New Moon in Leo - 30th July 2011

The month of July began with a new moon; and now, as we close out the month, we herald a second July new moon. On July 1st, we had the New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Cancer which also happened to the third consecutive eclipse, having had two eclipses in June; now, on July 30th, we have the New Moon in Leo. New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Leo qualities (willful, charismatic, courageous, prideful, confident) and 5th house themes (love, pleasure, creative projects, children).

Leo is natively ruled by the Sun, the largest body in our solar system and the object that other celestial bodies orbit around. It's only appropriate that Leo loves attention :) This Leo-New Moon phase is an ideal period to initiate, create, renew. Express your true and whole self.

The Leo-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) square Jupiter (expansion) and sextile Saturn (restriction). Once again the new moon links to Saturn.

Saturn is Mr. Reality. With our renewals (new moons), he's been injecting his sobering influence on us.

His job to teach us and help us become improved versions of our selves by encouraging us (for those willing to learn) or forcing us (for those unwilling to learn) to meet and rise above the challenges we face.

This Leo-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) links up to both Jupiter (expansion) and Saturn (restriction). Jupiter represents growth, expansion, opportunities, hope, luck, and blessings. Even a little effort (Saturn) with the intent to change/renew (new moon) can have big results (Jupiter).

Hopefully, we'll be brave (Leo) and optimistic (Jupiter) enough to arm ourselves with our reality (Saturn) and start something/start over (new moon phase).

Those born within 3 days of April 27 or July 30 may feel the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

The Sun is Your Self and The Moon is Your Mind

Astrologically, the Sun is soul, the 'atma', the centre of self. The Moon is the mind, the 'manas' by which we connect to the world and to each other.

The Sun and Moon are luminaries. The Sun is the source of light and the Moon reflects the light of the Sun. The mind reflects the self. It is it's magnetic power that draws the light.

The Phases of the Moon

Moon has two phases the waxing phase and the waning phase. Each of these phases are 15 days in duration. Each Moon Phase carries a specific energy.

2 Important Moons: New Moon and Full Moon:

New Moon- 15th Waning

This is the last Moon, or 15th Moon in the waning cycle when the Moon is showing no reflective light. It is the Dark Moon, or New Moon in Astrology. New Moons are times for introspection and spiritual matters. Durga, Karuppa Swamy and Hanuman are all at their peak power in this phase to do battle against darkness and to bring in the light. It is recommended to honor the New Moon time by seeking the help of these energies to assist you with this ongoing battle of light and dark- positive and negative. It is the time to delve deep into the spiritual.

Full Moon- 15th Waxing

This is the last Moon, or 15th Moon in the waxing cycle when the Moon shows full reflection of the Sun. The Full Moon is an ideal time to create and manifest the material. Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are at their peak power during the Full Moon phase to accelerate creation and manifestation.Goddess Lakshmi grants the power to manifest wealth and create joy.Goddess Saraswati gives the power of knowledge and love of music and dance.Goddess Parvati fulfills wordly desires and gives peace.

Other Moon Phases to Note

The Most Energetically Beneficial Times for Specific Intentions

4th Waning Moons, connect with Lord Ganesha and your obstacles can be lessened or removed

8th Waning Moons, connect to Kala Bhairava to get control of your time management

11th Waning Moons, connect to Lord Vishnu for material and spiritual progress

13th Moons, connect to Lord Shiva and Nandi to Bust Your Karma

14th Moons, connect to Lord Shiva for higher consciousness

New Moon is the name given to the phase when the Moon is in between the Earth and the Sun, receiving the Sun's full light. From Earth we only see the dark as the illuminated side is towards the Sun. The Sun and Moon are said to be in 'conjunction'.

It is said that the Sun God and the Moon Goddess work aggressively together these days to destroy evil. No evil is tolerated. New Moons are times for introspection and spiritual matters. It is also a good time to begin new assignments and start medical treatments.

Full Moon is the name given when the Moon is opposite to the Sun, or rather when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. The Moon receives the Sun's full light only this time from the vantage point of Earth, the Moon appears in full glory.

It is said that the Sun God and the Moon Goddess are cooled down by the shower of the Full Moon rays which are the reflected Sun rays and in turn shower their blessings on Earth in the form of prosperity and joy. The Full Moon is an ideal time to create and manifest the material.

