Engaged Astrology

One of the most powerful images I know is of a group of “primitive” people, sitting at the entrance of the cave in which they live, staring at the night sky. The simplicity and directness of their connection to “It” — “The Universe”, “The Source”, “The Divine”, “Consciousness”, etc. — stands in stark contrast to our overtly mediated, insanely complicated experience of the spirit-that-is-everywhere. (Interestingly, I could not really find this image on Google Images. Where did I see it? It’s as though it only exists in my subconscious. I am curious whether readers also “know” this image…)

Ancient, prehistorical astrology has been on my mind as I’ve been pondering projects around social media (!). In a world of incessant messaging, and metastasizing media, how could we possibly find our way back to the kind of direct knowledge at the heart of astrology and, more broadly, spirituality?

It occurred to me that the ancient astrologers, by recording astrological phenomena on the walls of their caves, were in fact also creating the first social media posts. And the first subject was the stars.

This gave birth to The Modern Cave-Wall Experiment, in which we re-create astrological phenomena, this time in our garage, and film them (vertically) for social media. The concept is that by reproducing these events physically, using our modern technology, we can get in touch with their meanings, timings and effects more directly, as well as share them with others. I don’t want to speak for them, but I believe the Paleolithic cave-artists may have had similar motivations.

The challenge of how to actually reproduce constellations proved to be much trickier than I thought it would be. I am going to make a video about this, but basically, after some trial and error, I found fine fiber optic filament on eBay, and started making stars, one by one.

The original idea was to explain the Precession of the Equinoxes, which is the crux of the difference between Western and Vedic Astrology. To do this, I had to build the constellations of Aries and Pisces (I will definitely do this idea as well, and will explain it fully when I do). But by the time we had finally figured out how to make stars and constellations that actually looked good on camera, and had built the first constellation of Aries, I realized that the Sun was actually becoming exalted in Aries in real life. It felt like a clear message: the Sun, as it does at the beginning of every day, was telling me that this project had begun.

The result of this is the video above, which, though I am calling it Episode 1, is more like a preamble or preface to what I hope will be a longer project. This also represents me combining (for the first time) my work as a filmmaker (which I have done for over 25 years!) and my work as an astrologer. Thanks to my son, Sam, for his help doing this (as well as for the Leo/Sun energy he brought along)!

The implications of Sun in Aries — which I like to think of as a field of racers bursting off a starting line — are strongly with us at this time, as I am sure they are for everyone. And this is what I’d like to focus on in this newsletter.

The Sun remains exalted in Aries until May 14th. But before he leaves — on May 11th — Mars enters Aries as well, and stays there until June 20th. Aries is Mars’ “Mūlatrikoṇa” sign. I’ll explain this in a moment but suffice it to say that, though the vibes of Exalted Sun and Mūlatrikoṇa Mars are different, the net result is that the sign of Aries remains on fire for the next month or so. This means different things for different people, and I have written some sign-by-sign thoughts on Aries below as well.

As I mention in the video above, Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, is all about beginnings, intentions, courage, vision, creativity and establishing direction. Sun is exalted here because he is a source of power for all these things as well, and in Aries can give them full expression. That’s why during this exaltation transit, it’s a great moment to make decisions, plans, and starts; to make things. Healing is also strongly supported during this time as well, as Sun is connected to the Ashwini Kumaras, the celestial physicians, who are usually represented as horses towing the Sun (Surya) who is riding in a chariot. Indeed, Sun in Aries GALLOPS. Galloping is a great image for the energy involved in this transit: loud, fast and filled with purpose. You do not want to get in its way

It is worth mentioning that Sun is not always a benefic planet. Anyone who has tried to go outside at midday during a heat wave knows that the Sun can also punish. Aries is also a heavily armed sign (in his symbol he carries weapons in both hands). So the exalted Sun energy also can carry more than a trace of threat, or violence. And because we’re dealing with galloping, this can come up very quickly. (At the time of the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, Sun was at its exact exaltation degree, in the 7th house of murder!). The violence factor becomes stronger when Mars enters the picture.

