance at this time. Things may feel off, or we may be thrown off our rhythm for a time. We will find our rhythm again. Kālsarpa + Yuga Yogas Yogas are combinations of planets that show different results. Everything in Indian astrology is a yoga, a combination of some sort. A planet in a sign, a planet joining another, planets aspecting each other etc. All planets influence each other in some way or other. There are yogas for wealth, yogas for poverty, for fame and success, for imprisonment. Mostly, however, yogas are combinations that show mediocre results. Mediocre is certainly a good thing in terms of imprisonment! It may simply mean feeling stuck. If you have a wealth yoga, you may not get huge wealth, but you are probably not going to be destitute if you have a poverty yoga. All yogas must be taken in context. The place you live is going to have an impact, as is the era you live in. A lot of astrologers take yogas too literally. When I do readings, I sometimes get asked about certain Raja Yogas, combinations that are supposed to show great success, and why they are not experiencing it. Firstly, no yoga should be taken in isolation, as the person may have something else that is counteracting. A weak ascendant ruler is one such example in the case of Raja Yogas. Then there are yogas that are felt by everyone, by transit. There are a couple of very strong yogas or combinations in effect by the end of February and into March. All visible planets are gathering in just two signs, Capricorn and Aquarius. As they do, they line up on one side of the nodes. These are known as Yuga and Kālsarpa yogas respectively. Yuga yoga is supposed to 'render one poor, ostracised by society, heretical and a drunkard', according to B.V. Raman in his Three Hundred Important Combinations. This, then, needs to be taken in context. Although it may be quite a rare combination to have all planets in just two signs, it did occur last year. So it's obviously not that rare. But when we take this into account with everything else that is going on right now - Mars-Venus at war, Mars exalted, Mars conjunct Pluto and Saturn - we can see the potential for more extreme expressions of this combination in 2022. Placed in context, there is likely someone in the world that is being ostracised by society at this time. Hmm. Who could that be?! More importantly for you, look to the signs and areas of your life involved in this pile up. Count from your rising sign initially to Capricorn and Aquarius, to see where this is happening, and then from your Moon, to see how you feel about it, what you would like to happen, or prefer didn't. The Moon shows your likes and dislikes. The Moon triggers the planetary cycles and show where your head's at. The signs show the environment, counting from your rising sign, whether you want it or not. When we add the other intense combination of Kālsarpa yoga, the potential for even more extremes must be addressed if there's any chance of having a somewhat peaceful life in March. And while March is probably not the best time for peace, it is a great time to wage war on some area of your life that needs changing. With so many planets gathering in Capricorn and Aquarius, there are a lot of possibilities for change in many areas of life. If you are Mars-ruled, Aries or Scorpio, you are likely more able to deal with the pressure. Yet there is likely to be more pressure, all the same. Aries is more focused on career and ambitions, while Scorpio are likely challenged to express themselves clearly. If you are Venus-ruled, i.e., Taurus or Libra, you are likely to feel this intensely. Taurus could do with being mindful while travelling, while Librans are likely feeling the pressure mount at home. If you are Mercury ruled, i.e., Gemini or Virgo, you are likely to think some negative thoughts about the future. Keep these in perspective. If you are Jupiter ruled, i.e., Sagittarius or Pisces, you are likely to be over it already, as financial issues come to a head. Sagittarius are dealing with family issues on top of that, while Pisces are likely having to deal with some group dynamic. If you are Saturn ruled, i.e., Capricorn or Aquarius, you are ready to move on. It's time for a change. For Leo, you are likely to feel this as an intense opposition and conflict within and without. But you are up for the challenge and ready to make things better. For Cancer, careful consideration is required in all your relationships, to make the most of this clear out. While it may not be the easiest thing for you to do, it may be time to move on from certain relationships. Mars + Venus Conjunct Pluto + Saturn The war between war and peace continues (hmm), as Mars and Venus continue to battle it out within a degree of each