Planetary Forecast
The planetary situation changes little from last week. This does not mean that the situation will be the same as last week, however. To give a bit more background on how these horoscope predictions are made, I want to explain a little bit about transits and lunar phases in the context of Vedic astrology.
A transit, in astrological terms, is the position of the planets at a particular time from the perspective of Earth. The sign in which the planet is in on a particular day, which often time lasts for many months or even years in the case of Saturn, is indicative of how that planetary energy will be manifesting in the events down here. Several factors are used to determine what those effects can be - retrograde or direct motion, combustion, debilitation or exaltation, friendly conjunctions. These are all astrological terms and concepts that help us clarify our predictions.
To relate this to our horoscope this week, the only planet that will be changing into a new sign - and thus changing its affect - will be the Moon. But this is highly predictable, as under normal circumstances the Moon takes approximately two and a half days to transit from one sign to another. While the Moon's position in the zodiac is extremely important in determining the exact timing of larger arches of planetary weather, we must also observe the lunar phase to determine how the existing planetary conditions will be realized.
In this way, we have shifted away from the new Moon night and are in full gear going into our waxing phase. The interpretation of our current skies is thus fully dependent on the lunar phase. The waxing strength and light of the Moon increases both the positive and negative traits of the planets.
Again, the two planets that are on our watch list here are Saturn and Mars - the two classic malefics - that, if not approached with caution, can wreak havoc in your life. Both planets, as mentioned in the previous horoscopes, are still currently retrograde. Mars is in the sign of Cancer, and through this position has a direct correlation with the Moon. As the strength of the Moon increases, the volatility of emotions and mental health will be concerns this week. Quick, almost violent, emotions can be the result of Mars retrograde in Cancer. Balance this energy out with lots of relaxation - do not allow your triggers to get the better of you - allow ample time for rest, tranquility, and cooling activities. If one has the disposition and character, the energy of Mars can be channeled into intentional activities that would be considered destructive or negative. Choose your actions carefully, however.
Along with the situation with Mars, there will be an equally positive situation going on with Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun. They are all three situated in Aquarius - and through their mutual contribution, you can feel a surge of happiness and creativity. This was discussed in last week's post. As the conjunction between these planets continues, allow the power of the waxing Moon to increase their results. Seek out giving and growth, activities that are associated with Jupiter. Throw yourself passionately into painting, poetry, or love, spheres governed by Venus. The Moon gladly smiles on these pursuits this week.
Lunar Phases
As stated, we are full force into the waxing phase of the Moon. There is one special night that is worth mentioning in this phase. It is known in Sanskrit as Shukla Ashtami, or the "Eighth Night of the Bright Phase". This is the halfway point of growth for the Moon's light. By many Tantriks and Yogis, this night is considered especially auspicious for ritual. It is an astrological mark of balance - a harmony of the light and the dark, the feminine and the masculine - represented in the light of the Moon. The eighth night of the waxing phase occurs this week on 02/21/2010. The Nakshatra, or lunar mansion, governing this night is Rohini. The importance of this takes on another perspective, because the Moon is exalted in the sign of Taurus, which is where Rohini is placed.
So, we will have the potent eighth night of the waxing Moon, the Moon's exaltation, and another special situation - Rohini is the Moon's favorite star. A strange and exotic tale comes down to us from Vedic lore, which describes Rohini's importance:
For many millions of years, the Moon circled the Earth and regulated its balance and harmony. From the rise and fall of the ocean's tides, to the impulses of desire in creatures, to the cycles of birth, the Moon helped to bring these natural forces in and out, up and down. Each day, the Moon met with one of its consorts - one of the twenty seven prominent stars in the sky. The Moon's favorite was Rohini, whose beauty is known through all the three worlds.
One day, the Moon met with Rohini, and instead of continuing on his normal journey, day by day, regulating the harmony of nature and creatures, he decided to stay with Rohini, fixed with her forever. He would not leave, even after the gods from all worlds pleaded. "Please, Moon, our worlds are no longer in balance. Everything is out of place. The oceans do not fall, and our desires are no longer." The Moon paid no attention, however, and the balance of the world fell into chaos.
This continued until, without any choice left, a retinue of gods approached the forest hermit and magician, Daksha. They asked what could be done. Daksha advised that he will lay a curse on the Moon, that he will lose his brightness.
As the Moon enjoyed the pleasures with Rohini, his luster soon diminished. The bright orb became dark, unable even to be seen. Rohini wept, and even the Moon's other consorts wept. And even all the creatures and worlds wept, even though they were imbalanced and in chaos.
With the new dilemma of the Moon losing his brightness due to the curse, the gods approached Daksha again to relieve the situation. Daksha advised that he could not remove a curse completely, as that would go contrary to the natural order. But he could lift its effects partially, under the condition that the Moon would agree to continue his journey through the zodiac like he used to.
Upon hearing this, the Moon agreed. While the Moon got his luster back, he was always destined to eventually lose it and become dark again. Thus, we have our lunar phases.
The story depicts the power of Rohini - a cluster of stars in the latter part of Taurus. This night will be magical.
Om Namah Shivaya
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