eclipse

Corona virus and the current transits

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I got a question on the Corona virus, everyone is worried about it. So writing this quick post, it can get a bit technical, as I assume that my readers are students of astrology, Vedic Jyotish.

The Gemini – Sagittarius axis is in tremendous stress for the past about 3yrs with several transits and planetary configurations affecting it directly. And this stress reached epic proportions from Nov 2019 onwards. With Rahu- Ketu in this axis, I had written in my March 2019 post (post here) “Increase diseases related chest, heart and lungs. Also incurable and strange diseases will increase. Faulty diagnosis will increase and inappropriate medication given.” Viruses are controlled by Ketu.

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Till Nov 2019 – Ketu was in Sagittarius with Saturn. Sagittarius is foundation of all humanity. Ketu is viruses, undiagnosable hidden diseases (Last when Ketu transited Cancer /Gemini in 2009-10, Swine-flu erupted) Saturn is restriction. So Ketu was upto something but Saturn’s presence was restricting his actions. In Nov 2019, Jupiter joined them in Sagittarius, Jupiter is expansion, so he expanded Ketu’s activities but also helped Saturn maintain its restriction on the situation. (Jupiter+Ketu means that Jupiter aspects Rahu, which can also deliver results similar to the classic Guru-Chandal yog)

Rahu in the other half of the axis, ie in Gemini meant that the respiratory system specifically its paired organs, ie the lungs would be the target. Rahu gives direction to Ketu’s energies, as always. He was already in Aradra, his own nakshatra, since 12th Sept 2019, preparing the background for Ketu.

Then in Dec 2019 we had a very weird situation dominated by Ketu, the king of weird! Combustions of several planets including Jupiter and Saturn. Solar eclipse, stationary nodes, a lot of planets put their energy into the mix, 7 graha were directly involved in this eclipse. This caused an imbalance in practically everything, from inter-personal one-one human relations to broader political situations, global financial markets to global health concerns all went for a toss. This eclipse was also the trigger for release of the COVID 19 corona-virus into the greater humanity.

Then Jan 2020 saw more movement. The nodes remained stationary in the middle of Gemini/ Sagittarius grinding their energy in the middle of the sign (they did this for over 2 months!). Stationary nodes release a lot of energy, karmic back-log due for resolution. There was a minor penumbral lunar eclipse during this period. Mercury was combust for sometime, affecting logical behaviour and mental abilities. Saturn shifted to his own Capricorn and immediately became combust. Thus Jupiter and Ketu were left in Sagittarius. Freed from Saturn, Ketu expanded under Jupiter’s influence and the virus’s influence expanded simultaneously. Its effects became quite visible. Jupiter is moving very fast, Ati-char movement, so giving more energy to Ketu’s actions, making them also very fast.

Ketu entered his own Nakshatra, Moola on 16th Jan, gaining even more power to destroy. Moola nakshatra also contains the Vishnu-nabhi ie the center of our galaxy, thus has hidden reserves of power. It is a very cryptic lunar mansion, ruled by Niritti, the energy of destruction.

Feb 2020 saw Mars adding his energy to Sagittarius, now Ketu and Mars both fiery graha together with Jupiter who was still giving them his expansion energy. Feb saw even more nations being affected as the virus came out from its confinement in China and spread. But now Saturn recovered from his combustion so the response started in earnest, governments and societies started organising themselves. But Ketu was still powered up, so the spread continued. In this period on 26th Feb we had an exact conjunction of Ketu+Mars which briefly gave immense power to Ketu’s expansion. In Feb-Mar, for 3 weeks, Mercury was unable to work so there was some confusion and lack of logical coordination in mounting a response. As mercury came out of combustion/retrograde, the response became more systematic. This much we all know as analysing a situation in retrospect is rather easy.

We have the periodic full-blown Kaal-sarpa alternating with the partial Kaal-sarpa for the next few months till 21st Jun, giving more power to Rahu/ Ketu to act as they are using the power of the remaining grahas trapped within them to further their agenda.

Viruses are controlled by Ketu.

