The most important transits of 2017

These are the most important transits of 2017. As the transits are approaching the exact mark they become very powerful, so the energy begins before the start dates listed. As the transits move away from the exact hit, they become weaker, but nevertheless continue to be functional for some time. So, the energy of these transits continues to be powerful much longer than the dates listed.

Jupiter opposes Uranus This transit is prone to unexpected situations and events that can go either way. Jupiter is expansive and Uranus is about change and freedom. You could desire to travel, and financial speculation can be very good or very bad. Jupiter rules foreign things and people.  The first pass of this transit became exact on Christmas Eve, 2016-December 29, 2016. We saw several celebrity deaths, and the CIA and FBI announced Russia had been involved in hacking to influence the US election. Changes with foreign alliances and the financial markets are unpredictable. Use caution. This repeats February 22-March 5, and September 27-October 1, 2017.

Jupiter sextiles Saturn This is a positive and optimistic transit that is strong for business. Many things may finalize or come together at this time. Positive. December 31-January 6, August 27-September 1.

Jupiter squares Pluto This can relate to issues with joint finances, conflict, lawsuits, arguments, and major change and transformation in the world and our lives. At times individuals with this transit can believe they are right and attempt to convince others of their position. Strong opinions are evident. Caution. We experienced this transit November 7-14, March 25-April 2, August 2-8,

Saturn trines Uranus Positive for business and improvements or new starts of all types. At times can connect the old with the new, or reconnect individuals. Good for starting new business, clients, internet projects and projects of all types. Positive. We may see major advances in technology. May 12-25, November 6-13.

Jupiter trines Neptune Creative, inspirational and compassionate. Positive December 1-4. Positive

Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto in a t-square   A t-square is a difficult aspect that involves the energies of three planets, and tends to pull us in many different directions.  As the planets are Cardinal, things will happen quickly and in significant ways.

The t-square will reach its peak February-March of 2017, when Pluto reaches 19 degrees of Capricorn, Uranus, 22 degrees of Aries and Jupiter 20-21 degrees of Libra. While this t-square never becomes exact (all planets at the same degree) the planets reach a 3 degree orb of each other February-March, 2017 which is powerful. The energy gains momentum the closer it gets.

The t-square energy will play out in the world in terms of change and events that will occur, and it will affect our lives as well, especially those with Cardinal planets at  18-23 degrees. The Cardinal planets are Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra.

Pluto in Capricorn is powerful, and Pluto is the planet of transformation. Pluto in Capricorn has to do with business and power, and this includes the bullies of the world and those who force their will on others.

Uranus is the planet of revolts, revolutions and unexpected events, sometimes explosive.

Jupiter is the planet of expansion, money and grace. Libra is the sign ruling relationships of all types and justice.

T-squares like this one typically bring change and even upheaval in the world. Uranus is square Pluto again, and this transit dominated the skies 2013-14. At that time we saw many changes in governments, terrorism, and the upheaval in the Middle East was probably one of the greatest changes.

Mercury retrogrades Mercury is retrograde in Capricorn at the start of the year. January 4, it retrogrades into Sagittarius and turns direct January 8.

The second retrograde occurs April 9, at 4 degrees of Taurus. On April 21 it retrogrades back into Aries, where it turns direct on May 3, at 24 Aries.

The third retrograde occurs August 13, and Mercury retrogrades at 11 degrees of Virgo. September 1, it retrogrades back into Leo where it turns direct on September 5.

The fourth and final retrograde of Mercury occurs December 3, at 29 degrees of Sagittarius. It turns direct at 13 degrees of Sagittarius on December 23.

Retrograde Mercury periods are better spent re-doing and reflecting rather than starting new projects. Begin a new project or buy a high ticket item and you may well regret it. This is not the time to get married, have plastic surgery, but cars, houses or computers, or start new things. Machinery and situations break down, and at times the fate or karma of relationships play out at these times.

Eclipses of 2017

Eclipses arrive in pairs on the new and full moons. Eclipses are like wild cards, and often reveal new information we did not know. They are associated with major events in our lives and indicative of change. By knowing where the eclipses fall in our chart we have a good idea of what we will be dealing with over the course of the year. Eclipses often bring news of some of life's biggest events-good or bad. You can experience an eclipse as good or bad. With each eclipse things both end, and begin. Sometimes unexpected and surprising events occur.

If your personal planets are the same (or close) to the degree of the eclipse you will personally experience some type of major effect from the eclipse, depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart.

Major events typically occur in the world with eclipses as well as our personal lives.

February 11, lunar eclipse at 22 degrees of Leo

February 26, Solar eclipse at 8 degrees of Pisces

August 7, lunar eclipse at 15 degrees of Aquarius

August 21, solar eclipse at 28 degrees of Leo

With an emphasis on Leo-Aquarius this year, the eclipses focus on the 5th-11th houses. The fifth house rules friends, love affairs and children, while the 11th house rules friends, hopes and wishes and 

Aquarius rules groups of all types and the collective.