Mars in Aries is that planet’s “Mūlatrikoṇa” position. This is a notch under exaltation, but still extremely strong. (Mars is actually exalted in Capricorn — the graveyard of the zodiac — where he can see the fruits of his violent ways.) My teacher describes a Mūlatrikoṇa sign as the “office” of that particular planet (they all have one): the place where that planet can “conduct its business” best. It is a more controllable, less explosive energy than exaltation because people tend to leave the office at the end of the day, and there is, in general, a sense of organization and an emphasis on productivity. This is the place where the planet can be most productive. For Mars, this is about muscle (Mars rules muscle), organization, industry, fire and power. A great image for this Mūlatrikoṇa Mars is of a factory coming to life and starting to crank out whatever it’s meant to crank out.

During most of May (until the 28th), Mars will be in Ashwini Nakshatra. Nakshatras are a collection of 27 small constellations that are extremely important in Vedic Astrology. Ashwini is the first Nakshatra of the zodiac and is ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras — the celestial physicians mentioned above in relation to the Sun. So the theme of healing is again invoked here and Mars can activate, or even force, healing to happen.

Ashwini contains a kind duality as well, and is often associated with a choice of some kind — a fork in the road. If there is something you have been ambivalent about, or have procrastinated, Mars in Ashwini could (again) force you to make a choice. The implication here is that not only will the decision you make be the correct one, it will also kick off with a lot of energy and momentum.

Mars and Sun are actually only in Aries together from May 11th to the 14th. So that week will be especially charged and could be a pivot point for many. This is also an extremely auspicious time frame to start something — if we make a chart for something that happens during this time it will have Mūlatrikoṇa Mars and Exalted Sun. Unstoppable!

Mūlatrikoṇa Mars has a lot in common with Surya (Sun). Though it might not be as visionary, it is definitely capable of hard work. This transit really is an “engine” for getting things accomplished. Engines are powered by fire like all the characters here: Aries, Mars and Sun. So this is an extremely determined energy, with a lot of horsepower.

In addition to DOING things, both Sun and Mars in Aries can also help us understand things. Fire connects with SIGHT because fire also creates light, which is necessary for vision. So this fiery transit will help us SEE things deeply and in great depth. We may, during this time, come to understand people or situations, or even just subjects, in a much deeper way. Breakthroughs are more than possible — they are called for.

Especially while Mars is in Ashwini Nakshatra (this month), this understanding could well have to do with health or healing.

But as mentioned with Sun, the caveat here has to do with violence, and in Mars’ case conflict. As with Sun, Mars in Aries is a warlike placement. Geopolitically, peace will be hard to achieve during this transit. And in personal situations, if you feel anger, resentment, or aversion, please try to nip it in the bud, as it could potentially explode into something quite dangerous during both these transits. Backing out of the most aggressive possible course of action might not be so easy once it has started.

Both Sun and Mars bring fire, and while transiting the already fiery sign of Aries, the “AGNI” (fire) in that part of the zodiac is undeniable, and available to use. How and what it is best used for, depends a lot on the orientation of your horoscope. Below are sign-by-sign readings that aim to help with this.

With regard to the below, if you know your Vedic ascendant, I would suggest focusing on that sign. If not, focus on the sign where your Vedic Moon is. If you don’t know that, then I am also including Vedic “Sun Signs” by date. These are not, strictly speaking, part of traditional Vedic Astro, but, especially because we are talking about the Sun and fire in general, there could be some valuable information here. Please note — these will not really work if you use your Western Astrology placements.

Aries (Apr 14 – May 14)

Aries, Sun and Mars are in your first house, which represents your body, and makes this a wonderful time to start a new healing or fitness regimen. You will see the need clearly, and act upon it. You should have a lot of energy and stamina this month — take advantage of it as you will be able to get a huge amount done. Health-wise, be careful of overheating or dehydrating. Similarly, be careful of your temper (this transit literally means you might be “hot headed”). It’s important not to “waste” the fire that is accessible to you this month — and if you use it wisely you should be able to up-level your “name and fame”, ie your image and status in the world. You will likely be very busy this month.

Taurus (May 15 – Jun 14)

Fiery Aries is in your 12th house and though Sun and Mars are by no means exclusively spiritual planets, the 12th house will bring this out in them. Meditation, prayer, and spiritual philosophy should be extremely available to you over the course of the month and you will clearly “see” their importance and value — particularly with regard to relationships. You may need to either recommit or reconstruct some key relationship in your life. It’s also a great time for travel, especially for work or if some kind of a more spiritual “pilgrimage”. If there is a trip or adventure you have procrastinated, this is the time. If not, this is a great month for walking or hiking — local travel, but still travel. The 12th house also rules expenses, and being all lit up this month, it could create more of those. But the positive transits in this house suggest that any money you do spend will be protected, and go to good use. It will not be wasted.