other until Mar 12. This is uncomfortably close for a long time. Usually, Mars and Venus meet once and it's over and done with. This year, we have a full month of a 'planetary war'. Mars may falter at times, but it wins out in the end. And yet, winning in a war means it has a price to pay. No one leaves a war unscathed. Although exalted in Capricorn, Mars has to deal with a war-like Venus, who is himself/herself (all planets are actually seen as male in Indian astrology) in battle mode as the 'bright morning star'. Mars must meet with Pluto, exact Mar 3. This can bring up all kinds of power struggles within, while expressing more obvious power struggles in the world. Venus conjunct Pluto, for a third time, on the same day, is no walk in the park, either. Venus-related themes, of diplomacy, the economy, fairness and good manners, are likely to be obliterated. Mars must then meet with Saturn. The last time Mars joined Saturn in Capricorn was in March/April 2020. Enough said about that, I guess. Jupiter was exactly conjunct Pluto at that time, so that was more about the spread of the virus. Taking the Mars-Saturn conjunction in context, in 2022, the likelihood of this being a war between nations is more likely than another fight with another strain of the virus. But we cannot rule it out either. This does not bode well for peace on our planet. If it's not a war, it's people pushing back against the armed forces. It's probably going to get very tense and war-like on many a street around the world. It may feel like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. And yet, there is something giving way into April, something cracking open. Let's hope it doesn't have to get too extreme for some other possibility to open up. New Moon in Aquarius (Śatabhiṣak) Mar 2 - Mahāśivarātri This is an important New Moon. Maybe not as important as the New Moon on Apr 1, the New Lunar Year, but an important transition before a major new beginning. It's like a twilight period before a New Dawn. The night before the New Moon is celebrated as Mahāśivarātri in India, the 'great night of Śiva'. It's an important 'dark night', to overcome negativity. To overcome it, we must face it, of course. Dark Moons bring it up every month. This month is an important one to use the power of the 'lord of destruction' to release us from our bondage. A powerful mantra to aid in this is the Mrtyuñjaya mantra. This is a very special mantra when it comes to allaying fears. It is chanted for Śiva, the One who destroys our fears. This mantra is a powerful tool to build strength on every level of our being, and can be used to overcome illness, and even the fear of death. Chanting it every morning and evening for 40 days is said to bring healing, and a healer, if needed. Oṃ tryaṃbakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam urvārukamiva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt || There are many negatives to overcome at this time. The formation of all planets in just two signs for the New Moon shows a month of extremes. I cannot help but this of this as the situation in Ukraine, with a whole population feeling hemmed in by Russian troops. Together with a powerful Kālsarpa yoga, this reflects the sense of things being fated and out of our control. Sadhguru's Isha Yoga Center is holding its annual celebrations in India and online if you would like to join others to celebrate the New Moon: https://isha.sadhguru.org/mahashivratri/ Jupiter in Pūrvabhādrapadā Mar 3 - Apr 28 Jupiter moves into the latter part of Aquarius and into the lunar mansion that bridges Aquarius and Pisces. This is an important shift into April. Although a very confusing transitional period, there is the potential for some clarity. Jupiter conjoins Neptune in a lunar mansion that helps with feeding conspiracy and confusion. The last time Neptune was here was over 150 years ago, during the Crimean War. Neptune blurs lines. Jupiter can either add to the problem or bring discernment. Both are possible and probably true. Pūrva means 'former' and bhādrapadā means 'auspicious steps'. It is ruled by a fierce form of Śiva, likened to a lightning bolt, which is symbolic of its visionary nature. Yet a visionary nature hides a darker theme and possibility. It's the part of Aquarius that makes us want to get to the truth, no matter the cost. And although 'auspicious steps' may sound nice, truth is not about being nice at all. It's about being real. The problems begin when the inevitable contrast comes into play, i.e., lies. This lunar mansion is symbolized by a man with two faces, a sword, and the front legs of a funeral cot; all symbolizing a cutting away; of big themes of life and death; making distinctions between what is real and what is