Timeline Astrology

On the New Moon, Mercury crosses from Cancer into Leo, Saturn opposes the Sun and Moon, Venus aligns with the eclipse in Virgo, and Mars in Gemini grows impatient with them all. These alignments may stir up concerns about endings. Yet this is a new beginning. However, it is an uncertain new start as Venus conjoins the southern eclipse, signalling potential economic and relationship issues, which the Sun-Saturn opposition compounds.

The New Moon falls in Pūrva Phālgunī, a creatively inclined lunar mansion. Despite the potential problems, this encourages creative solutions—perhaps more out of necessity than sheer joy.

Pūrva Phālgunī is governed by Bhaga, the god of good luck and pleasure, akin to Dionysus in Greek mythology. The sign embodies the regenerative power of sexual energy when harnessed for spiritual growth. Pure pleasure-seeking without something more meaningful is unlikely to satisfy. Yet this New Moon serves as a reminder to find joy in life's little pleasures.

This month presents challenges related to Mercury and Venus, such as business, finances, and diplomatic relations. Although Mercury is moving direct, it’s traversing the Cancer-Leo cusp again, which complicates matters, especially as it does so on the same day Venus aligns with Ketu in Virgo. This occurs on Sep 4, around which we are likely to see some significant fallout.

The trines between Jupiter in Taurus, Venus in Virgo, and Pluto in Capricorn suggest a need for significant changes, particularly in business, banking, food distribution, and healthcare systems. This may be due to outages, storms, health scares, or all the above.

​Meanwhile, Saturn’s ongoing transit through Aquarius highlights the importance of addressing humanitarian crises on an ongoing basis.

Venus will move out of debilitation and away from a square aspect with Mars in Gemini by Sep 18, before which the mood is likely to drop significantly. There may be many more Venus-related issues to address all month, including women-related challenges, health issues, and a general sense of discord.

Mercury will enter Virgo, its exalted sign, by Sep 23. If there is to be a financial or health issue, it may be dealt with more appropriately at this stage. We cannot ignore the role of the Jupiter-Saturn square which trends towards tightening measures.

By the time Mercury makes it to Virgo by the end of the month, we should see better communications develop. Although Mercury faces challenges from Mars' argumentative stance in Gemini, we can handle the issues more rationally.

We have the first of two eclipses on Sep 18, beginning with a partial lunar eclipse at the first degree of sidereal Pisces, just as Venus moves into Libra. When lunar eclipses come before a solar eclipse, something more immediate is brought to our attention that needs resolving, before we can start again after the revelations have stirred things up.

Things won’t settle down until after the annular solar eclipse on Oct 2 in Virgo conjunct Ketu. This is likely to bring something to an end. We may see Sun-type things, such as leaders, end their reigns, for example. We may lose confidence in leadership, perhaps around an economic or health issue, before the Sun then makes its way towards its sign of debilitation by mid-October and confidence is at a low point in the year.

As September concludes, the Sun meets Ketu in the middle of Virgo by exact degree, with Mercury moving towards its exaltation, but also towards Ketu. Despite the potential losses, we are more likely to be able to address the issues and cut them out.

The Full Moon is in sidereal and tropical Aquarius, conjoined a retrograde Saturn, opposite the Sun, Venus, and retrograde Mercury in Leo, all of which square Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus in Taurus. This phase brings everything to a critical juncture in the fixed signs and calls for reconciliation while urging progress.

Saturn’s retrograde suggests the need to address past issues before moving forward. This phase emphasizes accepting what is (Capricorn) to embrace future possibilities (Aquarius).

The Moon is full in Dhaniṣṭhā, a lunar mansion bridging both Capricorn and Aquarius, symbolizing abundance in all aspects of life. Dhaniṣṭhā represents all the elements and alliances we must call on to see our goals through to completion.

While this Full Moon is favourable for music, dance, and ceremony (a drum and flute are symbols of Dhaniṣṭhā), Saturn’s influence may bring a sombre tone. It’s time to bid farewell to unfulfilled potential and realise enduring truths.

The New Moon in Sidereal Cancer is a time for self-care and introspection. Mercury's slow down and turnaround the next day heighten this need for reflection.

The New Moon in Āśleṣā, meaning 'embracing' and 'clinging', suggests potential emotional manipulation for good or ill. This lunar mansion encourages us to positively influence our minds by calming their fluctuations.

The Sarpas, the serpent deities of Āśleṣā, uncover secret knowledge, and healing potential, as we examine our attachments.

Mercury slows to start its retrograde in the first week of August, opposite Saturn, which is already retrograde in Aquarius. With Mars forming a square to Mercury, we will likely feel tension from these turnarounds. We may be turning a corner but not the one we expected. It may feel like we’re moving backwards through something we’d rather leave behind.

As Venus moves through Leo opposite Saturn, we might not feel good about what we must do, or because we’re prevented from doing what we want. Mars amplifies its influence on Venus in Leo, making us feel more passionate about what we do.

