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Chaitra Śukla Pratipada, Mundane, United Kingdom, United States

Eye on the Sky – Chaitra Śukla Pratipada 2025

The chaitra śukla pratipada  is the first lunar day after the New Moon in Pisces from which chart the destiny of countries for the upcoming year is read. This is starting point for a new year called Samvatsara. The chaitra śukla pratipada for 2025 coincides with the Solar eclipse again like in the previous year which is not fortunate . However, this time we are entering a benign samvatsara of  Viśvāvasu that means “wealth of all” or “the beneficent one” leaving behind  the difficult year of krodhi (meaning anger)

The Chaitra śukla  on March 29th comes at a time when the leaders of the world are huddling together to meet and have intense negotiations about bringing the end of war while thinking how to benefit their own countries. This is symbolised by 6 planets in Pisces and the other three connected by exchange or aspect. Moreover, there will be a sarpa yoga (malefics in 3 quadrants) for dual signs which will make the events harsh and binding. Saturn’s the planet that doles out karma will  transit into Pisces the same day, not only make the sarpa yoga stronger but also result in hemming the planets between the nodes (creating a kala amrita yoga) in the sky.  The release from this can  only happen after 28th July when Mars will move out of Leo and Ketu’s influence. This is when we can expect to see some concrete steps to implement ceasefire, even as they may be temporary.

While the chaitra śukla  is on Saturday, the celebration  of the new year – Ugadi is the next day,  Sunday in India and the UK whereas it is on the same day in the USA. The lord of the day or Vareśa will be Saturn as it is in the last degrees of Aquarius and in the process of slipping into Pisces, hence not very stable. Vareśa represents the King and the Heads of the State in every horoscope, therefore the need of the hour for these statesmen is to be nimble or it can be read that they may also change positions in the last minute.

The Sun and Moon are in Uttarabhādrapadā in Pisces and this provides an opportunity for a deep-awakening after intense suffering. Mars is in Gemini and vargottama, however it is with Saturn in the navāṃśa forming a yama yoga of destruction. Thus, Gemini should be the point of suffering and transformation for each of the countries. For UK this will be monetary gains and relationships, For US it be debts, for China it’s enemies and its own weaknesses, for Israel it is destiny and philosophy, for Russia it power and governance and Ukraine it is war, relationships  and business.

I have analysed below the Chaitra śukla  charts for UK, USA, China, Israel, Russia and Ukraine. I have also included the analyses of the solar eclipses and their natal charts to arrive at a proper judgement.

Chaitra Śukla  Pratipada for UK

The Ascendant is Gemini and in the benign Punarvasu nakṣatra  which means beginning of new light, so we can expect progress this year. Gemini is the 11th house of gains and friendship as the natal progressed ascendant (1801) for the UK is Leo. Mercury representing the UK is combust and debilitated but retrograde, so we will be trying very hard not be giving up. PM Starmer may be feeling threatened with 6L Mars in the ascendant but as Mars is also the 11L, UK will be trying to  get some monetary gains and re-establish connections from world events by getting a larger role in keeping up with defences. The importance of relationships is key at present as UK is running the māhā daśā of Libra and antara of Gemini. The challenge from US (indicated usually be Gemini) is visible as Venus is placed in the 7th house of Aquarius aspected by Rahu and Saturn from Gemini in the 11th house.

The 5 planets in the 10th house shows some intense negotiations with matters of governance and administration. The 3L Sun with directional strength dealing with matters of strategy and defence regarding immediate neighbours (read EU, Ukraine) is being eclipsed and the presence of Rahu shows manipulation and influence by vested interests. The 7L Jupiter representing interest of defence and war strategy of the UK in the 12th shows  increase in expense. Jupiter’s  exchange with 2L and 5L Venus (representing economic interests of healthcare, retail and travel) shows that defence matters will take precedence over the normal needs of the country. As Mercury is also 4L, UK will be looking to align with neighbouring countries in food and agricultural matters.