The solar eclipse of August 21, will be the first one visible from the US since July 11, 1991.

Venus retrogrades March 4, at 13 degrees of Aries. April 3, it retrogrades back into Pisces, and turns direct at 26 degrees of Pisces on April 15.

When Venus retrogrades love energy becomes more intense and drama sometimes begins. It is a period when seemingly fated events occur, sometimes appearing to be beyond the control of the parties involved. Relationships can slow down or end. Sometimes those from our past can reappear. It is a time of reviewing and re-accessing your love life. Changes occur, and people can switch their affections and partners. The karma (karma=the universal will, what will ultimately be) of the relationship will play out during this period. Unresolved issues come to the forefront to be resolved one way or another, but if a commitment exists, with work it can become stronger.

If Venus goes stationary direct on a personal planet in your chart or your Sun you may well meet someone significant at this time. A retrograde Venus is not the time to get married, have plastic surgery, buy art, jewelry or items ruled by Venus. Money matters may be slowed down as well.

Venus retrogrades about every 18 months. The most important period is the stationary retrograde period when Venus is starting to retrograde and the stationary direct period when it is about to move forward again.

If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde Venus the love energy may never be fully expressed or when Venus goes direct the relationship may change or end. That is, unless you were born with a retrograde Venus, but the other party in question may not have been.

Venus retrograde periods are always significant. Relationships and even friendships tottering on the edge often end at this time.

Venus was last retrograde July 25-September 6, 2015.

Jupiter retrogrades February 6-June 9. The planet of luck and abundance retrogrades about 4 months every year. During this time, Jupiter's beneficial rays are not as powerful. Sometimes things can change direction and finances can slow down. On occasion, it aspects something in your chart, its affects can be marked.

Jupiter turns direct at 13 degrees of Libra. If Jupiter turns direct on a personal planet in your chart you may experience positive news or gains in some area.

Jupiter enters Scorpio October 10. The planet of luck enters the sign ruling the eighth house of other people's money and transformation. As Jupiter enters Scorpio money may increase.

Jupiter enters a new sign each year and if it is your personal Sun sign this should be a good year. Jupiter only enters your personal sign once every 12 years. The last time Jupiter entered this sign was late October 2005-November 2006.

Saturn stations, retrograde, April 6, at 27 Sagittarius. Saturn retrogrades every year, as do all the outer planets. If it stations retrograde or direct on a personal planet it may have a marked effect one way or another. It stations direct on August 25, at 21 degrees of Sagittarius.

Pluto stations retrograde April 20, at 19 Capricorn. It stations direct September 28, at 16 Capricorn.  If it stations retrograde or direct on a personal planet it may have a marked effect one way or another.

Uranus stations retrograde July 2, at 28 Aires, and stations direct January 2, 2018 at 24 Aries. If it stations retrograde or direct on a personal planet it may have a marked effect one way or another.

Neptune stations retrograde June 16, at 14 degrees of Pisces, and stations direct November 22, at 11 Pisces. If it stations retrograde or direct on a personal planet it may have a marked effect one way or another.

January 2017: Change in the world

We begin the year with Mercury still retrograde in Capricorn until January 8, when it turns direct in the early morning hours. This has been a difficult retrograde for many!

 January  4, Mercury retrogrades back into Sagittarius, and it turn stationary direct 3 days later at  28 degrees of Sagittarius. Mercury re-enters Capricorn January 12, where it will remain until February 7 when it enters Aquarius.

This means we will start the year out in a reflective manner both collectively and individually. While in Sagittarius, thinking and communicating will take on a philosophical tone, and while in Capricorn, we will reflect on our personal structure and foundation in life, focusing on our personal security and those things most important in our lives. When Mercury goes direct, things will pick up speed and it will the time to move forward in a big way! But, don't jump the gun, and remember that sometimes the day or two after Mercury turns direct can be the most confusing period and things can change again. It will start to move forward again a few days after it turns direct.

A significant t-square will dominate the sky January through March that involves Uranus, Pluto and Jupiter.

A t-square is a difficult aspect that involves the energies of three planets, and tends to pull us in many different directions.  As the planets are Cardinal, things will happen quickly and in significant ways both in our lives and the world.

The t-square will reach its peak February-March of 2017. While it never becomes exact (all planets at the same degree) the planets reach a 3 degree orb of each other February-March, 2017 which is powerful. The energy gains momentum the closer it gets.

The t-square energy will play out in the world in terms of change and it will affect our personal lives as well, especially for those with Cardinal planets at  18-23 degrees. The Cardinal planets are Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra.

Pluto in Capricorn is powerful, and is the planet of transformation, good or bad. Pluto in Capricorn has to do with business and power, and this includes the bullies of the world and those who force their will on others.

