Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā

Mercury Retrograde

March 15th - April 7th

Artwork: Unknown

Budha Graha (Mercury) stations retrograde on March 15th in the Vedic lunar mansion of Uttara Bhādrapadā उत्तरभद्रपदा (sidereal Pisces), the Warrior Star—punctuating a passage of deep reflection, reimagination, and renewal.

Budha (Mercury), fourth among the navagrahas (nine planets), the embodiment of rajo-guṇa (the mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of Chandra (the Moon), known for his golden eyes and tireless energy. He is also connected to Mahāvidyā Tripura Sundarī, who embodies supreme beauty, clarity, and the power of refined discernment.

Mercury bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, skill, talent, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, negotiation, and neutrality. Just as Viṣṇu takes birth age after age to reestablish dharma and restore balance, mercury retrograde invites us to return to the center of our wheel

This powerful asterism resides at the heart of the last water sign, in a mokṣa bhāva (house of liberation), ruled by ākāśa tattva (ether element) and Ahirbudhnya (Serpent of the Deep). As the seat of Mahā Lakṣmī, this nakṣatra is deeply connected to the fertility of both earth and sky, dreamtime, the excavation of the unconscious, and the harmonization of universal mind. Here, we are beckoned to uncover hidden wisdom through humility, experience, and self-sacrifice—a śakti that is both transformative and karmic.

With Budha in Uttara Bhādrapadā conjunct Śukra (Venus) and Rāhu, rajo-guṇa is amplified, along with a heightened sense of protection. What is it that you are seeking to protect? A position you have claimed or wish to claim? A sense of personal justice? Or perhaps, your connection to source?

Mahāvidyā Śrī Lalitā Tripurā Sundarī | Kapoor Galleries Inc. wrote: Mandi, style of Sajnu, circa 1810

This transit embodies the dual current of existence, urging us to reconcile the spiritual and material realms. As Mercury retraces its path through the deep waters of Uttara Bhādrapadā, we encounter the mystical serpent—a force that strips away illusion, purges material toxins, and refines perception. This is a time when logic softens into intuition, and clarity arises not through analysis, but through surrender.

It is a period of intellectual purification, where communication is tested and refined—not for speed, but for depth. Unresolved matters from the past—especially those placed on the back burner—may resurface, seeking resolution through contemplation rather than reaction. Through introspection and surrender, the trials of this transit can lead not to confusion, but to spiritual illumination and ultimate liberation.

We are stepping powerfully into a new timeline—go inward to catch the memo of this time. Some karmas are requesting completion, release, and unraveling. How can you return to the center of your wheel and step into greater balance and neutrality?

Pay close attention if you have major planets—your Sūrya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), or Lagna (rising sign)—in Uttara Bhādrapadā, as this cycle may bring a lasting effect, especially with the New Moon Solar Eclipse occurring in this constellation on March 29th. Also, take note if you are currently running a daśā (major planetary period) or antara-daśā (sub-period) of Śani (Saturn).

For a more detailed look at what this means for you personally, I offer one-on-one consultations, which you can book directly at Jyotish Consultations

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ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः | ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः

Holi, Mahā Lakṣmī Jayantī & Gaura Pūrṇimā

Holi, Mahā Lakṣmī Jayantī & Gaura Pūrṇimā

Artwork: Pinterest

This full moon marks the occasion of several auspicious Vedic festivals—Holi, Mahā Lakṣmī Jayantī, and Gaura Pūrṇimā—each marking a unique spiritual significance.

Holi, the Festival of Colors, occurs on the Pūrṇimā (पूर्णिमा) day of the month of Phālguṇa. It is deeply intertwined with the theme of the eternal and divine love between Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa (the 8th avatāra of Lord Viṣṇu), symbolized by the playful act of adorning each other's faces with vibrant colors. 

This festival not only marks the arrival of Spring but also signifies the triumph of dharma over adharma—good over evil—and the ascendancy of sattva (the creative, harmonious force) over tamas (ignorance and destruction).