The presence malefic planets are in 3 quadrants – Sarpa yoga and kala amrita yoga with Saturn’s move into Pisces will  make the events binding events. The presence of benefics Venus and Mercury cannot mitigate the harsh effects as they are combust and retrograde.  We can expect some clarity after 28th July when Mars will move out of Leo.

The solar eclipse analysis confirms that business matters will remain weak in the UK with unexpected gains (8th house effects) and the general public will suffer.

Chaitra Śukla  Pratipada for EU

The Chaitra śukla  chart for EU is also Gemini with the same nakṣatra of Punarvasu and in the same pada. We can expect similar intensity in negotiations with defence strategy coming to the forefront. However,  the navāṃśa for EU is vargottama in Gemini with Mars (AMK) also vargottama indicating that Europe may want to take the lead in peace keeping and defence and are ideally looking for longer term solutions for the area. The combustion and retrogradation of Mercury indicates that the task will difficult and will need at least 3 attempts to complete.  For both Germany and France with natal ascendants are Cancer, Gemini is the 12th house showing the focus as expenses on strengthening borders. EU countries will have to step up defence spending with increasing reluctance of USA to beef up NATO.  EU will be running the māhā daśā of  Gemini until November 2027 which is the 12th house from the natal chart of EU, therefore we should expect them to remain embroiled with the borders and defence matters  until then.

Chaitra Śukla  for USA

The ascendant is in Pisces  in the nakṣatra of Uttarabhādrapadā, same as the eclipse, there should be victory in the end but not without suffering first. Pisces is the 5th house of power the progressed natal chart of USA(1776). Matters regarding defence and strategy of the neighbouring countries say, Canada and Mexico are at the forefront with the ascendant and 10L lord Jupiter the 3rd house.  The exchange of Jupiter with 3L and 8L Venus  is highlighting how US wants to transform existing contracts between them primarily to reduce its debts and it may not be that easy as Venus will be unrelenting as it is retrograde. There could be loss of relationships. US is running the māhā daśā of Taurus with Venus in the 8th house with the 10th Lord Sun  also signifying that they want to transform how they work with others.

6L Sun in the ascendant shows challenges possibly from a self-will, whereas  4L and 7L Mercury in the ascendant indicates that reducing food prices and defence expenditure are two broad areas in the agenda.  9th Lord and 2nd Lord Mars in the 4th house shows a strong property market, however people are angry about economic policy and its impact on the domestic economy.  We could see a reaction with rebellion as Mars and Saturn are both in Gemini in the navāṃśa.. The move of  11L Saturn into the ascendant soon after indicates some gains from border areas, possibly from fossil fuels and the stock market.

The solar eclipse analysis indicates that there will be challenges for President  Trump with authority and wielding of power, suffering for judiciary and intellectuals whereas overall financial gains including real-estate and business.

Chaitra Śukla  for China

The ascendant for China is Virgo and the nakṣatra is Hasta which signifies comforts. Virgo is the 9th house in the natal chart of China (1949) indicating destiny.  The lords of Virgo, Mercury and Rahu represent  the state of China. The placement of Mercury in the 7th house is a weak one whereas Rahu in the 7th house has directional strength indicating that diplomacy should be their best strategy.

Jupiter 4L and 7L is in the 9th house, indicating battles in policy or a trade war. The exchange of Venus 2L and 9L with Jupiter is fortuitous for treasury matter but not so much for the happiness of people as  Jupiter is also the 4L representing people too close to Saturn and Rahu that represent rebellion and riots. The chaos and  cluster of planets is in the 7th house of war, they are being drawn into it rather than causing it. 3L and 8L Mars indicates changes being forced in administration and governance and the conjunction of Mars with Saturn in the 12th house in the Navāṃśa. does not bode well for a happy outcome. The māhā daśā of Taurus and Gemini antara in the natal chart also brings focus on the 7th house of war and unhappiness of people due to oppression.

