Jyotish or Vedic astrology for February, 2015 begins with many of the main themes that we experienced in January. A noteworthy shift occurs when the great natural benefics, Jupiter and Venus, are exalted or in their signs of greatest strength. Then Venus and Mars engage in a dynamic war of wills in Pisces. Mercury comes out of retrogression and spends the duration of the month in Capricorn. The focus then moves to Pisces, and ends with five planets taking up residence in water signs.
Fed up with Mercury retrograde? Mercury turns around on February 11 to return to its regular motion. Have you reassessed and re-evaluated your career and workplace communications while Mercury was retrograde? From February 9 to 13 are days to be more mindful of how you use your speech, intellect, and your written correspondence . Mercury moves super slowly these days as it is returning to forward motion. You may feel stalled, but it is temporary.
Mars enters Pisces on February 12. It is happier here than in Aquarius, as this sign is ruled by its friend Jupiter, who is watching over this house of travels and retreats. People with Pisces ascendants may experience more Pitta or heat related disorders in Ayurveda with this fiery planet placed here.
In February, love is in the air and foremost in the minds of many men and women as Valentine’s day approaches and even after it passes. The planet of love and romance Venus, moves into Pisces the day after the day dedicated to love. Pisces is the sign of Venus’ exaltation or greatest strength. This amplifies amorous feelings and can lead to impulsive, fleeting unions.
This can be particularly troublesome when Mars and Venus get super close from February 19 to 23 and engage in a planetary war. This is a battle of luxurious, indulgent activities vs. physically challenging activities, of diplomacy vs. aggression. Jupiter is influencing this tempestuous duo, so wise advice can be very insightful regarding relationships.
An interesting dynamic occurs during parts of February and March; five of the nine planets in Vedic astrology will be in water signs. This occurs with Mars, Venus and Ketu in Pisces, Jupiter in Cancer, and Saturn in Scorpio. The Moon joins the group whenever it also transits a water sign. Still waters run deep is the motto for the water signs. They are associated with deep emotions, sentimentality, sensitivity, and intuitive abilities. Since all the water signs are aquatic creatures, there is also the association with privacy, secrecy, or the hard shell that covers the underlying emotions (for the crab and the scorpion).
Mars’ moving out of Aquarius ends the parivartana, or house swap, between Saturn and Mars. This is a temporary reprieve to the dynamic tension as Mars and Saturn are further entangled when Mars returns home to Aries on March 24.
Maha Shivaratri falls on February 17 for most of the world, and is a great day for spiritual austerities. According to mypanchang.com, the Pacific and Mountain times zones of North America will celebrate this holy holiday on February 16. We have been given the wonderful opportunity to participate in a traditional Vedic puja for Shivratri performed at Shri Krishna Yajurveda Pathashala in India. Please send an email to vvishwajit@gmail.com for further details.
Sun enters Aquarius on February 12; it’s another sign ruled by Saturn. Yet, unlike its previous home of Capricorn, Saturn is not giving its gaze here. This is a mixed blessing in that Aquarius’ landlord is neither protecting nor influencing this sign.
The new Moon falls on February 18 in the nakshatra or constellation of Dhanishta in Aquarius at 4:50 PM Pacific. Dhanishta is symbolized by a drum or a flute, which can represent the emptiness that we feel inside and attempt to fill. There is also an association with ancient traditions. Since new Moons are best for inward activity, it is an ideal day to focus on studying ancient texts or engaging in a musical activity.
Each of us experiences varying life events and outcomes based on our personal Vedic astrology chart. For information on how you can best navigate the emotional months ahead in Vedic astrology for February, 2015 and beyond, please schedule a Vedic astrology reading.