Now in March 2020, there are significant transits coming up. Exact Mars+Jupiter conjunction is due on 20th Mar, so a burst of fiery expansion will be available. The medical teams will use this energy to gain significant understanding on the virus and its cure. Possibly we will get news on confirmed treatment plan for the virus affected people. And Ketu will also use this energy, perhaps a new mutant strain can also develop. Then Mars will shift to Capricorn to be with Saturn on 22nd leaving Jupiter and Ketu alone in Sagittarius again. Mars is exalted in Capricorn so will give his fiery pioneering innovative energies in a very useful form to help the governments/ society. And Jupiter will shift to Capricorn on 31st Mar. Mars+Saturn exact conjunction on 31st so again a fiery/airy expansive energy burst. So in this last week of March there will be a lot of activity on the virus-spread/ evolution and also on the government/medical teams front. When several planets occupy a sign, we have to consider the implications of planetary war/graha yuddha to know whose energy will drive the potential of the others, as we are trying to read the destiny of nations/humanity.

April 2020 sees Saturn, Mars and Jupiter in Capricorn. This will provide the necessary energy to the governments/ societies/ medical teams who are trying to contain/ cure the virus. But Ketu in Sagittarius, alone and un-aspected by anyone, will continue his actions and the virus will do its job of spreading and affecting people, but its speed and intensity should slow down now. Delivery of drugs and treatment to the affected patients should be initiated by now.

May 2020 will see significant movements, with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn all going retrograde together. This will lead to a period of confusion. There might be a lapse in government/ society/ medical response which can lead to a temporary spurt in infections again in the last week of May.

June 2020 is a very happening month. First there is a minor penumbral lunar eclipse and then we have a major total Solar eclipse again in Gemini-Sagittarius! This time, Venus, Mercury, Sun will be with Rahu in Gemini. This eclipse will be visible in the eastern hemisphere again! From China, Russia, India, middle East to Africa these nations will again face some problems which can include the virus but can also involve global society/finance in turmoil. Again the nodes will slow down, reverse direction and go forward, then again reverse direction and go retrograde. This month sees several planets going combust and retrograde together so will be the most confusing month of the year.

July 2020 sees Jupiter back in Sagittarius. He will not be very close to Ketu, which is a blessing but still Sagittarius will see the energy of Ketu and Jupiter operating in its environment. So some parts of the world will see a complete recovery while some parts will suffer in bits. This situation will continue in spurts till Sept 2020 till Jupiter and Saturn both gain their forward movement. Ketu will remain in Moola nakshatra, ie in Sagittarius till 23rd Sept. So expect some spurts of the virus to pop up in some places till this time. Last week of September will see marked improvement and October onwards the situation will defuse.

During this period, humanity as a whole is being uprooted from the very foundations as we know. The concept of ‘shrinking world’ or ‘one world’ will be reversed as each government/ nation/ society will now monitor its boundaries very seriously. A new normal will be established in terms of medicine, understanding of viruses, financial markets, government functioning, social dynamics, our very behaviour will change in a very fundamental manner.

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Sagittarius-Gemini is a powerful axis of the zodiac, as it gives the fastest acting results coupled sudden events which operate on a larger global humanity-level scale. Everyone’s limits are being tested to the breaking point, from the individual human-level to the government-level. You have to adapt to these new normals now. The correct option is to take care of your health, adopt all the hygiene related practices, try to improve your innate immunity, eat healthier foods, live a more balanced life-style, stop the earlier norms like shaking hands and adopt new norms of doing a Namaste in greeting others etc as fundamental changes in each one’s life-style are expected.

Rahu-Ketu affecting the Gemini- Sagittarius axis is a deeply karmic event for all of us. Some are affected by the corona-virus, some are scared of it, some are working to prevent it, some are working to cure it, some are suffering because of the quarantine and lock down measures imposed because of it. And even if you are not directly affected by the Corona virus, Rahu/ Ketu must be playing havoc in your life in some way or the other as past lives karma shake the foundations of your life and affect your ability to choose and act, in one way or the other. Whatever this axis stands for in your life as per your horoscope, you will see deep events which shake your life to the core occurring here. Corona-virus is just one part of it.

(India-specific post here and continued in another post here)

Edited on – 21st March 2020, On 20th March the medical teams have announced a possible cure. This is as per what I had predicted in my initial post above.

Kaalchakra Dasha, Deha Jiv, Gemini-Sagittarius

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The Dasha systems are necessary to time events in astrology. I have written several posts on the Vimshottari Dasha. It is the first Dasha system taught to students, there is a lot of material and research on Vimshottari, it is the easiest to understand and is accurate. But there are more Dasha systems which are applicable in certain cases. A professional astrologer has to be familiar with at least 3-4 Dasha systems.