The first solar eclipse will happen close to  sun set time in Beijing and that will not be favourable for the economy or the State with significations of Saturn suffering such as border areas and rebellion. Areas of judiciary and intellectuals will suffer along with the army and those that are involved dealing with fire such firemen, combustion engineers and cooks closer to the 2nd eclipse in September.

Chaitra Śukla  for Israel

The ascendant is Cancer in Pushya that is a nourishing and benign nakṣatra.  Cancer is the 10th of the natal chart of Israel bringing focus on the power and seat of throne.

The ascendant lord Moon for the year represents Israel and it is in the 9th of policy and destiny. Working alone will lead to grappling in the dark and not yielded desired results.  A major relationship will end, while giving rise to possibility of new ones emerging with Saturn’s transit into Pisces. Both 8L Rahu and Saturn (by transit) indicates major transformation. 5L and 10L Mars in the 12th house indicating that army is active under the command of the government in the border areas causing huge outflows.  The exchange of 4L Venus representing domestic affairs with 9L Jupiter shows the repeated attempts are being made to gain at territory and peace without success as Jupiter also owns the 6th house.  While the 9L Jupiter is in the 11th house indicates gains for religion and judiciary, however exchanges with Venus  shows that happiness and peace will take precedence over righteousness.

The Solar eclipse analysis indicates that there will be a change in Government and people will be happier, ministers and commerce will gain.

Chaitra Śukla  for Russia/Ukraine

The two countries Russia and Ukraine have also a Cancer ascendant like Israel, however the ascendant nakṣatra is not benign and is Ashlesha that can bring calamities. The navāṃśa. rising is Aquarius which falls in the 8th house of Chaitra śukla  chart showing transformation and coursing a new path as major goal.

The general comments made while analysing the Israel’s chart is valid for Russia and Ukraine about the impact on destiny, expenses from fighting and the need for arriving at a solution. Mars and Saturn in Gemini navāṃśa. reflects the causalities and toll of loss of people and resources. While the two countries Russia and Ukraine share the same ascendant for the year, the impact varies as Cancer is the 11th house for the natal chart of Russia with Virgo ascendant that signals gains and acquisitions vs whereas for Ukraine with a natal ascendant of Sagittarius it shows 8th house of debts and transformation.  Ukraine is suffering as it is running the māhā daśā  of Sagittarius with Jupiter having lost in a war to Mercury in its natal horoscope. What is notable is the President Zelensky’s Moon is also placed in this star of Ashlesha and he is one of  the main architects of this war and peace process.

The solar eclipse analysis for Russia reveals that the head of state Putin will be severely challenged especially as the 2nd eclipse falls on the nakshtra of where his natal Sun is in Uttaraphalguni  with  more negative impact on ministers, commerce and cattle/resources. The same applies challenges to Zelensky the President of Ukraine , with transformation in the hearts of people after much suffering, positive change in governance and ministers. The second eclipse shows much suffering in the border areas for both countries indicating probability of actual division around 6 months surrounding September 2025.

 

ॐ तत् सत्

 

 

This is the original work of Vijaya Jyoti, copyright © 2025 vijaya.jyoti.com. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted without proper attribution to the author and source.

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Mundane

Eye on the Sky – Thinking Fast and Slow, Analysing the Impact of Motion of Planets

The word gati  in Sanskrit has many meanings of consequence such as one’s path in life or destination.  In Jyotiṣa, the word gati usually refers to the speed of the planets. Planets oscillate at different speeds to their norm which can cause them to behave differently from their nature, so I thought to study and write about the impact of the deviating motions of the planets.

I derive inspiration for this article from a lecture from my very first week in Bhimtal in October 2010 listening to Guruji, Pandit Sanjay Rath  talking about graha gati – speed of planets. I recall that lecture vividly, he said  that a planet in its  natural speed is in samā gati like the Sun. “A planet that is quicker is termed śīghra or ati śīghra depending how much quicker it is moving. A planet that is quicker than its natural speed is eager and fleeting like the Moon or sometimes is running scared like a child akin to Mercury.  The planet that is slow is called mandā or ati mandā like Saturn”. We went no further than that in the class and it became fodder for my thought.