Elements In Astrology And Their Relation With Sun Signs

Elements in astrology are the basic entities that are primarily used for interpreting the character of a person. There are four elements and these are denoted as fire, air, water, and earth. In simple terms, each element represents a particular stream of personality and character. Each of these elements encompasses three different sun signs, based on the characteristics of people on each of these elements. The name of the elements is indicative of the character traits of people belonging to each group. In conventional astrology, a person is assigned a particular element based on his or her date of birth. Modern astrological thinking considers this too simplistic. It has been often said nowadays that all the four elements are present in a person in varying degrees.

Fire: There Is Fire In The Belly

The element fire is associated with the sun signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. People who come under this category are born go-getters and utterly dominant. When they see success, they waltz past others to grab it by the horns. They are very efficient and they know that too. Their confidence stems from the urge to be the center of all activities surrounding them. They can be surely called the leaders of men. One problem they cause is that they can be so self-centered and opaque to the sensitivities of others that people surrounding them may feel the heat. They are not the ones to be succumbed to emotions. They are mostly compatible with those with the air element.

Air: There Are Ideas In The Air

The element air is associated with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. People who belong to this element are generally creative and communicative. While they are not as assertive and dominant as those with the fire element, they can be extremely spontaneous and flexible. Usually they are outgoing people who can be comfortable with almost all types of personalities. They normally are a steady source of words, especially when they are talking. They can be very objective, even to the degree of being impractical. Also, they generally show scant respect for emotions.

Water: Hot And Cold

The element water is associated with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. They are creative and intuitive. Also, these people are introvert and highly emotional. They are sensitive to the feelings of others and are easily moved by the emotions. They can be excellent artists who often find a way to communicate the inner demons and feelings through art. On the other hand, they can be extremely moody. If things go wrong, it is solitude that they embrace. They are most compatible with people belonging to the element earth and least with those in fire.

Earth: Immovable Objects

The element earth is associated with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. People who come under this category are hard workers and traditionalists. They have incredible focus and concentration for doing something. If your life depends on something, then people in this category are most likely to do the job for you. But they do something only if they are convinced of the need to do it. Unlike the people under the fire and the air elements, they are not entirely comfortable hogging the limelight.

Houses In Astrology

There are twelve houses in astrology. The Babylonians were the first to make this configuration. The modern astrologers still use the same configuration. Every house has been given a specific number, counting from one to twelve, based on their position from the east downward under the horizon. Each house indicates a specific area of life on a set pattern. It also describes the influence of the different patterns on a person's life. The houses have been given traditional Latin names. Here is brief rundown on them along with the areas of life that they influence.

Aries
It is the first house. It is the House of Self. It influences the following areas of life.
• Characteristics, traits, and Physical appearance of the person
• Beginnings and initiatives
• Ego
• General outlook of the world, and
• First impressions
Taurus
The second house is referred to as Taurus. It is the House of Value.
• Self-Worth
• Substance
• Cultivation and growth
• Acquisitions, property, and belongings
• Money
• Material and immaterial things of specific value
Gemini
The name of the third house is Gemini. It is the House of Communications.
• Local travel and transportations
• Neighborhood matters
• Siblings
• Mental facilities
• Childhood environment and education
Cancer
The fourth house has been named as Cancer. It is the House of Home and Family.
• Cyclic end of matters
• The caretaker of the household
• Mother or mother figure
• Early foundation and environment
• Roots, heritage, and ancestry
Leo
It is the fifth house. It is the House of Pleasure.
• Creative self-expression
• Sex and love affairs
• Children
• Games and gambling
• Things of entertainment
• Recreational and leisure activities
Virgo
The sixth house is referred to as Virgo. It is the House of Health.
• Small domestic animals and pets
• Caretaking
• Service performed for others
• Overall well-being and health condition
• Employments and jobs
• Training or skills acquired
• Routine tasks and duties
Libra
The name of the seventh house is Libra. It is the House of Partnerships.
• Matters dealing with different diplomatic relations
• Agreements and treaties
• Business partners
• Marriage
• Other close relationships
Scorpio
The eighth house has been named as Scorpio. It is the House of Death and Sex.
• Self-transformation
• Regeneration
• Taboo, psychic, and occult matters
• Finances and joint funds
• Sexual relationships
• Cycles of deaths and rebirth
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is the ninth house in Astrology. It is the House of Philosophy.
• Knowledge
• Higher education
• Law and ethics
• Religion
• Long travel and transportations
• Culture
• Foreign travel
Capricorn
The tenth house is referred to as Capricorn. It is the House of Social Status.
• The public appearance of the person
• Authority
• The breadwinner of the household
• Government
• Status in society
• Career
• Motivations
• Ambitions
Aquarius
The name of the eleventh house is Aquarius. It is the House of Friendships.
• Hopes and wishes
• Benefits from career
• Higher associations
• Societies, clubs, and groups
• Friends of like-minded attitudes
Pisces
Pisces is the twelfth and last house in astrology. It is the House of Self-Undoing and Mysticism. This house of astrology is indicative of the following.
• Unknown enemies
• Self-sacrifice, reflection, and retreat
• Secretive, clandestine, and elusive matters
• Places of seclusion, including self-imposed imprisonments, prisons, hospitals, and others.

