Uranus and the other outer planets, Pluto and Neptune are related to the collective conscious since they move slowly and are called generational planets. Uranus is about changes, the kind that comes from both inquiry and intuition in order to make our lives more meaningful. Uranus energy is truly about the collective; it can be deceptive and may appear individualistic but it is really about the tribe, the community and groups. It is about the betterment and freeing of mankind through different kinds of innovations. Uranus also rules the sign Aquarius and 11th house and it makes sense that this opposes the sign Leo and the 5th house of self expression and creativity as Uranus‘s goal is not about individual expression as much as reforming the world. A strong Uranus in a chart demands an altruistic humanitarian expression through any of the things that Uranus represents. A scientist does this by his dedication to finding stuff that works for humanity while a social worker does it by being an advocate and giving voice to people in the lower rung of society. They are all ruled by the Uranus/Aquarius/ 11th house archetype since the goals are the same which is to better human life. A stellium in aquarius or the 11th house, Uranus aspecting many planets, Uranus in an angle, an Aquarius ascendant or midheaven all point to strong Uranus or 11th archetype, and which means you have been selected by the Universe to get the fire for your community.

What can you do to bring fire to your community and people?

First look at the house ruled by Uranus – this points out to the need. For example if Uranus rules the 6th house, then there is a need to innovate through your work. Then look at the house and sign placement of Uranus. Let’s say in the above example the 6th house Uranus is placed in the 1st house. Then the person’s need to be of service through work (6th house) is fulfilled through how he extends himself through his personality (first house). This is how the person can bring fire to his community. Also, look at aspects made by Uranus, as they color how Uranus is expressed in the chart.

Uranus rules the zodiac sign, Aquarius (an air sign) and I used to wonder how Uranus is related to communication. It is easier to see the need for communication in relation to the other two air signs, Libra and Gemini but with Aquarius this can be confusing as it is related to fast and instant kind of communication related to computers, intuition, telepathy, ESP, etc… that flashes like lightening. This is why people get amazing insights during Uranus transits.

Uranus is also called the “Awakener” because it pushes you out of slots that have been built over time and turns you towards a path that is more suited for your future development . If you fail to awaken in the first attempt then Uranus starts kicking in your life. Uranus transits can bring a lot of excitement and changes into people’s life. I changed my career when Uranus transited my 10th house Venus. I was pondering about it for a long time and then came Uranus and in a matter of few days, I made the decision and enrolled in a new program. It was one of the most exciting times in my life since I learnt new stuff and made new friends. All that’s fine and dandy but Uranus inspired me to study social work so I can be an advocate for the underdogs. According to Uranus all that fun is not about me; it is about serving a need in the community. Uranus transits are more challenging for people who are fixed and have a dislike for change.

Uranus is also about friends, humanitarian issues, scientific inquiry, working with communities and groups, reforms and rebellion. As Uranus moves it makes aspects with other slow moving planets and many people born during the time reflect the energy of this aspect. For example people born in the early 1960s have Uranus opposing Saturn and this reflects the constant struggle between following rules (Saturn) and making new ones (Uranus). Since this occurred in the Virgo Pisces axis, people born during this time usually experience this energy with the work place, their daily schedules, and many of them have chosen alternate careers that give them both structure and independence. However, even though Uranus aspects are usually shared by many people born in the same era, its aspects to personal planets and angles characterizes your need for change also where you will be required to change so you can better serve the world.

Uranus in aspect with Sun: Uranus to the Sun adds originality and a unique flair to one’s personality irrespective of your Sun sign. So be prepared to be different than people around you. But remember, with any aspect to Uranus, it is not about an individual but about the collective or community. So finally Uranus in aspect to the Sun is trying to make a change to the society and is using you as a vehicle to accomplish it. With easy aspects the specialness of Uranus is integrated in an easy manner with the Sun’s energy with the humanitarian goals in mind, but with hard aspects the Uranus energy is in conflict with Sun, and can be expressed as self willed, stubbornness with a tendency to alienate others. Uranus square Sun can be hard in the natal chart causing sudden upsets when triggered by outer planet transits. The Uranus Sun square person can be impulsive, erratic and display nervous energy that can put off some people. The wonderful original ideas of Uranus can sometimes take on a weird turn in hard aspects and get expressed as “out of the world” thinking and weird behaviors. But then some things in the world that were thought to be weird at one time become mainstream later – so celebrate your Sun-Uranus aspects, whether they are easy or hard because you might end up turning some wheels with your originality. Uranus with Sun also throws light on the relationship with father; he could be working in a field signified by Uranus, or could reflect Uranian personality, or the relationship with him could be marked by changes. I have Uranus trine Sun and my dad was a scientist and very different in so many ways!

Uranus in aspect to Moon: I have seen many people with this aspect that are naturally intuitive and can discern things in a second. Easy aspects work much better as the person does not offer any resistance to the flow of intuition and hence is able to access it better. The person with the hard aspect may question the information received and hence takes a while to access it. With Uranus in hard aspect, change is hard to accept and with Saturn involved, there could be fear of change. In a mundane language, Moon is also about the mother (astrology has more than one way of explaining things) and this may show a mom who is changeable or a relationship that is in a flux with sharps ups and downs. In hard aspects between Moon and Uranus, there is a struggle to feel secure in close relationships and also in finding comfort and safety within oneself.

Uranus in aspect to Mercury: The minds works fast like lightening here and if the person is receptive can get far out insights on subjects of interest. I have seen people with this aspect reading a book and within seconds adding their own spin and original ideas to it. This is very useful aspect for people working in an intellectual or analytical field as Uranus adds the ability to inquire and discern in a efficient and quick manner. This is the aspect of a scientist or any original thinker who can come up with their own inventions and ideas that can help mankind. With hard aspects there is a struggle dealing with a fast acting mind which could go off course and for some this may be expressed as mental illness.