Before we go into deviations and relative speed,  I list below the regular speed of planets – samā gati. Amongst the planets Moon is the fastest taking only 2.5 days to transit  a sign whereas Saturn is slowest one taking 2.5 years to transit a sign.

 Planet Average Daily Movement in degrees (samā gati) Average days/years in a         sign
Sun    00°59’ 30 days
Moon    13°10’ 2.5 days
Mars    00°31’ 57 days
Mercury      1°23’ 22 days
Jupiter      0°04’ 1 year
Venus      1°12’ 26 days
Saturn      0°02’ 2.5 years

 

Further, Sūrya Siddhānta, Chapter 2, verses 12 and 13 describe the eight relative motions of planets –

वक्रानुवक्रा कुटिला मन्दा मन्दतरा समा । तथा शीघ्रतरा शीघ्रा ग्रहाणामष्टधा गतिः॥ १२ ॥

तत्रातिशीघ्रा शीघ्राख्या मन्दा मन्दतरा समा । ऋज्वीति पञ्चधाज्ञेया या वक्रा सानुवक्रगा ||१३||

vakrānuvakrā kuṭilā mandā mandatarā samā |

tathā śīghratarā śīghrā grahāṇāmaṣṭadhā gatiḥ|| 12 ||

tatrātiśīghrā śīghrākhyā mandā mandatarā samā |

ṛjvīti pañcadhājñeyā yā vakrā sānuvakragā ||13||

Vakrā (retrograde), anuvakrā (somewhat retrograde), kuṭila (transverse), mandā (slow), mandatarā (very slow), samā (even), then śīghratara (very swift), śīghra (swift) are eight kinds of gati of planets.  From them ati śīghra, śīghra, mandā, mandatarā and samā are known as five kinds of the straight (gati), those vakrā and anuvakrā are going backward (retrograding).

I will not be discussing the three motions related to retrograding, viz. vakra, anuvakra and kuṭila respectively in this article.

A decade later while studying behaviour psychology, I came across the work of Daniel Kahneman highlighting how human brains used two systems for decision making process – ‘thinking fast and slow’. Applying the concept to this study, actions or thoughts prompted by planets moving faster than their  normal speed can be construed as quick or automatic, emotional, stereotypic and perhaps unconscious. Whereas, the thinking or actions resulting from the influence of a planet slower than its natural speed can be deliberate, effortful, infrequent, logical, calculating, conscious or cold.

A further classification of planets around their guṇa-nature  is helpful to explain ‘why’ of the behaviour associated with their motion. As we can see below in the table, the motion of the sattva planets can be regular like that of Sun, fast like that of Moon and slow like that of Jupiter. Sattva planets seek contentment and are creative with little personal agenda. Rajas planets Venus and Mercury are dynamic,  have deep personal agenda and are fast moving.  The tamas planets are natural malefics – Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are all slow and capable of showing coldness or deliberate action. Mars is perhaps, the only one that is faster than other malefics as it wants to swiftly carry out the orders of the King or the State.

Planet Relative Speed Guṇa Caste/Behaviour
Sun Regular Sattva Kṣatriya) – Royal
Moon Very Fast Sattva Vaiśya – Intellectual Business
Mars Medium-Slow Tamas Kṣatriya) – Royal
Mercury Fast Rajas Vaiśya – Business
Jupiter Slow Sattva Brāhmaṇa – Intellectual
Venus Fast Rajas Brāhmaṇa – Intellectual
Saturn Very slow Tamas Śūdra  – Service

We can further understand that the effect of a planet that  is much faster (ati śīghra) than its normal speed (samā gati) is fleeting like that of the Moon. The behaviour  of such a planet can be viewed as rather automatic, instinctive, or can appear to be thoughtless, similar to the experience when one is not quite conscious about the path while walking back home from work. Such a planet can also grace or bestow favours quickly as the presence of Moon can  makes something happen.

