By Michelle R. Dean
The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.
In this podcast episode, I talk about a recent encounter I had with a deer that I considered a good omen for a mantra practice I’ve recently started.
The universe often speaks to us, we just have to learn to slow down, tune in and listen.
This is where omens come in.
What’s an omen?
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), for something to be considered at omen, it needs to be:
* an unusual occurrence
For example, with the story about the deer, I’ve sat at that same bench many times in the past ten years. Never once have I seen a deer in that meadow, let alone had one approach me out of the blue. If deer sightings and encounters were more common in the area, this experience would have seemed less like an omen I should pay attention to.
* happen shortly after a question or statement has been made or an action has been concluded
Let’s consider a more mundane example. Say you apply for a new job. You get your application ready, upload your documents and press send. Of course, now you’re wondering, “Will I get the job?”
A few minutes later you check your messages and see you’ve gotten a text from a friend with wonderful news (“We’re pregnant!” or “We got the house!”) or one with bad news (“I owe more in taxes than I thought.” or “My mom is ill.”)
Although this message isn’t directly related to your job application, the fact that it came through shortly after you completed this action could be considered a positive or negative omen about the final result.
However, this would not be the case if the text came before you sent the application or many hours afterward.
Don’t ignore, but also don’t overinterpret
It’s important to remain open and receptive to omens; however, you should avoid actively seeking them out at all times. The universe does give us answers at times, yes, but in my experience that does not mean she’s a Chatty Cathy.
That’s what makes omens special: they are only delivered when something really needs to be said.
Let’s move on now to Nimitta.
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Omenology: One of the Six Branches of Jyotish
Nimitta (omen/sign), or Shakun Shastra, is a very interesting branch of Vedic astrology that concentrates specifically on interpreting omens to gain deeper understanding or make future predictions.
Types of Nimitta include:
* Natural Phenomena: This includes unusual weather patterns, celestial events, or natural disasters.
* Animal Behavior: The actions and behavior of animals, birds, and insects can be interpreted as omens.
* Physical Sensations: Unexplained bodily sensations or experiences can also be considered Nimitta.
* Dreams: Specific types of dreams and their symbols are interpreted as predictive signs.
One of the most significant classical Jyotish texts with chapters specifically on Nimitta is The Brihat Samhita, written by the 6th century astrologer and polymath, Varahamihira. This book include omens connected with specific animals, such as birds, cows, dogs, elephants, and so on.
Reinterpreting ancient omens
Obviously, the world has changed quite a bit since the 6th century. However, that does not mean the omens listed in Brihat Samhita don’t have merit – they just may need to be modernized in some cases.
For example, elephants are obviously a bit hard to come where I live in Europe. However, if we consider what an elephant would be used for in the ancient world – namely, work and transportation – could we perhaps update the omen as being signified by a bus (i.e., large mode of transportation) or a crane (i.e., large machine for work and hauling)?
Or could we translate the omen of a crow landing on a dead tree as one landing on a city telephone pole?
Definitely omenology food for thought worth testing.
Omens never stand alone
In Chapter 96: Supplementary to Omens XI, Varahamirhira writes:
A person learned in the sciences of omens shall make predictions taking into account the dik (direction), place, motion, sound, week day, the Nakshatra, the Muhurta, the rising sign, the Karana (half a lunar day), the rising Navamsa and the fixed, moveable or double nature of (astrological) signs (of the planets) and their strengths and weaknesses.
In other words, omens are simply an additional layer an astrologer adds to bring depth and accuracy to their interpretations and predictions, one that is always paired with other techniques and important considerations.
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle or book a Vedic astrology consultation, swing by here.
Mercury, the swift-moving planet of communication, enters the sensitive and nurturing sign of Cancer on June 26, marking a shift in the way we think, express ourselves, and communicate with others. In this episode, I explore what this means in the collective and our personal lives and talk about the upcoming shift in Mercury's synodic cycle.
For more podcasts and texts at the crossroads between Jyotish (Vedic astrology) and traditional Western astrology, please swing back crossroadsastrology.substack.com.
To find out more about me and my background in astrology or book a consultation, visit rebeccahdean.com
Eclipse survival 101!
On April 19/20, 2023, there will be a rare hybrid solar eclipse in the sign of Aries. Eclipses can bring in intensity and drama, and it’s important to make sure you don’t get negatively swept up in the moment and make choices you may later regret.
Here’s a lowdown on what you need to know about eclipses and how to get through them in general, as well as details on the flavor this month’s eclipse will bring.