Uranus is the planet of revolts, revolutions and unexpected events, sometimes explosive. There will be many shifts in power, and a desire to change things.

Jupiter is the planet of expansion, money and grace, and expands whatever it touches. Libra is the sign ruling relationships of all types and justice.

T-squares like this one typically bring change and upheaval in the world. Uranus is square Pluto again, and this transit dominated the skies 2013-14. At that time we saw many changes in governments, and the upheaval and wars in the Middle East.

This t-square will be set off numerous times in January by the Sun and Mercury are in Capricorn. Significant dates are January 7, 10, 12, 29, and 31st, or the few days surrounding.

During January, stress, upset and anger among the people can be seen in the US Natal chart. Saturn opposes natal Mars (21 degrees of Gemini) and squares natal Neptune, (22 degrees of Virgo) setting off the natal Mars-Neptune square and forming a difficult t-square in the US chart.

Transiting Saturn falls in the first house (of the US chart) opposing Mars in the 7th house of open enemies and squares Neptune in the ninth house of foreigners, courts and world view and this is where the focus will lie. All the news we hear may not be accurate and discernment is necessary on many levels. This transit is prone to scandals that could relate to those considered enemies, or foreigners,  and there is a basic lack of clarity surrounding facts.

Saturn-Neptune transits have to do with fear, lies, lack of clarity and sometimes mourning. Many things will be revealed.

This shows upheaval, friction and the potential for violence, especially around the time of the inauguration as Mars squares Saturn on January 19, and a few days before and after. Typically, this transit deals with volatile situations and police or military action.

The Sun conjuncts Pluto January 7, and this is a harsh transit where new information may be revealed, and or the abuse of power. It can be stressful personally and bring change to those who have cardinal planets at 16-18 degrees.

 By January 10, the Sun squares Uranus and this is a dangerous and erratic transit that can often deal with explosive circumstances. The transits are potent as they fall so close to Mercury's direct motion.

The Full Moon of January 12, is also volatile as it falls in the sign of the homeland (Cancer) and squares Uranus, bringing sudden, unexpected and potentially explosive situations.

The transiting Saturn-Neptune square of 2016 changed many things and we saw massive hackings, and misinformation planted by various parties, and scandals. As Saturn squares Neptune in the US chart we may see more of the same and this transit will repeat itself in the summer for a longer period of time.  It is also capable of creating situations where we could see the release deadly chemicals or create health epidemics.

January represents a volatile time of stress, confusion, and even depression for many in the US, and we are at risk of violent incidents. The deep wounds brought on by the 2016 Presidential election are not going to heal overnight.

Saturn will sextile Jupiter however the first week of the month and this is positive, indicative of stability, and if this is making a positive aspect in your chart it can be a time when things come together in a big way. This will repeat itself several times in the New Year, so make the most of these times.

In February Saturn will sextile Uranus and this is another positive transit. During 2017 we have these two beneficial transits to look forward to.

These transits can help with money and business and The US will be prime to make some serious technological advances in the New Year.

During January both Venus and Mars will be in Pisces and this can be very powerful in a positive way if you are a Pisces, (or Cancer) or a Scorpio or Scorpio ascendant. If you are a Scorpio ascendant this places the two planets of love in your 5th house of love affairs. Major events can occur in connection with love, or you could meet someone special. If you are a Scorpio ascendant make use of this positive energy and give it a boost!

Next month, Mars and Venus will continue to travel together in Aries and this will be especially good for those with a Sagittarius ascendant! Mars and Venus don't dance together often but when they do it can be potent!

Additionally, with both Mars and Venus in Pisces (along with Neptune) love can take on a softer and more romantic tone overall, and there may be a more compassionate influence all the way around.

Unfortunately, the end of 2016 has brought the loss of many of our great entertainers and public figures. John Glenn, Zsa Zsa Gabor, George Michael, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Remolds, most recently, to name a few. May they RIP; the world is a better place as a result of their lives and accomplishments. As the major planets come together in stress configurations as they are now (Jupiter opposing Uranus) we see many people check out from our world. Here is wishing you, my friends and clients the very best in 2017.

 Other transits in January

January 3, Venus enters Pisces. Love energies take on a softer tone and this will work well for Pisces, especially and all water signs. Also, Mercury sextiles Venus and this is positive for love, expression and money.

This month's full Moon occurs January 12, and peaks at 6:34 AM. EST. This Moon falls at 22 degrees of Cancer and squares both Uranus and Jupiter. Moon-Uranus transits are prone to unpredictable events and Uranus can be unexpected and explosive. As it squares Jupiter, things may be blown out of proportion.

Cancer is the sign ruling home and family as well as our emotional lives, and we can see erratic and unpredictable events. Sometimes people can change their mind with a transit like this and it is not stable. The more well balanced you are, the better able you will be to deal with this erratic, albeit short lived energy.