Astrological Effects of Complete Lunar Eclipse – 15 June’2011

An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at a Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow. The closer the Moon is to the center of the shadow, the more total the eclipse. A lunar eclipse is visible wherever the Moon is above the horizon.

If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon would be completely black during a total eclipse. Instead, the Moon can take on a range of colors from dark brown and red to bright orange and yellow. The exact appearance depends on how much dust and clouds are present in Earth's atmosphere.

The lunar eclipse on June 15 is a total eclipse, which is visible from the eastern half of Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and western Australia.

 

A lunar eclipse is a time of beginnings, endings, exposure and major changes. It always has something to do with "relationships". The changes are tied to how we relate and will have a lasting impression. Emotions run high, causing upsets and feelings of disorientation. Actions taken often do not have the expected results, but they do bring awareness and enlightenment. The energy of an eclipse is at its strongest during the two days before and three days after its occurrence.

At lunar eclipses we: merge, unite, announce, contact, present ourselves, bring something out into the open, make decisions, engage, rise to the challenge, make an effort, change, get a new perspective, join with others, take on greater challenges, travel at a faster pace, feel restless, feel pressured by deadlines and a buildup of emotions, and experience excitement and crisis.

During a Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are in opposition, also called the Full Phase, indicating the linking of soul to spirit and awareness of purpose gained through relationship with another. A lunar eclipse is a supercharged Full Moon. The blocking of the Moon's reflection of the Sun's light by the Earth suggests that our material viewpoint stands in the way of our "seeing the light". It serves as a reminder that we need to realize how we are held in the dark by virtue of our perspective.

The Sun is in Gemini and the Moon is in Sagittarius during the total lunar eclipse on June 15.

The eclipse does not have to fall in your sign for you to feel its effects. However, if your birthday is around Jan 14 or 29, Feb 13, Mar 15, Apr 14 or 29, May 15, Jun 15, Jul 17, Aug 1 or 17, Sep 17, Oct 17, Nov 2 or 16, Dec 16, you will definitely have an emotional response. If it makes any contacts to a planet or personal point in your chart, your experience of the eclipse will be heightened. Consult with an astrologer for a personalized discussion of the energies activated in your chart.

 Eclipse duration will be 3hr39mint. The starting time of eclipse is 23:52 IST and completion time will be 03:33 of 16 June’2011. It is going to take place in Jyestha –MoolaNakshtra, Scorpio – Sagittarius sign. Eclipse gives it’s benevolent or malefic results to people born in different moon signs for next 30 days. The below predictions are based on Moon Signs

Aries

It will affect your family and health. Try to keep patience and do not indulge in any debatable issues.

Taurus

You should be careful at your work place and while dealing with monetary matters. Your expenses will increase which will be reason of mental stress.

Gemini

The lord of your sign Mercury is combust at the time of eclipse so you must be attentive at the time in matters related to communication. Your words can hurt others and it will fetch emotional stress.

Cancer

You are emotional and sensitive person just like pearl who always need protection of shell. This eclipse is beneficial for you. You will get monetary gains or favourable work at work place.

Leo

You will neither feel good nor bad results of it. You should only be careful in relationships

Virgo

Your relationship responsibilities will bother you. You need to do expenses on education and medical issues.

Libra

Your wish to travel abroad or long journey is indicated. Don’t get excited on any matter, your Blood Pressure and insomnia can increase.

Scorpio

You will get mixed result of eclipse. You will get some directions for financial matters but house hold issues will remain same.

Sagittarius

You must pay attention to your health. Digestion and liver related problems may rise. Keep empathy for others but do not show sympathy.

Capricorn

Sudden enemies and expenses will bother you. Do not expect favour from friends. Be confident and face the situation.

