Jupiter and Venus planetary war in Cancer

Jupiter is currently exalted in Cancer, or at its highest point in the zodiac, in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, for a few more weeks.  Then, it will not re-create this transit for another 12 years. In Vedic astrology, we analyze how the nine planets occupy the 360 degree arc of the zodiac. Each planet has its own unique characteristics and enjoys having the room to do so. Venus and Jupiter will be within one degree of each other starting June 29, 2015 about 2 AM Pacific.  Known as a Jupiter and Venus conjunction in Western astrology, this creates a planetary war or graha yuddha in Vedic astrology.   In the Jupiter and Venus planetary war (Guru Shukra graha yuddha) in Cancer, we have two planets vying for the same space.

Venus is the planet of beauty, love, romance, luxury, passion, and the arts. Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, knowledge, teaching, higher education, discernment and spirituality.  Venus and Jupiter are considered the great “natural benefics” in Vedic Astrology, or those planets which usually deliver favorable experiences. While a war between two benefics is favorable than one between two malefics, as my Vedic astrology teacher says, “Both parties in a war are bloodied.”  In terms of significators of people, Venus represents the spouse or romantic partner and Jupiter is the significator for children and teachers.

In Vedic mythology, Jupiter was the teacher of the Devas, or the Gods. Venus was the teacher to the Asuras, the non-divine beings. The Devas followed the path of righteousness or dharma, while the Asuras pursued self-interest first and foremost. This pairing of Jupiter and Venus in Cancer has made for a beautiful sight in the night sky.

This battleground takes place in the sign of Cancer, which is owned by the Moon. The Moon is very sensitive and emotional.  Will you take everything too personally? Internalize it? Become overly sentimental about romance?  The Moon is debilitated in Scorpio and with a retrograde Saturn until June 30 at 4 PM Pacific. This can heighten emotions and cause more dramatic reactions.  Adding to this intensity is the fact that fiery Mars continues to be quite combust by the sun in neighboring Gemini.

As the fourth sign of the natural zodiac, Cancer represents home life, agriculture, property, the mother, fluids, education, and vehicles.   Disagreements may arise regarding how to spend time with family, whether to follow educational pursuits or more indulgent activities.  Do you follow the path of wisdom or give into more worldly desires?  Are you impulsive like Venus or more contemplative like Jupiter?  Will shopping or meditating be higher on your priority list?  There may also be problems with vehicles.  Issues between your spouse or romantic partner and children can also come up.

Who “wins” a war is determined by their astronomical placement and in this case, Venus “wins” the war. The Jupiter and Venus planetary war in Cancer happens in the nakshatra or constellation of Ashlesha. Ashlesha is a deeply mystical nakshatra, associated with the kundalini shakti.  Its deity is the Nagas, the divine snakes.  They like to operate out of sight and are known for their privacy and secrecy.  Will you keep secrets from your partner or children, or vice versa?  There can me a misalignment or disagreement with mentors or teachers during this time.  Don’t let your competitive nature get the best of you.  Choose your words carefully and avoid jumping into any long-term commitments.

The peak of the Jupiter and Venus planetary war in Cancer is around around midnight Pacific time on July 1, 2015.
This war is particularly of significance to those in a Venus or Jupiter planetary cycle.  How this will impact a person individually depends on where Jupiter and Venus are placed in their natal charts as well as what their rising sign is.

During this time, it’s best to be very mindful and not make any major agreements which could have a major impact on your life.  Think twice before you give into fleeting desires.  Give yourself time to reflect on any key decisions so that you can make clear choices.  Be kind and generous to your partner, your children and your teachers. The Jupiter and Venus planetary war in Cancer ends at 5 AM Pacific on July 3, 2015.