As Venus is conjunct Neptune all things may not be clear, especially with love or money.  This is not the best time for new relationships to start, business deals, or anything where clarity is needed. Don't take for granted situations that begin on this day. Let this transit pass, and see what transpires after this confusing energy is gone.

January 19, Mars squares Saturn and this is frustrating energy if not volatile. Also the Sun enters Aquarius for the next 29 days, ruling the collective.

January 20, Venus sextiles Pluto and this is positive for expressing deeper feelings.

January 23, Mercury sextiles Neptune. Dreams may be prominent, and this is a transit of creativity and compassion.

January 27, Venus squares Saturn. This is not  lighthearted, nor is it the best day for love or social activities. Some may experience depression and some things may end at this time, if this aspects your chart.

January 28, Mars enters Aries. Mars is the planet of action and the God of war, and Mars is impatient and impulsive here. Many things will move forward at this time as Mars begins it journey again through the first sign of the zodiac.

January 29, Mercury conjuncts Pluto for its final pass. The last time Mercury and Pluto met up, we saw several major events as the Russian Ambassador was gunned down in Turkey and a truck plowed through a crowd at a German Christmas market. This can be a volatile transit in the world and it is prone to obsessive thinking, and arguments in our personal lives. On the other hand, it can be great for research or getting to the bottom of any matter if approached constructively.

January 31, Mercury squares Uranus. With Uranus involved this transit can bring some type of unexpected news or event on this day. Thinking and communication can be rapid and changeable. Use caution driving.

New Moon and Uranus turns direct-powerful!

The final  New moon of 2016 falls at 7 degrees of Capricorn in the early morning hours of December 28.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and about work and responsibilities. As it is conjunct Mercury, the energy can see willful. As Mercury is retrograde events may be delayed and you may need to be careful about what you say and how you say it.

Uranus turns direct at 4:29 AM, EST and it is in direct opposition to Jupiter. This is very powerful and events and situations can change and turn on a dime.

Uranus is an unpredictable planet and Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion. Relationships, jobs, life paths, money situations and many other things can turn or change in unexpected ways, good or bad, depending on what else is in your chart.

We will see this energy play out in the world as well in terms of foreign alliances, the financial markets, and all things ruled by Jupiter and Uranus.

Uranus rules coups and freedom in the world as well as the internet. Jupiter in Libra us about alliances and relationships, money and Libra is represented by the scales of justice.

Santa Claus's chart has finally been discovered by Vedic astrologers, buried in an old vault in India!

Location North Pole 90.00N any degree West or East you like
Ascendant Libra 1st
Sun Capricorn 4th
Ketu Capricorn 4th
Venus Aquarius 5th
Saturn Aquarius 5th
Mercury Pisces 6th
Mars Taurus 8th
Jupiter Cancer 10th
Moon Cancer 10th
Rahu Cancer 10th

Naturally with his fair complexion, generous and extravagant nature, pioneering in the area of air travel, justice loving (only well-behaved children get presents) and suspected laziness (he only works one month a year ) his ascendant is Libra. Also with the forceful sign Aries in the 7th position, he can push his elves to work hard. The secretive sign of Scorpio in the second also indicates that we do not know how he has acquired his wealth.

The sun is heavily afflicted being in its worst dig bal position in an enemies sign Capricorn, and closely conjunct the restrictive planet Ketu. Consequently he has been exiled to the North Pole and gets very little sunshine. Also he has no clear conception of self realization.

Note the powerful raja yoga in the fifth the house of children in the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is the eleventh sign in the natural zodiac and therefore represents society. This man has made an immense contribution to society in the area of children. The combination of Venus and Saturn is peculiar because Venus the planet of love indicates his great affection for children but Saturn being the planet of detachment indicates his reclusive nature and consequently children never get to see the real Santa Claus.

Mercury debilitated in the sixth has meant that despite his technological achievements and popularity he has no literary work to his credit.

Mars in Taurus in the eighth according to Behari makes a person have an intense internal drive.This suggests the likelihood of secret (8th) developments in a technological (martian) field. During his Mars major period he is likely to be recruited by the U.S government to work on black projects at area 51. Mars is aspecting his own sign in the second enhancing his financial status.

Mars is also ruler of the seventh (house of marriage) in the eighth (house of death) and indicates the early demise of Mrs.Claus.The red cloth is indicative of mayavadi sannyasa.

Jupiter is producing a hamsa yoga in the tenth giving Santa a brilliant religious career (He has been elevated to sainthood while still living).Jupiter is also exalted in the Navamsa strengthening further the categories of wealth and children.

The conjunction of the waxing moon is further indicative of religiosity. However Rahus presence shows that no one can decisively work out the goings of his mind. (Written by Yadu Srestha)