In the similar manner, a planet slightly faster (śīghra gati) than its normal speed can also be seen as behaving like Mercury or Venus carrying with it a personal agenda.  The agenda of Mercury is more to do with money and that of Venus is inclusion or exclusion. It is also said that because of the elitist, manipulative and undefeatable nature of Venus, any planet that is stationary (Kuṭila) in motion is said to be the like Venus.

When planets are slower (mandā) than their normal speed they can behave more like Jupiter and be more inclusive and thoughtful. A planet that is very slow (mandatarā)  can behave like Saturn, and be more obstructing and colder.

Thinking Fast – What happens when slower planets become faster?

Jupiter is the planet of wisdom and faith and the significator of children. It is planet of sattvic disposition – that is calm and bestowing naturally and therefore the preceptor of divinely beings. When Jupiter is faster than its usual speed, judgement can be automatic rather than deliberate even when a situation warrants an exception. One can overlook facts. There could be private agenda which can be compromising. Decisions can be taken overly weighing financial benefits (behaving like  Mercury) or to favour a particular group (behaving like Venus).

Saturn is a planet of service, because it is slow, indolent, greedy or depressing, it is classified as tamasic. When Saturn is too fast like the Moon, it can be a stressful time for many leading to  hesitation or avoidance of action and responsibility. One can feel like running away and hiding.  A reasonably faster moving Saturn should be beneficial for business objectives and communication can be skilful.

Mars is planet of action; it belongs to the royal class and is most pleased while carrying out the actions of state and the king. Mars can wage wars to extract, discipline and punish, there is a rigidity to its behaviour, hence it is tamasic in nature. When Mars is ati śīghra in gati, the actions can be perceived to be reactive, emotional or impulsive. In some cases, when Mars is placed well, the actions can be perceived as highly intuitive specially when Mars moves quickly in defence.  When Mars is in śīghra gati, it will be endowed with a personal agenda and can exhibit extreme competition (a yoga of Mars with Mercury creates natural boxers) or jealousy and/or inappropriate or thieving behaviour.

Thinking Slow – What happens when faster planets become slower?

Venus is an intellectual and the preceptor to the demonic beings – supportive of those  who are clamouring for power and dominance. Venus is elitist and has private agenda therefore is classified as rajasic – dynamic in its attribute. Venus is also the significator of a relationship or spouse. A slower Venus (mandā gati) will respond in a  compassionate and inclusive manner (like Jupiter). A much slower Venus (manda tara) can become colder, detached and calculating like Saturn in relationships.

Mercury belongs to the business class and has the private agenda of a profit. Mercury is youthful the significator of communication. Mercury with a mandā gati will be mature, possessing the ability to synthesise  learning akin to Jupiter, it can also show largesse. A manda tara Mercury can lose its lightness and become rigid, grasping and commercial (like Saturn).

Mars is faster than Jupiter and Saturn. When Mars slows down, there can be heightened  listening and comprehension, right actions. On the other hand, when Mars is too slow, it can be like Saturn rigid, greedy or irresponsible and totally giving up in a defeatist attitude.

Impact of thinking fast and slow in 2025

Thinking Slow – Venus in Pisces

Venus will spend 121 days in Pisces, much longer than the average 26 days it spends in a sign and its speed will not be optimum throughout its sojourn in Pisces. Venus entered the sign on 28th January, when the speed was 86% of its normal speed and has started to slow down. This is a time when dealings with partners both business  and personal  can feel less spontaneous,  colder and calculating. This period can also be tactically used efficiently for final resolution.

Venus  meets with  Rahu (3 times), Mercury (2 times), Sun and Saturn (2 times). While in any war Venus is always the  victor, one has to note that the Venus is slower than usual, therefore will put in a greater effort and be deliberate and calculative after it turns retrograde on the 2nd of March. The result of any two retrograde planets is very difficult to reach.  The coldness of Venus will be more apparent as it will start to  slow down dramatically days before retrograding on the 2nd of March and when it turns direct on 13th of April. It is better to negotiate and expect better terms if one is the oppressed or aggrieved party after the 13th April as the delta of the speed of Venus is increasing. As Venus moves away from the conjunctions and the orbs of other planets from May 6th , one can expect a more compassionate effect of an exalted Venus till the  31st of May.

