Celestial Watch: Planetary Transits in Feb 2013

"Destiny" Painting by Gregory Young

Key Planetary Transits:

Sun:

Sun continues it's journey in another inimical sign, Aquarius on Feb 12, 2013. Leo natives may be particularly facing a hard time with two back-to-back transits of Sun in two inimical signs. Not to mention they have a particularly strong 3rd house with exalted Saturn and Rahu. It is best for them to not enter into any arguments and fights. Avoid legal hassles. 

Saturn:

Saturn turn retrograde on Feb 18th 2013. When Saturn is benefic in the chart or plays an important role in native's horoscope such as for Capricorn, Aquarius, Taurus, and Libra (ascendants/lagna and moon sign)... this is a challenging period. If you have malefic planets or Sun or Moon in your natal Libra house, you will feel the effects of retrograde Saturn. If Saturn is malefic in your natal chart, retrograde Saturn may provide some relief. 

Anyways, Saturn is a hard task master and a very karmic planet. Its retrograde motion will take us back in time or life and old problems that need to be taken care of will re-surface. For eg. if Libra is your 7H in natal chart, than retrograde motion of Saturn in your 7H will bring past problems related to married life, relationships, and business partnership back to surface. Retrograde Saturn will then force you to resolve these problems that you may be either avoiding or neglecting. 

Saturn is also a planet of delays, so do not expect sudden and immediate changes in your life especially related to these old problems. Frustrations, delays, gloominess, loneliness, misery, disputes, problems in masses, etc. are some of the effects. The best is to be patient and and the karmic planet will award you appropriately. 

If you have retrograde Saturn in your natal chart, you may feel more impact.

As mentioned earlier, it is best to keep your head down, work hard, and be very very patient if things are not moving ahead. Your patience will be rewarded in the end. So if you are impatient about a relationship or promotion or pay hike, hold talks on the matter for some time. 

Mercury:

Mercury turns retrograde on Feb 23th 2013 in Aquarius. Mercury is the planet of intelligence, communications, computers, internet, speech, etc. Retrograde Mercury can cause disruptions in the above fields. 

Virgo and Gemini natives will particularly feel the effects. For Gemini, retrograde of Mercury is in 9H, hold off on making huge decisions related to education, financial matters, and stock investments. For Virgo, Mercury will be retrograding in 6H, take care in matters related to service and health. 

For others, think before you speak... it may either hurt others or cause misunderstandings. 

Regards!

Happy New Year!!!!!

Wishing everyone a very very Happy, Healthy, 

Wealthy, and Peaceful 2013!!!

Transit Rahu conjunct Saturn in Libra

Trickster to be disciplined under task master.

Rahu and Ketu (North Node and South Node of the Moon) have moved to Libra and Aries respectively.

Over the period of time and experience, I have realized that the mean node calculations for retrograde planet are more accurate and coincide better with personal experiences. Thus, based on mean node calculations, Rahu and Ketu have changed their axis on December 23, 2012. However, both the nodes will be in Sandhi (transitory period) for a while and will start showing its effects from Jan 13, 2013.

Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets and are always retrograde, hence they move backwards and give the effects of the plants they conjunct or the house they occupy. As they are slow moving plants and transit through a sign takes about 18 months, their change of signs is considered as a big event. Furthermore, Rahu and Ketu are karmic planets and will usually bring karmic lessons to be delivered or learnt.

This transit of Rahu and Ketu is especially significant as both the planets were debilitated for last 18 months and will thus be out of debilitation. Furthermore, Rahu will conjoin exalted Saturn in Libra, this event is very rare and takes place once in every other century (approx once in 150 years). Last it took place was in 1865, the year American Civil War and Slavery were ended.

This time again, two natural malefics (Rahu and Saturn) are again placed in friendly sign of Libra. Remember, Saturn is also a hard task master and a karmic planet... so its all about Payback, Payback, and Payback!!!


Rahu in general works like Saturn ("Rahu Vat Shani") and Rahu is a friend of Venus (ruler of Libra) and is friendly to Saturn. Here, Rahu will further magnify the qualities of exalted Saturn in Libra and the characteristics of the house Libra occupies. Exalted Saturn will also control haywire nature of Rahu, so the transit will not produce detrimental results but the results will vary and will depend upon:

1. If Rahu and Shani are malefic or benefic in native's natal chart
2. Libra occupies which house in the natal chart and the overall karmic outcome for that chart.

