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.
This Full Moon is a total lunar eclipse that falls in Pūrva Bhādrapadā, with Rāhu eclipsing the Moon. The Moon represents the mind, and Rāhu brings unreality, anxiety, and distortion—though this can also bring innovation.
Eclipses shake us from ordinary perceptions, opening possibilities and insights that fuel our evolution, especially in the sign of Aquarius. Jupiter’s aspect offers some stability, but this is obscured by Rāhu, blurring the line between insight and illusion.
The days following bring loss and uncertainty as the Sun conjoins Ketu on September 10 and Mercury on September 12, clouding clarity and decision-making.
Expect intensity in the coming days, peaking with the lunar eclipse, before a gradual release as the Moon wanes. Use this two-week eclipse window (September 7–21) for reflection, emotional processing, and necessary tasks.
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 :
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.
As Mars approaches Ketu in Leo, Saturn and Neptune station retrograde in close conjunction, signalling the potential collapse of major structures and the beginning of reform. We’ve already seen some major catastrophic events that reflect this combination. There are likely more to follow as Mars and Ketu edge closer together throughout July.
Personally, this is a time of reinvention and breakthroughs. If you’re trying to hold onto the way things were, you’re ‘bucking the current’. Go with the flow with all of your might!
Saturn’s retrograde with Neptune in Pisces urges surrender, while Mars and Ketu ignite more anger and destructive impulses. Managing these intense energies is tricky. One is asking you to let go, while the other asks you to take action. These two separate impulses do not line up comfortably with one another. And yet, we must all find ways to be okay with not knowing for sure if the action we take will reap the rewards we hope for.
Yet, we must act, as attempting to sit on Mars right now will only lead to more problems. Yet still, try not to fall into the other extreme, where you end up overdoing it and causing a different set of problems. Use what Mars and Ketu are both good for; that is, getting rid of problems.
Globally, however, we’re likely to see an escalation in attacks and the beginning of major problems. We may also see more extreme seismic activity that grabs the world’s attention, adding to the many volcanoes that have already been set off.
At least we have Venus in Taurus to offer some sense of comfort while all of this is going on. Yet its conjunction with Uranus, exact on July 4, may bring disruption, especially for the U.S. birthday. Also, Venus in Taurus squares Mars in Leo, which means we are likely conflicted about anything we’re enjoying when we see so many shocking events.
Later in the month, as Mars and Ketu get closer together, building in intensity all the while, Mercury stations retrograde on July 18, urging care in communication as emotions run high.
The Sun then opposes Pluto on July 25 and adds further volatility, highlighting power struggles in governments, just as Mars and Ketu have reached their peak. Expect a major incident around this time or in the lead-up to it.
Venus moves into Gemini by July 26, while Mars' shift into Virgo by July 27 brings continued pressure to systems that are just about ready to give in. That’s because Mars in Virgo opposes Saturn conjunct Neptune in Pisces, demanding more precise action to address the crumbling system.
Total and utter reform is the only possible outcome. However, how we get there involves a longer and more winding road than we had imagined.
Kishori joins me to discuss the first lunar mansion Aśvinī, which means ‘horse’, a symbol of its swiftness and drive.
Courageous and sometimes a little impulsive, its ruling deities are the twin horsemen and physicians to the gods. Its swiftness is beneficial in sporting activities, as well as in anything that spikes adrenaline, while health and travel are my interests.