2020, A RAHU CYCLE

Uncover our Great Determination

When the great root of faith
and the great ball of doubt
are present,
great determination will arise.

Great determination is a strong resolve
that wells up from the bottom of our gut
and spurs us on.

We already believe that
we ourselves are intrinsically awake;
we only need discover
what is within us.

This is the cycle and
humanity at large
will need to rise to this Awakening.

We have arrived at the Future.

~ Koun Yamada (excerpt)

2020, the RAHU cycle has arrived! A very engaging, personal and collective momentum that will have us alert like no other previous cycle, as it represents world chaos and our Future. RAHU, the north node and Ketu, the south node, are the frequencies of our bi polar nature. We will be confronted with our naive fantasies up until now that with a few nice ideas about climate change and perhaps one good, socially conscious deed a year, we will conquer the darkness and selfishness lurking in our psyche while our hearts are still closed. The nodes are not material entities like the other seven planets, but ecliptic references, and have a profound effect on our evolution as a species. RAHU represents what's possible and what's coming and Ketu what our individual and mass karma has brought to the table as we proceed. They affect our emotions profoundly and the psychological parameters from which we operate on a daily basis and from where we make our decisions. 2020 adds up to a number FOUR and offers the possibility of building something new, innovative, radically different, provided we get our act together and move forward as a unified force field while fully conscious of the surprising, controversial, eccentric, extreme tendencies that RAHU will bring up in our psyche and behaviours. RAHU is considered a Chaya graha, a shadowy fellow, a real rascal (once a demon), and is filled with disruptive tendencies, scheming, outright rude, deceptive and master at psychological manipulation. He operates mostly from the mind, being a head metaphorically, and is filled with desire, doubts, intrigue and big ambitions. He is also the most secretive of all the planetary energies so nothing will be too clear or obvious to anyone. He is considered a major malefic and is unsurpassed in egotistical ruthlessness. His tendencies are illogical, dull and pleasure seeking, pursuing only his own agenda.

If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, 
think in terms of Energy, Frequency, and Vibration.

~ Nikola Tesla

This will be a cycle where we might feel like we are living in a low grade spie movie and we will see a script filled with ignorance, phobias, mass anxiety and revolutionary tendencies. It is those tendencies that can, with enough committed intent, force us to recognize where we are at as a species. We are dealing with so many components that peace of mind will elude us. There are the climate changes, the overall ecological and economic crisis, the media deception of "fake news”, the big corporations like Google and Big Pharma betraying us ongoingly, the issues of Agenda 21 and 30, conspiracy theories, read up, real scary, and staying informed of the 5G threats and developments to our electromagnetic fields. Our shared reality seems quite frightening. Mainly because we have all contributed to it by our ignorance, apathy, entitlement to privileges, and drugged out laziness, addictions of any sort being at a record high. Anyone with any depth perception will be aware of the psychological manipulation we all participated in pretending we can live with this and now we can barely sleep or trust the food we eat, the water we drink. RAHU represents poison (see creation myth story), and sadly will also drive up the dreaded cancer diagnosis for so many as our immunity is dangerously compromised. No other decade we have known has progressed our understanding / revolution summary discovery of injustice and self annihilating tendencies as much. We are now entering a new decade where the dissemination of news, information, media and nearly all forms of technological communication has changed our lives in ways which we have still barely begun to understand as our anxiety and survival angst intensifies.

Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and 
the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, 
the mind can only reflect the true image of the
Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.

~ Indra Devi

Sri Hanuman reaching towards the Sun, while RAHU tries to swallow it (Eclipse)

RAHU will stop at nothing, an extremist to the core. “Google and Facebook dominate our modern lives – amassing unparalleled power over the digital world by harvesting and monetizing the personal data of billions of people. Their insidious control of our digital lives undermines the very essence of privacy and is one of the defining human rights challenges of our era”. Google and Facebook have established dominance over the primary channels that most of the world – outside of China – relies on to realize the rules of the game and their rights online. The various platforms they own – including Facebook, Instagram, Google Search, YouTube and WhatsApp – facilitate the ways people seek and share information, engage in debate and participate in society. While other Big Tech companies – including Apple, Amazon and Microsoft – have accrued significant power in other areas, it is the platforms owned by Facebook and Google that have become fundamental to how people engage and interact with each other. In the RAHU cycle innovation will be even more radical, dramatic and disempowering. Unless we will find our way to coherent and heart based emotion, like truly feeling, we are rendered incapable of the respect, appreciation and support each one of us deserves and needs to feel liberated enough to go on. We need to become fully present to each interaction and each moment and open to the conditions that now prevail so that global surveillance does not come to a point where we end up despaired and shackled by the limitations it presents to our spirit. The tech giants offer these services to billions without charging users a fee. Instead, individuals pay for the services with their intimate personal data, being constantly tracked across the web and in the physical world as well, for example, through connected devices. “The Internet is vital for people to enjoy many of their rights, yet billions of people have no meaningful choice but to access this public space on terms dictated by Facebook and Google”. To make it worse this isn’t the Internet people signed up for when these platforms started out. Google and Facebook chipped away at our privacy over time. We are now trapped. Either we must submit to this pervasive surveillance machinery – where our data is easily weaponized to manipulate and influence us – or forego the benefits of the digital world. This can never be a legitimate choice. We must reclaim this essential public square, so we can participate without having our rights abused. As bestselling author Yuval Noah Harari points out in his 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, if we are not watchful we are becoming irrelevant as we will be surpassed by Artificial Intelligence and enter a soul-less reality at best.

Out of the hard times in life comes rebirth. 
Out of the hard times in life we grow.

 ~ Coco Love Alcorn

Photo by Dell Stewart

All is still vague and we exist in an ambivalent time yet feel radical enough in our determination for breakthroughs and fostering connection of common issues that affect us globally. It seems we are suddenly more informed about the darkness that surrounds us and threatens our intelligence and desire for living healthy, happy lives. Have we looked back over the last decade reflectively and learned enough to make sustainable and daring changes, not just eliminating plastic straws? We are told to stay positive, to move onward and upwards while our heart's are not quite so optimistic, because things are just not adding up. Many feel lost, nervous, confused, not knowing what's coming, revealing symptoms of some yet unknown disease, and it seems we are about to be thrust into a series of wildly unpredictable events. It is certainly obvious that RAHU in his Asura nature has invaded us profoundly and things are not just love and light. The 2020 RAHU cycle will not allow us to function like it's just another day and yet until we have more clarity, more commitment and more respect for evolutionary intelligence, we will cling to our old ways. The time has come when serious decisions, even endings must be called. The universe is always talking, we cannot afford to be deaf and dumb, we have reached a high tide moment in human history. The very recent solar eclipse December 26th and now lunar eclipse January 10th (eclipses are always related to the nodes), happened in Mula, the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, the galactic center. Mula translates into "root" or the deepest core. Mula is ruled by Ketu (opposite of RAHU), which is responsible for storing our past life karmas. So this eclipse cycle opening 2020 brought liabilities from the past to be dealt with. Collectively we now must work out what’s good for the planet and every sentient being with a focussed approach instead of letting our energy be distracted or superficially wasted on passing fancies and consumer goods to excess. Only then can the long reaching effect of this eclipse be an expansive influence to provide impetus for rebirth and truth propelled regeneration.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