These effects will be intensified if the native is running Rahu or Shani Mahadasha or Antardasha (Major or Sub-Period).

All conclusions of Rahu transit in Libra must be considered from ascendant because it changes faster than the moon's position.

To predict for your own natal chart:

1. Check if Rahu is benefic or malefic in natal chart. If Rahu occupies benefic house (not 6, 8, or 12th  houses) and if it is conjunct with benefic lords (not 6, 8, or 12th lords) than Rahu will give positive results.

2. Check if Saturn is benefic or malefic in natal chart and its position in natal chart.

3. Check if Mahadasha (major period) and Antardasha (sub-period) are favorable.


General predictions for each Ascendant (Lagna) sign: 
(Note: Here, Jupiter's aspect is not taken into consideration as it is about to change sign in May 2013).

Aries or Mesha: 
Ketu will be present in first house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 7th house of spouse and relationships. Commitments in a relationships and business partners. Some problems in legal issues. Take care of your health.


Taurus or Vrishaba:
Ketu will be present in 12th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 6th house of effort, service, health, enemies, shad ripus, debts, and courts. Saturn and Rahu may give confused mind towards aims and competitions however, exalted saturn will also give good results and high rises in professional goals.


Gemini or Mithun: 
Ketu will be present in 11th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 5th house of education, creativity, and children. Students will benefit more from this transit. Romantic liaisons will increase which may not culminate into marriage.



Cancer or Karka: 
Ketu will be present in 10th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 4th house of house, landed property or current residing place. Natives a Chances of travel and change in residence is possible. Sexual desires may increase and should be kept under control.


Leo or Simha: 
Ketu will be present in 9th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 3rd house of courage, siblings, writings, communication, etc. Usually 3rd house transit of Saturn and Rahu is beneficial however, in this case an exalted upachaya house is not preferable. Unnecessary tensions and passive-aggressive relationship with siblings will increase. Siblings may undergo a life-altering event. Post May 2013, Jupiter-Saturn double transit will help mothers who are planning a family.


Virgo or Kanya: 
Ketu will be present in 8th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 2nd house of family matters, wealth, speech, diet, etc. Natives will receive sudden gain in wealth through family or in-laws or spouse or lottery. If there are wealth yogas in your natal chart expect to hit a jackpot!!! Ketu in 8th house is not good for family matters and relationships with in-laws and spouse will be strained.

Libra or Tula: 


Ketu will be present in 7th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in lagna. Exalted yogakaraka in lagna will be good for native. Many eligible Librans will finally tie the knot and settle down in life. The time is also good for gains through career and business.



Scorpio or Vrischik: 


Ketu will be present in 6th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 12th house of losses, hospitals, etc. Change in residence under forced circumstances, sudden loss of wealth and health related problems. Natives are advised to recite Hanuman Chalisa daily as well as light a lamp with sesame oil facing west in the evening. Do not ignore any health related issues.


Saggitarius or Dhanu: 


Ketu will be present in 5th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 11th house. Problems in personal life. Avoid any distractions outside marriage. Positive changes in professional life.


Capricorn or Makara:


Ketu will be present in 4th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 10th house. Excellent year for career. Some challenges with senior managers may surface till May 2013.


Aquarius or Kumbha:


Ketu will be present in 3th house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 9th house. Pretty neutral transit for you even though your Lagna lord and co-lord are in 9th house of fate and fortune. Travel will be high. Good time to seek further education.


Pisces or Meena:


Ketu will be present in 2nd house and Rahu along with Saturn will be present in 8th house. Problems in family and marital distress. Natives are advised to take care of their health and avoid any legal hassles. Recite Hanuman Chalisa after lighting a lamp with sesame oil facing west in the evening.

The above is just a general prediction for Rahu-Saturn conjunction in Libra. However, the results will vastly differ based on individual charts and ruling Mahadasha and Antaradasha.

US Presidential Elections: Obama's exalted Saturn vs. Romney's debilitated Venus

On Election Eve, both candidates are currently pitching their best in battleground states; Governor Romney is busy traveling through FL, OH, NH, and VA whereas President Obama is making his last minute stops at IA, OH, and WI.  Although both candidates (President Obama and Governor Romney) are tied in a neck to neck battle, it comes down to one night (Wednesday, November 6, 2012) that will decide their fate.

