What to Expect from Mercury Transiting Sagittarius (October 29th ~ November 14th & December 10th ~ 31st)

Mercury will transit tropical Sagittarius from roughly October 29^th ~ November 14^th. Then it will retrogress into Scorpio until it again progresses into Sagittarius from roughly December 10^th ~ 31^st. So Mercury’s current transit of Sagittarius will basically take place during the first half of November and the second half of December.

What to expect from this transit depends upon what sign your Moon is in. Remember we are talking about a tropical transit, so consider the tropical sign of your Moon, and read the appropriate section below. Please bear in mind that I am only describing the effects that come from Mercury. Transits of other planets during this time period will of course have their own effects.

♈ – If your Moon is in Aries…

Avoid trying to begin or complete any significant projects while Mercury is in Sagittarius. Confusion, unclear plan-making and poor communication or deceit will make it difficult to succeed in such.

♉ – If your Moon is in Taurus…

Mercury’s transit of Sagittarius is potentially very good for you to make significant financial gains, enjoy recreation, and establish new friendships!

The exception will be when a planet other than the Moon transits Aries, Capricorn, Sagittarius, Virgo, or Cancer. Mars will be in Sagittarius and Capricorn throughout Mercury’s transits of Sagittarius – so be conscientious that Mars’ qualities (like over-enthusiasm, rashness, foolhardiness, intolerance, selfishness) will be the primary obstacles you want to avoid during this time. If you entertain them, they will block the good effects of Mercury in Sagittarius.

In the second half of December the Sun and Venus will also come into Sagittarius – so along with Mars that will make three planets interfering with the positive effects of Mercury’s transit. My advice is to focus on keeping away from Mars’ traits during the first half of November to get the good potentials of Mercury’s transit of Sagittarius.

♊ – If your Moon is in Gemini…

Realize that this time frame is very ripe for misunderstandings. Take extra care to be tactful, diplomatic and clear in your relationships and interactions with others.

♋ – If your Moon is in Cancer…

This is potentially an excellent time for you to solve many problems, take care of debts, outwit opponents, etc.!

The exception will be when a planet other than the Moon transits Virgo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Pisces, or Gemini.

We have Saturn in Scorpio and Jupiter in Pisces, so although Mercury will not cause you any harm during this period, it will be difficult to tangibly realize the good results he could potentially give. The blockage comes from being too conservative in your thinking and feeling, yet too generous in your willingness to spend. Perhaps if you try to avoid those traits you can realize some of the initially described benefits of Mercury in Sagittarius.

♌ – If your Moon is in Leo…

Avoid being argumentative with those you love. Make an effort to not enter into disputes needlessly. Remember that love is more important than correctness.

♍ – If your Moon is in Virgo…

Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius has the potential to improve your property and savings!

Exceptions arise when a planet other than the Moon transits Scorpio, Capricorn, Aries, Taurus, or Leo.

We will have Saturn in Scorpio, and Ketu in Taurus for all of this transit, and Mars will be in Capricorn during the second half of December. So over conservatism in your plan-making and ambition will hold back the otherwise good effects of Mercury in Sagittarius, and during the December part of the transit compulsive / passionate spending has to be avoided. If you are mindful of these blockages, perhaps you can realize some of the positive effect inherent in Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius.

♎ – If your Moon is in Libra…

Be cautious of people. Reserve your trust for when Mercury is not in Sagittarius and you can be more clear and confident about who is a friend and who is not. Be skeptical and cautious of others.

♏ – If your Moon is in Scorpio…

Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius has the potential to improve your financial stability and security!

Exceptions arise if a planet other than the Moon transits in Capricorn, Pisces, Gemini, Cancer, or Libra.

Jupiter will be in Gemini during this transit, and Mars will be in Capricorn during the latter half of December. Having too much trust in secrets and invisible things will block Mercury from bestowing its goodness. And later in December, making your ambitions too self-oriented will do the same. Avoid these two pitfalls and I hope that your finances can become at least a bit more secure and steady as a result of what you do while Mercury is in Sagittarius.