Uranus in aspect to Venus: Uranus here adds an exciting spin to love life and the person has a inherent dislike to boredom in relationships. Of course this means there could be frequent change in partners and separations. Uranus with Venus does not respect the usual formality involved in relationships, like marriage, etc; It is more interested in the essence of the relationship and likes it in the form of companionship and friendship without the legal ties. A person with this aspect often asks “what is the point of relationship if we feel trapped and there is no fun anymore?”. The idea again is to reform relationships in a way that works for everybody instead of it becoming a senseless prison. A person with easy aspect is more in tune with this energy and may find partners that can work with the freedom loving philosophy and if not the person is quick to leave the relationship. With hard aspect, although the person wants freedom, the person is not comfortable with the lack of security and safety, and hence the struggle.

Uranus in aspect to Mars: Mars is a physical and action oriented planet and Uranus in relation to it adds more spark, spontaneity and abundance of energy. With easy aspects the person is in tune with the body and is able to use the excess energy to their advantage through sports, dance, or other creative process. With hard aspects it may show up as impatience leading to accidents, attention deficit disorders, extreme nervous energy without any stops or breaks, etc. There is usually a warning of accidents with this aspect which is likely to occur if the person does not know how to channel the excess energy. I know quite a few people with a Uranus Mars square that have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). It is very important that people with this aspect find creative ways of expressing their physical energy.

WHERE IS YOUR URANUS? iN WHAT SIGN AND WHAT HOUSE? WHAT ASPECTS DOES IT MAKE? THIS SHOWS HOW YOU ARE MEANT TO BRING FIRE TO THE WORLD.
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Planets close to an angle are given VIP seats in your life. They are major players as angles are the most personal points of your chart. The four important angles on a chart are the Ascendant (cusp of the 1st house) Descendant (cusp of the 4th house), Midheaven (cusp of the 10th house) and IC (cusp of the 4th house). When you have many planets in an angular houses or conjunct an angle, then there is an emphasis on a cardinal disposition, which means you like to take the lead, be the initiator, like to compete, and get stuff done. There is the power to manifest with planets in angular houses. People with lot of planets in angular houses feel like they are on a mission to do something important in this life and people can sense this fire.

The planets influence varies depending on the angle its conjunct and how close it is located to the angle. A Planet can be located in an angular house (1st, 4th, 7th and 10th) and still be too far off from an angle to be called conjunct. In this cases it still retains some of the cardinal influence (since it is still in a cardinal house) but the further the planet from an angle, less is its prominence. A planet located on an ascendant has a different kind of influence than a planet located on the descendant, because they have a different purpose. I just want to point out that a planet conjunct an angle could be prominent but does not necessarily mean it brings harmony as this depends on the aspects it makes with other planets.

Planets conjunct Ascendant: I’ve noticed that with planets close to the ascendant, the person instinctively understands this energy and is very clear about it (the tighter the orb, more the clarity). It is as if there are born with a special understanding of this energy. The planet in the first house, especially close to the ascendant, is not easily influenced by culture, peer group, family, etc. How much of it is openly expressed depends on the sign, aspects, whether it is retrograde, etc, but the internal awareness of this energy is always present. Let’s say if someone has Uranus conjunct the ascendant, then they have a special connection to all that this planet indicates. Right from childhood, they may be original, independent thinkers, believers of personal freedom, etc., even if they are in a circumstance that does not value those traits. The planet near the ascendant works in a natural instinctive manner without the need for reassurance for the outside environment. If the conjunction is really tight, the person could be a poster child for the planet, and they project the energy of the conjunct planet in a very direct manner. If the planet conjunct an angle is retrograde, then the person may not be that open in expressing the energy but still strongly value it internally.

Planets conjunct Descendant: Planets close to the descendant show what is received from others, – since it opposes the first. This is the place where you are asked to look into the mirror. First house is what your project to the world and seventh is what is projected on to you (especially if you are not in connection with the specific energy) Someone with Saturn in the first house in a tight orb to the ascendant could end up being a poster child for all that Saturn signifies – tradition, believer of rules, respects authority, etc. If the same Saturn is conjunct the 7th house cusp, then the person bring wants safety, security, permanence, etc,, in their relationships, or/and they attract people who depict the Saturn energy. They may find themselves attracting people who are conservative, older folks (or those who behave older), authority figures, people who push them into following rules, and this may also lead to conflicts since it opposes the energy that you want to express to the outside world. This may be more so if the person rejects the 7th house energy and less of an issue if the person embraces it. The more the rejection, the more the energy is projected through people that we attract into our lives. A person who has Mars conjunct descendant needs to make place for this energy and passion in how they interact with others, otherwise they make attract angry people with negative characteristics of Mars into their life.

Planets conjunct Midheaven (MC) : MC is the area that shows what one puts out to the world in terms of accomplishment, career, success, etc. It has the energy of the 10th archetype like that of Saturn. It also describes one’s dominant parent and in general the kind of relationship one has with people in authority, like parents, employers, boss, etc. This area is also about the ego and so a planet conjunct the MC will try to express its energy in a conscious but egoistic manner. Moon conjunct MC may be expressed at the need to mother everyone and may choose a career where this can be consciously expressed. This is not the selfless giving seen in 12th house because here the Planet demands some attention and reward for the energy it is putting out to the world. The Moon in here wants to be appreciated for its caring and caretaking abilities. It also shows that the mother played a dominant role (positive or negative) in the person’s life. Sun in here commands and demands respect. Of course if you have two or more planets, then the energy is modified. For example Sun conjunct Neptune here reduces the ego need of the Sun and may be expressed as the need to be selfless and service oriented.

