Timeline Astrology

Kishori joins me for a new series in our 'Maps of Consciousness'. Here, we explore the nakshatras or lunar mansions of Vedic astrology, which show the storyline of your life - from the very first lunar mansion at birth (Moon's position), through all the subsequent mansions and dashas (planetary periods) that time them.We begin at the most appropriate place in any story - at the beginning. The first episode explores the concepts before we dive into each one of the 27 nakshatras in separate episodes.Enjoy!

In this podcast, I offer two explanations of how the planets could influence us on Earth.

In April 2019, Jupiter stations at 0 degrees of Sidereal Sagittarius, thus remaining at this degree from March 29 until April 23. This is a gap in the zodiac, between Scorpio and Sagittarius; when we prepare for the worst (Scorpio) and hope for the best (Sagittarius) in relation to Brexit. ​Jupiter’s station in this gap reflects a breakdown and, as the biggest planet in our solar system, a dip in a sense of hope and optimism, particularly in relation to order and the economy.

In this podcast, I talk about how signs can polarize each other, especially when they involve the nodes of the Moon, and how to find a counterbalance between two extremes. 

 Happy New Year! Does this new chapter have yet to be written or is it just waiting to be read? Maybe it writes itself as it's being read?!

The first week of December sees the Moon wane into sidereal Scorpio, as Mars continues to transit Aquarius with a strong aspect from restrictive Saturn. While we may wish to boldly go, the energy just isn't with us to get there - yet! The new Moon in Scorpio on December 7 is challenging emotionally, despite being buoyed up by Jupiter. The new Moon begins a week of intense emotional reactions as the Moon is either joined or hemmed in by all of the malefic planets: first Saturn, then Pluto, Ketu (south node) and Mars. Mercury stations direct just before the new Moon, on December 6, and slowly turns around, as we slowly and deliberately make the required adjustments. Patience and good humour are good weapons to deal with this. The Sun enters Sagittarius on December 16 for a festive period that is more sober than usual, as it joins Saturn in the sign (exact on January 2, 2019). The conflict between light and dark plays out in obvious and not so obvious ways at this time of year. The Solstice is on December 21, just before the full Moon in Gemini on December 22, a volatile full Moon phase, in the lunar mansion, Ardra. With the Sun in Mula on the opposite end of the zodiac, these two 'sharp and dreadful' signs can be expressed in some form of destruction, whether man-made or weather related. The month and year ends on a positive note, as Mars enters Pisces and exchanges signs with Jupiter in Scorpio. This is a helpful exchange, as we take positive actions which fuel better decision making. I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer - and a merry Christmas!

Mars is exalted by November 3, before moving into sidereal Aquarius on November 6 and into a stronger aspect from Saturn, which stays in Mula lunar sign for one last month. There are some loose ends to tie up, as we reign in and conserve energy. Jupiter settles into Scorpio, having moved into Anuradha on October 27; where it will remain until December 27. There is a mutual aspect to Rahu in Cancer, fueling the water signs Cancer and Scorpio; bringing more awareness to emotional manipulations. Jupiter's combustion between November 12 and December 9 brings purification, along with confusion if we look to outside sources for direction; instilling in us a need to journey inward to find inner guidance. The new Moon on November 7 is an important transition for the year, as we pay homage to those who have gone before us, and light up this time of year as a symbol of the light winning against the dark. Diwali is celebrated in India, while in Ireland we celebrate Samhain. Venus stations direct on November 16, just as the Sun prepares to move out of debilitation and into Scorpio. The 'bright morning star' returns to guide us as Jupiter is lost in the rays of the Sun, and we are guided, and tempted, by sensual desire, especially as the Moon is exalted for the full Moon on November 23; impassioned by Mars’ aspect and an opposition from Jupiter. As Venus stations direct, Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio on November 17, and remains retrograde until December 6. Mercury is in combustion (Nov. 21 to Dec. 2), and conjuncts Jupiter on November 27, during the mid-point of the retrograde cycle; a turning point during this process of review. Mercury’s retrograde in Scorpio is dark, brooding and confusing, as we grapple with our own demons, sometimes projecting them at others, while denying ourselves the value of such introspection. ​

​​Mars moves closer to its exaltation degree in October. It finally moves away from the south node, Ketu, a conjunction that brought up a lot of uncertainties and volatility. Jupiter brings growth to Scorpio from October 11; a big change in the planetary line-up in October. While Mars is strong, the Sun enters Libra by October 17, its sign of weakness. Thankfully, this year Venus is retrograde in Libra from October 5 through November 16, making this year’s retreat into the darkness easier to deal with on the one hand - even enjoyable - but also complicating matters by intensifying and distorting our perceptions about what we value and love.

Venus moves into Libra, bringing a nicer feel to the latter part of 2018. Venus spends a long time in Libra, due to its retrograde transit from October 6 until November 16. Mercury transits Leo, joining the Sun, as it moves beyond its shadow phase and into new territory, taking our minds beyond the emotional and the uncertain, as we develop new plans and a fresh perspective.  Speaking of plans, Mars is now direct, exalted and ready for action; moving back into one last explosive meeting with the south node and an aspect to Uranus in Aries. This has more explosive potential, but may be utilized productively or destructively, depending. As Mars ventures forth, moving over territory we have already covered, Saturn and Pluto station direct, keeping Mars in check somewhat, before Mars leaves its shadow phase after October 8.

Mars continues to transit retrograde in Capricorn in August. Not only is Mars retrograde, but the planet which rules where it is placed (Saturn) is retrograde, while its ruler (Jupiter) is weakened by Venus’ debilitation. And then there’s the complication of Mercury's retrograde in Cancer. Emotional reactions are never far from the surface, as we are challenged to communicate peacefully in all of the uncertainty. Keep your wits about you in August!

In the second part about remedial measures in Indian astrology, I'm joined by Marian Babity, a long-time student of astrology. We discuss what karma is and how best to approach our remedies so they help us align with what is.

The Moon reaches its exact degree of debilitation as it joins the Sun and Mercury (retrograde) in Scorpio during the dark lunar phase. This can bring feelings of vulnerability along with deeper insights. Mars’s presence adds strength and renewal.Though Mercury’s retrograde may cause setbacks, this period is ideal for rethinking what or who you are dedicating yourself to. With Jupiter’s supportive aspect, there’s reason for optimism despite challenges, bringing more discernment about what needs to go, so you can focus on what’s important. The New Moon phase begins in Viśākhā, which is about making a decision, before moving into Anurādhā, a sign of loyalty and devotion. Anurādhā, ruled by the god of friendship, Mitra, reflects commitment and steadfast dedication once a decision is made.Yet you may struggle with what to commit to at first, as events realign to help you settle into something more stable. Be mindful not to settle into patterns that no longer serve you.

How to spot them. What they mean. All planets periodically appear to move backwards in the sky. Retrogrades highlight turning points, where a planet’s influence becomes more complex and internalised. They invite us to slow down, revisit unfinished business, and redirect energy inward for renewal. Whether it’s Mercury stirring up communication issues or Jupiter challenging clarity of purpose, each retrograde reveals distinctive life themes. Critical moments come when planets station—standing still before shifting direction—marking powerful times for reflection and recalibration.

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.