The night before Holi, known as Holikā Dahan, commemorates the legend of Prahlāda and his aunt, Holikā. Enraged by the young devotee’s unwavering faith in Viṣṇu, his father, the tyrant Hiraṇyakaśipu, conspired to destroy him. Holikā, who possessed a boon rendering her immune to fire, attempted to burn Prahlāda by carrying him into the flames. Yet, her protection failed, and she perished, while Prahlāda emerged unscathed, shielded by his devotion. 

This night stands as a powerful testament to the supremacy of bhakti (devotion) and the inevitable downfall of arrogance and tyranny, setting the stage for Holi’s jubilant celebration of love, renewal, and divine play.

More than just its mythological roots, Holi stands as a celebration of love, unity, and renewal. It is a time for relationships to be reaffirmed, for healing fractured bonds, and for fostering harmony within communities. Holi's spirit of shared joy bridges social divides, creating a vivid tapestry of collective togetherness that celebrates humanity’s interconnectedness.

Artwork: Pinterest

Mahā Lakṣmī Jayantī honors the divine manifestation of Goddess Lakṣmī during the Samudra Manthan, a pivotal episode in Hindu mythology. The churning of the Ocean of Milk by the Devas and Asuras to obtain Amṛta (the nectar of immortality) signifies a profound spiritual endeavor, revealing treasures and divine beings, including Goddess Lakṣmī. 

 When Mahā Lakṣmī emerged from the ocean, she immediately took residence in Lord Viṣṇu’s (The Preserver, Protector of the Universe) heart. Her appearance bestows eightfold blessings, embodying abundance, grace, and devotion, guiding devotees toward both prosperity and spiritual well-being.

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय | ॐ श्रीं महा लक्ष्म्यै नमः

Artwork: Anonymous

Gaura Pūrṇimā commemorates the birth of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu, a pivotal figure in the spiritual traditions of India. Born during a Lunar Eclipse in West Bengal, Mahāprabhu is considered a combined incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa  and His beloved devotee, Śrīmati Rādhārāṇī. His divine purpose was twofold: to experience the profound love that Śrīmati Rādhārāṇī holds for Him and to show the path of complete surrender and love for Kṛṣṇa during our eath walk.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे

“Mind becomes absorbed in the mantra, and then the mantra becomes absorbed in the mind.” — Ramana Maharshi

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Uttaraphalgunī: The star of Patronage

FULL MOON total LUNAR ECLIPSE

Artwork: Edit by Tulsi with @turiyacollection

March 13th 23:55 PST | March 14th 12:25PM IST

As the sun and saturn oppose the full moon (Pūrṇimā पूर्णिमा) of March, our first eclipse (Candra Grahaṇam - चन्द्र ग्रहणं) season of the year commences in the Vedic Lunar mansion of Uttaraphalgunī उत्तरफल्गुनी (Leo), the star of Patronage. This dynamic cycle is ripe for accelerated spiritual growth — urging us to refine our inner compass, to untangle and release an old karmic pattern.

As the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, a shadow is cast on the lunar surface, initiating the beginning of a new chapter and welcoming opportunities for personal growth and transformation. We are stepping into a realm beyond time, where things may not be as they appear. Lunar eclipses serve as triggers, offering sudden exposure to hidden truths and heightened emotions.

The points where the Sun and Moon intersect the ecliptic plane, positioned exactly 180 degrees apart, are known as the lunar nodes, or Rāhu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology. These shadowy grahas, often called the "great awakeners," govern the eclipses and symbolize the eternal dance between light and darkness, offering us the opportunity to confront our shadows, disrupt old patterns, and awaken to deeper truths along our journey.

With the moon eclipsed, you may find yourself at a turning point in your life, on the verge of a major decision, in the grips of exhaustion, or dancing with uncertainty — rest assured this potent eclipse brings with it a promise to shift you into the next phase.

A breakthrough may be within reach now. An old pattern may surface that is ready to be released — don’t touch it — let go of the past. Some questions may be answered within this window of time.