Planets conjunct the Imum Coeli (IC) or the Nadir: Imum Coeli is the 4th house cusp and in latin means the “bottom of the sky”. Nadir is the northern most (lowest) point in the chart and is opposite to the MC. It signifies one’s emotional quality, one’s family, root, home and land. The planets here are expressed in an internalized and subjective manner as opposed to the MC where it is externalized. The energy here arises from the inside than from the outside. So Sun in the Nadir is expressed in a very different way than Sun conjunct MC. Sun in Nadir is self validating rather than waiting for the approval and attention from others. Jupiter in the 4th house is a great placement as the person finds ways to be positive instead of waiting for external factors. There is a well of happiness available for them to dip into to get a refill. So I consider planets in the Nadir as very powerful as they play a big role in developing the internal emotional strength of the person. Moon conjunct Nadir is expressed in a very intuitive, caring manner with a deep connection to family, home and everything that signifies their roots, and they usually have the ability to find comfort within themselves. The negative side to this placement is the heightened sensitivity to pain which can pull one into depression and dark moods, especially with difficult transits from outer planets or Chiron.

DO YOU HAVE A PLANET CLOSE TO AN ANGLE? DO YOU THINK THEY PLAY A PROMINENT ROLE IN YOUR LIFE?

WHERE IS JUPITER IN YOUR BIRTH CHART?

Does this area of your chart really indicate a lucky break? We hear about Jupiter as the bringer of luck and the Santa Claus of the cosmos. Jupiter’s placement in the chart indicates the way to success and happiness and of course like all things in astrology, the question “how much?”, “in which area of life?”, “though what process?” depends on the sign and house position of Jupiter and aspects made by it. Jupiter is the natural ruler of the zodiac sign Sagittarius and hence its placement, the house where Sagittarius is found, and the condition of the 9th house are all areas where Jupiter’s energy can be seen.

Jupiter was called “Zeus” in Greek mythology and he ruled the heaven and earth, and kept order in the Universe. When angered he is known to throw lightning bolts to control chaos. It’s not so hard to find this sharpness especially in the manner of communication with people who have strong Sagittarius in their charts. Jupiter had hoard of lovers though whom he bore exceptional kids. His wife, Juno was not happy about this and was always busy finding ways to punish his lovers. This indicates Jupiter’s negative qualities of excess, exaggeration and extravagancy.

Jupiter’s highest goal is to find truth by whatever means and this may be a reason why Jupiter is linked to religion and philosophy. Jupiter helps us to find the higher meaning through reflection, higher education, and by taking risks in life. Jupiter also rules law, long distance travel, and foreign cultures. Jupiter’s placement in the chart shows the area of life where the person is pushed to explore, expand, seek success, and find truth. A well placed Jupiter is a blessing and can neutralize or balance other struggles indicated in the natal chart.

The house ruled by Jupiter is also important as it indicates the needs of the person in relation to success, finding truth, etc. For example if someone has Jupiter ruling the 5th house (which means 5th house is Sagittarius) and the Jupiter is in the 10th house in Taurus, then the person has the need to explore and find success through expressing his/her creativity (Jupiter ruling 5th) and since this energy is transferred to teh 10th house (Jupiter located in 10th house), the person may have a career in a creative field. If the Jupiter is well placed, it may be easy for the person to know what steps to take to achieve the goald of being creative in one’s career.

Jupiter in First House: This is inherently a lucky placement for Jupiter because the person has a personality that draws people and success. First house is about how people project their energy and people with Jupiter in the first house are usually confident, jovial, risk takers and easily liked by others. Jupiter’s expansiveness is sometimes seen in their tendency to put on weight and to do things in an excessive manner. This is a blessing and it is important that the person uses it with caution.

Jupiter in Second House: Here Jupiter can bring luck with money and the person is usually optimistic that their material needs will be met. However, with this placement, one can end up squandering money and resources by being a spend thrift. This is usually so because Jupiter in 2nd person may tend to live larger that they can afford and buy things spontaneously. There may also be a tendency to take risks with money through gambling, etc.

Jupiter in the Third House: Third house is about communication, collecting data and learning through being detailed, and relationships with siblings and neighbors. So although the person may be confident in how they communicate and connect with others, there may be some struggle in expressing this energy as Jupiter here may not have the patience and interest in details required to do the learning. It may be seen as over confidence or bragging in the manner of communication or in the way they study in school. They may be lucky in having supportive siblings and neighbors. There is a general feeling of contentment with the immediate environment.

Jupiter in the 4th house: Generally Jupiter in the angular houses tends to be lucky, and I see this position as a great blessing. It indicates well balanced emotions, happy childhood, strong roots, parents and family that are supportive and helpful. If not aware, the person can take this blessing for granted and become over confident and careless in how they treat others. This placement can also be luck for buying houses, property, remodeling and building.

Jupiter in the 5th house: Indicates luck and happiness through one’s children and in creative endeavors. Agatha Christie has Jupiter in the fifth house and made success through her creativity, and was very close to her only child and daughter, Rosalind Hicks who fought to protect the reputation and literary legacy of her mother. She was also an ardent fan of her mother’s books and would read them repeatedly in childhood. The issue here is that since Jupiter expands whatever it touches, the person could have a bloated ego.

Jupiter in the 6th house: This placement provides a positive attitude towards work and keeping up with daily schedules. The person is well organized and is a creature of good habits. Also, the person is lucky with finding jobs and gets along well with co-workers and authority figures.

Jupiter in 7th house: Once again, Jupiter in an angle is a blessed placement. Seventh house is to do with relationships and the person is usually lucky and finds support and happiness through relationships and marriage. This is a good placement for marketing oneself or in working with others in partnership.

