*Vedic Astrology, or Jyotish, is one of the oldest sciences on the planet and considered a relative of astronomy. It is an important and valuable part of the ancient Vedic texts. This complex, logic-based and also intuitive science, has survived thousands of years in India’s Vedic tradition and is still considered a highly valuable tool of guidance and life insight. It is not a religion, but rather a philosophical understanding of human and cosmic existence. In Sanskrit, jyoti means light. Essentially, the study of jyotish is the study of light and how we interact with the cosmic light—within us and within the cosmos. Vedic astrology, or the sidereal approach to astrology, casts charts differently than Western, or Tropical astrology. The meanings, implications and purpose of jyotish is therefor different, as are the details used for prediction and the indications given below.

*Eleditor’s note: Astrology isn’t a religion. We’re not sure it’s a science, either. It’s magic, maybe. But, as with feng shui, say, things affect things. So as long as we don’t go blaming our problems on the stars, as long as we assume responsibility for our own actions…well, hell, a little auspicious coincidence and applicable wisdom can’t hurt. And so, with that grain of salt…enjoy!

Just after the Sun shifts into Virgo on September 16th, the Full Moon in Pisces occurs with a penumbral lunar eclipse.

This eclipse ends the unusually long eclipse portal that began on August 18th with an “almost” lunar eclipse. At the time of the Full Moon (Purnima), the moon has barely entered Pisces and will be under a degree—literally propping open the door between Aquarius and Pisces.

This sandhi moon is in very fragile and vulnerable territory, yet extremely spiritual as well.

Moon in Pisces and Purvabhadrapada nakshatra during the time of the Full Moon amplifies themes of release and letting go. Pisces correlates to the 12th house of the zodiac, the final bhava (house) of the jyotish chart—connected to endings, release, transformation and retreats.

It is the house of marriage (a transformational process) and finality.

The 12th house is also connected to the ancestors because it is a house of death, endings and release. The next step is the spirit world.

Purvabhadra is a constellation of integration, balance and harmonizing polarities. The ruling deity is Ajaikapada, a form of Shiva, Lord of the Dance. There is skillfulness with making money and doing challenging work. It is said that this constellation can cure the impossible. The symbol of this lunar constellation is a funeral cot, which speaks to themes of transformation, death and purification—all that is beyond the material plane of existence. Bhadra means auspicious in Sanskrit, while pada is foot. There is an ability to walk in two worlds—material and spiritual—through this constellation.

This moon cycle will support healing and transformation through the emotional body landscape—for those who are willing to lean in closer to their grief, sadness and loss. The heart is being cracked open. It’s vital that you use your emotional body intelligence to create, share, connect and communicate in authentic ways.

Scorpio and Anuradha nakshatra are on the horizon at the time of the Full Moon, indicating that Mitra’s support will bring resources and connection in the days and weeks to come. He rules the “friendly star” which is symbolized by a decorated archway.

There is triumph here and celebration. Friends, connection and community arrive. As an Aditya, Mitra’s role is to bring resources and support. He does it through connection, collaboration and relationship. Saturn rules this nakshatra, which indicates consistent, steady work is necessary for the resources to arrive.

As the planet of grief and sorrow, Saturn requires that you attend to your emotional body landscape diligently. With your attention to grief, he grants you more space in your heart for the joys of life. Pay close attention to your emotions and gather resources, support, guidance and community to weather the inner storms.

In the coming days, it may feel like you have a foot in two world at times, but this is an essential part of your integration process. Connect with your different needs and honor your two halves.

As you lean in closer, you can begin to heal and integrate opposing energies within. This is an important part of closing the healing wisdom of the eclipse portal.

Please join me for a Bhakti centered grief practice. I’ll be sharing potent resources in the coming weeks to support your spiritual and emotional body awakening.

Relephant bonus:

~

~

Author: Saraswati J.

Images: Unsplash/Adrienne Crow  ;  Flickr/Fred Fredericks

Editor: Erin Lawson