Gemini (Jun 15 – Jul 15)

Sun and Mars in Aries are in your 11th house of gains. If there is some kind of investment or financial move that you have been thinking about, but have not yet done, it will be highly supported to do it this month. Similarly, any investments you already hold should do well, especially real estate. You may, more clearly than usual, see any inner struggles or issues you may have, and this is an auspicious moment to start therapy or any kind of mentally oriented self-help. Counter-intuitively, it’s also a good time to expand or experiment with your friend group or social circles — though please be careful of misunderstandings or trigger points among friends (or siblings). This energy is better spent building relationships than messing them up.

Cancer (Jul 16 – Aug 16)

Sun and Mars in Aries are in your 10th house of career-making and this an amazing time to work on expanding or augmenting your work-life. If there is some work-related move you have been putting off, now is the time, and you will “see”, more clearly than usual, what your goals are and how to proceed. This is a great, highly protected moment to start a business or any new venture. Though this fiery Aries can be extremely productive for you, it’s also possible that there could be push-back or conflict around your work, particularly with authority figures. Don’t waste the ambitious, momentum building energy you have by wasting it on negativity. These transits could cause you to be extremely busy. On one hand, keep in mind that this is temporary, and a good time to “Just do it”. But on the other hand, you could also over do it and lose a sense of your work-life balance. Be careful of burning the candle at both ends, and your knees in particular.

Leo (Aug 17 – Sep 16)

Sun and Mars transit Aries which is your 9th house of “dharma”. This transit should help you re-align with the deeper “purpose” of your life, and make choices around it. Whether it’s modifying something to do with your work-life, going back to school, or signing up for a yoga or meditation class, you will be motivated to “do you” in a more direct, holistic sense. This is actually a great blessing and should be taken advantage of — times where the Universe offers to help you do these things are few and far between. The 9th house does hold definite opinions, and Sun and Mars have a lot of opinions as well — be careful of clinging too forcefully to the things you believe as this could cause conflict or “a battle of wills”. Instead transmute this fiery energy into spiritual practice. The 9th house is a very spiritual place — it rules “the temple” — and Sun and Mars can provide a lot of spiritual ardor, or even just wisdom, at this time. The 9th house is particularly concerned with traditional, i.e. very old, wisdom traditions, so exposing yourself, or studying, these things could offer a lot of support.

Virgo (Sep 17 – Oct 16)

Sun and Mars are transiting your 8th house, of transformation. This month could be a turning point of some kind. Either you are finally able to let go of something that has been haunting you or holding you back; or you will become AWARE of something that you need to know, but for some reason has been eluding you — and a healing process can begin. The 8th house contains things that might be difficult for us to see or keep in mind, but with so much LIGHT and FIRE there, we will notice them. It’s like shining a flashlight into a dark, murky place that might not have seen the light of day for a long time — you never know what you might find there. It might be something extremely valuable, or it might be something difficult or stuck. (Often, the 8th house has to do with relationships.) Whatever it is, you might need to draw on your reservoirs of equanimity, or spirituality — your own inner-light — to handle the changes that might be afoot. Luckily, these things are supported by this transit, and should help you not react with anger or aversion (which could be dangerous at this time). Similarly this is a great time to take on some kind of new healing modality, whether it is to do with diet, exercise, or mental health. It’s fine if whatever this is is more “alternative” or off the beaten path. This is very much a month for breaking out of norms and limitations.

Libra (Oct 17 – Nov 15)

Sun and Mars are transiting your 7th house of relationships. It’s as though romantic relationships, or business partnerships, or even just friendships, are being put under a bright surgical light, and examined with a microscope. The alchemical power of all this fire here can give you the ability to heal or improve these relationships — as long as you don’t succumb to the more combustible implications of this transit, and let them devolve into conflict. You might be surprised by people’s hot-headed reactions to you, their aggression or passive aggression. Practice patience! Remember to listen more and talk less, and that you likely hold a lot of power at this time — perhaps more than you realize. If you are single, this could be a great time to be more assertive and take initiative in meeting someone. Similarly, in business, this is a great time to undertake some new marketing endeavor, or initiate new partnerships that could be very positive for you financially. Though it will likely manifest in the arena of relationships, know that you are also changing a lot during this transit, and if you are careful, you will emerge wiser, healthier, and more at peace.