The Kaalchakra dasha system gives very accurate results for everyone at all times if the accurate birth details are known. I know most of my readers have not learnt Kaalchakra or perhaps not even heard about it, but writing this post in the hope that someone might be inspired to read and learn it eventually. (If you intend to learn Kaal chakra Dasha refer to the book by Shakti Mohan Singh, it gives the correct method of calculating stuff.)

The Deha and Jiv rashi concept is one of the unique features in the Kaalchakra Dasha. Even without learning the entire Kaalchakara Dasha system you can use this concept and it will give you one more tool to cross-check your predictions or make sense of what is happening to you at the moment.

Open your Vedic astrology software (any software will do), check that the Ayanamsha is Chitrapaksha – Lahiri, then input your birth time and location. Note your birth Moon’s position, ie his Nakshatra/ lunar mansion and its quarter/ pad. Now refer to the table below. There are two types of signs mentioned against your birth Moon’s Nakshatra quarter. ‘Deha’ and ‘Jiv’ signs. Deha means the body. Jiv means the individual soul.

Nakshatra Quarter Deha Jiva
GROUP 1

Ashwini

Krutika

Punarvasu

Ashlesha

Hasta

Swati

Moola

Uttarashadha

Purvabhadrapada

Revati

 First Aries Sagittarius
Second Capricorn Gemini
Third Taurus Gemini
Fourth Cancer Pisces
GROUP 2

Bharani

Pushya

Chitra

Purvashadha

Uttarabhadrapada

 First Scorpio Pisces
Second Aquarius Virgo
Third Libra Virgo
Fourth Cancer Sagittarius
GROUP 3

Rohini

Magha

Vishakha

Shravan

 First Cancer Sagittarius
Second Libra Virgo
Third Aquarius Virgo
Fourth Scorpio Pisces
GROUP 4

Mruga

Aradra

Purvaphalguni

Uttaraphalguni

Anuradha

Jeyshtha

Dhanishtha

Shatataraka

 First Cancer Pisces
Second Taurus Gemini
Third Capricorn Gemini
Fourth Aries Sagittarius

These two signs, Deha and Jiv, are the most sensitive signs in your birth chart. Locate them in your birth chart, see the influences on them. If there are any planets placed in them at birth they will give rather intense and sudden results. Benefic planets influencing them will indicate sudden rise in life and malefic planets influencing them will indicate sudden distress. If there are no planets placed in these signs at birth it is relatively a better situation as there are fewer unexpected changes in life. Too many changes in life, even if they are auspicious, tend to disrupt the smooth flow of the life experience and need to be navigated with care.

The Deha sign is linked to your body, the physical environment and the material stuff.

  • If there are malefics here at birth then one should be careful when these connected planet’s Vimshottari dasha-s change. This Dasha change period makes the body most susceptible to ill-health. If you have learnt to use the Kaalchakra system then you should keep track of the Deha sign periods and be careful accordingly.
  • Malefic influences on the Deha sign in transit will almost always give sudden illness. Depending on what kind of planet and which sign is involved you can predict the type and intensity of illness.
  • Benefics naturally will give pleasing results, good health, mental and emotional happiness in the time periods controlled by them and these signs. But no one comes to the astrologer to know why he is having a good time. They will come to ask when the good times will come, for this you can look up the future transits and analyse.

Jiv sign is linked to the individual soul, karmic bindings, mental and emotional stuff. It indicates the issues of the individual soul very deeply. eg Moon under stress can cause emotional breakdown but an malefic affliction to the Jiv sign can cause the person to be in the depths of despair, the soul itself is in torment, which will not be visible to others around him.

  • Malefic influences here at birth will make the person labour under a burden of the soul throughout life. There is an underlying despondency and an overall listlessness.
  • Malefic transits over this sign can cause intense trauma to the soul. A dark night of the soul type of trauma. Mental anguish, depression, isolation, betrayal, abandonment by the loved ones, separations etc are very common results during this period.
  • Benefics involved here will also give sudden changes but these will be naturally auspicious and supportive in nature.

If both the Deha and Jiv signs are afflicted by malefics in the birth chart, this lowers the quality of the horoscope. Such a person should perform remedial measures, do a regular spiritual practice or at least some mantra jaap regularly to keep his body and soul in balance. If both the Deha and Jiv signs have benefics placed in them at birth these will give auspicious results but life will be quite happening with sudden rises happening frequently. This is also can become a disruptive thing if the personality is unable to rapidly adjust to the sudden rise in fortunes.