So, today on Election Eve, I would like to give my perspective purely based on vedic astrology as to which candidate (President Obama or Governor Romney) is more like to win 2012 US Presidential Election. Although,  predicting elections based on astrology is a very complicated, there are still some techniques that can be used to predict the election outcomes.

Lets look at President Barack Obama's chart first:

President Obama's Ascendant (Lagna) is Capricorn with Lagna Lord (vargottam Saturn) currently exalted in Libra and will remain exalted till Oct 2014. His 10th lord of profession (10L), Venus is currently debilitated in Virgo and continue to do so till Nov 17, 2012. He is currently under the benefic Vimosattari dasa of Lagna Lord Saturn (Saturn-Saturn-Saturn). Lords of all periods: main period (Mahadasha), sub-period (Antardasha), and sub-sub-period (Pratyantar dasha) is Saturn, which is currently exalted. Looking at his divisional chart for profession (D-10), again 9L and 10L, Saturn is currently exalted in 6th house of services for masses. It is said that period of Lagna Lord brings what the Lagna (native) craves... so looks like chart and dasha wise President Obama should get what he wants.

Furthermore, his 5L and 10L, Venus though currently debilitated, is still receiving aspect from the retrograding Jupiter in Taurus, which will give a positive boost to both Venus as well as his 5H and 9H. His 4L and 11L for sudden gains, Mars is currently transiting through own house of Scorpio. All in all, stars insinuate strong times for President Obama.



Now let's have a look at Mitt Romney's chart

Governor Romney's Ascendant (Lagna) is Taurus with Lagna Lord, Venus placed in 9H of fate and fortune. However, in transit Venus is debilitated in Virgo and will remain debilitated till Nov 17, 2012. His 10th lord of profession (10L), Saturn is exalted and will remain exalted till Oct 2014. He is currently under the Vimosattari dasa of Sun (Saturn-Mercury-Rahu). In transit, Sun is debilitated in Libra and is afflicted by extremely powerful Saturn. Furthermore, on Nov 6, 2012, lord of the sub-period, Mercury will turn retrograde and conjunct with Rahu. Rahu is currently transiting through inimical sign of Scorpio and receiving a neechbhanga from Mars (transiting Scorpio). Both Rahu and Mercury are uncomfortable in Scorpio and the native will feel the blunt. Not to forget, his Lagna Lord Venus in transit is debilitated in Virgo, whose lord is also Mercury. Thus, in transit dispositor of Lagna Lord Venus will also be afflicted with Rahu. Looking at his divisional chart for profession (D-10), there is a parivartana between 4L, Mercury and 6L, Saturn, hence this period will affect both 4H as well as 6th house of services for masses. His 10L in D-10, is Jupiter, which is currently retrograding and Saturn in D-10 is afflicted by conjunction with inimical Mars. Neither the dasha nor the transit is working in favor of Governor Romney and the outcome of US Presidential Election 2012 may not be in his favor.  

Overall the planets in natal charts and in transit suggest that President Obama has an upperhand over Governor Romney. Let's wait till tomorrow and day after tomorrow to see the results (if citizens from East Coast are able to vote after the catastrophic Hurricane).

Celestial Watch: Planetary Transits in Nov 2012

"Motivational Destiny" Painting by Nik Helbig

Key Planetary Transits:

Sun:

Sun continues to remain debilitated in Libra till Nov 16, 2012. However, exalted Saturn is no longer combust and thus will provide neechbhanga (cancellation of Sun's debilitation) in Libra. Sun and Saturn conjunction is not a favorable conjunction. It insinuates chaos in government, conflicts between leaders and masses, between authority and democracy, and conflicts between father and son. This is a difficult transit for Sun and takes place twice in 30 years, where Sun (King of all planets) reaches its lowest low point in conjunction with an inimical Saturn. 

Sun then moves to the friendly sign of Scorpio however it will first encounter with Rahu (its arch enemy) and will suffer a solar eclipse. 

Natives with Leo Ascendants (Lagna) and Rasi (Moon Sign) should particularly take care and should avoid entering in any conflicts as they will be defeated miserably, especially till Nov 16, 2012. 

To strengthen Sun, please see section on "Remedies" in the top panel. 

Venus:

Apart from Sun, Venus is another planet that is also undergoing debilitation in Virgo till Nov 17, 2012. However, unlike Sun, Venus does not receive a neechbhanga. Furthermore, its depositor, Mercury is also transiting an inimical sign of Scorpio and further afflicted by Rahu. 

