Mercury Retrograde in Māgha

Mercury Retrograde

वक्री बुध

Artwork: Goddess Saraswti enthroned India, Pahari First half - 19th century 

August 4/5 - August 28

As Mercury stations retrograde (vakrī) tonight in the mystical and majestic Vedic Lunar Mansion of Māgha (Leo), the Star of Power, we enter a time of reflection and transformation. 

Buddha (Mercury), the fourth among the navagrahas (9 planets), embodies rajoguṇa (mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of the Moon (Chandra), known for his golden eyes, and being eternally energetic. He bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, skill, neutrality, and balance.

This is a time to remember our ancestors and reflect on our interdependency with all things — to shine light on our inherited habits, cycles, and reactions as well as the legacy we’re leaving behind with the imprint of our thoughts, speech, and actions — whether conscious or unconscious.

There is intergenerational work to be done. For some of you, this may look like a baptism by fire that is requesting you to take a deeper look into healing your ancestral line and genetic code. We’re being requested to take responsibility for the cycles and habits that may have been left on repeat. 

Mercury will traverse the gaṇḍānta point (the karmic knot between water and fire) three times over the next month. This position holds immense power. Have the courage to use this cycle wisely, as the window to reflect, redo, and revise is open only for a limited time.

When we look at the origin of the word courage, it stems from the Latin word cor, meaning heart, and the original definition is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart.

Be mindful of potential communication challenges, misunderstandings, and delays in creative projects. Revisit past decisions and reevaluate leadership styles with patience and care. It's essential to be thorough, allow extra time while traveling, and double-check information to prevent errors or misinterpretations.

Reflect on your relationship with stationing yourself in a seat of authority or perhaps with the responsibility that comes with claiming that seat. Rise above the collective narrative, put into practice the wisdom you’ve been cultivating that has now circled around — step fully into your individuality. 

For personalized guidance during this shift, book a private consultation here. Know that I am here to support you.

I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be offering a Masterclass on Jyotish Astrology on August 13th, online with Sacred Dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into Astrology 101, more info here: Vedic Astrology 101: Weaving the Golden Thread

All My Relations

David Loy // “One meaning of freedom is the opportunity to act out the story I identify with. Another freedom is the ability to change stories and my role within them.”

New Moon in Āśleṣā: The Embracing Star

NEW MOON अमावस्या

Artwork: Pinterest

August 4th, 4:14 AM PDT

The new moon on August 4th awakens the primordial serpent energy, bound within the Vedic Lunar mansion of Āśleṣā आश्लेषा (Cancer), known as The Embracing Star. Just as the coiled energy at the base of the spine yearns to merge with its beloved in the crown, Āśleṣā stirs the curiosity to delve deeper and unite with one's desired outcome.

This lunation cycle initiates a quest to embrace the balance between virtue and vice—the dance of our primal nature that must be harmonized before we can ascend to our higher dominion. This journey of transmutation, turning poison into medicine, mirrors the shadow energies entwined within our ego. It is here that you must become an alchemist, learning to digest this poison. These shadows, often buried in the subconscious, await acknowledgment and transformation, allowing us to gain true authority over ourselves.

The energies contained within Āśleṣā, positioned at the gaṇḍānta point (the juncture between water and fire), hold immense potential. Ruled by the Nāgas, or heavenly serpents, and symbolizing a karmic knot, this subtle energy invites us to stay open and patient as we learn the art of transmutation. Āśleṣā, also known as The Clinging Star, possesses the shakti to unite us with our desires, weaving together seemingly unconnected elements for a desired result.

Your intuition is sharpened now. Elevate yourself beyond emotional reactions. Employ strategy and goal orientation, while tempering your agendas. Consistency, patience, and discipline will be your allies in realizing your cherished ambitions. Embrace your darkness and know that a healing comes from extracting the poison. Depending on where Cancer falls in your chart, you may find yourself assisting another through their transmutation.

What are you prepared to shed to reach your desired goal?

For more personalized, in-depth guidance on navigating the current celestial waters, I offer one-on-one consultations which you can book here.

All My Relations

The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth he can accept about himself without running away.” ― Leland Val Van De Wall

Full Moon in Uttarāṣāḍha: The Universal Star

FULL MOON पूर्णिमा

Artwork: Pinterest

July 21st 3:18am PDT

This lunation cycle began with a fresh start, graced by the return of the light. With the full moon (Pūrṇimā) in the predawn hours on Sunday morning, in the Vedic lunar mansion of Uttarāṣāḍha (Capricorn), the Universal Star, we’re called to commit for the long game. Our fresh start has been initiated, and this is where our story begins to stabilize.

Tension and pressure have been building. You may feel as if you’ve been carrying the weight of the world on your back or as if you’re being presented with multiple pathways, second-guessing which direction to move.

