In the second part about remedial measures in Indian astrology, I'm joined by Marian Babity, a long-time student of astrology. We discuss what karma is and how best to approach our remedies so they help us align with what is.

The Moon reaches its exact degree of debilitation as it joins the Sun and Mercury (retrograde) in Scorpio during the dark lunar phase. This can bring feelings of vulnerability along with deeper insights. Mars’s presence adds strength and renewal.

Though Mercury’s retrograde may cause setbacks, this period is ideal for rethinking what or who you are dedicating yourself to. With Jupiter’s supportive aspect, there’s reason for optimism despite challenges, bringing more discernment about what needs to go, so you can focus on what’s important.

The New Moon phase begins in Viśākhā, which is about making a decision, before moving into Anurādhā, a sign of loyalty and devotion. Anurādhā, ruled by the god of friendship, Mitra, reflects commitment and steadfast dedication once a decision is made.

Yet you may struggle with what to commit to at first, as events realign to help you settle into something more stable. Be mindful not to settle into patterns that no longer serve you.

How to spot them. What they mean.

All planets periodically appear to move backwards in the sky. Retrogrades highlight turning points, where a planet’s influence becomes more complex and internalised. They invite us to slow down, revisit unfinished business, and redirect energy inward for renewal.

Whether it’s Mercury stirring up communication issues or Jupiter challenging clarity of purpose, each retrograde reveals distinctive life themes. Critical moments come when planets station—standing still before shifting direction—marking powerful times for reflection and recalibration.

Kishori joins me to discuss Kṛttikā, the lunar mansion that bridges Aries and Taurus.

Kṛttikā means ‘to cut’ and shows a critical nature. Its symbols are a knife and a blade. Its ruling deity is the god of fire. Fire can either warm or burn, and this sign can do both, while blades can be used to heal or to kill.

The Full Moon falls in Bharaṇī, a Venus-related lunar mansion. With Venus positioned opposite in Libra, there’s potential for balance amid intensity. Venus’ fiery nature fuels passion and creative expression. Bharaṇī, meaning ‘she who bears’, represents creative power and the endurance required to bring something into being. It teaches that to achieve something, we must release something else.

A Full Moon in Aries is typically bold and proactive, and with Mars strong in Scorpio, it is determined. The challenge lies with the Sun, at its exact (?) degree of debilitation (19° Libra). Authority figures or those in leadership roles may need to yield. On a personal level, this calls for awareness of how our actions affect others. If confidence wavers, channel Mars’ courage.

Full Moons signify culmination and surrender; this one encourages taking bold action, then letting go of the outcome. Use this potent energy to make something happen, while remembering that compromise invites completion.

Venus enters Libra by the beginning of November, strengthening the Sun’s weaker position and encouraging cooperation after a period of less-than-ideal relational transits. Fairness may prevail, but tension between Mercury and Mars in Scorpio continues to test peaceful negotiation.

When Mercury stations retrograde on November 9, returning to clash with Mars for a second time on November 12, communication issues may resurface, potentially escalating into further conflict. This is likely to show some disturbances in travel and technologies. In our communications, it’s likely to set something off.

Mars’ aspect to the North Node (Rahu) in Aquarius triggers revolutionary change, although Saturn’s continued conjunction with Neptune in Pisces adds to the uncertainty that has been ever-present in recent months. This has led to a feeling of being caught between two worlds: between what is (Saturn) and what could be (Neptune).  

Jupiter, exalted but retrograde in Cancer, by November 11, brings alternating waves of hope and doubt. Its retrograde at the first degree of Cancer keeps progress feeling stalled, as optimism wavers when results are not forthcoming. This may feel more like Jupiter's debilitation in Capricorn, but remind yourself that it will return here in June 2026. Whatever sense you get of what is possible now, keep the faith if these things are delayed.

Supportive links among Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune hint at cautious optimism, even if events don’t unfold as planned in November. Mercury’s retrogression into Libra by November 23 asks us to reassess the details of the negotiations before we can move forward. With Venus moving into Scorpio by November 26, their crossover between Libra and Scorpio is a warning trigger for the end of peaceful conversations, promoting tougher discussions.

November is a Mars-type month, with Mars in Scorpio as planets transit alongside, and with the New and Full Moons in Mars’ signs: The New Moon on November 5 is in Aries; the Full Moon on November 20 is in Scorpio.