Not a happy period for Libra Ascendant and Rasi sign considering that their Lagna Lord, Venus is debilitated in 12th house. Venus debilitation is not as stressful for Taurus natives as Venus is getting debilitated in 5th house. 

This is also a crucial time for Governor Romney (Taurus Ascendant) as he will be heading for US Presidential Elections on Nov 6, 2012 (Click here to read about astrological predictions for 2012 US Presidential Elections). 

Saturn:

Saturn continues to remain exalted in Libra and is now in friendly nakshatra of Swati. It will be joined by Venus (Lord of Libra Rasi) on Nov 17, 2012 and by Mercury on Nov 8, 2012. This will form a very powerful Sasa Yoga (one of the Panch Mahapurush yoga) for Capricorn and Aquarius natives. With Lagna Lord Venus along with Yogakaraka Saturn together in Libra, will be extremely beneficial for Libra natives (lagna as well as rasi). 

Mercury and Rahu:

Virgo natives are particularly facing a hard time for most of 2012 considering that the sign was in paapkatari (malefic shut down transit) till June 2012 followed by long retrograde of Lagna Lord Mercury. Mercury is about to retrograde again. This is again an extremely difficult transit for Virgo and Gemini natives (Lagna as well as rasi). Lagna Lord Mercury is not only transiting in inimical house of Scorpio but also it will encounter several conjunctions with Rahu. Mercury makes its first conjunction with Rahu as soon as it enters Scorpio on Oct 25, 2012. Rahu is currently transiting backwards in Scorpio and is on its way out of Scorpio and is also receiving a neechbhanga from Mars (which also on its way out of Scorpio). 

On Nov 7, 2012, Mercury will begin its retrogression and will conjunct with Rahu again on Nov 17, 2012. Mercury will become direct in the beginning of December and will join with Rahu again on Dec 6, 2012. 

Not a fun time for Gemini and Virgo (lagna and rasi) more stressful time for Virgo. Till Dec 6, 2012, Virgo natives should think before they speak and weigh each and every word before speaking it out. 

Eclipses:

Two eclipses:

- Solar Eclipse on Nov 13, 2012

- Lunar Eclipse on Nov 28, 2012. 

Leo, Cancer, and Taurus natives will see a positive effect after both the eclipses. 

Scorpio (Lagna and rasi):

Maximum celestial drama is taking place in scorpio and natives with scorpio as lagna or rasi will witness an unsettling emotional restlessness till the end of Nov 2012. 

Prayers to Lord Hanuman are strongly recommended. 

Mid-Nov 2012:

A lot is happening around 16/17 Nov 2012: Sun will be out of debilitation and saturn's power and will conjunct with Rahu; Venus will be out of debilitation and conjunct exalted Saturn; Mercury will conjunct Rahu. Hence mid-Nov is extremely stressful and natives are strongly advised to read Hanuman Chalisa and Mahalakshmi Asthakam daily. 

Glimpse (as per Lagna sign):

Aries: Take care till Nov 17, 2012 after that times will change drastically.

Taurus: Stressful till Nov 17, 2012 after that better times ahead. Prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi

Gemini: Stressful till Dec 6, 2012. Prayers to Lord Narayana. Recite Sudarshana Ashtakam daily.

Cancer: Take care till Nov 28, 2012. Prayers to Lord Shiva.

Leo: Stressful period till Nov 17, 2012 after that things will ease out smoothly. Remedies to strengthen Sun.

Virgo: Extreme stress till Nov 17, 2012 (Lagna Lord, Mercury afflicted and Yogakaraka Venus, debilitated). Prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Narayana. Recite Sudarshana Ashtakam daily.

Libra: Extreme stress till Nov 7, 2012 after that thing will change positively. Prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Scorpio: Maximum celestial drama is taking place in scorpio and natives with scorpio as lagna or rasi will witness an unsettling emotional restlessness till the end of Nov 2012. Endless prayers to Lord Hanuman.

Sagittarius: Neutral

Capricorn: Good transit positive effects post Nov 17, 2012. New responsibilities in professional life.

Aquarius: Good transit positive effects post Nov 17, 2012.

Pisces: Neutral

Hurricane Sandy

I finally got my power and internet back and will resume posting immediately. 

From CBS News

Conjunction of Mars with Rahu and Exalted Saturn with debilitated Sun is an excellent recipe for catastrophic storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, mass shootings, etc.