Scorpio (Nov 16 – Dec 15)

Aries is your 6th house which relates directly to healing. You may make a decision around your health-journey and begin some kind of new therapy or exercise regimen — doing so at this time will be auspicious and the likelihood of it succeeding, and you sticking with it, are high. Work might become busier or more demanding, possibly more competitive. Be mindful to avoid conflicts with coworkers or collaborators, which could manifest during this time — it might be helpful to contextualize these things as a kind of illness: negative energies that could damage your health. If you have a pet or pets they might take on an increased importance, and relationships with animals are very supported during this time. Though it is sometimes a difficult house, the 6th house also is an “upachaya” house which means that it improves. So, with all this fire here, the implication is that there could be some challenges, but you will overcome them, and come out of this transit in a better place, particularly in relation to health and work.

Sagittarius (Dec 16 – Jan 13)

Sun and Mars are transiting your 5th house which, people-wise, is connected to children, or students, or anyone who depends on you. These relationships will be under a bright light this month. There could be things that need fixing or adjusting, or you could experience an unusual amount of feedback that you have to deal with. Please try to keep the peace as this will be most beneficial in the long-term. Because this is the 5th house there might also be spiritual tests involved here, and you will be empowered to pass them with flying colors, if you choose to. Prayers, mantras, rituals or other spiritual disciplines will all work particularly well this month, and their effects might also last a lot longer. Creativity is very supported for you this month, as is learning. Perhaps there is a project, or class, that you have been thinking of doing for some time, but for some reason, have not. This is a great time to start. Especially with regard to education, it’s important to see these as investments in yourself. Investments in general are supported this month, and finances could benefit.

Capricorn (Jan 14 – Feb 12)

Sun and Mars are transiting your 4th house of heart and home. On a practical level this is a great transit for real estate, home improvement or any project that concerns the place where you live. The implication is that if you embark on this kind of project, it must succeed. Business decisions should also be profitable. On a more intimate level, though, if there are issues under your roof that concern family dynamics, these could become more charged and demanding of your attention. Because the 4th house rules your heart, you could feel these issues very strongly, and very deeply. Please try not to react, practice patience, and transmute all the fire energy into healing, or practical projects and actions. You might have an impulse to run away or hide. Don’t! The transits are asking you to deal with these very deep tensions, and you are definitely able to do so. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, so especially after May 11th, you are actually extremely powerful. Use it wisely!

Aquarius (Feb 13 – Mar 13)

Sun and Mars are transiting your 3rd house which can itself be very fiery. This could be a very busy time for you in your work on top of a variety of tasks and responsibilities, and that could be overwhelming. Remember to take your foot off the gas and give yourself some space to recuperate. Doing things with your hands, such as writing, cooking, or other creative endeavors, are a great way to de-stress, and channel energy, during this time. Stress could lead to aggravation or anger — please practice Nonviolent Communication! Although you will have a lot of energy at this time, it’s important not to “give it away” to negative things so it can be conserved and used towards new or creative projects which are extremely supported at this time. You will have a lot of great ideas and these should positively support your work and career if you implement them during these transits. If you are in a relationship, it might be a good time to get away for short trips, or do projects together. You cannot avoid the busy tone of this month, and, although it won’t last for ever, being busy together might be your best bet for intimacy at this time.

Pisces (Mar 14 – Apr 13)

Sun and Mars are in your 2nd house of money, communication and intimate support systems this month. With the fire of Exalted Sun and Mūlatrikoṇa Mars here manifesting money or profitability should be very supported — you should see your bank balance rise! In terms of speech/communication, you should be very articulate, confident and effective this month, though you could also be more forceful than you think you are, which could cause problems. Please try to be conscious of how your words might land on others, particularly close family or friends. Listen more, talk less! Even if you know what you have to say is “right”, there could be a better way to express it than your first instinct! Similarly, you could find yourself craving certain food items and having trouble controlling your intake. Be careful of “bad food items”, as they say in India, or emotional eating. Instead, this will be a great time to implement some kind of healing diet or food regimen that you may have put off for a while.

Thanks so much for reading — I hope this has been of use to you. If you wish, please consider supporting the work I do.

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May the Fire light your way!

Sending love,

Jesse