During the transits of the nine planets, it is natural that sometimes they will transit over the Deha and Jiva signs both. ie both these signs will have some planet transiting over them. These times in life will be rather happening and there will be sudden changes depending on the natures of the planets transiting. If two or more malefics transit these signs then expect severe stress. In case the malefic influence is very severe, it can manifest as temporary separation or death of relatives, loss of job, loss of wealth or ill-health. This period is invariably very dangerous for the person’s body, mind and soul. He should be prepared for rough times ahead. If several malefics including Rahu/ Ketu are involved they can also cause physical death. If these transiting planets are benefics then they will give sudden changes in life but these will be agreeable changes and ‘sudden rise’. If there is a mix of malefic and benefic influences transiting the Deha and Jiva signs, then the results will also be mixed.

And one more simple way of using the Deha and Jiva concept. Locate these two signs, Deha and Jiva in your birth horoscope.

  • If either of these signs fall in your 6th, 8th or 12th houses, you should beware of sudden changes in life which lead to turmoil.
  • In case these signs fall in the Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) houses or the Kona (5th, 9th) houses they will give sudden changes in life but they will be for your good.

Venus and Mars placed in the 8th house

Now let’s do a small practical. Right now (Nov 2019 to Jan 2020) Sagittarius – Gemini is going through a lot. Such events are perfect study periods for Jyotish.

Tally this Deha and Jiv concept with what has just happened and is still happening in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is, as it is, one of the most happening signs of the zodiac. During Nov 2019 to Jan 2020 things have been even more happening in transit for Sagittarius. So many planets together, the slowest trio, Saturn + Ketu + Jupiter together, total solar eclipse, combust Jupiter, combust Mercury, combust Saturn, a total solar eclipse, Rahu/ Ketu nodes in forward motion almost stationary etc. A huge burst of energy, malefics and benefics all mixed up.

People born with their birth Moon in the following Nakshatra+pad will be suffering because their Jiva sign is Sagittarius. Refer to the table above, Sagittarius can only be a Jiv sign for anyone born in the,

  • first quarter of the nakshatras at group (1) of this table.
  • fourth quarter/pad of the nakshatras listed in group (2).
  • first quarter of the nakshatra listed at group (3)
  • fourth quarter of nakshatra at group (4).

Almost all of these individuals will go through an intense period of soul searching and mental anguish during the period Nov 2019 to Jan 2020.

The next high voltage sign would be Gemini which is in 7/7 axis with Sagittarius. Gemini too is facing the brunt of the energies being released in Sagittarius and a small penumbral lunar eclipse coming up on 10th Jan 2020. So people with Gemini as their Jiv sign – Group 1 nakshatra= birth in second or third quarter or Group 4 nakshatra = birth in third or fourth quarter are also going through their version of sudden events. If you have anyone around you with any of the above birth Moon nakshtra-quarter, observe him/ her analytically.

The effectiveness of signs (this post) is a very important part of astrological analysis. Focussing only on the planets we forget that the signs and also the houses are equally important. Sagittarius and Gemini are the signs of surprises, the highest energy signs. The periods controlled by these are often full of action. The houses they are placed in, show quick moving events (even Vimshottari dasha is to be analysed on these lines, posts here). Now these two signs are the axis of an energy maelstrom. And the worst part is that the individual has no control over these events or his response to these events. It is like being caught in this whirlpool of events and trying to keep oneself above water.

If you look at the current situation, there are so many planets in Sagittarius, Rahu in Gemini, Moon transits fast at 2.25days/sign, Mars is in Scorpio and Venus in Capricorn. January end will bring some respite to the beleaguered Sagittarius-Gemini axis when Saturn moves out into Capricorn. Jupiter can then try to repair the damage by adding his dose of hope and philosophy. But Ketu will add his own mix of spirituality into the repair work. Interesting times in any case.

 

Lunar eclipse 10th Jan 2020

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The first eclipse of the year 2020 is coming up on the night of 10th / 11th  Jan. It is a penumbral lunar eclipse, visible in India from about 22:35 pm to 2:40 am Indian time. It will have its effect throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia etc.

It is just a penumbral eclipse and the shadowing of the moon will be extremely faint. There are no specific rituals that need be performed as such. During the actual eclipse if you feel like it you can perform some spiritual practice or do mantra jaap of Rahu/Ketu and Sun/Moon or Gayatri or whatever you feel like. However pregnant women should take care also consult your doctor and if possible avoid giving birth during this time. A pre-eclipse time of 9 hours is considered the ‘sutak’ period for a lunar eclipse. People avoid doing auspicious activities during this period. Generally a fast is observed or some eclipse-specific pujas are performed during the sutak period. For a solar eclipse the sutak period is 12hours before the solar disc starts getting occulted.