♐ – If your Moon is in Sagittarius…

Cash flow will weaken. Be mindful of your budget. Don’t expect profits to appear right now, at least not from any new sources.

♑ – If your Moon is in Capricorn…

You are ushered towards a more peripheral, sideline, humble position. Accept it gracefully and probably you will come out of it feeling good and more clear about yourself.

♒ – If your Moon is in Aquarius…

Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius has the potential to significantly increase your prosperity, make important social connections, enjoy life, and increase your profit margin!

Exceptions arise when a planet other than the Moon transits Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Libra or Capricorn.

We have Jupiter in Gemini during all of this transit, and during the latter part of December we have Mars in Capricorn. So if you have the wrong attitude towards children you will block the prosperity of this transit. In December don’t be overly shy – for that would interfere with what Mercury’s transit is Sagittarius can give.

♓ – If your Moon is in Pisces…

Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius is wonderful, bringing success and happiness all-around!

Exceptions arise when a planet other than the Moon transits Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius.

We have Saturn in Scorpio and Ketu in Taurus throughout all of this transit. Therefore negative thinking and unwillingness to let yourself express itself are all that may block the pleasant effects of Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius.

What to do?

In case you are feeling discouraged by what Mercury in Sagittarius potentially can bring, I will leave you with these verses from Phaladīpikā that close the chapter explaining transits:

“If the planets are adverse, make peace with them by doing good deeds, observing a fast, etc. in their honor. The planets are always favorable to people who don’t harm others, control their own selfishness, and stay true on the moral path of their responsibilities.”

Thank You,

Vic DiCara

www.vicdicara.com

The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

A sign is a place in the heavens which can be occupied by the planets. The planets are like people, who utilize the resources of a place to achieve whatever ends they desire. So the zodiac signs influence astrology not directly, but indirectly by providing specific resources which limit, facilitate and otherwise modify what the planets can do in a horoscope.

To do astrology, you must clearly and deeply understand what resources are available in which signs. That’s what this article will help you with.

Each zodiac sign is a result of four things: gender, element, mode and ruler. We can take gender out of the equation because element implies gender (fire and air are always masculine, water and earth are always feminine). A zodiac sign, therefore is a combination of three things:

1. An element (fire, earth, air or water), combined with
2. A mode (cardinal, fixed or dual), and cultivated by
3. A ruler (one of the seven primary planets)

Here is a list of the ingredients in the recipe for each of the twelve zodiac signs (if you are patient and have a good eye for abstractions, you will find many beautiful symmetries and patterns in this list. I apologize that the simple formatting here doesn’t reveal these perfections more clearly):

Sun +             fixed          fire =       Leo.

Moon +        cardinal   water = Cancer.

Mercury +   dual           earth =   Virgo.

Mercury +   dual           air =         Gemini.

Venus +        cardinal   air =         Libra.

Venus +        fixed          earth =   Taurus.

Mars +          fixed          water =  Scorpio.

Mars +          cardinal   fire =       Aries.

Jupiter +      dual           fire =       Sagittarius.

Jupiter +      dual           water =  Pisces.

Saturn +      cardinal   earth =   Capricorn.

Saturn +      fixed          air =         Aquarius.

Saturn’s Signs

Capricorn

Saturn+ Cardinal Earth.

Recall what you learned about Saturn, reality, tenacity, etc. Now consider those interests expressing themselves through cardinal earth. The nature of Saturn becomes more forceful, decisive and ambitious due to the cardinal mode, and even more enduring, immovable and rigid due to the earth element.

Capricorn encourages absolutely unrelenting tenacity with decisive dedication to realizing practical results from extremely ambitious goals.

We symbolize this meaning in the image of a mythical sea creature called a “Capricorn” or “Mākara.” The original version of this formidable beast is a crocodile’s jaws with a shark’s tail and a deer’s legs. The crocodile jaws are symbolic of tenacity, never letting go. The ability to be swift on water or land like a shark or a deer shows the decisive cardinality of this sign, and highlights Saturn’s ability to tolerate and dominate in any condition, land or sea.