For more, check out crossroadsastrology.substack.com
On January 12, 2023, Mars in Gemini will finally be stationing direct. The planet stationed retrograde on October 30, 2022.*
Photo by Planet Volumes on Unsplash
Mars retrograde in Gemini – recap
Mars is the planet of action and energy, and when it goes into retrograde, its effects can affect action, assertiveness, ambition and motivation. In Mercury-ruled Gemini, this Mars retrograde may have led to confusion and indecision, as Gemini is a sign that is associated with communication and changeability.
Mars likes to get into action fast, and all this back and forth and lack of ability to move forward or make definitive decisions could have definitely brought frustration and short tempers to the house in your natal chart with Gemini on the cusp. You can read a little about Mars retrograde in Gemini through the houses here, although you should definitely know by now where the delays and irritation caused by this aspect were coming from.
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Some important dates concerning Mars retrograde in Gemini
* August 21, 2022 – Mars entered Gemini
* October 30, 2022 – Mars stationed retrograde at 25 degrees 37 of Gemini
* January 12, 2023 – Mars is stationing direct at 8 degrees 8 of Gemini
* March 26, 2023 – Mars is moving into Cancer
Mars in Cancer has it’s own challenges I’ll take about later, but the main thing to keep in mind is that all of the energy, focus and sometimes frustration and anger brought about by Mars living forever in the house with Gemini on the cusp in your chart will come to a close.
Mars was last at 8 degrees 8 of Gemini on September 4, 2022, so whatever Mars-related topics around action, assertiveness, ambition and motivation that came up from this time to around October 26, 2022 will be revisited as Mars moves through these degrees one more time between January 12 to March 17. Take what you learned during the retrograde period and expect less hurdles, delays and (annoying) miscommunications now that the planet is direct once more.
*Please note that this post and podcast is from the point of view of Western astrology.
Please note: the first part of this text is written from the perspective of Western astrology.
On December 29, 2022 Mercury will go retrograde in the sign of Capricorn. On this day it will also be conjunct Venus.
A retrograde cycle also asks us to reexamine, test and adjust certain topics pertaining to the planet in question. With Mercury and Venus kicking off the ride here, we’re called to examine communication (Mercury) in relationships (Venus) or women in a broader sense.
Some thoughts on this Mercury in Capricorn retrograde cycle
Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is about responsibility, hard work and commitment, and Mercury in this sign gains a certain sense of gravitas. This isn’t chatterbox Mercury talking a mile a minute about nothing and everything. Instead, he has a “say what you mean and do what you say” kind of feel that might come across as overly serious and taciturn.
Venus helps bring in some artistic flair to communication, as well as desire for relating. In this day and age, when your next fling is just a swipe to the right away, people sometimes forget that real, lasting (Saturnian terms!) relationships take hard work (and there’s another one). But this is exactly the strength of Venus in Capricorn.
Some questions to ask yourself on December 29 and throughout this retrograde cycle (which fit in perfectly with the Capricorn New Moon on December 29!):
* How can I be more responsible in my communication, especially in my relationships?
* How can I better commit to artistic projects and how I relate to others?
* What serious conversations have I been putting off, especially in my relationship? How can I have them now and still ensure I remain respectful?
* How do I treat and talk to women? What improvements, if any, can I commit to?
* What work can I do to better keep my word?
Another thing to keep in mind:
Mercury is the planet of communication, transportation, technology and business, and when he’s retrograde, things can go array in each of those areas. E-mail that don’t make it to your inbox, planes delayed and buses running off schedule, a slump in the market, post-Christmas packages delivered to the wrong address – these could all be the kind of snafus that pop up during this period.
Thanks for reading Crossroads Astrology! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Astro stats
December 29, 2022 – Mercury stations retrograde at 24 degrees 21 in Capricorn and is tightly conjunct Venus
January 8, 2023 – Mercury stations direct at 8 degree 8 in Capricorn
February 7, 2023 – Mercury returns to the same degrees it was in when it went retrograde. Whatever you were personally exploring and re-examining when the retrograde period started will likely be revisited at this time.
As always, look at the house in your chart with Capricorn on the cusp to get a better feel about what topics might come up for you during this Mercury retrograde cycle.
Photo by Sergio Martínez on Unsplash
What does Jyotish say about Mercury retrograde?
Although retrograde planets may be in different signs in the sidereal zodiac than they are in the tropical zodiac, the retrogradation periods are the same in both systems. However, Vedic astrology sees retrograde planets in a different light than the traditional Western system.
In traditional Western astrology, a retrograde planet – in the natal chart or by transit – is considered a weakness in the planet’s significations. For example, if someone has Mercury retrograde in their chart, they may have difficulties in communication, if Venus is retrograde, they may struggle in relationships, and so on.