With Saturn’s strong presence and aspect to planets lining up in opposition, we must consider the consequences of any of our actions. The Sun’s entry into Leo by mid-month boosts our confidence despite Saturn. Yet such confidence is hard won, earned through a lot of hard work and initial self-doubt. We must adapt to the changing landscape and keep moving forward despite the retrogrades and oppositions.

Venus then slips uncomfortably into Virgo, where we’re likely to find ourselves complaining, possibly about what others are doing - or perhaps about what they’re not doing we think they should.

Mercury’s backtracking into Cancer complicates Venus’ transit through Virgo, especially as Venus is conjoined Ketu. Before the fall, there’s one last blowout in August as Venus transits Leo. This is likely enjoyable but frustrating, especially around travel plans and everyday life. The mood is likely to then drop by the end of the month as Venus enters Virgo.  

August is far from business as usual (Mercury retrograde and Venus debilitated) and may lead to economic challenges, especially as Venus and Ketu align.

I hesitate to predict financial catastrophe, as Saturn’s strength in Aquarius may keep things stable enough. Yet we might still see significant challenges ahead. Certainly, the mood begins to drop in line with the fall of Venus.  

Have a time-out with Mercury retrograde in August if you can, and enjoy Venus in Leo as it reappears in our evening skies and puts on an entertaining show.

Guru Purnima

The Full Moon in Capricorn, reflecting the light of the Sun in Cancer, emphasizes our work-life balance. Conjunct Pluto, the Full Moon highlights the need to harmonize our inner and outer worlds, often stirring fears about uncertain changes.

This Full Moon reaches its peak in Uttarāṣāḍha, symbolized by the unstoppable force of an elephant, linked to intellectual development and the deity Gaṇeśa. It's an ideal time for necessary tasks, encouraging us to prioritize what we must do over personal indulgences.

We must stay mindful of our true goals. Uttarāṣāḍha is focused on reaching our destination, but we must be wary of mistaking shortcuts for true progress.

With Pluto's influence, reflecting on our motivations is crucial while Saturn's retrograde calls for reassessing our methods. Seeking guidance from experienced mentors is beneficial during this Guru Purnima Full Moon. This period is a time to honour those who have paved the way, reminding us to focus on where we need to be rather than where we would like to be.

The New Moon occurs when the Moon aligns with the Sun at 20 degrees of sidereal Gemini, within the Punarvasu lunar mansion. Punarvasu spans Gemini and Cancer, symbolizing the need to connect the head and heart.

Punarvasu means 'light again' and is symbolized by an arrow returning to its quiver, indicating repeating patterns and directing our thoughts to truth. Punarvasu brings clarity after the mental turbulence of the previous Ārdrā. The storm clouds separate and the light of awareness dawns.

Punarvasu’s ruling deity is Aditi, the infinite goddess and mother of all creation, embodying order, cohesion, benevolence, purity, virtue, kindness, and forgiveness. A New Moon in Punarvasu leads to a deeper truth that connects us all.

I explore the transit of Uranus through sidereal Taurus and how it may impact each sign. I discuss the global impact and the eight forms of wealth according to the Vedic tradition.

In the first two weeks of July, Mars continues to transit Aries and forms a sextile with Saturn. Although this aspect is beneficial, Saturn's influence often feels restrictive to Mars' impulsive energy. Saturn, now retrograde, demands careful consideration, prompting us to rethink impulsive actions. This may feel like revisiting long-term plans repeatedly.

On July 12, Mars enters Taurus, joining Jupiter and Uranus. This transit could disrupt supply chains and the economy, possibly due to power outages or infrastructure attacks. Natural disasters might also contribute. Expect significant disruptions, especially in mid-July when Mars exactly conjuncts Uranus, and later with Jupiter in mid-August, signalling a hopeful period after initial turmoil.
A more positive expression of this combination is the Olympics and many other major sporting events. Mars and Uranus buoyed up by Jupiter in Taurus may bring new world records and breakthroughs in other ways. It should at least show a more enjoyable time in sporting arenas, although there are also likely to be some disturbances. 

Mercury quickly moves from Cancer into Leo, preparing us for its retrograde by the beginning of August. For now, Mercury is eager to advance plans. In Cancer, Mercury is more emotional and reactive, especially when opposed by Pluto in Capricorn. This opposition requires balancing our desires for security with changes we cannot control.
By July 19, Mercury enters Leo, crossing a sensitive point it will revisit twice more because of its retrograde. This creates chaos and uncertainty in practical matters such as travel, trade, and communications.

Mars aspects Mercury in Cancer and in Leo. This square aspect can cause strong reactions to perceived threats. With Mars also conjoining Uranus and Jupiter, this may trigger more disruptions in travel and trade.

Australian Vedic astrologer Darinka Maja joins me to discuss all the many layers in synastry analysis, including our individual relationship karmas.