A lunar eclipse needs only the Sun and the Moon to be opposite each other with Rahu/Ketu. So in this scenario only those few people whose ascendant or birth Moon sign is Leo, Cancer and the sign axis in which the eclipse is occurring would be affected. But this time, in addition we have Saturn Jupiter Mercury caught up in this eclipse energy and are combust! Practically 80% of the population will see something of these energies generated affecting their life. As it is you can see world events have gone very erratic in these times.

Lunar eclipse 10th Jan 2020

Generally a penumbral lunar eclipse has limited energy so its effects are also rather limited. The main umbral eclipse where the Moon is visibly occulted is the real thing. But this time, though the eclipse is weak, it is just one more energy event in a sequence of events since Nov 2019 and which will continue till 22nd Jan 2020. The eclipse is occurring in the over-loaded Gemini-Sagittarius axis,

  • Rahu is going to eclipse the Moon in Gemini. Gemini belongs to Mercury. Gemini is a typical house, the 3rd natural house of the zodiac and has the potential to go either way.
  • Ketu is with the Sun, Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury in Sagittarius. Also Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn are combust, ‘evaporated’ by the Sun. The Sun has taken in all the qualities of these planets and has become a ‘mixed-up-Sun’, combustion of planets changes the quality of the Sun. Sagittarius has been bearing the brunt of all this energy for quite some time now. Their this Sade-sati phase has been quite bad despite Jupiter being there.
  • Mars will be aspecting Rahu+Moon with his 8th house aspect. This is an intense aspect can trigger rash behaviour.
  • We have just had a humongous solar eclipse on 26th Dec 2019. I have written several posts on this energy event.
  • The nodes are in the forward motion and are almost stationary. This indicates past karmas are moving very fast, almost everyone is caught in a whirl of events over which there is no control.
  • Only Venus is away from all this, the only graha who is not involved. However his Taurus sign is a bit uncomfortable as Sagittarius is 8th from it, so triggering fast sudden changes in their lives.

People with Gemini or Sagittarius as their ascendant or Moon sign should be careful. To some extent Taurus, Cancer,  Scorpio and Capricorn signs also should take care. Some major changes are in the offing. For the rest of the signs the results are neutral. For Aries and Libra, if the rest of the chart supports, these two signs can benefit during this period.

People in the planetary Dasha of Moon eg Vimshottari Moon Mahadasha or Moon antardasha. Or if sign-based dashas are applicable to you, then those of you in the Dasha periods of Gemini or Sagittarius signs. If you can use the Kaalchakra dasha, then those with Gemini or Sagittarius signs Deha or Jiv rashis will be disturbed. All these people should expect significant changes in life in Jan-Feb 2020.

Some of the issues which can be triggered by this eclipse are as follows. These are general readings, the intensity will depend on the rest of the birth chart and the math. But these results will be seen at some level or the other, mild or intense everyone will experience these.

Respiratory problems, allergies, nervous issues are possible. Arguments with siblings, misunderstandings with teammates or office colleagues are possible. Take care to complete your office work in time. At home, there is a high chance of differences with the husband/wife leading to temporary separations. You might feel ‘out of tune’ with your best friends. Avoid taking major issues related to relationships till Jan end, ie proposals, engagements, marriages, separations or divorce. You might feel stressed out emotionally and mentally. Psychological issues and depression are likely for some. Take care of your money, relationships and health. Misunderstandings, rumours or even lying and cheating is possible, so think logically before you act. Avoid loose talk and gossip. Engaging in financial speculations can be risky at present. Risky behaviour, rash driving, trying antics while swimming can get dangerous.  Vehicles and electrical equipment can refuse to cooperate adding to the overall stress energy.

There are some things you can actively do to re-direct the energies swirling around you. Reading new books or writing something always works. You might just chance on that idea for a new book or something genius. Try to find common ground with other people, it might take some effort but do it. Go out for a walk or try and do something new, avoid sitting alone with your thoughts. Thoughts can be erratic or depressive during this period. De-clutter or do some spring-cleaning, rearrange your desk your room furniture or your wardrobe. There are changes due in the near future, try to keep your mind flexible. Avoid getting overly emotional, do not insult anyone. Mercury is combust and there is an eclipse in his Gemini, whatever you say can magnify and later backfire.

Again, by itself this lunar eclipse is not that powerful but can be the last straw for the over-loaded Gemini-Sagittarius axis people.