Aquarius

Pending work will soon get accomplished. There will be positive change in your vision and persona. Transformation period is always negative, so be affirmative.

Pisces

You will spend time with siblings and enjoy parties. Do not neglect work and delay your plans for changing of job.

Difference Between Sun Signs And Moon Signs

You may be familiar with your 'Sun Sign', but what is a 'Moon Sign'? The Moon is said to rule your personality, while the Sun rules your individuality, while the Ascendant Sun dictates our outer appearance and mannerisms.

Your Moon Sign is determined by the date of your birth.
A majority of people think about sun signs when they hear the term -zodiac sign. But not all people know that both of these are not one and the same. Sun sign of a person is the particular zodiac sign corresponding to the position of the sun on the date of birth of that person.

There are over 40 zodiac signs; but there are only 12 sun signs. On the other hand, moon sign of a person corresponds to the zodiac sign related to the position of the moon at the time of birth of the person. This definition is based on the principles of Western astrology. But the principles of some other forms of astrology, for example, the Indian system of astrology, depend on the position of moon as well as that of planets on the exact second a person is born, for predicting the future of the person.

In the Western system of astrology, the same set of Zodiac symbols is used for representing both sun signs and moon signs.

We have 12 sun signs, under which people who were born on a 30-day period are put together. These signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sun sign has a particular, pre-defined set of personal traits and character.

A majority of the character traits those are associated with sun signs, deal with ego, creativity, and romantic and sexual preferences. As a result, the astrology of sun signs became extremely popular with people, especially those looking for relationship compatibility.

Moon signs have the same set of zodiac signs. A person may have the sun sign of Libra and the moon sign of Aquarius. Moon sign specifies the position of the moon with respect to the position of the earth at the time of birth of a person.

The main difference here is that unlike the sun signs, which correspond to position of the sun on the date of birth, moon signs are determined based on the exact time of birth. As a result, one cannot calculate the moon sign easily. You need to consult a qualified astrologer or an astrology software package for finding out the moon sign.

There is a specific set of pre-defined character sets and behavioral aspects for each moon sign also. It is common that people may find a particular set of moon sign predictions matching their general character and personality more than what is predicted using sun signs.

Wealth Blessings During Venus Transit Through Taurus Starting June 4th

This period of 2011 continues to be a very favorable time to attract wealth. The upcoming brief transit of Venus through Taurus amplifies this astrological trend.

Venus will enter its own sign of Taurus on June 4th, 2011 and will stay only until June 29th.

Taurus is the 2nd sign to the natural zodiac. The 2nd sign governs sophistication, wealth, acquisition of wealth, and family. The planet Venus governs harmony, romance, bliss, ultimate pleasure luxury, revelry, all precious metals abundance of wealth. Venus entering his own house make him extra strong and authoritative, governing with an unshakable hand that wealth with be the ruling order.

Ketu is Significator of the "4 Ways of Wealth", so this limited time is the time to create or build your wealth.

1) Wealth through knowledge

2) Wealth through inheritance

3) Wealth through artistic skills

4) Wealth through unexpected and unearned means

Ketu is a planet that represents Saints and Saddhus. The blessings of Saints and Saddhus are the keys for fortune and manifestation that have the capacity to change your destiny. The association of Ketu with Saints and Venus with Goddess Lakshmi, will give the potent blessing to grant abundance.

What is Pradosham?

Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life.

The 3 Levels of Pradosham

Each energy level indicates how much karma may be released at that time. All levels are designed to help speed our evolution and make our lives easier and happier.

First Level: All Pradoshams occur between 1-1/2 hours before and right up until the moment of sunset in the time zone where you are physically.

The Middle Level: These Pradoshams occur twice each month - on the 13th moon day after the New Moon and after the Full Moon.

The Supreme Level: Sani Pradosham and Soma Pradoshams occurs when one of the 13th moon days occurs on a Saturday or a Monday respectively. The planet Saturn is considered an Agent of Karma who delivers many of life's tougher lessons to help us refine and evolve our souls. Pradosham time are measured by the phases of the Moon.

•Sani Pradosham - When 13th Moon falls on Saturday

It is believed that Shiva has more influence over Saturn on this day and can cause Saturn to loosen or release entirely some of the karmic bonds that limit us. It is also thought that the first Pradosham was on a Saturday and observing this time transports us back to time of the Churning of the Milky Ocean.

