MARS IN PUSHYA :
Tuesday is a day ruled by Mars, the warrior and protector. Mars moveS into the constellation of Pushya (Cancer 3.21-16.39) on June 28th July 19th. For Western astronomers, Pushya is formed by North and South Aselli, the two donkeys, which reflect the manger and the birth of the Christ child which occurs under the spiritual energy of this benefic lunar mansion. Pushya is considered to be the most auspicious of the twenty-seven lunar mansions. The symbols for this asterism are a lotus, circle, arrow and the udder of the sacred cow. The ruling planet is Shani, or Saturn, which grounds the energy of this powerful nakshatra. The chief deity is Brihaspati, the High Priest of the Gods. The shakti of Pushya is “the ability to create spiritual energy”.
Remember, Mars is exalted in Capricorn and the deity of this constellation is the best one in the zodiac and brings deep spiritual energy to Aries and Scorpio rising and even though Mars is debilitated in Cancer, this constellation is still a rather bright spot for Mars on its journey.
So the transit brings a mixed bag. It spiritualizes the warrior on his quest for freedom from suffering but it weakens Saturn which is causing enough problems being conjunct Ketu. You have to slow down to prevent accidents, focus, get extra rest, do your yoga to ground Mars and keep your focus. Meditation and yoga support Saturn. Mars being too fiery and lead to outbursts of anger so stay cool and drink coconut water and go off of hot and spicy food or you will release your fire on unsuspecting others.
Mars is accustomed and even thrives by dealing with Saturn as it is exalted in Capricorn and the warrior is best when challenged so Pushya, owned by Saturn is not a problem. It is tired and angry in Cancer and has to rest more but it still likes the edge and the challenge if it does not get too frustrated. The Sun combustion does not start until July l11th and then you will have to stay out of trouble.
It is thought that the deity of a constellation is more powerful than the planetary ruler, Saturn, so Brihaspati, the advisor to the gods, teaches wisdom and truth for humanity. The trick now is to use your energy for service for mankind and take time for spiritual teachings and wisdom and this transit will go quickly and be powerful.
Special thanks to Dennis Harness and Komilla Sutton for their insights on this constellation.
MARS INTO ASHLESHA/HYDRA–July 19-August 8th.
Mars moves into the constellation of Ashlesha (Hydra, Cancer 16.40-29.59) on July 19th and journeys through there until it goes into Leo on August 8th. Of the 27 constellations in the zodiac, Ashlesha can stir up more emotional turmoil than many others so with two planets here, the Sun and Mars we have more trouble happening. Watch out for vicious communication arguments and speaking out and lashing out at people without thinking, so hold your tongue and wait before your burst forth in anger.
The darker side of this constellation is that it can make Mercury and planets connected to the constellation (like the Sun and Mars in transit) impolite, tactless, unpopular, lacking in social skills, dismissive rules, lacking gratitude, depressed, reckless, isolated and lacking grace. Putting the debilitated Mars here just can easily lead to angry tirades and arguments that get emotionally overheated.
If you were born with your Mars in the this constellation (Cancer 16.40-29.59), you may be able to face your demons but can easily get too reckless or impulsive with speech or get caught up in angry and vengeful thinking and blame-making so remember to see your own demons, tame them, apologize, get humble and take the Martian ego that wants to be right at all cause and will destroy a relationship just to do so.
The symbol for this intense nakshatra is the coiled serpent at the base of the spine, reflecting the potent kundalini energy that resides here. Ashlesha means the tangled one denoting the challenges of our addictions. The main deities are the Nagas, the Serpent Kings. The shakti revealed here is the “power to inflict poisonous venom”. Great mystical talents and enlightenment can be experienced if the primordial energy of this lunar asterism is harnessed.
Serpents have two connotation being connected to poison and spirituality. When the constellation is operating strongly, it can bring deep mystical experience and spiritual inquiry and on the dark side it can lead to poisonous gossiping so watch you tongue as the planets transit through here as the Sun will follow (August 2-15) and Mars (July 19-August 8) . It can tend toward gluttony, debauchery, drug use and addictive patterns. The constellation may increase the desire for unquenchable sensual gratification so remember moderation in all things.
Aries and Scorpio and Cancer rising are most affected by Mars at the end of Cancer. Remember to get extra rest, be careful with driving and do the Warrior pose in Yoga to keep your third eye and attention alert as there is a tendency to get spaced out and get caught up in the intellectually conversations of he said/she said and it distracts you from being in the moment and getting the job done in the moment. Use the shoulder stand to quiet Mercury whose sharp tongue and active intellect is just to crazy and over-reactive and caught up in the head the next month. Get our Astro-Yoga videotape if you want to learn poses to support difficult planetary transits and placements in your chart and the emotional and psychological connections.