Jupiter in 8th house: This placement is good for joint resources as in a marriage, investments, tax, insurance money and inheritances. Jupiter in 8th is also about peaceful death. The person may be lucky in finding intimate relationships and in sexual matters. There is a need to find truth in occult matters like astrology.

Jupiter in 9th house: This is a strong position for Jupiter due to accidental dignity. Jupiter works well in the 9th house as the thinking here is broad, philosophical, expansive (not detailed). This is a great position for higher education, long distance travel and religious matters. With Jupiter in 9th, the person is on a continual truth finding mission!

Jupiter in 10th house: Jupiter in 10th house is angular and hence brings luck with career matters. People with this placement know what they want in terms of job and career and have the good instinct to do the right things to achieve their goals. They are often successful with career matters. They usually get along with authority figures and handle responsibility in a positive and confident manner.

Jupiter in 11th house: This is a lucky position for a leader in a community, to feel a sense of belonging with groups and to form supportive and positive friendships. With this placement, friendships can end up being more important than other close relationships and the person usually has one or more friends who are like family.

Jupiter in 12th house: Twelfth is a spiritual area of the chart and the person needs to be aware to use this energy in a conscious manner. In this position, Jupiter will be forced to forego its active quest for truth which requires some amount of objectivity, in favor of using the intuitive faculty to merge with the higher powers. Hence this is not an easy placement for Jupiter and the person may express this struggle in a subconscious manner.

WHERE IS JUPITER LOCATED IN YOUR NATAL CHART? DOES THE HOUSE POSITION OF JUPITER CORRESPOND TO THE KIND OF LUCK THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED IN YOUR LIFE?

 When man first looked at the heavens to comprehend his relationship with the universe the constellations had no form or name.  The earliest forms of divination were based on simple premises such as the observation of the sun, the moon and it’s movement against the backdrop of stars in the night sky.

In Vedic, fixed stars are called Nakshatras and they are used a little differently that the Western System. In Western astrology, it is more simple and we say that the planet is conjunct a fixed star if it is less than 2 degree orb from it. But in Vedic the zodiac is divided into 28 sections and each section is assigned a fixed star.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND WHAT IS YOUR NAKSHATRA OR LUNAR MANSION?

The Moon takes 27.3 days to go around this backdrop – the 12 signs of the constellations of the zodiac. Within these constellations are independent stars of various sizes and magnitude (brightness). In the Vedic and Chinese version of astrology these stars were given a special significance and known as ‘lunar mansions’. This means that although there are 12 moon signs for a month, there were also lunar mansions for each day!

As an example, if you are born with the Moon at 12 degrees Taurus then your moon would also be near the star Aldebaran which is a huge red giant (40 times the size of our sun). Aldebaran is called Rohini in the Vedic System of Astrology.

Each of the lunar mansions OR NAKSHATRAS in Vedic Astrology have a ruling planet, symbol, quality, nature and set of associated and universal myths that pertain to the spiritual evolution and purpose of sentient life on earth. The Nakshatra also defines which time period you are born in (Called Dasha) and which Dasha cycles your life is going to follow for a period of 120 years.

The word Nakshatra is broken down as follows

Naksha – means ’to approach’, ‘come near’, ‘arrive at’
Tra – means ‘guard’,’protection’,’shelter’

The meaning of Nakshatra therefore is a star which has a special role in the guardianship, protection and evolution of the cosmos and sentient life within it. By ‘approaching’ these Nakshatra it is said that one can find a way to harmonise with the universe and the harmonic order within it

The use of Nakshatra’s in Ancient India and China is also widely used in what is called ‘electional astrology’ , the selection of auspicious timing for major events in life such as starting a business, a new job, marriage, moving house, baptism of a child etc. – a particular Nakshatra is chosen for a specific purpose based on its associated ruling planet, quality, dynamism, energy and guiding deity. This practice widely continues until this day.

One practical starting point for readers of this article is to consider which lunar mansion your Moon falls into, by then exploring this further one can gain further insight into our real motivations, our positive and negative psychological tendencies and the emotional lessons we have come to learn in this birth. This can provide a spiritual dimension by connecting us to our larger purpose, place and meaning in life.

To find out one’s moon Nakshatra one can look at the table below for quick reference.

 About the Author

I run a growing Facebook group for astrologers or anyone interested in finding out more about the tradition of Vedic Astrology for beginners. I am based near London, UK and run regular classes and counselling using Vedic Astrology at evenings & weekends. To find out more you can either email me on schoolofmysticarts@gmail.com or join the Facebook group on http://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofmysticarts/

I have had the fortune to have had a wide variety of teachers influence what I have learnt about Vedic Astrology since my first interest in about 15 years ago. I began with an interest in Tropical Astrology in around 1996 by tinkering with some computer software whilst at University. I was surprised by the insight it provided which then led me to pursue an interest in Vedic astrology after I graduated.  Since then I had the fortune to be influenced by some excellent teachers and authors to which I offer my gratitude – they are Hart deFouw, Geoffrey Pearce, Andrew Foss, Komilla Sutton, Dennis Harness, James Braha and Bill Levacy. I was also very fortunate to gain audience with the late Bepin Behari just before he passed away which provided me with guidance and direction as to how to develop my understanding further. More recently I am grateful to the contemporary teachers in this emerging subject who have also been helpful in widening my horizons Sam Geppi and Vic Di Cara , not to mention those who have been very hospitable on the Facebook front.