~ Søren Kierkegaard

Seed pot cracking open

Eclipses so close to year end and beginning will generate a lot of mental tension, from overuse of the intellect, crude behaviour, abrupt decisions and people leaving their commitments and promises at a whim. The lack of manners and social grace will further disconnect us from one another and it will be challenging indeed to find and live a common consensus and future of a unified goal. Unless we comprehend the collective quantum field and that it can only mirror back our heartfelt beliefs if we embody them, not what we think and speak, focusing instead on what the world brings to us, knowing that Mirrors don't lie and reveal our current limits and capabilities. All is connected. All is the SELF, the truth of our divine nature. We need a new metaphorical reality and new ways of thinking about our universe. The RAHU cycle could be the ticket as RAHU is the ultimate innovator. A pioneer in uncharted terrain. Are we ready to fully participate?

Come Healing ...
for the earth,
for all creatures,
for all creation and
the ever beyond.
Come Healing ...

~ Leonard Cohen

THE YEAR AHEAD OF US

Throughout 2020 the cosmic weather remains polarized, with the personal planets on one side of the sky facing transcendent planets on the other side. This opposition cuts to the core of the human dilemma: are we ever going to merge with our higher selves, or forever wallow in the ignorant self-destruction of our lower natures?

Yet, beneath this twisted karmic theatre farce of The Final Act of a False Civilization, a great awakening is spreading from person to person across the world, as millions of people break out of numbness and complacency to realize they're here for something more than keeping the Machine going. When you heal your inner split everyone else's split has less power over you. When you awaken from the farce you get to play a lead role in the karmic theatre production of The Lives We Were Born to Live, by using everything dark and deadly to catalyze everything bright and alive. What kind of a dream is this? If this is a simulation, who is the architect, where did it begin, where will it end? We cannot go on doing all those horrible things to one another that have desensitized us to our core essence. The 2020 RAHU cycle is a year to overcome our ruthlessness, change the perception that we need to continue and struggle at the price of great suffering in isolation and, instead, finally open our hearts. Our hearts emit the strongest electric potential, more so than our brain. May this wisdom see us through the corrupt power structures and claim the truth within to tap into our soul fire. This means believing in the buried goodness inside our race and not letting anyone stop us from throwing our strength behind it. Most of all it means teaming up with like-minded souls sick to death of living a lie. If we use the hyper-polarization of our time to conjure the wholeness within, we'll finally make the hidden promise of our species come true and graduate from the Almost Species into the Fully-Arrived Ones.

We were talking about the love that's gone so cold
And the people who gain the world and lose their soul
~ George Harrison, From Within You Without You

As we are entering an age of social, economic, and ecological disruption at this early stage of the twenty-first century, many people are beginning to realize that perhaps the most important root causes for this crisis originate in an economic thinking that is increasingly out of touch with the social, ecological, and spiritual realities of our time. How, then, can we rethink and redefine the fundamental economic concepts that frame our discussions and shape our key institutions in society today? This is the big question for this cycle unfolding. The undeniable severity of the world's Climate change, upheavals within the earth, and the crisis inflicted by the ruling techno giants will bring about the social revolution to have us, the people, reclaim our inherent powers and hopefully do the right thing for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Who are you really? What are you here to do?
How much longer are you going to wait?
*ONE PEOPLE - ONE PLANET - ONE LOVE*

UPAYAS

Meanwhile it is time to focus on Upayas, remedials, as in the Vedic perspective it is the Celestial beings that govern the welfare of all life on earth. The planetary pantheon acts this out through the impulses that run through us, propelled by our individual and collective karma. Foremost these being tamasic times and RAHU being a tamasic planetary force, we pray to the Goddess Kali, in the form of DURGA and Shiva in the form of RUDRA and lastly to RAHU directly, with these mantras:

AUM DUM DURGAYE NAMAHA AUM

AUM NAMAH SHIVAYA - SHIVAYA NAMAHA AUM

RAHU (British Museum)

AUM RANG RAHUVE NAMAHA AUM

ardhakayam mahaviryam candradityavimardanam
simhikagarbhasambhutam tam rahum pranamamyaham

I pay homage to RAHU, 
possessing great strength, the half-bodied one 
offspring of Simhika (the Asura Lioness), 
the sworn enemy of the Sun and the Moon

~ Navagraha Stotram, verse 8

The best way to appease RAHU is to, on Saturdays, recite the HANUMAN CHALISA with devotion. Lord Hanuman is known to be able to appease the demonic forces and pacifies the inherited karmic streams. There are beautiful versions if you want to learn the 40 stanza shloka by heart as well as learning tutorials. It is a very powerful prayer and if offered with concentration will have a profound effect, however needs to be practised regularly. The famous Kirtan Wallah Krishna Das teaches the chalisa, verse by verse, and has a compilation of chalisas on his Flow of Grace rendition. Something to play daily if you cannot sit down to chant and engage in a Hanuman puja.

* * *

If unclear about the Sanskrit pronunciation of the mantras join a spiritual community or seek personal mantra instruction as the sound/meter of the words have an accumulative sonic effect on our brain circuitry and nervous system and should be intoned correctly.

Obtain or paint a RAHU yantra (the numeric home of the deity), and penetrate the configuration until the yantra spontaneously appears in your third eye and reveals its esoteric secrets and benefits..

Fasting on Saturdays is also recommended if you feel overwhelmed by RAHU issues and honest self inventory of your desires and greedy notions. Meditate every day as to how you can become a better person. More kind, more giving, more heart centered (RAHU is all head), more focussed on the resulting energetics generated for the vibrational field of the whole not just the ego of the individual. 

* * *

“RAHU ensures we drop the Maya / the illusions, then he grants us great prosperity. RAHU is a big giver of wealth for those who have pleased the paternal ancestors and stepped away from illusion / delusion.”

~ Gananathamritananda Swamiji

Art by Pieter Weltevrede

Wishing to find the nectar of immortality (Amrita), the Devas and Asuras, following Lord Vishnu’s instructions, prepared to churn the Ocean of Milk (Milky Way galaxy), installing the Mandara mountain as the churning rod and the serpent king Vasuki as the rope. First from the Ocean arose the terrible poison, Kalakuta or Halahala, that could destroy all of creation and set the world on fire. Lord Shiva came to the rescue, cupping his palms, collected the poison and swallowed it. In the process, a few drops fell down giving origin to serpents and scorpions. The serpents were worshipped and prayed to, to be saved from the ill effects of the poison. Worshipping the Naga Devatas is said to protect one from the malefic effects of planet RAHU.