•Soma Pradosham - When 13th Moon falls on Monday

Monday is known to be time to worship Shiva, it is the day ruled by His consort, the Goddess Parvati who rules over the Moon. The Moon rules emotions and emotions influence thought. Karma is created by thought.

Major Planetary Transit - June 6th, 2011

Rahu and Ketu Move into Scorpio and Taurus Respectively

The Snake Planets Rahu and Ketu

Unlike the other planets, Rahu and Ketu travel in a counter-clockwise direction over the natal charts spending around 1-2 years in each of the signs. This year, they are changing signs or making a transit commencing on June 6, 2011. Rahu is shifting from Sagittarius into Scorpio, while Ketu is moving from Gemini into Taurus where they will remain for the next 18 months.

Major transits like these can give us interesting insights about our future. Results can range from aggravation to atonement depending on the individual's chart - where your other planets are placed - and predictions from our expert astrologers. However, Rahu and Ketu can bring positive or negative effects on your life completely dependent upon their positions in your birth chart.

Rahu and Ketu are unique in the sense that they always appear in the chart in a retrograde direction. Both of them contain key clues about your karma from previous lives as well as important issues for you to work on in this one.

The effect of this upcoming transit depends on how we respond to both favorable and unfavorable situations as there is always a free will.

Rahu has a positive side and can offer great boons in communication, innovative ideas, new inventions and improved technology. Ketu is sometimes called the saintly planet as Ketu can help push us to be motivated for spiritual liberation. Rahu can help make us extroverted, affirming and ambitious, while Ketu's influence can push us to be more introverted or detached. However, both Rahu and Ketu can have a poisonous side as well and their malefic energies are dreaded as Rahu can trigger out of control behaviors such as addiction, and Ketu can make material comforts evaporate.

Rahu's transits show where someone is likely to expand, become driven, try new things and disperse their energy into materialistic pursuits. Wherever Rahu is in your birth chart is an area you may have avoided in your recent past lives, and it is an area you may have to work on this lifetime.

Ketu's transits shows where someone is likely to experience restriction, detachment, completion or focus and deepen their spiritual pursuits. Wherever Ketu is in your birth chart may be a place you have felt more comfortable in past lives and may be where you naturally wish to focus again now. However, you must first deal with the lessons of Rahu before the fruits of Ketu can open.

One further note, if either Rahu or Ketu are your current major or minor planetary influences (called Dasha/Bhukti), a home remedy of lighting lemon lamps during Rahu periods or anytime on Sundays, Tuesdays or Fridays can be done.

Preparing Your Lemon Lamps

1. Cut a lemon in half - cross section, not end to end

2. Squish out the juice with your fingers, and remove most of the pulp

3. Very carefully so as not to tear the outer rind, turn the halves inside out so that the outside rind is cupped and the fleshy part is on the outside.

4. Fill the lemon cup with ghee or lamp oil

5. Place a cotton wick in the cup like you would for a ghee lamp

6. You have a lemon lamp!

Make as many as you like. Only burn once and then toss away.

A transit period is an excellent time for everyone to send these planetary beings some love and respect!

May 6th 2011, is The Window of Abundance known as Akshaya Tritiya

The Sun is now in Aries, until May 15th. Astrologers call this position as being 'exalted'. Other scientists call it as having a high EMF or emitting a fully beneficial electro-magnetic field.

Three days after its New Moon phase, the Moon is in the 3rd Waxing Moon phase and it is aligned with the constellation of Taurus, and more specifically, Sirius the Dog Star, called Rohini in Sanskrit. Rohini is the brightest star in our galaxy and has a power of its own.

When the combination of the beneficial Sun, this 3rd phase Moon and the Moon's crossing of the Rohini Star occurs, a highly auspicious confluence of energy emerges that is known as Akshaya Tritiya. This 24 hour window of time energizes the Earth with material abundance and royalty consciousness.

May 6th is The Window of Abundance known as Akshaya Tritiya.

This day is made stronger with the influence of some other very significant planetary positions:

It is a Friday which is ruled by the planet Venus, the signifier of beauty, wealth and power. Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity is the Overlord of this planet and day.

Jupiter is ruling in His own house of Pisces. He is planet that gives all and guarantees prosperity.

Mars is also in Aries and is exalted meaning that he has maximum beneficial influences. He is the planet that gives courage and can conquer all.

It is the Moon that acts as a funnel to bring all of these cosmic energies to Earth to be utilized in your life.