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Mars Exalted in Capricorn 27 Nov. 2014 - 3 Jan. 2015 Mars is now placed in strength where it will remain until the New Year. The beginning of December requires patience, however, as the planet of action is being kept in check by Saturn, the planet of limitation, currently transiting through Mars' sign Scorpio. By doing so, it influences Capricorn and Mars placed therein. This sets up a powerful interaction between the two planets and although they are impulses which do not like to mingle, we are forced to pay attention to the results of this mix. Saturn is slow. Mars is fast. In the body this can be compared to the nerves signalling the muscles to move. The neurons fire quickly (Mars) and the muscles respond relatively slowly (Saturn). If one has a well placed Saturn and Mars in the horoscope - especially relative to one another - one has the ability to take the appropriate action. When they are in a challenging placement from each other and negatively influencing an individual strongly, there can be inappropriate action. Thankfully Mars and Saturn are in a temporary friendly relationship to one another during this transit and our actions can bring ambitions into reality. Jupiter looks on from its place of exaltation in Cancer and we are granted the wisdom from taking such positive actions. Be wise in your actions and realize that what you want right now may not be what you want looking at the bigger picture. Those with Aries or Scorpio ascendant signs feel boosted by their ruling planet in its strongest position and being influenced by Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter allows for dreams to be made, while Saturn goes about the hard work of actually making them a reality. This is enhanced for everyone, although these two sign may feel more forceful in their opinions and actions. Caution is also advised, especially for those with a Scorpio ascendant, as Saturn creates a need to slow down while you motivate yourself. The use of more exacting movements, whether in an exercise routine or in life in general, is a good way to spend the time as we move into the winter months (summer months if you are on the southern hemisphere). Certainly, you should make sure you are sufficiently warmed up for any vigorous exercise you participate in. Saturn in Anuradha Dec. 2014 - Dec. 2015 Saturn moves into its own lunar sign, Anuradha in December and remains entirely within this sign for the next 12 months due to its retrograde motion in 2015. The lunar sign Anuradha is placed between 3 and 16 degrees of Scorpio. This lunar sign has a connection to friendship and loyalty which can easily become cliques if a threat is perceived from outside sources. Saturn's presence here for the coming year may test our loyalties to certain people in our lives, as well as testing our resolve. If you have any planets between these degrees in Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus or Leo, then this is a year for you to pay special attention to in relation to what that planet represents for you. This will likely be a source of pressure for the coming year. Outworn ways of being must be let go of in order to move on feeling lighter. Saturn will make sure the load is lightened and the path is cleared. This process will differ enormously depending on other considerations in your horoscope and your level of awareness. Venus in Sagittarius 5 Dec. - 29 Dec. Venus moves into Jupiter's sign on December 5th, just as it leaves its state of combustion. It is a tricky time for relationships as Venus crosses a sensitive juncture between Scorpio and Sagittarius. We will be able to see Venus as the bright evening star from this time. Venus is better suited to the evening time, as the period of the day represents our need to be with loved ones and to indulge and relax ourselves if we are fortunate enough to be able to. Venus is not so suited to the sign Sagittarius which represents more meaningful activities, beyond pleasures of the flesh. We may struggle with these opposing needs as we prepare for the holidays - juggling our more sensual desires with those of more meaningful and purposeful activities. Added to this, Saturn and Mars are hemming in Venus, as well as the Sun and Mercury later in the month, which can lead to a more stressful time financially and inter-personally into the New Year. Full Moon in Taurus 6 Dec. The Moon reaches its fullest at 12.27 UT on December 6th in the lunar sign Rohini which is placed entirely within the solar sign Taurus. The Moon rules this lunar sign and feels right at home in its sign of exaltation Taurus. This lends itself to a feeling of ease and comfort - perhaps a need to indulge the senses. This may lead to overindulgence in some, which we may see as a necessary balance along with the recent emotional landscape as more planets transit water-dominant signs and the unnerving sign Scorpio in particular. Taurus is the opposite sign to Scorpio which feels safe and warm after recent intensity. When our basic needs are met - when we clothe, feed and shelter ourselves - we feel cared for and can care for others. Take some time and