I have a background in Social Computing, Teaching and Learning and Online education, I will try to use these skills to good effect with the people I work with

Sources

Online Sanskrit Dictionary
http://spokensanskrit.de/

List of Nakshatra’s,deities and actual astronomical reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshatra

Date Resources Accessed [31/12/12]

The beginning of Astrology in India is rooted in ancient times when man started correlating his activities with planetary movements. And thus gradually the science of predictive astrology was born. In ancient times, Astrology was practiced in India both by saints and kings alike. Sages like Bhrighu, Narada and Parashara and kings like Kalyanverma have written big treatises on the subject.

As in Western astrology, in Vedic Astrology too, the zodiac is divided into 12 divisions of 30 degrees each and these are known as the signs of the zodiac. Given below are the names of the signs of the zodiac in Western Astrology and the corresponding names in Vedic Astrology:-

1. Aries —— Mesh

2. Taurus —–Vrishabha

3. Gemini —–Mithun

4. Cancer —– Kark

5. Leo ——— Singh

6. Virgo —– Kanya

7. Libra—— Tula

8. Scorpio — Vrischik

9. Sagittarius — Dhanu

10. Capricorn – Makar

11. Aquarius — Kumbh

12. Pisces ——Meen

The Precession of Equinox or The Ayanamsha: Difference in Starting Points between Western and Vedic Astrology

In western Astrology, the first point of Aries is defined as the point in the zodiac where the Sun is located on 21st March, that is the day of the vernal equinox. The western system of the zodiac is also called the Tropical zodiac. However, according to the principles of Vedic Astrology, the day of the vernal equinox is not fixed or constant. It is said to recede by about 1 degree in 72 years. Instead Vedic Astrology follows the system of what is known as the Sidereal Zodiac, where the zodiac starts from a fixed star or constellation called ‘Ashwini’. The two zodiacs had last coincided on the vernal equinox day of the year AD 285. As mentioned above, since the starting point in the Tropical Zodiac is always receding,the distance between the two zodiacs has increased to about 24 degrees over the years.This phenomenon is called the precession of equinoxes or Ayanamsha. As we all know the Sun moves at the rate of 1 degree a day. So, although in the Tropical System the Sun entered Aries on 21st March, in Sidereal System sun Entered Aries 24 days after that, which is on 14th April and this is due to the difference in the Ayanmsha of 24 degrees, 2 minutes and 21 seconds. So if the ascendant in Western Astrology is 17 degrees Virgo, the ascendant in Vedic astrology will be 23 degrees of Leo. This is one of the main difference between the Tropical and Sidereal System

Given Below are the corresponding Vedic names of planets

Name of the Planets and its corresponding Vedic Name          
1.  Sun – Surya
                                                             
2. Moon – Chandra
                                                         
3. Mars – Mangal
                                                             
4. Mercury – Buddha
                                                       
5. Jupiter – Brihaspati or Guru
                                                         
6. Venus – Shukra
                                                         
7. Saturn – Shani
                                                           
8. North Node – Raahu
                                               
9. South Node – Ketu

                                                 
Indian astrology does not consider any other heavenly bodies, like Uranus, Neptune, Pluto or other asteroids for the purpose of making predictions.

The North Node (Rahu) and South Node (Ketu): Out of the nine heavenly bodies mentioned above,the first seven,that is from Sun to Saturn have physical or celestial bodies. The last two,that is Raahu and Ketu (The North node and South Node) have no physical or celestial bodies.These are just the two points in the zodiac where the two paths, one of the Moon revolving around the earth and the other of the Earth revolving around the Sun intersect one another.Where the Moon in its orbit around the earth cuts the ecliptic and goes to the north of it,the point is called the North Node or Raahu and the corresponding position where the Moon cuts the ecliptic and goes South of it is called the South Node or Ketu.The two nodes are thus exactly 180 degrees from each other.According to Indian Astrology these points assume importance in predictions for they represent the area where the horoscope of a particular individual comes under eclipse.

The scandal involving David Petraeus, Paula Broadwell, Jill Kelley and John Allen is a great example of synastry (chart compatibility) and chart aspects that point to deception, lying, exaggeration and cheating. As suspected, Mercury plays an important role in their charts and in their inter aspects which makes sense because big part of the scandal involves e-mail communication between David Petraeus, a CIA officer, and Broadwell, his biographer, which exposed their affair (and led to his resignation) when Broadwell warned John Allen, another Marine corps officer (through e-mails) of the seductive power of Kelley, a active sociality within the military community. This does seem like a very intriguing queen of scandals. Basically, the similarity here is that all of them cheated sexually or hid a secret relationship from their spouse.

Interesting Similarities in Chart Aspect

Mars Neptune Aspect: Three out of the four involved in the scandal have Mars Neptune archetype in their chart:

• Petraeus has Mars square Neptune
• Both Kelley and Allen have Mars conjunct Neptune

This aspect used in a negative way can indicate that the person is confused and not conscious about their desires and hence can get into sexual relationships that don’t have clear boundaries, or involve some sort of sexual cheating, or/and seduction. There is the attitude that if there is disillusionment or loss, then it is okay to escape through sex or inappropriate relationships. Mars in the twelfth could create similar pattern except in this case, without the exact time, the house positions are not known.

Mercury in Sagittarius: Three out of four of them – Broadwell, Petraeus and Allen have Mercury in this sign. Mercury in Sagittarius is great for visionary thinking but is not good with details and in essence can leave out some important truth and subtle facts that gives clarity to communication. Mercury here is restless and has passion to communicate on a topic of interest but can also lead to exaggeration and modifying the truth. Broadwell also has Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio conjunct her Mercury and Neptune in Sagittarius, which throws a veil of revengeful and seductive energy to the already deceptive mix.