false. Yet the two-faced man is probably the more striking image at this time. Trust your intuition, whatever is presented. And don't listen to your intuition without backing up what you are seeing with facts. Neptune will blur the picture, so that the truth may be out there, but it makes it hard to focus on. Spiritually, the lesson is to know the truth of who we really are, beyond the desires of the flesh, beyond all contradictions and conflicts. Interestingly, this sign is said to increase worldly successes and resources, perhaps as a counterbalance to the existentialism that is possible, a kind of, 'let me make sure there's no satisfying this material impulse first God, and then I'll be with you'. Jupiter relates to this lunar mansion in the cycles, so we are on a journey to find the truth either way. By the time Jupiter makes it to the more auspicious latter steps deeper within Pisces by the end of April, we are likely to more in the know. Or, we are likely to want to retreat to a safer, saner place within. Believe no one but The One. Jupiter Combustion Is there such as thing as an objective truth? Some philosophers belief not. I'm agnostic about it, as I am about many things. But then, I just expressed my own belief. didn't I?! Truth is a subjective thing, even if there is an objective truth. You have your version. I have mine. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces. Sagittarius is more subjective. Pisces is universal. It connects us to The One and everything. As Jupiter moves into the vastness of Pisces, to connect us all to some universal truth, our beliefs must be burnt up in the fires of the Sun. Jupiter is exactly conjunct the Sun's degree, at 20 degrees of Aquarius, Mar 6-7. This adds outer confusion to an already confused situation, as the planet of truth is lost in the rays of the Sun. There is, however, another possibility of tuning into that still voice of truth inside, a truth that cannot be denied. Jupiter has been in combustion since Feb 19, and continues to deny us clarity through Mar 20. But the exact combustion is also referred to as Cazimi, in 'the heart of the Sun'. This is a powerful indication, however brief, of having clarity about the issues. Mostly, however, Jupiter's combustion, and conjunction with Neptune in Aquarius is a battlefield of conflicting reports and thoughts about certain issues. Don't worry, truth wins out in the end. Mercury in Aquarius Mar 6 - 24 Mercury finally makes it out of Capricorn and the limitations of the sign. This may have brought many opportunities to focus, but quite often, this is a negative focus. Add Pluto into the mix, and a gloomy focus it's pretty much guaranteed. Mercury now creates another kind of problem in Aquarius, and later in the month, in Pisces; that is, it shows a lot of confusion around the facts. Mercury joins Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius, as these two gas giants get closer together. This blows things out of proportion, fueling (pardon the pun) all kinds of conspiracy. Mercury in Aquarius is, on its own, a time to keep an open mind about what is presented, to look for the truth in a more scientific way, by questioning so-called authority. Problems begin when we question everyone and everything, leaving no room for any certainty. By the time Mercury is done with Aquarius, it is lost in the depths of Pisces, leaving little room for clarity around the facts and figures presented. Sun in Pisces Mar 14 - Apr 12 The Sun finally leaves the long trek through Saturn's signs behind by mid-month, and although we are not out of the woods as yet, we can see the light on the horizon. Sun in Pisces and the New Moon here is a time of new beginnings, brought about by endings, as the last sign of the zodiac. It's an important time of ending something, to start again in Aries. Now, Saturn is still in Capricorn and casting its stern eye on proceedings, so we're not going to feel the lift until the Sun reaches Aries by mid-April, and even then Saturn moves into Aquarius and keeps an eye on the Sun in Aries, but at least we're on the right track. In fact, Saturn's gaze may well keep things on track. In Pisces, there isn't so much a track as a open space of possibility. In that case, Saturn's focus can help. In other words, if you thought everything and anything were possible, but didn't focus on one thing you had to do, you probably wouldn't do very much! The Sun in Pisces is time to stay open to all possibilities, while also doing something, at least preparing to do something come April. Rahu-Ketu in Aries-Libra (True Nodes) Mar 16, 2022 - Nov 29, 2023 While I don't use the true node calculation in my readings for clients, I do keep an eye on them for general transits and changing