A total lunar eclipse in Aquarius on September 7 sets the tone for a month of upheaval and change, followed by a partial solar eclipse in Virgo on September 21, marking a major reset. In between, the Sun conjoins Ketu on September 10, amplifying rebellion and unrest.

These eclipses highlight the lunar nodes in Leo and Aquarius for the first time since entering the signs earlier this year. Expect disruptions in leadership and governance, with scandals and resignations likely to surface.

Eclipses stir imbalance, creating urgency without clear direction. Jupiter’s involvement in the lunar eclipse—locked in an exact trine with Rāhu—brings both insights and delusions, making clarity hard to find.

On September 12, Mercury joins Ketu, adding mixed messages and unexpected revelations from leaders. Stay open to unconventional solutions.

The New Moon falls in sidereal Leo and the lunar mansion Maghā. I call it 'The Mighty One'. Its symbols are a royal throne and crown, which denote power, privilege, and entitlement. It is ruled by the ancestors, who grant us whatever privilege we have.

Even when we don’t have something we think we should, we feel entitled to complain about it. When this impulse becomes exaggerated, as it will be for this New Moon and subsequent eclipses, powerful figures who misuse their positions are exposed. We could see someone lose their position because of this in the coming months.

With Ketu moving through Leo in 2025 and 2026—moving through Maghā in 2026—it strips away entitlements that are not aligned with the greater good (Rāhu in Aquarius). From another, more spiritual perspective, Ketu reminds us that nothing and no one belongs to us. We’re just passing through. Everything is eventually taken back, leaving only the unchanging witness within.

Kishori joins me to look at the second lunar mansion within the star sign (sidereal) Aries: Bharaṇī.

Bharaṇī means ‘she who bears’ and represents the power of creation, as well as the forbearance that is required in giving birth to something. The symbol is the female genitalia, and the ruling deity is the god of restraint. Something must be relinquished to achieve a goal. This is a very creative and lustful sign, but also very disciplined - a force to be reckoned with.

This Full Moon in sidereal Capricorn peaks as Mars opposes Saturn, creating tension and heightened emotions, especially around feelings of restriction or pressure. Capricorn demands patience and focus—qualities needed even more with this intense Mars-Saturn opposition.

The Moon aligns with Śravaṇa, the 'star sign of listening', symbolised by an ear and three footsteps. Śravaṇa connects us to knowledge passed down through oral tradition and encourages inward focus, although Full Moons are generally more outgoing. It’s a good time to absorb spiritual teachings, enjoy music, or take short trips—though Mercury opposite the Moon and about to station direct suggests potential delays to be mindful of.

Mercury’s shift in direction may stir confusion, particularly as it occurs in Cancer, heightening emotional and mental noise. Communication challenges are likely, so it’s best to slow down and listen before stating anything as fact.

The month begins with retrograde Mercury meeting the Sun in mid-Cancer, sparking fresh ideas. However, Mercury remains in review mode until August 11, urging caution in planning—especially as both Mercury and the Sun oppose Pluto.

After Mercury turns direct, clarity begins to return, though plans may not fully take shape until after August 25, when Mercury clears its 'shadow'.

By mid-month, the Sun enters Leo—its sign—and conjoins Ketu, creating both strength and uncertainty ahead of September’s solar eclipse in Virgo. Despite Ketu’s transit through Leo in 2025–26, no solar eclipses occur there. The next solar eclipse is a partial one in Virgo (September 2025), followed by a total eclipse in Cancer in August 2026.

The last eclipse in Leo—a lunar eclipse at the final degree on March 14 2025—was recently activated by Mars, stirring political scandals. Could this signal the downfall of Trump, or will he remain shielded by the absence of solar eclipses in Leo? Ketu, as always, both reveals and conceals.

Mars entered Virgo at the end of July and now opposes retrograde Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. These slow-moving planets hold their degree into 2026, sustaining a mood of disillusionment. Mars’ opposition in August and September heightens frustration, as practical tasks feel overwhelming against a backdrop of ongoing collapse.

The exact Mars-Saturn opposition on August 9 is also a Full Moon in Saturn's sign, Capricorn, a day to be cautious—better to raise a white flag than escalate tensions.

Venus and Jupiter conjoin in Gemini on August 11, just after the Full Moon, increasing the potential to overindulge because of the emotional intensity. Venus enters Cancer on August 20 and opposes Pluto, peaking on August 27. This draws us toward emotional security, possibly through home life or on holiday, even as global unrest remains impossible to ignore.

Overall, August is a tense month, where overindulgence is an understandable and likely result. Hidden pressures from Mars and Ketu give way to more visible conflicts, with Neptune blurring the picture, making it harder to define or reach the end goal.

Some astrologers argue against using intuition when reading charts, but astrology is both a science and an art. In this podcast, I explain why intuition is essential—because you're using it anyway—but emphasise the need to support it with solid knowledge. Without that foundation, you risk falling into misunderstanding or personal bias.

The New Moon in Cancer, occurring during Mercury retrograde, emphasises the importance of self-care and reflection on what truly nourishes you. This lunar month invites you to focus on creating emotional safety and tending to your inner needs.

The New Moon falls in Puṣya, meaning 'flowering' (pushyati), a gentle and supportive lunar mansion ruled by Brihaspati (Jupiter), the divine teacher. Coming just after Guru Pūrṇimā, this lunation extends themes of guidance and wisdom, encouraging you to start anew under their light.

With Mercury retrograde, it’s time to reassess your attachments and mental fixations. The next mansion, Āśleṣā—the coiled serpent—warns of unhealthy entanglements. Ask yourself: Where is my attention going? Are these bonds nourishing or draining me?

This is a chance to release what no longer serves you. Simplify, let go, and nurture what matters most.

What it means. What to do about it.

Practical measures for :

• Sun in Libra
• Moon in Scorpio
• Mars in Cancer
• Mercury in Pisces
• Jupiter in Capricorn
• Venus in Virgo
• Saturn in Aries

Remedial measures are an important part of having a Vedic astrology reading; however, many people approach them with a sense of blame that sets them up to fail from the get-go.

In this podcast, I discuss the ways we fail in our remedies and how we might best remedy the situation.

This Full Moon in Sagittarius coincides with Guru Pūrṇimā, a traditional time in India to honour teachers and spiritual guides. Jupiter, the guru, is opposite the Moon in Gemini, stirring mental activity, while the Moon seeks wisdom and stillness in Sagittarius. Saturn, watching from Pisces, reminds us to approach this Full Moon with focus and reverence.

The Moon shines bright in the lunar mansion Pūrvāṣāḍhā, meaning ‘the former invincible one’, ruled by Apas, the goddess of water. This suggests a need for emotional purification and renewal, bringing a wave of optimism and joy. All three 'benefics', Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury, are lined up opposite (adhi yoga).

Pūrvāṣāḍhā is associated with bold declarations and standing up for one’s beliefs. This Full Moon amplifies conviction, making us more inclined to fight for what we believe is right. One of its symbols is an elephant’s tusk, symbolising strength and perseverance, also linking to Gaṇeśa, the remover of obstacles. Despite Jupiter’s distraction in Gemini, Gaṇeśa helps us cut through mental clutter and find clarity.

Another symbol of this mansion is a fan, reminding us to cool our passions and remain calm. In the heat of religious passions (Sagittarius), we can lose perspective—but this Full Moon also offers a chance to see the truth and honour those who help reveal it.