The star of victory is slow and deliberate, much like Ganesha, whose tusk is associated with Uttarāṣāḍha. Be patient and find the strength to surrender your efforts instead of pushing forward. Take a step back and notice what is right and in alignment with the needs of all involved. Your efforts thus far have not been in vain and have likely been met with resistance — it is not time to set down your pen, as this story has just begun.

This cycle calls for us to embrace a steadfast commitment for the long haul — unwaveringly staying the course in our actions. This cycle invokes our innate ability to align with our ambitions, encouraging us to persevere diligently towards eventual triumph and fulfillment — towards a lasting victory.

Photo: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Guru Pūrṇimā is celebrated today, on the full moon in the month of Āṣāḍha (June–July). This day is said to feature the brightest full moon of the year, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom. It is a revered festival in the Vedic calendar, a time to remember and honor our teachers and the lineage of those who have walked the path before us. May we pay homage to the embodiment of grace that illuminates our path, dispels the darkness of ignorance, and guides us towards self-realization.

For more personalized, in-depth guidance on navigating the current celestial waters, please visit Jyotish Consultations to schedule a private consultation.

All my relations.

ॐ ह्रीम श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः

Rāhu in Uttara Bhādrapadā: The Warrior Star

Rahu's Transit into Uttara Bhādrapadā: Unveiling the Depths of the Subconscious

Artwork from Pinterest

The shadowy graha Rāhu, depicted as mounted on a lion, bluish-black and smoke in color, residing in the forest, eclipser of the luminaries, karaka (significator) of justice, courage, and mission, often associated with rebellion, the foreigner, and protector of Earth, enters the constellation of Uttara Bhādrapadā (sidereal Pisces), the Warrior Star, on July 8th.

Rahu's transit into Uttara Bhādrapadā, in the sidereal sign of Pisces, marks a profound journey through the realm of the unconscious. This lunar mansion, symbolized by the back of a funeral cot and a serpent of the deep, evokes a deep connection to the cycles of life and death, the fertility of both earth and sky. It is here, in the domain of Uttara Bhādrapadā, that Rahu weaves his enigmatic influence, guiding us to delve into the depths of our subconscious, to unearth hidden truths and embrace the wisdom that lies therein.

As Rahu traverses this celestial pathway, we are invited to harmonize with universal mind, to align our personal will with the greater cosmic order. This transit calls for introspection and a willingness to confront our shadows, to navigate the murky waters of our psyche with humility and self-sacrifice. It is through this process of excavation that we gain profound insights, transforming our inner landscape and fostering a deeper connection to the divine.

Uttara Bhādrapadā, ruled by the wise Saturn and situated in the realm of Jupiter, presents a dual energy, represented by the twin fishes swimming in the ocean of consciousness. This nakshatra embodies the duality of existence, the constant interplay between the spiritual and the material realms. It is the hero’s journey, marked by struggle, protection, and service, where the kshatriya spirit fights to find meaning and purpose amidst life’s challenges.

Within this nakshatra lies the wisdom of the serpent, a mystical force dwelling beneath the waters, carrying the ancient knowledge of Pisces. As Rahu enters this domain, the seeker encounters the serpent, embodying both wisdom and danger. The serpent’s bite, a metaphor for life’s trials, releases the poison of the material world, purging the toxins that hinder spiritual growth. This transformative pain is the catalyst for enlightenment, leading to moksha, the ultimate liberation.

Rahu, the asura who moves backward (heyoka energy), embodies the restless quest for knowledge and experience. In Uttara Bhādrapadā, Rahu’s influence is both malevolent and enlightening, revealing the illusions of the material world while urging us to create something meaningful from limited resources. This transit challenges us to confront our limitations, to embrace Saturn’s teachings of patience, resilience, and the practical wisdom of making the most of what we have.

As Rahu matures at 42, the struggle to balance the material and spiritual realms culminates in a profound realization. The trials faced, the poison endured, all contribute to the seeker’s journey towards enlightenment. It is through these experiences that we learn to transcend our earthly limitations, discovering the boundless potential within.

For those running a Dasha or sub-period of Rahu, or having natal planets in Uttara Bhādrapadā, the impact of this transit will be especially profound. The energies of Rahu will be strongly felt, intensifying the journey through the subconscious and magnifying the experiences of transformation and revelation. This period can bring about significant changes, urging a deeper exploration of one's inner world and a reevaluation of life's direction.

During this transit, let us remain steadfast in our spiritual pursuits, honoring the lessons of the past and preparing for the rebirth that follows the dissolution of the old. As we navigate Rahu’s passage through this mystical nakshatra, we attune to the subtle currents of our inner world, embracing the transformative power of introspection. In doing so, we open ourselves to the boundless wisdom of the cosmos, harmonizing our soul’s journey with the eternal dance of creation and dissolution.

For more personalized guidance on this long, impactful transit, know that I am here to support you and do offer one-on-one Vedic Astrology readings, which you can book here.