themes. I tend to lean more to the mean node because traditional Indian astrology uses this calculation only. True to form (ahem), the nodes bring with them controversies. We cannot see the nodes except when there is an eclipse. So, there's that. The rest of the time, we need some help with calculations to see where they may be hanging out in space-time. If anyone is interested in reading more about this phenomenon, you can read Steven Forrest's explanation of the true and mean nodes here: https://www.forrestastrology.com/blogs/astrology/mean-nodes-vs-true-nodes It usually doesn't make a whole lot of difference, especially in a birth chart. But sometimes, it does - like when someone has the nodes on the edge of signs and if either calculation would place both nodes in different signs. This is why I have stayed with tradition for my readings. If we have both to choose between, it can get very confusing. The nodes are confusing enough as it is! But when we are looking at transits, that's a different story. Sometimes, as it is in March and April, it can make a big difference - a whole month, in fact. If we use the true nodes, Rahu and Ketu enter Aries and Libra on Mar 16. If we use the mean nodes, they move on Apr 13. What to do? Well, I think it's best to look at both. And while I will write about this important shift now, I will write more about it when the mean nodes move in April, as either way they will have moved signs by then. In fact, by mid-April there are so many big changes happening that it may be hard to decipher what's creating the change. Rahu in Aries Rahu entering Aries is not necessarily a peaceful time, but it may not always mean fighting and wars, of course. You may find it quiet exciting. If someone was born when Rahu was in Aries, they are usually very impulsive around this area of their life. They may do things that seem reckless at times, in a Rahu cycle, as Rahu exaggerates the expression of the sign's ruler, Mars. Mars is already impulsive. Rahu eggs him on. Yet Rahu is said to also block Mars. If you place all planets in a row in their weekday order, you get Sun-Moon-Mars-Mercury-Jupiter-Venus-Saturn-Rahu-Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are always added on at the end. Now, if you count from any planet to the 6th from there, you find the planet that will block the planet you started the count from. So, counting from Mars six signs you arrive at Rahu. Mars and Rahu are not an easy mix. You need nerves of steel. If Mars is like taking a double expresso shot, Rahu's influence will add two more for good measure. What initially may have been a shot of energy to get you going, becomes too much. Another few shots and it becomes something that floors you! One cup of coffee may be great, but ten cups will leave you feeling worse for wear. This means that we are going to feel the energy of Mars in a very up and down way over the next year and a half. You may find yourself overdoing it at times, leading to exhaustion. Mars-type things are about to get real intense. This could be good for certain things, but challenge us all the same. If you are Mars-ruled, Aries or Scorpio, this is felt even more so. Aries will especially feel fired up and need to find more balance with their energy levels. Scorpio will need to look at their energy and problems more closely, without losing perspective. The tendency for Rahu is to exaggerate all things, so that whatever the area of life impacted, we are likely to lose perspective of it. In order to counterbalance this tendency, we need to take a step back. We all need to do this for the coming year and a half, or else our nerves will be fried. It's like watching something disturbing on a screen and not being able to do anything about it. VR can makes this even more intense, more 'real', yet there is no real outlet for the energy. If you've tried one of the headsets, you'll know to what I refer. If you're just sitting there, not expressing this through your whole body (Rahu is just a head), the nervous tension can build without anywhere to go. The result? The system, your system, has to shut down for a while. Think about that if you are watching a lot of news reports in the coming year. My suggestion for Rahu's transit in Aries is to find a healthy outlet for the nervous energy, without overdoing anything. No extremes. Any kind of overdoing anything will not bode well during Rahu's transit in Aries. It will either leave you exhausted or create accidents. Either route will require you to slow down. Ketu in Libra Ketu, until Rahu, is fully embodied, but may show the other extreme to Rahu's overthinking it, i.e., not thinking at all. Ketu in Libra may show a neglect, or even rejection, of others while intensely focused on