Thinking Fast  – Jupiter in Gemini

Jupiter will enter Gemini on the 15th May 2025 at 2.5 X its normal speed and will hurry into the next sign Cancer by October 18th in little more than 5 months instead of taking a whole year. From 15th May to 23rd June as Jupiter accelerates to 2.75X its speed, there could be a feeling of awe as one experiences when we are watching an elephant run. There could be felicity too, however it may be wise to pay attention to details and not overlook facts. There may be some personal agenda particularly as Jupiter will meet Mercury in Gemini on the 8th of June. The intentions of Jupiter will be purified or aligned after its combustion on the 25th of June, and its speed will not be accelerating while still maintaining a faster pace till the 8th of September.  Jupiter will have attained normal speed  between 14th and 18th  October and will slow down further to become retrograde on 11th of November.

Jupiter re-enters Gemini retrograde on the 6th of December until March 11th  2026. From then on, it is direct until June 1st, though its speed is sub-par only normalising on the  7th of June 2026 after its move into Cancer.  Therefore, one may surmise that Jupiter will be more fruitful in 2025 that in 2026.

Thinking Fast – Saturn in Aquarius

Saturn attained its normal speed on 4th December 2024 in Aquarius  and since then it has been  accelerating and will reach the speed of  3.6X its normal speed on the day of eclipse on 29th March when it will transit into Pisces. During this period Saturn will move 12°30’ in Aquarius merely in 4.5 months covering the distance of 92%  that it  normally moves  in a year, viz.  of one nakshatra of 13°20’. With an  accelerating Saturn one can feel stressed out and lack the ability to cope or feel the need to escape the situation by not accepting responsibility. We may need to include mindfulness practices such as pranayama to bring more awareness to our states of being.

Saturn will be meeting Mercury and  Sun while in Aquarius and then  Rahu and Venus (2 times) in Pisces after March 29th. The conjunctions of Saturn, whether in Aquarius or Pisces will be take place in its accelerated state of over 3.5X its normal speed. At the same time the  faster moving planets -Mercury and Venus will be slower than the norm thereby prolonging the days the planets will be in each other’s orb of influence or at war. Saturn will be more responsible in Aquarius as it has more dignity than in Pisces.  Work and business decisions will benefit when Saturn in Pisces attains its normal speed from  22nd June till 13th July after which Saturn will start to slow down to turn retrograde.

Thinking Slow – Mars in Cancer

Mars is debilitated in Cancer as it feels uncomfortable with energy of water and emotions.  Mars is the significator of land and its excellence is usually visible in the protection function it offers, which are both the domains of the 4th house, and yet Mars does not have the right formula to deal with these issues amicably particularly when it is in the sign of Cancer. There could be a feeling of being wronged and wanting to seek revenge. Mars will reach Cancer on the 2nd April at  64% of its speed and will be accelerating to reach its normal speed on the 27th May before it leaves the sign on the 6th of June. It would have spent 64 days in 2025 in Cancer when its normal to stay in a sign for 57 days. Mars would have spent 157 days in Cancer if one adds the time it spent in Cancer in 2024 before retrograding into Gemini. As the speed of Mars is slower but accelerating, we can expect more of a response rather than reaction during the period. There will be greater thought and deliberation even in revenge.

 

References

  • Pandit Sanjay Rath’s teachings while studying BHPS in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India
  • Sūrya Siddhānta, Mahavir Prasad, Indian Astronomy, Digital Publication
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, Penguin Publishers
  • Shri Jyoti Star, Vedic Software

 

 

ॐ तत् सत्

 

 

 

This is the original work of Vijaya Jyoti, copyright © 2025 vijaya.jyoti.com. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted without proper attribution to the author and source.