energy to care for those who cannot care for themselves. A simple smile on a cold day can warm a heart that has had to contort into uncomfortable shapes in the cold season on our northern hemisphere. Jupiter Retrograde in Cancer 8 Dec.2014 - 8 April 2015 Jupiter stations retrograde on December 8th at 28 degrees of Cancer. It will move back to 18 degrees of Cancer by April 8th, remaining entirely within the mystical lunar sign Ashlesha. This occurs at a sensitive juncture in the zodiac between the watery sign Cancer and the fiery sign Leo. Though being retrograde can strengthen Jupiter's significations, it can make them more internal and tricky to manifest in our external environment. Internally Jupiter represents hope, optimism, faith, discernment and meaning. Externally Jupiter represents money, the law, advisers and children. As Jupiter moves back through these degrees for the following few months we reassess what brings meaning to our lives in relation to the areas Jupiter governs in a general sense, but also more specifically in the area of life it rules in our own horoscopes. Look to the signs Sagittarius and Pisces and the houses they represent. Then look to the sign Cancer to see where in your life you will be reassessing in relation to these two areas. In a general sense, the sign Cancer represents the home, our sense of security, our mother and the sense of safety we attain from our private world. Jupiter moving back here brings a need to review what meaning we can gain from our inner world and domestic life. The influence of the lunar sign, Ashlesha adds a mystical, sexual and dangerous quality which can be channeled beneficially through Jupiter's influence into activities which help us to change the impulse into something more meaningful. Mercury in Sagittarius 13 Dec. - 31 Dec. Mercury joins the party in Sagittarius on the 13th and, although we are feeling more gregarious in our communications, there is plenty of tension in our interactions as we prepare for the holiday period with Saturn and Mars' influence on the sign. The final preparations for the holidays become more lively and directed - perhaps with a tinge of fear and selfishness. Mercury and Sagittarius do combine better than Venus and Sagittarius. Mercury in Sagittarius communicates frankly. An inward search for the right words at the right time is highlighted by Jupiter's retrograde motion in the caring sign Cancer. Sun in Sagittarius 16 Dec. - 16 Jan. Sagittarius represents the faith we attain having worked our way through some inner turmoil and come out the other end with a stronger sense of purpose. Ultimately, this represents faith in ourselves, but we may need to be guided by many teachers and life experiences before we can reach that place. We begin to look at what gives our life meaning and search for those people and experiences which can bring a more philosophical taste to our lives. Of course, this is the time of year that even atheists find themselves in a church - usually against their will. Nevertheless, it is a time to experience something holy, Godly and other-worldly at places of worship. While the Sun moves through Sagittarius in December it is hemmed in between Saturn and Mars, the two planets that get a bad rap - and for good reason. Our fear (Saturn) and selfishness (Mars) do nothing for our sense of confidence. Thankfully, Jupiter is in its place of exaltation and retrograde, intensifying a need to look within for what we lack externally. There is always a deeper need to find something more meaningful beyond the pomp and show of the festive season. Solstice 21 Dec. The solstice occurs at 23.03 UT this year - the northern hemisphere experiencing the winter solstice and the southern hemisphere experiencing the summer solstice. This period is a low period - whichever side of the equator you find yourself on - in the sense that the Moon is dark (new Moon phase) and the Sun is about to change its direction from our perspective. For the subsequent three days the Sun does not appear to move on the horizon, but instead remains fixed to a particular point. This is known as Sankranti or 'transition' in Vedic astrology - a time when the Sun changes direction in the sky - rising one degree on the horizon for the northern hemisphere on Christmas day as the 'Sun of God' is born again. The Sun changing direction brings a need to re-adjust ourselves with this turnaround. Take some time out during the busy holiday period to re-adjust yourself in order to come into alignment with these changes and to conserve energy for this new Moon period. New Moon in Sagittarius 22 Dec.