what we are doing ourselves. And while we must find a balance with this tendency too, Ketu can show a counterbalance by being present for another, or any other kind of experience, by fully embodying the moment. If you are experiencing something intensely, do so fully, with your full being. Feel it. Sense it. Be it. And when you go even deeper into the feeling, your felt sense, you can go even deeper and find a stillness beyond all things, all feelings. That is Ketu. The more centered we can be during Rahu's transit in Aries, the more we can be there for others. The less centered we are, the more likely we find others, anything else, too intense and reject it or them. The nodes represent our shadow nature, after all. We can turn a blind eye, of course, but that just makes us project our demons onto others even more. If we do that, we are even more likely to reject them as the other. There is not other. There is only The One. Full Moon in Virgo (Uttaraphalguṇī) Mar 18 The Full Moon is a counterbalance to what is going on on the other side of the zodiac, allowing us to deal with some practical considerations while trying to figure out what the hell is going on in the world around us. Uttaraphalgunī is a fixed lunar mansion, so anything that is begun on a day the Moon transits here is likely to last. It's a steady lunar sign and usually quite pleasant. Yet there is the aspect from Rahu in Taurus, on the edge or moving signs. With so many other big changes in April, we may be at a kind of culmination point beyond the typical culmination of the Full Moon phase. This suggests a turning point as we head into the end of March. And there's one thing about turning points in history, they are usually extreme and dramatic. This Full Moon and the following waning cycle is no exception. By Mar 22, the Moon meets with Ketu for one last time in Scorpio, creating another turn of the Kālsarpa yoga, triggering bigger changes together with the upcoming eclipse degree. More is likely to be revealed at this time, while other things are likely hidden from view. The last week of March shows another intense period of ups and downs, of things feeling fated and out of conscious control. But the changes this period brings about will take us to the next level. Once the Moon reaches Capricorn again, Mars and Saturn are close enough to cause major restrictions and frustrations, while Venus meets with Saturn by exact degree. This is likely to show a time of economic and emotional challenge. Hang on in there at this point, as the changes in April are mostly welcomed, after a conflicted March. Back to the Full Moon in Uttaraphalgunī on Mar 18, and we can use this time to enjoy whatever gifts and resources we have to share, and to make sure to share them. The Full Moon is in Uttaraphalgunī. Uttara means 'latter' and phalgunī means ‘reddish lady’. While the previous sign, Pūrvaphalgunī is more about pleasure side of relationships, this sign is all about friendship and partnership, sharing gifts, wealth, and resources. One of the sign's symbols is the head of the marital bed, while it is ruled by the god of marriage, representing co-operation and commitment in relationships. We need this now, more than ever. Mercury in Pisces Mar 24 - Apr 8 Confused yet? You will be! Yet confusion eventually leads to clarity. We cannot have one without the other. Pisces teaches us that there is always this and that. Mercury slips into Pisces for a dip in holy waters. The intellect cannot compute the depths of Pisces, the contradictory impulses and higher truths that easily incorporate paradoxes at lower levels of understanding. The Pisces symbol of two fish swimming in opposite directions is apt. The mind cannot fathom how this AND that can be true at the same time. Mercury is completely out of its depth here, but we can at least take a break in the water. The more we thrash about and try to get on top of things, the more we struggle, the more likely we sink. This is true for us all, but more so for those with Gemini and Virgo prominent, especially rising sign. It's time for those with these signs rising to take a break. Lie back and let the waters holds you, viewing the stars above you. Everything is exactly where it should be in the grand scheme of things. For everyone, use this time to keep an open mind; about the possibilities, and what is presented. Facts must take a back seat for a time. This is especially because of Jupiter's conjunction with Neptune at the end of Aquarius. We are at the end in many ways, but many may be at the end of their tether. Let go and let the tide take you to where you need to be. - As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. Om Tat Sat
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