In a Fixed State

In Vedic astrology, one method of interpreting a planet’s behavioral patterns is to analyze the sign of the zodiac in which it’s located.  In both Western and Vedic astrology (Jyotish), we classify the zodiac signs by type: movable, fixed, or mutable.  The movable signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.  The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.  The mutable or dual signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Typically, all nine planets are distributed throughout the movable, fixed, and mutable signs. The nature of each category denotes the preferences of the planet.  The movable signs are poised for action and they welcome change. The fixed signs promote stability and inertia.  The mutable signs provide a mixture of both rest and activity.

Currently, there’s  a preponderance of planets in fixed signs.  Five planets (Jupiter, Sun, Mercury, Venus, and South node Ketu) are in Taurus in Vedic astrology.  North node Rahu is in Scorpio. The Moon changes signs every two and a half days, thus it’s in a fixed sign at least one third of the time each month.

Many of us are likely to be in a planetary cycle (dasha) or a sub-cycle (bhukti) of a planet currently occupying Taurus in the system of Vedic astrology.  Venus, who rules Taurus, is there until the end of July.  In a natal chart, when a planetary “landlord” occupies a sign which it owns, it generally protects the matters related to that house.  Yet with Venus now moving retrograde at half its normal speed, so this additionally contributes to the gradual nature of adaptation in Taurus.

Taurus is symbolized by the bull.  The bull’s noted for its stubbornness and strength. Taurus is the second house of the natural zodiac, which signifies food, the face, family, speech, finances, and clothing.  Due to the fixed nature of Taurus, you may experience that change happens slower than usual.  You will find that others are more responsive to practical, concrete ideas rather than abstractions. Convincing someone to alter their viewpoint may be a daunting task, which requires a great deal of communication.

Due to Mercury’s adjacency to the other planets,  it’s important to be mindful of your speech during Mercury’s movement through Taurus.  Mercury is speeding along at more twice its normal pace, so there’s a rush to get actions accomplished, but it’s difficult to see fruitful results. Double check your communication before it is sent.

Jupiter, the planet of wisdom and discernment, recently entered Taurus, where it will remain for one year. Jupiter is also currently moving at more than two and a half times its normal speed. Jupiter and Venus play the role of advisers in Vedic astrology; given their placement in the house of speech, plenty of guidance may be dispensed, but implementation will take time.

With this juxtaposition in Taurus of both the rapid planetary movement of Jupiter and Mercury, combined with the slow retrograde movement of Venus, and the steady movement of the Sun and the Moon, you may feel frustrated by the pace at which situations are moving, or perplexed by stops and starts. The intensity lessens when there are fewer planets occupying Taurus.  Mercury rapidly exits on June 4, with the Sun following suit ten days later.  In the meantime, take this opportunity to concretize plans and gradually execute them.