However, in traditional Jyotish, a retrograde planet is seen as extra strong. If a person has a retrograde planet in their chart, the desires they have for whatever the planet signifies will be stronger (i.e. communication for Mercury retrograde, relationships for Venus retrograde, etc.). However, because this planet has become so strong, it also difficult to balance, therefore it is prone to extremes: for example, someone with Mercury retrograde natally might either never stop talking or never talk at all, someone with Saturn retrograde natally might be a workaholic or avoid working altogether, etc. If you want to read more about retrograde planets from the Vedic perspective, this article lays things out nicely.
So if the takes in Western and Vedic astrology are not the same, then which one is the “right” one? As I wrote in this post, both work equally well, they often just describe the same things in a different way.
A good way to think about it is to compare both systems to two different computer programs that serve the same function. Some people may prefer one program to the other, and one program may get the job done in a more elegant or user friendly way, but in the end the same results are achieved.
On December7/8, 2022 we will have a full moon in Gemini conjunct Mars retrograde. Mars went retrograde on October 30, 2022 and will remain retrograde until January 12, 2023. The planet won’t move on to the next sign until the end of March, which means a whole lot of Mars in Gemini going on.
Whenever a planet is conjunct a full moon, it both colors the overall energy and get its moment in the spotlight to say its piece. If you’re still not sure how Mars retrograde is showing up for you personally, it’s likely this will become clearer around the full moon as well as the two and a half week period afterward.
For some insight into how this full moon might be showing up for you in terms of what it teaches you about your Mars retrograde, swing by my newsletter crossroadsastrology.substack.com
If you'd like to find out more about my background in astrology or book a consultation, please visit rebeccahdean.com
On August 19/20 Mars entered Gemini where he will stay, well, kind of forever – at least it might feel like it!
Mars normally spend about 57 days in a sign, but he will be in Gemini until March 25/26, 2023, so eight months altogether. This is because the planet will be going retrograde in the middle. But more on that later.
Some notes on Mars and Gemini:
Mars is the planet of action, heat, conflict, aggression and sometimes violence. It can bring irritability, rage and impulsiveness, a real act before you think (if you ever think) kind of energy.
An air sign, Mercury-ruled Gemini is all about communication. It also stand for things like technology, business and markets.
The combination can bring energy, forward-moving action and conflict to any of these areas, either in your personal life or the world at large. In general, this is a time when you should watch out (or prepare yourself) for an increase in aggressive speech and words and be careful that you don’t blurt things out in the heat of the moment that you’ll later regret.
Mars retrograde:
Although pretty much everyone has heard of Mercury retrograde, not everyone is aware that all planets other than the sun and moon go retrograde. While Mercury goes retrograde three times a year (hence its infamy), Mars goes retrograde only every two years and two months, which means it’s a fairly rare occurrence.
Mars retrograde in Gemini is even rarer: the last time this happened was at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 during the onset of the global financial crisis.
In general, retrograde cycles come in three stages: the first stage is before the planet goes retrograde, the next stage is the retrograde period, and third stage is when it goes direct again until it finally changes signs.
The retrograde stage is the period when you revisit topics that came up during the first stage. It is also often a period when these topics involving the planet and its house feel “stuck,” like you can’t move forward or nothing is working as it should.
When the planet goes direct again, the wheels are greased and forward motion – and the chance to make changes – is once again possible.
Dates to keep in mind:
* Mars is in Gemini from August 19/20, 2022 until March 24/25, 2023
* Mars goes retrograde on October 30, 2022 and remains retrograde until January 12, 2023.
* Mars stations direct on January 12, 2023 and stays in Gemini until March24/25, 2023, when it moves into Cancer.
Pay special attention to anything that comes up regarding your house placement of Mars in Gemini (see blow) around September 3 - 4. On this day, Mars will be at a little over 8 degrees, which is the degree it will be at when it stations direct again on January 12. That means any Mars in Gemini topics that come up between September 3 - 4 until October 25 are likely ones you will be revisiting again (or experience gridlock around) during the retrograde period.
Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash
Mars in Gemini through the houses
How Mars in Gemini affects you personally will depend on your personal natal chart. In general, this transit will likely be felt the most by anyone who has their rising sign on personal planets in one of the mutable signs, Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius. This is because Mars will either be falling into one of the powerful angular houses (1, 4, 7, 10) or making challenging aspects to your personal planets, which heightens the effect.
In general, no matter what your rising sign is, the topics that may come up will depend on which house has Gemini on the cusp in your birth chart. Here are a few ideas for you to check out.