Aquarius

Saturn + Fixed Air

Now consider the same interests of Saturn expressing themselves instead through fixed air. The fixed mode resonates well with Saturn’s patient tenacity. But the air mode causes Saturn to be less stubborn, and more curious.

Aquarius encourages enduring curiosity and humble patience in discovering the many different facets of life and its ultimate meaning.

A pot symbolizes this quite well. Some say the symbol is of a man pouring a pot – water flowing out of the pitcher, but the older symbol is of a man filling the pot – water flowing into the pitcher. I find the older symbol more useful. The pot is a place to collect various things collected in ones travels throughout life. The bearer of the pot is a servile person, like Saturn, which reflects that Saturn’s humility is available in Aquarius.

Jupiter’s Signs

Sagittarius

Jupiter + Dual Fire

Remember the root of all Jupiter’s intentions is positive expansion, accomplished through good moral guidance. The fire element, an element which shines light on the path and clearly points the right way forward, resonates quite well with these intentions. The duality here prevents the fire from being hasty and overly judgmental – as it is prone to be by nature. Instead it encourages a broad and open minded inquisitiveness.

Sagittarius encourages an open-minded hunger for the positive future that is sure to develop from broad ethical, moral, and philosophical understanding.

The symbol is a drawn bow and arrow, carried by a centaur. The arrow symbolizes the high moral ambitions of Sagittarius – to understand morality, ethics and philosophy in an ever broader manner. The arrow and the centaur are very fast. The centaur can run in one direction while the arrow shoots in the other – symbolizing the dual nature of Sagittarius. The centaur and arrow want to cover as much ground as possible. Notice that the centaur is a centaur, not just a horse. It has the head, the brain of a human. This conveys that Sagittarius is intelligent. The wide-roaming centaur and arrow want to cover as much philosophical ground as possible.

Pisces

Jupiter + Dual Water

Now consider the same energy as Sagittarius but with the moral and ethical interests of the fire element replaced by the contemplative, deep and reflective interests of the water element.

Pisces encourages deep introspection and careful reflection upon the heart of any matter, from all sides.

A fish is the symbol of Pisces. Naturally this is a reference to the water element in Pisces. Also, a fish is silent, and Pisces is quite introspective and reflective in how it goes about gaining a broader base of understanding. A fish can go very deep into the water, and this conveys the combination of Jupiter and water encouraging very deep contemplations. Often the symbol for Pisces contains two fish swimming in opposite directions, though tied together. This very clearly denotes the dual mode in Pisces.

The Signs of Mars

Scorpio

Mars + Fixed Water

Recall what you learned about Mars. He is our individual energy and ambition. Expressing itself through the fixed mode this results in the ambition to become deeper, more profound and more attractive. Because this fixed mode is blended with the element of water, the context of the ambition for profundity becomes emotionally, inwardly oriented. Fixed water, as a combination, creates great depths. Utilized by Mars it because an ambition to attain profound depths.

Scorpio encourages an inward search for more profound depths. Individuality is realized by strengthening and deepening one’s own inner self.

A scorpion is the symbol of Scorpio. This insect is dangerous, like Mars, and lives alone as an individual, like Mars. It lives in holes in the ground or secret cracks and shadows, symbolizing the inward, depth oriented nature of Scorpio as well as its proclivity for secrecy and secret things hidden in the depths.

Aries

Mars + Cardinal Fire

Now consider the same individualizing energy and ambition of Mars, not focused on inner depths as in Scorpio, but on outer heights. Cardinality resonates with the ambitious bravery of Mars. Fire shows the path and allows for swift progress without hesitation. Cardinal fire allows Mars to give great extroverted expressions to brave ambitions.

Aries encourages setting off alone and brave, blazing one’s own path as a bold declaration of individuality and self-assuredness.

The symbol of Aries is a mountain-goat, a ram. Like the scorpion this creature is dangerous with its formidable horns, and highly individualistic – living far from society and other animals, alone in the rocky heights of mountains. An animal who climbs great heights very appropriately conveys the ambitious cardinal nature, and by always knowing where to step without falling it symbolizes the fire element which illuminates the clear path.