Lunar eclipse 10th Jan 2020

True nodes stationary during eclipses

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There are two chhaya-graha/ astral planets, Rahu and Ketu. There is a mathematical oddity which is which needs to be considered before we analyse them. These two are the two points where the orbit of the Moon cuts the ecliptic. They represent the influence of the Earth on the individual. They are the mathematical relationship between the Sun, Moon and the Earth. They are mathematical points and move with time and in space.

The nodes are generally an averaged calculation, thus are called ‘mean nodes’. Mean nodes are always in retrograde motion. ie They move in the direction opposite to the direction travelled by the Sun/Moon. Their speed can change, they get slower or faster, but they are always retrograde. Their retrograde movement slows down during every eclipse. And twice a year their speed slows down to such an extent that they seem almost stationary at one degree of the zodiac.

Then there is the mathematical calculation which gives ‘true nodes’. Now if the calculations were not averaged and if their positions are calculated for a specific time, then they would be referred to as ‘True nodes’. These true nodes move in retrograde  motion generally but can move in forward motion only around major eclipses or during a cluster of back-to-back eclipses. And their forward motion is generally quite slow. That means that during these sensitive periods around eclipses, the true nodes move in the same direction as the Sun/Moon’s direction of movement.

I use true nodes while seeing charts. There is a distinct difference in people born with true nodes in forward motion and in retrograde motion. Especially so if the question is related to spiritual, astral or occult stuff or a prashna or connected to sudden rise/ fall in life or extreme events.

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The nodes are especially important as they define the flow of our life-experience through several lives. They mature late so we are aware of their role in our lives only after the late 40s.

  • Rahu is the desire which we have ignored for the past several lives and now its become so urgent that it is our this life’s focus. He indicates qualities which need to be developed so as to achieve our karmic targets. He demands that his target for experience be met asap. His challenge is to consciously be aware when the targets have been achieved and to stop.
  • Ketu is the experience which we have had to our fill in our past lives and in this present life holds no novelty for us. We have with us the deepest lessons related to those experiences deep in our sub-conscious. We use these lessons as our fail-safe but we are unaware of them in our conscious life. The challenge is to become aware of them and then use them consciously.

Rahu and Ketu generally move in the direction opposite to the Sun and Moon, ie are retrograde. Their energies move in the direction opposite to the energies of the luminaries. Most of us have true nodes retrograde in our charts. Their this retrograde motion indicates that there is still a significant desire for enjoying stuff related to the manifested creation.

If you remember, Sun is linked to the Sahasrara chakra and Moon to the Ajnya chakra. Rahu and Ketu are not linked to any chakra because these are the forces which destabilise the perfection of the chakra geometry. But if you use their energy consciously to ‘churn’ the geometry you can set it back to its perfect alignment which is the Moksh. (This is the theme of the story-allegory of the Samudra manthan).

But for about 10% of us, the true nodes will be direct in the birth chart. If, in your birth chart, you have the true nodes direct, they indicate that a fair share of the accumulated karma has been rebalanced. The lessons of the past lives are less burdensome. And the drive towards the internal illumination is more. The nodes are moving the same direction as the Sun/Moon. The flow of the desire to experience is in the same direction as the luminaries. There is very high scope for further and fast spiritual growth in this life.

Here you will try to complete your karmic burden in this life itself. However a typical thing is that life upto the late 40’s goes in a haze, things become more clear only after Rahu/ Ketu mature. The personality is dynamic, but not deeply interested in anything. You might be well off, with a good job, family, children etc but these things seem hollow. You are not unhappy, it is not a depressive thing, but you are not focused on these material achievements. If you understand that your inclination is towards the inner worlds and you start your spiritual practice, you will feel more ‘alive’ while doing it. You are capable of working towards your spiritual goals with a single-minded focus.

If you have your true nodes direct in your birth chart, you will have been born around eclipses. The huge energy linked to that eclipse will be available to you as per your birth chart. And coupled to this the slowly moving or even apparently stationary True Nodes. If by by chance your Rahu Ketu position is poised to give auspicious results you should use them proactively. You should try to do some spiritual practices during every eclipse that you see in life. And during these periods in life when the true nodes go direct pay more attention to your dreams, visions and spiritual experiences.