Mars in Gemini in the 1st House
If you have Gemini rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your first house. The first house has to do with your physical body and vitality, so this period could leave you feeling more irritable than usual (especially during the retrograde period) and more likely to say things you might regret. On the more positive side, you may have a lot more energy than usual. However, be careful you don’t burn yourself out, as Mars tends to like to burn the candle at both ends. This may also be a time that is more challenging health-wise. Mars can cause things like rashes, wounds and inflammation, especially in the shoulders/arms since it’s in Gemini. Be extra gentle with these parts of your body during this time.
Mars in Gemini in the 2nd House
If you have Taurus rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 2nd house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict around your finances and resources. On a positive note, this could spur you into action and bring a greater focus on earning the bucks – with a possible hiccup or rethink on these matters when Mars goes retrograde. Remember, Mars is an impulsive, rash planet, so be careful you don’t fall into careless spending over these next eight months.
Mars in Gemini in the 3rd House
If you have Aries rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 3rd house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your neighborhood/place where you live, with siblings and in communication in general. Whether this means fights with annoying neighbors, a higher degree of irritation on how your city is run or sibling rivalry on steroids, be sure to watch your words. Asserting yourself and engaging in healthy conflict is one thing, but make sure you don’t blurt out things in anger that you can’t take back later.
Mars in Gemini in the 4th House
If you have Pisces rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 4th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your home, family, parents or with your father in particular. This could everything from a wasp nest you discover in the attic – wasps are very Mars in Gemini animals! – you only discover after being stung a couple of time, fights with your landlord over home repairs or conflict with mom and dad. As before, be careful with words said rashly in anger. On a more positive note, this would be a good time to put some energy into upgrading the technology in your home – but not when Mercury is retrograde from September 9 to October 1! – or frankly discussing home repair/renovation ideas with your partner.
Mars in Gemini in the 5th House
If you have Aquarius rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 5th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict with lovers or with children. Whether you see an increase in lover’s quarrels or your patience with your kids is even thinner than usual, try to be mindful of holding your tongue when needed: assertive communication, yes, hurtful words, no. On a more positive note, this could bring in a lot of energy to creative projects, especially writing projects – so get cracking on that novel!
Mars in Gemini in the 6th House
If you have Capricorn rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 6th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in health matters. The first house is the house of vitality and the body, while the 6th house is the house of disease. This means you need to be extra careful about any health concerns concerning rashes or inflammation, especially in your shoulders and arms. Having Mars here in the rational sign of Gemini would be a great time to consider making changes to your diet if these health issues come up for you at this time. The 6th house also rules pets, so this would be a great time to get a Mars in Gemini-type pet, like a very energetic, somewhat high-strung dog (Jack Russells come to mind) a snake or a red, and perhaps somewhat cranky, talking parrot. Oh yeah, and watch out for wasp stings.
Mars in Gemini in the 7th House
If you have Sagittarius rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 7th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your relationship with your significant other. If things have been simmering for a while below the surface, this can be a good time to finally have the assertiveness to talk about what’s going on. However, as before, you have to be careful that you watch your tone and don’t try to air your dirty laundry with a blow torch. Besides romantic partners of the more serious, settled kind (again, lovers, love interests or love affairs would be more 5th house) the 7th house can also signify business partners, in which case the same advice applies.
Mars in Gemini in the 8th House
If you have Scorpio rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 8th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict to debts and what you owe other people both karmically and financially. This house also stands for wills, and if you have a ongoing settlement during this time from a departed loved one, things might get heated between you and any other person involved. Again, try not to give in to expressing your anger and frustration in ways that are ultimately not productive. This house also stands for our fears and that which we choose not to face, so don’t be surprised if anger erupts around these topics from time to time – if it does, try to keep your cool.
Mars in Gemini in the 9th House
If you have Libra rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 9th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict around higher learning and spiritual pursuits. Whether you’re putting more energy into your college courses, getting in shouting matches with other students on campus or having disputes with a spiritual leader, make sure you embrace the energy and forward motion without giving into impulsive behavior or overly aggressive communication.
Mars in Gemini in the 10th House
If you have Virgo rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 10th. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your career or with your mother. This could be a time where you’re particularly busy at work or throwing yourself into new work projects with gusto. However, the potential for squabbles with co-workers, heated discussions with your boss or arguing with dad is also particularly high. State your mind and hold your ground, yes, but be careful you don’t give in to your frustrations and blurt out hurtful words that you can’t take back later.
Mars in Gemini in the 11th House
If you have Leo rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 11th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in your networks and circle of friends. As before, enjoy the positive burst of action your may get from this transit, but if you’re angry or annoyed, take extra time to cool off before confronting someone or pressing send on a message. The 11th house can also signify popularity and fans, so if this applies to you, the hateful words of Internet trolls might pop up even more than usual. Remember: haters gonna hate, but that doesn’t mean you have to flame the flames by getting involved or letting it get to you.
