Rahu and Ketu (the North and South Nodes of the Moon) are called "shadow points" and are most often referred to as the causes of eclipses. In Vedic Astrology, they are known as the planetary indicators portraying Karma. (The law of action – what goes out, returns.) The Lunar Nodes define the conditions through which an individual learns life lessons.
Mars and Saturn (Mr. I must take immediate action and Mr. Let's wait and see) when influencing each other in the sky, are considered to be in "Planetary War." They determine the scenario in which we observe the way Nature Balances.
When you travel a certain path repetitively over time, you note the landmarks to help you find your way. Turn right after the oak tree and left at the large rock with someone's initials loving carved below the date. Okay, maybe its turn left at the Laundromat these days, in every case, this "knowing the path," becomes an automatic expectation and expression. Repeating planetary positions are like landmarks, and just like history repeats, so does the expression of the planets.
I began researching earthquakes and earth changes astrologically in the early 80's. I found repeatable predictable planetary patterns of influence, and their mirrored expression in life experiences and everyday patterns.
When the Moon moves into the "shadow" caused by the earth we have a lunar eclipse, when the Earth moves into the shadow cast by the Moon, we have a solar eclipse.
First of all "karma," as we use it here means the law of action, what goes out returns, and what action performed results in what "fruit." The North Node of the moon (Rahu in Sanskrit) represents an individual's lessons that need to be learned. Ketu, the South Node represents what we have accomplished, and what connects us to the other side. They are much like landmarks that indicate a certain reminder of both what we need to learn, and what we are born with to assist us in serving others, ourselves and our spiritual source.
In the world today, we now observe many earth changes taking place at this particular time in evolution of our planet.
We currently have a planetary war between Mars and Saturn in the sky. This will continue until February 8, 2006. Mars, the great warrior planet, who takes action and manifests, and Saturn, the planet of focus, restriction and life's lessons are in 90 degree angles (a square) from each other, as they transit through the heavens. Mars, positioned in his own fiery home of the sign Aries and Saturn, in Watery Cancer. Add this expression of conflict to the eclipses (forbearers of Karma) that occurred in October in the Earth sign Virgo and the Water sign Pisces and you get the planetary conflict expressed through the medium of Earth –earthquakes and Water — floods and hurricanes. As we witness Nature's expression through hurricanes, flooding, famine, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Macrocosmically we see the earth changing, microcosmically, this affects individuals. What many see as heartache, suffering and loss, is what the spiritual teachers and masters are calling cleansing and balance of nature. This would be a good time to decide to learn to meditate, or to meditate more often. Decide to hold a loving silence, and avoid the conflict that can fan the fire. This transit will endure a bit longer, but we are closer to the end of the transit than the beginning.
These potent disaster type events will continue through the end of this year, until early February 2006 when Mars moves out of its current strong war with Saturn. The most important thing we can do is help others and stay clear of fear. We serve so we don't have to be served. Stay as much as possible in your heart center.
It is important to view this as a kind of "winter" or dissolution season, a transition time into a season of "spring," or rebirth, with new opportunities and new ways to rebuild, connect and beautify.
Once my spiritual teacher said something that has stayed with me forever – "The destruction of the bud brings the bloom." So, give a friend a rose today, give a dollar to the suffering, reach out. This is a cycle of nature that gives us the opportunity to grow,
- What has been will be again,
- what has been done will be done again;
- there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes
Timing Tips!
The effects from October's eclipse continue to occur following the path of the eclipse, the first earthquake in this series occurred on October 3rd the actual day of the eclipse. This trend will continue through the end of the year and into February. All this month we will see the planetary war of Saturn and Mars continuing in very close degree to the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. Challenges (which are opportunities for growth) will be in the forefront, especially for individuals with placements of planets in Cancer, Aries, Libra Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Tummy: December 1st there is a New Moon in Scorpio – caution in eating fish or sea products and alcohol intake should be moderate.
Love: December 5th when Moon (emotions) and Venus (love) are together – this is a nice time for romance. In the sign of Capricorn, watch out for office romance! With Jupiter (marriage) in the Venus (love) ruled sign of Libra, new Love could show up, but keep in mind you are meeting on a battle ground (Mars & Saturn still at war). Have fun, but don't make spontaneous permanent commitments. Next Spring things improve.
Creativity and Communication: Mercury the communicator is Retrograde (seemingly backwards). Delay important communications until Mercury changes to direct motion on the 4th.
Purchases: December 15th Rahu, Ketu and Saturn are in the same degree (17). Not a good time for buying automobiles or computer equipment. (If still necessary, do this on the 5th when Moon and Venus are conjunct.) Better to buy these things after Feb 8th, 2006 when Mars moves out of aspect with Saturn. They rule different metals – and you could get a "Lemon."
Driving: December 27th Mars and Saturn are in the same degree (16). Please be very careful in the car, and look out for the other driver!
Health: Strengthen your immune system to fortify against colds and flu. With Mars in Aries aspecting Mercury in Scorpio exactly (14 degrees) on December 18th, depending upon how this transit influences your individual chart, Mars aspecting Mercury gives flu and colds. This transit could increase the likelihood of illness. This connection can also make people "hot headed." So balance Pitta and Vata, especially if you are ruled by Mars or Mercury! Take your Vitamins! December 22 is the best day this month for general medicine. Reminder: Please consult with a reputable astrologer for procure dates if needed.
Pleasure Travel is not recommended on the 15th or the 27th as Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu will be in very close aspect, along with the changing of the Sun from Scorpio to Sagittarius on the 15 & 16th.
If you must travel for any reason – try to travel early in the day – and allow more time than usual for parking, departure and arrival. Also carry a little snack to keep up your stamina, in case you have to rush and miss a meal.
Clean Up your Act! The 18th and 19th are good for focusing in on getting things done that have been neglected as Saturn and Moon travel together in Cancer, the sign of the mind and its desire nature, giving a hard work ethic. Keep in Mind that Mercury and Mars are also connecting, so don't overtire yourself, and save using power tools for a less "accident prone," time period.
Meditation, Prayer and Reflection: The 23rd is good for intuitive work and meditation as the Moon joins Ketu in Virgo.
Christmas Day: December 25th, the Moon will be in Libra with Jupiter. This sweetens up the day, as Mars, the planet of war gets balanced out by this Mars and Jupiter.
New Year's Eve and Day: Three planets in Sagittarius will feel liberating and free – choose a designated driver and have a great New Year!
Have a Happy Holiday Season!
Christina Collins Hill, Jyotish Kovid, Jyotish Vachaspati is a 3rd generation astrologer specializing in the Vedic system. She received her honorary titles from the late Dr. B.V. Raman, former President of the ICAS (Indian Council for Astrological Sciences) in New Delhi and Bangalore, India. She is the first and sole American woman to be honored by this highly held title of Jyotish Vachaspati (Jyotish – the light bearer and Vachaspati – the one who speaks the truth and whose predictions come true.) She serves as faculty and on the board of ACVA (American College for Vedic Astrology) and is President of Celestial Resources where she serves corporate and private clients from students to celebrities. You can reach her at jyotish@indra.com or by visiting
www.vedicastrologer.cc