Continuing the churning, many wondrous things and beings came out of the Ocean of Milk. And at last, Dhavantari, the founder of Ayurveda, appeared from the Ocean with a pot of nectar in his hands.

The Asuras promptly snatched the pot, and started running away with it. They were however stopped in their tracks, on seeing the bewitching beautiful damsel, Mohini, Lord Vishnu's own deluding potency (Maya). Mohini got both Asuras and Devas to agree to abide by her decision to distribute the nectar as she sees fit. Considering the situation, Mohini decided it was unwise to give the nectar to the aggressive Asuras - and decided to first distribute the nectar to the Devas.

One Asura, Svarbhanu, was clever enough to sit with the Devas, between the Sun (Surya) and the Moon (Chandra). Mohini gave the Asura a share of the nectar, which he quickly swallowed before the error was pointed out by the Sun and the Moon. At this point, Lord Vishnu / Mohini at once used His discus Sudarshana to behead the Asura. The nectar had touched and immortalized the Asura’s head, that became RAHU (the North Node). The body fell to the Earth and perished, becoming Ketu (the South Node). RAHU and Ketu are the ecliptic points that cause eclipses of the Sun and the Moon.

~ Srimad Bhagavatam, Book 8, Chapters 5-8

I AM A FLAME, by Orkan

I am a flame that flickers, that glows, that grows, that is eternal. I am the flame of Creation; the flame of your physical Sun that warms your planet and allows your food to grow on your fertile land. I am the flame of destruction that transmutes all that there is. Yes, my friends, I am a flame.

I appear as the Love in the heart of those who give. I appear as the intelligence of those who think. I am the flame that creates beauty, whether it is the beauty of the Creator or the beauty of mankind; the beauty of your art or your music; the beauty of your architecture, your statues, of your philosophy. I am a flame that may but flicker in the darkest of times. I am to be found by those who can recognize Love.

I am and you are the flame, my friends, the flame of Love that burns and consumes. It is not something that you reach out to find. The total freedom, the total annihilation of fire is not something that you may use. Love can only use you. It is not a tool. You are the tool for Love. You have not chosen a gentle path. You have chosen a path that consumes those things about you which are not Love. The rate of that consumption is completely dependent upon you. When do you wish to become the flame of love, of joy, of light, of laughter, of freedom? It is up to you, my friends, for the flame is always there inside you, inside me. The flame is not an answer. For as far as we know, we have no answers. We have only the process of love. We have only the knowledge that the flame, that the love is grace, is easiness, is strength.

If you have the discipline to seek the flame in the moment, whether it be in the day or the night, in joy or sorrow, in something great or in something very small, if you have the discipline to seek it, then you become the flame. When you have achieved this identity, this manifestation, it is not, my friends, that you become a teacher, it is only that you become a window through which the flame can be seen.

MAJOR ASTROLOGICAL DATES for 2020

Mercury Retrogrades

• February 16th to March 9th, Aquarius
  
• June 18th to July 12th, Gemini
  
• October 13th to November 3rd, Libra

Other Retrogrades

• Mars, September 9th to November 13th, Aries/Pisces
• Jupiter, May 14th to September 12th, Capricorn/Sagittarius
• Venus, May 13th to June 26th, Taurus
• Saturn, May 10th to September 29th, Capricorn

Eclipses

• January 10th, penumbral LUNAR Eclipse
• June 5th, penumbral LUNAR Eclipse
• June 21st, annular SOLAR Eclipse
• July 4th-5th, penumbral LUNAR Eclipse
• November 30th, penumbral LUNAR Eclipse
• December 14th, total SOLAR Eclipse

Key Astrological Events

• Jupiter in Sagittarius, Nov 4th, 2019 to Nov 19th, 2020 (except April-June/2020)
• Saturn in Capricorn, January 24th, 2020 to January 16th, 2023 (except May-July/2022 in Aqu)
• Mars exalted in Capricorn, March 22th to May 4th
• Venus in Own Sign Taurus, March 28th to July 31st
• Jupiter in Capricorn, short transit March 29th to June 29th, final ingress on November 19th
• Akshaya Tritiya, April 25th, 2020
• Mars in Pisces, June 18th to December 23rd (except mid-Aug/Sep)
• Rahu/Ketu in Taurus/Scorpio, September 19th, 2020 to March 16th, 2022

RETROGRADES for 2020

A planet going retrograde in motion, as seen from Earth, represents an area of life that comes into magnified focus. The part of the sky where a planet retrogrades, can tell what themes will become prominent during the retrograde phase. In retrograde motion a planet will be re-visiting and re-evaluating, until finally it comes along to a stationary position for a few days and resumes normal forward movement, bringing to completion and integration the lessons and insights of that period.

In Vedic astrology, the Sign and nakshatra where the retrograde takes place, as well any other conjunctions happening simultaneously during the retrograde phase of a given planet provide clues to the themes that will be important during that period. 

In 2020, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn will have retrograde periods. 

What can we expect from the RETROGRADE periods in 2020?

• Mars, align our intuition with our desire for action - listen to your somatic intelligence
• Mercury, focus on our communications – with groups, our opinions and capacity for dialogue
• Jupiter, reveals how much we are really willing to work for our ideals and beliefs
• Venus, reconnects us with the feminine qualities, nature and deep appreciation for beauty
• Saturn, a chance to trim and structure our plans, in order to make them achievable

MERCURY retrograde

Mercury will retrograde three times in 2020: February/March, June/July and October/November.

Notable points for the Mercury retrograde:

• Mercury will retrograde in Air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra). This is a year around Ideas and Thoughts - yet most likely will be a year of Opinions.There is a theme of progression during the year, starting in Spring with Ideas of a group nature (like political programs), and hidden agendas that might come to surface. Then the Summer will see a heightening of peak debates, with one-way Opinions passing for communication. The Fall will bring a chance to come to a resolution through dialogue and actively listening.
• Mercury will retrograde most of the time in nakshatras ruled by Rahu (Shatabisha, Ardra, Swati) and Mars (Dhanishta, Chitra). Rahu naskhatras tend to bring some surprise or unexpected events. They work best as openers of a retrograde, setting up a situation that can be resolved later during the retrograde cycle. The Mars nakshatras bring a certain genius and brilliance in finding creative and original ways to solve the situation stirred up by Rahu. This good resolution will happen in the Spring and Fall Mercury retrogrades. The Summer Mercury retrograde though will run with the Rahu influence all the time, and should end with a certain acrimony.