Signs of Venus

Libra

Venus + Cardinal Air

Venus, remember, is mainly interested in making the world a better, more enjoyable place. When she cultivates this quality through cardinal air, in creates a very liberal nature. Cardinal is ambitious in seeking change towards new improvements. Air is curious and mobile and likes to change in search of new things.

Libra encourages a more pleasant world through liberal enthusiasm for new and better ways of life.

A lady holding a scale symbolizes Libra. This communicates the liberal ideal of fairness. The lady is fair and beautiful, symbolizing a more pleasant and enjoyable world. Scales symbolize justice and fairness, but also fair trade and exchange. This portrays how Libra does not hold on to old things and seeks to trade the old for something new and better.

Taurus

Venus + Fixed Earth

Now consider how the same intentions of Venus can manifest using fixed earth. Earth is practical, so the outcome is towards improving the world in a tangible, real, practical manner. The fixed mode is deep, steady, and conservative, so we have an emphasis on preserving good things.

Taurus encourages preservation of beneficial traditions and creation of things which are good and enjoyable in a tangible, practical way.

The bull is a symbol of Taurus. The bull is a domestic animal, so is pitting to portray a sign owned by Venus, who is all about relationships, cooperation and marriage. The bull tills the earth – fitting for symbolizing a sign created from the earth element, and thus creates food – the most practical and tangible object of wealth, goodness and enjoyment. The bull plowing a field also symbolizes simple adherence to old ways and traditions, fitting for the nature of a fixed sign intent on preserving what is good and worthwhile in the world.

Mercury’s Signs

Virgo

Mercury + Dual Earth

Remember that Mercury is the planet of interchange and intellect, whose main intention is to learn and understand. The dual mode, of course, resonates very sonorously with this – facilitating a multifaceted and objective approach. Earth directs this interest towards practical, tangible matters.

Virgo encourages intelligence in practical matters, caution and thoroughness in all affairs.

 A virgin is the symbol of Virgo. Over the centuries a lot of symbolic baggage has accumulated around the image of “virgin.” One thing that is still easy to hear in the imagery is a reflection of the prudence and caution of the earth element. Young girls are extremely intelligent and excellent students, especially in comparison to young boys. This makes them a fitting symbol for a sign of Mercury, the planet of intellect and learning. Before marriage, a girl is still studying many different subjects in school – reflecting on the dual mode and the character of Mercury present in Virgo.

Gemini

Mercury + Dual Air

The only thing different here from Virgo is the element. But what a significant difference it makes! Air is not at all cautious, it is free and mobile and fun-loving. Dual air allows Mercury to fully cultivate its wit, inventiveness, and fun-loving nature.

Gemini encourages ingenuity, invention, and a youthful love for freedom and fun.

Sometimes we see twins as a symbol for Gemini, but the more ancient image is a couple enjoying one another’s company. In both cases the two persons in the image point to the dual nature of the sign. That they are both human symbolizes the intellectual, witty, and refined nature of the sign. The more ancient image is more complete, however, because it portrays Gemini’s love for the fun and games associated with new youth.

Signs of the Luminaries

Leo

Sun + Fixed Fire

The Sun is the authority, and the strong sense of identity. The fixed mode is attractive and draws valuable things towards it rather than chasing after them. This causes Leo to support the kind of self-confidence that is charismatic and creates a powerful leader. This resonates loudly with the nature of the fire element, as well. Fire lights the path for others to follow.

Leo encourages strong self-confidence, generating the charisma and authority that commands and guides many followers.

The lion symbolizes Leo. The appropriateness of this image is quite obvious. The lion is the king of the jungle – and the Sun is the king of the planets. The lion is a calm, powerful, stately animal – much like the fixed mode. But like fire, the lion can be punishing when it decides to act.