Mercury Out of Bounds through Declination: It is amazing that three out of four in this scandal have their Mercury out of bounds (OOB) which means that this energy is raw and is expressed without any stops or barriers. Broadwell, Petraeus and Kelley have their Mercury in OOB. Out of Bounds Mercury can create problems through lack of boundaries. Petraeus and Broadwell have Mercury in the same sign, conjunct by both longitude and by declination which is very rare and points to an uninhibited e-mail relationship between them.

Chart Comparisons/Synastry:

If you look at the four ring chart (with the charts of Petraeus, Broadwell, Kelley, and Allen ordered from the inner ring to outer ring respectively) the part that is circled shows the very interesting Mercury Neptune connections between their charts. Petraeus’s Mercury is conjunct Paula’s Neptune meaning that on some level she deceived or confused him. This aspect is again seen between Kelley’s Neptune conjunct Allen’s and Petraeus’s Mercury indicating that both of them were being misled by her. The story continues with Broadwell’s Mercury conjunct Kelley’s Neptune which may have led her to distrust Kelly and warn the other men that they were being seduced. The only two people who don’t have the Mercury Neptune aspects were the two men because I guess there was no secret communication between them. Also, since Broadwell has the Black Moon Lilith (BML) in conjunction with her Neptune, the BML is also conjunct Petraeus’s Mercury, and Kelley’s Neptune. It was her revengeful and jealous e-mails that revealed the affair and caused a scandal. Also, since Broadwell has the Black Moon Lilith (BML) in conjunction with her Neptune, the BML is also conjunct Petraeus’s Mercury, and Kelley’s Neptune. It was her revengeful and jealous e-mails that revealed the affair and caused a scandal.

There is nodal connection to Mars and Venus between those involved in the scandal (also circled in the chart). Broadwell’s North node is conjunct Petraeus’s Mars and John Allen’s node conjunct Kelley’s Venus. This is not just a story of deception, but also there was attraction, passion, affection and most of all the Karmic ties between each other.

Transits on November 9 2012–Neptune Mercury Square and Black Moon Lilith Highlighted

The Petraeus scandal hit the frontlines on November 9, 2012. In looking at the transits, there was a close square between Mercury in Sagittarius (again) and Neptune in Pisces, which repeats the same theme seen in individual charts. Mercury and Neptune form a t-square with Black Moon Lilith in Gemini. Black Moon is known for its dark, aggressive and seductive energy. It is also about unfair treatment, revenge, and dark secrets. This Black Moon was also part of a Yod between Pluto in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Scorpio with it being in the fulcrum. Black Moon is also in the midpoint of Saturn/Pluto which could mean undoing and games in traditional high powered systems. The transiting Mercury Neptune square and the Black Moon Lilith in Gemini, triggers the Mercury Neptune aspects in Sagittarius found in the individual charts (chart B. The transit is shown as the fifth ring).

When there is an interesting pattern going on through transits or eclipse, etc., there are events and people in the real world that seem to be the poster child for these transits. Currently the Petraeus scandal seems to symbolize both the Mercury Neptune square and the focus on Black Moon Lilith with its cheating, revenge, deception, and e-mails taking the center stage. This transit brings to question the issue of whether it is really possible to be clear in an e-mail and if this form of communication comes with an inherent ambiguity. Also, in e-mails do people get to be more uninhibited, and is the energy more exaggerated and truth sheared in this form of communication? This Mercury Neptune square brought out important questions and issues on this subject through the Petraeus scandal. Also, there was some interesting discussions about double standards between men and women in these kind of scandals which is reflective of Black Moon Lilith.

Brief Look at their Natal Charts:

Both David Petraeus and Broadwell have their Sun in Scorpio with their birthdays just 2 days apart (He is born on November 7th and she is born on November 9th).

David Petraeus has his Moon conjunct Uranus and opposite Mars which indicates that he is prone to wavering and spontaneous emotional involvements. Both his moon/Uranus in Cancer and Mars in Capricorn square Neptune and Saturn in Libra form a potent t-square. According to this t-square, Petraeus is not aware of the potency of his desires (Mars square Neptune) and is easily suggestible by those who can provide excitement (Moon Uranus conjunction in the descendant) and hence his need to explore relationships in a truthful and structured manner is foiled through deception and confusion (Neptune Saturn conjunction). Mercury, the least aspected planet in his chart is in Sagittarius and is out of bounds by declination (along with Venus and Mars) – which shows that Petraeus is not limited by the environment or other barriers in expressing himself.

Paula Broadwell has her Sun in Scorpio, and Mars, Venus, Uranus and Pluto in Libra. So relating with other is an important part of her life and this is further amplified with her Libran planets in square with the Node. Since these planets are also opposite Chiron it tells of potential pain and grief in relationships. Ms. Broadwell also has Neptune Mercury conjunct in Sagittarius with Black Moon Lilith (in Scorpio) lending her the same kind of energy as Petraeus in being easily suggestible and in being able to seduce others with her communication(Black Moon Lilith with Mercury). Another similarity is that she also has Mercury in Sagittarius which is out of bounds by declination and again hints at expression without any barriers.

Jill Kelley has Mercury conjunct Sun and Venus in Capricorn. Her Sun/Mercury in Capricorn oppose Saturn in Libra and square both Pluto in Libra and Chiron in Aries forming a grand cross (with a wider orb to Pluto). With a cardinal grand cross and 3 planets in Capricorn, it is easy to see that Jill uses her forceful cardinal energy to achieve social status through high power connections. Amazingly, her Mercury in Capricorn which is part of the grand cross is also out of bounds by declination, and as much as she can garner social status through using her raw uninhibited expression, it also creates pain and grief (Mercury square Chiron) as seen in this scandal. Jill also has her Mars in conjunction with Neptune which provides the native with charisma and the ability to deceive others through their charm if needed.