Yet this may not be an obvious Mars-like impulse, as April is, for example. This is when the Sun enters Aries, when we’re generally full of energy and drive to do something new. In November, planets’ transits through Scorpio are more inward and downwards, drilling down into our depths to find the strength within, before we begin anything.

With Jupiter holding its ground opposite Pluto in Capricorn, we’re reminded to have faith in meaningful progress, even amid slow or uncertain developments.

The dark Moon on October 21 marks the darkest period in the Indian astrological year, though the literal darkest days of winter come later. In India, this time is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights.

The Sun, Moon, and Venus are all in their signs of debilitation — the Sun in Libra, the Moon in Scorpio from October 24–26, and Venus in Virgo, making this a low point. Yet there’s a blessing amid the darkness: Jupiter has just entered exaltation in Cancer, casting its uplifting influence toward the dark themes of Scorpio, as well as Saturn and Neptune in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn.

This suggests that, even in times of chaotic change (or because of them), we can better perceive the Divine. Jupiter in Cancer inspires faith, growth, and purpose born from having been lost in the world.

The New Moon falls in Citrā nakshatra, meaning brilliant, symbolised by a shining jewel. Its bright star, Spica, reminds us that stars are only visible in the dark. Likewise, our own light often reveals itself through struggle. Citrā, ruled by the celestial architect, encourages us to refine our craft, master our skills, and share our creative gifts (Libra), to sometimes put aside our own needs for others.

Though the weather ahead may appear gloomy, Mars and Mercury in Scorpio strengthen courage and determination, helping us dig deep and persevere. Remember: it’s always darkest before the dawn.

The Moon reaches fullness in Revatī, the final lunar mansion, marking a natural point of endings. This Full Moon invites peace through surrender.

Letting go is a gradual process, but when we allow things to unfold, we create space for simply being. Pisces reflects the need for withdrawing despite a Full Moon typically being a more social time of the month.

Revatī, meaning 'abundant'. It shows the end of a journey, where we have gained much. Even what we lose along the way helps us gain wisdom. Ruled by Pūṣan, a guardian and shepherd deity, Revatī supports us in moving from one life stage to the next. Something may be ending now, even if only a quiet inner shift. Honour it. Take a moment to acknowledge it and release whatever needs to be released.

Revatī points to religious faith in the truest sense. This Full Moon invites you to 'let go and let God'. What awaits is already within. The next steps will come when you're ready.

Venus enters Virgo, its sign of debilitation, on October 9. The mood dips, with more fault-finding. Mercury’s exchange with Venus softens the blow: thoughtful words can improve what feels off.

The Sun enters Libra on October 17, a yearly low, yet Jupiter’s move into exalted Cancer on October 18 brings hope. Faith grows stronger when darkness descends. Yet Jupiter’s stall at Cancer’s first degree (November 11) before retreating to Gemini on December 6 suggests suspended progress—blueprints must be redrawn before new growth can take root.

By October 24, Mercury enters Scorpio, followed by Mars on October 27. Action outweighs words, though words may cut sharply, especially as Venus weakens further, reaching exact debilitation on October 31.

This late-October brew may feel like 'double, double toil and trouble,' but meaning—and faith—outlast fleeting moods. Hold fast to what makes life truly worthwhile.

Two weeks after the Full Moon and total lunar eclipse on September 7, this partial solar eclipse (almost total) releases the built-up emotions, shifting the focus inward as the Sun and Moon align.

Though only visible in parts of the southern hemisphere, its effects ripple worldwide. The eclipsed Sun opposes Saturn, highlighting clashes between authority and the masses, with protests and social unrest likely to continue. Mars and Ketu flanking the Sun intensify the sharpness and insist we cut something out.

On a personal level, this eclipse invites us to break unhealthy patterns and begin anew. It’s a major reset point in the year. Yet, because it falls in Uttara Phālgunī—linked to commitments and agreements—negotiations with others may be an issue. Caution is necessary in all types of relationships; it is a moment to pause and reflect before making commitments you cannot follow through on.

This is also the last day of pitṛpakṣa, the fortnight for the ancestors, with this New Moon being the most important day to honour those who grant your gifts.