Cancer

Moon + Cardinal Water

The Moon is the mind, the seat of all desires. Cardinality is decisive and ambition. Water is emotional and reflective. Clearly water and the moon harmonize loudly and clearly with one another, for emotions, desires and the mind itself are one and the same. Cardinality puts an interesting twist on the mixture, causing the emotional mind to be ambitious and decisive! Though cardinality brings decisiveness and direction to Cancer, we can’t forget that the Moon is shy by nature, greatly desiring the approval and acceptance of others.

Cancer encourages strong emotions and decisive opinions yet expresses them shyly and somewhat fearfully.

A crab symbolizes Cancer. The crab is a water-creature, so it is appropriate to symbolize a water sign. It runs sideways, quickly – an image alluding to the directional and committed / decisive nature of the cardinal element. The hard shell can also inform us of the cardinal disposition, which is not flexible and which shields itself from distraction. It, and the crab’s overall behavior, also speaks of the Moon’s timidity and fearfulness of being hurt by others.

 

- Vic DiCara

www.vicdicara.com

How to do Compatibility Astrology – Primer

Image by Ken_Mayer via Flickr

Here are the essential basics of how to do compatibility based on the mutual relationships of the signs of two people.

 

Start at Taurus, call it “1″, say the signs in order, numbering each one, till you get to “7″ (from Taurus it will be scorpio) This sign is always the most COMPELLING attraction and compatibility.

Start over and do the same thing, this time note the signs that are numbered “5″ and “9″ (from Taurus it is Virgo and Capricorn). These signs are always RELIABLE compatibly.

Start over again and note the signs that are “3″ and “11″ (From taurus these are Cancer and Pisces) These signs are nice relationships, just rather mildly positive.

The signs just before and after the one you start at (2 and 12 – from Taurus these are Aries and Gemini) are incompatible… not terribly, mildly. *Here is the one you are asking about, Taurus/Aries. More on this after I finish up this number pattern.*

The signs just before and after the one “7″ signs from where you start (6 and 8 – from Taurus these are Libra and Sagittarius) are more strongly incompatible, reliably, constantly not good.

There are only two signs left now, these are the ones “4″ and “10″ from wherever you start (from Taurus this would be Leo and Aquarius) these are the biggest compatibility clashes, the most incompatible.

Now, thats the THEORY. You also have to know how to apply this theory.

a) you have to do it for the signs of your ascendant, moon, sun AND venus – and weight the results all together (or separately to reveal separate aspects of compatibility)

b) you have to do it for the interactions between these four signs. (for example, Moon in Taurus and the other persons ascendant in Scorpio is very good for compatibility).

c) You have to consider the degrees, not just the signs. When two bodies are close together by degree, their positive or negative compatibility effect is much more pronounced than if those two bodies are far apart.

Hope this helps! =)

Thanks,
Vic DiCara

PS – This pattern system I described doesn’t at all contradict an element-based way of understanding compatibility and incompatibility. In fact the pattern arises because of the compatibility of the elements and modes of the signs.

I use this as the fundamental system of my compatibility readings (along with another, more traditional Indian system) and the results are very, very reliable and useful.

http://vicdicara.com

Jupiter Enters Aries

Image via Wikipedia

Today Jupiter enters Aries (the constellation, not the monthly “sign”) – along with a bunch of other planets: Venus & Mercury, Mars, and for a few more days, the Sun. Let’s forget about all the others, because it’s just too complicated. Let’s think about Jupiter in Aries. The first question always is “What does it mean?”

The question itself betrays a little bit of naivety on behalf of the asker – because there is not one universal meaning to Jupiter going into Aries. It means different things in different contexts for different people. So, the question soon becomes, “What does it mean to me?“

Any mass media answer is bound to be overly simplified, because how can one answer address an nearly infinite number of different individuals asking the question? Some writers try to overcome this hurdle by giving twelve different answers – one for each “sign” (and what “sign” means always depends on the writer’s definition: for some it is the month you were born, for others it is the constellation of your Moon, for others it is the constellation or “sign” that was rising when you were born, etc.)

You know what, I think that’s a pretty reasonable way to address an unsolvable dillema – so long as we remember that we are being broad. In fact, I will go a step further and use the required generic broadness to our advantage by encouraging you to individualize what I say for your own self.

