Vedic astrology or Jyotish is a vidya (an ancient occult science). The vidya dances with us daily and shares its light with us. We have the capacity to fully participate in this dance or sit on the sidelines. Yet, the dance is ongoing, whatever we choose. Planetary strength continues to be a key theme in Vedic astrology for March, 2015. Pisces will be a hub of activity for planets in both February and March. Saturn turns retrograde this month. Parts of the world will also experience the first eclipse of the year on March 20.
If you are in Venus or Mars planetary cycle, matters of the heart should be first and foremost these days, for better or worse. Venus and Mars continue to be intertwined in Pisces until March 12. Paired with South node Ketu, this can make for more topsy turvy and sudden encounters. Rethink your feelings while Mars and Venus are briefly separated. On March 6, Mars and Ketu form a tight sambandha. This may compel those in a Mars/ Ketu or Ketu/ Mars cycle to action in a unique and compelling way for a cause in which they strongly believe. Mars gains strength as it returns home to Aries on March 23, where it rejoins Venus. This is a powerful time for most Aries ascendants in a Mars dasha or for Cancer ascendants in a Mars dasha.
In Vedic astrology for March, 2015, the full Moon occurs in Leo on March 5 at approximately 10 AM Pacific time. Given that it is the Vedic month of Phalguni, the Moon is placed in the nakshatra of Purva Phalguni. Purva Phalguni grants us the fruits of our past karmas. Its symbol is a hammock and it is associated with luxury and relaxation. It’s not a day to fall into gluttony but better to spend the day with your romantic partner and children (yours or others), as these relationships are near and dear to Purva Phalguni’s heart. This full Moon also marks the colorful and joyous festival of Holi in India.
The Moon is with Saturn in Scorpio on March 11-13. With the Moon debilitated here, this can be an emotional time for people with a natal Moon in Scorpio or those in a dasha/ bhukti of Moon/ Saturn or Saturn/ Moon.
The Sun enters Pisces on March 14, joining Mars and Ketu. The Sun is happier in Pisces than in Aquarius, as its friend Jupiter is now its landlord. Jupiter is also gazing at Pisces by its current placement in Cancer and protecting matters related to that house. Yet, with Mars, Sun and Ketu together, this amps up the possibility for Pitta related problems in Ayurveda. This is further amplified next month when the two fiery planets gather in Aries. Take your proper Ayurvedic herbs for Pitta and follow a Pitta balancing lifestyle if you are impacted by this transit.
March 14 is also a significant day because Saturn goes retrograde in Scorpio in Anuradha nakshatra. Retrogression makes Saturn stronger, which is not so desirable for this slow-moving planet. Be particularly mindful from March 10-17 as Saturn is barely moving. Saturn returns to half its normal speed on March 24. Saturn’s retrogression will be a time of re-strategizing your alliances and seeking methods to secure your safety in uncertain situations.
The Moon joins the planetary party in Pisces on March 19-21, clustering four of the nine planets in this sensitive sign. This can bring great intensity to whatever Pisces represents in your chart. This intensity is further heightened by the total solar total solar eclipse on March 20. The eclipse is visible in Iceland, Europe, North Africa, and North Asia. The eclipse is the nakshatra of Uttara Bhadrapada. Feelings of anger, frustration, and limitation may arise. There can be a sense of dissatisfaction with the world and an inability to understand the perceived cruelty of natural events. Writing about your feelings and experiences can serve as a valuable outlet. Sticking close to your family will also provide a source of comfort.
Please keep in mind that Vedic astrology views eclipses as inauspicious events and never advises looking at them. The times of eclipses are best suited for meditation, contemplation and spiritual practices. People with natal placements in Purva Bhadrapada or Uttara Bhadrapada will be most affected by the eclipse as well as those who are running the dasha or bhukti of a planet placed in either nakhsatra (natally and by transit).
On March 28, after Venus and Mars have both swum out of the safe harbor of Pisces into the fiery ambitions of Aries, Mercury joins the Sun and Ketu here. Mercury is debilitated in Pisces, so if you are in a Mercury cycle, you may feel that you have to work extra hard on matters of commerce, communication, and your intellectual abilities.
The big festival in Vedic astrology for March, 2015 is Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama. Rama symbolizes dharma and is renowned for his numerous virtues. This year Ram Navami falls on March 28. The Shri Krishna Yajurveda Pathashala will be performing an eight day yajna to Lord Rama in honor of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. This yajna will be led by Shri Vivek Godbole. You can participate in all or part of this yajna by sending an email to vvishwajit@gmail.com for further information. You will find further details on Ram Navami by following my Facebook page.
Vedic astrology places particular emphasis on planetary cycles and natal placements for each individual’s planets. These updates provide a broad framework of what to expect in Vedic astrology for March, 2015, but do not serve as a substitute for an in-depth reading. Knowing the right steps to dance with the Jyotir Vidya can help us keep moving in the right direction and avoid stumbling in our steps. May you dance with this vidya with great joy and alacrity.