Dates for MERCURY retrograde

16-Feb to 9-Mar, Aquarius 18 deg to 4 deg

• In Shatabisha, 16-Feb to 3-Mar
• In Dhanishta, 3-Mar to 9-Mar
• A time for finding healing, particularly from ailments with difficult diagnostics or hidden causes - as Shatabisha relates to the “hundred physicians”. Shatabisha likes secrecy and acting undercover. Mercury retrograde might literally “air” the secrets, and make the truth of any matter surface. Even though there will likely be great turmoil as Mercury initially “stirs the pot”, the retrograde period ends in the congenial nakshatra of Dhanishta, almost ensuring a successful resolution.
• on a personal level, a time to revisit how we engage with the world, particularly around groups, and how authentic we are in these interactions, and how sincere our motivations.

18-Jun to 12-Jul, Gemini 20 deg to 11 deg

• In Punarvasu, 18-Jun to 22-Jun
• In Ardra, 22-Jun to 12-Jul
• A time of great confusion, impulsive statements, and a child-like irritableness and mood swings from joy to sorrow. This is typified in our modern age of social media, as an assertiveness coming from minimal information - surface stuff, shallow without depth. Ardra nakshatra being ruled by Rudra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, shall bring the “Twitter storms” and other media-based disagreements. Happening right around the Annular Solar Eclipse - this influence will intensify the polarization and division, via inflamed discourse.
• on a personal level, a time to revisit how we express ourselves, how clear our message and using our words to communicate, instead of scoring points in arguments.

13-Oct to 3-Nov, Libra 17 deg to 1 deg

• In Swati, 13-Oct to 27-Oct 
• In Chitra, 27-Oct to 3-Nov
• A time to refine the way we relate with the people in our lives with whom we have a continuous, two-way relationship, such as spouses, partners, close associates and business partners. Swati is a positive, action oriented naskshatra, that will bring opportunities to learn, be creative and cooperative. Swati is also about enterprise and all things entrepreneurial, making this a good time to revisit practical plans in life. The cycle ends in Chitra nakshatra, that can allow to set ambitious goals based on the learnings of this retrograde period.
• on a personal level, a time to pay attention to our closest relationships, and use this time to plan *together* projects and initiatives that will inspire and benefit both parties.

MARS retrograde

9-Sep to 13-Nov, Aries 4 deg to Pisces 21 deg

• In Ashwini, 9-Sep to 4-Oct
• Ingress Pisces 4-Oct
• In Revati, 4-Oct to 13-Nov
• Mars goes retrograde every two years, and the area of the Zodiac it retrogrades over shows an area of life that needs to be re-assessed. Mars energy is assertive, and likes to move and push forward. Mars first “dips its toes” into Aries, in Aswhini - the first nakshatra, pioneering, courageous and resourceful. However, the retrograde moves back into Pisces and Revati - the last nakshatra. Pisces is a sign of intuition, and Revati provides a completion of karmas - manifesting from philanthropic and humanitarian, on the practical side, to a more naive and dreamlike nature. Mars is asking us to “double-check” what is it that we *really* want to initiate. This assessment will be more of a “gut feeling”, intuitive guidance, than an analytical table of pros-and-cons. A rare opportunity given by Mars - that tends to never think twice before entering into something new. As Pisces / Revati will color this reflection time - we should think about what will benefit the greater whole, beyond our personal selves.
• on a personal level, a time to listen to our instincts and intuitions, evaluate our plans, before committing wholeheartedly to new projects.

JUPITER retrograde

14-May to 12-Sep, Capricorn 3 deg to Sagittarius 23 deg

• In Uttara Ashada, 14-May to 26-July
• Ingress Sagittarius 29-Jun 
• In Purva Ashada, 29-Jun to 12-Sep
• This retrograde will provide us a contrast between the work needed to accomplish things in the world (Capricorn), and the idealized reality that comes from our faith and beliefs. The first part of the retrograde brings a certain deflation of our expectations, as the first entry of Jupiter in Capricorn has it conjunct Pluto and Saturn, planets that bring restrictions - taming Jupiter’s natural buoyancy. The rulers of Uttara Ashada are the “Ten Vishvadevas”, benefic deities related to “ancestors”, and we should take any difficulties with a certain philosophical stoicism. The work to turn our ideals into reality might seem “too hard” at first. Fortunately, in Sagittarius and Purva Ashada, Jupiter will recharge its exuberance, adventurous spirit and be ready for another leap of faith. Next round in Capricorn, we will collectively know that patience and perseverance are necessary to turn visions into reality.
• on a personal level, a time to revisit how much we are committed to seeing our high vision and aspirations through actual actions in the real world. 

VENUS retrograde

13-May to 25-Jun, Taurus 27 deg to 11 deg

• In Mrigashira, 13-May to 28-May
• In Rohini, 28-May to 25-Jun
• There will be 3 retrogrades starting around the same time 10-14 May (Saturn, Venus and Jupiter), bringing a clear shift of energy, with a sudden reevaluation being in order before forward movement can resume. Venus in Taurus will soften and lighten up this pondering process, bringing a creative and artistic perspective, even satirical and humorous with Mrigashira nakshatra. Venus in Taurus is about what attracts us, and when in Rohini nakshatra it asks who / what do we want to dance with? It will ask us to reconnect with nurturing and fruitful forces, such as Mother Earth. Synchronistic with the May/June Spring flowering season, this Venus retrograde will recharge us with a greater capacity for sensibility and reverence towards beauty and harmony.
• on a personal level, a time to deepen our appreciation for the Divine Feminine, connect with its exalted qualities, and dance with it!

SATURN retrograde

10-May to 29-Sep, Capricorn 7 deg to 1 deg  

• In Uttara Ashada, 10-May to 29-Sep
• Saturn feels at home in Capricorn, producing a great capacity to achieve in material expression our thoughts, plans and desires. This retrograde prompt us to establish clear boundaries - in the sense of what is worth our time, what and who we should put effort towards. Uttara Ashada is a naskhatra of success and victory, and it achieves this through proper execution. This is a time to trim and delete all that is not aligned with what we want to achieve. 
• on a personal level, a time to be real, and determined in creating a plan of action for achieving our goals. It all takes perseverance, so make sure what gets set, gets done!

ECLIPSES in 2020

The three eclipse cycles in 2020 will be in January, June-July, and November-December. Each cycle has a sequence of solar and lunar eclipses. The two first cycles occurs in the Gemini-Sagittarius axis, and the last cycle in Taurus-Scorpio axis. 

Eclipses are times of powerful psychological transformation, where the planets representing the soul (Sun) and the mind (Moon), the two luminaries, have their light briefly obscured. The dimming of the light outside, invites us to explore the source of light within.