Our prayers go out to all those affected by the storm. Stay Safe!!

NBC Studios

The city that never sleeps without lights

CNN

Special Thanks to Fire fighters, Police Dept., EMS crew, and National Guards for their selfless and dedicated service that helped several lives recover! 

US News

Basic Principles - Introduction to Nav Graha (Nine Planets)

There are in all Nine planets in Vedic Astrology that are considered important, 7 mains planets and 2 are shadow planets. These planets are as follows:

Sun (Surya) 

  

Sun (Surya) is a royal planet and the King of all planets in vedic astrology. It represents soul, will power, king, highly placed leaders, father, and government and authorities.

Moon (Chandra)

 

Moon (Chandra is also a royal planet and considered as a Queen in vedic astrology. It represents mind, emotions, imaginations, creativity, sensitivity, Queen, mother, milk, sea, oceans, domestic comforts, and hotel/food industry. 

The sign in which your Moon is placed in the birth chart is called your "Janma Rasi" and the star constellation in which your Moon is placed is called your "Janma Nakshatra".

Mercury (Budh)

Mercury (Budh) is a Prince in vedic astrology. It represents youth, speech, intelligence, communication, media, commerce, business, analytical skills, trade, computers, web, matern

Venus (Shukra)

Venus (Shukra) is a "DaityaGuru" i.e. Guru of Demons and is a Princess in vedic astrology. It represents wife, girlfriend, Princess, wealth, sex, love (not lust), pleasures, reproduction, jewels, wine, media, fashion, cosmetics, beauty, movable property, vehicles, and all females in your life. 

Mars (Mangal or Kuja)

Mars (Mangal or Kuja) is considered as a Soldier or Commander in vedic astrology. It represents your friends, brother, brotherly figures, ego, fighting ability, courage, energy, confidence, armed forces, police, commanders, administrators, land, engineering metals, real estate or immovable property, and surgery. 

Jupiter (Guru)

    

Jupiter (Guru) is known as "Dev Guru" i.e. Guru of Gods and a King's Minister in vedic astrology. It represents higher knowledge, teacher, education, dharma, spirituality, priests, temples, research, scientist, lawyers, judges, vedas and shashtras, first husband, children, and astrology. It is single most planet that is known as a karaka (giver) of education, first husband in female nativity, and children. Jupiter also represents life or jeeva. 

Saturn (Shani)

  

Saturn (Shani) represents General of the Army and not the servant (as per some experts) in vedic astrology.  It is a karmic planet and represents learning, career, uncle, second husband in female nativity, boss, hard work, servant, masses, old men, sorrow, iron and steel industry, career, muncipality, drainage, organizational ability, maturity, honesty, loyalty, justice, wisdom, and sincerity. As it is a karmic planet, Saturn transits and position indicate the native's good and bad deeds in this as well as past lives. 

North Node or Dragon's Head (Rahu)

  

North Node of the Moon or Dragon's Head (Rahu), which only has head and no body because the body is the South Node or Dragon's Tail or Ketu plays a very important role in vedic astrology. It is not a true planet and is therefore considered as a shadow planet. It represents foreigners, foreign countries, foreign travel, engineering, technical trades, smoke, old men, grand parents, theft, gambling, ambitions, worldly desires, nonconformist, taboo breakers, underworld, poisons, and the bad elements in the society. 

Rahu is the single most planet in Kali Yuga that can take you to greatest heights or to deepest bottom of earth. 

South Node or Dragon's Tail (Ketu)

     

South Node of Moon or Dragon's Tail (Ketu) is the headless body of the demon, which usually represents loner or without a brain. It represents detachment, letting go, grandparents, spiritual inclinations, moksha (salvation), superstitions, supernatural, or non-worldly desires. Ketu also represents past lives and the house that it is placed in shows all the activities that were fulfilled in past lives and hence one should not invest much time as it will manifest without you even thinking about it. 

Like Saturn, both Rahu and Ketu play a huge role in laws of karma.   

Research has proved that Mantra chanting is the most effective technique for healing. Mantras chanting or listening creates a positive vibrations in you as well as in your aura that removes negativity and all evil aspects around you. 

Nav Graha Stotram:

This single mantra holds the power to please all nine planets and influence them positively. If you are unaware which planet is malefic in your chart, chanting this mantra will remove all ill effects of all planets. 

Daily Recital of this prayer is highly effective. 

Click Here for Navgraha Stotram (Lyrics and Video)