Now even if you do not have Rahu/ Ketu in direct/ forward motion in your chart, do look out for these periods in transit. The planets give their results as per their speed and their direction of motion always. The nodes slow down and change their direction, go forward, there are eclipses and then they again go slow, turn around and resume their normal retrograde motion. This event happens generally twice a year, about six months apart. It is a massive potential, concentrated at a specific degree of the zodiac and it will release a huge amount of energy here. This is a highly magnifying effect on these degrees of the Zodiac. It is during this period that Rahu/Ketu have great powers to create events which have far reaching consequences. Thus they will power the actual eclipse event too. If this is happening in a sensitive house of your birth chart or over an important planet in your birth chart, there will be some important event during this period which will change your perceptions and your outlook in a very fundamental manner.

In this current time, from 29th Nov 2019 to 22nd Jan 2020, for almost 2 months, the true nodes are in forward motion and are moving extremely slowly, practically stationary. Rahu will remain in the 14th deg of Gemini during this entire period. And Ketu will remain in the 14th deg Sagittarius during this entire period. The Gemini – Sagittarius axis is already under severe stress with Ketu, Rahu, Saturn, Juipter, Venus and Mercury/Sun will be joining them soon. Moon will do his routine transits so will pop in and out. The energies are intense.

If you have your rising degree around these degrees or any of your planets at birth around these degrees or even in Gemini and Sagittarius sign, you might see some typical events connected to them. During this period there is to be a major total Solar eclipse on 26th Dec 2019 and a partial Lunar eclipse on 10th Jan 2020. Both these eclipses will be visible in the eastern hemisphere and more importantly will pass over India. There will be an extended negative impact on India and other nations of the eastern hemisphere where the eclipse falls. There will also be a negative impact on the oceans which lie in the path of these eclipses. So for all those who live in India or in some place where these eclipses are to cross over, use they energies. Channelise them so that they are productive, else such a big burst of energy can often cause problems.

So in short, use true nodes instead of mean nodes in your calculations. Especially if you have true nodes direct at birth you have a one-up in this life. And most importantly for everyone, use every time period where the true nodes go in forward motion in transit around eclipses.

 

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Understanding combustion of planets

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Sun is a natural malefic, his energies scorch and dry out. Being too close to this ball of fire is not a pleasant experience. So if planets get too close to the Sun it is called ‘combustion’. 

  • Sun and Moon are the two luminaries of astrology. If Moon gets close to the Sun, it is the no-moon day, Amavasya with very different energies.
  • If Rahu or Ketu get too close to the Sun, it causes eclipses, so again a very different energy. These two are the two completely astral forces represented by the Nodes of the Moon also called Chhaya-graha. 
  • It is when the remaining 5 planets, the Tara-graha, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn get too close to the Sun they are considered to be combust, burnt out and incapable of giving results.

In a birth horoscope if you see a planet is combust do pay attention to what he signifies and how is this energy of combustion going to affect the chart as a whole. 

Sun is the sense of self, self-ego, self-entitlement, all about ‘me’. He doesn’t allow anyone else to share center-stage with him. He is the King, self-referential, self-focussed, royal, not much bothered about others who are his subjects. Combustion is like an eclipse, the Sun eclipses the planet.

The Ascendant and its planetary Lord

If there are combust planets in the birth chart, their effect will last a life time. Check out which houses are owned by the combust planet, these will be adversely affected. Also check the house ruled by the Sun for atypical results.  If the ascendant lord himself is combust the situation is more difficult. Major planets combust or 2 or more planets combust can reduce the longevity. If there are benefic influences on this Sun+planet duo the situation is better. Or if the combustion happens in a house other than the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. Or if the Navamsha provides some better influence. The actual  combustion effect will naturally vary as per the individual chart. As per the Vimshottari Dasha system, the Mahadasha of the planet will not give its expected results, also his sub-periods in other planet’s Mahadashas will be affected. Sun’s Mahadasha will also be atypical as here Sun=Sun+the planet.

When a planet gets too close to the Sun, he is stopped from giving his results independently. He cannot out-shine the Sun. The Sun drowns out his energy with his effulgence. This other planet has to transfer all his essence to the Sun. The Sun dries up this planet and takes on his abilities. So the Sun in such a horoscope will be a Sun tinged with the abilities of this combust planet. Now when you examine the role of the Sun in this chart, you have to think of him as Sun+planet.

Eg Let’s check out the combustion of Mercury in detail.

