by Lina Elisabeth Preston 3 min read

This August we are experiencing Kala Amrita Yoga which is a yoga of the karmic nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

Kala Sarpa Yoga and Kala Amrita Yoga: In the Grip of a Snake

Rahu and Ketu are the two points where the moon’s orbit cuts the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the Sun’s apparent path around the earth. The two nodes, also known as the shadow planets, have the ability to cause eclipses. Rahu and Ketu are karmic forces and in vedic mythology they associate with kundalini, serpents and snakes.

Rahu and Ketu are always opposite one another. Kala Sarpa yoga occurs when all the main planets are situated on one half of the zodiac, flanked on both sides by either Rahu or Ketu. It is as if all the planets are being squeezed from both sides by the nodes. They are in their grip and under their influence.

The opposition between Rahu and Ketu can cause us to experience intense polarity and much division is often felt during Kala Sarpa Yoga and Kala Amrita Yoga. The second half of the zodiac is devoid of planets (not counting the outer planets Pluto, Uranus and Neptune).

Kala means time and Sarpa means snake. In Kala Sarpa yoga Rahu is the leading planet. Rahu transits in the direction of the other planets and therefore has a bigger influence than Ketu. (Remember that Rahu and Ketu move counterclockwise.)

Searching for the Divine

In Kala Amrita yoga, the leading planet is Ketu who transits in the direction of the planets. Ketu has spiritual energy and Amrita is the sweet nectar of immortality.

In Kala Sarpa yoga the desire for fulfillment in the material world is strong. In Kala Amrita yoga there is a greater need for finding a spiritual alignment. This yoga will often manifest as a time of confusion, disorder and cleansing.

During August we are experiencing Kala Amrita yoga. The Moon takes 28 days circle the zodiac and breaks the yoga every fortnight.

Ketu and Saturn

Ketu continues to travel very close to Saturn, the natural planet for karmic correction. Saturn and Ketu are currently transiting the nakshatra of Purva Ashadha ruled by Apas, the water God, and Varuna, the God of Rain. The water element expresses feelings and attitudes. Water itself can purify but will also have to be cleansed and purified if it is toxic.

Saturn breaks the Amrita yoga on September 15th when he moves on the other side of Ketu. But partial Amrita yoga continues to exist until December 15th when Venus breaks away from the karmic axis and moves into Capricorn.

Other Planetary Movements During August

Jupiter goes direct in Scorpio on August 11th. Mars, Sun and Venus moves into Leo during August and Mars is very close to the Sun during the last week of August. This makes for a lot of heat during the latter part of August. Perhaps the heat is political and not just weather related.

This may be an active and intense time for Leos while Mars and Sun are close together in this sign.

Spiritual Alignment

This is a good time to do a cleanse or at least to keep a simple diet. The lunar nodes, and especially Ketu, respond well to subtle and spiritual energy. Meditation, yoga, mantra, pranayama and prayer will greatly help offset the divisive energy that is so prevalent at this time.

Dates to Remember:

  • Aug 2nd - Aug 26 Mercury in Cancer, joining Venus, Sun and Mars
  • Aug 8th - Sep 24 Mars in Leo
  • Aug 10th - Aug 16th Sun /Venus conjunction in Cancer
  • Aug 11th Jupiter Direct
  • Aug 15th Full Moon in Capricorn/Cancer
  • Aug 16th Sun in Leo
  • Aug 16th - Sept 9th Venus in Leo
  • Aug 24th Mars/Venus conjunction
  • Aug 26th - Sep 10th Mercury in Leo
  • Aug 26th Mars/Venus/Mercury conjunct Sun in Leo
  • Aug 30th New Moon in Leo, Magha nakshatra

 

Blessings,
Lina

Lina Elisabeth Preston
Lina Elisabeth Preston

Lina Elisabeth Preston has been doing astrological consultations for 20 years. She is a certified Jyotish Visharada and member and practitioner with the Council of Vedic Astrology. Lina also works with vedic gemstones. A long time meditator and disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Lina lives with her husband Binay at Ananda Village, a spiritual community in Northern California. Lina and Binay founded their business Northern Lights in 1990.



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