Solar Eclipse - art by Sue Halstenberg

What can we expect from the ECLIPSE cycles in 2020?

• January eclipse, sets the tone for the year, of communication wars, battle of points of views
• June-July eclipses, the quarreling reaches peak intensity, and might lead to serious disputes
• November-December eclipses, potential for spiritual insights, a new order takes shape

• Eclipse in Gemini, Full Moon
  
• Moon at 25deg Gemini
  
• Punarvasu nakshatra
  This Lunar eclipse complements the December 26th, 2019 Annular Solar Eclipse - and has the same complex configuration with 6 planets in Sagittarius: Jupiter-Ketu and Sun-Mercury conjunctions in Purva Ashada nakshatra, and Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Uttara Ashada nakshatra. Both nakshatras have a quality of “victory,” and “accomplishment,” signaling a somewhat uncompromising stance. With all the planets in the fiery idealistic Sagittarius, it might lead to an increase in the already high levels of political polarization and societal unrest around the world. Adding to the tension, Mars will be in Scorpio, in a powerful position in Anuradha nakshatra, bringing an over-assertiveness fueled by self-centered grievances and petty ideological arguments to the collective mind. The Moon will be in Gemini, providing some solace by being placed in Punarvasu, a wise and compassionate nakshatra that is comfortable seeing multiple sides of a question. The balance though is tilted towards quarreling - and we might see disputes between countries and political factions escalating substantially - a “war of words” between leaders and/or legal / tariffs / regulatory arena.
  On a personal level the eclipse might raise our intolerance and create an inability to empathize or listen to other people. We can choose to “stick to our guns” and “be right”, or be spacious enough to understand where others are coming from, and find common ground.
  

June 5th, 15:24 ET - Penumbral LUNAR Eclipse

• Eclipse in Scorpio, Full Moon
• Moon at 21deg Scorpio
• Jyeshta nakshatra
• The 2020 Lunar eclipses are all “penumbral”, meaning they have wide orbs of 10deg or more to the Nodes. This makes the effects of the eclipse subtle - not immediately visible in the world. Lunar eclipses affect the Moon (manas - mind) and set lasting patterns of thoughts that reverberate for weeks, producing effects long after the eclipse has happened. This eclipse is the first to happen in the Taurus-Scorpio axis. The Sun will be well established in Taurus / Rohini, providing material plane stability. The quarreling that will mark the Summer though starts here, with the Moon in Scorpio (debilitated) in Jyeshta nakshatra, and Mercury in Gemini / Ardra nakshatra. The two planets responsible for the mind (Moon) and intellect (Mercury) will be disturbed by the eclipse shadow - bringing about non-rational thoughts, that can translate into non-rational actions.
• On a personal level, we might feel a certain confusion and irritability, and a predisposition to respond in rapid fire fashion to any perceived slights or criticism. Meditation and contact with Nature and beauty (arts) will help see us through this phase by deepening and grounding our sensibility, supported by the Sun and Venus in Taurus.

June 21st, 2:40 ET - Annular SOLAR Eclipse

• Eclipse in Gemini, New Moon
• Sun and Moon at 6deg Gemini
• Mrigashira nakshatra
• Solar Eclipses are visible from a narrower part of the Earth’s surface than Lunar Eclipses (which can be seen from half the globe or more). Thus, the path where the Solar Eclipse traverses (i.e. is visible) highlights the places more likely to be directly impacted. This eclipse traverses a veritable series of geo-political “hotspots”, including Central Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan-India and China-Korea. Sun and Moon will be in very close orb to Rahu, in Gemini / Mrigashira nakshatra, last pada corresponding to Scorpio navamsha (D9). This brings out an intellectual, argumentative and suspicious quality. It makes it hard to get to the root of anything, making room for arguments that can’t be addressed, as the real underlying issues are not being discussed. Compounding the confusion, there will be four planets retrograde during the eclipse: Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. Retrograde planets are re-evaluating areas of life - and this time it will seem that everything in “on the table” for discussion. Disputes between countries and political factions might become heated. Mars will be transiting in Pisces, in Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra, which has implications on “globalists” and “world power brokers” - what highlights a potential for an international crisis. The eclipse happens on the Summer Solstice - the day with the longest duration of daylight. It adds to the geopolitical theme, as the Sun represents kings, leaders and rulers, and authority in general.
• On a personal level, the eclipse occurs during a time where we will be re-considering our priorities in multiple areas of life. The period bookended by Jun 5th to July 5th is better suited to assessing our options, rather than making decisions.

July 4th-5th (night), 00:29 ET July 5th - Penumbral LUNAR Eclipse

• Eclipse in Sagittarius, Full Moon
• Moon at 19deg Sagittarius
• Purva Ashada nakshatra
• This is a wide orb (15 deg) Lunar Eclipse, and the effect will subtle. It’s the last eclipse on the Gemini-Sagittarius axis, and will have the Sun in Gemini, last degrees of Ardra naskhatra - and the Moon in Sagittarius, Purva Ashada nakshatra. This will bring to a close the chaotic June month of eclipses, that would have had heated arguments and disagreements between people, political groups, leaders and countries. Jupiter will be in Sagittarius, offering supportive energy to the Moon, and the Sun immediately moves the next day to Punarvasu nakshatra - allowing a change from bickering over fixed positions, to a more spacious, multi-faceted acceptance of various viewpoints. Venus will have ended its retrograde motion, moving direct in Taurus / Rohini, offering a diplomatic and balanced approach to solving the disputes.

November 30th, 4:42 ET - Penumbral LUNAR Eclipse

• Eclipse in Taurus, Full Moon
• Moon at 14deg Taurus
• Rohini nakshatra
• This will be the gentlest eclipse of the year, in terms of its effects. The Moon will be in Taurus, it’s sign of exaltation, in Rohini nakshatra. The Sun will be in good dignity in Scorpio, Anuradha nakshatra. Both the Sun and Moon will be in Vargottama position (an auspicious position in Navamsha), and will produce good fruits. Most planets are in stable positions and offering gifts, with Venus in Libra (balance), Mars in Pisces (intuition), Saturn in Capricorn (patience) and Jupiter established in Capricorn (perseverance). The general effect will be a heightened sense of possibilities, that might manifest in the world as the results of the United States presidential election (November 3rd) reverberate and set a new path globally for the next four years.
• On a personal level, an optimal time for meditation - as profound insights can be achieved - graces of the empowered Moon and Sun, and the eclipse weakening the veil of maya that covers our true nature as spiritual beings.

