A multitude of people have been asking what Vedic Astrology or Jyotish holds for 2015. The quote that comes to mind is from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom; it was the age of despair.” Many people were happy to bid farewell to 2014. It had been a tumultuous year with an exalted Saturn which required re-strategizing partnerships and personal agendas. Jyotish or Vedic astrology for January, 2015 heralds the beginning of a year that will carry a different kind of intensity.
Saturn and Mars continue their planetary house exchange or parivartana throughout the month and into February. These are the strongest natural malefics in Vedic astrology doing a house swap. Saturn prefers to use diplomacy in its interactions, but does so in it cold, strategic, slow-moving fashion. Passionate Mars operates via administering punishment. Mars rules the police, military, and those who can use force in their interactions. Saturn has to do with foreigners, physical laborers, and those in service professions. With Saturn in Anuradha nakshatra, we are witnessing strong group dynamics, such as in France, “Je Suis Charlie” or the protests to Ferguson. Jupiter’s aspect onto Saturn in Vedic astrology for January, 2015 helps stabilize it from more extreme behavior.
The good news in Vedic astrology for January, 2015 is that Jupiter continues to be doubly strong by being both retrograde and exalted in Cancer. As the greatest benefic, Jupiter can bestow its grace and wisdom like no other planet. Jupiter is transiting Ashlesha nakshatra which can bring great spiritual depth.
The new Moon in Vedic astrology for January, 2015 happens on Tuesday, January 20 at 5:10 AM Pacific time. Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus will all be in Capricorn, so there is a lot of emphasis on whatever house Capricorn rules in your chart. The Moon falls in the nakshatra of Uttara Ashadha. This constellation is connoted with Ganesha and new beginnings but Jyotish does not advise embarking on new ventures close to a new Moon. The symbol of Uttara Ashadha is a winnowing basket, so there is a theme of ongoing refinement and honing one’s skills. New Moons are traditionally a time for inward activity, rather than outward activity.
The first Mercury retrograde of 2015 is from January 21 to February 11 in Capricorn. The first few days going in and out of retrogression are particularly times to be cautious. Mercury will spend most of the time in Shravana nakshatra. The symbol of Shravana is an ear, so theme of listening and being heard is further highlighted. Shravana is associated with both Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, and Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Venus joins Mars in Aquarius on January 23. This creates a dynamic passion combination, particularly for those with in a Mars or Venus dasha or bhukti, particularly Venus/ Mars or Mars/ Venus. And it heats things up for those who have these planets natally placed in Aquarius, particularly Leo ascendants in Jyotish. Venus enters Aquarius in Dhanishta nakshatra. Dhanishta can have extreme views towards relationships; it’s all in or all out.
Jyotish personalizes experiences to an individual’s own natal placements. To learn what Vedic astrology for January, 2015 and beyond, please schedule a personalized reading. If you are interested in studying Vedic astrology, please join me for an eight week webinar starting this month.