Today night, ie the night of 5th / 6th May there is a penumbral lunar eclipse in the skies. In a ‘penumbral lunar’ eclipse, the penumbral portion of the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon’s disc. And this ‘penumbral lunar eclipse’ has nil astrological significance. For lunar eclipses, only the umbral variety have astrological significance.
We all are still experiencing the effects of the major solar eclipse which occurred 2 weeks ago in Apr 2023. On the national and global levels, after the major Apr 2023 solar eclipse the weather is still being unpredictable. Erratic rain, storms, etc are making their presence felt which will have its impact on agriculture. There will be a few accidents/ deaths in water related disasters in the next 1 month or so. Most significantly, the global economy has started collapsing at an accelerated rate. The collective West will suffer more during this impending economic disaster.
But today we have a rather exceptional planetary line up. All the planets are inter connected, making the current time quite intense.
- Aries – with Rahu and Jupiter who are in Ashvini nakshatra connected to Ketu. Combust Mercury and Sun are in Bharani nakshatra.
- Gemini – with Venus who is the owner of Libra and Mars who owns Aries.
- Libra – with Ketu and the Moon. Both are in Svati nakshatra which is connected to Rahu.
- Aquarius – with Saturn who is aspecting Aries and the planets in it with his 3rd aspect. He is in Shatataraka/Shatabhisha nakshatra which is connected to Rahu.
If you observe closely, the transiting Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, Moon, Jupiter, are in nakshatra connected to either Rahu or Ketu. And the current Sun and Mercury are actually conjunct Rahu. Mars and Venus own the signs in which Rahu and Ketu placed in at present. Thus at present, Rahu and Ketu are subtly dominating everyone and everything.
Thankfully the lunar eclipse today is just the penumbral variety so there are no true eclipse energies adding to this mix. But this influence of Rahu and Ketu on all the other graha is significant in itself. Students of astrology should observe their sample charts/ people in this time. I have written several posts on this sort of energy (index page).
The prediction for the coming 2 months or so is quite simple – you will get whatever your Rahu and Ketu have promised you in your chart, birth /transit. You will have no option to enjoy/ endure these results as right now Rahu and Ketu are influencing every other planet in the skies. You will not be able to draw on the energies of the other planets in channelising the effects of Rahu/Ketu.
Rahu and Ketu are generally malefic for all ascendants (post here). So for most of us this time will lead to stress.
In rare charts, they can function as Yogkaraks (post here). So for some of us, this period is going to give extraordinary advantages.
If you are undergoing a Dasha period of Rahu or Ketu you will see major changes in your life. And depending on their birth position these changes may be desirable/ undesirable. If you are undergoing a Dasha period of Moon, then too you should be careful for the next 1/2 months as unexpected events might pop up.
First analyse your birth chart in depth before scaring yourself with negative readings.
In brief for the Moon signs, currently,
The most affected is Libra, Tula rashi. You will face stress from multiple levels and with restlessness, lack of sleep, quarrels with the spouse and at home, things can get uncontrollable. Avoid reacting emotionally to the situations around you. Try to think logically and act practically as much as you can. Next affected is Aries, Mesh rashi. In addition to the general turmoil, you will feel restricted and in a sudden resource crunch due to Saturn’s 3rd aspect.
Kanya rashi, Virgo must be alert. You were enjoying the best time in the past few months, (Dec 2022 to Apr 2023) and now suddenly everything will go in the 180deg opposite direction. Everything that you felt hopeful about in the past few months will start going wrong. Projects will be delayed and plans will not materialise. Stress will be high in all aspects of life. Do not trust others unless you are very sure.
Scorpio, Vrushchik rashi will face secret enemies, malicious gossip and ill health. Your subordinates will cause trouble. Losses and thefts are possible. Spouse will be in stress or give you stress, in either case, need your attention. Home life will be disturbed. Overall a lack of energy and self doubts as you cannot think clearly.
Next are Karka rashi, Cancer and Makar rashi, Capricorn. Both will face ill health and the overall hopelessness when nothing seems to go right. Situations at home and in the office will be uncertain and you will feel unprepared for the situations which will suddenly pop up. Parents and boss will give you stress. Avoid following the advice given by the parents as they might misguide. Your boss too may try to get you into trouble.
Aquarius, Kumbh rashi, is going through the main Sade sati period but Rahu will grant courage to get through things. However behaviour of neighbours, cousins, teammates in office will be less than ideal and a source of stress. Unnecessary travelling is possible. Not a time for stock investments even if these options look attractive.
Taurus, Vrushabh rashi, will face ill health and lack of rest. Negative thoughts, nightmares and hauntings as possible. Budgeting is necessary, spend your money only on the essential things. Expected returns/ gains will be delayed and you might face a few typical moments due to a resource crunch.
Sagittarius, Dhanu rashi will face a few sleepless nights caused by their children misbehaving or getting into trouble. Relationships breaking up can cause heartbreak. Investments will not give expected results and this is not a time for speculation. Do not expect much support from your friends in this time.
For Leo, Simha rashi, for some time at least, luck is on your side. Important people, seniors or lost contacts may suddenly turn up in your life to provide timely help. New job opportunities can open up. Avoid over confidence in this phase and do only that much as is reasonable.
Pisces, Meen rashi, went through the worst period in these past few months. Now you will see some positive changes in the near future especially so if the birth chart is strong. Your past investments may suddenly give unexpected gains or some new source of income may open up, blocked resources will open up.
Gemini, Mithun rashi, is poised to make some significant gains in this period. In case you have a favourable birth Rahu or Ketu then a once in a life time opportunity can open up in the next 1/2 months. But as always think twice before acting.
Remedies, as per Rishi Parashar, as always are only the two, Mantra and Daan. And if you have a strong chart and are aware of yourself then acting intelligently and modulating your behaviour is the third ‘remedy’ option. (Ref the index page for posts on these topics)
(I had received several requests that I write on the penumbral lunar eclipse today thus this post.)