December 14th, 11:13 ET - Total SOLAR Eclipse

• Eclipse in Scorpio, New Moon
• Sun and Moon at 29deg Scorpio
• Jyeshta nakshatra
• This will be a total solar Eclipse, and along its visible path, the Sun discus will be completely covered by the Moon as seen from the Earth, bringing total darkness for a few minutes. The eclipse path crosses the southern part of South America (Chile and Argentina), and the South part of Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Madagascar). The Sun and Moon will be on the cusp of last degree of Scorpio, in Jyeshta nakshatra. This is the eclipse most likely to manifest as weather or physical events - as it happens very close to the gandanta (drowning point) boundary between Water/Fire Signs. The Scorpio/Sagittarius gandanta is considered the most intense - and can lead to big storms, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. It can also manifest as seismic events on the countries affected, such as popular revolts, political coups or breakdown of order. Adding to the stress factor, Mercury-Ketu will join the eclipse axis, in Jyeshta nakshatra. Mercury (intellect) does not work well in Water signs (emotions). Conjunct with Ketu (dissolving), Mercury response can vary from nihilist to deranged. On a world level, the reverberations will be felt, albeit less intensely than in the countries directly in the eclipse path.
• On a personal level, we can use the intense energies of the eclipse to disconnect from our thinking / chattering selves (Mercury) and use the Ketu energy to break free, even for a few moments, from our attachment to our “story” and “narratives”. The gandanta is an area of great depth, and we might have access to part of ourselves, our subconscious and even unconscious that are not reachable at other times.

KEY Astrological EVENTS in 2020

Vishnu’s Matsya (Fish) avatar - art by Vrindavan Das

JUPITER in SAGITTARIUS

November 4th, 2019 to November 19th, 2020 (except April-June/2020)

This transit takes place every 12 years, and is a time when our capacity for optimism, generosity and love of truth is restored. In 2020, this higher manifestation will be dampened by multiple factors, including Saturn and Ketu also transiting Sagittarius, and Jupiter moving out in Capricorn during April-June. Thus, we get to experience only partially the full light of Jupiter, a bit like a vacation long planned where it rains most of the time. Saturn’s influence turns cherishing our beliefs into self-righteousness, and independent thinking into blunt dismissal of others opinions. Saturn and Ketu also bring out the past - personal and collective - and we certainly have had a public conversation more focused in revisiting history to “make it right”, than looking for what we can do in the future (see climate change inaction and AI ethics). There are a few sunny stretches in this cosmic weather. First, when Saturn moves out of Sagittarius January 24th, the energy will shift to a Jupiter-Ketu combination, bringing a spiritual lens where we will have access to insights that will support humankind’s search for truth and meaning. And we will have a grand finale, enjoying two months of Jupiter unafflicted at full beneficial strength from 19-Sep to 19-Nov, when Ketu moves out of the Sign. This will provide a platform where humanity collectively will set the future direction for this decade that is just starting. Sagittarius is represented by a centaur shooting an arrow from a bow, and in Sanskrit it is Dhanus (the Archer) - both images where we aim high and launch our karmic actions that will fructify in the future.

On a personal level, we will experience this year a great refinement of our goals. This journey takes us from a self-centered “truth” that we hold so dear, that it separates us from our collective human family. We release that grasp, looking through a spiritual lens over the Spring, just to relapse and bring back our newfound insights, yet still holding them as the sole canon and willing to argue to prove we are “correct”. Fall will provide the chance for us to finally release the need “to be right”, and generously broaden our perspectives to include the point of views of others. Each individual making this journey, will expand the collective, and set the direction for the 2020’s.

SATURN in Own Sign CAPRICORN

January 24th, 2020 to January 16th, 2023 (except May-July 2022 in Aquarius)

The 3-year period 2020-2022 will be an exceptional opportunity to manifest our aspirations in the real world. Saturn is the power of what we are focused on, of what we make a commitment to. And Capricorn is where we commit to the hard work that needs to be done. We will feel inspired to persevere through any difficulties, and even though we might experience the “stress” of action in an imperfect world, we also be shown what we can accomplish when we persevere and see things through. Saturn reflects what is truly important to us, after all the talk has been done - Saturn does the walk. It provides a very practical assessment of what we are doing, and makes sure the expenditure of energy is worth it. The work done in this stage will set the tone for the decade ahead - affecting our political, societal, technological and environmental realities. We are living in a shifting world, that is setting new directions, new ways of thinking, new generation of people taking over. Can we collectively move forward, even without a “feel good factor” catalyst? The answer will show the maturity we achieved.

On a personal level, we can expect big changes in priorities for everyone. Saturn in Capricorn (later joined by Mars and Jupiter) - is where “the rubber meets the road” - and it will ask us to be clear not only about what we say we *want* to do, but rather what we are ready to *commit* doing, and get busy!

MARS exalted in CAPRICORN

March 22nd to May 4th, 2020

Highlighting the importance of Capricorn for 2020, Mars enters its sign of exaltation. Mars on its highest expression brings out our capacity to “fight the good fight”. In Capricorn and with the Saturn-Jupiter influences, there will be the necessary discipline and structure to channel Mars’ impulsive energy. Mars and Saturn most of the time pulls us in different directions - the impulsiveness of our desires (Mars) going against the unavoidable obstructions and delays (Saturn) of the material world, that can result in frustration. This transit though has both grahas supporting great work.

On a personal level, this transit starts right with the Spring Equinox, and will provide us with great energy, determination and enthusiasm to get going with our projects, get our hands dirty with the actual doing.

VENUS in Own Sign TAURUS

March 28th to July 31st, 2020

Venus will have a good run in 2020, being exalted in Pisces during February, and then a four-month long stay in its own Sign of Taurus April-July. This will bring out a much needed balance to the intense energies of Capricorn (see Mars-Jupiter-Saturn). It will be a time of “work hard, play hard”, what for Venus means social activities, art and music, healthy relationships. In Taurus, Venus loves luxury and sensuality, has a grounded patience, and can be quite affectionate. Venus will be supported by the monthly Moon transits, with the Moon exalted, and being most of the time in Rohini nakshatra (including retrograde). This can bring an abundance of resources and abilities, particularly if applied towards Venus-Taurus significations. The mood will be jovial and lighthearted - establishing a counterpoint to the intensity and seriousness of the planets in Capricorn. Venus and the Moon bring diplomacy and a desire for harmony and peace, and this energy stream might come to the rescue when disputes and disagreements surface (another thread of 2020).

On a personal level, it will be important to focus on work-life balance. Creating time to connect with friends, experience art and music, and socialize in beautiful settings, will provide us with tremendous satisfaction and joy. We will need that joie-de-vivre to give us a higher perspective to life.

