Powerful Mars and Ketu

Last night I was looking at a very bright and red hued object in the sky. Mars seemed so close that I thought I was looking at the planet through a telescope. In fact, Mars will not be this close to earth again for another 269 years.

Known as the red planet, Mars is sometimes called Angarika. Angarika means heated, glowing charcoal. It’s a fitting description of what Mars looks like when seen from a distance.

Another name for Mars is Kuja, which means “son of the earth.” Mars is presently in his sign of exaltation: the earth sign of Capricorn.

Mars is retrograde, and in the company of Ketu. Mars and the shadow planet Ketu are both slowly moving retrograde through the earth sign Capricorn. Both Mars and Ketu are of the fire element and can manifest extreme heat. The earth is experiencing much heat with record breaking temperatures in many places.

Fire is quick and when Mars and Ketu are disturbed they get out of control. This malefic energy has manifested devastating fires in various places on earth.

A positive expression of Mars is expressed through the courageous firefighters who are defending lives, structures and land.

Other manifestations of this hot, quick and unpredictable energy are expressed through  the volcanic eruptions in Hawaii. A couple of friends from the Island of Hawaii are currently staying in our community after having witnessed their retreat Polestar, and years of work, go up in flames. Ketu can give us difficult lessons in non-attachment.

Mars and Ketu are both rulers of Scorpio, a sign of deep transformation. Scorpio also governs underground and hidden activities, such as spying and secret service. While Saturn was making his transit through Scorpio prior to the presidential election much political manipulation and many hidden activities took place. Due to the current strength of Mars and Ketu some of these secrets are being uncovered. The warlike activities that Mars and Ketu can manifest, are now predominantly taking place in cyberspace.

Mars will continue its retrograde until August 27th when he goes direct at four degrees Capricorn. Mars will station at four degrees between August 19th and September 5th.  Mars is very strong during this time and those with important planets near this degree will definitely feel his energy. Mars will cross paths with Ketu again and their conjunction will be exact on September 26th.

It is the impulse from Mars that motivates us to act. Use this energy constructively. It is when Mars is out of control that we experience anger, conflict and accidents.

Many Retrograde Planets

Saturn, Mercury, Mars, Pluto and Neptune are currently retrograde. Uranus will also turn retrograde on August 7th and remains retrograde throughout the year.

Retrograde planets tend to energize the RE words. We can revalue, rethink, reorganize, restructure, re-orientate, remake and reflect on something. This is a time of transformation, and we may need to adjust to new realities.

Solar Eclipse on August 11th

Another partial solar eclipse, just a few weeks after the lunar eclipse on July 27th, takes place on August 11th in the sign of Cancer. The retrograde Mercury is also involved because it will be positioned near the Sun and Moon.

This eclipse will be visible in the northern regions of North America, Europe and Asia.

Eclipses often bring change and can reveal something new to us. Make this a time for reflection and interiorization, as a solar eclipse can bring new awareness to our inner consciousness.

Debilitated Venus

Venus, the indicator for love and marriage, is in the sign of Virgo the entire month. Venus is debilitated in this sign and astrologically this is not such a good month for getting married.

Venus is intellectual and analytical in Virgo, and this is a good placement for analytical reflection and a deepening understanding of your relationships. Venus in Virgo often indicates a good business sense.

While this is still a very intense month it is also a time where we need to reflect on our lives in order to gain an understanding of where we are going. Circumstances are changing for many people.

Dates to Remember:

Blessings,
Lina