Mars in Gemini in the 12th House
If you have Cancer rising, Mars in Gemini will be in your 12th house. This will bring extra heat, energy and possibly conflict in the ways you undermine yourself. If you find yourself getting angry or impulsive during this time, either towards yourself and others, try to take a step back. The 12th house can also signify retreats, hospitals and prisons, so if you’re spending time in any of these places for the next month, then be careful with your communication. If you’re angry or frustrated, make sure you take the time to think before you speak.
On Saturday, August 20, 2022 (or a day earlier or later depending on your location), there is a great Mercury in Virgo election that you can use for a variety of Mercurial purposes, such as:
* Detail-oriented work and research
* Writing and publishing
* Launching a new business (especially one that has to do with communication and writing)
* Anything to do with magic and/or the hermetic arts
In particular, this chart would be fantastic for publishing and networking involving writing, as I’ll describe below.
The Chart
This powerful Mercury in Virgo election is on August 20, 2022 and is timed for 8:31 am at my location in Berlin, Germany (Central European Standard Time Zone).
If you need to relocate the chart for your time zone, just make sure the ascendant is between 20 to 23 degrees of Virgo and that the moon is between 9 to 10 degrees of Gemini in the 9th or 10th house (anything less than 9 degrees would put it a little too close to Mars, and anything over 10 degrees would mean its next aspect would be a trine to Saturn, which would slow down the effects).
Although this election could be used for any of the topics I mentioned above, it’s particularly fantastic for publishing, gaining visibility or networking in the publishing/writing field. This is because the moon is in the 9th house, which rules publishing and is very close to the fixed star Aldebaran, a star which is known to bring riches and honors. The moon’s next aspect is a sextile to Venus in Leo in the 11th house, which makes the chart favorable for networking and/or gaining fans, particularly women.
How to use an electional chart
I wrote this text which gives you more details about electional astrology, so check it out if you don’t know what this is or would like to know more.
In a nutshell, you need to do some sort of concrete action at the exact time of the election to set the ball in motion. This could be something like:
* Naming and saving a word document you plan to use later to start a project.
* Submitting manuscripts, contacting agents, etc.
* Sending an e-mail or making a phone call.
* Creating a website or social media account linked to your intention.
* Taking the first step in a project.
You don’t have to do much more than that at this stage, just make the first move. Whatever you initiate at this moment will hold the energy of the election, allowing you to benefit from it in the long run.
How to use this chart magically
This chart is very potent and can also be used for astrological magic. For this, you create either a petition or a talisman, which allows you to harness this energy for future use. Since Mercury also rules magic, you could use this election to enhance your abilities and gain honors in this field.
Since Saturn will move into Pisces at the beginning of next year (placing it in opposition to Virgo), this will also be one of the last times you can work magically with Mercury in Pisces for a couple of years, so make that talisman now when you still can! If you’re interested in astrological magic and finding out how to use elections to make talismans, check our my Patreon page.
Best of luck in your Mercurial pursuits, whatever they may be!
On August 1 - 2, 2022 we have a rather explosive combination in the sky: Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus and Rahu, otherwise known as the North Node.
Uranus is the planet of sudden, erratic changes, both good and bad and Mars is the planet of action, heat and aggression. When they come together, it can definitely bring in a fire to the powder keg kind of energy. For example, sudden accidents, freak explosions or major volatility in anything Taurus rules (food, housing, security in general).
With Rahu in the mix, this energy gets super charged and even more unpredictable and erratic.
However, as hazardous and unstable as this aspect is, there is one saving grace: Venus. Taurus is ruled by Venus, which is currently in watery Cancer. She is also making a harmonious sextile aspect to Mars, Uranus and Rahu, which may help steady things more than if she were in a different sign or joining the Taurus party.
How will this affect me?
If your ascendant is in a fixed sign (Aquarius, Leo, Taurus or Scorpio) or you have any personal planets between 15 to 25 degrees of any of these signs, then I suggest you proceed with caution around this time.
This doesn’t mean you need to cower under the covers, but maybe wait on that skydiving trip until the stars are a little more in your favor.
Astro stats
* Mars, Uranus and Rahu (North Node) meeting up at around 18 degrees of Taurus on August 1 and 2, 2022 (this aspect will be felt a few days before and few days after)
* The explosive nature is tempered somewhat by Venus, which is currently in Cancer and making a harmonious sextile aspect to these three planets
Photo by Luke Jernejcic on Unsplash
The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.