JUPITER debilitated in CAPRICORN

March 29th to June 29th, 2020 (short transit)

final ingress on November 19th, 2020

Jupiter in Capricorn can be a time of a certain disillusionment, where we lose some of the hope and inspiration gathered in Sagittarius - and we can lose focus, and get bogged down in all the problems and worries of the world. Fortunately, this time around Jupiter will be supported by both Saturn and Mars, that are powerful in Capricorn and expressing their practical side. The key to navigate these periods will be to have a hands-on approach, and focus on the real, instead of the ideal. The “reality check” might be sudden during the first period April-June, as Jupiter will be close conjunction with Pluto. Pluto forces harsh awakening, like burning things to the ground, including our most cherished beliefs. This can affect the Jupiter significators such as Law, Religion, Prosperity - and lead to large-scale societal and political events, that will go in a crescendo culminating with the Summer Eclipse cycle (particularly the June 21st Solar Eclipse).

On a personal level, it’s an opportunity for us to get real. If we focus on the task at hand, tremendous progress can be made with the Saturn-Mars-Jupiter energies being channeled in working on our priorities. If instead, we give in to frustration as things not being as we imagined/fantasized them, we are bound to waste a golden opportunity.

AKSHAYA TRITIYA

April 25th, 2020

This is known as the “indestructible day”, where everything started on this date will turn out to be auspicious. It is the one day in the year where both the Sun (Aries) and the Moon (Taurus) are in their signs of exaltation. In ancient times, it was common to buy gold on this day, looking to have the wealth effect multiply. In these modern times, a wiser investment is to seed good actions, such as donations, charitable work, helping a friend or elder. Supporting dharma, we will support ourselves and all beings. In 2020 the natural significations of Akshaya Tritiya will be reinforced as Venus will be transiting Taurus conjunct with the Moon. Thus, the Moon-Venus influence in the material world and ethereal realms, reinforces the themes of harmony, relationships, prosperity and well being.

MARS in PISCES

June 18th to December 23rd, 2020 (except mid-Aug/Sep)

Mars will have an unusual long stay in Pisces for almost 6.5 months. Mars is a planet of action, desire, courage and loves taking on new projects. In Pisces, this energy will be channeled into refining our intuitions, opening us up for a more sympathetic, empathetic and service oriented nature. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac, where the karmic cycle wheel completes. Mars will transit a significant part in Revati naskhatra, crossing the full length of it 3 times (due to the retrograde). Revati is related to moksha (liberation), and surrendering the attachments to the fruits of our actions, the good and the bad. Interestingly, Mars makes a short foray into Aries/Ashwini, the first Sign and nakshatra - exploring potential avenues of action, yet turning back into Pisces to evaluate it all once more. This will not be an intellectual analysis of pros-and-cons, rather a deep spiritual, intuitive and somatic intelligence at play. Yet another element pointing to the pivotal year of 2020 setting up the tone of the decade just starting.
On a personal level it will bring great attention to the matters of the House represented by Pisces in one’s natal chart. We can use this time to develop our spiritual practice, develop our sensibility with poetry and music, and develop our capacity for empathy with others.

LUNAR NODES axis move from GEMINI-SAGITTARIUS to TAURUS-SCORPIO

The lunar nodes are astronomical points in the sky that keep moving over time. These are points where the orbit of the Moon intersects the plane of the Sun (as viewed from the Earth). When this intersection happens, the three bodies are aligned, Sun, Moon and Earth. If the Moon happens to be in front of the Sun viewed from the Earth, the North Node, there is a solar eclipse, i.e. it appears that the disc of the Sun is covered for the duration of the Eclipse. If the Moon happens to be behind the Earth during the alignment, the South Node, there is a lunar eclipse, always on the Full Moon. In the lunar eclipse, it appears that the full Moon disc is covered for the duration of the Eclipse.

In Vedic Astrology, these lunar nodes are named Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node). They have an energetic status equal to the other planets of the solar system and are considered chaya (shadowy) grahas. They are both related to the karmic stream that propels us from lifetime to lifetime. Rahu represents the new karma or actions we want to take. Ketu represents our past life karma. The way it manifests in one’s astrological chart, Rahu indicates areas of life where there is a strong, primal interest in this current incarnation. Sometimes to the point of obsession. Rahu goes about pursuing these areas with much gusto, but usually with a certain inexperience and ruthlessness, as these areas of life were not fully explored before. By a combination of greed, short-sightedness and a certain naiveté, Rahu tends to get us into trouble. Ketu on the other hand, is related to the experiences we had in past lives, to the point where we have had enough of them. This leads Ketu to create a certain distance in the areas of life it affects, either through outright rejection of those areas, or trying to spiritualize those subjects.

Rahu and Ketu entering new signs, in combination with the other key astrological events in 2020, signs that something “big” is going to happen. It will be transformational. It does not necessarily mean it will be tragic, however most people are asleep, i.e. unaware of the many dynamics – social, political, economic, technological in our world. This might cause a shock, if we are caught unprepared, ungrounded and distracted – as the world around us quickly changes and we cannot adapt accordingly.

RAHU-KETU in Gemini-Sagittarius

March 23rd, 2019 to September 19th, 2020

Rahu ingressed Gemini in March 2019, with a theme of future paths for humanity. It brought technological advances and disruptions, including Mercury themes such as communications, media, social media, travel, groups we belong to. From Greta Thunberg’s young climate change activists, to AI becoming embedded into our everyday realities, and the ever growing political and societal polarization - new perspectives surfaced competing for attention, through news (real or fake), and social media. The healing requires love, i.e. Venus, and will start in September 2020, when Rahu moves into Taurus.

Ketu in Sagittarius brought Jupiter themes, a new view on spirituality, and a rethink of traditional religions (and its institutions). We are experiencing an acceleration of events and a dissolution of the inherited mental models that made sense of our world for us until now.

RAHU-KETU in Taurus-Scorpio

September 19th, 2020 to March 16th, 2022

Rahu and Ketu will be in their Signs of exaltation, where their intrinsic nature aligns with the Sign significations, and tend to produce good results.
Rahu has great interest and desire for material success, to the point of obsession. In Taurus it will find a proper outlet for its sensual interests, luxury and gadgets. Rahu is also connected to technology innovation, particularly disruptions, and we will see a great shift in 2020-2021, starting with the widespread adoption of 5G and AI, that will affect our daily routines in ways unforeseen (as the smartphone and social media did a decade ago).

Ketu has a mystic nature with spiritual inclinations, and finds itself at home in Scorpio. Ketu’s abilities to intuition will lead to interest in psychology and may accelerate the current movement of mainstream acceptance of high consciousness research, including meditation, botanical medicine and shamanic ceremonies. Ketu in Scorpio can have a negative influence on privacy, when governments and corporations might accelerate using personal information, in secrecy, for a variety of applications - from facial recognition to social score tracking.

On a personal level, establishing a personal sadhana (practice) that grounds us and clears our minds, is the best way to attune to the power of Rahu-Ketu. These are primal energies, that are best understood through deep intuition, and cannot be grasped through intellectual analysis.