The Moon reaches the same degree as the Sun on December 22nd at 01.36 UT. This occurs at 6 degrees of the sign Sagittarius and within the lunar sign Moola, meaning 'root'. This lunar sign points to the galactic center which represents our roots in a more mystical sense, as we reach back into our roots for the Christmas period by connecting with family and our ancestry. The Moon, Mercury and Venus are now all hemmed between Saturn and Mars for this new Moon phase so we may have to feel the stresses and strains for the final lead up to the holidays, as we prepare to spend time, energy and money on the Christmas holidays. This new Moon is the beginning of a new lunar month and, as such, a good time to take the time out to begin again. The Moon reaches the next sign, Capricorn by Christmas day and transits alongside Mars in its place of exaltation. A good use of this new beginning would be to get out and active rather then staying at home and arguing with Christmas guests about who got the biggest slice of cake! OM TAT SAT Saturn in Scorpio 2 Nov. 2014 - 26 Jan. 2017 & 21 June 2017 - 26 Oct. 2017 Saturn leaves Libra on November 2nd; a sign it has been strongly placed in for the past few years. When Saturn is strong, our sense of responsibility is acute. Libra represents a need to look out for others. We may or may not have done so but our awareness of inequality has been at the forefront because of Saturn's transit through Libra since 2011. So what happens when we realize our assistance can only go so far? We seek to improve ourselves. What can happen when we have neglected our own needs to look out for others? Bitterness can set in. Be selfish, only then can you be altruistic ... Be happy; only then can you help others to be happy. - OSHO Mars represents anger and bitterness. If you only look out for others you will, at some point, become bitter when others do not do the same for you. Unless you are a saint that is! This is one of the reasons Mars becomes debilitated in the mothering sign Cancer. A mother cannot be selfish if her offspring are to survive. Now the zeitgeist is changing to Scorpio (where Cancer's ruler, the Moon becomes debilitated) as we look at protecting and strengthening ourselves, as we begin some deep inner work. We may find strength in many ways, using many means, both savory and unsavory. The way in which we each go about developing it will vary enormously, depending on certain other astrological indications in our horoscope. We are assisted in our endeavors by Jupiter's transit in Cancer during the first few months of Saturn's transit to Scorpio. It is not until after July 2015 and until the end of 2017 that the issues surrounding Saturn's transit to Scorpio really come to the fore and are unavoidable. Saturn's pressure begins slowly but the slow pressure to grow up and take a reality check is relentless. Saturn's transit to Scorpio may teach us how we deal with the stress response; how we use our power over others in order to manipulate an outcome; how we use sex or joint resources to get what we want; how we deal with our mortality and face our fears; how we learn to discipline ourselves; how we try to control the uncontrollable; how we develop the strengths of our weaknesses; how we deal with things we have tried to hide from ourselves and others. In order to navigate this transit you may wish to read a more in-depth article on Saturn in Scorpio here Mercury re-enters Libra 4 - 24 Nov. Mercury re-enters Venus' sign on the 4th, just as Saturn has departed. This leaves Mercury to transit Libra alongside its ruling planet Venus and the Sun. This brings an articulation of the issues Venus has brought into the spotlight. With so much having taken place in this area of life over the last number of years, it may be an opportune time to communicate with yourself, or with another, what it is you have learned from your experiences in your relationships. Libra represents issues of equality and diplomacy. This area has been through some growing pains in the last three years and now the Sun is transiting with Venus, it may be time to rejuvenate and heal this part of our being as we work it out intellectually. Full Moon in Aries 6 Nov. The Moon is fullest at 22.23 UT on Thursday November 6th. This occurs at 20 degrees of Aries, in the lunar sign Bharani. This lunar sign is ruled by Venus which is placed opposite in the sign Libra with the Sun. During this full Moon phase we may be more aware of the balance that is needed between our sense of self and our need to be in relationships. This lunar month, known as Kartika, began with the new Moon and solar eclipse in the sign Libra, uncovering relationship dynamics in a way which we can now balance with our own selfish desires. Venus in Scorpio 12 Nov. - 5 Dec. Venus enters Mars' murky, watery sign on November 12th ahead of the Sun, joining Saturn, the planet of restriction. Venus is still in a state of combustion and held back to some degree until it reaches the end of Scorpio. It will move further and further from the Sun's glare and Saturn's limiting influence as it transits Scorpio and reappears as the 'evening star' in December as it is about to leave the sign. Saturn works well with Venus, bringing responsibility and structure to love. However, it's a bit dry and the Sun's inclusion only serves to dry it even further. This also adds an intensity not suited to the Venusian impulse, and certainly not to the Scorpio impulse of wanting to keep less savory aspects from view. However, there is no avoiding these issues with the Sun's presence. Venus in Scorpio allows us to look at the power dynamics in a relationship and brings an added awareness of the flip-side of passion i.e., jealousy and