Here is my suggestion for how to understand the major, simple, underlying theme of what Jupiter in Aries means for you.

First of all get your birth chart made. Have it made in a “sidereal” format (since we are talking about Jupiter going into sidereal Aries, after all). All you need to know from it is this: What is my sidereal rising sign?

Depending on what your rising sign is, Aries represents a different house for you. Here is a table to show you.

If your rising sign is…	Aries is your…
Aries	1st House
Taurus	12th House
Gemini	11th House
Cancer	10th House
Leo	9th House
Virgo	8th House
Libra	7th House
Scorpio	6th House
Sagittarius	5th House
Capricorn	4th House
Aquarius	3rd House
Pisces	2nd House

Now here is the simple key to figuring out the central theme of Jupiter in Aries for you:

Jupiter represents fortune, growth, and faith. Whatever house Aries is for you represents the main place you will obtain good fortune from by concentrating on cultivating the growth of and developing your faith in – during the duration of Jupiter’s stay in sidereal Aries. (From now till next May, 2012)

Brief examples for the 12 rising signs

I will illustrate the essential examples of what the transit means to each rising sign – but I encourage you to use my articles on the houses to fully explore and envision the themes that will bring you good fortune by your investing time and trust in them this year.

Aries Rising

Jupiter transits your 1st house – so cultivate self-growth, self-faith this year, and trust in all things visible, practical and tangible.

Taurus Rising

This is a transit of your 12th house – so cultivate trust and faith in humility, deference to others, quietness, solitude, spiritual knowledge, and “foreign” philosophies. Spend money only on truly good things.

Gemini Rising

11th house transit – so place all your trust and faith in your children, your friends, and your teachers. Concentrate your efforts on pleasing them.

Cancer Rising

10th house transit – so trust in society and play your social role with morality. Concentrate on your career.

Leo Rising

9th house transit – give your heart to religion and philosophy. Travel in search of such inspirations. Pursue “higher” education.

Virgo Rising

8th house transit – be less practical, trust the unknown, enjoy mysterious secrets that cannot be quantified rationally. Explore the mystery of life and death. Enjoy the occult. Enjoy procreation.

Libra Rising

7th house transit – learn to trust your spouse more deeply and fully. Concentrate your energies on cooperating with them. Economic transactions, commerce, will benefit this year from similar trust and attention.

Scorpio Rising

6th house transit – clean your liver – eat clean foods – no meat, less oils. Your health will skyrocket if you do. Trust in your ability to overcome your oppenents and challenges in a fair, open, moral and mutually trusting way.

Sagittarius Rising

5th house transit – study! Develop your intellect and creativity this year!

Capricorn Rising

4th house transit – work on your homelife, your private life. Trust in the ability of your domestic life to provide you firm and stable happiness as a good foundation for your life. Concentrate on your house and the family who live in it.

Aquarius Rising

3rd house transit – trust your ambitions, work on expressing yourself through words and sounds. Have faith in your ability to achieve your inner desires. Concentrate on these this year, and you will find fortune.

Pisces Rising

2nd house transit – Concentrate on nurtition. Concentrate on financial stability. Put all your trust and attention into the things which truly support your practical life: your family, your food, your assets, your wisdom.

A note about this transit from the Moon

You can do the same thing but from the perspective of your Moon. This will tell you a different story – the story of what will be on your mind this year (now through next may). Look at your sidereal birth chart and find the sign that the Moon is in. Then look up that sign in the table I wrote out earlier, to figure out what house Aries represents from your Moon. Then you can consider the themes of whatever that house is and understand what will be the underlying theme of what occupies your mind – i.e. what your will desire fortune from – for the duration of Jupiter’s stay in Aries.

I hope you all enjoy this post, and that Sri Hari blesses you to derive good personal guidance from it. Please bless me with stability and happiness for my family this year, and with the sincere and ardent desire to be a source of pleasure for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Thank you,

Vic DiCara (Vraja Kishor das)

www.vicdicara.com <- please come and request a reading!