PROJECTING INTO THE FUTURE

How will it look for each Number

Calculating your birthday and cycle # for 2020 use the following method. Add together:

• the number of the month
• day of birth
• year for which prediction is made (20) using the last 2 digits only
• day of the week your birthday falls on (check below).

SUNDAY = 1 SUN
MONDAY = 2 MOON
TUESDAY = 9 MARS
WEDNESDAY = 5 MERCURY
THURSDAY = 3 JUPITER
FRIDAY = 6 VENUS
SATURDAY = 8 SATURN

Add all of this together and the number that results from this addition becomes the number of the projected year.

NOTE: As this summary is very general it can only provide an overall idea of what is to come. For more precise possibilities one should consider having one’s personalized chart done and consult a competent numerologist or astrologer, experienced and gifted in such matters.

YEAR CYCLE #1, RULED BY THE SUN

Important year of significant changes. Difficulties and problems that have existed for many years will vanish. One develops a new outlook. One hones down to the essentials and shines bright like a sun. One will feel lucky, special and receives help from people, especially people in authority and the government. One feels more healthy, robust and progressive about all one’s involvements. There will be easier success in business if one gets focused, organized and plans ahead as it is a cycle of new beginnings, so sowing seeds. One will meet interesting people that provide impetus for new directions. One will be less fearful, anxious or insecure. One will work hard however experience less stress.  One will achieve name and fame, especially in competitions. This is also an excellent cycle for buying something new, starting a new venture or investment scheme. For artists/musicians this will be a superb year to make a significant societal contribution and or composition.

YEAR CYCLE #2 RULED BY THE MOON

This cycle will bring an increase in personal happiness, richer magnetism, and feeling attractive to others. As well as new friends, who will be helpful in the future. Overall there will be less worry and stress, yet deeper emotionality superseded by more practicality. One will experience benefit from real estate and find a new house/home/apartment and an overall improved living situation through patience and good planning. One will experience profound changes in the way one thinks and perceives. The most important factor will be to observe the necessity of worrying and hurrying less and thereby becoming more conscious of each moment.

YEAR CYCLE # 3 RULED BY JUPITER

This will bring more knowledge and practical everyday wisdom. It will be a time to complete old projects and get ready for a major shift and life transformation during the year. One will meet new acquaintances that will become friends. Overall an auspicious year as it brings financial gain, name and honor in society if one efforts to express oneself clearly. This is a meaningful cycle for writers and orators. These people should be careful as the influence of Jupiter can make them exaggerate the truth and make them frank and fearless that could get them into trouble. It is a very good cycle for planning the next venue and or getting a job promotion. Not good for lawsuits however and also a time to tests one’s new friends before trusting them completely.

YEAR CYCLE #4 RULED BY RAHU

This year will bring success with difficulties. There will be strength, undisturbed by unforeseen troubles and obstacles. There is alertness, hard work, and calm. There are also financial gains, increased sources of income, and financial stability. You will experience new ventures, such as a new house or apartment. This year will also be auspicious, for one may get married, but if one does not want to marry officially, one gets a life partner. Married people with no children get a child. This year is good for relationships with friends and life partners. It is not successful for love affairs and romance. It will be good for relations with government officials and men of authority. This year will be good for traveling, spiritual pursuits and religious activities.

YEAR CYCLE #5 RULED BY MERCURY

This year will be a year of success and financial stability. It brings an increase in one's circle of friends. It is also good for business and businessmen. It will be good for traveling and for going abroad on business or for enjoyment. It will be good for partnership in business. It is a time to be conscious while talking, and also to be conscious while signing a deal or a contract. It is good for those employed in the media and communications business: writers, poets, actors, entertainers, radio artists, and journalists. It will be good for appearing in competitions and taking risks. It will be a memorable year.

YEAR CYCLE #6 RULED BY VENUS

Year number 6 is good for family relationships, free from the problems of household affairs. It is also good for romance and conceiving a child. It is good for interior decorators, actors, musicians, poets, and painters as well as for filmmakers, theatre people, and those involved in show business. Good for jewelers and people involved in the perfume business. It will be good for spending on decoration, entertainment, and enjoyment. It is a time to get employment, for those who are unemployed. It is a time to deal with items of beauty, sensual enjoyment, worldly pleasure, and gifts. This year also brings the chance of getting unexpected wealth and a raise in salary.

YEAR CYCLE #7 RULED BY KETU

This year will hold misunderstandings and difficulties. There will be difficulties in business: more work, less profit. Success in such things as court cases and law suits. It will also be a year to test friends and helpers and to avoid unnecessary discussion. Devote energy to the healing arts, astrology, practice of Tantra, magic, and hypnosis. Take fewer risks and be conscious in love affairs and romance; there are chances of getting a bad name. Remain optimistic and undisturbed if one desires success in jobs undertaken. A patient and optimistic attitude will solve problems and remove obstacles. The difficulties are only a test. This will also be a good year for healers, astrologers, and those involved in occult sciences.

YEAR CYCLE #8 RULED BY SATURN

This year will be good for politicians, social workers, and people involved in the iron and steel industry. It brings the opportunity to start a new venture. It will be poor in the area of health. Precautions are needed; for example, avoid stress, excitement, and anxiety. Use more juices and spices, which clean the blood and strengthen the heart. Use pearl powder (mukta pishti) and powdered blue sapphire (neelam pishti). It is a time to gain success in worldly matters; one should use one' energy to become more creative. The right use of energy will bring good luck. It is good for gaining victory over enemies, and in lawsuits. It is a time to become independent, to rely on one's own resources and judgment. It is good for social work.

YEAR CYCLE #9 RULED MARS

This year will be a year of completion, success, and good fortune. It is a time for fulfillment of desires, for organizing oneself and a year of gaining favors from men of authority and government officials. It will also bring slight disagreements - a harmful exchange of harsh words with an officer is possible. There will be success in combat and competitions and honor by society. There is a chance of unexpected financial gains, through a lottery, inheritance, or other source. During this year, one should also avoid doubting and perfectionism. By devoting more energy to spiritual pursuits, the year will bring good results.

* * *

May you be filled with loving kindness.
May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be happy.
May you enjoy the root of happiness.
May your love flow outward.

Firmly shining within me
Lays that Divine spark
Essence can I Be
A Light in the dark.

Christina Richa Devi

2020 ASTRO FORECAST AND DAILY MOON and NAKSHATRA CALENDAR

Have the insider astro nuggets for 2020 at your fingertips!
Daily, precisely calculated Moon and Nakshatras transits of the entire 12 months This is a priceless tool to select auspicious times and avoid troublesome transits re major decisions.

Available in PDF format for $13.65.	To receive a printable copy of my 2020 Astro Forecast, send $23.20.	Or purchase both the Moon-Nakshatra Calendar and 2020 Forecast for $32.55.