The cards are being reshuffled, with soul contracts now ripe for fruition at the forefront. Some of us might be hesitant to release our current agreements and embrace this higher calling. This shift in awareness may feel sentimental, as we've invested our hearts into our current familiar situations. Yet, a part of us knows that to gain what we truly desire, we must be willing to release what we think we have. The courage required of us now is to stay connected to our true selves, leading with our whole, authentic hearts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

Ultimately, as we untangle ourselves from unaligned situations incapable of co-creating our dreams, a doorway opens, revealing a new path forward. On this path, we can weave the blessings of this cycle and shed toxic patterns and habits. The choice is presented to pivot and sow our seeds in fertile soil, ready to bear the fruits we've longed for—an aligned union based on reciprocity, clear communion, and collaboration towards a higher offering. Reflect, refine, and prepare yourself to step into a new timeline.

Uttaraphalgunī calls us to build authentic connections through acts of service, generosity, and mutual support. As the patron of contracts and agreements, this nakshatra, steeped in the qualities of hospitality and protection, encourages us to honor our commitments and nurture relationships that foster both personal and collective growth.

Holding the energy and śakti of prosperity and the accumulation of wealth through partnership, this is a powerful window for collaboration that ignites a fresh perspective and creative growth. There is a desire here to place what you desire into the palm of your hand. This energy is fulfilled through the art of patience and becoming life Tvaṣṭar, the celestial architect who shapes all beings into form.

To breathe life into new architecture, we become most in need of balance. The fine-tuning point between self and other — anchoring into and committing fully to self-sovereignty and radical self-love, while practicing the grace of presence and participation within this co-created dream.

We’re encouraged here to lean into logical, illumined discernment, guided by an understanding of the right support and the correct partner, to choose what we’re creating wisely — in the direction of that which is truly beneficial. The transformation of material into beauty holds great significance here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀

Just as a diamond is formed under pressure, beautiful people aren’t born — they’re forged in the fires of deep transformation. You may feel as though multiple alluring directions are being presented to you. Choose wisely how you’re spending your energy now, as it’s easy to identify with or get lost in form. Resist any urgency to initiate projects, and don’t get distracted in chasing the next shiny object in an attempt to fill some void. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

Artwork: Pinterest

You may be feeling restless and emotionally sensitive. We must act now from a place of discipline and responsibility, moving in the direction of illuminating the kind of intelligence that awakens from within. Loosen your grip on the illusion that you have control over the outcome of your actions. Slow down, anchor yourself in the inner stillness of your heart, surrender to the unknown and allow the eclipses to have their way with you.

Pay close attention if you have major planets — your Sun, Moon, or Lagna (rising sign) — in Uttaraphalgunī, as this cycle could bring sudden change, bring forward something you didn’t plan for, or reveal something deeper about yourself. Also, take note if you are currently running a dāśā (cycle) or antar dāśā (sub-cycle) of Sun.

Shifting narratives, heightened emotions, uncertainty, and building intensity call for inward attention and one-pointed focus on grounding. Keep life simple during the eclipse hours (March 13 2025 7:57 pm - March 14 2025 02:00 am PDT | March 14 2025 09:27 am - 15:30 pm IST). The ancients revered this portal as a sacred time to tune into their own divinity, tending to eclipses with care and consuming less — both physically and mentally — to keep their channels clear.

Fasting, meditation, japa, and bathing during this time are sacred practices recommended to optimize this shift. This is an important time to recalibrate and peer deeper into yourself. Ideally, it is advisable to postpone travel, major decisions, surgeries, and commitments during this time.

What familiar holding patterns are you ready to transcend?

Do know that i’m here to support you as we step into a power reset time. For personalized guidance on how this transit influences you personally, I offer one-on-one consultations which you can book here.

Totality Begins: March 13 at 10:26 PM PDT / March 14 at 11:56 AM IST.
Maximum Eclipse: March 13 at 10:58 PM PDT / March 14 at 12:28 PM IST.
Totality Ends: March 13 at 11:32 PM PDT / March 14 at 1:02 PM IST.

“Write all that worries you on a piece of parchment;
Offer it to God Even from the distance
of a millennium I can lean the flame in my heart Into your life And turn All that frightens you
Into holy Incense Ash." 

~Hafiz