Mercury being so close to the Sun will be combust in about 25% of the horoscopes. So what happens is that the Sun will draw up all the power of Mercury to give results. It is like he will evaporate Mercury’s essence. The closer he is, more intense is the evaporation. All keywords of Mercury are now appropriated by the Sun. The Sun will decide how to use them. The separate agency called “Mercury’ has stopped existing. So if you have such a Sun in your horoscope, all your Mercury related abilities will be diverted only for your selfish and self-oriented purposes. Mercury is a very important planet, the son of the Moon. Thinking ability, way of thinking, using the memories and data available in your astral self, direction of thought, skills, networking, financial ability, speech, creation of options, boldness to act, siblings, trades, etc. All this will be directed to the self. You will not bother about others while using your Mercury talents. eg You can hurt others with your speech and not be even aware of it or lying is easy if you consider it necessary for your own needs. Mercury controls teamwork, so you fail at this miserably, you cannot work in a group nor can you listen to other’s opinions. Having a good time with siblings and brothers can be impossible. Getting others to cooperate with you can be difficult and you feel that you don’t need their help. But it doesn’t work like that in real life. Everything we do, we need some help from others. The self-ego blinds the analytical processes. Over-confidence and then problems are quite common with this placement. You might waste energy in projects which are logically unable to succeed. This false sense of self-ego over-shadows the intellect. 

And strangely in the background there is low self-esteem too. The planet knows that he has been destroyed by the harshness of the Sun, so exists in a highly uncomfortable state. The Sun is a natural malefic, remember! He feels a mix of defeat, fear, debilitation, inferiority, he is sitting with a malefic and just wants to die! Thus you feel a inner sense of inferior in the matters indicated by the planet. But there is the overshadowing self-referential influence of the Sun. So this mix turns into a superficial exaggerated bravado in the matters controlled by Mercury. You internally know that all your Mercury abilities are hollow but you cannot stop yourself from projecting that you are superior in their context. It can get quite mixed.

You succeed in those aspects of life where you are required to work alone and you need the talents of Mercury. So look for such avenues to make the most of your combust Mercury + Sun power.

Be kind.. to yourself

In transit also planets will get combust, so it is advisable to pay attention to the activities of the planet under combustion. Different planets get combust at varying distances from the Sun. But especially when the distance between it and the Sun reduces to less than 3deg 20minutes arc length (ie one Nakshatra pada distance) be very careful.

So in periods where the planets are combust you will see the following trends around you. Almost everyone will display the change caused by combust planets in transit.

Mercury combust – loss of cooperation, failure of teamwork, self-ego ruining logical plans, faulty conclusions from data because of misplaced confidence, financial markets going down because of over-inflated data. Everyone thinks for him alone.

Venus combust – self-ego wants to be entertained, movies theatres games etc make a profit, failure in personal relationships as both partners become more selfish, legal issues crop up because business partners do not want to share profits equitably, spiritual progress goes slower as individual-ego pops up as you sit for Dhyan. Everyone wants to relate to his own person, do what makes him happy.

Mars combust – personal vitality comes in focus, physical aggression, competitions, rash driving, exaggerated over-confidence, strong belief in one’s competitive abilities. Everyone will fight for what he wants. However as Mars and Sun are buddies, you can make good use of this time to aggressively and competitively progress in some way or the other. However remember that aggression should be directed away from the family/husband/wife/children.

Jupiter combust – there is a crisis of belief, the self-ego dominates the philosophy, is an atheist, doesn’t believe in a higher self, fails to perform the necessary rituals and things connected to eternal religion, are self-guided, do not think that they need guidance from their peers/teachers. Everyone will follow his own personal belief.

Saturn combust – this is potentially highly problematic placement. Sun is Saturn’s father and they do not get along at all. Laziness, procrastination, misplaced belief in one’s abilities, irregular working style, luck, money and social reputation are all affected adversely. Everyone will think that their work alone is perfect.

Combustion in transit affects everyone together as a mass. So before combustion season starts its good to be aware of what is in the offing and be prepared for a over-load of Sun’s scorching energy.

There is an interesting astronomical fact here. Exact combustion is when the planet and the Sun share the exact degree. Here the inner planets, Venus and Mercury can be seen on the disc of the Sun as black dots (superior combustion) or they can disappear behind the Sun’s disc (inferior combustion). The outer planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can only disappear behind the Sun’s disc. Practically it does not make a significant difference in the readings.

Just remember that the planet gets absorbed in the Sun. The Sun becomes a complex Sun+planet combine. The abilities conferred by the planet don’t vanish but are used as per the direction of the Sun. So do not ignore combustion, either in birth charts or in transit, it has very significant effects on us.

 

Magnified healing tweaked with Reiki