John Allen has his Sun in Sagittarius along with Venus conjunct Mercury in the same sign. Along with David Petraeus and Paula Broadwell, he also has Mercury in Sagittarius but it is not out of bounds. His mercury in Sagittarius being sextile to the Black Moon, and with his Neptune conjunct Mars, he like Ms.kelley has the magnetic quality to attract others.

CHIRON TURNS DIRECT in Pisces, on November 14, 2012 and it has been retrograding since June 12, 2012. When Chiron is retrograde it goes inward and helps us get in touch with our pain so it can be healed when it goes direct. Usually in retrograde phase, we meet people or events that take us back to our wounds.

In the beginning, all one can be aware is the painful process as you are in the midst of it, but if you understand how Chiron works, it soon dawns that this experience is very similar to an incident or event that happened in childhood that has not been resolved. That is the beauty of Chiron – it works on bringing out past pain so we can hopefully become aware of it now and heal it. Chiron turning direct is a great time for healing, which for me personally is to let go of what has caused wounding in the past and to find a way to bring forgiveness to the issue. Fortunately, with Chiron in Pisces, the sign of Spirituality, and conjunct Neptune which also went direct on November 11, 2012, there is more opportunity to re-focus on our spiritual path. Also, Chiron makes a trine to Saturn until the first week of December, and this gives us the strength and resolve to heal our wounds.

The main goal of Chiron is to work on our pain so we can become more functional, and so If the letting go process is not done completely when Chiron is moving Direct, then be assured that the pain will re-surface again at another time when Chiron is retrograding.

WHERE IS CHIRON LOCATED IN YOUR CHART AND HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED IT IN YOUR LIFE? HAVE YOU NOTICED A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETROGRADE CHIRON AND CHIRON MOVING DIRECT?

The solar and Lunar Eclipse: November 2012 is for sure a hot month with 2 eclipses on the line; the solar eclipse on November 13th, 2012 on 22 degree Scorpio and the lunar eclipse on November 28th, 2012 on 7 degree Gemini. For more information on eclipses, check out the article on the solar and lunar eclipse.

Yod-The Finger of God between Saturn, Pluto and Black Moon Lilith: Saturn in Scorpio has moved away from its trine to Neptune, to form a sextile with Pluto. This forms a mutual reception between Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn and both work well through the use of structure and power, hopefully for good causes. But there is a negative twist to this energy, since Saturn and Pluto form a Yod (Finger of God) with Black Moon Lilith, which has a seductive, aggressive, underhand quality about it. I would say that this energy is symbolic of the recent exposure of the affair between Petraeus, a high ranking official with the CIA, and his biographer, Paula Broadwell. There is some additional concern since Black Moon Lilith is part of a T-square, opposing the retrograde Mercury and both of them square Neptune in Pisces. So there are indications of miscommunication, deception, lies and undoing with the added dark energy of Lilith connected to the Mercury Neptune square. If this T-square or Yod triggers any of your planets, then make sure you are not wearing any rose colored glasses and are conscious about seeing things for what they are, and not what they seem to be.

Neptune and Chiron Turning Direct: Neptune turns direct on November 11th, 2012 and Chiron turns direct on November 14th,2012. Retrograde Neptune can cause more disillusionment, lack of energy and de-motivation and so with it going direct, it is a good time to re-focus on your spiritual journey because Neptune reminds us it doesn’t matter if we all flow as different rivers but finally we have to merge in with the same vast ocean. When Chiron is retrograde, its task is to make one go through experiences in order to feel the pain (often from childhood) that needs to be healed, especially if it triggers any of your planets or angles. With Chiron going direct, hopefully there is more opportunity to heal that pain in a functional manner.

Mars square Uranus and then conjunct Pluto: The third week of November, Mars starts squaring Uranus and this is a time that energy runs high and one can easily end up in the fast lane, increasing the chance of making a rash decision or getting into accidents. Then Mars moves to conjunct Pluto and during the lunar eclipse on November 28th, forms a tight aspect with Pluto. Mars Pluto energy is generally about highly focused intense energy and it is a good time to focus and complete projects that require more concentration and effort. This influence last until the first week of December, and if not utilized in the right manner can cause some destructive behaviors. On November 28th Lunar eclipse, both Mars and Pluto are closely conjunct each other at 8 degree Capricorn and this is conjunct the fixed star, Facies, which is popular for causing accidents due to carelessness. So watch out for those trips and falls!

Black Moon Lilith in Focus: Black Moon Lilith has been in high focus with it being part of the T-square with Mercury and Neptune/Chiron. Then its at the focal point of a Yod, at the midpoint of Saturn/Pluto which points to underhand stuff related to people in high positions. Then during the November 28th eclipse, the Black Moon takes on a more sinister role, when Mars joins Pluto and Venus joins Saturn, and for sure events are going to get spiced up by this seductress, with many shades of grey – lot more than fifty!

The twelve signs of the zodiac are said to be owned by the seven planets from Sun to Saturn. Sun and Moon own only one sign each, whereas Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn own two signs each. It is said that the Nakshatras or Lunar Mansions are based on the idea that specific stars are related to particular portion of the zodiac and hence are related to the sign.

In Hindu Astrology the fixed stars are known as Nakshatras. There are a total of 27 ‘Nakshatras’ in the zodiac. Each Nakshatra thus measures 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Like the signs of the zodiac, the ‘Nakshatras’ are also said to be owned by the planets. The difference however is that whereas Raahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node) do not own any signs, these two shadowy heavenly bodies have been given the ownership of certain ‘Nakshatras’. Each ‘Nakshatra’ is further divided into 4 parts known as ‘Padas’. Each Pada measures 3 degrees and 20 minutes. Each sign will thus contain 9 ‘Padas’. The zodiac sign with the 27 ‘Nakshatras’ and their rulers (Lords), are given below in the form of a chart:-

From the chart it can be seen that some Nakshatras have all the 4 Padas in one sign while the others have only one, two or three Padas in one sign and the rest fall in another sign. From the above chart , we can find the Nakshatra and the Pada in which a planet falls, provided we know the longitude of the planet. Say the longitude of a planet is 12 and 20 minutes of Aquarius, which is 312 degrees and 20 minutes. This would mean that the planet falls in the second Pada of Shatbhisha Nakshatra.