possessiveness. This leads to an examination of love - like having a piece of art being looked at under a microscope. The Venusian impulse is better presented in dim lighting and a seductive setting. Our relationships are no different. We may scrutinize more at this time, as we seek to come to terms with hidden impulses and the balance of power within our relationship dynamics. Venus leaves its state of combustion on December 5th, just as it crosses over the juncture of the water sign Scorpio and the fire sign Sagittarius. This is a sensitive point and after recent glaring imperfections we may need to be more sensitive with others at this time. Sun in Scorpio 16 Nov. - 15 Dec. The Sun moves out of debilitation and into Mars' sign on November 16th. The Sun has been weak in Libra since the middle of October and as it first enters Scorpio it is placed in conjunction with Saturn (exact on November 17th). This weakness is felt somewhat throughout the Sun's transit to Scorpio. Thankfully there are some mitigating factors which increase our sense of vitality and well-being. First of all, Jupiter is influencing the sign Scorpio and adds positivity to the situation. This brings more strength to the Sun and our sense of vitality, especially once Mars moves into its sign of exaltation on November 27th, adding more dynamism by the end of the month. The Sun in Scorpio highlights our emotional strengths but only after it has brought an awareness to our sense of vulnerability which we must navigate through by diving deep into ourselves. New Moon in Scorpio 22 Nov. The new Moon is at 12.33 UT at 6 degrees of Scorpio and in Saturn's lunar sign Anuradha. Saturn is very close by in the sign Scorpio during this new Moon phase, as is Venus. With the Sun, Moon, Venus and Saturn all in the same water-dominant sign, we may be feeling unsettled at this dark Moon phase. Energy levels may be low and create a sense of vulnerability. Thankfully an exalted Jupiter guides our actions in a way which can benefit us. This new Moon begins the lunar month of Margasira, with the Moon reaching its fullest in the sign opposite in Taurus in December. The Moon will be strong and secure in Taurus and we can then balance our sense of insecurity and vulnerability with more comforting pursuits. For now, however, and for this new Moon we must engage with that which makes us feel more raw and exposed before tending to our wounds with the balm of good food, good company and cheer leading up to the holiday season. Mercury in Scorpio 24 Nov. - 13 Dec. Mercury enters Scorpio by November 24th, joining Saturn, Venus and the Sun. Mercury is not suited to the watery nature of Scorpio and the emotional undercurrents may prove to be too unsettling for our rational minds. We may be at a loss for words with the emphasis on Scorpio which lends itself to feeling rather than thinking as we move into the winter months. We must face our fears with dignity and courage, and with a more objective view of our lives if we are to navigate the sometimes stormy waters of Scorpio. It may feel like we are all alone in it as we may not be privy to anyone's feelings of vulnerability. Others may not be able to articulate why they feel the way they do but you may be able to dissuade some of their fears by explaining Scorpio to them. Scorpio represents our need to find emotional strength. This is found at the depth of our being, below the fluctuations of the mind and emotions. With Saturn now in Scorpio we must find this strength by becoming emotionally more mature. We may think the worst at times but with Jupiter guiding us from its place of exaltation we are safely guided through our dreaming up the worst case scenario. Mars in Capricorn 27 Nov. 2014 - 3 Jan. 2015
Mars moves into great strength from November 27th and until the New Year. Though the planet of action and courage is strongly placed there are also other factors which keep our ambitions in check. Saturn, the planet of limitation, is currently transiting through Mars' sign Scorpio. By doing so, it influences Capricorn and Mars placed therein. This sets up a powerful interaction between the two planets and although they are impulses which do not like to mingle, we are forced to pay attention to the results of this mix. Saturn is slow. Mars is fast. In the body this can be compared to the nerves signalling the muscles to move. The neurons fire quickly (Mars) and the muscles respond relatively slowly (Saturn). Saturn represents responsibility (our ability to respond). If one has a well placed Saturn and Mars in the horoscope then one has the ability to take the appropriate action. This is enhanced by this transit and ambitions can be brought into reality at this time. The possibility of taking appropriate actions is pronounced but we may also fall foul of the flip-side of this transit which would be making the wrong move and doing something inappropriate. The use of more exacting movements, whether in an exercise routine or in life in general, is a good way to spend the time as we move into the winter months. Certainly, make sure you are sufficiently warmed up for any vigorous exercise you participate in. OM TAT SAT |