Scorpio is getting heated up! What’s with the recent Saturn entry in Scorpio, retrograde Mercury set to enter Scorpio on November 14th, and a total Solar eclipse on November 13, 2012 at 22 degree Scorpio? An eclipse in combination with a Mercury retrograde demands CAUTION in all that we do. This is a good time to check your natal chart for the house where Scorpio is located and if the eclipse is going to trigger any of your natal planets!

There are 2 eclipses set to occur in November and other than the Total Solar Eclipse on November 13th, there is a Partial Lunar eclipse that occurs on November 28, 2012 at 6 degree Gemini. An eclipse shows where change or a new direction is set to occur, both on a mundane and personal level. The influence of the eclipse on a personal level depends on the area of the natal chart (sign and house) where the eclipse occurs, and if a natal planet or angle is being triggered. If the eclipse is conjunct or opposite a natal planet or angle in your chart with less than a 3 degree orb, then the area signified by the planet or angle is set to change for the next year or so. It just means that this area of the chart has been chosen by the Universe for evolution. The two times that my natal Uranus and Pluto were triggered by an eclipse were times of major change in my life when my path and goals were transformed radically, and it is hard to accept a change that we did not consciously plan.

Total Solar Eclipse on November 13, 2012: The first November eclipse is a Total Solar Eclipse which is basically a super powerful New Moon wherein both the Sun and Moon are at 21 degree 56 minutes of Scorpio. Solar Eclipse has the same kind of energy as the New Moon like in starting new things, about one’s ego and new experiences. There are both positive and negative indications for this eclipse. Since the eclipse falls in Scorpio ruled by Pluto, the influence could be transformative in nature. The eclipse is a dragon head eclipse (north node) which are usually more positive in influence than the south node eclipse, but the south node is conjunct the fixed star, Algol, which has a pretty bad reputation. It is a dark intense energy which is usually related to violence of all sorts. This eclipse also conjuncts the fixed star, Unukalhai, which is also called the neck of the Serpent, and this is supposed to have a treacherous quality to it, kind of like the negative qualities of the Neptune archetype, and can be related to hidden stuff like health issues that come later to haunt us. This theme is repeated with Retrograde Mercury making a close square to Neptune on the day of the eclipse.

On a mundane level, when the eclipse chart was set to Washington D.C., the south node at 26 degree Taurus conjunct the fixed star Algol falls on the Ascendant, which shows that this is critical time for the United States. On the other hand, Jupiter in the Eclipse chart falls on the descendant of the US Sibley chart, which indicates a happy ceremony or celebration and could symbolize the upcoming inauguration of the new President. In looking at Obama’s chart, the South Node conjunct Algol of the Eclipse chart is conjunct his Midheaven which indicates an intense period for him. Also, the close square between Neptune and Retrograde Mercury aspects Obama’s Moon, Midheaven and South Node, and United States Moon. This synastry for sure shows a critical time of change and transformation both for the United States and for Obama, and there is indication of some kind of confusion and the kindling of strong emotions.

This eclipse belongs to Saros Cycle 133, which first occurred in the year 1219 and repeats itself every 18 years. So the last one of these happened in 1994 (18 years ago) and the next one will happen in 2030 (18 years later). Each of the Saros cycle carry their own energy and this eclipse is supposed to bring good news in areas where there is more responsibility and committment (Bernadette Brady, Predictive Astrology, 1992) since New Moon was conjunct Mercury when it first occurred (like you have been working hard on something and the news could reflect your achievement).

Partial Lunar Eclipse on November 28, 2012: This lunar eclipse falls on 6 Gemini 46 minutes. Lunar eclipses are more significant on a personal level. This is a dragon tail eclipse and is usually compared to the energy of the south node. The eclipse is ruled by Mercury , the sign of communication and unfortunately will still be in its retrograde phase, and square Neptune. The south node is exactly conjunct Algol which falls on the President’s Midheaven and hence the intense negative energy initiated during the solar eclipse still continues. The Sun and Moon oppose each other forming a t-square with Chiron, expressing the theme of wounding, pain, grief and healing than are brought to light through awareness. Also, Moon conjunct Lilith indicates that sexual intimacy, close relationships, undoing, power games, etc., could be highlighted. The eclipse falls on the fixed star, Hyades II (which is on the face of the Bull) and has the energy of Saturn and Mercury. Good for using the mental faculties to focus but demands restraint and discipline.

My experience with Eclipses: When I go back to eclipses that have either triggered a natal planet or angle, many of them seem to indicate change- some more potent and positive than others. The two times I had my Uranus Pluto triggered by an eclipse, my life changed radically and unexpectedly. Venus eclipses have been about relationships both in a positive and negative manner. On my Neptune, I had a surgery that should not have been done (they called it a dumb luck one). The eclipse on the Sun was positive and I went back to school. When it fell on my Saturn and Ascendant, it was raw hard work. I do not see a significant correlation between a south node eclipse being more negative than a north node eclipse, at least not from my experience. However, most of the time, the events do reflect the nature of the planets.

DOES THE ECLIPSE TRIGGER ANY PLANET OR ANGLE IN YOUR NATAL CHART AND WHAT MAY BE THE MESSAGE FROM THE UPCOMING ECLIPSES TO YOU?